Nautical Baby Shower

This weekend has been jam packed- just how I like it. Thursday and Friday were spent preparing for the baby shower I threw Friday evening for one of my besties. She had mentioned a while back that she found a cute little sail boat at a second hand store for the nursery, so it sparked the idea of a nautical theme for her shower. I didn't want anything too cheesy (like many store-sold baby shower decorations are) and wanted to use things that she would be able to actually use for her new little munchkin. Here's what we ended up with:

I sewed this cute little banner using using a fun pom pom trim with coordinating nautical themed prints, which she can use somewhere in baby's room (if her heart desires).

I hung several white onesies and this darling nautical jumper that I thrifted and posted about here a few months back by an old rope with clothespins that I sprayed with some red and blue paint I had lying around.

I had intended on making some anchors to display but was tickled pink to find these at a local boutique by my house for $4 for the big one and $1 for the little guy.  Worth every penny.  For some height, I displayed them on a wicker IKEA basket that I borrowed from my mom.

I picked some of these awesome grass-looking weeds that grow rampant out by the highways near my house, and (many painful slivers later) arranged them in eclectic vases and pitchers that I have thrifted over time.  For some fun, I added a polka dot ribbon to a few of the "arrangements".



I displayed some shells that normally reside in our bathroom to continue with our theme.



I made a fabulous Raspberry Cranberry slush (recipe below) to serve in random sized mason jars that I already owned, borrowed a few from mom, and thrifted a few more for $0.25 each.

Dessert was simple.  I baked funfetti cupcakes (with a block of cream cheese added to the box recipe- try this and you'll never go back) and frosted with my traditional buttercream frosting.  I made little flags out of toothpicks and scrapbook paper, and displayed the cupcakes on a fabric covered cake platter set on stacked children's books.

The salad was a simple one I threw together with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken breasts, diced apples, grapefruit segments, feta cheese, candied pecans, red onion, craisins, and Good Seasons Italian dressing (prepared per packet directions but with Red Wine Vinegar and added 1/4 cup sugar).  It was delicious.  We also enjoyed some yummy cheesy breadsticks that another friend brought.



I wrapped the little baby boy's gift in a homemade nautical themed bag.  I used a simple brown bag, cut out an anchor from scrapbook paper, a fish from leftover fabric, and a strand of ribbon, and glued all items to the front.  I finished it off with some frayed fabric and a strand of ribbon.

I also made a gift bag for another friend who was at the party who I still hadn't seen since the birth of her new baby girl (bad friend, I know) and used some fabric rosettes I had made earlier, and a few strands of ribbon and frayed fabric.

What's a shower without games?  My darling friend brought this creative little game "Celebrity babies" where she cut out pics of celebrities and covered their faces with random baby pics.  We had to guess who the celeb was.  Looks like I better read up on People this month because I got 2/11 right... yikes.



The shower was a success and I can't wait to meet the little guy cooking in that oven.  See you soon baby C!

Though I did spend a good amount of time cooking, baking, and preparing for this shower, I was able to do it on a very thrifty budget.  A little creativity goes along way folks!  Next time you're planning on walking into Party America, Zurchers, or Michaels to buy your baby shower decor, think again. 

The rest of my weekend (thus far) was spent upholstering the fabulous chair I told you about a few days back.  I'm hoping to have the reveal for you tomorrow.  I am in LOVE.  Since we got some fresh new snow here yesterday, after kicking and screaming about it, we decided to make the best of it and made a snowman. 

My little Trav was in heaven in his new snow gear (hand me down from his cousin and still 2 sizes too big) eating all of the snow. 

Did I mention how much I love being a momma?

"Favorites" Cran-Raspberry Slush

Ingredients:

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

2 (10 ounce) packages frozen raspberries, thawed

1 cup crushed pineapple

1 pint cranberry juice

2 lemons, juiced

3 oranges, juiced

Directions:

Bring sugar and water to a boil.  Add other ingredients.  Put in tupperware bowl and cover with a lid.  Freeze overnight.  When ready to serve, break up frozen slush and serve with 7-up.

Yum! 

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