How cute is she!!!

So my new niece Aeryn had her first photo shoot!  Here are a few.

This one with the hat is my favorite.  I've downloaded it to my phone and when I need a little cheer I just pull it out and can't help but smile.

And speaking of this hat, her mom mad it for her.  I'll be posting another blog about her talents soon, but she has some real talent.  Check her out at Bare Hearts Creations.

Another Family Addition

Aeryn Emersyn Hearst

February 3, 2012

The newest addition to the Hearst clan, my beautiful niece!

Proud Godmommy

 

 

My Chubby Bunny!

I'm Officially a Godmommy!

Zekariah Saintil

November 12, 2011

2:15 a.m.

4.9 lbs, 18 inches

My Growing Godson

My Godson is growing fast and will be here sooner than I know.  I won't be able to attend the baby shower that I was suppose to help plan, but I've talked with Mommy and she understands.  We're both lucky that she has plenty of help where she's at.

Auntie can't wait to meet you!

Party Time: Baby Shower #2

Blessings disguised as babies are falling from the sky all over the place.  In the midst of all these blessings being dropped from the heavens, I've been asked to help in planning another shower!

My friend Kriz, pictured here, has asked me to be the godmom of her bun cooking in the oven.  This will be my first godchild and I couldn't me more excited or proud!  And being a Jill of All Trades (almost all trades LOL), I jumped at the chance to help her plan this shower.


The date has been set and the other details are starting to be worked out!  I can't wait.  It'll be my first time visiting VA so you know I'll be telling you about the yummy food ;)

I'm curious, what are some of your favorite baby shower moments?

Pictures Are In

So for those of you that have been following me for a while know that I was charged with the duty of planning my line sister's baby shower.  There was a lot that went into, you can read about it hear.  I the pictures in a few weeks ago and I finally found the time to get them together to post.  So check it out.

The theme was King of the Jungle and I did my best to make sure that the theme was incorporated everywhere.  On my inspiration board I had this button made from ribbons and I was able to make one for Lauren & Derrick (the parents) and for the parting gifts I made Monkey Much (also called muddy buddies & puppy chow).  I also made the lion logo and incorporated that into other aspects of the shower.  It greeted guests on a sign instructing visitors to sign the guestbook, distinguishing where to place gifts and diapers, as well as where the bathroom was located.

I must say that it was a lot of work, but I couldn't imagine not doing it.  I love Lauren so much and both she and Derrick were so appreciative.  There were close to 40 people in attendance and they all had a wonderful time.  I especially enjoyed being with my sorors as we celebrated!

Me w/my chapter.

A Productive Spring Break

Well today was my last day of Spring Break and I was sure to make it a productive one.  I finished designing and ordering the invitations to the baby shower that I'm planning for one of my sorority sisters.  I designed these invitations using Adobe Illustrator CS3, graphic design software from when I was a graphic design minor.  I uploaded my images to VistaPrint.com using the design your own postcard and I used a template to design the back of the invitation.  I was able to get 100 invitations for less than $60 - in full color on both sides and on high quality gloss paper.

First I started by creating an image that went with the new them that Lauren & Derrick came up with, King of the Jungle.  Then I looked at similar invitations on other websites and came up with the animal print and the tan-ish background.  Because the mommy wants to add some things to the invitation, mostly instructions for the out of town relatives, I will be buying envelopes at Staples so we can get extra info to everyone. 

I sent her my insipration board and she loved everything, so I thought that I would share with you as well.  Please let me know what you think and what ideas you may have.

Lastly, I always create something in the kitchen before I leave for school.  Last night I was craving something sweet but didn't feel like going out.  So I got creative and made some candied pecans using a recipe that I found on-line.

Candied Pecans via my Blackberry

The recipe can be found here!

Come on in 2011!

So looking at the Blogs of the fashionista's that I'm following I've decided to start my 2011 with a post of what I envision my year to look like. So here it goes my 11 goals for 2011:

1. Graduate & Work - May 7th marks the completion of graduate school and starts the count down to my 25th birthday. It also means that I have to stay on top of this job search, mama has to pay the bills! Did I mention that this California girl is looking to move out of state!?
   
2. International Travel - I've never traveled outside of the country and being from Southern California Tijuana doesn't count. I started doing a lot of research over the summer and I think that I've narrowed it down to Jamaica. After talking with a couple of friends and my second mom, I'm debating if I should pick a city and stay there for a week or do a cruise. We'll see, but I'm leaning to an all-inclusive vacation.
3. More Reading - After being buried under textbooks and scholarly journals, I just want to read books that help me escape from the chaos of everyday life. My goal is to read 1 new book each month. So that's 12 books for 2011.
   
4. Baby Shower Extravaganza - So a couple of my Line Sisters are having babies along with 3 of my brothers, but my lovely #7 has commissioned me as the official planner of the Baby Shower. I was so excited that I have most of it figured out already, no need to wait right. Here's a sneak peek!
5. TRIM THE FAT - My goal is to lose 40 pounds by Dec. 31, 2011!
6. More Live Entertainment - I need to enjoy life so this means I need to go to more concerts, plays, art showings, festivals, etc. I need to be part of the fun that goes on all the time.
7. Guilt Free Shopping - I want to buy things for myself without feeling guilty, something that I haven't done for a while as a result of worrying about everyone else.
   
8. The Hearst Castle - Well this just makes sense. I'm a Hearst so it's only proper that I visit my castle l0l.
   
9. Blog More - I was doing so well over the summer, but I can really use this blog as a way to purge emotions, safely obsess over fashion and food, and meet great people with great ideas and advise.
   
10. Culinary Experiments - Not only do I want to try new cuisines but I want cook new recipes as well. Not having a kitchen in grad school has really made me miss cooking and busting some suds.
    
11. Checking the Bucket List - I started a bucket list and I want cross things off while I still have my health and mobility.

So much to do, but if there's anything that I love it's a challenge!