send mom some love

In six days Mother's Day will be upon us.  To start off the week I wanted to share these Mother's Day cards from Kate Spade with you.  Write a note to mom and click send - it's that simple!  Just don't think you'll get off that easy come Sunday.  Any special plans for Mother's Day in the works?  I would love to hear your ideas!
P.S. On Friday you could take her to a National Public Garden for free!  Visit Better Homes and Gardens for details.  (Thanks, Karissa!)

happy weekend

image credit: blueflash

I mentioned yesterday some things that are going on this weekend.  Other than that, things are low key, which I'm kinda looking forward to.  Some things to check out from the past week... 

- far far away III is coming to a quilt store near you this summer

- I wish I could go to this floral workshop

- love this girly dino-themed party

- this week's healthy change

- seeing the tulips in Holland in person must be amazing

- I want to try making a dessert in a jar, maybe to send to my sister-in-law in Iraq if they'll survive the trip

- some of this ruffle fabric would make a delicious summer dress

- these baking tips are super helpful!

What are you up to this weekend?  If you're a Rhode Islander I hope you enjoy the sunshiney weather ahead!

for a cause

This weekend two exciting events are taking place. One is the March of Dimes March for Babies and the other is the 30 Hour Famine.

I've participated in the March for Babies for the past two years in honor of my friend Jaclyn's son, Zachary.  She gave birth to him October of 2007.  Zach was sixteen weeks early and only weighed 1 pound 12 ounces.  Eighteen days later on November 12th God called Zach home to heaven.  This year I'm raising support with a renewed sense of purpose because two very special things have happened since the last March - I gave birth to Ezra, and Jaclyn announced that she is expecting!  Team No Life Too Small is walking in memory of Zachary, but also with the hope that the March of Dimes is going to help get Mykenzie Jayne to full term.

I’m raising support for our family, and for yours, too.  Ezra’s birth was a life-changing experience for me, and while he may not have been premature (in fact, he was five days late!) we endured some struggles of our own early on in his life.  I can’t imagine how the difficulties would have been compounded had Ezra been premature.  I support the March of Dimes because they help families prepare for birth by providing tools for helping to prevent prematurity.  Visit my personal page to donate through the secure website, or find an event near you. 

Last year was my first time doing the famine although I must confess that I didn't fast, but don't judge me - I was pregnant!  But no one knew yet so Amanda (also pregnant) and I had to sneak snacks in whenever we could.  For photos and details about last year's famine visit Matt's blog.  The teens will have their last meal at lunch on Friday and then we'll all break the fast together at dinner on Saturday.  They're raising awareness of hungry people worldwide, but this year our focus is on Japan and all those affected by the tsunami.  You can donate online to our Ocean State Baptist Church team by going here or find a group near you.  Thanks for your support!

stripey bag

Why is it that all the bags I fall in love with (like this one) are so dang expensive?  The Cabana Stripe bag looks like the perfect fit for summers with a baby in tow.  Bright stripes give it a nautical feel which is always appropriate here in Little Rhody.  Kate, I love you but this bag would put a serious dent in my savings.  Maybe I'l have to make my own. 

cupcake love

{chocolate coconut crunch}

The Bakery Boutique is located in Smithfield, RI near church. That means it's easily accessible on Sundays and Wednesdays if I can convince Matt to drive in the opposite direction of home for a couple of miles.  The Bakery Boutique is home to these yummy creations, but the good news is that they can go home with you.  That is, if you can manage to not eat them in the car.

 

{classic white wedding cake}

{Nutella swirl} 

{key lime pie}

{red velvet}

What cupcakes would you want to try?  Any cupcake bakery recommendations?