Yee-Haw::Rhemi Lu is 2!

I cannot believe that my baby girl is going on 2! Where has the time gone?? Just yesterday she was laying on Corey's chest while he studied for finals, crawling, babbling on and making raspberries, teething, taking her first steps, and talking.  Now she is Miss. Independent & has so much to say (in her "Chinese-gibberish" language she speaks).  My little Hot Mess is growing up...tear!

We decided on going with a cowgirl theme for her party. With her LOVE for animals, a petting zoo just seemed perfect.  As the big day approached, we had a 40% chance of rain. YIKES! Because the petting zoo was going to be set up outside, it would have to have been cancelled :(  Well my prayers were answered...not only did we not have rain, but we had the most beautiful blue skies. Couldn't have planned for a more picture perfect day! 

Thanks to all of our family & friends who helped celebrate.  Rhemi Lu had the BEST time! We couldn't have done it without you guys. Hope everyone had a great time!!

XOXO,

 The Penedo's

I decided on creating an email account for Rhemi. I thought that this would be the perfect time capsule for her to look at & cherish when she gets older.  These notes were with each invite.

Cannot say enough about the cake! First of all-it came out ADORABLE!! Secondly, it tasted GREAT too!! Couldn't ask for a better combo, right?! The cake designer based the cake off of Rhemi's birthday outfit.  I really wanted the Cowgirl theme to be girly.  Hard to balance when all western items lean more towards being masculine. She knocked it out of the park :) 

THANKS KERRI!!

Chicken Feed::Chocolate drizzled popcorn

Cowgirl Crunch::Animal Crackers

Buckaroo Pops::Fabric wrapped blow pops

Trail Sticks::Chocolate covered pretzel sticks

::Hayrides::

::Buckaroo apparel as favors::

::Diggy Belle joining in the fun::

::Barnyard Seating::

::The Birthday Cowgirl::

Her romper was custom made from Etsy. 

THANK YOU Marcellas 3 Monkeys!!

Excellent to work with & made the process so easy.

  http://www.etsy.com/listing/100552128/romper-with-ruffles-paisley-red-and 

::First Pony Ride::

::Rhemi decided she was taking the pony to her playroom::

::LOVES her some animals::

::Pony Rides::

::Cuddle Time::

::She loved singing Happy Birthday, blowing out the candles, & enjoying her cake::

::Complete SHOCK over her new ride::

Next post worth the wait, trust me!

{Thoughts}

Mirror, Mirror

I just love the look of a trumeau mirror, but the price tags on them are just a little bit of let's just say an "investment". I started seeing some great DYI's on Pinterest & started thinking of ways to make one myself. They didn't seem to be too difficult to make, so I was up for the challenge.

I was out shopping with a friend helping her find some goodies for her house. Of course my eyes are always wandering on goodies for myself too!
We'll sure enough I ended up finding this next project :)

Project is done & I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome! Got an awesome deal on the mirror too...Tuesday Morning $100.
Whoop Whoop!

I fell in love with the shape of the mirror. It resembles a trumeau mirror which was what I was looking for. I started brainstorming and shopping for wood appliques to attach to the top. Wasn't a huge fan of the color,
so started thinking up some colors for that too.

Found some wood applique's at Hobby Lobby. Super cheap which made it even better. I ended up getting a couple of them for options.

Decided on these Martha Stewart paints I already had. These paints worked GREAT for this project. No priming involved.

I lightly sanded the entire mirror. I had no idea how this was going to turn out, so I just planned on experimenting until it turned out how I wanted it.
First paint test worked like a charm and it ended up being easy & a fast process.
Ready for this?
All you need :: Paper plate, a little bit of water, sponge brush, paper towel, & paint!!

I started with the darker gray first. I painted a couple of strokes, let it sit for a minute, and then wiped it off with the paper towel. I did this to the entire mirror.

I then painted over the darker gray with the lighter gray with the same painting "technique". I used a little bit more water with the lighter gray to make it more of a wash effect.

I repeated this process twice and decided it was the perfect look!

As I painted the mirror, I repeated the same steps on the appliques I ended up choosing so it all blended.

I like the way the original color of the mirror helped give the paint dimension. I also added a tiny bit of a gray/blue color on the applique as a slight touch of color.

Drum roll please....

{Fab Tip}

I know, I know, it's been awhile.

I have so many things I have been working on. Much of which are fabulous blog entries in the making ;) 

I cannot say enough about all of the kind messages I have received about you guys enjoying my blog. I appreciate all the love and it makes me enjoy doing my blog even more!

{THANK YOU}

One of my favorite scents from Bath & Body Works is from the Aromatherapy line called Eucalyptus Spearmint. It has a very "spa-like" smell to it. A very clean & fresh scent that delightfully fills the room. 

A MUST is the Stress Relief Sugar Scrub. This stuff is heaven in a jar! I never buy any types of bath oils, suds, salts, milks, etc. I feel like they prob don't work & just leave a messy tub after using them. I decided to try this one out, what the heck?!

It's not only fab-u-lous, it does work, & is not messy at all.

If you run out this wknd & go purchase it (which I highly recommend), make sure they give you the stirring stick that goes with it!

How easy is this?

-use in your desired place of cleanliness (bath or shower)

-mix the goods with the stirring stick

-dabble a half dollar size amt on each arm & leg

-rub in & let sit for as long as you desire

-rinse off & enjoy!

I make sure to spend a little bit more time on my elbows, knees, & heels using the scrub as an exfoliator. The longer you let it sit, I find the better.

After rinsing it off you will notice your skin to be silky & to have a nice sheen. It does leave a very light oil coat on your skin. I find it to be very nice-it does settle in your skin within a few minutes. It's not a funky residue or a spray tan feeling afterwards, it's very light and soft.

The smell just lingers and is very relaxing. It does what it says "Stress Relief"!

It's $16 for a 13 oz jar and it goes a long way!! I have used it over 5 times & still have over a half a jar left.

Being just in love with the scent, I also always have the hand soap & a candle burning too. It's not a chinky candle. The smell actually fills a room & has a long burning time. Totally worth it.

Now go get some and relax...you deserve it!