July Celebrations in NY/NJ

"My path has not been determined. I shall have more experiences and pass many more milestones."

(Agnetha Faltskog)

Last weekend, I flew from Michigan to NY from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning to celebrate my friend Angela's baby shower and my nephew Peter's 5th birthday (see below for some photos). I had a hectic schedule but a great time, despite the fact that I stayed at 4 different places over 4 nights and didn't get much sleep at any one of them! It was nice spending time with my family and some friends, and next time I'm back I hope to see more people.

Angela's Monkey-Themed Baby Shower

Angela and I have been friends since 6th grade, and we're both pregnant now, expecting little girls! Of course I was thrilled to help Michelle, Angela's sister, co-host and plan the baby shower, even though it was mostly from afar. Many thanks to Leslie for making the tissue paper poms that were hung from the ceiling! (If the venue looks familiar, it's because it's where Angela and my other bridesmaids threw my bridal shower over 2 years ago.)

DIY elements transported from MI to put together in NY

Adorable diaper cake with monkey topper and infant outfit

Fabric poms (we ran out of fabric -- and time -- to make more than 2!)

Some eats and sweets (food from Carmine's, cake from Riviera Bakehouse)

Candy buffet favors, gift bags/tags, and flowers

Gifts, DIY onesie station, and some more decor

{Personalized monkey girl baby shower themed banner: Beau-coup Favors / Personalized monkey girl baby shower themed flags with straws: Beau-coup Favors / Pink girl monkey baby shower favor tag printables: adlyowlinvitations via Etsy / Diaper cake: 1.5" monkey ribbon from Offray; 7/8" Oh baby it's a girl! ribbon from Offray; pink mesh gem floral dimensional stickers from Jolee's Boutique; 12" pink damask cake boards from Wilton / Fabric poms: Printed pink and green fabrics from Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts; 4.5" white paper lanterns from Oriental Trading; hot pink bakers twine from Oriental Trading / DIY onesie decorating station: Assorted baby girl iron-on appliques from DianasCraftyCreation via Etsy; pink mini clothespins from Oriental Trading; white onesies from Gerber; white bibs from Koala Baby / Catering: Carmine's / Cake: Riviera Bakehouse / Additional food, sweets, and candy buffet items and servers: Stew Leonard's; Party City}

Peter's Star Wars-Themed Birthday Party

My precious nephew Peter turned 5! He's growing up so fast. Fortunately, I was in town during his birthday party and was able to see him run around and have fun with his little sister Ellie and his friends and cousins. He has lots of interests, but right now he is a big fan of Star Wars, Lego Star Wars, and Star Wars Angry Birds. My sister and brother-in-law held his party at Screamin' Parties in Paramus, NJ for the 2nd year, which made it really easy for them to sit back and do little to no planning or prep, besides sending out invitations and putting together awesome goody bags, and all of the kids had a great time.

One of the many activities at Screamin' Parties

Star Wars ice cream cake

Star Wars goody bags

Ellie, my niece, is already turning 2 in just over a month, and our niece Christina is turning 4 in a couple of weeks. Stop growing up, everybody!

I've been working at the Bloomfield Township Public Library all day because we lost power over 24 hours ago during a brief but crazy storm. Hopefully the power will be back before tomorrow morning.