happy birthday to pink saturday!

One short year ago, I was quite new to the blog world. I happened to stumble upon Beverly's Pink Saturday event one day and started posting something pink each saturday. It was a lovely idea- a way to meet new blog friends, and I always had something to post about on Saturday mornings which proved to be a challenge for me when I first started to blog. At least I could count on Pink Saturday to give me an inspiration about what to blog about.

And here I am a year later...

while I do not regularly participate anymore, I really want to sincerely thank Beverly for how much work she puts into this event every Saturday. She has been so amazingly faithful to her participants and always hosts a fabulous "pink" day, no matter what! Pop over to her blog to say hello- you will be shocked at how many lovely ladies belong to this fun Saturday event now!

Also, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite "pink" posts from the past year... While lots of ladies in the event post something pink from around their homes or gardens, I decided to commit to a weekly pink theme. It was SO much fun and I hope you enjoy some of my past pink inspirations... :) xo!

Pink Betsey Johnson!

A "pink" London!

Mail me a pink letter!

Paris in pink!

And quite possibly my most favorite pink post... Legally Blonde! :)

Fit Friday- "30 day shred!"

Welcome to another Fit Friday! My sweet friend Rachel left me a comment on a previous Fit Friday post and this is what she had to say:

"You wanna know the most AMAZING workout video EVER? Jillian Michael's 30 day SHRED! It will change your life and I never say that!!!!!! GET IT! :)"

Well, I was on the list at the library for this DVD and I finally received it and let me tell you.... Rachel, you were RIGHT!!!! This video is amazing! One twenty minute workout left both my sister and me sweating like crazy and so incredibly sore the next day. So far I've done it three times in the past few days and I am still feeling super sore, and I'm only on level one! Whew! Jillian is right- this is the way to your best body yet! (That is, if you can suffer through the torture hehe.) I am a huge fan of the Biggest Loser and now have a taste for what those contestants do every day at the ranch. Let's give them the credit they deserve!!! Thank you so much for recommending the DVD, Rachel!! I am off to buy it today since it is THAT good! Hope you all have a fantastic & fit weekend! :)

And on a sidenote...
Andrew graduates to his next belt level (orange!) tomorrow morning and we are so proud of him! He has taken to karate SO well and just loves it!! :) YAY! xo!

how to get your child to eat berries.

Invent the idea of "fairy cups"!! A while back, Andrew didn't want anything to do with the raspberries I had bought for him to eat... that is, until I was washing them and came up with a sneaky little idea! The water landed inside the berries which made me think of little cups, so I told Andrew that fairies drink their water from raspberry cups. DONE. Andrew ate the entire carton of them, first sipping the water from each (just like the fairies do!) and then popping the berry in his mouth! :) To this day, each time I buy raspberries for him, I fill each one up with a few drops of water and he just loves them!

A few days ago, he ate two whole cartons of "fairy cups." Yay! Moms have to come up with crazy little stories sometimes, right?! :) xo!

finally, birthday party pictures! :)

Finally I am sharing with you some of the photos from Andrew's 5th birthday party!! :) Took me long enough, right?! Well better late than never! And a big thank you to my sister for taking most of these pictures haha!! She was my personal photographer for the party, so great!
Andrew and Mommy, right before the party! :)

Here are the finished bug cupcakes, along with the cake I made so Andrew could blow out the candles- they were all a huge hit with the kiddos! :) (And of course, I had some too. YUM!)

My lovely sister also made these perfect little bug headbands!!! Everyone wore them... kids, babies, parents, grandparents... everyone looked so cute in them! :) And they were another great favor for everyone to be able to take home. Contact my sister through her Etsy shop and maybe she will make some for you!!

The favors... lots of bugs and gardening tools!

We set up a "gardening" table for the kids to plant a flower to take home. Of course, the boys blew through it and went off to do other stuff, while the girls took their time and planted beautiful little flowers! :)

LOVE this photo! :) The gardening table from afar...

The girls planting flowers...

And the boys... I loved this activity and it was a great way to keep the kids busy!

And there's me helping out haha!!

The John Deere tractor was a big hit with the kids as well.. the boys were pouring water into the scoop, which quickly turned to mud, which then got ALL over their feet. Dirty, but so fun! :)

My little bug waiting for the pinata... I couldn't find a good bug pinata, so we settled on the cute pink and yellow flower! Andrew LOVED it :)

Trying to break it open!! A few minutes after this picture was taken, my dad gave the boys a golf club to whack it open, which worked like a charm. :)

As you can see, Andrew had an absolutely fabulous time at his party... thank you to everyone who came and helped make this birthday special!!! :) (Now we are onto writing thank you notes which is a big task with a five year old wanting to "write" everything he can hehe!) xoxox!

oh, fabric.

I have been on the hunt for some cute new fabrics to add to my ever-growing collection. (Like I really need more????!!) But I wanted to share a fabulous Etsy shop with fabrics that I usually can't find anywhere else! These 30's reproduction fabrics are quite possibly the cutest things everrrrr. Go check out rainbowfabrics and see what she carries in her shop!
A few days ago, my sister started whipping up the cutest skirts for herself and I got her to make me one as well!! I will have to take photos, because you all will never believe what she does without a pattern! I keep telling her to sign up for Project Runway, because she makes some incredible things!! :) Wouldn't any of these fabrics make the most adorable skirts?!
In LOVE with this vogue pattern fabric... do you think I might need some?! :)


What are you favorite Etsy shops or websites for fabric?? Any new fabric lines you love?! I am always on the lookout for cute, imaginative prints, so any suggestions would be more than welcome! Hope you are all enjoying a fabulous Tuesday... now I am off to finish my coffee and then get down to crafting. My poor Etsy shop needs some attention! New items WILL be up at the end of the day!! :) xo!


PS.
My 300th post is rapidly approaching, and I want to host a few giveaways. If you are interested in being featured on my blog for a giveaway, email me at hollyndevlin@gmail.com - I will be figuring out a giveaway schedule and I'll choose some fabulous handmade treats to feature!! :) Thanks so much! xo!

happy memorial day!

A few days ago at Weight Watchers, our leader asked us what came to mind when we thought about Memorial Day. And everyone called out with answers like, "Barbecues! Potato salad! Chips!" etc, etc, etc.... am I the only one who thought that was very sad? Yes, Memorial Day marks a three day weekend, a chance for those who work or go to school to have a day off and celebrate. But let's not forget why we get that day off. Hundreds upon thousands of men and women have given their lives in order for us to barbecue on Memorial Day, for us to enjoy a day off to relax, for us to live in a country that values freedom above all.

Let's stop to remember those individuals.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day! xo!

say it with a print.

print from erinjaneshop

I love Etsy.

And I love all of the artists who call Etsy home. I have been especially interested in the beautiful prints that I have found lately and wanted to share a few with you. I think a little framed print is such a beautiful gift for a friend, and so original.

print from dazeychic

print from dazeychic

print from heidiburton

What are your favorite print shops on Etsy?
Any favorite prints?
Hope you all have a fantastic and safe holiday weekend! :) xo!

PS.

Peek at my etsy treasury here!

Fit Friday - "you can still have fudge?!"

Have you heard of Hungry Girl??? If not visit here right this minute! Lisa Lillien has created this amazing website and has written two great books, all with recipes that are no-guilt and oh so yummy! I just recently purchased her newest book, 200 Under 200, which is full of recipes that are all under 200 calories. And best of all, for those on Weight Watchers like me, she has all the point values listed on her website. You can sign up for daily emails as well, which are great because she sends out reviews of new products, great recipes, and more!

I have been dying to make this Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge recipe which looks SO SO SOOOO good. I have a huge sweet tooth, so I love making things that aren't too bad for you that still taste delish. :)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients:
2 cups canned pure pumpkin
1 box Betty Crocker Fudge Brownies Mix (the 18.3-oz. Family Size box)
2 tbsp. Better ‘n Peanut Butter, room temperature

Directions:Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine pumpkin with the brownie mix in a large bowl; stir until smooth (do not add anything else). Spray a small baking pan (8" X 8" work best - no larger!) with nonstick cooking spray and pour in the mixture. Spoon 2 tbsp. of Better ‘n Peanut Butter (room temperature) on top and use a knife to swirl peanut butter around. Cook for approximately 35 minutes. The batter will remain very thick and fudgy, and it should look undercooked. Remove from oven. Cover with aluminum foil and let cool in fridge for a couple of hours. Cut into 36 squares and serve.

Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1.3 oz.)
Calories: 63
Fat: 1g
Sodium: 56mg
Carbs: 13.5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 1g
* 1 Point!

Do you have any great, low-cal recipes or tricks you want to share with us for Fit Friday?! And by the way, anyone here in San Diego going to the Hungry Girl book signing on June 3rd?! You know I will be there, yay!!! Have a great weekend everyone, xo!

17 days..

...and we will be lounging by the pool in Palm Springs! After this busy week of birthday parties and finishing up finals, I am counting down the seconds until I get to go on vacation! I will most likely be absent from my blog for the next few days as I finish up the semester at school, so forgive me if my blog and etsy shop get put on the back burner. After Thursday, I am free for the summer and will be looking forward to not only my trip, but also to fixing up my shop and adding lots of new items for the new season. But first, wish me luck on finals and I will be back soon- I promise!! xo!

happy birthday, andrew!

Happy 5th Birthday, Andrew!!

I love you so much :)

I thought it would be fun to post some pictures of Andrew on each of his birthdays over these past five years.... enjoy!

May 18th, 2004

First birthday, 2005!

Second Birthday, 2006

Third Birthday, 2007

Fourth Birthday, 2008

And now, look how big he is!!! The past five years have simply flown by and I am so lucky to be momma to such an incredible child. :) Now off to enjoy the day with him, yay! xo!

*More birthday pictures coming asap!!

Fit Friday - "fat secret!"

Happy Friday to you all! I am choosing to share a quick Fit Friday secret today since I am bogged down with birthday preparations for tomorrow!! Lots on my "to-do" list today, so the blog is taking a backseat until after the weekend. But I do want to share a fabulous website that I found a few months ago that is GREAT. It is called FatSecret and is a free way to track weight loss, join challenges, find recipes, and motivate you! See if it works for you- I love it along with tracking weight loss on the Weight Watchers website.

Does anyone have any fit tips for the day?! Have a happy weekend, my friends! xo!

woooooo!!!

Kris

and

Adam

!!!!

wooooo!!!!

(can you tell I'm excited for next week?!)

I think Kris, along with everyone else, was shocked to beat out Danny- but I am so darn happy!! I'm sure Danny will have a great career, but this top two is perfect!!

What did you think of last night?!

Now I am off to do birthday shopping for Andrew, making favors, cleaning house, etc, etc, etc. Andrew will be with his dad all day and I need to make the most out of my free time today! (And WAIT until you all see the "bug" headbands my talented sister is making for the party- they are amazingly cute!!!) I hope you all enjoy a happy Thursday, xo!

here's my reaction.

Last night was a huge TV night in my house. American Idol and the season finale of Biggest Loser?! Could it GET more exciting?! hehe! :) First of all, let me say that if Adam does not win on American Idol, it is a tragedy. He is so so soooo ridiculously amazing!

I voted so many times last night that my fingers hurt. Between myself, my dad, and my sister, we voted a gazillion times. He better not go out tonight!! :) Personally, I am keeping my fingers crossed that Kris gets lucky and is in the final two with Adam. I think Danny is a total snoozefest and he needs to go. (Just my opinion!)

Now onto the Biggest Loser, which I stayed up until 1am to finish. We had DVR-ed both shows and watched American Idol first, then moved on to the three hour season finale of the Biggest Loser. Overall, it was really good and I am so happy for all of those people. I was really rooting for Mike, who has got to be the CUTEST thing in the world- he lost over 200 pounds and is only 18, my gosh!!! And of course, Tara looked amazing as well, and I really thought she had the best chance of winning.

BUT when it all came down to percentages, little old Helen ended up winning. I was SO disappointed. She looked like a skeleton lady and looks so unhealthy. She ended up losing 140 pounds, but she doesn't look well!!! Anyone else watch the show and agree???

I think she looked better 20 pounds heavier at least- she looked vibrant and healthy and thin when she left the ranch. Now her face looks gaunt and creepy. Yes, she lost a ton of weight, but she doesn't look good.

Shoulda kept it like that, Helen. Now go eat a cheeseburger now that you have won $250,000! Ugh.

Well weigh in on your thoughts about American Idol and can't wait for tonite!! xo!

sweet bugs!

These are what I aspire to make for Andrew's "bug cupcakes" for his birthday party this weekend. But alas, the Williams Sonoma cupcake pan is from 2007 and I can no longer buy it. Boo!
... and to tell you the truth, I don't know if I would even want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a cupcake pan I will most likely use once. :)
So problem solved....
I am baking yummy chocolate cupcakes...

...topped with green-tinted coconut "grass" and a brightly colored plastic bug! I think they will turn out adorable!

Now back to my "to-do's" for the day...
1. More party planning & errands!
2. Kindergarten registration papers that are due in tomorrow (why must I fill out a huge stack of papers for a five year old?! ugh!)
3. Lunch! I'm starving!! I'm thinking Panera or Subway???? Oh yummmm. :)

Hope you are all enjoying a fantastic Tuesday! xo!

happy mother's day!

Happy Mother's Day! I am so blessed to have a child as healthy, happy, smart and imaginative as Andrew and I have enjoyed every second of the (almost!) five years he has been in the world with me :) I love you, Andrew!!!

And of course, a very happy Mother's Day to MY fabulous momma as well!!! My mom is a creative & fantastic woman who I am also proud to say is one of my very best friends! I love spending time with her and am very lucky to have such a GREAT mom!!! I love you, Mom!!!

I hope you all enjoy a lovely Mother's Day- go give your kids & mommas a squeeze today!! xo!

a cute project!

I was browsing the craft projects on Country Living since I am in need of some fresh, summery inspiration for my creativeness at the moment. I found lots of pretty things to feed my mind, of course, but this one project stood out to me. This little vase is covered in colored pencils to make that cute, bright, striped effect... isn't that the cutest?! And I am always on the lookout for things that kids can create easily as well, and I think this is one of those crafts. With a little help from an adult with the hot glue, this would be the cutest Mother's Day gift or just a sweet little project you can make and share with your child. :) After making the vase, fill it with beautiful fresh flowers from the farmer's market and voila!

Happy (early) Mother's Day!

..and I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful weekend! xo!

PS.

I reached my 10% weight loss at Weight Watchers this morning, woooo!!! :)

Fit Friday- "couch to 5k!"

Welcome to Fit Friday, once again!!

After watching Biggest Loser this week, which is one of my favorite shows, I have to say I am feeling extra inspired to continue on my path to super-fab fitness. The contestants have almost reached the finale, but before doing so, they were challenged to run a full marathon. Can you believe it?! These people have endured 17 weeks on the ranch and are in good enough shape to run a marathon. So it got me thinking, I should set a small goal for myself to do something similar. No, I don't want to run out and complete a marathon tomorrow. But it is a goal I can attain if I break it up into baby steps. And so, I revert back to a plan I started long ago and never got to the second week of... Couch to 5K!! I think a 5K run is a small and reasonable enough goal for myself and I feel like I am in a place to do something like this. So I want to share the info with all of you in case you would like to join me!! :)

"Too many people have been turned off of running simply by trying to start off too fast. Their bodies rebel, and they wind up miserable, wondering why anyone would possibly want to do this to themselves.
You should ease into your running program gradually. In fact, the beginners' program we outline here is less of a running regimen than a walking and jogging program. The idea is to transform you from couch potato to runner, getting you running three miles (or 5K) on a regular basis in just two months."
from CoolRunning

HERE is the running plan. It starts off slowly and is super realistic for a beginning runner. I mean, straight off the couch. :) Take a peek and see what you think... maybe we will all be running marathons before we know it!!!
And anyone have any tips for a beginning runner??
Have a super healthy and fun weekend, my friends- xo!!

oh, etsy.

I comb Etsy almost every single day in search of new & fantastic shops. And I have found yet another!! Please go visit divinerose because her jewelry is amazingly gorgeous.

The color combination on these earrings is simply perfect!! And of course, I love those enamel flowers!
The layered necklaces are to DIE for!! I love the way she pairs vintage looking beads and jewels with the bright enamel flowers and rhinestones!
And quite possibly my favorite thing in her shop (or could I choose just one favorite?!) ... this bright and bold bracelet!! Anyone want to buy this for me for Mother's Day???? ;)


What are YOUR favorite shops on Etsy?? I'd love for you to share some with me! xo!