While pregnant, I kept reading that I needed a bunch of receiving blankets.  However, every time I went to buy them, I couldn't believe the prices!  My mom had bought a pack of Carter's receiving blankets, and basically, they're a square of flannel with serged edges...piece of cake to make!  I made a ton for baby Henley and I use them all the time (that's her at just 4 days old)!  I recently made some for a friend who had twin boys.  Here's how I made them:

What you need:

• 1 yard flannel (Joann's always has great 

   sales)

• Coordinating thread

• Rotary cutter or scissors

• Serger or sewing machine

• Bowl to trace round edges (if desired)

Directions for Serger:

1.  Wash, dry and iron your flannel.  Lay flat then cut a square 30" x 30". 

2.  Fold in half twice so that all four corners are stacked.

3. Place your bowl about two inches from the corners.  Cut around the edge of the bowl using your rotary blade or scissors.  

4. Serge around the entire blanket edge, and you're done!

While I was pregnant, I was so preoccupied with everything baby that I took a long hiatus from blogging.  I planned on sharing so much of my pregnancy with you and completely dropped the ball!  Even though I am no longer pregnant and have had my beautiful baby girl here with me for four months now (seriously?! Where did the time go???), I have to share with you my beautiful shower; it would be an absolute shame if I didn't show it off!

My best friend, Jordan, and her mom, Kristen, hosted my shower on January 18th, which was a beautiful and surprisingly hot winter day in sunny So Cal.  The theme was "Tutu Cute" for my love of dance and for my tiny dancer Henley.  The decor was perfect!  Jordan made an adorable ribbon banner backdrop to feature Baby Henley's name, had little tutus on a clothesline, and beautiful pink roses everywhere.

For food, we snacked on yummy veggies, dip, and my favorite, a mimosa bar featuring different juices, fruit, and champagne (alcoholic and non) to experiment with. My favorite was a mix of pink lemonade, Fré non-alcoholic champagne, and strawberries.  Lunch was catered by Wood Ranch (my favorite, of course), with baby back ribs, cheeseburger sliders, cole slaw, salad, and yummy garlic rolls.  Everything was delicious!

My absolute favorite part of the decor and food was the dessert table.  Highlighted by the beautiful ribbon banner, we had red velvet cake pops iced in pink and gray, ballet shoe sugar cookies, and a beautiful vanilla cake with pink ruffled icing.  All desserts were from Sweet and Saucy Shoppe and they were all delicious!

For activities, we played the game where you guess how big my belly is with twine and did a baby themed word scramble. My favorite activity though, was the headband making station, put together by another one of my best friends, Nicolette.  It was absolutely perfect!  She had a variety of flowers, bows, and elastic for guests to make their own headband for Henley.  The guests even wrote little notes to Henley on tags, which is so special to look at each time I use a new headband now. She is stocked up on headbands for the next year!

I could not have imagined a more perfect shower.  It was such a special day I will never forget.  Thank you to my friends who made it happen and to everyone who came! I love you all!