Adorable Crafts & Treats for St. Patrick's Day

Celebrate the luck of the Irish with these adorable crafts and treats!

Rainbow Cupcakes
Add some rainbow or shamrock sprinkles for a fun finishing touch.

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/tast...pcakes-842128/

Shamrock Paper Chain
This is a cute decoration for almost any decor.

http://fourflightsoffancy.blogspot.c...-grown-up.html

Rainbow Jello
This looks too good to eat!

http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/2...bow-jello.html

Shamrock Tee Shirts
Your little ones won’t get pinched with these adorable shamrock tee shirts!

http://icandyhandmade.blogspot.com/2...rock-chic.html

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Alleyway Photography! :-)

And now a cute face that makes me smile every time I see it:

A glimpse into MY family portrait session

This weekend, my family and I made our yearly trek out to get our portraits taken.  This year, my friend Jen Harris from WithStyle Photography was the photographer and we had a lot of fun collaborating!...or should I say, SHE had a lot of fun.  Do you know how PAINFUL it is for a photographer to be in front of the lens when her youngest is almost 3?  I preach the mantra (and fully believe it, too!) that even if your preschool age child does not cooperate AT ALL, you will still have a clear representation of your family at this moment in your life and will treasure and laugh at them often.  It really is the truth.  However, when you're the mama with the uncooperative child, it is just plain stressful!  We did end up with some wonderful images, but it took a lot of patience from Jen and me just finally letting go.  lol  See, now I'm fully ready for this years family portrait sessions!  I have experienced your pain and I will be the one smiling and laughing at the silliness while trying to convince you that it's really ok.  :-)  Jen and I feel that this image is the one that fully represents what we were working with.  In this one, Austin (the little guy) was SUPPOSED to be in the frame with his siblings, but...  Hope you enjoy a laugh at my expense.  It makes me laugh, too!  I'll post some of the good ones soon.

Informational tidbits

Here are some charming ideas to incorporate into your wedding day to make it extra special for those who are nearest to your heart.

Mother
A double frame makes a wonderful gift for your mother. On one side, use a picture of you and your mother when you were a little girl and on the other, a picture of you together on your wedding day—hugging, getting ready together or something like that. For an extra-special touch, have the frame engraved to read, “I’ll always be your little girl.”  (Check out A Framer's Touch in Forest Grove for unique gifts and beautiful framing.  Also find them on Facebook.  They are wonderful!)

Father
If you wear a blusher veil, it is traditional to give it to your father after your wedding day, as a memento of that moment in your lives. A shadow box is a cute way to display this gift, along with a portrait of you walking down the aisle or having your father-daughter dance during the reception.

Fiancé
Secretly do a boudoir portrait session in your bridal lingerie and frame your favorite portrait. Hide it for him to find on your wedding morning with a little love note. This will be a wonderful surprise for him to enjoy that day and for many years to come.

Maid of Honor
A framed portrait of you together on your wedding day with a necklace or a gift card to a spa is the perfect thank you to your maid of honor. Have each bride’s maid sign the sole of your shoe before the ceremony for good luck. Whoever’s name is darkest by the end of the day will be married next.

Best Man
An engraved flask, a box of cigars or a nice set of cufflinks are all thoughtful gestures to give to the best man in your wedding. Be sure to get a portrait of all the groomsmen and the groom doing a toast. This makes a wonderful framed gift to give to each, along with a handwritten thank you card.

Flower Girl
An engraved locket is a wonderful gift for your flower girl. Alternately, a charming music box would also be cherished for years to come. Take a picture with your flower girl, and wait until her wedding day to give it to her, along with a heartfelt message about how proud you are to see her grow into a beautiful woman.

Future Children
Save a few bottles of wine or sparkling cider from your wedding (depending on how many children you plan to have) and box each one up with a picture of you and your husband on your wedding day, as well as a heartfelt, handwritten message. This makes a wonderful gift many years down the road on your children’s wedding day.

Anniversary
Save the top tier of your wedding cake and freeze it until your one year anniversary. This makes for a wonderfully romantic memento from your wedding day.

For that big 25, use one of those bottles of wine or sparkling cider that you set aside for your kids, if you have extras!

For your 50th, go to the place you were married and renew your vows in front of your closest and most dear family and friends. Be sure to save your shoes, veil and dress, wrapping them in linen and storing them in an airtight, watertight place. If you don’t end up renewing your vows in them, a daughter or granddaughter might love to wear it again.

Do you have any other ideas for brides?  What are your favorite tips from your own wedding or a wedding that you have attended?  Let's hear it!  :-)