Twee Blog

Frozen Birthday Party

I love planning parties, I love decorating, and hosting!  Of course it’s more fun when you get to pick the theme and it’s something you are super excited for.  This year for Emerson’s third birthday it was without saying she was going to pick a Frozen theme.  Infact, she really just wanted an “Elsa” party.  So that is what she got!  When planning it out, I wanted it to be something she would love but also something I would love.  i.e. not too cheesy!!  Finally, here are all of the details.

The kids were super helpful setting up!  I think they were just so excited:).

 

We made this fun little table by using 2 boards(painting them white) and putting cinder blocks underneath.  It was super easy and the kids absolutely loved it.  It also added such a fun touch to the party!  I will definitely be using it again in the future.

When throwing a toddler party, even if it’s only for a couple of hours always add in something fun for the adults!  For the Elsa party I did a pretty basic Grazing Board and added in some frozen theme!  Check our my Full Blog Post on Grazing Board How To!  This post shares the exact items and materials, also my thought process on grazing boards.

I even added some of the Frozen II napkins for effect:).

I put my mom in charge of a Frozen themed drink for the adults and she did not disappoint!  She used this recipe she found on Pinterest and we tweaked it a bit!

Wanting to know more about all of the party favors?  Check out my full blog post on Frozen Party Favors.

Elsa was the entertainment and she was great!  All of the kids loved her.  She danced with them, sang, and even did face paint!  We used Traveling Princess Parties if you are local to us, I would highly suggest using Ashleigh!

Before the party Emme asked if Elsa was staying for lunch. We told her no because we assumed she wasn’t but to our surprise Elsa did hang out for a bit making Emme’s birthday a real fairy tale!

 

We originally were planning to order Chik-fil-a for the kids but then thought more about it and Emerson loves Happy Meals!  How fun is that?!?!  So simple, even comes with a drink.  Not sure why I haven’t thought to do this before?!?!?

Again, if you are local, I almost always order cookies from Sara’s Custom Cookies.  She does an amazing job matching my themes and they taste good!!!

Wondering about the balloon garland?  Check out this blog post with my balloon garland diy tutorial.

There was even a beautiful snow as Elsa was arriving at the party.  It really was magical, Thanks for following along!

 

XOXO,

Lissa

***All opinions are my own, there is no sponsored content, there may be an affiliate link or two in which case I earn commission if you make a purchase off of the link.***

Frozen Party Favors

Happy Happy Monday!!!  One thing I love more than an actual party is the favors.  I honestly don’t know why I love them so much because when on the receiving end it really is usually something the kids do not need and or just gets tossed in the mix of everything.  I just can’t help it and LOVE party favors!!  So for Emme’s Elsa Birthday Party, I ended up snagging a few items and put together these fun little play doh kits.  They were SO simple and the kids loved them!  Everything is linked HERE!

All you need is play doh, plastic containers, some fun things for the kids to use with the dough, and cute stickers!!!

I assembled these in about 20 mins without interruption from the kiddos.

One thing to note, I did order the large stickers, they were a tiny bit too big.  Go with the medium to ensure they do fit correctly.

I found these SUPER cute bracelets, they did take a couple weeks to come in just an fyi.  But how adorable?!?!

I always like to add some kind of cute stuffed animal that goes with the theme too.  I know we all have too many but I mean how cute is Olaf?!?!

I hope your Frozen Birthday Party is a dream come true for your little one too!

XOXO,

Lissa

***As always, all links are affiliate links.  If you purchase through them I make a small percentage.  Thank you for shopping through my links!***

DIY Balloon Garland

I LOVE Balloons, there is something so special about how fun they make a party or event.  I also always want to have everything at a party and I know that isn’t always possible from a financial aspect.  Things start adding up super fast.  For Emme’s 3rd Birthday, I took it upon myself to make a balloon garland.  This is actually my second attempt and honestly SO easy.  The first time I blew everything up on my own.  I can LOL at this now that I have an Electric Balloon Pump!!!

Click HERE to shop all of the supplies for my Balloon Garland. And watch my tutorial video below for all the simple details!

It’s seriously that easy!  And here is what we ended up doing with it.  We just tied a couple of strings where we wanted to attach it and used 3M hooks on the wall.

Check out Maxwell’s 4th Birthday party with the first Balloon Garland I attempted!

Good Luck, can’t wait to see all of yours!!!

XOXO,

Lissa

****All links are affiliate links so I may make commission off of the items you purchase. All opinions are my own****

 

Our Stay at Aloft Chicago Mag Mile

We had the pleasure of staying at the Aloft Chicago Mag Mile last weekend.  This was not our first time at an Aloft, infact it was not our first time at the Aloft Chicago Mag Mile either!  We stayed here with the kids a couple of months ago and enjoyed it so much!  For starters, I have always loved the modern and trendy feel you get when you walk into an Aloft.  The Aloft Chicago Mag Mile is extra special though!  Dusko and I met in the city of Chicago.  He lived in the South Loop and I lived in Lakeview, so the Mag Mile was a central point and an area we frequented.  I know a lot of people that live in the city avoid it but we have always been drawn to it.  So the Location of the Aloft Chicago Mag Mile is AMAZING!  It is 2 blocks east of Michigan Avenue, so you basically walk out and you are there!  Not to mention the 2 short city blocks are filled with good smelling chicago things such as Garretts Popcorn!!!  If you aren’t from Chicago do yourselves a favor and grab a bag of the “Garretts Mix.”  It’s the most wonderful blend of cheese popcorn and caramel.  Infact, it actually used to be called…..the “Chicago Mix.”

The staff at the hotel was top notch, the manager Chris welcomed us with this wonderful basket of snacks and spirits:).  And can we talk about how festive and cute the hotel tree is?!?!?!

One of the most important parts of staying at any hotel is the beds!  And I must say, these are comfy:).

Breakfast at the Aloft didn’t disappoint either.  They offer, sweet, savory, and vegetarian items.  My favorite was The Ranchero.

See what I mean about the modern and trendy feel?  Yes, I won in our game of pool!!!

Did I mention there is complimentary coffee every morning?  Because that is also super important when traveling.

The last time we stayed here we also utilized the hotel pool, which is AWESOME!!  Below are a few pics of that trip because the Aloft Chicago Mag Mile is such a great place for families too!

 

XOXO,

Lissa

***We were gifted our most recent hotel stay at the Aloft Chicago Mag Mile, all opinions are my own***

Stocking Stuffers Gift Guide

Stocking Stuffers, a girls best friend.  lol!  Who doesn’t love stocking stuffers?!?!  At my ripe old age of 38, I basically beg Santa(I mean my mom) to still get us stockings.  It was always my favorite.  I am not sure why because it is usually not anything you need!  But oh so fun!  Here are a few things I pulled together that in my opinion would be the perfect stocking!

  1.  CBD Caramels
  2. Sara Happ Dream Slip or Lip Slip
  3. Cute and Cozy Boot Socks
  4. Primally Pure Charcoal Deodorant(Code:  theblissfulmomma for 10% off)
  5. Yeti Coffee Mug
  6. Mascara
  7. Mama Necklace
  8. Brass & Unity Bracelet
  9. R+Co Dry Volume Spray
  10. Dyptique Candles
  11. Hand Cream

Happy Stuffing your Stockings!!!!

Xoxo,

Lissa

***As always, most links are affiliate links.  If you purchase through them I make a small percentage.  Thank you for shopping through my links!***

Giving Tuesday: You get what you GIVE

December is by far one of my favorite months of the year. For the most part everyone is extra cheerful, houses are brighter, the sweets are endless, and it’s the season of giving!  I LOVE to give ❤️. It warms my heart to give someone a gift you have hand selected that you think they would want and or need. But as I have grown older, I have started to understand a different kind of giving. Today on giving Tuesday I am going to share a couple of go fund me’s / organizations that are near and dear to me:). And if you feel so obliged, please donate to any one of them below. If not, that’s ok too. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Hopefully it will inspire you to give back in a way that you feel satisfied. 

Abbey, a sorority sister of mine was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Abbey is a wife and a mom of two sweet little girls. Every dollar counts ❤️   Click HERE to donate to Abbey

I met Amy in my Fit4Mom village. She’s always the one to make everyone else smile. Her youngest son, Avery Just turned 1. He was diagnosed with RMS, Rhabdomyoscarcoma, a rare muscle cancer found in children typically between the ages of 2-6.  Avery is 1% of children diagnosed with this cancer because of its location.  Due to his age, treatment is very difficult.  Click HERE to donate to Avery

One tail at a time!  My friend Stephanie set up this fundraiser and I couldn’t help but share it.  Let’s raise some money for our four legged friends ❤️. Click HERE to donate to One Tail at A Time. 

Every year I host an annual Ornament exchange with my besties. Last year I reached out to a local United Way to adopt a family as I wanted to add a “giving” element to the tradition. Only to learn I was too late. Instead they said they needed cleaning supplies to give to the mothers. So, cleaning supplies is what we raised. We were able to donate 20 buckets of cleaning supplies to local families in need and are planning to majorly surpass this number this year. During a month of over consumption of everything. A few dollars goes a long way to people that really need it. If you would like to donate to the cleaning supply fund. Please Venmo:  Alissa-Tadic

Again, thank you for taking the time to read this post. I know there are SO many organizations and people everyone is donating to.  These just happen to be at the top of my mind. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️, I hope you have the most wonderful holiday season ever!

Xoxo,

Lissa

Cyber Monday Deals!

Eek, Cyber Monday has always been my favorite shopping day!!!  I think I love that you can shop from home and almost all retailers offer free shipping.  Win, win!  A couple things to note:  This list is what I found online right now, 12/1/19, it is definitely subject to change.  I am going to update as I see things but click the links to be sure:).  Keeping this short so you can go shop!!!

Amazon:  Where do I begin?!?!?  This weekend we bought A Lot of tech stuff.  Echo Show, Dot, iPad, laptop!  SO Many deals!!!

Abercrombie:  50% off and Free shipping

American Eagle:  50% off all sweaters and sweatshirts and free shipping

Anthropologie:  30% off everything!

Athleta: 20% off your entire purchase!!

Beautycounter:  15% off entire purchase, free ship for $50+

Dicks Sporting Goods:  25% off and free shipping

Dyson Vacuums:  Which happens to have my FAVORITE vacuum on major sale!!!  I’m talking $150-$200 off!  And how about a Dyson blow dryer!!!!  Eek

Express:  50% off entire store plus doorbusters and free shipping!

F21:  Trust me, just click here!!  They have sweaters starting at $8!!!  And hats/gloves for $3!!! Plus free shipping and 40% off of your order.

Francescas:  50% off ALL full priced items and free shipping

Glossier:  20% off everything and up to 35% on sets!

H&M:  30% off the entire store and free ship

Jane:  If you have never seen this site, so many good deals always!!!  Especially today!

J. Crew Factory:  Up to 80% off!!! code:  add2cart

Loft:  50% off your purchase, free ship!

Madewell:  30% off the entire site, plus an additional 10% off with code: YAYINTERNET

Nordstrom:  Up to 50% off

Nordstrom Rack:  Tons of DEALS!!  and 30% off clearance

Old Navy:  50% off the entire store!!!  Plus, open a store credit card and save another 20% off!!!!

Pottery Barn:  25% off and free ship!!

Primally Pure:  20% off with code:  theblissfulmomma20

Shein:  I felt like I read this wrong, lol!  but up to 80% off and other fun price pointed items!

Spanx:  20% off entire site!!!

Soma:  30% off entire store and free ship

TARGET!!!  I mean, doorbusters galore!!!  Insta pot for $50!!!

Ulta:  So many beauty deals, gift sets, etc!

Urban Outfitters:  Spend $50, $10 off, etc. etc.  etc.  Free shipping over $50

Walmart:  ALL the deals here!!!!

Warby Parker:  Just a great gift!!!

Williams Sonoma:  25% off the entire holiday peppermint bark collection and free ship

The links above are affiliate links, so If you click on them and make a purchase, I will earn a small percentage of it.  Yippee!  Thanks in advance for reading my blog, following along, and clicking these links!  I appreciate all of you!!!

XOXO,

Lissa

 

What I’m shopping for on Black Friday

If you know you know, but I am not a huge Black Friday shopper.  This stems from my many holidays spent working retail.  However, there are some AWESOME deals so I do like to shop online when I can!  Here are a few things I have been eyeing for a bit just waiting for a sale and I have a feeling…….Black Friday will be the day!!!  Truthfully a lot of the sales have already started so if you are like me and go get your tree on Black Friday, snag some of this now!

I have been wanting to buy AirPods for Dusko because he is on SOOOO many conference calls, etc at work.  Although, I don’t fully trust that he won’t lose them.  lol.  But I have heard they have a ping type thing like the watch so I guess I will go with it for now!!!

We got an Echo Show recently and I want to buy them for everyone on our list!!!  I am in love with it.  If you have a Ring doorbell, it shows up on the screen.  Plus, if you don’t have an Alexa, you NEED one!!  I was definitely late to the party but we use it ALL the time.

I am dying for this new winter VEST, or this VEST.  I am not sure it will go on sale anywhere but I am hoping!!  Fingers Crossed. Maybe Dusko Tadic will see this :).

I would love to add this Mirror to my bedroom!!  I mean, who wouldn’t right?  The 7 foot because I could take mirror selfies in it…lololol.  But really, it is so pretty.  I also love that it comes in gold, silver, and black!

Something I think YOU should buy!!!  Your first pair of Golden Goose Sneakers if you don’t have them yet.  They are magical and I basically wear them everyday!!!!

I am going to stock up on my favorite natural deodorant!!!  It is 20% off on Friday with code:  theblissfulmomma

Last but definitely not least, my favorite skincare and makeup!!!  It is currently on sale for 15% off:)

 

What are you shopping for?!?!?!?!

XOXO,

Lissa

Women’s Gift Guide

Usually this is my FAVORITE Gift Guide to work on but for some reason, I have found it a bit harder this year.  I know when I am making my personal Christmas list I want it to be things I wouldn’t necessarily buy for myself.  ya know?!?!?  I would take a trip or experience over any “thing” but the “things” are nice too:).  So here are all the “THINGS” that I either want, you guys suggested, or I have already!  Turned out to be a pretty great list if I do say so myself!  I linked anything that was “linkable.”

Feel free to forward this post onto your significant other, might really help them with ideas!

ALL the Jewelry

(but let me pick it out!) this was a popular one submitted by all of you!

Upgraded Diamond for Wedding Set

Med Spa Gift Card

Dyson Blow Dryer-UGHHHH I really wanted this but got the T3 because it’s way cheaper

Berkey Water Filter

Tory Burch Miller Sandals

GOOD Snow Boots-Sorels

LV Neverfull

Kitchenaid Mixer

Athleta Salutation Leggings

Manicure gift card

Gym bag

Gym membership

Everyday Bag

Leopard Everyday Bag

Apple Watch

Laptop

Nespresso Machine

or

Smeg Nespresso Machine

Yeti Coffee Mug

Mama Necklace

Slippers

Causebox or a subscription box

Vacation-Please take me to Paris!!!!  lol, seriously though vacations are just good for your well being.  It’s so good to take a break from the everyday and just enjoy life!

Luggage 

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

XOXO,

Lissa

***All links are Affiliate Links which means I may make a small percentage off the purchase of these items.***

6 Thanksgiving Day Looks

I swear I’m not a holiday skipper guys!!!  I actually REALLY love Thanksgiving.  Sometimes Dusko’s birthday even falls on Thanksgiving which makes it even more special.  But what isn’t to love about a holiday that you don’t bring gifts, you don’t have to go to church (eek), and all you are required to do is eat?!?!?!  I mean does it actually get any better than this?  I think not!

Since Thanksgiving seems to have creeped up very quickly, have you had time to think about what you are wearing?  Have no fear, myself and fellow blogger, @Meganschramblog have you covered!  You should have no problem snagging any of these looks in time for Turkey Day!!!  It’s freezing here so I wore tights with two of my looks, you could obviously go without!

Here are Megan’s super cute looks!!

XOXO,

Lissa

***All links are Affiliate Links which means I may make a small percentage off the purchase of these items.***