{Real Birthday} TuTus, Ties, and Teddy Bears

For months now, I've been sitting on my daughter's 2nd Birthday photos. First, I was waiting on the photos, then, I was trying to submit it to other blogs, and then, I simply felt like the moment had passed and I should write it off altogether.

The party was inside my home, which has awful lighting, so it's hard to see the details. My sweet photography student friend worked so hard on them, but the lighting was just too dark. Still, I put a lot of heart into the party and I personally think it came out adorable. Besides, we had a ton of fun!

I decided I don't want it to continue collecting dust. So, I'm keeping it real and publishing it as is.

Hopefully someone likes it!

The deets -

Theme: Tutus, Ties, and Teddy Bears

It was a no brainer than when my daughter, the inspiration behind TiTi's TuTu's, turned two, she would have a tutu party. Ever since she was old enough to walk and talk she would slap her thighs and babble "tu-tu." She loves them! The tie idea came from trying to figure out what her brother would wear. She adores teddy bears, so I had to incorporate those in there.

Food:

The food was simple. I decided to keep the alliteration with the "t" and create a "Tapas Bar" with bite size teddy bear pb&js, teddy bear fruit skewers, pizza bites, garlic knots, and meatballs.

Activities:

As the little guests arrived, they were greeted by either a tutu or a tie at their seat. After getting dressed, they colored teddy bear pictures from a "Build-a-Bear" coloring book using bear shaped crayons. Then, we split the kids into two groups. The boys made bear masks in my son's room while the girls played "Dress-a-Bear" in my daughter's room. Each girl got a teddy bear to dress up in a mini-tutu, shirt, party hat, and other accessories. For the last activity, my adoring husband, who is the BEST party host, read Eric Carle's "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?" and led the kids in a dance.

Favors:

Teddy Graham Bar with 4 different flavor bears to mix.

Special Touches:

My favorite of all was the bear garland with photos of my little girl from birth to 24 months. I also had the pleasure of having family come over to help with the party. My son ripped the coloring pages out of the book for the kids to color. It was his "Big Brother" job and he took it very seriously. I loved seeing the ripped up edges on the paper, and you'd better believe I did not "fix" them.

My grandmother, who is nearly 90 years old, also helped stick the kids' names on the favor bags. They were absolutely not perfect- and I loved them! Every time I see a crooked little tag on a bag, I remember her shaky hand trying to affix the paper to the bag. THAT is priceless!!!

Thanks for reading!

Debra

Credits:

Styling and Design - Debra Walters

Design Consulting - Talia Rogers of Luxe Events

Printables - Frog Prince Paperie (Etsy)

Teddy Bear Cake Pops - Sweet Culture

Tutus and Poms - TiTi's TuTu's (Etsy)

Rentals - The Little Shop

Photography - Layna Jenee

More photos on Catch My Party.

{TuTu Tuesday} Real TiTi's Tutu

A friend called me up recently because she wanted to order a tutu for her newborn niece. I must admit I was a extra excited to create something from one "Titi" to another. I remember when my niece was born and how it changed my heart.

BUT, I also remember when I taught this little Princess' Daddy in Sunday School when he was 3 years old. So, creating this tutu was a little bittersweet. I loved creating something for a family I've loved for years, but I also felt a little dated. Haha!

Here's gorgeous little D styling her TiTi's TuTu and decOrate band.

I just LOVE customer submitted photos. They're so real! I appreciate how these photos show that you don't need a fancy camera, countless props, and perfect lighting to make my product look good. Just put a real baby with a gorgeous smile in them and we got ourselves great photos!

Isn't she a doll! Congratulations, Family!!!

Thanks for reading,

Debra

xo

{TuTu Tuesday} Marathon TuTu

My friend and college roomie, Wilna, contacted me a few weeks ago with a very special request: She wanted me to make her a custom tutu for her to wear to her very first marathon through the 5 boroughs of New York City.

In Wilna's words, "I just need a cute, feminine touch to symbolize how much my confidence has grown since I started running." I jumped at the opportunity to participate in something so meaningful.

Here is Wilna wearing her TiTi's TuTu's on the big day.

Still Smiling on Mile 22

I'm so proud of my girl, Wilna! Thank you for allowing me to be part of this unforgettable experience.

Wilna ran with Team for Kids, a non-profit organization that takes running programs into NYC schools and uses the sport as a tool for character building and leadership development. If you're inspired by her story, please take a minute to check out their site and consider making a donation.

Thanks for reading,

Debra

xo

{TuTu Tuesday} New Wands by TiTi's TuTu's

Happy Tuesday!

I'm writing a quick post because, as you may have noticed, life has been pretty busy over here.

The good news is that I'm loving every minute of it and I actually find myself indulging in more "me" time and family time. For that, there's no need to apologize.

It may not be a tutu, but it is one of my latest creations. Say "hello" to the new wands by TiTi's TuTu's.

Soon I'll post more photos of my new collection of truly unique wands.

The one photographed above was shipped, so I had to use a shorter stem. The ones that will be available exclusively at The Little Shop located in the Tioga Town Center will boast an extra long stem for a grand impression.

Please continue to check our Facebook page to participate in our Thanksgiving Status Posts.

Thanks for reading,

Debra