DelaneyGates.com

Your Path

Recently, the concept of "My Path" has been rolling around in my head. Finding it. Creating it. Navigating it. Actually staying on it. So, today, it really hit home when I found these prints by Small Talk Studio on Etsy! I can't decide which one is my favorite, because each message is equally important: Choose your own path. Never stop. Fortune favors the brave.

Powerful stuff, right?

And, I love the on-trend icons, especially the arrow and the dream catcher. And oh, the colors....understated and very now.

Which one is your favorite?

Have a wonderful weekend. Our family has some fun things ahead. If you follow me on Twitter (@delaneygates) or Instagram (delaneygates), you can get a peek into our plans. :)

Party Pack of Pillow Boxes

The Etsy shoppe, Green Bug, took traditional pillow boxes to the next level, don't you think? Stitched together and adorned with vintage fabric, these lovely packages would be perfect for housing favors at your next brunch. Check out the Green Bug shop to see more!

Our New Kitchen

As some of you know, we're trying to sell our house! Since we had Priscilla a year ago, we have just completely run out of space. One of my pin boards on Pinterest is a collection of chic French-inspired kitchen images and includes the ones you see below, which are my favorites:

Of course, it's more probable that our kitchen will have very dark brown cabinets, since that's what a lot of builders down here in the South like to include in newer homes. BUT, here in the next few weeks, Jason is meeting with a builder who happens to be a good friend of his...so...it's fun to dream, right?? I think so, anyway. If we build, our kitchen will most likely not be huge and fancy, BUT, we may just get those antique white cabinets that we love so much. Paired with a black and white checked tile floor, I think that would look very French chic, yes?

 Click on the photos to see more kitchens of the same style, as well as to see the source for the above images.

Priscilla's First Birthday Party

This past weekend was such a busy one! We had three egg hunts, Priscilla's first birthday party, two dinners with relatives and of course church. Jason and I agreed that next time we have a weekend that busy, we're going to plan ahead and both take off the following Monday together to rest!

I decorated everything at Priscilla's party in pale pink and white stripes and polka dots. It was very simple and sweet. Originally, I had planned on going all-out with a pink poodle theme, but then I decided to use that for when she is a little older and can actually enjoy it all a bit more, you know? Instead of streamers, I made yards and yards of paper chains and instead of fancy favor bags (you know, becuase she's one), we handed out little pink vending machine containers of assorted pink goodies.

I admit, it was hard for me to not go "all out" with her party, but in the end, I decided "What is the focus here? A fancy dessert bar and decorations which make me happy? Or celebrating the first year of our little girl who doesn't even know what the heck is going on right now?" Ha! And yes, I'm pretty proud of myself for being so sensible with regard to a party. Oh, how I love throwing birthday parties.

Here are the highlights:

I can't believe it has been a year already! She's so giggly and sweet and when she smiles, her entire face lights up!

Home

This past weekend, the Army sent me to a volunteer conference in my state's capital. While I learned a great deal, I just wasn't used to being away from my family! It was so wonderful to get home Sunday evening and resume our tradition of watching Mad Men after the kiddos went to bed. Of course, it's good for everyone to experience new things and network with new people every now and then, but these past few years, I've found that I'm most content hanging out at home with the people I love!

Click on the photo to be taken to the Etsy shop where that gorgeous hand-cut card may be purchased! Doesn't Ashley Pahl do amazing work?!