Alright, is it even a new year without a quick rewind of the previous one? I get it, it might seem a tad cheesy and like the latest trend. But you know what? A decade down the road, I'll cherish having that snapshot, a little peek into where life was at this very moment.

Looking back on 2023, it was a year of rekindling passions and setting intentions.

In mid 2023 the girls were both in school which allowed me to reclaim dedicated hours for my business. This was a heartfelt return to nurturing my entrepreneurial flame. It filled me in ways I really missed.

For 2024, I aim to fine-tune rather than expand my business, streamlining processes to amplify the quality of my craft. Professionally, it's about harnessing precision and improving product and customer experience.

Last year, I learned something pretty important: taking care of myself matters. So, this year, I'm stepping up that game. It's not just a fancy treat; it's what keeps me going strong in every part of life. Making time for myself isn't just about being there; it's about rocking it in every part of life.

Here's to a year dedicated to nurturing my business, fostering meaningful connections, and prioritizing self-care—a harmonious blend that defines the path I walk. Excited for the journey ahead!

Step into a world where enchantment and elegance intertwine, where colors dance, and the magic is flowing. This October, we found a place of magic at Second Space in Brea, California. The setting was whimsical and delightful, and the atmosphere was nothing short of pure wonder.

It was a styled shoot like no other, where creativity knew no bounds, thanks to Theresa Lee Events! She did an amazing job. We had the honor of contributing our own touch of charm to this party. We did moon and star stir sticks, 'hey boo' cake toppers, ghost stir sticks, ghost name tags, and the 'make your own magic' signage, each adding a sprinkle of our signature whimsy to the party.

Every photo from the shoot was an absolute masterpiece. The talented photographer, Sunny Kim Photography, managed to capture every detail, from the vibrant balloon garlands to the elegant lasercut details, perfectly. The result was a collection of photos that truly showcased the playful atmosphere of the styled shoot.

The mesmerizing multi-arch backdrop, provided by Iron Grace Rentals, was an absolute showstopper. It was a canvas for the theme of the day - "Make Your Own Magic." We added lasercut signage that perfectly captured the essence of the event. The backdrop always becomes the heart of the celebration. This backdrop nailed it.

The balloon garland added a fun and colorful touch to the backdrop. Its playful mix of light pink, ombre purple, black, white, cream, and light orange perfectly complemented the whole vibe of the styled shoot, making the whole setup feel even more enchanting. Simply Wild Party did a beautiful job with it!

The cake and other desserts from M Cake Sweets was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece – a deliciously ironic blend of elegance and spooky. Adorned with black skeleton hands and crowned with our cheeky "hey boo" cake topper, it was a delightful confection that mirrored the shoot's playful sophistication. M Cake Sweets truly brought the cake, and the chuckles, to the table.

The place settings were a delightful sight to behold, graced with the charming color palette of light pink, black, ombre purple, white, cream, and a touch of light orange. In this styled shoot, every detail was meticulously crafted to create an enchanting atmosphere. To complete the look, we added our moon and ghost stir sticks, which effortlessly blended into the theme.

The tables and chair rentals from Mini Mod Rentals added a touch of modern sophistication. The black Mid Century Modern chairs perfectly complemented the sleek white tables, creating an effortlessly stylish contrast. Our white and black lasercut ghost place cards attached to the back of each chair, were a charming addition, adding a playful element to each place setting.

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In the world of styled shoots, our gathering at Second Space in Brea, California, truly shone as a unique experience. With pastels, ombre purples, and a touch of sass, we painted a picture that blended sophistication and playfulness. Thanks to our fantastic vendor team and the crew at Delovely Details, we are reminded of the boundless creativity and endless possibilities in the event industry. Until next time, let's keep creating magic together!

Design & florals: Theresa Lee Events

Balloons & Pennants: Simply Wild Party

Venue: Second Space OC

Photography: Sy Kim Photography

Cake & desserts: M Cakes and Sweets

Kids table & chairs: Mini Mod Rentals

Laser cutouts: Delovely Details

Custom backdrop: Iron Grace Rentals

We'd been keeping a close eye on the weather forecast for weeks, waiting for that telltale dip in temperatures that signals the arrival of fall. When we spotted the change we'd been waiting for, we knew it was time to set our plan into action – our annual apple picking adventure to Oak Glen was officially on the calendar. Little did we expect, though, just how much the temperatures would drop. Throughout our visit, the mercury never climbed above 50 degrees, and the sun played a game of peek-a-boo, making it a crisp and invigorating experience.

Hey there, fellow adventurers! I wanted to share the most amazing day my family and I recently had at Los Rios Rancho in sunny California. It's a place where apple orchards stretch out as far as the eye can see, and the sweet scent of ripe apples fills the air. With each visit, we learn a little more about making the most of this special place, and I wanted to pass on some tips for your own future apple-picking adventures.

Early Bird Gets the Apples: Los Rios Rancho has been growing in popularity, and for good reason. But, to enjoy the orchards without the crowds, we've learned to arrive early, usually around 9 AM. This not only guarantees the perfect photo op but also lets us beat the midday heat. Plus, you'll have your pick of the finest apples in the morning light!

Boot Break-In: On this particular day, I had bought Evelyn a shiny new pair of boots for our adventure. They fit well, but even the most comfortable shoes can have their quirks. So, our advice is to break them in before your trip to avoid any uncomfortable surprises.

Plan Your Activities: Many farms, including Los Rios Rancho, offer a variety of activities beyond apple picking, from hayrides, u-press cider to petting zoos. These can fill up quickly, so we always make sure to sign up or queue early to secure our spots. Check their website or call ahead to see what's happening during your visit.

Sunscreen, Always: California sun, even on overcast days, can be surprisingly strong. We found this out the hard way when both our girls ended up with rosy cheeks. Don't forget the sunscreen, folks! A little protection goes a long way.

Snacks and a Savvy Strategy: After all that apple picking, you're bound to work up an appetite. Local restaurants are delicious, but be prepared for waitlists, especially during peak season. We've learned to bring snacks for the kids and seek out places that offer a pager service. Our personal favorite is Apple Annie's in Oak Tree Mountain – great food, plenty to do while you wait, and those pagers make it a breeze.

This year's adventure was a blast, despite Evelyn's new boot hiccup. Hazel fully embraced the day, and Evelyn became our resident apple connoisseur. I've cherished visiting this slice of mountain life, a small taste of my own childhood spent at my grandparents' home in the Tehachapi mountains.

We're already counting down the days until our next apple-picking excursion, and now we're eyeing the Apple Blossom season for a whole new adventure! 🌸✨

Stay tuned for more tales of family fun and unforgettable moments. Until then, happy picking!

Check out this fun video I made of our day!