Viva Las Vegas!

My little brother is getting married in just over a month to one of the most beautiful girls I know, inside and out.  My family is so excited to welcome Sarah officially as part of the Valeriote clan, but I already consider her a dear friend and sister.  Because we love her so much, Britt and I wanted to throw a really special bachelorette night for her!

Jord and Sarah had originally talked about maybe heading to Vegas for their honeymoon, which got our wheels turning.  We had already purchased Vegas-themed decor elements when the happy couple opted to go Caribbean instead.  Britt and I decided to go with the Vegas theme anyway, but to give it a vintage flair.  Our theme?  50s Vegas Glamour!  All the glam and glitz of Old Hollywood and Las Vegas, without the unfortunate not-so-classy elements that we so often associate with Vegas nowadays.

We had so much fun decorating my parents' basement to fit the theme, and crafting in the weeks leading up to the shower to add some special touches.

Banners were $6 a pop in the party store, so I decided to make my own instead!

Britt made this awesome water bottle labels!  We got the idea from my friend's blog, check out her tutorial here

Before we knew it, it was time to transport ourselves back to the 50s and get glammed up.  We decided I looked like the typical older housewife sister, while Britt was the young and glamorous hipster sister.

For some reason being dressed like this just makes you want to make this face:

We were thrilled with how much effort all of the girls put into their outfits, hair and makeup.  Everyone looked awesome, but none better than the bride herself.   Doesn't she look like she stepped straight out of The Notebook?  

This look suits her so well!

We enjoyed a lovely dinner together,

And then headed home for games, snacks, and gifts

Here's one last shot of all of the girls together, with the gorgeous bride out front.  

We love you Sarah, and we can't wait for your wedding day!!

Loooong Weekend!

We had an action-packed Canada Day long weekend, filled with lots of quality family time.  

Here are some highlights:

Muskoka with part of the Sylvester clan

Watching this little Monkey splashing in the lake

And holding this sweet baby girl

We met up with Adam and Ive in Toronto and tried to hit up the Food Truck Festival in the Distillery District.  Just 2 hrs into the Festival and the lineups were literally hundreds of people long, and the trucks were running out of food.  A total bust!

Heading into the Distillery District, hopes still high....

The biggest disappointment of my day....cupcakes were completely sold out!

Thankfully Adam and Ive live in the city and know all the best spots to go, so we quickly came up with a Plan B - lunch at the St. Lawrence Market

Chicken Parmesan sandwiches

And homemade perogies....mmmmm!

Stoked about my Montreal bagel score

Then ice cream at Ed's Real Scoop on Queen St. East

We quickly agreed with its #1 ice cream in Toronto rating.  Look at that gelato!!

I would drive there anytime just for a repeat of my Banana Blitz ice cream......so good!

Then Sunday evening we had dinner with my 4th year university roomies and our hubbies.  It was soo good to see everyone again - some of them I hadn't seen for over a year!

Me, Kristen, Brenna and Noriko.  Love these girls!

Listening in rapt attention to Noriko's story!

And finally, my Dad and brother had Monday off work, so we spent the day with my family at my uncle's pool.  They have the ultimate backyard for kids of any age, and it was like going back in time playing together all afternoon!

Britt and I played basketball....

The boys played hockey for hours....

And we swam until we could swim no more

We finished the day with some Ticket to Ride on my parents' patio

Thankful for warm summer weather, living close to family and friends again, long weekends, and the wonderful country we are privileged to call home.  Happy Birthday Canada!!