Thank you 2016; CHEERS to 2017

Saturday, December 31, 2016

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The countdown to the New Year has started and I wanted to take a minute to thank each and everyone of you who have been a part of my 2016; my successes, my failures, my hormonal mood swings from being pregnant or nursing for the last three years...well, that last one is mainly for my husband, but you get the drift.

If you read my last post, then you know I wasn't planning on writing anything again until the new year, but I couldn't leave 2016 without telling you all how thankful and grateful I am for all of your support this year.  My blog has grown tremendously this year and it wouldn't have happened without you.  So, thank you for following along, subscribing, sharing and everything you do to show love on this little blog of mine.  I appreciate it more than you know and it makes my heart so happy to know that you enjoy reading.

Top: Fickle Fox
This year was filled with a lot of happy moments and a few sad ones, but mostly happy! Here's a little recap:
  •  I experienced what it's like with two babies.  Emma turned two this year and Charlotte turned one in November.
  • I had a lot of fun date nights with my husband.
  • I became an independent consultant with Rodan and Fields.
  • My husband and I finally tied the knot (4 years and two kids later)
  • Michael and I locked our girls in the car.  You can read about that here.
  • This is my last year in my 20s (sad moment).
  • One of my best friends had her third baby and let me take her maternity and newborn photos.  It was so much fun!
  • I had a lot of fun play dates and outings with my girls.
  • A blog post I did talking about my postpartum body hit 10,000 views in just a few months!  You can read that here.
  • My blog post on traveling with toddlers came in second for most views this year. 
  • I opened myself up to meeting new moms and joined our local MOPs group.
  • My favorite concert I attended this year was Garth Brooks! 
  • I had my gallbladder removed and a hernia repair to end the year. 
  • By far the highlight of my year has been watching my girls grow to love each and watching Emma learn about "baby" Jesus.  She is at such a fun age!

 ...and this is the look you make when you try to throw glitter in the air and instead you throw it directly in your face.  Haha!  Ending the year with glitter on my face!



Again, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for your support!  Big things are to come and I hope that you will follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thelittlestfunk
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aly.funk
Twitter https://www.twitter.com/thelittlestfunk
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/alyfunk1

Peace out 2016
Cheer to 2017
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

**Head over to my Instagram page now to enter a giveaway for $50 shop credit to Fickle Fox!
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Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 24, 2016

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Hi all!  I wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  I've taken another break from blogging this month to spend time with my family.  My husband has had some time off from work, my in-laws arrived this month (they are snow birds) and I had surgery.  It has so been so busy, but so nice to reflect on the wonderful things this year and all of the blessing we have received. 

I will be back after the new year to fill you in on all things motherhood (from my point of few), my girls and so much more.  Thank you to everyone who is already a follower  and supporter of my little blog and those who are just joining me!  I look forward to meeting new friends through all of this!

I hope you find yourself surrounded by all the people you love this Christmas and enjoy every moment.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours! 

-Aly 
 
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Charlotte's Pumpkin Patch | First Birthday Party

Thursday, December 1, 2016

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As it came closer to planning Charlotte's 1st birthday party, it was no question that it would be Fall themed.  A pumpkin patch was perfect!  And let's not even talk about the fact that she is one already!


Of course, living in Florida, Fall weather is hit or miss.  The forecast all week had shown 70s and so I thought having an early party (11am) would be nice.  The weather had other plans and it was 80 degrees out by the time the party started.  It didn't stop us from having a good time!


We had a pumpkin patch set up where the kids could pick out a pumpkin to paint and decorate, corn toss, a bounce house and apple bobbing.  All the fun fall activities you would typically find at a pumpkin patch!





I seriously couldn't resist having a Smore's bar, Chili bar and Hot Chocolate bar!  It wouldn't be Fall without them!  Thanks to some amazing shops who made my vision a reality!  You can find them all listed below to create your own pumpkin patch party tables.  


Our drink menu was pretty simple: Apple Cider Mimosas for the adults and a hot chocolate bar for the kids!  Filled with mini marshmallows, gourmet marshmallows, whipped cream and our favorite Torani syrups.  We had the most adorable water bottle labels that were such a great touch!  And much needed with the very non-fall like Florida heat.




The Smore's bar turned out just as I hoped it would.  It was filled with amazing cupcakes from a local baker, the best gourmet marshmallows, individual wrapped pumpkin shaped cookies to take home and more!  My mother-in-law made the burlap tablecloth and the happy birthday banner was the perfect touch.  I can't forget the Smore's bar planterIt was one of my favorite decorations for the party!  We put Sterno cans inside and lit our marshmallows on fireWhat I love about it, is that on the other side it says, "The Funks", so we can use it year round!




 



Even though it was a hot day out, the Chili Bar was so good!  I made my favorite Pioneer Woman recipe and we had all the fixings (hot dogs, corn chips, corn muffins, cheese, onions and more)!


...and then it was CAKE time!  Which despite the initial look on Char's face, she did not care for it.  Ha!  My very talented friend makes all of our birthday cakes and they always turn out amazing!  This cake topper was the perfect touch!


We had the best time with family and friends celebrating one of my favorite girls during one of my favorite seasons! #givemeallthepumpkins I still can't believe Charlotte is one! 

 
I promise I have another child; she refused to take a family picture ;)

 
Invitation - c/o The Invitation Mom
Mini Cupcakes - c/o The Wandering Whisk; Saint Petersburg, FL
Letter C - Michaels 
Water Bottle Labels - c/o Prints for Events
Pick a Pumpkin Sign - DIY
Monthly Pictures Pallet - DIY
Chili Bar sign - c/o Katty Good Party
Smash Cake - My very talented friend, Ashlea
Cake Stand - Home Goods
Pumpkin Cake Topper -c/o Smash Caked
Flower Headband - Birdie Baby Boutique
One Onesie and Tutu - c/o 408 Made
Mocassins - c/o Freshly Picked
Burlap Tablecloth - My amazing MIL
Smore's Bar planter - c/o Designed Signs
Gourmet Marshmallows - c/o Sweet Flos Candy
Pumpkin Cookies - c/o Rolling Pin Confections
Happy Birthday Banner - c/o Bunny Kiss Designs
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