When we first moved to San Francisco, we knew almost no one. Chris had one very kind friend who would take the two of us out and show us around, but otherwise it was just the two of us hanging out. And I was lonely. I had a lot of very interesting things to say and no one to say them to (I call this my “Mirror Period” because I may or may not have spent quite a lot of time talking to – ahem – myselfinthemirror. In my defense, I have a very high number of words I need to get out every day.). I went to networking groups, meet-ups, even out for coffee with gals I met while shopping at Anthropologie – I was determined to make friends, air of desperation, be damned!

Then I met Shawna. I don’t want to be too dramatic about it, but the day she walked into my life the heavens opened, a light shone down on her, and a booming voice said, “From here on out, honey, it’s going to get a whole lot better.” And it did. Shawna took me under her wing and invited me to events, laughed at my stories, cheered on my endeavours, and became my first real friend in California.

Here she is with her husband. Oh, did I mention, as well as being incredibly kind and generous, she’s also smokin’ hot? Yeah, because she is.

You know how when you have one friend suddenly everything’s easier? Before you can say “new girl in town” I had a group of friends – lovely ladies who are interesting and smart and as my grandma would say “a real hoot.” We all get together and celebrate birthdays, blog launches, random Thursday evenings, and, last weekend, a new baby!

When we found out that Shawna was pregnant (yippee!) we knew we had to do something to celebrate. Shawna’s mom decided to throw her a gender reveal party, so being as we’re all bloggers (Cathy is with Wedding Bee and Loverly while Kathryn is Snippet and Ink) we did what bloggers do and started crafting.

There were trial runs, champagne, a huge spool of twine, and crepe paper coming out our ears (I mean that literally as in I found crepe paper in Alice’s ear the next day).

I think you’ll agree the hard work was worth it.

I was also charged with getting the cake and, who knew, turns out I’m the Jason Bourne of gender reveal cakes. I picked up the very official-looking, test result envelope, didn’t lose it or throw it out the window on the way to the bakery, and got it into the baker’s hands, all while not peeking. What’s next? Infiltrating a ring of birthday clowns gone rogue?

Before they cut into the cake, Shawna’s mom did a traditional Indian ceremony to keep the baby safe. It was beautiful and emotional and I may have cried a little.

Then it was the big moment. They cut the cake and found out…they’re having a little boy! Ahhh! Let the jaunty cap buying commence! 

Shawna and her mom made the most magnificent spread. It was homey and delicious, just like the party.

Shawna (as always) thought of everything – she had us wear either blue or pink, depending on what we thought the baby was going to be. Kathryn went with blue, Cathy was in all pink, and I cheated and wore both. (Those two clean up pretty darn nice, don’t they?)

Oh, and that’s just Shawna’s brother and his fiancé, who both happen to be gorgeous and nice and doctors. It’s like lunching with movie stars, but better because you don’t have to worry about eating the fish because you know you’re in excellent hands if you happen to need the Heimlich.

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend. If I didn’t already make this (probably overly) abundantly clear, I’m so very happy for my dear friend Shawna – she is going to be such a wonderful mom!

You can find both the Giant Fringe Garland and the Surprise Lantern over on the heavenly Oh Happy Day. All photos are by: Chris Welsh