Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Free Christmas and Reading Printables from Lauren McKinsey

Have you been following along with our FREE weekly printables from the sweet Lauren McKinsey?  Lauren McKinsey releases at least one new printable collection weekly, and as the new collection launches, she rewards her faithful followers!  We are so lucky to get to share the freebies with you too!

Here are a couple sneak peeks of some of her newest collections!  Be sure to follow the links to download your freebies!

Gingerbread Girl Collection:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/laurenmckinsey.freebies/gingerbread+girl_gift-tags_3x3_fill-in.pdf

Cookie Exchange Collection:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/laurenmckinsey.freebies/cookie-exchange_circle-tags.pdf

Bookworm Collection:

http://laurenmckinsey.com/banner-events-free-printable/
 
Click here to access the free printables.


Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea





































If you're like most people, this Christmas season snuck up on you! Still struggling to come up with a quick & inexpensive last minute gift idea for teachers, neighbors or friends? We fell in love with these clever printable "Twiz the Season" labels by Lindi Haws of Love the Day! Grab some cellophane bags from Michaels, individual bags of Twizzlers from The Dollar Tree along with some favorite ribbon and trimmings (we got our little bells from The Dollar Tree too).  Print, cut out & attach the "Twiz the Season" tag to your bag and you can have a gift ready in minutes!

Here is the link to the printable for only $5: http://www.etsy.com/listing/114268844/christmas-neighbor-printable-twiz-the?ref=shop_home_active  (Check out the rest of Lindi's shop for dozens of adorable printable gift ideas! For best results, print on either cardstock or photo paper.





Wednesday, December 11, 2013

DIY Glitter Treat & Party Favor Cones



Recently, I was chosen to participate in a fun project for Michaels that required playing with their Recollections glitter collection. I may have audibly squealed like a little girl (now we know where my daughter gets it).  I'm already a huge fan of Michaels, the Recollections brand and glitter, and although they sent me free product to try and compensation for my time, all of the opinions I share are true and authentic and 100% my own.  I only recommend brands & products I truly love and feel strongly you will love too!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



Glitter is in, my friends.  And, it's a trend that's here to stay for a long, long time.  Who doesn't love a little bling-bling? It's such an easy, quick and inexpensive way to dress up a project & add that special"wow" factor that says, "look at me!"  I love that it comes in so many colors and textures (very fine, chunky & tinsel...oh my!), which makes the uses endless.  DIY craft addicts, be sure this is in your go-to stash.  You can add just a touch for some understated sparkle, or literally coat your item for full-on glam like I did! I love that the Michaels Recollections glitter can be purchased in individual containers and in large sets (perfect for those of us who may *occasionally* need a glitter intervention. Really, is there even such a thing as too much glitter?)  And with a starting price tag of only $3.99, what's not to love?  Keep in mind, Recollections glitter is sold exclusively at Michaels Stores.  I'll be sure to leave some for the rest of ya!

So, let's get to the fun glitter tutorial at hand-- a beautiful treat cone, perfect for holiday treat and gift giving.  The idea for this project came from some family traditions with German origin/influence but with a modern twist.


Supplies needed:

Recollections glitter from Michaels (color & texture of your choice)
cardboard party hats (or cones created from cardstock)
Mod Podge
Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer
Foam paintbrush
Scissors
Glue gun
Misc. scraps of ribbon, embellishments

Directions:





































Step 1: Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge over the paper party hat in sections and glitter. Continue until the entire outside of the cone is covered in glitter of choice.  Let dry. (Repeat coats if necessary.)


 
Step 2: Spray the glittered hat with Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer to help seal the glitter to the hat. One to two coats is sufficient.  Allow plenty of time to dry.


 

Step 3: Embellish with miscellaneous lace, ribbon & accents.  (We used Recollections brand flowers and lace ribbon from Michaels.)  Attach lace or ribbon handles to each side of the cone with hot glue. (I did this on the inside of the cone, but you could also punch holes and tie ribbon to the outside if you wish.)



Step 4: Fill your treat/favor cone with treats and/or trinkets and make someone's day by attaching it to their doorknob!

Voilà! Beautiful treat cones in 4 easy steps! 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Christmas Pajamas

Some traditions last from generation to generation because they are just too great to let go of.  When I was a little girl, we looked forward to Christmas Eve because we were allowed to open one special present.  It was no surprise what would be inside.  It was always the same, year after year, but we loved the tradition anyway.  We'd carefully peel back the Christmas wrap & squeal with excitement over the new pair of Christmas pjs held within the box.  Now that I am a mother, with 4 children to call my own, I've carried this tradition into my own home.  My kids look forward to seeing the fun new pajamas that they will get to wear Christmas Eve.




This last year, I fell in love with Brenda of Great Stitch.  She made these adorable polka dot & chevron pjs for my kids with "Magic Elf" inspired pajama tops customized with their names.  They are still a treasured pj set!


 
Brenda even sews matching clothes & pjs for dolls!  How cute, right?

Be sure to get your holiday orders in soon!  Today is the last day for regular (non-rush) holiday shipping!



Sunday, November 24, 2013

Free Thanksgiving & Christmas Printables from Lauren McKinsey

Oh man guys.  I am behind again, sharing these awesome freebies from Lauren McKinsey.  I've been down all week sick.  You know the night-time (and day-time) sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head, fever, so you can't rest kind of sick?  Yes, I have that.  So, today, I'm posting TWO freebies!



 

I'm so excited about the new "Give Thanks" printable collection by Lauren McKinsey.  Right now, you can click the link here (or the photo above) to download some darling circle tags for FREE!  Isn't the owl just the cutest?





















And, you can also get the "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" Hershey Kiss labels free!  I just adore that Santa.  So cute! Click here to download it free!  And view the entire collection coming Monday to www.laurenmckinsey.com


 







Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Happy Who-lidays Giveaway



























Ho!  Ho! Ho!  Are you as excited about the ho-ho-holidays as we are? A few weeks ago, we celebrated the holidays a teensy weensy bit early with a “Happy Who-lidays” themed party shoot.  It was so fun to style a Grinch-inspired party around Smash Cake & Co.’s new exciting & popular line of Party Paper & Party Paper Ribbon!  (You can see a few sneak peek photos in this post!  The rest will be featured on HWTM before Christmas.)  Of course, amazing companies participated as well (see the vendor credits below), making the party extra festive! 

In celebration of the approaching holiday season, we’ve come together to offer one lucky winner the ultimate grand prize party package worth over $725 , just in time for your own holiday celebrations. Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below.  Contest runs from Wednesday, November 20, 2013 and ends on Wednesday, November 27 at 12:00 a.m.













































 
 
 

Our grand prize winner will receive:

1- Online event planning services from Banner Events to include an inspiration board based on 1 party theme (winner's choice) with ideas for: decor, food, drink, desserts, favors, entertainment, & activity/games plus a suggested vendor list with contact information & links. ($75 value.)

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From concept to conclusion, at Banner Events, we believe in taking the hassle out of event planning so you can BE a guest at your own party! Our specialty is bringing beauty, fun and whimsy to children's party designs and dessert tables.  Winner has one year from the contest end date to redeem their prize.
2-  SmashCake & Co. has your holiday gift giving and party planning “all wrapped up” with a gorgeous array of products from our *NEW* Party Paper line!  Party Paper was lovingly designed to coordinate with all of our boutique party ware in classic colors and patterns for gorgeous gift giving and perfect party planning.  Use Party Paper for the prettiest presents, table runners, party table backdrops, photo backdrops, banners, rosettes, chair backers and more! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You will receive:
- Chevron Party Paper in Cheery Cherry
- Chevron Party Paper in Apple Green
- Big Dots Party Paper in Cheery Cherry
- Big Dots Party Paper in Apple Green
- Candy Stripe Party Paper in Cheery Cherry
- Candy Stripe Party Paper in Apple Green
- Small Dots Party Paper in Cheery Cherry
- Small Dots Party Paper in Apple Green
- Chevron Party Paper Ribbon in Cheery Cherry
- Chevron Party Paper Ribbon in Apple Green
- Polka Dot Party Paper Ribbon in Cheery Cherry
- Polka Dot Party Paper Ribbon in Apple Green
- Mini Gable Boxes (Set of 6)
- Large Gable Boxes (Set of 6)
- Chevron Party Paper Bows (Set of 8)
- Chevron Party Paper Bows (Set of 8)
Total Value: $125

SmashCake & Co. is THE one-stop for the Oh-So-Stylish Hostess!  Find design inspiration and all the latest trends in boutique party ware, including our fabulous new Party Paper line.
3- A Fresh Take Photography is contributing a beautiful 16X20 canvas wrap portrait. The canvas wrap doesn't have to be a portrait taken by A Fresh Take Photography. Your personal image can be uploaded to us and we will have the print made and shipped to you. Shipping within the US only. Canvas must be ordered within 1 year of contest end. ($275 value)
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At A Fresh Take Photography we are committed to providing fresh, fun and beautiful portraits for our clients. When you choose us for your portrait needs you will be treated not as a client but as a friend! We are here for all of your family milestones...pregnancy, birthdays, baptism, graduation and even your wedding. Let us create timeless, forever memories for you and those you love!
4-  Scrumpalicious ~ Novelty Bakery Arts is giving away a $20.00 Gift Code, that will be emailed to the winner. This one-time use Gift Code can be used on-line at www.scrumpalicious.etsy.com.  It must be applied toward a single purchase of $20.00 or more. The Gift Code expires on December 31, 2014. "Scrumpalicious ~ Novelty Bakery Arts" does not ship outside of the US. 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Scrumpalicious ~ Novelty Bakery Arts, a treat for every occasion!  Available online at www.scrumpalicious.etsy.com.  Located in the Pacific Northwest, Scrumpalicious ~ Novelty Bakery Arts specializes in seasonal, holiday, and special event gourmet cookies and 3D treats. Original recipes crafted in small batches and artistically packaged.

5-  Soiree Event Design is giving away a $50 credit to their shop.  Soiree Event Design is a boutique event & graphic design studio specializing in personalized printables, branding & planning/styling events.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6-Posh Peanuts is contributing a Posh holiday outfit to include:  lace leg warmers, lace onesie and posh polka dot pettiskirt! Retail value of $53. No restrictions.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Posh Peanuts, is a children’s apparel and accessories boutique.

7- Addy’s Attic is offering our grand prize winner, a $25 store credit! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Addy’s Attic, LLC specializes in handcrafted boutique clothing and accessories.
 
8- Candy Crush Shop is giving away one gold sequin table runner and 1 pack of 25 gold
straws ($50 value.) Shipping to USA will be included. Shipping outside the USA will be the responsibility of the winner.
 
 

 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Candy Crush Shop is a party supply store that specializes in pretty party decor for those with exquisite taste. From beautiful sequin table linens to ruffled tablecloths to unique candy items wehope you visit our store for a large variety of handmade items.
 
9- Bella’s Bakery & Bowtique is giving away 1 dozen Oreos ($30value  + $20 US shipping, U.S. only). Design TBD. Expires 1 year from contest end date.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Please note: Bella’s Bakery is not responsible for damaged or melted cookies. Bella’s Bakery individually wraps your order to both insulate and protect your cookies. Mishandling by courier and inclement weather are beyond our control. Must provide at least 3 weeks notice to book date for order.
Bella’s Bakery & Bowtique specializes in bite-sized desserts for all occasions. Let us make your next event sweet! Make it a yummy day.

Vendor Credits:

Jennifer Carver, Banner Events:  complete event styling
Karina Rigtrup, A Fresh Take Photography:  photography
Soiree Event Design:  printable invitation and coordinating printable décor design, custom cotton candy
Smash Cake & Co.:  party paper, paper ribbon, treat cups/cupcake liners, polka dot dessert sticks, gable boxes, paper straws, striped paper plates, mini glass dessert jars
Candy Galaxy:  candy & suckers
Bella’s Bakery & Bowtique:  chocolate covered Oreos, ornament and present cake bites
Scrumpalicious ~ Novelty Bakery Arts:  Grinchalicious cookies
Posh Peanuts: chevron tie, hair accessories, chevron dress, lace dress, lace leggings
Addy’s Attic:  custom chunky bead necklaces
Ten23designs:  custom laser cut wood candy & presents
Designs by Jordan:  custom Christmas wreath
Candy Crush Events:  ruffled tablecloth