May 31, 2009

Custom Party Banners - Etsy Favorites {bekahjennings}

I love these custom party banners by bekahjennings. A stay of home mother of three {and one on the way} is the creative designer behind these garland greetings. I would love to have a "happy birthday" banner that I could hang up for all the birthdays in our family. What a great birthday gift! A fun and creative way to say "happy birthday" and a gift that can be used for years to come.
It's that time of year again, time to congratulate our graduates for all of there hard work and accomplishments. I have one graduating this year and I love this banner! "Congratulations", again a banner that I can use over and over again and for so many occasions. Take a peek at bekahjennings entire line of custom banners, featuring many great ways to use these unique artistic pennants.

May 29, 2009

My Wedding Favors.com Giveaway Winner!

Mary, who said "Those wedding favors are awesome!" is the Winner! E-mail me to claim your prize!

May 28, 2009

A tweet giveaway! {The Wedding Perch}

Because these short weeks sometimes feel like the long ones, I thought we needed another giveaway! The Wedding Perch has generously offered a $25 gift certificate to one lucky winner! The Wedding Perch offers an interesting variety of eco friendly favors and accessories to add a touch of whimsy to any event. I really love these flower seed paper save the date inserts. They can be customized to coordinate with your theme. What clever little favors and very unique escort cards. Too cute!
Lovely little bird nests, aren't they... what a great way to add a natural touch. Again, the paper is flowering seed paper. Love it!
These wood burned escort cards are very unique, and what a classy way to add a rustic touch. Well, now lets enter! All you have to do is post a comment below mentioning your favorite Wedding Perch item. Please take a peek at their Etsy store to view their enter line. Winner will be chosen at random on Friday, June 5th and posted shortly there after. Good Luck!

May 27, 2009

Bridesmaid Gift Idea {Penelope Poet}

I just think this is the cutest thing ever. What a great bridesmaid gift! This unique token of artistic beauty is sterling silver and is engraved with three words "I appreciate you" on the outer rim. Your bridesmaids will truly feel your gratitude and appreciation every time it's worn. It comes complete with a card and poem from the artist. I love this necklace in so many ways, think mother's day, teacher appreciation, or just to say "thank you" to someone special. Visit Penelope Poet to take a peek at their entire collection of great bridal party gifts and jewelry and maybe even a little something for yourself.

May 25, 2009

On A Personal Note {Jessica's Baby Shower}

Here are some pics of Jessica's baby shower. Did I mention that I have four sisters and that they are my very best friends in the whole world. Jessica {the middle sis} flew in last weekend from Connecticut and we had a baby shower for her at my mom's house in OC, CA. It was so much fun to see everyone and I hadn't seen Jess since February, she was lookin' a lot more pregnant. She is due August 1st. We can't wait!
The decorations were very cute, complete with antique crib to hold the presents, and all.
The clothesline strung with all the teeny tiny baby clothes was a really fun touch. I functional decoration, gotta love that.
No party is complete without cupcakes!
Oh yah, and of course, cupcake mix favors.
Ok, gotta to show off the kids, this is my middle daughter Breanne {left} and my niece Lindsey {right}.

My oldest daughter Taylor {left}, my youngest daughter Kaitlin {middle}, and my nephew Cameron {right}. Jessica got tons of adorable little clothes and goodies {everything had to be packable}, it was a fun filled day. Now we wait... we have a trip planned in August to visit our new little nephew.

Etsy Favorites - Wedding Favor Idea {The Seedy Sparrow}

I just love the cute little details that go into The Seedy Sparrow products. These little rice paper packets, for example, are all hand made and stamped in colors that coordinate with your wedding or party theme. They are filled with bird seed and are ready to toss at the newly married love birds.
I adore these Love Grows packets, filled with annual flower seeds. This seed mix will bloom anywhere in the US. The perfect favors for any event, including weddings, baby showers, anniversary parties, etc. Visit The Seedy Sparrow to view their entire collection of handmade goodies. Thank you for inspiring us.

Thank You Gifts {cupcake mix and baking mix gifts} - idea #7

Thank you to Stylish Giving reader Pink who said "I would use them as "Thank You's" for my team of women that put on our 'Night Out For Ladies' at our church. We do an amazing event every month for about 300 women and the team that helps us pull this off is AMAZING!" I truly love the idea of using our baking mix gifts as thank you gifts. I have had many brides use them as "thank you's" as well and I just love that idea. Visit Gourmet Gift Company

Bat Mitzvah Favors {cupcake mix favors} - idea #6

Mazel Tov... your guests will truly appreciate this thoughtful parting gift and will cherish the sweet memories of your special when they bake up these scrumptious cupcakes! Visit Gourmet Gift Company Bat Mitzvah Favors by Gourmet Gift Company

Unique Baby Shower Favors {cupcake mix favors} - idea #5

The perfect addition to any baby shower. Such a sweet way to say thank you. Visit Gourmet Gift Company  baby shower favors by Gourmet Gift Company

Creative Birth Announcements {cupcake mix and baking mix gifts} - idea #4

What a sweet way to welcome your new little one into the world! Personalize with our large selection of custom designer labels. Visit Gourmet Gift Company creative birth announcements

Engagement Party Favors {cupcake mix favors} - idea #3

Visit Gourmet Gift Company
Style Me Pretty reader Rachel gave us idea #3 - "Ohhh my mouth is watering just looking at those. I love the “homemade” feel…adds a personal touch. I’d use these for my upcoming engagement party as all my guests know how big of a sweet tooth I have. It would be a great way to kick-off a year-long planning spree with friends and family!"

Unique Bridal Shower Favors {cupcake mix favors} - idea #2

We asked Style Me Pretty readers for their creative ideas for our cupcake mix favors or baking mix gifts - Lindsay said "these are so cute, I *LOVE! I wish I could give this to each and every guest at the wedding, but I don’t think the budget can swing it. So I would absolutely love to give these to everyone at my shower &/or bachelorette as a thank you for making the trip and spending the day with me. YUM!!! My mouth is watering just reading this blog!" unique bridal shower favors

Creative Wedding Favors {cupcake mix favors} - idea #1

Wedding favors - my absolute favorite way to use our cupcake mixes. Such a lovely way to say thank you to your guest, and what a sweet way to remember your wedding day as the smell of fresh baked cupcakes wafts through their home. creative wedding favors, by Gourmet Gift Company

May 21, 2009

wedding favor giveaway! {myweddingfavors.com}

myweddingfavors.com is offering one lucky winner at $25 gift certificate towards the stylish favors of their choice. What a thoughtful way to say thank you to your guests on the big day. Their large selection includes ideas to please every design sense and wedding vision. To enter all you have to do is post a comment. The winner will be chosen at random on May 29th... good luck! Mini Classic Gumball Dispenser "Unexpected Treasures" favor tins with pre-tied organza bow and you choice of custom label
Don't forget to visit their Wedding Tips & Trends - Bridal Blog for helpful tips and wedding advice.

favor and gift idea {mini bundt cake favors}

These lovely little bundts are one of my original creations from years ago when I first started my custom wedding favor business. They really are beautiful on the table and can be customized in so many ways. I always preferred to use the mini roses to top, but any small flower will work, it just takes a little experimenting. To keep flowers fresh you can purchase the mini flower water tubes from FDE. They have no minimum order which is nice unless you want 1000 of them. Obviously you will need a mini bundt pan. Make sure to use a good nonstick pan and coat thoroughly with nonstick spray. You'll want to use either a good yellow cake or a pound cake. A boxed mix works great, but to make them extra special use a family recipe and attach a hang tag with "grandma so and so's famous pound cake" recipe printed on them. Coordinate flowers with your ceremony flowers of top with something sentimental like the flowers from your first date. Guests love that stuff.
To package, I loved to use the 4X4 clear view boxes from Paper Mart. You don't want to hide these mini works of art, they can really be a big part of your table presentation. You can buy the small doilies {you will need two sizes 3.5 & 6 inch approx.} at any craft store. Last but not least, styrofoam board. Again, you can buy it at at any craft store. It needs to be pretty thin, somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick is good, cut into 4" squares. This gives the water tube something to stick into and gives the flowers a lot of support.
Ok, a couple of tips. If your cakes get too brown you can always make a simple powdered sugar glaze and spoon over the tops of the cooled cakes. {use about 2 cups of powdered sugar and add milk on teaspoon at a time until it reaches a good spooning consistency, it can't be too thin or it will just soak in so practice on one cake adjusting the water a little at a time until it just sets on top} This also helps, if the cakes stick to the pan a little, glaze can hide a lot and it really just makes them even prettier. Another thing, if you don't want the flowers to touch the top of the cake you can use a small cupcake liner as a barrier. Just cut a small X with scissors in the bottom of the liner, poke the water tube through the hole, slide the liner up and gather around flowers.
The assembly will go like this:
  1. bake your cakes, allow to cool completely
  2. glaze your cakes if desired and let set until dry to the touch
  3. fill and cap water tubes, carefully poke flowers through the tube lid
  4. set up clear view boxes and line the bottom of each box with a 6 inch doily, top doily with styrofoam board cut to fit. The sides of the doily will come up the sides of the box slightly to cover a portion of the styrofoam. Top styrofoam with another 3.5 inch doily attached with double sided tape.
  5. set cake in box and press flowers through center of cake until the water tube is secure in the styrofoam.
  6. close up boxes and decorate with ribbon, tags or whatever else your little heart desires.
I hope you love these as much as I do. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions.


May 20, 2009

favor and gift ideas {two leaves and a bud}

I love being introduced to a great product... two leaves and a bud, located in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado, began out of one man's determination to bring a great cuppa' tea to North America. This award winning tea company offers certified organic tea, beautifully packaged for gift giving, with many options to choose from.
The reason I am so excited about this company, aside from their wide variety of unbelievably scrumptious tea is, their tea traveler. I just love, love, love this as a favor idea! I can picture these wrapped in a cellophane bag with maybe some sort of natural sugar, tied with a bow and a hang tag. LOVE IT! and the best part they recently discontinued their travel tins and switched to these eco-friendly bright beautiful boxes that will compliment so many wedding and party styles. Visit two leaves and a bud to get a peek at their entire line of great teas. Thank you two leaves and a bud for inspiring us.

May 19, 2009

Giveaway! {Cupcake Mix Favors - $100 gift certificate}

Ok, I need a little bit of help from YOU! I will be adding a new page to my Gourmet Gift Company site featuring 101 great ways to use my cupcake mix favors and baking mix gifts. I have done giveaways on other blogs and asked the question - If you win, what will you use the mixes for? I have received the most unique and creative answers, from... promote my new book... to use them as my thank you cards. These are things I would have never thought of myself. I have received hundreds of responses, but I do not quite have 101 different ways to use them. So it's time to get creative, and throw your best ideas at me. One participant will be chosen at random on June 1st to win the gift certificate! To enter, just sign up to follow our blog and post your ideas in the comments field below... that's easy as cake!

May 18, 2009

a little inspiration {neapolitan}

I do love this inspiration board by finestationery. Pink and brown with just a touch of cream, it just reminds me of neapolitan ice cream and summer fun. Yes, the inspiration board is definitely wedding, but this look would be great for any type of girly event or gathering. This would be a great baby shower, bridal shower or birthday party palette.

May 15, 2009

Esty Favorites {Tadpoles and Tutus}

I have my sisters baby shower this weekend and I have been on a quest to find cute boy things. Now there are lots of cutsie boy things out there, you know the type, teddy bears and puppy dogs. I know they are for babies, but I just want something that totally says BOY! Well I finally found it. I just love the creative designs by Heidi sold at her custom boys and girls clothing boutique Tadpoles and Tutus. This busy mother of three creates these tiny wardrobe works of art in here spare time . I just love this one the Retro Boy Traffic Jam. It is important for newborns to be cool.
I had to throw in one her for the girls. I am the mother of three girls, none of which these little black damask maryjanes would fit, but they really are so much fun.
How cute is this one... little sailor boy . A very welcome change from teddy bears. To view Heidi's entire line visit her Etsy store at Tadpoles and Tutus.
Thank you Heidi for inspiring us.

May 14, 2009

Etsy Favorites {Giggles and Grins Bowtique}

I just love, love, love these. Dawn Wilcox, busy mother of three dreamed up this too cute idea to help support her daughters gymnastics fees. By adding bold graphics to {get this} retired Scrabble pieces she has created mini works of art for wearing.
I have three girls {16, 13 and almost 11}. I think these are the perfect favors for our birthday party guests next month. There are literally hundreds of designs to choose from and the best part, they are only $5 each {including the chain}. I showed them to my girls and they flipped! And don't think these are only for the kids, there are so many fun and unique designs, they are a great way to add a whimsical touch to any wardrobe.
To view Dawn's entire line, visit her Etsy store Giggles and Grins Bowtique. Thank you Dawn for inspiring us.

May 13, 2009

stylish favors and gifts {Tea forte'}

Tea forte' is one of our great sponsors and one of my personal favorite gift and favor ideas. Perfect for so many when it comes to gift giving, and what a classy favor. They offer a variety of packaged gifts starting under $20. What a thoughtful teacher gift! Something they can use up rather than collect dust. To view their entire line of great ideas click on their sponsor button to the right. I think their classic cafe' cup is just too cute. I love that you just set the pyramid infuser in the bottom of the cup and fill with water. The custom cover keeps your water warm while steeping.
I know teachers get lots of coffee mugs, but this is a truly unique and functional product that I think would really be appreciated.

May 11, 2009

May is Teacher Appreciation Month!

Let's remember our great teachers this month! Most schools set aside a week in the month of May to honor our hard working teachers. This month I will try to feature gift ideas with these everyday heroes in mind. I found a great site {thrifty fun} that asked teachers what they really enjoy at teacher appreciation time... kinda fun to read through when you have a minute. Enjoy.

foodie gifts {amy's gourmet apples}

Oh, how I love these, let me count the ways. There are over 30 flavors to choose from, but that is just the beginning. Amy's Gourmet Apples are sold individually or tastefully packaged with other complimentary gourmet treats. They even offer a petite version, perfect for favors, I LOVE this idea for an upcoming fall wedding or bridal shower.
... and we think of apples we naturally think of teachers. Not really sure where that came from exactly. I guess way back when, a fresh apple {picked during the long stroll through the countryside on the way to school} was probably quite a treat. Well these are definately a little more decadent than the original version and teachers are sure to love them. Amy's Gourmet Apples take apples to a whole new level.
Visit Amy's Gourmet Apples to view their entire collection of over the top apples!

May 9, 2009

Happy Mother's Day!

Thank you finestationery.

To all of you mother's out there... I hope your day is as dreamy as this lemony inspiration board. I am blessed with three beautiful girls {16, 13 & 10} and a wonderful husband that truly appreciates the 1001 motherly duties that are performed daily. I am looking forward to an overindulgent, family filled day, and hopefully one of those cupcakes. Enjoy!

DIY favors {flower seed packets}

This is one of the cutest DIY favor projects that I have seen. These could be customized to compliment any style or theme. This project was sent in by one very creative bride to Style Me Pretty. View the easy step by step instructions.

May 7, 2009

etsy favorites {flying bird botanicals}

I must be in a natural mood, because I really love this next one. Kinda goes with the party theme from yesterday. These products are so pretty, I just want them all. Flying Bird Botanicals was dreamed up four years ago.... offering pure and wholesome solutions for your life and health. They use only the finest organic, wildcrafted, fair trade and locally grown herbs, oils and butters to create their fine herbal delights. Everything they create - from luxurious creams to original tea blends- is handcrafted in small batches to ensure the highest quality. the baby bird gift basket... what a sweet gift basket for a new baby bird, filled with organic, herbal delights. Flying Bird Botanicals now offers their large variety of fine herbal teas on Etsy. I will definately keep all of these great products in mind for the many women in my life. I love the fact that they offer custom gift sets and baskets, so thoughtful. Visit their Etsy store to view their entire line of fabulous offerings. Thank you so much to Scout and Flying Bird Botanicals for inspiring us.



May 6, 2009

a little inspiration {naturally perfect}

Don't you just love this...I absolutely fell in love with it. The contrasting corals and blues compliment each other perfectly. Throw in a hint of yellow a rustic piece or two and a touch of nature and it just makes me happy. This is the perfect palette for a baby shower or bridal shower. I'm feeling so inspired, I think I'll have a party.
Thank you coco+kelley

May 5, 2009

Mother's Day Gift Guide {dabney lee AT HOME}

I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these next great gift ideas for MOM's day or anytime you need a wonderfully, thoughtful gift. Bring style to your life with dabney lee AT HOME's bold graphics and bright monograms. Her entire collection of modern accessories are full of fabulous embellishments to brighten up your home or office. ...stylish giving at it's finest. Check out dabney lee's great website and oh, so lovely moderne blog to view her entire collection.
I would feel so hip serving guests with this monogrammed lucite tray. Kids, I hope you are paying attention!