May 21, 2012

Shopping Tiny Prints for Wedding Party Invitations

 

My sister’s getting married! I’m super excited, and so proud to be her [ahem] Matron of Honor. (Sounds SO old, you know?) So, for an engagement gift I offered to throw her a shower, hosted by the bridesmaids.

Immediately, I thought of Tiny Prints, as for the past few years, they’ve been my go-to place for  invitations and announcements. I was a bit concerned, though, because I’ve always relied on Tiny Prints for baby and family announcements and invitations, and wasn’t sure about the variety available for wedding-themed events.

Little did I know that my mom had already ordered engagement party invitations from Tiny Prints. Tiny Prints now has a wedding brand: Wedding Paper Divas, which immensely expands their invitations, announcements and stationary offerings. Even with this huge selection, I selected an invitation from their Valentine’s Day collection. Which is just one of the great aspects of ordering from Tiny Prints: there are so many choices and they’re all so versatile. You can find a new home announcement in the Christmas card selection, you just never know.

The party was a make-your-own-Sundae party and I took the name “Sweets & Treats” from the Valentine’s Day invite, adding “Bridal Shower.” The invitation turned out adorable, and especially fitting was the heart-shaped cherry on top–so versatile!

Ordering was simple! I created the copy, got to play around with fonts, sizes and colors, and quickly ordered. The next day I received a confirmation phone call, checking on the order and making sure I was okay with the proof before it was printed (my order was rushed). Love the customer service–the man who called was so friendly and helpful.

While I better not need to order wedding invitations for my Little girl for LOTS of years, any parties I’m giving in the meantime, I know I can rely on Tiny Prints for events of all types.

 Tiny Prints just launched a new Greeting Cards service and are offering 3 free greeting cards to everyone who signs up for a membership (first year of membership fee is vaived!) Here’s a couple of current Tiny Prints coupon codes you can use with order:  TP2010 for $10 off your order of $49 or more.  MOM2BE4 for 10% off an order of $40 or more.

Thanks to Tiny Prints for providing the invitations for this review.

Disney Store spreads the Earth Day love

As a part of their Friends for a Change – Save Planet Earth campaign, Disney has come out with a line of Save Planet Earth products that are being sold at the Disney Store.

I came home last week to a neat little package full of a couple of the products – including a plush Toy Story Alien, who is the official mascot for this campaign.  With many of the items, Disney will donate $1 to the Nature Conservacy.  Just look for the little green button, like on this product pictured.

They have a bunch of stylish and sustainable products for sale including a Tree Making Kit, a reusable water bottle and shopping bags made out of recycled plastic water bottles.  Love the Mickey Cosmetic Bag!

The journal that was too beautiful to use: 15% off at Rag & Bone Bindery

Before my family left for Disney World earlier this month, I had a small pile of products to sample on my office desk.  It was my “test in Disney” pile.  A journal from Rag & Bone Bindery sat at the top of the pile.  I didn’t bring it.

Why?  I couldn’t bring myself to use it in Disney.  And I didn’t reject this product from my trip because it wasn’t useful – I didn’t pack it because it was just too beautiful.  There was no way I was putting this gorgeous handmade bound book anywhere near my two dirty kids.

This book is all mine.  In fact, last night my husband asked, “is that your new day planner?”  He thought I had started using it as a new day planner (not knowing it was a blank journal) because I had been carrying it around so much.  It’s that nice.

Looking for something unique, handmade and gorgeous for your child’s baby book, a journal or wedding album?  Look no further than Rag & Bone Bindery.  My review can’t do the quality of this book justice – visit the site and check it out for yourself.

Use coupon code MWS for 15% off all regularly priced items at Rag & Bone Bindery.

Lullaboards: Simplify organization in parenting

lullabdsHaving a baby and kids means a lot of scheduling and record keeping. Losing sight of those schedules can be cause for a rausous of a child, and, often, a stressed and frustrated spouse. Over a baby’s uncalmable screams, there’s nothing more frustraing than screaming “when was she last fed?” and receive the response: “I don’t know… maybe about an hour ago? or three?”

So its really helpful to find a recording system that will work for you, your spouse and your babysitter. One system that’s working well is Lullaboards, a dry erase board that can be posted on your refrigerator. It offers space for tracking feedings, diapers, naps and milestones. We’ve found that listing these accomplishments each day, and keeping it on the refrigerator in the same spot all the time, helps to keep everyone sane, and in the know at the loudest and most stressful times. Its also been so helpful to have when calling the pediatrician with questions and preparing for a babysitter.

Lullaboards are available for tracking newborns, babies, pumping and toddlers withcolorful border options. (I’d love to see a “sickie” Lullaboard for tracking fevers and medications in the future.) They can be personalized, which I imagine is perfect for daycares and twins.

Edited to add:  Julie received a sample of Lullaboards to assist in this review.

June 15 Collection Reusable Bags: Eco-Fabulous Reusable Bags

Image and video hosting by TinyPicYour reusable bag can help the planet and also be seriously cute– we like June 15, Inc’s line of attractive reusable bags, made from cotton or jute, which is a natural sustainable fiber spun into coarse, strong threads.

We were sent a sample of their Cotton Black Bag ($14.49). It was sturdier than most of the other reusable bags I’ve seen. I liked the design and the long canvas straps. It held a lot of heavy groceries, plus I also was able to use it as a toy/snack tote/diaper bag for my children. It folds flat when not in use and the dimensions are 11H x 14W x 9D”.

Your children help you shop by sporting the adorable Eggplant Bag ($7.99), which converts into a backpack. All bags are washable and recyclable.

June 15, Inc. donates 1% of their profits to one percent for the planet.org.

Kreative Lil Invites gets the party started!

Prepping for a party can be stressful. You want everything to be perfect for your little darling but you may not be sure where to start or who to turn to for an adorable personalized photo invite.

I’ve found many of the card companies out there to be overwhelming. Many is the time when I’ve sat in front of a screen, dazzled by the choices and paralyzed with indecision. I didn’t know what to do.  There was no one to hold my hand. With the exception of entrusting my child’s photo to a friend who is a designer, I’ve never had any luck ordering photo cards online.

And then I met the owner of Kreative Lil Invites. Her enthusiasm and attention to detail won me over immediately! I loved all the options she showed me for our holiday cards. We went with a classic Hanukkah design but were really tempted to put ourselves in this snowglobe! Kreative Lil Invites did such a beautiful job with my holiday cards that I know I will be calling them again.

What I like about their site is that they offer a great range of choices, but not so many choices that I start to feel like I am writing a dissertation, instead of creating an invite! Browse through their themes – if you don’t see exactly what you want, they have the flexibility to work with you for a completely custom card. They won’t leave hanging. That personal touch is so wonderful.

If you are planning a party, announcing a move, welcoming a new baby, or looking for a better source for next year’s holiday cards or wanting personalized notecards made, check out Kreative Lil Invites.

Beautiful artwork to celebrate milestones and decorate rooms

champagneJolee Klugherz and I have been friends since I was younger than Little. I am, and have always been, in awe of her talent.

1o years ago I received the most beautiful engagement gift: artwork by Jolee. Since they day we received it, my husband and I have hung the art in a prominent place in our home. Our Let’s Toast picture  includes terms of love, endearment, trust and excitment. 

This fall, in honor of Little’s birth, we were gifted a baby design in the flower style, also by Jolee Klugherz. What makes this so special is that its completely personalized. More than just Little’s name and birthdate, the picture includes her brothers’ names, the huz’ and my names, height, weight and more.flowersbright

What I love about the artwork at JRK Designs is the way personalized words so easily mesh into the art. Every time we look at the pictures we notice new words and terms. From afar, it looks to be a funky design around a focus point, but as one walks closer to inspect, she realizes the detail in the art.

JRK Designs can be gifted for weddings, babies, children, house warmings and other celebrations. In addition to the word designs series, you’ll find paintings in a similar style as well as one-of-a-kind beaded pens (great teacher and family gifts.)

Both pictures were gifted to me during milestones in my life.

Preserve your 2009 memories with gorgeous Rag and Bone Bindery albums (and a Giveaway!)

One of my major New Year’s resolutions is to really get organized with my photos and scrapbooking. And one of the major tools to help me do this is Rag & Bone Bindery and their amazing, gorgeous, handmade albums.

Rag & Bone offers a full range of sophisticated products, from baby books, photo albums, address books, and day planners, to wedding and shower albums, guestbooks, binders, growth charts, and more. There are countless stylish cover options from whimsical designs to classic to sweet and simple looks.

One of their newest products is the 4×6 slip-in photo frame album. The cream colored paper pages are 100% acid-free and lay flat when opened. Photos may be removed & rearranged by simply sliding them out of the frame pages. These albums hold twenty 4 x 6 standard sized photos and make great brag-books or coffee-table books featuring your favorite holiday pictures or pictures from 2009.

Rag & Bone albums, made in Rhode Island, are made extremely well by skilled artisans. They are archival quality and are not only well constructed throughout, but are simply beautiful. You will definitely enjoy preserving your family’s memories in one of these classic albums!

Want a chance to win a 12×12 Paper page Album in Dogwood design (value: $98.00) and a Photo Frame album (value: $29.00)? Please comment and tell us your scrapbooking/photo goal for 2010 and you will be entered to win! Winner will be drawn on January 14th and will have 24 hours to respond to claim this special Rag & Bone prize.

Thanks to Rag & Bone Bindery for a sample of their new 4×6 frame album for this review.

Thank You notes to write? Check out PicPads; 10% off

Have a couple of Thank You Cards you need to write post Christmas?  Check out PicPads for something different and fun.  You can customize a thank you card, note card and more with a picture of your choice. 

PicPads was recently featured in both InStyle Magazine and O Magazine.  They were selected as one of O’s favorite shopping ideas.

Use coupon code LETSGOSTROLLING for 10% off your order through January 31, 2010.

Blue Aster Designs: Phenomenal Multi Media Collage Art

blueaster-sports1Blue Aster Designs creates amazing multi media collage art that is simply beautiful! They specialize in magnetic memo boards, magnetic photo frames, memory books, framed invitations and customized photography art.

Last year when I was searching for the perfect memo board for my kids’ rooms, I was amazed at how expensive the boards can be. So when I happened to attend a show and spotted a gorgeous Magnetic Memo Board from Blue Aster Designs that was more in my price range, I was so excited! These unique boards are completely magnetic and can incorporate your choice of specialty papers, wall papers, scanned fabric images, chalkboard or photography. The board can be specified to whatever color, theme, or photo you would like. I did a sports theme for my son’s and a pink with purple theme for my daughter’s. The memo boards are finished with color coordinated ribbons or brads. Included with the boards are fabulous magnets that are handmade out of polymer clay. They are really neat and I haven’t seen anything like them! The inside dimensions are 16”x 20” with a 2″ wide frame, which is available in many colors. In addition, they can also be made with a clipless frame, to appear frameless. A smaller version of the magnetic memo board is available in an 11”x 14” size, which is great for smaller spaces. These smaller boards are frameless, can stand-up with an easel back, or hang from a ribbon. Similar to the larger boards, these can be customized to your color or theme and all come with 5 clay magnets. Both boards would look great in your kitchen, office, bedroom, play room or just about anywhere in your house. They are truly distinctive works of art!

blueasterphotoframeI also adore their unique Photo Frames. These frames are created from your favorite photos and make up a collage matte that surround a magnetic board or framed mementos. The sample I was sent has pictures of my kids from the past few years surrounding a magnetic piece. It is so precious and stands proudly in my kitchen to keep notes and such out in plain view for me to see. The notes are held up by these adorable clay letter magnets that spell family. I always receive complements on how neat it is when someone comes over. The Photo Frames are offered in sizes 11”x 14” and 16”x 20”. Personalized letter magnets are available as well.

Fabulous for gift-giving, Blue Aster Designs creates works of art for all occasions! Their art is perfect for the person that has everything, the person you really want to get something unique for or if you just like to do something a little different with your photos! Prices range from $22.50 to $150.00 plus tax & shipping depending on size and product.  Give them a call (609-320-8039) or e-mail to discuss your order. They have a website and are on Facebook which is their online catalogue. They are currently offering a 10% discount on purchases of $50.00 or more to anyone who become a Facebook fan.

20% off at CVS.com, plus free shipping

So right now you can get free shipping with orders over $49, plus 20% off the entire CVS.com website when you use coupon code 2DAY20.   The coupon expires November 10th so shop today fast – otherwise if you are reading this after the 10th, check out their Sales & Specials website for their current sale or special.  They seem to always have some sort of good deal or special going on so it’s worth always checking out.

I actually started visiting the CVS website recently when I received some Caliber office samples.  I wouldn’t normally think to shop at CVS for office supplies but I actually loved all of the items they sent – even more so loving the price point of many of the items.

I quickly lost the Recycled School Box to crayons and markers for my kids but I’m happy to report that I kept the Expanding File Case for myself for grocery coupons.

CVS provided product samples of several Caliber office supplies.

Advertorial: Couture Invito

The following is a paid advertorial from Couture Invito:

coutureinvito-advertorialLooking for the perfect gift for $15 or less? The best-selling Holiday gift item is the Custom Photo Notepad… Use your favorite picture to create the perfect 100-page notepad, where your photo is featured on every page for as low as $14.25. A wonderful Holiday gift for yourself and others! Free personalization and quick turnaround time.

Couture Invito also designs Holiday photo cards. Express your style — Choose your design color, font and greeting. Plus, FREE digital proof and ships within 3-5 business days after your approval. With over 35 designs, the design possibilities are endless… every card is professionally designed, so if the card needs to be modified to fit your picture, or if you would like to add a verse… they can do that!

Shop Couture Invito and receive 15% off your total purchase through 12.15.09 with coupon: mwsadv119

Kelly Hughes Personalized Platter: My plan-ahead Hostess Gift this holiday season

khbbBefore I start my real holiday shopping, I like to think ahead to any hostess gifts we’ll be  needing over the holidays. And, don’t tell, but I usually buy those as well as gifts for my grandparents and other family in one giant swoop. Its a big check off my list and there’s not rush out the door 15 minutes before the party to grab something at a nearby shop, making us 20 minutes late with a not-so-nicely-wrapped gift.

So, this year I’m totally eyeing up these platters by Kelly Hughes.  I was sent a sample of the personalized melamine tray. And its been a great, casual look that I can pull out quickly when unexpected guests stop by. It dresses up my spread and makes it look like I’m always prepared for company. (yeah. right.)

I’m attempting to list out all the people I’ll gift these trays to this winter. Loving the Christmas tray and this blue one will totally work for Chanukkah for the families that host holiday parties, but also eyeing fun trays for families with beach houses and party patios.

Thanks to Kelly Hughes Designs and Bailey Bea for supplying the sample for review. Use coupon code MWS2009 for 20% off your order.

Semikolon for School Memento Sanity

As my son gets ready to start preschool in a few weeks, I realized it was time to deal with the pile of artwork and mementos he had made during his previous year that had been collecting in a massive pile on top of our fridge.  I had memories of a drab, brown accordian folder that my mom had used when I was young for storing such memories.  I loved that it kept things organized and also limited how much you could save (while all of his finger-paintings are adorable, I don’t want to save 40 of them).  But the drab brown exterior that I remembered left something to be desired.

semikolon-accordianSemikolon to the rescue.  Semikolon offers a whole coordinated collection of organization supplies including binders, folders, boxes, paper trays AND….accordian folders.  And not just any accordian folders, but sturdy, well-made accordian folders in a variety of blues, greens, pinks and yes, brown (though it’s a delicious chocolate brown).  Fifteen minutes later, I had the first of the twelve pockets labeled and stuffed with a handful of selected mementos from my son’s first year, and the top of my fridge clear.  With twelve pockets I’m hoping this baby will last me all the way to high school.

Check out the entire Semikolon line at See Jane Work.

Mixed Bag Designs: Great for Swag, but also Perfect for Groceries

mixedbagsSure my Mixed Bag Designs bag may only have a gallon of milk, some eggs and loaf of bread in it, these days, but every time I use it, I feel like I have just left a posh event with a big bag full of swag. It’s full of many memories along with the groceries! These bags were recently used at an event that coincided with BlogHer and were the talk of Chicago. For two days they were making appearances all over downtown Chicago and the oohs and ah’s in their pretty wake were audible. These distinctively gorgeous bags went home with people, in many cases as a carry on. I could hardly blame people for not wanting to let them out of their site.

Most of us are making an effort these days to reuse bags and bring our own to the grocery store. And while it’s not hard to build up a stock of free ugly totes, where’s the style in that? Where is the fun? Where is the glamour? I’m more likely to remember to bring bags I like, that are aesthetically pleasing because I want to use them. Just seeing them makes me happy.

One more reason to like Mixed Bag Designs? School fundraisers. How can you not love a company that helps the environment, your school and your personal style factor, all in one fell swoop.

Check out the gorgeous selection of bags at www.mixedbagdesigns.com

25% off with coupon code on Stationery & more at Paper and Punch

pandpPaper and Punch says “the party starts with the invitation” but be certain to know that it doesn’t end there. I’m liking not just their invitations: the variety is fantastic with classic, whimsical, cutesy, and more, but I’m also enjoying their personalized partyware and stationary.

Paper & Punch recently samples of their biggest selling and most favorite invitations, as well as some of their best party favors. You’ll find everything from personalized cups for parties to gifts like such as name-plates and -placemats and personalized notepaper and thank you notes. Paper and Punch is a great spot to look to when searching invitations, announcements and paper.

Use coupon code MS25 for 25% off your entire order until September 12, 2009.