October 2, 2008

FREE CUPCAKES!!!


Did that get your attention?
Okay, so they aren't edible but they are cupcakes and they are free. Totally counts.

These free downloads from A Print a Day are adorable AND they won't damage your waistline. You're welcome.



If you haven't spent hours on A Print a Day looking at all the amazing free downloads they so graciously offer, then get comfortable, because you're about to do just that. Thanks to A Print a Day for being so generous and sharing so many incredible goodies with all of us!

October 1, 2008

Spooktacular Contest!


Little Ant Design has a frighteningly fun contest right now. Click on over to enter to win one of these spooktacular changing portraits from The Ghoulish Gallery. If.You.Dare.

How creepy cool are these?



September 30, 2008

They Are Kind Of Like Duct Tape


You can use them for anything!





Grab these super affordable stacking mugs from World Market in either the multicolor stack or monochromatic version and keep on hand for...
  • hostess gifts
  • a coffee bar or hot chocolate bar with yummy toppings and syrups (or something with a kick) at your autumn/winter parties
  • favors for your next brunch
  • individual servings of desserts on the buffet
  • etc., etc., etc.

Dem Bones


Loving this Halloween Dinner Party from Social Couture. The bones napkin fold...I die. Fabulous.


September 29, 2008

Still a Little Retro


I didn't realize it at the time I was drawn to these toys as inspiration for a baby shower, but apparently I'm still feeling a little retro! Did anyone else out there have this classic phone toy? It's just as cute as ever.


Pair these famous toys with simple primary colors throughout the rest of your decor and you'll have a new twist on a baby shower full of the classics.



Just a few random ideas to help your guests feel like a kid again:

  • Use rolls of white paper in lieu of tablecloths and place cylinder vases with crayons on the tables. Fill each vase with varying shades of the same color to add visual interest. Encourage spontaneous art from your guests.
  • Play on the same idea above and draw circles on the table in lieu of chargers. Ask each guest to decorate their own charger with crayon art and special messages. Let the mom-to-be choose her fave and give a prize to the winner. When the guests are all gone, cut out each one and bind together with all the photos you took of the special day and send to your guest of honor as a keepsake.
  • Make a monochromatic display of cylinder vases filled with Legos.
  • Take a black Sharpie to the the vintage flash cards and write in the remaining letters of guests' names underneath the big letter and turn them into place cards.
  • Use the flash cards to spell out the baby's name make a Welcome banner with them.
  • Serve colorful cupcakes as shown above courtesy of fab guest post from How About Orange via Hostess With The Mostess.
  • Send simple invitations like the carriage one shown here or the adorable old-fashioned bicycle. So maybe that's a little more vintage than we can all remember but, hey, it's cute!
Bonus: Your decor doubles as presents for the guest of honor. Talk about festive recycling!

September 25, 2008

Let's All Go To The Lobby...


to get ourselves a treat!


There are literally 8,000,000 movie theme products available, but for our purposes on Retro Week the focus is on a special select few. When I say "8,000,000" I mean "okay, not 8,000,000, but a lot."



Come on, who doesn't love a dancing Hot Dog? These dancing snack signs would make great decor items as would the vintage movie posters. I've added some spooooky versions just in case you wanted to do an Vintage Horror Movie theme for Halloween.

What movie is complete without popcorn? You can find all kinds of popcorn machines on the market, but I love this little miniature guy. It makes air-popped popcorn, too, so it's practically a health-food machine. Move over Juicer. Now you don't have to feel guilty for eating popcorn after you've helped yourself to the Concession Stand Style Hot Dog and Nacho Buffet that you've set up for your guests, right next to these cute and simple retro plates and napkins.

I know I've left so many great products on the cutting room floor but I hope this gives you a new/old way of thinking of Movie Night! I have to run, I'm late for my close up.

Welcome, Baby Ella!


Pardon me for the delay but I spent last evening in the hospital with my dear friends and their new baby, Ella Jo. Her mom is the one on the left and looks as cute now as she did then. It's not right.


Welcome to the world, Little One! Well, 9lb 2 oz One, that is. I've never had kids but nothing about that sounds little or easy. I can't wait to have many wonderful celebrations with you, EJ!

Love,

Aunt Amy