Hello Cutie!

Y'all, I love, love, love Cutie Mandarin Oranges.  Don't be fooled by imposter mandarins either folks... CUTIE brand is THE only brand to buy.  They are hand's down our favorite fruit snack.

When it came time to sign up for party food for Valentine's Day, I knew I wanted to send yummy Cuties for a snack.  What kid can resist a Cutie, right?!

So, I decided to dress up the Cuties for Valentine's day.

A little assembly required, but this is where YOUR CUTIE comes in.  Have your child cut, punch, tape, assemble the decorations onto the Cuties.

There ya have it!

If you want to dress up a Cutie for Valentine's Day, click on the image to the left, save as, and print.  NOTE: You might have to adjust the print size prior to printing.  Print on cardstock for best results.

Printable Freebie: Valentine's Day Candy Bar Wrappers

Y'all.  I love Valentine's day despite the fact that it is a manufactured "holiday" perpetuated by greeting card companies and chocolate makers alike. Blah, blah, blah... I get it.

But, in the spirit of full disclosure, I'll be honest here... it's really about me.   Mama likes to send cute holiday stuff to school.  The girls could care less.  If they had their way, they'd pick up a box of Vday cards at the Dollar Tree and pass those around.  Luckily for me, I've been creating their Vday cards since they began school, so they don't really know any better.(Score one for mama!)

Anyway... so this year, I went a different route.  I decided to go whole hog and create a candy bar wrapper, rather than a treat bag, etc.  Yeah, in the grand scheme of things, purchasing 20 candy bars, rather than buying 2 bags of assorted candy will be more expensive, but we all know who really gets to eat the candy.  It's the mamas and pappas.  And who doesn't like a nice chocolate bar, right?  Sure beats a box of sweet-tarts any day. (At HEB, you can buy 6 Hershey bars for less than $3.50.  Not bad.)

So, click on the image below to download my printable files.  I've set up the download link to either download the entire set, or you can download each file. Y'all have fun!

December 19 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

I love stationery.  I mean... LOVE it!  I use note cards for anything and everything... Sending notes to school, attaching to a gift, notes to friend, notes to myself...

So, here's a little something I whipped up for you... or for someone else (perhaps on your Christmas list... a neighbor, a teacher, a coach.)  And you know I love Kinko's.  For $.60 per page you can have these printed in color... just be sure to bring in your own cardstock!  (That's like $.15 per card!)

Add your name to the bottom and you have a custom card!  The font is "Grand Hotel" by Astigmatic and can be downloaded here.

  

4 per page of 4x5 notecards in hi-res .pdf format or .jpeg format

Or, download individual cards.

Add a name at the bottom for a custom card!

Click here to download.

Thanksgiving Printable Banner

Need a quick banner for Thanksgiving?  Check out this freebie printable!

Freebie Printable Gift Card Holder

I created this thank you box/envelope to hold gift cards for end of school gifts this year!  I think they turned out so cute and I couldn't resist sharing them with you!

Click here to download this freebie printable!

It's a chore!

Okay, I have a confession to make.  My girls have never had to do chores.

Sure, they make up their beds occasionally, but to be perfectly honest, I make up their beds 90% of the time.  They used to be responsible for cleaning the game room once a week. However, because we stay so busy with soccer and school stuff they have very limited "down time".  I'd rather that time be spent playing than cleaning.

Tsk, tsk... I know.  But here are my thoughts... They HAVE a job... and they are doing it well. They are excellent students at school and they practice soccer 4+ times a week That's their job!

So... what's the hubbub about chores now?  Well...it's summertime and it's time to incorporate some chores into our daily routine. Plus, Elisan will be in middle school in the Fall and it's time she learned to do a few things around the house.

Believe me, I'm not dumping a bunch of crazy stuff into their laps like scour the oven.  I'm starting off easy... like making beds, sweeping, dusting, emptying the dishwasher, setting the table, collecting trash, washing clothes and folding laundry... easy stuff that doesn't require the use of harsh chemicals.  (My rule... not theirs.)  I've also added a section for "Quiet Time".  Unfortunately, I've had to schedule summer reading time for the girls... otherwise, there would be wailing and gnashing of teeth if I asked them to do it voluntarily.  

So far... two days into summer... we've had no complaints.  Who am I kidding... check back with me next week to verify that the complaining has begun.

Here's a sample of my chore chart and I've included a blank chore chart to download here.

So, what's your thoughts on chores?  The sooner the better?  Why start now?  Gimme your pros and cons!

Teacher Appreciation Free Printables

This year, I was asked to create a cute design for Teacher Appreciation Week at our school.

I created water bottle labels, candy bar wrappers, fold-over goodie bag tags and circle tags. This was a fun project!  And I'm very pleased with how everything turned out!

So, I'm offering up this Teacher Appreciation Printable as a freebie download!

Click the image below to download the

Teacher Appreciation Printable Pack

The zipped file contains high resolution .pdf files.

Valentine's Day Freebie Printable

I love Valentine's Day!  It's one of my favorite days of the year! Each year, I try to offer up some kind of Valentine Freebie!  This year, I'm offering up a 2-fer printable (sort've).

Click on the image below to download the

Valentine's Day Freebie Printable

Foldover Goodie Bag Tag

The file is in a high resolution .pdf formatted 2x/page.

I've also updated last year's Valentine Freebie Printable set.  I've changed the year to read 2012.  This set was created under the strict supervision of my then 4th grader who wanted to stay away from cutesy cute stuff!

Click on the image below to download the updated

Valentine's Day Freebie Printable Set

This file set contains 3 high resolution .pdfs formatted to a full page of printables.

If you have any trouble with the download, send me a message here.

Fun School Notes!

Only 5 days until school begins in our household. I don't know if I want to cry or... well, cry. This summer has been amazing and I've loved every second of having my little chickadees at home with me!

Several days ago, my friend Kim sent me a link to some fun school notes. I thought they were fun too so I decided to create my own set, customized, of course!

Please note, the details/contents of the notes are not from me. I am not that thorough and I would have probably left out a ton of stuff like... the section for my child's name, etc. I did however, revamp the design to make it more suitable to my taste and preferences.

EDITED TO ADD: The "FUN SCHOOL NOTES" has been so popular on Pinterest, I've made a freebie blank set available for download here! Each .pdf file is formatted with three "FUN SCHOOL NOTES" per page. ENJOY!

The long awaited post!

Yea, I know, y'all've been waiting with bated breath for this post. The post that should be entitled... "What the heck I've been doing for the last two weeks or more!"

Let me say, this is the FIRST DAY in a long list of days that we are staying home and NOT going anywhere. School begins next week and we are finally done with everything. Indoor soccer, YMCA Volleyball, 10th birthday party (and party prep...more on that later), traveling, etc. We just needed a DOWN DAY.

This in essence is going to be a big ol blog brain dump. So, skim through the parts you aren't interested in...

Class Reunion
My 20 year high school reunion was two weeks ago. Let me be the first to say that it was awesome seeing people I haven't seen since the last 10 year class reunion (or since high school graduation.) I loved catching up and meeting peoples' families. But, as expected, I mostly visited with people that I was closest to in high school. By 10 p.m., I was ready to go. So much of ME has changed, there isn't much commonality any longer. And that's okay! I didn't expect it and I wasn't disappointed!

All in all, I'm glad I went, it was everything I expected it to be and at times it was MOST entertaining.

And since there was much discussion as to what I would wear to my class reunion, you'll be happy to know that I found the cutest dress at White House Black Market. It's so stinking cute, very flattering and can either be dressed up or dressed down. I wore this dress with some jeweled flip flops for a more casual dressed down look!

And, this dress - Voile Printed Sundress - is now on sale for $60.00! Don't worry, I got it on sale too. Not for $60.... but, close!

Randy & Erica, 8/6/11

10th Birthday Party
Elisan's 10th birthday party was last Friday night. Because we're so much alike, she's been planning this party for over 4 months. She had very specific ideas as to what she wanted to do, how she wanted it to look and who was invited. (I love that about my type-A personality daughter!)
So, I began working on all the party prep stuff at least a month ago... maybe more. Here's how it turned out.

The free PLH digital kit is still available for download here.

This was such an easy party! We served pizza for dinner, then brought the girls down to the neighborhood pool for swimming. After swimming, Randy and I set up a 14 topping Sundae Buffet for ice cream sundaes! The ice cream sundaes were a HUGE hit and I think this may be our new go-to idea for birthday parties. The girls finished up the evening with presents and karaoke. Fun was had by all!

Craft Tutorial

For the party, I also worked on a craft project. I made magnets for the goodie bags using round wooden pieces, Mod Podge Dimensional Magic and the PLH round circles that I designed. The circles can also be used as stickers, tags or cupcake toppers.

This project is pretty self explanatory. My only change in the project would be to use white school glue, rather than a glue stick. I had a few that began pulling away from the wood one they dried completely. The ones I did with the white school glue did not pull away.

Also, in photo 3, on the top row, I'm sanding the paper edges for a smooth finish. Hot glue a magnet on the back and there ya go!

This was a CHEAP, fun and easy craft. A great take-away for the girls and something that will last a long time.

That's all for now folks. I'll leave you with this... a picture of my sweet little guy, TJ. Now, if I can only get him to NOT poop in the upstairs family room. Sigh...

At least he's consistent. And for my sake, at least we can gate off the upstairs!

PLH {Peace Love Happiness} Freebie Printables and Digital Kit Download

In honor of my soon-to-be 10 year old's birthday, I'm offering up for download the digital kit and printables I created exclusively for her!

I created this kit under strict supervision of my daughter. She wanted something cute, fun and funky. I think we were successful!

Included in this (.zip file) download are:

• 4 - 12x12 hi-resolution papers (.jpg)
• 3 - hi-resolution elements (.png)
• Printable water bottle labels (.pdf)
• Printable goodie bag toppers (.pdf)
• Printable foldover food label tents (.pdf)
• Printable foldover stationery cards (great for goodie bags and thank you notes!) (.pdf)
• Printable circle label sheet (great for cupcake toppers or stickers) (.pdf)

PLH {Peace Love Happiness}
Digital Kit & Printables

Click image to download

Sample invitation:

If you have trouble with the download link, send me an email and I'll send it to you directly.
Enjoy!

Another Label Frame Freebie Download

I've said it once and I'll say it again... I'm always looking for digi-scrap label frame downloads. And by "looking" I mean looking for FREE digi-scrap downloads.

So, enjoy this bit of free! FREE IS GOOD!

Click image to download!

Looking for sets 1& 2?

• Simple Label Frames Set 1
• Simple Label Frames Set 2

Some of you are having problems with the download page. Send me an email and I'll send the .zip file to you directly! Sorry!

Freebie Alert! "Sun Rays 'n Rainbows" Printables and Digital Kit

About a month ago, my friend Erica whose family is stationed in Okinawa asked me to create a birthday party idea for her two little girls who are having a birthday party in the summer. She wanted something that was bright and fun, that included rainbows. Being a mom of two girls as well, this one was easy! I just envisioned what my two girls would love for a birthday party theme!

Y'all this printable kit is huge. I just couldn't stop myself. In this kit you'll find fully customizable:

• cupcake wrappers - 2x page (.pdf)
  
• water bottle labels -5x page (.pdf)
• fold-over food labels - 4x page (.pdf)
• fold-over goodie bag tags - 3x page (.pdf)
• thank you tags -12x page (.pdf)
• write in invitations - 4x page (.pdf)
• customizable write in invitation (.jpg)
  
• 4 pages of elements ready to print and/or punch -great for party crafts! (.pdf)
• 10 12x12 papers (.jpg file)
  
• 9 digital elements (.png files)

Below is a preview of the kit. Click here to go to download page. Please note, because of the size of the downloads, I've included individual links, so you can download only the items you are interested in.

PRINTING TIP:
Bring your own cardstock into your local Kinko's and save a ton of money!

Merry Mermaids Digi Kit Freebie!

I was recently asked by one of my good friends to create a birthday design for her little girl who is turning 7. When she told me the theme was mermaids, I was so excited to begin working on a cute design!

This kit would be so adorable to do custom mermaid favors for each party attendee. The possibilities are endless!

(Click image to download)

This "Merry Mermaids" digital kit includes 17 high resolution digital elements (.png) and 1-12x12 background (.jpg)

Here's a sample birthday party invitation using this kit!

Aloha Luau Digital Kit Freebie

Last summer, Elisan decided she wanted a Luau themed birthday party. I found some really cute luau party platters at Hobby Lobby and decorated around those pieces. As a result, I was "inspired" by these pieces and created a few digital elements to go along with her birthday party invitation and theme.

With summer quickly approaching (at least here in Texas!) I decided it was time to offer up those digital elements as a freebie digital kit.

Enjoy!

Click image to download!

Sample Birthday Invitation

March Madras Madness - Freebie

Oooooh, you cannot know how happy I am to see madras making a comeback this Spring!

I'm mad for plaid... especially madras plaid. And with March Madness underway... I couldn't think of a better time to offer up a freebie madras paper pack!

Click here to download the entire paper pack! Enjoy!

I'm having fun! Another Digital Design Freebie!

One of my new year's resolutions was to "cultivate my digital design work style" and what better way to do this, than to offer up another digital design scrapbooking freebie.

Again, with the label frames! I love ornate label frames. I love them even better when they are free! Click here to download the entire set (or to download individually, click here.)

Also, still up for grabs is the Simple Label Frames (set 1) from last week!
Click here to download the entire set.

Simple Label Frames Freebie Download

I'm always on the lookout for cute (FREE!) label frames! Maybe you are too!

Available for download is a set of 9 Simple Label Frames in multiple colors. The frames are high resolution .png format.

Click this link to download. Enjoy!

1000

It's hard for me to believe I've been around for 1000 posts. The mere fact that I've stuck with something for so long is amazing.

I've poured my heart and soul into this blog, shared with you the good, the bad and the ugly... and hopefully along the way offered a little hope through my transparency.

As promised, I'm giving away something from my "talent". To enter to win this freebie, leave a comment on this post. I'll draw a winner on Wednesday!

Well, hello there!

I'll freely admit it. I'm a sucker for cute stuff. That... and my iPod wallpaper was no longer "wow-ing" me.

So, last night, I whipped up this little design and now, I'm sharing it with you.

It just makes me so happy. What's better than a yummy sweet cupcake greeting me with a friendly hello every time I use my iPod.

(Yes, I know there is a blog called "Hello Cupcake". No, I didn't consciously steal the tag-line from them. This cupcake just looks like he's saying hello, don'tcha think?)




To download this design, simply click on the image, right click to "save as". There ya have it.

Enjoy y'all and have a great weekend!