Printing Tips

People ask me all the time what my printing secrets are.  So here you go...

Invitations will come in a JPEG form which means image.  The cheapest way to print these is through Costco or Sam's Club.  I thought everyone printed pictures here but I was wrong!  DO NOT print these at Kinko's or Office Max, you will pay more than you need too.  Most invitations you purchase off Etsy will come in a 5"x7" form.  Upload it on to your preferred store website, under the photo page.  Print them just like normal photos.  Also, be sure that the auto-correct is off.  I didn't do this the first time when I printed Charlotte's invites for her last birthday party and the colors were nothing like what my computer screen showed.  I reprinted them selecting the auto-correct OFF, and they turned out great. Another tip, choose LUSTRE not glossy.  5"x7" envelopes can be purchased at most craft stores and you can use your 40% off app coupons to save even more on cost.

For the rest of the party package, this should be printed on white cardstock, for best results. If you have a printer with a lot of ink, go ahead and use that!  If you do not want to use your ink, print at Kinko's or Office Max/Depot.  This can add up, I will warn you.  But for one party, it shouldn't be that big of a deal.  If you bring in your own cardstock, they will only charge you for the price of printing on normal computer paper.  Signs that will be in frames, use normal computer paper.  You don't need them to stand alone.  You can even get away with water bottle wrappers and cupcake toppers on computer paper.  Things like thank you tags, signs that will hang, and tent signs (for food) need to be more firm.  Call ahead and ask what the prices are and add it all up before you go to fit in it your party budget!

Sometimes you can wait a very long time to have things printed.  Ask ahead of time if there is an email address you can send your documents to, to have printed.  I have learned that my OfficeMax has a specific email address for the printing department.  I send them the documents with very detailed instructions of what I need printed (i.e. pages) on what kind of paper.  Since I go in all the time, they are really good about doing everything perfect.  There have also been surprises where they had coupons I could use or surveys to take to save some money!

If you ever have any questions, please feel free to ask!  Chances are, someone else is wondering the same thing!

Miles From Tomorrowland

Are your children into "Miles From Tomorrowland" like my Charlotte is?  She sings the songs and gets excited when it's on Disney Junior.  When Easy Party Printables asked me to do a Miles-themed party I was thrilled!  It's definitely the new thing!  It's taking over Disney stores and a great "boy" show added to DJ.  You think about it, DJ has Doc McStuffins, Sophia the First...pretty girly.  Although, my daughter does love Miles, so I shouldn't say it's all boy.  But you get the idea!

As I was setting up, Charlotte kept saying, "party for ME?!"  Whoops, sorry, baby girl!  

There are a few different options you can choose from when selecting this theme.  

Package #1 has been shown in this blog post and gives you everything you need for a successful party! Only for $11.50!

Package #2 is perfect for customizing colors and signs! This option starts at $19.95!  I just love these parties that can be in everyone's budget!

Personalized invitations can also be purchased to set the tone of the party and let all the guests know the theme!  These start at $9.95!

To make the gable boxes more "spacey" spray paint them silver 

Thank you cards, menu cards, whatever you'd like them to be!

 Get a little creative with the drinks.  You don't always have to use water bottles.  Get a fun drink for the kids...and one that matches of course!!

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail...

Easter is approaching fast!  I can't believe we are already into April.  Where is the time going??  I worked with the incredible Mimi's Dollhouse to bring you a celebration to remember!!  I always loved having a spring birthday and hope one day I can have another child in the springtime.  This bright party package does a great job at including Easter and birthday!

 

Thank you Target Dollar Spot for the candy pails, felt bunny baskets and Easter section decorative eggs and last year's photo props!

When purchasing this "HOPPY" package, check out Mimi's Dollhouse.  This package includes:

1. 2″ Cupcake Toppers (12 designs)

2. 4″ Cake Toppers/Decorators (12 designs matching Cupcake Toppers)

3. Thank you Cards (1 design)

4. Favor Tags (1 design)

5. Blank Tent Labels (4 designs)

6. Welcome Sign (1 design)

7. Happy Birthday Banner with name (1 design-5×7 panels)

8. Cupcake Wrappers (4 designs)

9. Personalized Invitation (5×7 size)

10. Centerpieces (2 designs)

11. Water Bottle Wraps (4 designs)

12. Mini Name Banner (1 design)

                         13. Blank Sign (1 design)

Plus there are several add-on items such as personalized invitations! 

Ties Baby Shower

As I have said in the past, a lot of people are having babies...but I guess when you know someone having a baby, you notice it more :)  Baby showers are always a hot topic and you want to get them just right!  One thing I try to keep in mind when throwing a baby shower, is that it doesn't look like it's for a baby.  This is an adult party, so make it look mature and put together.  Just because you are throwing a shower doesn't mean you go to the local party store and buy all the baby boy products.  When I throw parties, I think of decorating my house.  Would this look good in my house?  Of course you may have little things here and there that aren't "home decor" just to pull in the theme, but do it tactfully.  This photo shoot is all about the sign in table. 

Use your IKEA plants anytime you can.  There are several different pots to change out (I have three different kinds) and they are very inexpensive! 

 When people arrive, have them instantly engaged and excited to be there with a diaper raffle!  

Display a photo of the Mom-to-Be.  I mean, this is her party!   

 Have the guests write their address on an envelope that you will send their "thank you" note in.  It also helps you remember who attended your shower and make sure you send everyone a note of appreciation. I love these coordinating "thank you" notes included in this party package!  

Water bottle wrappers...you can never go wrong!

This party package was sponsored by Mimi's Dollhouse and the entire package can be purchased here for $29!  The set includes:

Invitation

2" Party Circles

4" Party Circles

Thank you cards

Banner (5x7)

Cupcake Wrappers

Water Bottle Labels

3/4" circles/ candy stickers

Mini Banner 

Welcome Sign 

Tented Labels 

Favor Tags 

Straw Flags 

Signs (4x6 and 5x7) 

Signs (8x10) 

Centerpieces 

Blank Sign 

Patterned Paper 

Chanel Party

I love chic.  I love girly.  I love classy.  My favorite color combo lately is gold and black.  You can only imagine my excitement when my friends at Magical Printables asked me to put together a Chanel party.  My mind was racing of what I could do.  The possibilities were endless.  Since I have a track mind lately on makeup, I thought... A MAKEUP PARTY!!  It doesn't get any girlier than that!!! 

This theme can also be used for a bridal shower, baby shower, bachelorette party, birthday party...really anything a bunch of woman get together for!! 

The party package comes in pink/black and white/black.  I knew exactly what props to use once I figured out it would be a "Girl's Night Out" type of party!  

Printable

Frame spray painted gold with gold metallic top coat 

Younique foundation 

Pom Pom 

This party package is on sale right now for $1.00!!  Yes!  You read that right!!  ONE DOLLAR!!  The pink/black party package is for sale for $6.00!  You can select what color fits your style best here!

The package includes:

1) Bunting

2) Cupcake Wrapper

3) Circle Toppers 2″

4) Tent Style Labels

5) Favor Bag

6) Bottle Wrappers

Use Paper Size 11 x 8.5″

St. Patty's Day

I feel like St. Patrick's Day is not a holiday I have ever really thought of, let alone celebrated, besides wearing green and hoping I wouldn't get pinched at school!!  Now that I'm a mom and I love changing things up around the house, I find it a reason to celebrate and decorate!!

The other day, I grabbed some clover garland at Target for $3 and green flowers at Dollar Tree.  I stuck them in a vase I made (thanks Pinterest) and added a printable from last year!

I have been working a lot with my friend over at Mimi's Dollhouse and noticed she had some FREE St. Patrick's printables!  I printed them out and added them to the mix.  You can use these for just decorations or parties of all kinds!!

 

Lucky Charm Birthday Party

I'm sure I have said this before, I know I have thought it several times, but when I celebrate Charlotte's birthday, it's more than just another year, but a celebration of her life and how lucky we were to have such a successful pregnancy and aftermath!  LUCKY might not be the right word (maybe blessed, watched over, grateful...you get the point) but there are many days where that is what it feels like.  I believe many parents feel this way about their children and that is why I love this birthday party theme so much.  Especially for the first birthday!

Again, my friends at Mimi's Dollhouse have created a perfect birthday party for your St. Patrick's/Lucky Charm baby!  I love the soft blue, green and grey colors.  This party is fit for any little boy who is turning one this time of year!  This package can be personalized for your child, too.

Silver boxes- Target Holiday two years ago

Plant and vase

Green chair (we use for an American Girl chair)- Goodwill

Frame- IKEA

 Gable boxes- Hobby Lobby (They are 50% off this week!!)

Green mustaches- Target St. Patrick's party

Pot O' Gold 

Coordinate the kids pouches with the color of your party 

 Water bottle wrappers make a great touch and are so easy and fast to put together!

As an alternative to cupcakes, I made individual trifles.  These are the perfect dessert, can be held in your hand with just a spoon.  You can put whatever you want in them too!  These are triple chunk brownies, carmel and chocolate sauce, and cool whip, topped with green sprinkles to pull in the theme!  Yum!  The cupcake toppers stayed up perfectly the whole time.  Place them on a cake stand and WAL-LA!  The perfect, yummiest, creative dessert for your guests!

  

To purchase this party package and several other different themes, head over to Mimi's Dollhouse!  This can also be purchased in pink, rather than blue, for your little girl!!  Love this!!  

The party packages includes:

1. 2" Cupcake Toppers (12 designs)

2. 4" Cake Toppers/Decorators (12 designs matching Cupcake Toppers)

3. Thank you Cards (1 design)

4. Favor Tags (1 design)

5. Blank Tent Labels (4 designs)

6. 8.5x11 Patterned Paper (4 designs)

7. Happy Birthday Banner with name (1 design-5x7 panels)

8. Cupcake Wrappers (4 designs)

9. Personalized Invitation (5x7 size)

10. Straw Flags (10 designs)

11. Water Bottle Wraps (4 designs)

12. Centerpieces (2 designs)

13. Blank Sign (1 design)

14. Mini Name Banner (1 design)

15. Welcome Sign (1 design)

Purchase the matching invitation HERE.