Favorite Black Friday Deal Like Ever! {Cardstore}

Don't get me wrong in that I love designing Christmas cards but this deal is too good to pass up (and not share). Every year I use Cardstore for our Christmas card printing. You can create your own design and upload it or you can use one of their designs on the site.

Cardstore is offering 50% (!!!) off all Christmas cards! Do you hear the angels singing? I do. This offer last from today through Sunday. You can use coupon code: DDCCN5525 to receive the offer. I highly recommend it. The cards are durable, matte print and perfect. You can order them now and get them in plenty of time for Christmas. Also if your order is over $30 you get free shipping to you. Also you can get them for pick up at Target. Also they will address them and mail them for you. Also they put your return address on the envelope if you like (for free). Also I could go on and on about Cardstore. Use them, love them, use them again.

And just to show you some favorites:

*Cardstore paid me zilch to write this post. I just love them that much y'all. All opinions are my own.

New Vendor: Proper Papers

I have to say that I love featuring new vendors on the blog. Inspiration is everywhere and each vendor is so unique. Meet Mary Beth of Proper Papers. I have had the privilege of meeting Mary Beth from other vendors and friends like Ann Potter Baking. She is so kind! I am amazed at her creations and I know you will love getting to know Mary Beth and Proper Papers. Let's get to it...

1. Give us a little background about you and your family.
 
I’m a Northeast Arkansas girl from Jonesboro now living in Fayetteville. My husband Doug owns his own landscape design business, which he started from the ground up upon graduating from the U of A. This keeps us tied down in NWA and we wouldn’t have it any other way! We really love Fayetteville and couldn’t picture living anywhere else. It’s truly a one of a kind town.

Our family has not expanded yet & we plan to enjoy our time together first. We do have a chocolate lab who is known for his swimming skills though. He draws a crowd the lake :)

2. How did you get started with Proper Papers?

I stumbled upon starting Proper Papers. My sweet friend Kristin started the business a few years ago under the name KB Designs. After becoming increasingly busy with her full time job and baby, Kristin found that she had pushed KB Designs aside. Our group of friends met for a Christmas gift exchange when she mentioned that she was thinking of selling her business. Since January of 2012 Proper Papers has been in the works and finally got its feet on the ground in May! The rest is history!

3. What is your favorite part of your job?

One of my favorite things is that I love being able to help people planning an event from invitations to napkins, party favors and thank you cards! Living in Fayetteville it is especially nice having collegiate and Greek lines. I LOVE all of the unique designs and pops of color that are in the products I sell.

4. What do you hope to offer brides and other clients? 

I hope to offer people a helpful, fun experience that makes their planning process simple and easy, yet stylish.

5. Tell us a few things about yourself!

I love skin care and right out of high school went to one of the best Esthetician schools in the U.S. and now I am finishing up my degree in Journalism with a focus in Advertising and Public Relations at the U of A. Besides skin care I love learning about genealogy and history. My mom is my best friend and I believe that family should always be most important in life.

I am seriously amazed by all of Mary Beth's work! Everything is bright, colorful and fun. For more Mary Beth and Proper Papers check it out:

• Facebook: Proper Papers
• Website: Shop Proper Papers
• Email: mb@shopproperpapers.com
  

DIY: Popcorn Wedding Favor {Love is Sharing Your Popcorn}

In case you didn't know, I like popcorn. This post here is proof. Like may not be a strong enough word. I love popcorn. I am one of those weird people who do like the buttery kind but would take it plain any day. Maybe it is the crunch and saltiness? I also like to mix popcorn and M&M's. Katie, is this whole post about popcorn? Pretty much folks.

A few Christmas' ago I made homemade treats for my friends as gifts. Yeah, I am one of those people. I love puppy chow but I wanted to mix it up. I found a recipe for poppy chow (oh so clever) and over time have mastered this really easy recipe. I did promise a DIY this month and this DIY is one that even an uncrafty gal can tackle. I know that wedding favors are not a must but if you find something that fits your personality, go for it.

{Recipe: Poppy Chow}

Ingredients:

• 9 cups plain popcorn
• 1 cup chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet.)
• 1/2 c. peanut butter
• X c. unsalted butter
• 1 tsp. good vanilla
• 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
• Plastic goodie bag
• Favor tag
• Yarn or string

Let's get started.

Pop your popcorn and place in a large bowl.

Place chocolate chips, butter and peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave for a minute or so.

After mixing together melted chocolate mixture, pour it into your popcorn.

Mix it up and snag a couple of chocolately pieces for yourself. (A must!)

Once the popcorn is coated with the chocolate, pour in your powdered sugar. It takes a bit but try and spread it on all the pieces of popcorn.

Place on a pan or tray and stash in the fridge to allow the chocolate to set. I put it in the freezer because 30 minutes in the fridge is just too long for me. Once you have tried this tasty treat you will agree with the previous statement.

{DIY: Favor Bag and Printable}

I knew that I wanted to include a fun printable. The Wedding Chicks always have the best printables that are so darn cute. I chose the ombre hearts found here.

I took the printable and secured it to the front of the plastic bag.

{Poxxie}

 
Next I stuffed the bag with the poppy chow and tied a sweet little bow around the top with twine.

This favor is easy, cost effective and easily accomplished with friends and family helping. And I do believe love is sharing your popcorn especially when you love it as much as me.

Our Unique Wedding Gift: Pong Time

Yes, that is me at my first wedding shower. Oh the days of long hair and flowered corsages. I have to say when it came to wedding showers we were beyond blessed. Showers are fun because you always get to hear stories about your childhood or even better your husbands childhood. My mom even made the comment that Rusty must have paid the 40+ ladies at our shower in his hometown because they all had something sweet to say about him. Ha! The one thing about wedding showers that no one tells you is that you are going to be tired. You smile a lot. You open a lot of gifts. You hug a lot of necks. You say a lot of thank you's but it is all worth it. By the way that cake in that picture was beyond good!

When Rusty and I registered we picked a handful of stores with varying prices. For more tips on registering or where to get started click here. I promise it will help. We had lived on our own so somethings we didn't need but matching dishes were a must.  After each shower, I worked hard to complete my thank you notes before the next shower. We couldn't believe how kind people were. Everyone really went above and beyond! Some gifts we got multiples and returned. Some gifts we really had no idea why we would need them. Some gifts made us laugh. For the most part people stuck with our different registries.

A few weeks after our wedding we were getting settled into our first home when Rusty's best man gave him a call. John called to let Rusty know that he was on his way over to our house with our wedding gift. A few minutes later John and his mom pulled into the driveway. Their truck had a giant box in the back. I was baffled by what gift he had bought us. With the biggest smile on his face, John announced that he had purchased us a ping pong table. A what? Ping pong table. My initial thought was where in the world would we put it? Come to find out Rusty knew that John would be getting this gift for us and somehow managed to let it slip his mind to tell me. I just stood there. John's mom did gift me with an amazing set of white Corningware.

{Sorry for the iPhone Picture. Jane is so cute.}

A year and a half of being Mrs. Farrin I will admit that I love that ping pong table. I have used it to work on things in our garage. I have used it to challenge my husband to a game or two. It has been a table for my yearly garage sale. The movers who packed and shipped our stuff to Texas were most impressed with that item. It does fold up and rolls nicely into the corner to be stored in the garage. While most friends gifted us with a new spatula, John gave us a ping pong table. It still makes me laugh when I pass it in the mornings. Ladies, good luck with all your wedding showers. Who knows? Maybe you can be blessed with a ping pong table too!

Spring Registry Must Haves: Outdoor Love

Nothing brings me more joy than writing this post. Well, at this moment at least. One of the biggest benefits of South Texas is the amazing weather. But Katie, isn't San Antonio really hot and dry? Why yes it is kind reader. It is a dry place but I love that. I can literally walk outside my front door and be 20 feet from a large cactus. How many people can say that? With living in South Texas it is very hot and come summer I may be hating myself for writing this post. Even with all the heat, I wouldn't trade our 97% sun shining days. An example of my South Texas love affair is this view from our home.

The past few weeks it has been dark and rainy off and on. I haven't even lived here for one year and rain already gets me down. Sunshine = happy Katie. Happy Katie = better blog writing. See how things work? Pretty easy system. I have posted before on how to conquer your wedding registry here plus posted on my favorite registry ideas here and here but today I wanted to talk a bit about fun Spring registry ideas. With all this weather talk I would like to point out that not only do I love a little sun on my skin but I love to grill outside. Well, scratch that. My husband grills while I watch and set the table. Sometimes I even get crazy and mix up a festive cocktail or a side dish. With all the things to register for from spatulas to bathroom towels I thought we could mix in a few patio treats too.

I am always excited when this time of year rolls around and I get to look at all the bright colors and neat finds for my outdoor space. We all need a nice patio to relax on and drink our coffee. No matter the size, these finds can make your space feel comfortable and the spot to entertain friends and family. I picked out a few traditional gifts to add to your list and a few unique ideas as well. I do love this time of year but I also love fall/winter because most of these things go on sale. I like love a good bargain. I also threw in a few cheaper finds with a mix of a few splurges.

Everyone needs a fabulous door mat for wiping your feet or for designing your whole patio around. Case in point is this lovely from Crate and Barrel for $19. You can snag your own here.

Photo Source: Spring Stripped Doormat

One thing that I cannot get enough of are lanterns. Whether they are paper lanterns, votives, candles or string lights, I love a soft glow on my patio. It really does set the mood for fun and a tad bit of romance. Once again Crate and Barrel has a pretty little number here for $20 smackers.

Photo Source: Orla Hurricane

I also looked at one of my favorite places West Elm. I will say this and yes I am totally bragging but we have a West Elm outlet about 20 minutes from our house. And by outlet, I mean reduced stuff that costs more in stores but cheaper here. Sometimes the things are in surplus or have a minor ding but if that means I can get the same thing that is online/in the magazine for 40 - 50% less I will take it. If you ever come visit me or San Antonio I can take you shopping. Cris at Kiss my Tulle and I know the best spots. It is a date. Wear your best high heels tennis shoes.

Back to West Elm please. When there website pops up you get to see this...

I will gladly take an outdoor tent room. Doesn't this just make you smile? Rustic charm at its finest. Really, you should go check out their website and all their goodies. I did also find a few registry must haves.

Every patio table needs a good set of zig zag placemats like these babies. At $5 a pop, we all deserve a set of them.

Photo Source: Zigzag Placemats

And every reader knows my love for nautical anything. This post is a good example of why I love nautical. You can understand my excitement to see these outdoor nautical themed dishes. Excitement times 10 plus they range from $4 to $6.

Photo Source: Schooner Melamine Plates

Like I mentioned these things are standard items to add to your outdoor section of your registry but I did find a few extra fun things that I wanted to add. These next few gifts are the icing on the outdoor party cake.

Photo Source: Chalkboard Herb Pot with Saucer

A perfect DIY to try...

Photo Source: Driftwood Birdhouse

And you cannot forget your compact portable grill...

Photo Source: BBQ Grill

Are you in the Spring, sun shine spirit? If you want I can throw a get together so we can relax on our cozy patio. You are all invited! What registry finds are a must for your outdoor living spaces? Want to add to my list? Let's celebrate the gorgeous weather and the fact that tomorrow is Friday. Cheers...at 10:00 a.m.

2011: Inspiration Boards

A few things are in order first. It isn't Christmas until you make yourself in a elf and watch yourself dance around and sing. We didn't get to include Jane because a puppy face on an elf just didn't look right. This is just for your entertainment....and mine too.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

This week we have been taking a look back at your favorites and mine of 2011. Today I wanted to look at inspiration boards. Like this nautical board full of crisp white, red and navy details. It makes me happy!

1. Cake, 2. Invitations, 3. Bridal Party, 4. Beach Shot, 5. Nautical Flags, 6. Shells, 7. Flowers, 8. Place Card

For the entire post click here.

The other inspiration board that got a lot of attention was the "Gifts in the Jar." I love this board because it not only inspires Christmas cheer but also added inspiration for the perfect gift.



1. Sewing Kit Jar via Martha Stewart, 2. Mint Scented Candle via Hostess with the Mostess, 3. Hand Sanitizer Dispenser via Girl in Air, 4. Cookie Jar Center Piece via Martha Stewart, 5. Homemade Snow Globes via Martha Stewart, 6. Cherry Pie via Our Best Bites, 7. Snowballs via Martha Stewart, 8. Curried Lentil Soup via Good Housekeeping
 
For the entire post click here. You can also see a few other boards here and here. Any ideas for new inspiration boards for 2012?

I hope you all are having a great Thursday!

Gifts in a Jar

Thursday is upon us! It has rained so much in Texas lately that I am starting to forget what sunshine looks like. Hopefully we get a sneak peek of some sun today!

I was browsing on Pinterest (which I do not get to do enough of) and looking through Christmas ideas, DIY's, decor and and gift options. I hardly ever showcase a project on the blog via Pinterest but when I saw this fun DIY I had to show you all.

Alison over on Oopsey Daisy Blog created this awesome etched hot cocoa jar. She personalized the canister, added fun pops of color in the tag and ribbon plus threw in cocoa and marshmallows.

Photo Source: Pinterest via Oopsey Daisy Blog

When I saw this cute gift idea I thought what other fun things can you put in a jar? I love the idea of being able to gift a jar filled to the top with ingredients for a yummy recipe, handmade candy, jewelry, a candle, smell goodies (lotions or soaps) or jam! Jars are easy, for the most part inexpensive and easy to use.

Here are a few of my favorite "jar" gifts via an inspiration board:




My favorite is probably the hand sanitizer! How are you getting creative with jars this holiday season? What are your favorite jarred goodies you have gotten as gifts?

1. Sewing Kit Jar via Martha Stewart, 2. Mint Scented Candle via Hostess with the Mostess, 3. Hand Sanitizer Dispenser via Girl in Air, 4. Cookie Jar Center Piece via Martha Stewart, 5. Homemade Snow Globes via Martha Stewart, 6. Cherry Pie via Our Best Bites, 7. Snowballs via Martha Stewart, 8. Curried Lentil Soup via Good Housekeeping

Christmas on my Mind

Hello loves! You like the title of this post? Listen, I know that we haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving let alone barely made it to the middle of November but Christmas is on my mind.

But before we get to Christmas, I have a confession. I love cupcakes, frozen yogurt, cookies, candy...any kind of sweets. Like really love them. Last weekend I decided to give up sweets until Thanksgiving. That would make a total 10 days. Yes, that may not be a lot for most people but for me it is. I have been strong and resisted sweets at every turn and the result, I am cranky. I am counting down the moments until Thanksgiving. Literally. Now onto a happier topic.

Ever since I was a little kid Christmas has been my favorite holiday. Not just because gifts but because the decorating, family togetherness, dinner parties, shopping, Christmas music, hot apple cider, baking and more! See. Just the thought of Christmas already made you smile.

I contemplated not writing this post because some people really get frustrated that people are already thinking about Christmas but my blog = my post ideas. Love how that works plus Christmas shopping will kick into full swing by the end of this week.

Today I thought I would cover just a few things that would make great stocking stuffers. Sometimes it is hard to think of new ideas for filling stockings. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Travel Perfume. When I saw this gift I thought it was brilliant! This is perfect for any girl or woman. You just fill up the tube with your perfume and it can go wherever you go. Told you...brilliant! For more on this product, click here.

Photo Source: Here

2. Starbucks iTunes Cards or Ornaments. When I stopped at Starbucks a few days ago I found the cutest gift ideas right on there counter. One gift I loved were the Pick of the Week cards. Each card has a free iTunes download of music or shows. I took a few and scored a free Michael Buble Christmas song.

Another gift that caught my eye and you only set you back $5 is this cute ornament.

Photo Source: Here

Isn't it cute? This gift is perfect for any coffee/ Starbucks lover. For more on this gift, click here.

3. Wine stoppers. The best part about this gift is you can find the neatest ideas to help keep your wine fresh. I was looking through a lot of different toppers and couldn't believe what people have created to top your wine bottle with. You can spend $30 or $40 on a nice metal or wood stoppers or $8 on this fun cupcake stopper. For more on the wine stoppers below, click here.

Photo Source: Here

4. Purse hook. I can't tell you how many times I go to a restaurant and do not want to set my purse on the floor. I mean think about it. What all has been on that floor? This gift is so creative and I like how you can give it that added personal touch with initials or name. It is small and fits perfectly in your bag. For more on this gift idea, click here.

Photo Source: Here

5. Favorite Candy. Who doesn't love a handful of their favorite sweets? I rest my case. And just to flare up your sweet tooth...

6. Reasons I love you stones. This gift is just sweet and I love the thought of receiving a gift like this. The stones say "I love you" on one side and then a fun reason why like "because you get my jokes." That stone fits my husband. I think he laughs more at how ridiculous my jokes are than the actual comedy in them.

Photo Source: Here

I hope that these ideas help when it comes to stocking your loved ones stockings full. If you want to send me any of these gifts, I can send you my address. (Lots of smiles)

Do you have any other fun gift ideas? I would love to hear what your stocking stuffing plans are for Christmas.

More than just drinking wine...

Who doesn't love a good glass of wine? Their is nothing better than enjoying girl time while divulging in wine or a nice night out on the patio with your love and a glass of pinot. One trend I have noticed in recent weddings and events is using wine glasses not only for drinking but for decoration. I love seeing every day things such as wine glasses put to a new and creative use!

Here are a few cute ideas for your wedding:

 

Photo Source: Here

I am absolutely loving this fun centerpiece. Wine glasses especially ones used as centerpieces do not have to cost you an arm and a leg. Here are a few affordable options:

1. Running you only $1.30 a glass, you can try this no stem from Splendids. I love the idea of a no stem. They are actually my favorite type of wine glass to drink out of.

Photo Source: Here

2. This glass below is as cheap as $1.50 a glass. If you wanted to decorate ten tables with two glass, it would run you only $30. That is pretty cheap for a centerpiece. Add some fun flowers or greenery and you are finished!

Photo Source: Here

I also like the idea of the upside down wine glass. It is simple and fun! You could use candles, flowers, fruit or place a fun photo inside or on top of the glass.

Photo Source: Here

I also came across this great tutorial for lamp shades on your wine glass. Yes, it is so clever and I love it. It creates intimacy on every table plus who doesn't love a creative idea? For more on this how-to, click here.

Photo Source: Here

So proof that wine is good for you or wait is it just the glass that works? Regardless wine glasses are a fun and can be used to spruce up any event or centerpiece! Happy Thursday friends!

Stamp It To Me

Good afternoon and Happy Tuesday! I can't believe Tuesday is already here. I have been on a mini vacay and was in various airports all day yesterday. Side note: Southwest did not pay me to say this. I arrived at the Indy airport V-E-R-Y early. My best friend and her husband who I was staying with left at 6 am for Boston. I rode with them considering they were my only transportation. I got to the ticket counter and they saw my ticket. I was scheduled to leave Indy at 6 pm and not getting home until midnight. Southwest said that will not due and bumped me to earlier flights and now I will be getting home at 6 pm. Did I mention they did this for free? They are stunning and the best airline around!

Now onto weddings, weddings, weddings. One simple and affordable trend that I am loving are stamps! Using a rubber stamp is fun because you can personalize your stamp. There are a few ways that I am seeing this be used. Here are a few examples of stamps used throughout your wedding planning:

1. Decorations. Use a stamp to decorate your ceremony and reception. Whether you use stamps on your escort cards or your dessert table, a fun stamp is creative and adds a touch of love to your big day.

Photo Source: The Wedding Chicks

2. Save the Dates. I love this idea from Martha Stewart! But who doesn't love Martha? This postcard was printed and the dates were added. On the opposite side is the couples pictures

Photo Source: Martha Stewart Weddings

3. Thank you Notes. I L-O-V-E this idea because let's be honest, writing thank you notes is not that fun. This stamp would allow you to stamp a blank card and sign your name. Done! You can find more stamp options that you can personalize on Etsy by clicking here.

Photo Source: Terbear Collectibles via Etsy