HELIOS BLOGS

Free Blog Directory

Custom Stamps for All Occasions!



  • Trendy Birdcage and Lovebirds Bridal Shower Invitations - 28-02-2012
    Vintage weddings are a huge trend in 2012 so why not think about hosting a sweet birdcage theme bridal shower for your favorite bride to be. This year, bridesmaids and bridal shower hosts are looking for a shower invitation that is chic and fun. Love birds, bird cages and sweet florals are making headlines this year- they all add a charming & sentimental touch to a bridal shower. Combined with trendy colors and modern bridal shower themes, the birdcage love bird wedding shower will surely be a hit!


    WHAT TO BUY FOR THE BIRDCAGE THEME BRIDAL SHOWER?

    Let?s start off with some inspiring birdcage and love bird theme bridal shower invitations. Lots of fun ideas below. Simply click on an invite to see the details or to customize the birdcage or love bird bridal shower invite.

    BIRDCAGE BRIDAL SHOWER INVITES




    Accompany your birdcage theme bridal shower with some fun decor!

    Bird cage candle holders

    For a unique twist on your bird theme, think about other ways to set the theme. 
    We love this bird cage tea light holder.
    "Love Songs" Birdcage Tea Light/Place Card Holder, $7.95 each
    Buy now at THE KNOT SHOP



    Bomboniere bird nests

    We love these birds nest. Perfect for holding and spicing up your Jordan almond bomboniere.
    Miniature Birds Nests, $20.75 (packet of 12 units)
    Buy now at THE KNOT SHOP
    Love birds wedding cake toppers- add a touch of sweetness to your bridal shower cake with these precious love birds Lots of different birds to choose from at Etsy

    Sweet little birdhouse bridal shower favors will leave your guests talking well after the bridal shower. There are plenty of absolutely ADORABLE wedding shower favors online- SHOP HERE FOR FAVORS
    Subscribe in a reader

  • The Sweetest Baby Girl Baby Shower Invitations - 25-02-2012
    IT'S A BABY GIRL BABY SHOWER

    So, you're planning a baby girl baby shower or expecting a sweet baby girl this year? Today there are plenty of online shops offering sweet and adorable baby girl baby shower invitations. Browse through lots of options for baby shower invitations but be sure to get them in the mail at least three weeks before the event. Some ideas for baby girl baby shower themes? 

    BUTTERFLY BABY GIRL SHOWERS


    BABY BIRD BABY GIRL SHOWERS

    BABY GIRL CLOTHES ON CLOTHESLINE (LAUNDRY)

    BABY SHOWER HOW TO'S


    A baby shower is the time to celebrate new life and share advice on parenthood with an expecting new mom. Anyone from a family member to a coworker can plan and host a baby shower which is usually held in the last two months of pregnancy. Etiquette has relaxed more in recent years- baby showers can now be coed- so if the father to be wants to join in, the more the merrier!

    If this isnt the mom's first child, simply plan a smaller party than the one given in honor of the first child, inviting only very close friends and family members. Since the couple has already "stocked up" on baby necessities, there's not a pressuring need to present the larger gifts (high chairs, baby seats, etc). Keep in mind, though- if several years have passed since the birth of the first child, the parents may be in need of some new things.


    The theme of your baby shower lays the ground work. It can be based on the nursery, a topic or simply baby. If your family uses the holidays as a time to get together, that might be a great time to host a baby shower. It saves on travel time and costs for many guests and ensures a robust party invitation list!

    Now that you're ready, here's a checklist to keep track of things to do for your perfect baby shower!

    SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE SHOWER

    ~ Choose your theme
    ~ Send out the invites
    ~ Go shopping to but decor, favors and goody bags
    ~ Plan your menu

    A MONTH BEFORE THE BABY SHOWER

    ~ Arrange for cooking, serving and help with entertainment. All hands on board!
    ~ Order the cake
    ~ Print out the invite list and address the cards.
    ~ Start looking at baby shower game ideas

    A WEEK BEFORE THE BABY SHOWER

    ~ Do you have all the RSVP's in line? Follow up with stragglers if needed.
    ~ Get the goody bags put together
    ~ Clean up the party space
    ~ Shop and cook as needed

    THREE DAYS BEFORE THE BABY SHOWER

    ~ Finish up with food preparations

    THE DAY BEFORE THE BABY SHOWER

    ~ Clean sweep
    ~ Set up the party space- arrange the furniture, put out favors, games, decorate and set up trash bags.

    ON THE DAY OF THE BABY SHOWER

    ~ Pick up the cake
    ~ Have fun!!!!


    View more baby girl shower invitations at Zazzle.
    Subscribe in a reader

  • Personalized Cookies For Santa Claus Plates - 04-11-2011
    We are please to offer lots of creative cookies for Santa Claus plates for the 2011 Holiday Season! Perfect for celebrating during the holidays, you can now serve your holiday guests- including Santa Claus- on these one of a kind dining plates. The holiday dinner plates are non-toxic and dishwasher safe and can be customized by adding your own personal message, favorite photo and custom text.

    The plates are 10" in diameter, have vibrant, full color printing, are drop and break resistant and are completely dishwasher safe. (Cannot be used in the microwave)

    JUST CLICK ON A PLATE DESIGN TO SEE A CLOSE UP!



    There are many more selections from which to choose and we welcome custom design requests!

    SEE MORE CUSTOM HOLIDAY PLATES HERE

    REQUEST A CUSTOM DESIGN BY EMAILING notedoccasions@gmail.com.

    Happy Holidays!!!!
    Subscribe in a reader

  • Free Holiday Christmas Cards - 02-11-2011
    We are pleased to offer our clients free business cards this holiday season! This season we are offering you a free Holiday Card of your choice!

    Santa Claus Christmas Cards card


    Elegant Christmas Greeting Cards card


    Between now and November 24th, 2011, simply click on either of the images above to receive the holiday card free! Once you place the card in your checkout cart, enter the FREE CHRISTMAS CARD CODE:  SANDYSCARDS1.


    Thank you to our loyal customers and happy holidays!!!




    Legal
    100% of card net sale price (excluding shipping and taxes) is deducted when qualifying http://www.zazzle.com/137167167667199288 & http://www.zazzle.com/ 137824035907272744 greeting card is purchased from www.zazzle.com/Winter_Wonderland and the coupon code SANDYSCARDS1 is applied at checkout. Offer does not apply to create your own cards. Offer does not apply to card orders of two or more. Buyer is responsible for shipping and handling and sales tax charges. Failure to comply with promotional offer conditions may result in order cancellation. Offer is valid throughNovember 24, 2011 at 11:59pm PT. Offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.
    Subscribe in a reader


  • BABY SHOWER THEMES AND COORDINATING INVITATIONS - 08-05-2011

    BABY SHOWER INVITES THAT ARE TRENDY AND CHIC



    The baby shower originated in the late eighteen hundreds when friends would share in a tea party to share in the day with the mommy to be~  "showering" her with love and gifts. Traditionally, baby showers were given only for the family's first child, and only women attended, sharing their wisdom and lessons on the art of becoming a mother.The gifts given to the new mom were very practical in nature as well as handmade. Today, things have certainly changed. A baby shower can range from very elegant to very causal, depending on the mood you would like to set! Friends and family now gather at restaurants, bars, country clubs or someone's home and usually last about a few hours. It is still customary for the mommy-to-be to receive baby shower gifts from her guests as well as give gifts out to the women who plan the baby shower. Today we find delicious foods served, whether a meal or snacks and can range from being a very inexpensive gala to one that is expensive. There are no set rules in today's planning but there are some simple guides for baby shower etiquette as outlined by Martha Stewart:



    1. SET THE DATE: This is a time to celebrate a new life and share parenting advice. Get together some good ideas for invites and decor as well as suggestions for gifts that the new mom will need.
    2. PICK A HOST:  Anyone can host a baby shower nowadays- etiquette has definitely relaxed in that regard. Showers today can even be co-ed- anyone can join in the celebration!
    3. GET THE WORD OUT: Written invitations are still your best bet in memorializing this wonderful occasion. Send them out three weeks in advance to the closest friends and family of the mom to be.
    4. PICK A THEME:  You can certainly elect to simply go with bright decor or opt for a theme for the festivities. Keep decorations to a minimum, though~ you want the guests at the baby shower rightfully focused on the belly of the mom-to-be!
    5. CHOOSE A MENU: Once you decide the venue~ perhaps it will be easier to meet at a local restaurant or tea room~ if not, elect for easy prep foods which can be eaten at room temperature so you are not running around monitoring temps during the event. There's no shame in potluck either!



    BABY SHOWER THEME IDEAS


    Should your baby shower have a theme? It's really up to you. You may find creating a theme too much work or not your style, but having one can make the party seem more organized and streamline preparations.There are so many themes to choose from when planning your shower!  

    If you know that your shower is going to feature baby bottles, for example, you can look for bottle-shaped invitations and bottles to use for beverages or to fill with candy for game prizes. Even if the theme is as simple as a color scheme (for instance, blue and white if the parents already know it's a boy), it's a unifying element that can simplify your job.
    Here are some theme recommendations from experienced baby shower planners and guests: here are some to get the creative juices flowing: (SIMPLY CLICK ON THE TEXT TO BE TAKEN TO THE DESIGN CATEGORIES!)




    LIONS AND TIGERS AND BEARS, oh my! (CLICK HERE FOR ANIMAL THEME INVITES)
    IT'S A BUGS LIFE (LADY BUG BABY SHOWER INVITES)
    TRENDY AND CHIC MOMMIES (MOMMY SILHOUETTE INVITATIONS)
    AIRING THE LAUNDRY (BABY CLOTHES AND CLOTHES LINES INVITES)
    PRETTY LITTLE FLOWERS ALL IN A ROW (FLORAL BABY SHOWERS)
    RUBBER DUCKY, YOU'RE THE ONE! (YELLOW DUCKY AND DUCKLING BABY SHOWER)
    TWO PEAS IN A POD (PEA POD SINGLE AND TWINS BABY SHOWER)
    I'M A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY (COUNTRY THEMED BABY SHOWERS)
    ZEBRA STRIPES FOR THE MODERN MOMMY (ZEBRA PRINT BABY SHOWER INVITES)
    TEN LITTLE TOES (BABY FEET BABY SHOWER THEMES)
    OUT OF THIS WORLD! (CELESTIAL MOON AND STAR THEME BABY SHOWER INVITES)
    WE'RE HAVING A TEA PARTY! (TEA PARTY BABY SHOWER INVITES)


       ENJOY YOUR PLANNING! DROP ME A LINE FOR CUTOM WORK IF YOU'RE SO INCLINED!
      Sandy Buckley
      http://www.notedoccasions.com/
      **Noted Occasions Invitations is a signature retailer for elegant, fully customizable and personalized wedding invitations and accessories featuring distinctive products from nationally known designers. Knowing that an invitation sets the initial tone for your event, and we have worked hard to create designs that complement any size or type of occasions from small family gatherings to elaborate extravaganzas. Our site is focused on selection, customization, and affordable pricing, offering only the best in quality craftsmanship with an emphasis on personal customer satisfaction.
      Hundreds of design options are available though our state of the art online proofing system that allows you to preview your creation in real time before placing your order. Our designs are then transferred to our affiliate, Zazzle, for finalization of your purchase, printing and delivery. Striving to create a customized look that is truly perfect for your occasion, know that you can truly trust Noted Occasions as your most dependable event coordinator. Having worked extensively with companies such as Zazzle, Greeting Card Universe, Cafe Press, Imagekind and Fine Art America, our ultimate goal is to provide you, our customer, with a chance to show off your creative side with quality personalized products and a price you can afford.


    Subscribe in a reader


  • Planning Your Fall Wedding in 2011 - 28-04-2011



    In 2011, fall weddings are not all about pumpkins and foliage- no need to feel trapped by your wedding date this year!



    In 2011 brides planning their nuptials during the fall wedding months of September, October and November are being greeted with more wedding style options that ever before. In 2001, the fall wedding is no longer only about autumn foliage and pumpkins nestled beside glowing candles. Your bridesmaids do not have to wear heavy fabrics, you dont have to plan the ceremony indoors and feel free to step out of the foliage mindset- your style can shine through in 2011- in any way you want!  
    n an earlier blog (CLICK HERE) we covered the unique hues making the rounds at fall weddings this year- rich tones that happily step away from custom.

    In an earlier blog (CLICK HERE) we covered the unique hues making the rounds at fall weddings this year- rich tones that happily step away from custom. As a reminder- these colors are slated to be the hottest in 2011- the year of vividly unique, creative color trends! Plum, cream mocha and cappuccino- even red!


    As a designer of custom wedding invitations and accessories, I am receiving lots of requests for color combos like aqua and chocolate, charcoal and cream, while the color combos of hot pink and charcoal are not far behind. Golds, mangos, limes- coupled with navy blues and plums~ the sky seems to be the limit when the discerning bride is planning the 2011 wedding. Lots of creative juju out there this year- such a great relief from the "traditional, basic" fall wedding scene.

    When you are deciding on the date, just be sure to check out the weather in the area you are planning the event~ a really great source for weather projections around the US is HERE~ make sure you plan the dresses and ceremony according to the venue to the best of your ability. But back to colors and designs...

         FALL WEDDING INVITATION IDEAS 

    FLORAL WEDDING INVITATION DESIGNS FOR 2011
     

    GREAT FALL WEDDING DAMSK PATTERN INVITATIONS



    MODERN TREE DESIGNS WITH TRENDY BRANCHES AND BERRIES





    Once you've selected the invitation, be sure to check for coordinating postage, envelope seals and save the date reminders! Now you can get on with planning the day! Dont forget the hottest trends in fall creativity this year:


        • vintage wedding dresses with cap sleeves
        • beautiful textures
        • ornate details
        • natural settings, including outdoor and backyard weddings
        • photo booths (actual and set areas with draped-cloth backdrops)
        • vintage photography
        • eco friendly is SO in- think green as in recycled paper and locally farmed foods
        • its ok to be modern in 2011- mix and match shapes and sizes- all good!
          • Happy planning! And as always, please do not hesitate to contact me at notedoccasions@gmail.com for custom design work or advice!
        Sandy Buckley
        http://www.notedoccasions.com/
        **Noted Occasions Invitations is a signature retailer for elegant, fully customizable and personalized wedding invitations and accessories featuring distinctive products from nationally known designers. Knowing that an invitation sets the initial tone for your event, and we have worked hard to create designs that complement any size or type of occasions from small family gatherings to elaborate extravaganzas. Our site is focused on selection, customization, and affordable pricing, offering only the best in quality craftsmanship with an emphasis on personal customer satisfaction.
        Hundreds of design options are available though our state of the art online proofing system that allows you to preview your creation in real time before placing your order. Our designs are then transferred to our affiliate, Zazzle, for finalization of your purchase, printing and delivery. Striving to create a customized look that is truly perfect for your occasion, know that you can truly trust Noted Occasions as your most dependable event coordinator. Having worked extensively with companies such as Zazzle, Greeting Card Universe, Cafe Press, Imagekind and Fine Art America, our ultimate goal is to provide you, our customer, with a chance to show off your creative side with quality personalized products and a price you can afford.
    Subscribe in a reader

  • 2011 Graduation Ideas: New Graduation Collection Offers Custom Invites and Graduation Announcements - 31-03-2011

    FRIDAY HARBOR, WA---- 03/30/11

    NotedOccasions, (www.notedoccasions.com) the popular online destination for personalized wedding invitations, USPS postage, birthday party invitations, bridal shower invites, custom business cards and so much more, is pleased to announce its newest addition of a completely 2011 GRADUATION COLLECTION, featuring customizable graduation announcements, graduation invitations, custom graduation postage stamps, address labels as well as more inventive products to celebrate the graduation in your life.

    Despite the fact that schools will be offering the "same old, tired" invitations to parents along with their child's class photos, in 2011 parents have lots of options for creative, personalized ways to announce the event and set themselves apart from the other 3,000 high school students who will be celebrating graduations in the US this year. NotedOccasions will now be offering options for distinction to graduates at all levels- from kindergarten to graduate school and every grade in between. The NotedOccasions collection of graduation announcements, graduation party invitation, coordinating graduation stickers and USPS graduation postage provides clients with options for customization such as hundreds of font choices, color schemes, text editing capabilities and personalized photo uploads.

    This year, Sandy Buckley, owner and designer of NotedOccasions.com opened her newest Zazzle storefront, TheGraduateShoppe at the request of the Zazzle team.  "So far the sales and client reception have been wonderful," remarked Sandy. "The 2011 graduation season started in January, with clients seeking bold color choices and some of the more modern options for announcements. Custom requests are coming in every day now that the graduation season is in full swing. I'm really enjoying working with clients to create one of a kind designs for their graduates! It's really all about the client and being willing to take creative license in designing a unique announcement to celebrate the occasion. After all, you only graduate once."

    NotedOccasions proudly offers unique designs for your graduation invitations and announcements- with or without photos- in many styles and color options. All invitations for the graduation come in many sizes and paper types and are offered on high quality, full color, full bleed printing on both sides. Considering the huge selection of possibilities for customizing the designs, stop and and see if one works for you!
    You can customize the design for your event/ business or contact me at limekilnwhalewatcher@yahoo.com for assistance.

    CHECK OUT A FEW OF THE NEWEST DESIGNS AVAILABLE

    ??
    Create a personalized gift at Zazzle.



    Subscribe in a reader

  • FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING AT ZAZZLE! - 30-11-2010






    WONDERLAND10




    Now through December 10, 2010 11:59pm PST, Zazzle is offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 and more! This is a customized sale code which has been offered to sellers at Zazzle- feel free to share the code with all of your friends!!! You will not find this code anywhere else on the internet!

    The code, WONDERLAND10 will afford you FREE economy shipping and can be used for purchasing anything at Zazzle!


    Coupled with the AMAZING BLITZENDEALS (special sales going on that change every hour!)- you cannot go wrong shopping at Zazzle this holiday season!

    LEGAL
    To qualify for this free shipping offer, one or more Zazzle products must be purchased with a net sale price equal to or greater than 35.00 dollars and economy shipping must be selected as the shipping option.  The coupon code WONDERLAND10 must be entered during checkout to receive the offer. The free shipping offer is for economy shipping to U.S. addresses only. Offer does not apply to premium ornaments, shoes, skateboards, binders, custom framed prints, or photo sculptures. Shipping charges will apply to oversized orders and orders being shipped on an expedited basis or outside the U.S. Offer is valid through December 10, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. Your order must be placed during that time to qualify for this special offer. This promotional offer may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or discount offers.  Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.


    CLICK HERE TO BEGIN SHOPPING! HAPPY HOLIDAYS



    View more personalized gifts from Zazzle.

    Subscribe in a reader

  • HOT WEDDING COLOR TRENDS FOR 2011- BRIGHT INSPIRATIONS - 26-10-2010
    According to all the hottest sources on the wedding circuits, 2011 Wedding InvitationTrends are calling for color and style. No longer is the bride to be constrained to flowers and swirls fonts on their wedding invites- 2011 wedding invitation trends call for bold colors, modern wedding invitation styles and using your own personal, artistic style to claim the day of your wedding.

    2011 WEDDING COLOR TRENDS
    A mere generation ago, planning your wedding was a whole lot easier. Cream invites with black script font, a few paper choices to go through and your invitations were "good to go." The wedding invitation market just didn't have alot of options- but that is certainly no longer the case. In 2011, you can express your personal style in any way you want. So what does this mean to you if this is your wedding year? Throw caution to the wind!

    Some brides can solve the color question without thinking too much about style. They might have a life-long love for purple. Or, their venue might have strong hues they need to coordinate with. Or, when they picture their wedding, they already see their bridesmaids awash in certain colors. But for others, choosing your wedding colors is not so easy- so let's look at what the experts have to say.

    All creative professionals from graphic designers to fashionistas hold one thing scared? color predictions from Pantone. Pantone is the absolute leader in color trend. Yes there is a company that does this! Typically industries from printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical looks to Pantone for inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color. It is how color is decided.




    Michelle Mospens has also been quoted and used as a color reference for brides since, oh...forever! Her colors for the 2011 spring and summer wedding season are above- I've added color codes for easier use. She also concurs- bright is the color choice for 2011- tropical, whimsical and LOVELY!!!! Yup, this wedding season embrace vivid shades of your favorite color from lime green to bold orange and everything in between!


    And you cannot forget the fall and winter wedding in 2011. The colors are still very unique and GORGEOUS- great rich warm tones that have never before been used for weddings!!!






    2011 WEDDING INVITATION TRENDS

    And the colors are translating into a whole new world of wedding invitation opportunities- think bold, modern and stylish this year with many different vendors offering up incredibly unique wedding invitations in the 2011 marketplace. A popular trend in 2011 will be putting a little sophistication into the vintage wedding invites of the past- adding a modern twist to the retro styles of days gone by.

    HOT WEDDING INVITATION VENDORS WITH HOT HOT HOT 2011 STYLES


    Exclusive Paper Source Wedding Collection
    Delphine at Cardstore.com
    Make Wedding Invitations at Cardstore.com

    Party Supplies by Polka Dot Design
    Chic Wedding Stationery at Minted
    Wedding Supplies at The Knot Wedding Shop


    I'm serious about the amazing wedding invitations available at these store fronts. Incredible wedding invitation designs, gorgeous stationery and unique new designs that will give you lots of inspirations!  And since I am a designer myself, always have to throw in a plug for some of my absolute faves in 2011!!!


    You may also like...





    Subscribe in a reader

  • Harry Potter Merchandise Now Available! - 15-10-2010
    We all know that Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by the British author J. K. Rowling, chronicling the adventures of the adolescent wizard Harry Potter, his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger- all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Since the June 30, 1997 release of the first novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, retitled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States, the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.As of June 2008, the book series has sold more than 400 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages, and the last four books have consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history.

    But did you know that J.K. Rowling and the makers of the Harry Potter movies have teamed up with Zazzle to offer official HARRY POTTER MERCHANDISE? That's right, Harry Potter posters, Harry Potter and Muggles Tshirts , Howarts Mousepads Dumbledore, Aragos and Ravensclaw School Binders and so much more!!!

    Here's a few of the favorites selling right now or 
    to see all of the merchandise! You can click on any of the products to take you to the Harry potter Gallery at Zazzle too!

    Subscribe in a reader

  • LOTS OF SALES TO HELP YOU COMPLETE YOUR WEDDING DAY - 13-10-2010
    October seems to be a huge months to take advantage of special sales for all things wedding. I've been looking around and have found countless great deals from vendors - my mind is reeling! Here's some great sale merchandise to get you started (or finished) planning your big event!

    Disposable Wedding Cameras



    Wedding Cameras On Sale at The Knot Wedding Shop


    Look no further! The Knot has a great sale right now!
    Your wedding day will be one of the most wonderful days of your life, but you?ll be caught up in such a whirlwind of romance and excitement that it might seem like a blur. One way to ensure you remember your day from every angle is to distribute disposable wedding cameras to your guests. They will have a blast taking fun pictures, and upon seeing them you will enjoy your wedding from your guests? perspectives. We have wedding cameras in many styles and varieties; choose from plain disposable cameras or disposable cameras that complement your décor. From gold, silver and crystal-encrusted to personalized disposable and Polaroid cameras, you?ll find everything you need to ensure your wedding is captured from every angle.
    Disposable wedding cameras are a trend that started several years ago and, despite recent digital and HD technologies, has persevered and remains one of the more popular staples at weddings. Some brides choose to let their guests take the cameras home and others leave a basket near the exit with a sign requesting that guests leave the cameras behind. Leave 2-3 cameras on each table and allow guests to share in the fun, or give each person his or her own camera. However you decide to distribute your disposable wedding cameras, you are guaranteed laughter and warmth when you see the candid pictures taken by your dearest loved ones.

    AND THERE IS MORE!!!!


    STILL PLANNING THAT BACHELORETTE PARTY FOR THE BRIDE TO BE?

    You have to stop in and visit Bachelorette.com- you will find everything you could possibly imagine to make the event, well---shall we say, interesting!!


    bachelorette party planning advice at Bachelorette


    And while you are at it, if you're still looking for that perfect little gift, I've seen some really YUMMY finds at  BedBathStore.com. I bet you'll find something perfect- be sure to check out the clearance section for some great crystal gifts!!  Allow the new couple to create a decadent living space full of vibrant colors or surround themselves in the luxury of a great gift today!



    BedBathStore Autumn Savings Event

    And one last HUGE find today.... HOUSE OF BRIDES HAS A HUGE SALE GOING ON!

    Their global website features over 50,000 products at up to 40% off retail prices. A wide array of products includes bridal and bridesmaid dresses, mother of the wedding dresses, maternity dresses, plus size dresses, flower girl dresses, quinceanera dresses, prom dresses, special occasion dresses, bridal headpieces, jewelry, accessories, shoes, lingerie and much, much more. House of Brides is the oldest name in the bridal industry, in business since 1929. They have a  trusted reputation is known worldwide for selection, quality, competitive prices and outstanding customer service.


    Bari Jay Banner
    Subscribe in a reader

  • Invitations for Corporate Holiday Parties - 08-10-2010
    Planning a corporate holiday party is an important and challenging task. A company holiday party is a great way to thank key stakeholders for their help and support over the past year. It also offers a fun way to do a little relationship building with everyone who has helped to make your business successful. We've spent time gathering resources to provide you with lots of ideas to make this year's holiday party a safe, fun and memorable event for clients and coworkers alike. These ideas are designed for both large companies with great budgets as well as small businesses with minimum resources.

    The energy of the party starts with the invitations?. or Christmas Greeting cards? One company tells the story of taking a photo of all employees in Santa hats personalized with the employees names-then using the postcard as a corporate Christmas card as well as Christmas party invitation for their customers. The Hats were then saved for the holiday party gala. The themes for corporate holiday parties are absolutely endless. The very first thing which needs to be done is to decide how much money you have to spend. Some companies have money designated in the budget, others simply wing it. But knowing the amount of money to be spent will definitely impact your choice of invitation and theme. These ideas are designed for both large companies with great budgets as well as small businesses with minimum resources.

    SOME REALLY GREAT INVITES EXIST OUT THERE!




    Holiday Invitations by InvitationConsultants.com

    AND AT ZAZZLE THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS




    Click here to see more holiday party invitations!



    AmericanGreetings.com

    STEP TWO

    Now that you have a theme and invitations for your party, you're going to need to plan on how to create the decor match your theme. EHOW has a GREAT agenda for planning the theme- you can click HERE to follow up on the next steps. In the interim, there are some great suppliers of AWESOME holiday themed gifts, decor and planning trends that follow- be sure to check them out on your quest for the perfect holiday party!

    Hollywood's Largest On-line Gift Store

    Save 5% on favors. PPCJT9

    Wedding Favors by Party City

    Tealight Glamour
    Subscribe in a reader

  • Free Holiday Cards Now Available!!! - 27-09-2010



    Try before you buy - get five free holiday cards today! Choose any of the below cards, customize with your holiday photos and messages, and you?ll have the perfect holiday card sample in seconds. All cards are produced in 24 hours and feature Zazzle?s 100% satisfaction guarantee. Use code HOLIDAYCARDZ at checkout to activate your discount for up to 5 free Holiday Cards!

    CHOOSE FROM A  TEMPLATE BELOW:



    You may also like...




    AND THERE ARE MORE!!!!
    Click here to see more selections of free cards!!


    Free Greeting Cards

    100% of card net sale price (excluding shipping and taxes) is deducted when one, two, three, four, or five qualifying cards are purchased from http://www.zazzle.com/free+cards and the coupon code HOLIDAYCARDZ is applied at checkout. Offer does not apply to create your own cards. Buyer is responsible for shipping and handling and sales tax charges. Offer is valid from September 27, 2010 through October 16, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. Offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.
    Subscribe in a reader

  • JERSEY SHORE GEAR NOW AVAILABLE! - 22-09-2010
    MTV's hot show, Jersey Shore, follows eight housemates who this season have taken the party south to Miami Beach, where spending the winter rekindling old friendships and old flames. The area code may have changed but the drama remains the same as The Situation and Pauly D creep on girls, Snooki and Jwoww go gorilla hunting and Sammi and Ron pick up right where they left off. Even Vinny and Angelina are there to help bring the Jersey Shore magic to South Beach. The haters are  hatin', the Ron Ron Juice is flowin' and Snooki is Snookin' this Season on Jersey Shore.


    In a partnership with MTV, Zazzle has recently launched stores for 2 of the more popular reality TV shows currently on primetime.


    For those of you not caught up, imagine if MTV staged ?Real World? on the Jersey Shore with 8 characters, with names like ?The Situation? and ?Jwoww?, who combine steroids, fake tans, and hair gel to make some of the yummiest television ever seen.  And to those who don?t yet know about fist pumping, apparently you don?t know jack.  Guido fist pumping is the only form of dance accepted on the Jersey Shore, and Zazzle is now home to the Jersey Shore Official Store!  Complete with Fist Pumping, Hot Bartenders, Team Snooki, and The Situation.


    Subscribe in a reader

  • Custom Labels For Soaps, Candles and So Much More! - 26-08-2010
    http://www.zazzle.com/thelabelshop*
    When you need custom labels and you?re tired of the hassling with other suppliers? sites trying to find the perfect custom made labels - Zazzle can help. Personalized labels come in two sizes-1.5 and 3" rounds. Great for custom labeling such as custom soap labels, custom candle labels and and product line you can imagine. Custom labels are also great for wedding favors, baby showers, bridal showers, gifts, anniversaries and so much more! Visit us today at NOTEDOCCASIONS for coordinating invitations, stamps and other fine paper products! Everything is COMPLETELY customizable- fonts, text styles and images!!!

    Wedding monogram stickers are a chic way to create wedding favor tags, personalized wedding favor labels and can also add a personalized flair to your invitations. Each wedding favor tag and label can be customized with different colors, and your own personal message. These monogrammed wedding stickers are sure to be a hit with bridal showers, wedding invites and favors for both. Some ideas to get you started:


    Your bridal shower or baby shower favor boxes or party favor bags will look fabulous accented with one of our circular Bridal Shower or Baby Shower Stickers! These fun personalized labels can help you put a finishing touch on any favor or packaging for your special occasion. 


    A FEW SAMPLES OF THOUSANDS OF BRIDAL SHOWER DESIGNS


    THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF BABY SHOWER STICKERS AND LABELS TOO



    Our newest product line introduced this month is CUSTOM SOAP AND CANDLE labels. Designed in many different styles, colors and font alternatives, the custom product labels can be used to promote your personalized line of fragrances, candles, soaps, essential oils- or just about any product offering you are making available to the public. If you have any personalization requests, feel free to contact me at limekilnwhalewatcher@yahoo.com. You can also read more about the custom labels HERE.

    A FEW OF OUR NEWEST OFFERINGS IN THE CUSTOM LABEL VENUE:


     Click here to see more product labels!

    I WOULD LOVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DESIGN A CUSTOM LABEL FOR YOU! PLEASE CONTACT ME AT LIMEKILNWHALEWATCHER@YAHOO.COM OR BY VISITING THIS LINK http://www.notedoccasions.com/contact-us


    Subscribe in a reader

  • Bakery Business Cards Custom Designed for your Business! - 20-07-2010
    BAKERY BUSINESS CARDS: Your bakery business is all about comfort and indulgence. Classic and delicious baked goods and sweet treats tempt every person passing within 100 yards of your storefront. But do your bakery business cards can make people's mouths water with the thought of delectable desserts and a moment that's just for them. We have a full line of bakery business cards that look so good, you'll want to eat 'em.
    Or perhaps you don't have a storefront, but prefer to bake your goods and showcase them in the restaurants of others. Drop your cards off at local sites with bakery display cases that would benefit from your desserts. Let your services be known; your quality will speak for itself. When customers taste your treats, they'll want to know where they came from. And that business card can be designed to leave the lasting impression that will keep them coming back for more!

    You've followed all of the "best business practices" for starting that bakery and now it is time to generate interest in the bakery by designing custom bakery business cards and handing them out whenever possible to generate interest. 





                                                                  http://www.americanbakers.org/



    http://smallbiz1.com/starting-bakery-business.html
    Choosing the right design to announce your business to the world has been made simple by the incredibly talented artists on Zazzle. There are thousands of unique designs in lots of colors, paper qualities and designs- one of which is sure to please!  Custom-designed and printed business cards for your bakery will help you cook up a ton of business!  The key to success for any business is advertising and networking.  If people don?t know your bakery is out there, no one will stop by!  Distributing eye-catching bakery business cards to potential customers and other businesses in your area is one of the easiest and most effective ways to take your business to new heights!





    THOUSANDS OF CUSTOM DESIGNED BAKERY BUSINESS CARDS TO CHOOSE FROM!





















    Subscribe in a reader

  • Planning your Winter Wedding in 2010 - 08-07-2010
    With warm temperatures, balmy days and beautiful choice in floral landscapes, the wedding season absolutely peaks in the summer months. According to the Association for Wedding Professionals International, an international organization dedicated to providing a central source of information for wedding planners, peak wedding season falls between May and October in most of the US.  But it is also during those months that wedding coordinators, photographers, caterers and couriers are able to charge the most with services so in demand.

    Maybe you weren't quick enough to lock in a June wedding date, or maybe you just want to do something a little different from the rest of the pack. With the winter wedding season comes a 40-50% decline from the peak season- which means that couples who choose to plan their nuptials in the winter months enjoy a respite from the costly months of summer too.  And the colors of winter are deeper and richer, allowing you greater latitude than spring and summer brides, who traditionally stick with tried and true pastels.


    FLOWERS

    Floral arrangements may be the one exception to the general "reduced costs" rule and unless you remain flexible, this could cause you a bit of chagrin.  The average cost of wedding flowers ranges between $2000-$3000 in the US.  To save on the winter wedding arrangements- try to choose florals that are "in season" such as hollies, irises, lillies, roses and pines. Sticking to locally grown flowers that are "in season" is the absolute least expensive option.

    However, there are now a vast range of winter wedding flowers available thanks to commercial growers cultivating under glass and importing from warmer climates. With that in mind you will want to consider from where the flowers are being imported- try to find florists who are importing from countries where it is the opposite season- so flowers are being grown and are plentiful as opposed to a similar winter situation in that region (which would make the imports more expensive).  Remember, seasonal foliage is everywhere this time of the year- so lots of green accents can be used to reduce your costs in the floral department!

    COLORS

    Pantone issued their guide to the hot colors for 2010 weddings last year- bright joyful colors and combinations that cannot be beat. Turquose was named their color of  2010- but dont feel boxed in by that designation in the winter  months. Although, there are great teal and turquoise accents to be found during the winter season, think about combining the colors above- perhaps a tomato puree with sprigs of eucalyptus? Now we're talking warm and toasty tones to an otherwise drab season!

    You'll want to use the ceremony site as a starting point when planning your nuptials and color schemes. Keep in mind you will most likely be bringing the guests indoors- so the entire ceremony and reception will not have to reflect the iciness of the season outside! Metals (silvers, golds, bronzes) will all accent your winter event well- if you have a favorite- work the other colors around the metallic. For example, keep in mind the base tone of your metal selection- silvers tend to pair better with "colder tone" colors (blues, greys, magenta) while golds pair well with the warmer colors (yellows, rich red and oranges, purples). Dramatic or understated, you'll love the effect!!

    Once you've decided on a venue and have found that perfect color combination for flowers and the ceremony/reception- it's now time to find that perfect wedding invitation suite which will set the tone for guests expectations of the event.  Since we know that not all weddings take place in the summer, subtle snowflakes, warm purees and corals, cool blues, rich eucalyptus and herb wedding invitations with winter themes are all available to complement your winter wedding. At NOTEDOCCASIONS we offer a beautiful palette of affordable invitations for all seasons- but secretly love the winter season designs the most!

    Since it's a winter wedding, you want your invitations to arouse and inspire romantic feelings and thoughts of freshly falling snow, wintery landscapes, Jack Frost, icicles and sleigh bells. Yes, you want your invitations to produce in your guests the type of thoughts and feelings that caused famous painters like Picasso, Van Gough and da Vinci to create their masterpieces and works of art.

    This is the type of effect you want your invitations to have on your guests. Yes, your invitations should leave them enthusiastically counting down the days....

    You may consider the following ideas on your venture to the alter. And as always, please do not hesitate to contact me for a customized wedding invitation at limekilnwhalewatcher@yahoo.com. Congratulations!!!


    CUSTOM WEDDING INVITATIONS






    Click here to see more invitations and coordinating US Postage!
    Subscribe in a reader

  • Bridal Shower Invitations, Custom Bridal Shower Postage and More! - 22-06-2010
    Bridal Showers are great occasions which allow the friends and family of the bride to be (and groom to be) to spend some relaxed time with the busy couple before the big wedding day. It's a time for sharing funny stories about the couple, to give some much needed advise to the busy bride and for everyone to show general support for the upcoming nuptials. Commonly hosted by the friends and/or family of the bride- the wedding shower is usually held between 4-6 weeks before the wedding day of the couple being honored.
    The obvious intent of the wedding shower is to assist the new couple in establishing their lives together. Once the bride has registered, this event will allow friends and family to purchase gifts needed when the two begin their lives together. In fact, the wedding shower concept actually began as an alternative to the dowry when friends and families began placing small gifts in parasols that were opened over the brides head, showering the maiden with gifts for her new life.
    Although bridal showers began as simple affairs, today they can be casual or as lavish as you want. Surprising the bride used to be the norm, but today pretty much anything goes. Some brides even have multiple shower to accommodate family, friends and co-workers. Even wedding planners now assist brides to be in putting together the wedding showers so as to relieve the busy lady of that planning. Nevertheless, the basic idea of the shower has not changed much over the years- it remains a celebration where friends, family and the wedding party approve of the upcoming partnership and assist in getting the new relationship off to its very best start.
    BRIDAL SHOWER INVITATIONS
    Bridal showers can be held any time between two weeks and six months prior to the actual wedding date. But given the upcoming wedding day, it's best to try and plan the date for the wedding shower at least a month before the wedding day. Send your wedding shower invitations 4 weeks prior to the scheduled event date to be sure you allow your guests enough time to plan to attend the bridal shower and have the chance to purchase gifts from the bridal registry. Generally, include those closest to the bride and groom- keeping in mind that showers today are not "just for girls." Co-ed couple showers are certainly embraced as a trendy and convenient way to make a party out of the day! Just be sure to monitor your guest list if there are multiple wedding showers being planned- no one wants to feel obligated to buy multiple gifts.
    Everyone who makes it onto the guests list should receive their own personal invitation, unless you are inviting couples (whose invitations can then be shared) or children of the guests (who can be added to the bridal shower envelope wording if you'd like).  Finally, the etiquette still stands: only those being invited to the wedding should be invited to the bridal shower. (Co workers in the workplace are an exception to the rule so long as the shower is planned and being held in that venue by the office mates).
    Be sure to include the following on your invitations:
    1. the bride's name so that guests know whose wedding shower this celebrates
    2. the date, time and location of the event
    3. provide directions If there are people being invited who are not familiar with the venue
    4. if the bride has a theme, feel free to mention it 
    5. let the guests know if they need to bring anything special- such as a dish for a potluck
    6. be sure to include the rsvp information- a name, phone number and/or email address AND clarify the date by which you need a response

    The great thing about today's marketplace is that there are many customizable themes from which you can choose. The wedding shower invites can allude to the theme of the bride's wedding - to acknowledge all the planning she has done for the "big event" and her wedding day. If she has elected to have a damask themed wedding- try and find a shower invite that embraces the beauty of the pattern- even think about colors and favors that add a bit of the bride's scheme into the festivities.
    Custom bridal shower invitations are the absolute rage of the current times. With so many options for customization, the wedding shower can be planned with little to no effort as far as the invites go. There are lots of companies vying for the bridal shower planner- so take your time and look around to be sure you find the perfect invitation for your bride. 
    Some of my favorite designs I've created revolve around the wedding shower. I love the colors that today's brides are using and the chic turn that designs have taken over the past few years. I'd be happy to assist you with a customized design or feel free to browse the storefront for design inspirations. And as always, HAPPY PARTIES!!!



    Customize the product you see below by clicking on the image or contact me at limekilnwhalewatcher@yahoo.com for any special requests or assistance!


    BRIDAL SHOWER INVITATION TEMPLATES




    Click here to see more bridal shower invitations!




    I am still populating my new website, NOTED OCCASIONS, with lots of themed wedding, bridal shower and baby themed event templates, as well as super cool business cards. Please feel to visit and shop around for other party ideas!


    In the interim, feel free to visit any or my storefronts for more selections, coordinating stamps and stickers too!


    THE PARTY SHOPPE


    THE FLOWER SHOPPE


    THE PAPER MILL


    DAMASK DIVA



    Subscribe in a reader

  • The 2010 Graduation Scene: Custom Graduation Announcements are IN! - 21-05-2010


    commencement  n. 1. a beginning; a start. 2. a ceremony at which academic degrees or diplomas are  conferred.

    It is hard to imagine to those of us that thought the year would never actually get here, but the graduates of 2010 are heading out of school and into the "real world." I graduated from college way back in 1987- and things have certainly changed in the last two decades. Graduation will always, however, be a time to honor the tenacity and perseverance of years of study, growth and the challenges that await each student as they prepare for the next step in their lives. And it is now officially the CLASS OF 2010's chance to shine!

    The history of the graduation ceremony is a tradition that is considered a rite of passage. The ceremony marks a transition from one stage in a student's life to another. Arnold van Gennep coined the phrase "Rite of passage" in 1909 and he believed the rite of passage included the following three steps:1.Separation from Society, 2.Inculcation-transformation; 3.Return to Society in the new status.

    All graduation passage rituals fulfill certain universal functions : (1) Dramatize facing new responsibilities, opportunities and dangers, (2) Readjust the participant (and all in their social circle) to these changes, (3) They establish solidarity and sacredness of common values or rituals.  Each culture either creates it's own rite of passage ceremony, or acquires one being handed-down (tradition) or both; and, will form a new ritual based on the current moment. The graduation ceremony dates back to the 12th century. Some feel it began with scholastic monks with their ceremonies in robes and has evolved to fit the society in which it is celebrated ever since. 


    Enter 2010: Gone are the days of Victorian etiquette and social constraints when it comes to sharing the good news of your graduation with family and friends. In place of the formal, boring black or blue envelopes of the past, today's graduation announcements can be an expression of who you are, what you've accomplished, and where you're headed. Personalized messages, formats, and colors can be used to create something uniquely yours as you tell friends, family, and neighbors that your day of accomplishment and celebration is at hand.


    Graduation notices are no longer limited to high school and college graduates either. With today's modern technology, you can create correspondence that announces graduation from any number of schools, institutions, or other personal accomplishments. Kindergarten, beauty school, job training, passing the bar exam, or finally getting that long sought after motorcycle license all qualify as good news that those who care about you will want to hear about.


    TRENDS IN 2010
    PHOTO CARDS
    Unique designs abound this year with lots of opportunities to add great snapshots of your graduate- templates abound throughout the web.  The style you select will add a personal touch you can't get from mass produced cards. Choose from different shapes, colors, photo layouts, and personalized messages to create something no one else has ever seen before. You select the colors, the font, the message, and style. You can express your team spirit with school colors, focus on who the graduate is today, or feature a photograph that will have recipients laughing out loud. From movie themes to floral branches and leaves- from cap throwing grads to grads holding puppies- the graduate in 2010 has so many options.


    EXAMPLES OF CUSTOM PHOTO CARDS
    (You can click on each card for details)

    Click here to see more graduation cards!

    COORDINATING SUITE OF CARDS, STAMPS AND STICKERS TOO!
    And when you're planning to send out the final announcement, albeit for the big graduation party or thank you notes after the fact, don't  forget the extra touches that will make this event one of a kind. Consider adding customized graduation postage to the invitation- perhaps a photo of your graduate, a class of 2010 diploma with the college or high school embossed across the front of the stamp? And graduation stickers will complete the suite and make that first impression for the crowd.  Add a touch of flash with a gold seal to your envelope, or seal your envelopes with something directly related to your accomplishment: a custom law degree insignia for the law school grad, a writing pad sticker for the new teacher, or a calculator sticker for the new CPA. You can be as creative as you like when building your personalized announcements and invitations, along with the suite of extras too.

    DONT FORGET THE STICKERS AND STAMPS!
    Click here to see more business cards!

    Creating your very own photo graduation ensemble provides you with an opportunity to express yourself to family and friends as you share your good news. Graduations are life markers. They are events that tell others that you have set a goal, worked hard, and succeeded. Everyone you know will want to hear the good news, and there's no better way to announce your accomplishment than with photo graduation announcements created exclusively by you!
    _______________________________________________________________________________________
    Sandy Buckley is a graphic designer and photographer living in Washington State since 2005. She maintains several storefronts at Zazzle which feature custom designs for all occasions, as well as a website http://www.notedoccasions.com.

    http://www.zazzle.com/thebirthdayshop*/
     http://www.zazzle.com/theflowershop*/
     http:///www.zazzle.com/thepapermill*/
     http://www.zazzle.com/winter_wonderland*/
     http://www.zazzle.com/damaskdiva*
     http://www.zazzle.com/theshoebox*/
     http://www.zazzle.com/pup_culture*/
    Subscribe in a reader

  • Planning your Fall Wedding in 2010 - 17-05-2010
    CURRENT 2010 WEDDING COLOR TRENDS!



    WEDDING COLOR NEWS :  Aqua, Turquoise, Navy, Hot Pink, Yellow, Purple, Light Blue, Magenta, Pink, Mauve, Coral, Gray, Silver, and Cobalt Blue are HOT colors in 2010


    When you're planning a fall wedding it is easy to become enmeshed in the colors of the season- rust, yellows, golds and reds. Color palettes of brick and terra cotta are bountiful in the autumn season and many brides will use leaves and harvest as inspiration for decor. But you don't have to be a stickler when it comes to planning that fall wedding- the possibilities are endless for the moderns and discerning bride.
    According to THE KNOT, the color forecast this upcoming fall season is endless. Leaf hues and earth tones are not necessarily the only choices- considering alternatives such as plum and chic gold can certainly compliment the season too. Brown is still going to be hot- and will pair well with blacks, creams and reds. I'm seeing lots of pastels being used when brides are purchasing invitations for fall weddings- especially aquamarine and turquoise. Purples seem to be getting hot this year too- lots of great eggplant colors being combines with creams and yellows will be setting the stage for a unique ceremony in the pre-winter months.


    I am not a wedding planner nor am I a bride-to-be. But, as a custom wedding invitation designer, I do have the distinct opportunity to not only interact with brides but to also see the choices being made throughout the seasons. This year, it seems that the Knot is absolutely correct (no surprises there!)- in that brides are now electing to make choices based on their own preferences and are embracing aspects of their individualistic personalities despite the season!  I have been receiving many requests to incorporate navy, pomegranate and hot pinks (not all together, mind you) into the color schemes too- whether the bride has elected to go with a more formal damask or a playful floral decor- accents seem to be the word of the day. More and more I see brides electing to use their favorite colors despite the season.  So I figured I'd share some of the custom designs created for the fall brides this year...hope the suggestions assist you in planning your day! And as always, please do not hesitate to contact me at limekilnwhalewatcher@yahoo.com if you would like a personalized paper product designed for your event!


    SOME OF MY SHOPS

    THE FLOWERSHOP : Great florals for your wedding day- lots of contemporary designs focused on beautiful florals for all seasons

    THE PAPERMILL :  Beautiful and unique wedding and event invitations (such as bridal showers, graduations and baby showers) focused on the modern approach to the initial invitation. Modern chic and trendy!

    DAMASK DIVA  :  As the name implies, this storefront contains all of my damask inspired designs- from hot pink to navy blue and everything in between. 
    Some of the hottest designs so far this year for fall weddings in my stores:






    Click here to see more invitations!
    Subscribe in a reader