{New to the Shop} Sweet As Can Bee Printable Collection

Have you heard the buzz?
I'm excited to share a new collection called
Sweet As Can Bee with you!
I had a customer request a custom bee themed baby shower invitation and cupcake toppers/tags.  I loved how they turned out so much that I decided to complete the collection.
This printable collection would make any party buzz with cuteness. The collection is versatile so that it can be used for Birthday Parties, Baby Showers and more!
 

A traditional bumble bee yellow, black and white make up the color palette along with a soft gray.
Fun patterns of polka dots and damask will make for an adorable look for your party!
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The "Sweet As Can Bee" printable collection includes:

1.  Invitation

2.  Pennant Banner

3.  Bottle Wrappers

4.  Blank Gift Tags/Labels (4 designs)

5.  Blank Tents/placecards (4 designs)

6.  2 Inch Party Decor

7.  2 Inch Favor Tags

8.  Cake Toppers/table decor

9.  Party Sign

Text can be customized. Please email me for info. 

The “Sweet As Can Bee” printable collection is currently on sale for 50% off in my etsy shop HERE until May 2^nd.

{Giveaway} Lima Bean Kids

UPDATE!!

We have a winner!

Comment #40

Renee - Bearable Deals

Congratulations!

Please email stefanie@annaandblue.com to claim your prize.

I have been a huge fan of Lima Bean Kids for a long time.  I was first introduced to this company by a friend of mine and it was love at first sight.  Lima Bean Kids is all about cool colors, great design and personalization.  Their shop is filled with the most adorable whimsical tees, plates, water bottles, lunch boxes, gifts and so much more.

I met Dacia, the owner of LBK this past December at the Junior League's Annual Christmas Affair here in Austin.  Dacia is the sweetest and it was a pleasure meeting her and seeing of all the LBK goodies.  I love all things personalized so I am smitten with all of the cuteness at Lima Bean Kids.

How adorable are these bunny plates?  Perfect with Easter around the corner!

Dacia has generously offered a plate/bowl combo (retails for $50) to one lucky reader. The winner can choose any plate/bowl designs of their choice.

Who wants to WIN?? Here's how to enter:

1. Take a look at the adorable products at Lima Beans Kids and come back here to leave a comment with your favorite item and what you would create.

2. Are you a fan of anna and blue paperie on Facebook? If not, become one here and "like" our page! If you are a new fan, please say hello my Facebook wall. Then come back here and let me know that you did.

3. Follow anna and blue paperie on Twitter by clicking HERE. Come back here and let me know that did.

4. Do you follow my blog? If not, subscribe here.  Come back here to leave a comment that you did!

5. Become a fan of Lima Bean Kids on Facebook by clicking here and "liking" their page. Don't forget to say that anna and blue paperie sent you! Leave a comment here letting me know that you did.

6. Follow Lima Bean Kids on Twitter here. Come back here to leave a comment that you did!

7. For FIVE extra entries, post about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog.  Leave a comment with the link here.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry! Please leave your email so that I have a way of contacting you if you are the winner.

Winner will be chosen on Friday, April 15, 2011 at 10:00pm (cst) Any entries after this time will be void. Winner will be selected using random.org.

{Press} Hostess with the Mostess Feature!

I am SO excited to share with you that my "Some Bunny Loves Me" printable collection was featured on Hostess with the Mostess.  I was over the moon to have had my Halloween Table featured back in October on HWTM and beyond thrilled to be featured again.  

I have followed Jenn's blog for the longest time and it is truly one of my FAVORITE sites to go to for party inspiration.  It is an honor to be featured on Hostess with the Mostess.  If you have not checked out this party planning site, you MUST!  You will find a plethora of amazing party styling ideas and tips there.

I had such a great time styling the "Some Bunny Loves Me" table.  I wanted to style a printable collection that was versatile and affordable.   The collection can be used for Easter brunch, baby showers, childrens' parties and more!  Check out all of the details HERE on Hostess with the Mostess!!

Thanks so much for the fabulous feature!

I ♥ Hostess with the Mostess!

{Giveaway} $50 credit to Motek Sugarcraft

UPDATE!!

We have a winner!

Comment #27

Crazigirl80

Congratulations!

Please email stefanie@annaandblue.com to claim your prize.

When Lihy from Motek Sugarcraft contacted me to see if I would be interested in reviewing a few of her products, I knew I was going to have lots of fun. Motek Sugarcraft is a sugar craft supply store that carries an amazing selection of cake decoration equipment, edibles and more!

Lihy sent me a package full of colorful goodies. I knew I was going to have the best time creating fun desserts using items from her shop.

I made the icing for these cupcakes using Magic Colours Ice Blue.

I turned boring white icing into a look with some "pop" by adding these fun heart-shaped sprinkles.

My inspiration for these pops were from Bakerella.  I used marshmallows instead of making the actual cake balls. To create the pink color for the icing, I melted white chocolate and added Magic Colours Bazooka Pink.

Added some colorful sprinkles for the perfect touch.

To create the bold pink color for the icing, I used Magic Colours Fuschia.

I added some white edible hearts for a sweet touch.  

By placing the edible heart onto the cupcake icing, I was able to pull in an additional color into the cupcake as a whole.  The pink color for the icing was made using Magic Colours Fuschia. 

In addition to selling all kinds of sweet goodies, Motek Sugarcraft also manufactures food colors, edible marker pens and colorful sprinkles.  Their clientele consists of Wholesalers, Retail Shops, Bakeries,Cake designers, Chefs, Factories, Schools and more.

I had a fabulous time using the products that Lihy sent me.  I could have spent hours creating more treats.  You too can come up with wonderful treats and desserts because Lihy is offering a $50 store credit to her store.

Who wants to WIN?? Here's how to enter:

1. Take a look at the goodies at Motek Sugarcraft and come back here to leave a comment with your favorite item and what you would create.

2. Are you a fan of anna and blue paperie on Facebook? If not, become one here and "like" our page! If you are a new fan, please say hello my Facebook wall. Then come back here and let me know that you did.

3. Follow anna and blue paperie on Twitter by clicking HERE. Come back here and let me know that did.

4. Do you follow my blog? If not, subscribe here.  Come back here to leave a comment that you did!

5. Become a fan of Motek Sugarcraft on Facebook by clicking here and "liking" their page. Don't forget to say that anna and blue paperie sent you! Leave a comment here letting me know that you did.

6. For FIVE extra entries, post about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog.  Leave a comment with the link here.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry! Please leave your email so that I have a way of contacting you if you are the winner.

Winner will be chosen on Friday, April 8, 2011 at 10:00pm (cst) Any entries after this time will be void. Winner will be selected using random.org.

Please vote for anna and blue paperie!

If you love anna and blue paperie and my blog, please VOTE for me in The Circle of Mom's TOP 25 PARTY PLANNIN' MOMS by voting ONCE a day HERE.. I would SO appreciate your vote.

Voting ends April, 11, 2011.

Simply click on the image below to cast your vote.

 

{New to the Shop} Sweet Vintage

Recently, the girls at Oh Fiddlesticks asked me to participate in their Cowgirl LOVE giveaway.  The giveaway would allow the little cowgirl in your life to throw an amazing Vintage Cowgirl party.  

I decided to come up with a simple design for the theme and created stationery along with party decor that could be used as cupcake toppers or tags for a gift.

  I loved how they turned out that I decided to offer versions in my shop for the little cowgirl or cowboy in your life.

Adorable cowgirl/cowboy themed stationery set with a vintage feel. Stationery that is customizable.

Cowgirl/cowboy vintage themed tags that can be used for cupcake toppers, gift tags and more!

Using the color palette, you can choose colors to suit your taste, event or just because! The result… custom note cards and party decor in a snap! 

Available in my etsy shop HERE.

{Giveaway} Feel Good Frames

UPDATE!!

We have a winner!

Comment #16

Jenny from Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line

Congratulations!

Please email stefanie@annaandblue.com to claim your prize.

Every year I look forward to attending the annual Junior League Christmas Affair.  One of my favorite vendors this year was Feel Good Frames.  They carry personalized and hand painted picture frames, ornaments, dry erase boards and cork bulletin boards.  They make thoughtful and completely unique gifts for weddings, Mother's Day, engagements, anniversaries, Father's Day and all holidays!  Shelley started Feel Good Frames in early 2002.

Their frames and ornaments  have been selected as 'great gifts' by the editors of several national magazines, including 'Southern Living', 'Southern Lady', 'Paula Dean' and 'Baby Talk' magazines. 

What inspires Shelley?
Sweet, cherished pictures where you can just see the love.  A mom and her boys.  A darling new baby.  A couple just married.  Girlfriends having fun.  For design, I love soft, clean, relaxing colors and spaces.  I am mesmerized by bright, beautiful paintings.  Magazines, cookbooks, the beach.  I love to read and I love to watch and study.  I browse several fabulous furniture consignment shops regularly.

Shelley is giving one of our readers a 4 x 6 frame of their choice.
In addition, Shelly if offering a 25% discount this week.  Simply enter coupon code annaandblue HERE.  These would make perfect presents with Mother's Day around the corner!

Who wants to WIN?? Here's how to enter:

1. Take a look at the goodies at Feel Good Frames and come back here to leave a comment with your favorite item.

2. Are you a fan of anna and blue paperie on Facebook? If not, become one here and "like" our page! If you are a new fan, please say hello my Facebook wall. Then come back here and let me know that you did.

3. Follow anna and blue paperie on Twitter by clicking HERE. Come back here and let me know that did.

4. Do you follow my blog? If not, subscribe here.  Come back here to leave a comment that you did!

5. Become a fan of Feel Good Frames on Facebook by clicking here and "liking" their page. Don't forget to say that anna and blue paperie sent you! Leave a comment here letting me know that you did.

6. For FIVE extra entries, post about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog.  Leave a comment with the link here.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry! Please leave your email so that I have a way of contacting you if you are the winner.

Winner will be chosen on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 10:00pm (cst) Any entries after this time will be void. Winner will be selected using random.org.

{Events} Cooking Up English

A few weeks ago, I was asked to participate in an event being held by Cooking Up English.  This program uses cooking as a tool to teach English. The program is intended for those learning English as a second language. Weekly classes, conversation partners, and simple challenges encourage students to practice what they learn in class. 

My husband and I love to cook and I love this idea by teaching through cooking.  Talk about a fun way to learn a second language.  

Cupcake toppers I made for the event.

To learn more about Cooking Up English, please click HERE.

Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake Recipe & Free Printable!

Ever since my husband and I first dated, I would make his favorite cake for his birthday.  He LOVES carrot cake with LOTS of cream cheese icing.  Before we were married and before we had all the fun kitchen appliances, I would grate the carrots by hand.  Talk about labor of love.  This cake is delicious even for an afternoon snack or breakfast.  With Easter around the corner, it would be perfect for Easter Brunch.

 Old Fashioned Carrot Cake with Maple-Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

1 cup canola oil

4 large eggs

2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 - 1 1/2 cups finely grated peeled carrots

1 cup walnuts, toasted, chopped (optional)

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.

Butter and flour two 9-inch diameter cake pans with 1 1/2 inch high sides.

Using an electric mixer, beat sugar, oil and eggs in a large bowl until well blended.

Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.

Beat until blended.  Stir in carrots and walnuts.

Divide batter between pans.

Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean. ( I use a toothpick).

This varies by oven.  Mine takes about 32-40 minutes.

Cool cakes in pans on rack for 15 minutes.

Run a small knife between pan sides and cakes to loosen.

Turn pans upside down and gently pat to remove.

Then place cakes onto racks; cool completely.

Maple Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients:

Two 8 ounce packages cream cheese at room temperature

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature

1 1/2 - 2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (my favorite is mexican vanilla)

Beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth.

Add powdered sugar, syrup and vanilla.

Beat until smooth.

Place in refrigerator for about 15 minutes.  This makes the icing of the cake easier.

Icing the cake:

Place 1 cake layer, flat side up on your platter.

Spread 1 cup icing over.

Top with the second layer, flat side down.

Spread remaining icing over the top and sides of the cake.

Refrigerate cake for one hour or up to 1 day.

Serve at room temperature.

This year, I decided to make carrot cupcakes.  Instead of placing cake batter into cake pans, simply use muffin pans.  Use cupcake liners and fill liners no more than halfway full of the batter.

Free Happy Birthday Printable!

Formatted for an 8.5 x 11 sheet with 12 squares.

Print on heavy card stock, matte photo paper or 8.5 x 11 full size label sheets to make stickers. Cut to make squares or use 1 7/8” and 2” circle and scallop circle paper punches.

Get your 2 inch scallop circle punch HERE.

 Download your free printable HERE.

I would love to see and share your photos!

Enjoy!

LOVE for Japan Stationery - 100% will go to the American Red Cross

♥♥♥ LOVE ♥♥♥ for Japan!
100% of proceeds from this stationery set will be donated to the American Red Cross.

This set has a beautiful red scallop with a white heart in the center to show support for Japan.

Choose your font to suit your taste, event or just because! The result… custom note cards in a snap!
Be as creative as you like. Note cards can be designed as thank you notes, social correspondence, teacher appreciation, sibling stationery, gifts or simply to write a note on pretty paper..

Also available as a printable file.  Print as many times as you like. Simply print, cut and you are ready to go!

 Stationery is available HERE in my Etsy shop.

Thank you for shopping at anna and blue paperie and supporting this GREAT cause!

{Giveaway} Stella & Dot Necklace

UPDATE!!

We have a winner!

Comment #23

Katie Probandt

Congratulations!

Please email stefanie@annaandblue.com to claim your prize.

We have a fabulous giveaway today from independent Stella & Dot stylist Shannon Fleishman.

Stella & Dot is one of my favorite jewelry lines.  I recently hosted a party and love my new beautiful accessories.

If you keep up with the latest fashions, you’ve probably already heard of Stella & Dot, a San Francisco based jewelry company. They’ve been featured in the New York Times, In Style, Lucky, and People Magazine and on many television shows – The Today Show, The Bachelorette, Fox News and many others.

They have so many super cute, stylish and funky pieces. They also have an adorable line for girls.

Shannon is giving this stunning Riviera Pendant Necklace to one lucky anna and blue reader.

Retails for $59

A tiny gold-plated flower with labradorite and CZ bauble against an unexpected vintage coin backdrop of silver-plated brass. On an Italian spaced ball and station chain in Sterling silver.

"The Riviera"

Who wants to WIN?? Here's how to enter:

1. Take a look at the goodies at Shannon's E-Boutique and come back here to leave a comment with your favorite item.

2. Are you a fan of anna and blue paperie on Facebook? If not, become one here and "like" our page! If you are a new fan, please say hello my Facebook wall. Then come back here and let me know that you did.

3. Follow anna and blue paperie on Twitter by clicking HERE. Come back here and let me know that did.

4. Do you follow my blog? If not, subscribe here.  Come back here to leave a comment that you did!

5. Become a fan of Shannon's Stella & Dot page on Facebook by clicking here and "liking" her page. Don't forget to say that anna and blue paperie sent you! Leave a comment here letting me know that you did.

6. For FIVE extra entries, post about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog.  Leave a comment with the link here.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry! Please leave your email so that I have a way of contacting you if you are the winner.

Winner will be chosen on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 10:00pm (cst) Any entries after this time will be void. Winner will be selected using random.org.