anna and blue paperie

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

{Party Inspiration} Aloha Summer Celebration

I have been thinking about a theme for Annabelle and Madeleine's birthday party ever since we celebrated their Hello Kitty party that I created for them last year. I am not kidding when I say that. So many different ideas have come into my head this past year. The girls have had their input as well. Their ideas seemed to change as quickly as the ones that I thought of. Their birthdays are three weeks apart and we decided to have another joint party for them this year.

Annabelle is starting Kindergarten in a few short months (I CANNOT believe it! Where has the time gone??) I want to incorporate their favorite colors. Warm and inviting colors of yellow, orange and fuchsia. A color palette that cheers for celebration!

When I came across this picture of these gorgeous hibiscus flowers created by Diane of DK Designs, I fell in LOVE. It has become the focal point when looking for ideas for the birthday party.

Image via Pottery Barn Kids

Image via Layer Cake Shop

Image via Dell Cove Spices

Image via Jelly Belly

Image via Martha Stewart

Image via Amy Atlas

Image via Beau-Coup

I look forward to sharing ideas with you over the next few weeks and would love to receive your ideas as well as this will become a new collection for the shop.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

{Press} Cool Mom Picks

Last week, we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week and I was so excited to see Anna and Blue Paperie featured on one of my favorite daily reads Cool Mom Picks.

They put together a post "Great DIY gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week Earn You an A for effort" and last but not least you'll find my personalized printable note cards.

If you are not familiar with Cool Mom Picks, you must check out their COOL blog. I love receiving my email from Cool Mom Picks with amazing products, great finds, deals and more!

Parents Magazine: "The online arbiter of cool for the swingset crowd."

InStyle: Best of the Web/Kids 2010

Real Simple: One of the 3 best blogs for parents

To have been featured on Cool Mom's Pick was SUPER cool and certainly made my week!

Thanks much!

Friday, May 6, 2011

{Recipe} Cream Cheese Filled Strawberries

It is starting to get warm here in Texas and the strawberries are ripe and sweet.

Here is a favorite recipe of mine that is quick and easy and very refreshing!

Makes for a yummy dessert for Mother's Day too!

Ingredients:

8 ounce package cream cheese

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract (my favorite is Mexican Vanilla)

Using a mixer on medium speed, combine all of your ingredients together until fluffy.

Set aside.

Cut the tips off of the strawberries.

Cut the tops off of the strawberries.

Place the strawberries on their bottoms.

Take a small melon baller to scoop out the tops.

Fill a pastry bag with the cream cheese mixture.

Take a star tip (my favorite is Wilton's 2D which gives a beautiful ruffled look)

Pipe into berries until the cream cheese mixture brims over the tops.

Voila! Simple and delicious!

Wishing everyone a sweet and lovely Mother's Day!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

{Inspiration} Colorful Fiesta de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is one of the liveliest celebrations of the year. Here are some fun and colorful ideas for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations!

Festive Party Decor

Image via More Design Please

Party Tablescape

Image via Martha Stewart

Table Centerpiece

Image via Divine Party Concepts

Ruffled Streamers

Image via Made

Cinco de Mayo Margarita

Image via The Food Network

Mexican Sombrero Cupcakes

Image via The Cupcake Blog

Lemon-Lime Cookies

Image via SweetSugarBelle

Mini Pinatas

Image via One Charming Party

Confetti Eggs

Image via One Lovely Day by Project Wedding

Sombrero Cookies

Image via Random Thoughts of a Supermom

Chicken Tostadas

Image via Gimme Some Oven

Strawberry Margarita Popsicles

Image via Bakers Royale

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week lasts from May 2 - May 6th.

It is the week in which you can show your gratitude and it is a week dedicated to the celebration of teachers. It is the perfect time in the year to take a moment to show your appreciation to teachers for all of the effort they put into each day to teach and for the education that we receive thanks to them.

Show your appreciation with personalized printable note cards for that special teacher.

Using the color palette, you can change the colors of the doodles and fonts to suit your taste, event or just because! The result… custom note cards in a snap! Print as many times as you like. Simply print, cut and you are ready to go!

Also available as a printable folded note.

Order your personalized Teacher Appreciation note cards in my Etsy shop HERE!

Monday, May 2, 2011

{Salel} 20% off to celebrate Mother's Day!

In honor of a very special day this week for Mother's Day, enjoy 20% off anna and blue paperie's entire shop.

Simply use coupon code "mom20" at checkout HERE.

Expires 5/5/2011

{Free Printable} Happy Mother's Day!

This week we celebrate Mother's Day. It is a day to celebrate Mothers throughout the world.

I created a free Mother's Day printable using beautiful shades of blues, yellow and pink along with a fun pattern of interlocking circles.

Simply print, punch and add a ribbon to a fresh bouquet of flowers, cupcake toppers, gifts and so much more!

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 Happy Mother's Day printable HERE!

I would love to see and share your photos!

Enjoy!

Friday, April 29, 2011

Love is in the Air!

We received a Royal invitation!

Well, sort of at least. My daughter's teacher sent out invitations to celebrate the Royal event at school today. They were all to dress up in their princess outfits and ties for a tea party as they watched the DVR'ed wedding.

Annabelle was so excited to say the least. We found the perfect dress from her stash of dress up clothes. She chose the Princess Belle outfit and we accessorized with a pearl necklace, stick on earrings, matching glitter red shoes as well as a bit of blush and lip gloss.

All dressed and ready for the BIG event!

I made some Royal cupcakes for the special event and had to share the sweet photos with you.

I have not yet had a chance to watch the coverage of the wedding that I taped. Looking forward to watching!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

{Inspiration} Easter Desserts

Easter is upon us and as you are getting ready for your Easter and Spring celebrations, I have put together some of my favorite desserts. They are sure to be a hit at any party from a Sunday afternoon brunch to a school party.

Enjoy!

Rich Chocolate Cake