{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.

{New to the Shop} Some Bunny Loves Me Collection

Spring is here! I wanted to style a printable collection that was versatile and one that could be used for Easter brunch, baby showers, childrens’ parties and more.   The color palette used within this collection includes a pale yellow and green, baby blue along with a textured linen to give a warm and classic feeling throughout.  My goal was to create a look that was affordable and one that could easily be recreated for your occasion.  The end result -  a sweet and lovely decorated event!

 

The "Some Bunny Loves Me" printable collection includes:

1. "Happy Easter" Pennant Banner

2. Blank place cards/tents (4 designs)

3. Blank labels/tags (4 designs)

4. 2 inch party decor ( Happy Easter, Bunny silhouette)
5. 2 inch favor tags (Thank You)

6. Table decor/Cake toppers (2 designs) (Happy Easter)

7. Gift tags (to: / from:)

8. Bottle Wrappers (Happy Easter)

9. Party/Welcome Sign

***Matching invitation for this collection is available in my shop sold separately***

The “Some Bunny Loves Me” printable collection is currently on sale in my etsy shop HERE for $10 for a limited time.

 Treats:
Special thanks to Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop in Austin, TX for the beautiful cupcakes. www.sugarmamasbakeshop.com/

Décor:
Pale Blue and white cake Stands – Homegoods 

 Nests, kenaf table runner, potted plants – Pottery Barn 

Speckled Egg Candle Holders, flower bowls – Pier 1 Imports 
Ceramic bunnies – Hobby Lobby 

{Blogger's Day of Silence} For Japan With Love

 

  We have all seen the devastation that the earthquake and tsunami caused when they hit Japan. The images and video are heartbreaking. So many will struggle to survive the cold and harsh conditions with very limited food, water and shelter. 

  Two amazing ladies, Lydia {Ever Ours} & Lucy {Utterly Engaged} have teamed up and organized {For Japan with Love} a fundraiser for earthquake and tsunami relief.  

"All of the donations {For Japan, With Love} will go to ShelterBox, which provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most. Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items."

 Along with many others...
I will be participating in the "Bloggers Day of Silence" on Friday in support of the disaster relief efforts being organized for the people in Japan.

Please join us this Friday March 18th in the 

Bloggers’ Day of Silence. 

My blog will be silent, which means no posts will be featured to honor and respect what has happened in Japan.

My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan.

Blogger friends if you're interested in participating, please contact lydia@ever-ours.com or info@utterlyengaged.com for more information

{Giveaway} Your Baby's Room - Baby Rag Set

UPDATE!!

We have a winner!

Comment #18

Writinggal

Congratulations!

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

One of my daughter Madeleine's first gifts was a personalized gift set.  My eyes lit up at seeing her name on the adorable baby rag and bib.  There's something about seeing your child's name personalized that is always so fun.  The adorable set was created by Amanda, owner of Your Baby's Room.  Your Baby's Room offers fun and unique personalized items for babies and kids. I have been giving personalized gift sets from Your Baby's Room as presents ever since. 

 How did your start your business?

I started this business with my sister 9 years ago.  We had so much fun making all the other little things you need for "your baby's room" that we decided to start with craft shows.   Five years ago when my sister moved and I was on my own with the business, I bought an embroidery machine and began making  personalized burp cloths (which I call baby rags).

What inspires you when creating your products?

I am inspired by babies!!!  Every time I see a baby I feel the need to make something for them!!  It is an amazing feeling every time a customer sends me a picture of their baby with one of my products.  I am also inspired by my husband and kiddos.  As my kids have gotten older, I try to make products that they would want.  This is why the duffel bags, towels and make up bags have been added to the site.   

I feel very blessed to be able to have this job that allows me to work from home so I can be there for my kids.  I feel so lucky that I am able to earn a living doing what I love!

 

Amanda is giving one lucky winner 3 personalized baby rags! 

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

1. Take a look at the goodies at Your Baby's Room 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 on our wall. Then come back here and let me know that you did.

3. Post about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog. Leave a comment with the link here.

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 Your Baby's Room on Facebook by clicking here and "liking" them. Don't forget to say that anna and blue paperie sent you! Leave a comment here letting me know that you did.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry! If posting as anonymous, please leave your contact info!

Winner will be chosen on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 10:00pm (cst) Any entries after this time will be void. Winner will be selected using random.org.

 My Madeleine wearing her Your Baby's Room personalized bib.

{Inspiration} Creative Ways to Use Tissue Paper

It definitely feels like spring time here in Austin, TX.  That gets me in the mood to do some fun crafts especially with Easter around the corner.  Here are some beautiful and fun crafts you can create using tissue paper.  There's more to tissue paper than just using it in a gift bag.

Tissue Paper Flowers

via lillyella

Cherry Blossoms

 via Good Housekeeping

Tissue Paper Shamrock

 via Crafts by Amanda

Chandelier

 via Wren Handmade

Giant Paper Flowers

 via Disney Family Fun

Tissue Poms

 via Candy and Cake

Paper Dahlia Favors

via Martha Stewart

Flower Bouquet

 via Creative Party Buzz