Paisley In Paris™

Handmade Valentine Magnet Gifts

2012-02-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Time's a ticking and I have yet to come up with a fun Valentine's craft this year. I am not a big fan of sending candy with my daughter to give out at school, simply because it's not healthy. Kids eat so much sugar nowadays. Last year we made the cutest little cards and gave away decorated pencils. Sorry no pictures available. The year before, when my daughter was in kindergarten, we made handmade magnets. They turned out really cute!
Here's what you need to create your own:

Black and white 3/4 inch flat glass marbles
1/2 inch round flat magnets
Red acrylic paint
A small brush to paint hearts on the marbles
E-6000 glue

Once you have all the supplies it gets really easy. Simply paint the hearts on the marbles. Let them dry. Put a little glue on the back of the marble and attach the magnet.

You can package them however you want. I had little 3x3 inch cellophane bags in my craft room and 3x3 folded cards that I used. I placed the marble inside the bags. Then, I printed a message on the back of the folded cards and had my daughter sign them. The message read, "Your magnetic smile stole my heart! Happy Valentine's Day!"
Afterwards, we decorated the front of the cards using scrap paper and three different paper punches: 2-inch round scallop, 1-inch round scallop, and a heart shaped paper punch. The inside of the cards was left blank. Once everything card was decorated and signed, I placed part of the clear bags inside the cards and stapled them together.

They were the cutest Valentine gifts in her class!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

How I lost 20 pounds

2012-01-17T22:16:00.001-08:00

It was February of 2011 when I decided I was done being overweight. My "normal" weight throughout my 20's was usually 135 lbs, I sometimes reached 140 lbs during the holiday season, but I always managed to get down to 135 or even 130 lbs during summer time. Well, after the birth of my daughter and a knee injury that limited my mobility for a few years, I gained about 30 lbs in my early 30's. Little by little, with some physical therapy and exercise, I lost the limp and regained full mobility on that knee, but I didn't lose the extra weight. I started feeling a little depressed about my weight, I didn't like how I looked, I didn't like the fact that I weighed as much as I did when I was 9 months pregnant, and I didn't like that I always felt tired. So finally, one day I decided to stop making excuses and I joined a gym near work. This, my friends, was only the beginning. I also made a few changes in my daily life that have allowed me to keep the weight off. To my surprise, my journey to being "Me" again, has been rather easy and fun!
Here are some of the changes I made:

I joined a gym AND I work out 2-3 times a week.
My workouts consist of strength training and cardio.
I often go for a 30 minute walk during my lunch hour.
I cut down on the amount of processed foods I consume and eat more natural foods. Processed foods are anything that comes out of a box, pre-made, and has a shelf life.
I started eating breakfast - every morning, no exceptions!
I started eating a different kind of breakfast as well.
I drink protein shakes once or twice a week. I usually throw in some uncooked oats, nuts and/or fruit to make them more filling and to enhance the flavor. Sometimes, I grab one of my homemade protein bars and eat it along with a piece of fruit. Or I may just have fruit with a bit of Greek yogurt. I used to like eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but I don't eat those anymore. Instead, I eat peanut butter and fresh fruit sandwiches, meaning that I substitute the jelly with bananas, strawberries or pears. Lately, because bread is my weakness (I would live off bread and water if I could), I started skipping the bread at breakfast time. I slice up half a banana or a few strawberries and I put the fruit in a cup with a tablespoon of peanut butter and eat that as my breakfast with my morning coffee. Skipping the bread at breakfast, allows me to enjoy a nice piece of bread or a couple of tortillas during lunch or dinner - guilt free! I work close to a Pat & Oscar's restaurant, and a couple of ladies in the office, including myself, like to go every couple of weeks for a salad and freshly-made, garlicky, buttery, breadsticks. Hey, I might be 20 lbs lighter now, but I'm still human!

The more I exercise, the hungrier I get, so I listen to my body and eat when I am hungry. This has resulted in 5 mini-meals a day. I can usually tell what my body needs as well. There are times when I clearly am craving protein, sometimes leafy greens, and other times fruits. I just pay attention to what my body is asking for and make the right choice.
I keep a bag or lunch box with food in the fridge at work. Such foods include: hardboiled eggs, string cheese, deli meats, peanut butter, wheat crackers, veggies and fresh fruit. I don’t get up early enough to eat breakfast at home, so this ensures I always have healthy food available at the office for breakfast and snacks throughout the day. I’m telling you, the more I work out, the hungrier I get, and having these foods available prevents me from going into starvation mode (where your metabolism slows down) and keeps me from devouring those office donuts and cookies often found next to the coffee pot.

I practice portion control. I envision my meals being served on my bare hands. If it looks like it won't fit in my hands, then it's too much food for my belly. As a result, my meals are smaller, and my snacks are a bit more substantial.
I eat a protein rich diet. Protein helps muscle growth and makes you feel full longer.
I drink lots of water during the day. I guess I'm lucky - I love water! I don’t obsess over it, either. I just keep a glass on my desk and refill it about 4-5 times in a work day. I’ve noticed now that I keep myself well hydrated how much better I feel. I don’t feel tired, my lips aren’t dry all the time and my face has cleared up. This is the closest I've ever been to having clear skin. I don’t wear makeup (foundation) because I have nothing to cover up! It’s a great feeling.
I don't drink soda or fruit juice. I never really liked soda anyway, but when it comes to fruit juice, I much rather get the fiber and all the nutrients from eating a whole piece of fruit. Personally, if I'm going to consume 90 sugary calories, I prefer them in the form of chocolate, not store bought fruit juice. So in other words, I'd rather eat my calories, not drink them. Oh, but wait a minute, I have a confession to make! I do drink beer and wine. Not all the time, maybe once a week or every couple of weeks. I like to drink a glass of chardonnay while I cook or craft. How about some pizza and beer? Anyone? Yes, please! As long as I eat a salad as my main course, a slice pizza on the side and a nice glass of cold beer...life is good.

I cook more, but I keep it fast and easy. If it takes too long to prepare, it's probably not as fresh or healthy of a meal. So homemade, fast and easy usually results in a healthy, fresh, less processed meal.

I fell in love with Zumba! It's a type of exercise that is based on a variety of Latin rhythms. I just LOVE the music. I'm Latina, so attending a Zumba class is like being at a family party! I love how the music keeps me moving, even if I'm feeling tired. I go to Zumba about 2 times a week. Not only has my body seen the benefits, but it really does make me happy! It's a total mood enhancer. In fact, I love it so much that I recently became a licensed Zumba instructor! I’ll have to dedicate an entire blog post to this topic, but I can tell you now, getting licensed is the easy part. Creating your own choreography is where the challenge and the fun begins.

I report my progress or fitness activities to two of my coworkers who are also very much into fitness. It really does help to talk to someone who understands your commitment to your health. They can encourage you to keep going and share some of their strategies and stories that'll keep you strong and inspired through your journey to better health.
I don’t like math so trying to figure out how many calories I'm consuming is kind of a drag for me, especially because I make a lot of my meals from scratch. However, I do read more labels now and I try to use common sense. If it's fried, cheesy, in the form of bread, or if it’s sugary, then it's probably not good for me. I don't deprive myself, but I don't eat carelessly anymore. Portion control is key, as well as eating only when I’m hungry. Never eat just because you’re bored.

I wear a pedometer. My iPod Nano has a built-in pedometer and I use it just about every day! It tracks the number of steps I walk in a day and calculates my calories burned. It motivates me to beat my own record and keeps me aware of the amount of movement I've had in a day. The more you move, the more calories you burn.

I sleep more. Ever heard that lack of sleep prevents you from losing weight? I don't know why, but I’m living proof that it does. I was sleep deprived for many years, sleeping only 5-6 hours a night. Coincidentally, this was during my heaviest years. I didn't have the energy to exercise, and even if I did, it seemed like my metabolism was much slower than it is now and I wasn’t getting the results I wanted. I now sleep between 7-8 hours and I feel so much better!

I play with my daughter. She's 7 years old and loves going to the park. An hour or so of chasing her around, playing Frisbee, pushing her on the swings, is an hour that I am moving my body, burning calories and bonding with the most important person in my life. It's a win-win!
You will eventually hit a plateau. That’s where I’m at right now, and it’s where I’ve been for several weeks. I know I’d be more fit, toned, slimmer and stronger if I just tried a little bit harder, but like I said before – I’m only human! I don't want to stop eating breadsticks. I like butter in my popcorn. I like pizza and beer. I also know that I do want to get rid of the remaining belly fat and that I'd like to wear a two-piece bikini in the near future. For now, I am enjoying the recent changes in my body, while mentally preparing for the next step. For me, that next step is more strength training, preparing to teach Zumba classes and enjoying those unhealthy foods I like so much more sparingly. If all goes well, I should be where I want to be by this summer.

So there you go. No magic pill, no magic formula. Just a lot of common sense, a little bit of discipline, portion control, less sitting around, less internet, less TV, and more time walking, dancing, playing at the park, doing chores – doing anything that “moves” me. I have to say that losing 20 lbs in 6 months wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I believe anyone can do it, you just have to find the inspiration and motivation, then make the commitment to keep your body in motion, moving towards a healthier, thinner, happier you!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Happy Healthy New Year

2012-01-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

So our first day of "back to normal" at the Perez household went well. My daughter came home from school quite cheerful and it was nice to have (mostly) everyone back at the office. As much as I love the holidays, I am glad they are over so I can go back to eating healthy. No more tamales for me! For a while at least. I hate to admit it, but I gained a few pounds over the holiday season. So, to kick-start my good eating habits again, I'm going to pack a lunch all this week. I work minutes away from my favorite park, and packing a lunch will allow me enough time to walk to the park and back getting me a nice 40 minutes of cardio during my lunch hour, followed by 20 minutes to eat and settle back in at the office for the rest of the afternoon.

So what's for lunch? Just a few mixed greens, apples, walnuts and grilled chicken breasts. I marinated the chicken in a Cranberry Pear balsamic vinaigrette combined with a bit of olive oil infused with Italian herbs. The chicken will have enough flavor so that I can avoid any other form of dressing, helping me cut calories that way. To finish off the day, I plan on going to the gym after work for at least 30 minutes of strength training. The more muscle you have, the faster you burn fat.
So, what's your plan of action? Remember, the only way to get in shape is by acting now. What can you do today to get you closer to where you need to be? In my case, it was packing a healthy lunch and creating a plan that I will follow tomorrow. If something happens and I can't follow through with my complete plan, for instance if I can't make it to the park or the gym, I won't beat myself up about it. I'll be happy that I ate healthy, and find another way to move my body in a way that burns calories. Maybe I'll come home and dance like a madwoman with my daughter. She'd love that!
Happy New Year to you all and may you have a HEALTHY, happy, joyous year ahead.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Operation: Clutter-Free

2011-12-30T13:02:00.000-08:00

Why is it that sometimes you end up with the things you dislike most? In this particular case, I'm talking about clutter. I don't like it. It makes me uncomfortable. Yet, I see it in my house everyday, especially in my home office.
I didn't have this problem until I started working from home. For 5 years I worked as a Couture Handcrafted Invitation Designer. Each project I worked on was designed to fit a particular theme or personality. As a business owner, I bought much of my supplies in bulk, and little by little, after each individual project reached its final destination, it left behind the pieces it was created from. In other words, I have tons of inventory on the shelves.
As I transitioned from being self-employed to being employed full-time and having a kid in grade school, organizing my office was a task I put on the back burner. My new routine however, keeps me quite busy, and it's now time that I make time to tackle this project once and for all before I pull my hair out. I want to be able to relax in my home, not look at this mess and think of all I have to do to get rid of it.

The image above, to the left, is what I see in front of me when I'm sitting at my desk. The image to the right displays what sits directly behind me. Yes...I'm embarrassed to post these pictures, and even more embarrassed to admit I have one more wall that looks just like this. Eeeek!

So here's what I decided to do:
1) Declutter my entire home, one step at a time.
Actually, due to my recent weight-loss, I started this process a few months ago. I have cleaned out my closets and gotten rid of those dreadful size 12s to make room for my new size 8s. Feels great!

How am going to do this?
1) Yard sales
I had one 3 weeks ago. It was very successful! I made about $200 on a weekend selling my stuff and felt great about it! It's kind of flattering actually, to see that others like the same things I do and are willing to pay to enjoy the life these items still have left in them. My dad is actually having a yard sale next week, so I'm going to join him and try my luck out in his neighborhood.

2) Donating
Whatever doesn't sell, I'm going to take to Goodwill. I also have some newish or gently used items that I know my mom and mother-in law would appreciate, such as pots, pans and bakeware.

3) Releasing emotional attachments
Yes, there are some items I am emotionally attached to because of who gave them to me. But as I pass along said items, for example, the purse my sister gave me for my birthday 4 years ago, it becomes a great little find for someone hunting for accessory treasures at a thrift shop, while creating a clean space in home for me to enjoy.

4) Virtual Yard Sale
I have some electronics and stationery items that I'm going to post on this blog for sale in the next few days. Yes I could do E-bay or Amazon, but why pay them a percentage when I could just sell it myself on my own blog?

5) 5 minutes a day
I will dedicate 5 minutes a day to "Operation: Clutter-Free." I plan on setting a medium sized box or paper bag in a different room each week, and dedicate 5 minutes every day to place items in the bag that I haven't used in over a year. Once the bag (or box) is full, off to Goodwill it goes.

6) Shred it and go paper-less
I have TONS of old files in my drawers, and paper stacks all over my office. I don't have a very good shredder, so in the meantime, I'm going to start by taking some of my old utility bills and old bank statements to shred at work. If I don't need it, why file it, right? I'm also going to set-up all of my bills to be received via e-mail. I'm gonna go paper-less and save a few trees. So happy about this one!

7) Stop shopping, start swapping
This should be easy for me, since I'm not much of a shopper anyway. Though, I have been shopping for myself a lot lately out of necessity. I had to due to my recent weight-loss, but I have slowly built a decent wardrobe in my new size, so I'm going to quit shopping for a while. I rarely buy things for the home since I already have everything I need, but if and when I do, I promise that if I buy something new, something old will have to go. For example, if I buy new towels, the old ones have got to go. If I buy new coffee mugs, the old ones get donated. You get the picture. Swap the old for the new to limit the amount of space my possessions occupy in my home. After all, I pay the rent, so I should enjoy most of the space, not my possessions, right?

I think that's a good starting point, don't you?

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Asparagus Roll-Ups

2011-11-26T01:02:00.000-08:00

I love it when good things happen by chance! I don't know how, but I was volunteered to make a greenbean casserole for Thanksgiving. I've never made one before, but with internet service at my fingertips, I agreed, knowing that a sea of greenbean casserole recipes were only a Google search away.
Unfortunately (or should I say luckily), when I went to the store all the greenbeans were gone. But guess what? They had tons of asparagus AND it was on sale, so I looked up asparagus recipes and found this one at AllRecipes.com.

I knew I couldn't go wrong with these! The recipe asked for all my favorite ingredients (cream cheese, bacon, chives, bread, asparagus and Parmesan cheese) and it seemed fairly easy to make! I had most of the ingredients at home, all I needed were two loafs of bread, two bunches of asparagus and back to my kitchen I went.
I was so thankful for my little chef who helped tremendously by removing the crust off the bread and rolling each slice with a rolling pin. I then cut the rolled out bread in half, spread the cream cheese, bacon and chives mixture to the center of each piece, topped it with asparagus and rolled each one up like a taquito.
Brushed a little butter on top, sprinkled freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 12 minutes in the oven and done! The best part - they were a total hit at our Thanksgiving dinner. Yay!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Homemade Peanut Butter Banana Protein Bars

2011-11-13T11:11:00.000-08:00

It's been about 9 months that I got serious about getting in shape and leading a healthier lifestyle. I had changed my eating habits about a year prior, but staying away from high fat foods just wasn't enough. It wasn't until I began a steady exercise routine that I noticed a significant change in my appearance and the way I felt.

I have lost 18 pounds in the process, but there's still so much more to improve and work on as I get used to this new health-conscious lifestyle. That's what it narrows down to. A lifestyle, where you make daily choices planning meals, eating nutritious food and incorporating some kind of physical activity that will keep your metabolism going and the endorphins flowing. As Elle Woods said: "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't." - Amen sister! Ha, ha!

As I write about my weight-loss and weight maintenance journey, I hope that others find inspiration in my story. It took me 7 years to lose the "baby weight." You can do it too! I'm not going to sit here and bore you with it all in one post, so I'll start by sharing my recipe for homemade protein bars.

I find that I am hungry all the freakin' time now, and it makes sense. The body needs fuel to feed on before and after a workout. I am a busy-bee, I work full time, I have 7 year old, a business on the side, a blog, a workout routine, a husband and a big family that I like to spend time with. This leaves me with very little time to do the simple things, like eating breakfast. BIG NO-NO! If you all you have time for is a cup of office coffee (if your place of employment provides it), put your baking hat on and make yourself a batch of these to keep in the fridge, ready to grab on your way out!

Peanut Butter Banana Homemade Protein Bars, Ingredients:
2 cups uncooked oats
2 scoops Designer Whey Protein Powder, French Vanilla
1/8 cup wheat flour
1/8 cup flaxseed meal (or double wheat flour above from 1/8 to 1/4 cup)
1 cup natural unsalted peanut butter
3 tbsp honey
2 medium ripe bananas
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
2 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:
Mash the bananas, add the peanut butter, honey, apple sauce, vanilla and mix together. In a separate bowl mix the dry ingredients: wheat flour, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, oats, protein powder and baking powder. Once the dry ingredients are mixed together, add them to the first mix (peanut butter & bananas) and continue mixing until well blended. At the end, add the chocolate chips. You can actually omit the chocolate chips or substitute them with some walnuts instead.

Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place mixture in 9x9 lightly greased pan and bake for 20-22 minutes until medium brown. (I bake mine in my toaster oven).

It's quite a bit of batter for a 9x9 inch baking pan, but I it's the largest that fits in my toaster oven, so that's what I use. It makes 10 thick bars about 264 calories each, or 20 square bars at about 132 calories each. I like to cut them into the smaller 20 pieces and wrap them individually to keep in the fridge or freezer ready to go. I keep them small because they are quite filling and I'd rather eat this and a piece of fruit or veggie sticks. You know, keeping my intake of processed foods low and eating more natural stuff. I hardly ever like to eat them as a meal replacement, but if I have to, then I do eat two of the small pieces to get the full 264 calories.

I've gotten pretty good about taking food with me to work. I drink a protein shake every other morning, and on my way out I also grab a piece of fruit and any other form protein for the afternoon. This protein can be in the form of a hard boiled egg, deli meat, string cheese, whole wheat crackers with peanut butter, nuts, or a homemade protein bar. Especially on gym days when I know I'll need the extra fuel to burn. I keep healthy snacks at work too (pretty much the same things mentioned above), so I know I have something to eat once I get there in the event that I'm running late and I don't have time to make my shake, or I forget my lunch and snacks as I often do.

Hope you enjoy the recipe! If you are new to protein bars, let me just tell you, I do not like the store bought ones. I've tried a couple and I just throw them away after the first bite. It makes me uneasy to not know what I'm eating. Especially the chocolate gooey ones. I don't feel like I'm eating anything nutritious if it looks like a chocolate bar coming out of a wrapper. This led me to scour the web, combine and tweak a few recipes to make this one that was right for me.

Just note that these bars are not as sweet as a pastry would be, so your taste buds might be confused at first and demand more sweetness. Just ignore them, they'll get used to it. They're quite tasty once you get used to them, they are filling and much better for you than, oh let's say, donuts.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Printable Baby Shower Banner

2011-11-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

Yay! I finally had a chance to add the "Mommy's Little Pumpkin" Baby Shower banner to my Etsy shop. It's a printable file that you can print and assemble at home. All you need is card stock, scissors, matching ribbon and either a stapler or hole puncher to attach the printed pieces to the ribbon.
If you like the color scheme, but are going with a different theme, simply omit the card with the baby graphic while assembling your banner. If you need the matching invitations or stickers, you can find those through my website at PaisleyInParis.com

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

2011-11-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

It's when I discover things like Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte that I wonder where the heck have I been? All I can say is OMG - all these years I could have been enjoying it, and I haven't until now!
I am so thankful for Facebook and Twitter where I've seen many people's comments on how happy they are to have this seasonal delight back at their fingertips. It was because of those comments that I decided to try it today.
I must admit, ever since I started couponing, I'm much more frugal and careful about the way I spend my hard-earned cash. I have always enjoyed Starbucks, but I don't consider it a necessity. It's more of a treat for me. My husband makes a killer cup of coffee anyway, so it's not like I'm depriving my taste buds of the java they love. I'm simply opting to enjoy the less expensive cinnamon honey latte my personal live-in barista, Mr. Perez, prepares for me every morning. I do treat myself to the "gourmet" coffee shop stuff once in a while though, and today was one of those mornings when I woke up wanting something with a little extra kick. I remembered the posts about this famous Pumpkin Spice Latte, so I figured what the heck, let's give it a shot...I'm feeling adventurous today! Who can go wrong with pumpkin, anyway? I love pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread and pumpkin cheesecake. Pumpkin coffee should be just as good. Oh boy, is it ever! I think I heard angel harps playing in the background when I took my first sip. Yum! I loved it so much that in the evening, I invited a buddy to Starbucks to chit-chat and catch-up. You guessed it...I ordered the same thing. Might as well! It's a seasonal delight, which makes this the season to indulge.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Mommy's Little Pumpkin Baby Shower

2011-09-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've had the chance to add a new design to the shop. I kept busy this summer working on stationery for my sister's wedding (pictures coming soon), working full-time, couponing, and zumba-ing! It's been lots of fun, and now that the wedding is over, I'm excited to have a little "me" time again to sit quietly in front of the computer, with a warm cup of coffee or cool smoothie, depending of my mood, and design my little heart out!
Today, I'm sharing this "Mommy's Little Pumpkin" invitation design that I created for my cousin's baby shower. We're actually having a costume party/coed baby shower for her. Something different, should be a blast! I've also created the matching stickers and postage. Stay tuned for the matching thank you cards and magnets, coming soon!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Scallop Circle Paper Punch for DIY Cupcake Toppers

2011-06-07T23:14:00.000-07:00

Somebody recently asked me where I purchased my paper shapers to make cupcake toppers. You'll find them in any of the large craft stores, but if you don't have time to go around town looking for craft supplies, you can buy them here in a variety of sizes!
If you need a little guidance as to the size of the punch, here are a few tips:
I use the...

2-Inch Scallop Circle Paper Punch by EK Success
to make standard size cupcake toppers, as well as making labels/gift tags, decorating paper cups, making napkin rings, paper garland, etc. These are great to use with my 1.5 round stickers! Just peel the sticker and adhere to the center of your scallop circle, no need for you to do any printing.
3-Inch Scallop Circle Paper Punch by EK Success
for larger cupcakes, cake toppers, centerpieces, mini-banners and other crafts.

They are so easy to use, and you'll get so much out of them. One little tool in a variety of sizes can bring out the creative genius in you!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Make a Coupon Organizer from a Box in your Pantry

2011-05-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

My mom has always been very frugal in her spending and my younger sister inherited those same genes. I have always been cautious with my spending too, always looking for a deal, but I wasn't like my sister where she'd go through the weekly grocery ads and create a shopping plan for the week based on the sales and the coupons she acquired. It wasn't until one day when she put it in perspective for me..."I love printing coupons" she said, "It's like printing money!"
It was then that I became curious and started printing coupons occasionally. I also downloaded a coupon app to my phone and started enjoying savings at Macy's and Borders where they scan the coupons right from my phone. Then I took it a step further. About 3 weeks ago, I started making use of the coupons in the Sunday paper that usually get thrown out at work. I get there Monday mornings and grab the coupon section from the reception desk before heading to my office. The savings have been UNBELIEVABLE! I have saved about 50% in my grocery and personal care items just in these past 3 weeks!
Funny how things come together sometimes. Just last week I saw a coupon on my phone app for 50% Off any 1 item at Borders, so I stopped by the bookstore to see if anything appealed to me. I found a great book that has been teaching me even more money-saving techniques! I'm not done reading it, but so far I love it! It's called The Coupon Mom's Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bills in Half, by Stephanie Nielsen.

The book also stresses the importance of being organized. I was carrying my clippings in a plastic envelope, separated by paper clips, but as my coupon inventory grew, I knew it was time to invest in a coupon organizer. I saw a few at the store, but I didn't like them. They weren't "stylish" enough for me. With a home office full of paper supplies, I knew there was something I could create myself. Something recycled and more unique than the plastic ones I had seen at the store. I was right!

I conveniently happened to have all the supplies in my home. If you don't have them within reach, don't worry, I have linked the items so that they are available to you with only a few clicks through Amazon.com.

Supplies to Make Your Coupon Organizer

A box from your pantry, about 5.5" tall, 7.5" wide, 2" in depth
Double sided tape (I used my tape glider)
Bone Folder
1 Sheet of 80# card stock
Ruler
Scissors or Paper Cutter
Glue or Mod Podge
Scrapbooking Paper
Sticky Back Velcro
4x6 A-Z Tabs and/or 4x6 Card Stock & EK Success Paper Punch

Steps 1-4: Build your accordion box

1) Take the box apart and cut out the flaps on the left and right sides.
2) Cut the white piece of card stock in half so you have two 5.5x8.5 pieces. Fold each of them into an accordion a half inch at a time, using a bone folder.
3) Tape the edges of the accordion and attach them to one side of the box, making sure that the printed side of the box remains on the inside.
4) Repeat the process and attach the second accordion to the other side of the box.

Steps 5-8: Dress up your box

5) Image 5 shows the side view. With the branding print on the inside, the outside of the box looks now looks like a regular brown box with no print.
6) Line the inside of the box with scrapbooking paper. I used green paper on the inside and decorative scrapbooking paper for the inside of the lid. I didn't have ModPodge so I used regular Elmer's glue.
I left the inside bottom of the box as is, since no one will see it once the coupons are inside. It's also a nice reminder of what the box used to look like before its "extreme makeover."
7) I measured the box and used my paper cutter to cut the scrapbooking paper in two different sizes. One piece was cut to match the size of the front of the box. The other piece to cover the back and outer flap of the box. I left the outside bottom of the box uncovered, for no particular reason other than to save my pretty paper for another project.
8) I attached velcro to the inside of the flap and the front of the box to secure the precious little clippings inside.

Steps 9-10: Inside the Box
I already had 4x6 A-Z tab cards, so I just dropped them in there and began categorizing my coupons. Then I realized, I needed some subcategories, so I created my own dividers out of color card stock using my EK Success punch to create the tabs. I simply punched out the shape out of blue stock and wrote the name of the category I needed to include in my file. I then used my double sided tape to attach the tab onto a rectangular piece of pink card stock, and viola! A new divider tab! So, if you don't have A-Z cards at hand, no worries. You can make your own tab dividers using this same process.

Hope you enjoyed my tutorial! Drop me a note and send me links to your pictures if you decide to give it a try!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Sunday Afternoon

2011-05-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

Spending this Sunday afternoon adding rhinestones to my last order of custom Save the Dates. I accepted my last order of custom invitations last year in the summer before going back to work full-time. Now that the wedding is approaching, assembly is in full bloom. Once this order is completed, my sister's wedding invitations will follow. I am sooooo looking forward to Friday's off from work in July and August so that I squeeze-in some family fun during weekend. Until then, I'm gonna be a busy bee!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Sailboat Invitations

2011-04-29T00:07:00.000-07:00

New in the shop, the Sailboat Collection! As simple as it may look can you believe it took me about 2 hours to draw that little thing? It would have been faster had I drawn it in Illustrator, but I really felt like drawing free-hand and using my color pencils. After several drafts and different color combinations, this is the one I liked best, so I scanned it in and created lots of goodies just for you! View the entire Sailboat Collection in my shop at PaisleyInParis.com

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Custom Kitchen & Craft Labels

2011-04-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

If you craft professionally or as a hobby, or if you like to give out homemade treats, then you might find my "Handmade by" and "From the Kitchen Of" labels quite useful! Not only will you be able to include a message that best defines your craft, but you'll also find that these decorative little tags and labels will embellish your packaging and add a special touch that many on the receiving end will enjoy.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Dinosaur Birthday Invitations

2011-04-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

I spent a little time doodling this week, coloring things with my glitter pens that I love so much. I then scanned several of my illustrations to create a variety of stationery items now available in my stationery boutique at PaisleyInParis.com. Among my latest creations is this Dinosaur Birthday Party Invitation. Matching postage and cupcake toppers also available!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Bookplates by 6 year old blossoming artist

2011-04-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

My daughter has always wanted to be just like her mommy. She had been asking since she was four that I sell her artwork on my website, and just a few months ago I decided to create a site just for her and her work. This is her latest creation, bookplates that you can customize with your information. These little round stickers can also be customized to read "this books belong to" so that that you can use them on crayon boxes, books, notebooks, and other items that require labeling. ~ Enjoy!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Vintage Key Red Moving Announcements

2011-03-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

I recently added this new moving announcement design to the shop, featuring a vintage key that also forms the letter "e" in the word "moved."
I didn't want to create one that said "we moved," because single people tend to change their addresses too. Instead, I created an announcement that allows you to customize the first line to accommodate a family or individual by simply changing a few words, for example, we can say "The Carson's have" moved, or "Sheila Bailey has" moved.
The announcement also includes a line where you can include a short description about your new place or a short message. For example, maybe the Carson's moved "to another state!" or "across the street to bigger home," or maybe Sheila Bailey moved "to the dorms in NYU!" Whatever the case is, this bright red moving announcement is sure to express how much your love your new residence, while alerting your friends and family to update their address books with your new information.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Pink Whale Birthday Party Invitations

2011-03-13T20:59:00.000-07:00

Summer is just around the corner and so are the pool parties and barbecues!
If you're planning and under the sea or beach theme party, these adorable pink whale invitations might be what you need. Click here to view all the matching items.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Flying Pig Save the Dates

2011-03-03T22:54:00.001-08:00

This is just one save the date version of my popular Flying Pig wedding collection! I have other color combinations to chose from, plus invitations, magnets, address labels and more!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

African American Baby Shower Invitations

2011-02-26T00:28:00.000-08:00

I hardly take on any custom projects anymore because of my work schedule, but a while back a good friend of my husband's approached me with a fabulous concept that I could not say no to. She and a friend were discussing the ideal baby shower invitation for a party they were planning, which would depict a stylish African American "diva". After showing me a few pictures of the mommy to be (she's beautiful, by the way) they asked if I would design an invitation featuring an African American woman, in high heels wearing a leopard print jacket. I loved the concept instantly! All I needed was to find some free time to create the design and upload it to the shop. Guess what? They're in the shop now, ready for you to customize and purchase!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Lion Birthday Invitations - Great for a Safari theme!

2011-02-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hi there! Well, as you may already know, I'm a full-time working mom with a stationery business on the side. We're in the middle of "Season Madness" at work, which has left me with very little time for blogging lately. It's been fun, though. Lots of special events coming up, amongst them, a Theatre Ball that I will be attending next weekend. I've never been to a ball before, so it'll be fun to play dress-up, enjoy a work-date with the hubby and the most rewarding part of all, we'll get to see the fruits of our labor. So excited!
On another note, with spring around the corner, I thought I'd introduce you to my Lion stationery, perfect for those Safari themed birthday parties. Shown above are the invitations, matching stickers and postage, but there are a few other items available in the shop. From magnet favors to address labels and more. Let the fun begin with roar!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Parisian Cupcake Toppers / Food Flags

2011-02-08T22:33:00.000-08:00

These little guys have been such a hit on my Etsy shop! I had closed the shop for a couple of months while I adjusted to my new schedule, but I've reopened and added these again. I usually make these to order, and because I do work full-time, it usually takes me about 3 business days from the date of purchase to ship the order. These will go great on a cheese platter, fruit, or cupcakes. Order yours today!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Alligator Baby Shower Invitations

2011-02-02T22:52:00.000-08:00

I recently added this Alligator Baby Shower Invitation set to the shop. It's a great set to use if you're planning a zoo, jungle or animal shower theme. The colors are not your typical blue for boys, but a rich combination of vibrant tones that will surely make a lasting impression.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Botanical Business Cards by Edge Plus

2011-01-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

Love this design by Edge Plus! It's fresh, modern and has an earthy feel that I just adore. The design is also available in other color schemes and on other items, such as iPhone cases, postage and iPad cases, so you can enjoy it in more ways than one. Great for branding a small business!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Lollipop Birthday Party Invitations for Girls

2011-01-16T01:11:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago I wore some very uncomfortable shoes to work, so rather than getting up to walk around for a bit during my break time, I decided to stay in my office and doodle. I had been doing a lot of clerical work most of day so I took out my color pencils and markers with a mission to do something creative. Within 5 minutes this little doodle of a girl holding a lollipop was born. I thought it turned out pretty cute, so I scanned it and created Birthday Party Invitations, stickers, and an iPhone phone cover case amongst other items. View the entire lollipop collection in shop at PaisleyInParis.com

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Totally 80's Birthday Party Invitations

2011-01-09T22:16:00.000-08:00

So excited for my sister's 80's theme birthday party! Every time I hear an 80's song, it takes me back to my childhood/early teens and the memories bring a smile to my face. Those were some fun times and funky fashions! Speaking of which, I'm going to start looking for the perfect outfit in the next couple of days. Hopefully I can borrow my step-daughter's hair crimper to complete the look. You know I'm going to be taking lots of pictures of this party! ~ If you're planning an 80's bash as well, check out these 80's Birthday Party Invitation I added to my shop. They're fun, colorful, and totally 80's! A great way to begin the fun and inspire your guests.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Custom iPhone Cases

2011-01-05T21:56:00.000-08:00

I spent some time this week modifying some of my existing designs to create custom iPhone cases. They turned out so cute! Click here to view them all, and check back soon, because I'll be adding new designs in the next couple of weeks. ~ These also make great gifts for any occasion!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Free 3.25" Square Envelope Template

2011-01-02T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hope you all spent a fabulous New Year weekend! I spent some time with my family on New Year's Eve, then spent New Year's Day in my PJ's cleaning, decluttering and crafting - I loved it!
I made several cards this weekend, including a 3.25" square envelope template for you to enjoy! Just print the file, cut around the edges and fold, or follow these easy steps to create a durable template that you'll be able to use over and over again on a variety of paper stocks.
You'll need: a computer, printer, empty cereal box, scissors & glue stick.
Step 1: Print the 3.25" Square Envelope Template.
Step 2: Glue the printout onto the cover of a cereal box (printed side of the template should face you, glue on the back).
Step 3: Cut around the edges and enjoy!
Note: You can get two small envelopes out of one standard 8.5x11 sheet of paper. Just trace, cut out your shapes, fold the edges towards the center and glue them together.
Get creative! Make envelopes out of newspaper, old maps, scrapbooking paper, magazine pages, gift bags or anything else you can think of. ~ Happy New Year! Enjoy!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T19:55:00.000-08:00

Wishing everybody a joyous day, filled with peace, love and many picture-perfect memories. ~ Warmly,

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Doodle of the Day: King of the Jungle

2010-12-18T15:14:00.001-08:00

Happy weekend everyone! Gonna head out and finish my holiday shopping in a bit, but not before sharing my doodle of the day. ~ I like how the shimmer ink shows through in this photo. Oh, glitter pens...you add so much sparkle to my life!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Picture Happy

2010-12-16T22:28:00.001-08:00

I was kind of late jumping onto the smartphone bandwagon, but now that I did, there's no looking back. I love my Droid Incredible and the 8 megapixel camera that comes with it. But wait, there's more. This might be old news to some of you, but for me it's like a dream come true. I just discovered the FxCamera phone app (yesterday, to be exact) which allows me to get a little more creative with my photos.
Above, is a picture of my table-top Christmas tree that I absolutely adore! It's just so cute and girly, so easy to set up and clean up. I really like the way this photo turned out using the Toy Camera (pinhole) setting. The colors are so drastic, yet interesting. To show you what it really looks like, take a look at the image below, which I took using my new 12.3 mp Olympus E-PL1 interchangeable lens camera.

I took this picture in dim lighting using no flash. Yes, NO flash! Isn't it beautiful? My old point and shoot camera didn't take pictures this nice with flash! To add to the fun, the my Olympus E-PL1 also includes a few built-in artistic settings similar to the ones on that app I found for my phone. It's also more compact in size than a regular SLR camera so it fits comfortably in my hands and easily fits into any medium size purse making it a breeze to carry around with me. From now on, no matter where I go, I have the tools to document my whereabouts and have a little fun doing it. Yay!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Sparkly Shimmery Doodles

2010-12-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

If it sparkles, I shall love it! From diamonds to rhinestones and all else that glitters, including my latest addiction, the ever so sparkly and brilliant Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust pens. I am the biggest doodle-queen, and now more than ever since my recent discovery of said pens. They really bring my little drawings to life!
I intend to use my tiny little creations as embellishments for handcrafted greeting cards and as gift tags for Christmas and other upcoming occasions.
I've been using recycled stocks from an overflowing drawer in my studio filled with tons of beautiful odd-shaped pieces of paper. It gives me great joy to finally make use of them as I declutter my office and contribute to embellishing the world of handcrafted stationery one sparkly doodle at a time. All I have to say is thank you Sakura!
Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Saturday Afternoon Craft Party

2010-11-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

The holidays are all about good times with friends and family, and this past Thanksgiving weekend was no exception. I am very thankful for the amazing year that 2010 has been, filled with blessings, family fun, growth and many surprises. There is so much to be thankful for, that a one-time gathering on Thanksgiving Day was just not enough of a celebration for our multiple blessings. So, while everybody shopped for Black Friday deals, I stayed home to clean and prepare my home to welcome my guests for a Saturday afternoon craft party.

The idea of this party was just to enjoy a relaxing afternoon, just us girls, while sipping whine and munching on delicious treats, tackling some fun holiday crafts. It was actually a productive day, but we had so much fun, it didn't even feel like we were working.
My sister, for instance, was able to complete all of her Christmas cards at the party. One of my cousins who was headed to a birthday party after our get-together, was also able to create a card for the occasion. They all left with multiple creations consisting of handcrafted money holders, greeting cards and gift tags. I didn't have much time to craft, as I basically ran back and forth between the craft table and my office bringing out materials for them to use, and I took lots of pictures with my new Olympus E-PL1 camera, which I love! I was very pleased and inspired by their creations, that after they left, I didn't even bother cleaning up right away. I left out the supplies and crafted for about an hour or so myself, before going to bed.

All of the supplies I provided, with the exception of the embellishments (stickers, rhinestones, etc), were left over materials from previous custom invitations orders I had worked on in the last 5 years. I never threw out any scraps, knowing that the smallest piece of paper holds a valuable place in a new design, no matter how big or small. The evidence lies in the image below, where you can see some of the beautiful designs that were created by combining different colors and textured card stocks.
Cheers! To a fun and relaxing Saturday afternoon, in good company!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Getting Ready for a Craft Party

2010-11-26T21:11:00.000-08:00

I don't entertain much. I have such a big family that there's always something going-on on the weekends, so I've never really felt the need to add more to everyone's calendar. I've just been enjoying my family so much lately, that I decided to take advantage of the long holiday weekend and throw a little craft party tomorrow afternoon for us girls to hang out together one more time before we go back to work next week. We'll be making photo cards, cupcake toppers, food flags, gift tags, money holders & more! We'll also be helping my sister make paper cranes for her Japanese/Mexican wedding, so it should be a fun time surrounded by the things I love...my family/friends, paper crafting, and food. - Gotta hide the munchies though, or the hubby and I might get to them before the party even starts. ;)

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Bedtime Doodles

2010-11-25T12:48:00.001-08:00

Christmas came early for me this year. I got a new camera and I can't wait to use it today at our Thanksgiving reunion today. I took this picture last night of my bedtime doodles. I was surprised how good the image looked (compared to my point and shoot camera), with no flash and dim lights. So excited! Well, I've gotta go mash those potatoes now...Happy Thanksgiving everyone! May you be blessed with all the things that make you happy and lots of picture-perfect memories today.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2010-11-17T22:21:00.001-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and I love it! I went to the mall today and I must admit, I enjoyed the Christmas music in the background. I live in the desert, beautiful Palm Springs, California, so we don't get much of a Christmas feel just by looking outside our windows. It's in the shops (and church) where we get that Christmasy vibe, with the beautiful holiday decor, the music, and yes, the sales too.
I actually haven't had much time to add as much new holiday merchandise to my shop as I wanted to before I started my new full-time job, but I'm not complaining. I love the new job, and little by little, but I am able to add at least a couple of new designs each week. ~ Visit PaisleyInParis.com to see and shop the latest holiday treats!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com!
It only takes 1 second.

Zebra Print Business Cards - Oh, so stylish!

2010-11-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

Looking for stylish business cards that define your fashion sense and fun spirit? These zebra print business cards might be just what you need! They are fully customizable, just click on the card above to change the text and within minutes you'll have yourself a new business card or mommy calling card. Pretty cool, huh? I also have matching invitations that you can customize for any event. Click here to view.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Celebrating Womanhood

2010-11-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

I went to the hairdresser to highlight my hair yesterday and took my 6 year old daughter with me. I knew we'd be there for a while, so I packed some snacks and had her take her sketchbook, crayons and markers. When my hair was done, she showed me her little masterpiece and asked to please add it to her website. I asked her who it was, and she said it was a pretty lady from a magazine, so I decided to turn her illustration into a postcard that celebrates womanhood. ~ Enjoy!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Tea Party Invitations and More!

2010-10-20T00:16:00.000-07:00

I've added a new color to my Tea Party stationery collection - red! Perfect for the holidays! The invitations, and every other matching item are fully customizable for any event. Whether you're celebrating a birthday party, baby shower, or any other tea social, simply change the text to fit your needs and they're ready for purchase.
The collection includes Invitations (available in 5x5 square, 8x9, and 5x7), Stationery Note Cards, Magnet Favors, Custom Postage, Postcard Invitations, Sticker labels (which you can use to make cupcake toppers), and address labels.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Gifts for Grandma

2010-10-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen I am proud to announce that I have new business partner! Her name is Andria and she is the creative force behind "Fancydoodles". She is my 6 year old daughter who has been asking me for a couple of years now to sell her artwork on my website over at PaisleyInParis.com. I'd kindly decline and she'd pout asking "why do YOU get to sell your art?" so I finally decided to scan some of her work and give her one of my on-line galleries. She has actually created a lot of cute stuff over the years, so it'll be fun to sort what I can and cannot use. I actually added several items to the shop over the weekend.
Featured above is one of my favorites, the Grandma Collection. It includes a mousepad, postcards, crafting labels and more!
She's so happy, and I have really enjoyed the mother-daughter collaboration. Looks like this is the beginning of our new "thing" together.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Owl Holiday Greetings

2010-10-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

I must admit I'm horrible at sending out holiday cards. I make them every year, and very rarely do my family and friends receive one. I'm on a mission to change that this year! I also decided I would send out holiday postcards which create less waste by omitting an envelope, and they cost less to ship being that postage for postcards costs less than postage for letters and greeting cards. Above is my first design of the season, and it's sooo me. I love owls, the non-traditional holiday colors, flairful font and clean lines. I have other designs on the drawing board waiting to be unveiled, but if you're into owls this holiday season, my new Owl Holiday Collection is ready to purchase! I have created the matching stickers, address labels, round stickers for cupcake toppers, greeting cards, postage and more!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Blossoming Artist

2010-09-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Took my daughter to her very first art class today. She loved it! Her exact words were: "Art class is so much fun, mom. My brain LOVES it!"
Yes, I have no doubt in my mind that she will soon be an active contributor to the Paisley In Paris collection of social stationery.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Cute Packaging

2010-09-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

It's official, I have cooties. I knew it was gonna hit me sooner or later, and it looks like it happened sooner than later. My body's aching and dehydrated demanding rest and warm tea. I've been congested, nauseous, and well, you get the point. All the symptoms of the common cold, I have'em. But I've been taking good care of myself, eating warm homemade chicken soup, drinking lots of water, orange juice and taking my vitamins because mommies can't be sick. We have too much to do!
In evening when I felt a little better, hubby and I took a quick trip Target to buy me some cold relief medicine and look what I found! These adorably packaged boxes of Puff's facial tissue. And guess what I did? I paid the extra price for nice packaging and purchased generic over the counter cold medicine. I figured, my body will eventually heal, but cute packaging livens up my soul instantly. Faster than any cold relief name-brand medicine could ever heal my body.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

{ Girl Robot } Birthday Party Collection

2010-09-25T11:27:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a few images and inspiration for a Robot themed birthday party. My post featured artwork suitable for a boy's party, but I know girls like robots too, so I've created a girly Robot theme party set! The set includes invitations in both 5x7 and post card formats, stickers for making your own cupcake toppers, gift tags, thank you cards, and there's more coming soon. Enjoy!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Halloween Invitations

2010-09-21T00:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a chance to add as much holiday stationery to the shop as I'd like to, but little by little it's coming along, and I'm enjoying every bit of it. In fact, I didn't even have a chance to create free printable calendar this month due to me going back to work full-time while still finishing up a few custom wedding projects here in the studio. That's aside from being a full-time mom to a first grader who needs help with homework, and wife to a wonderful man who makes me coffee every morning in exchange for one hot meal a day (the other two meals he prepares or reheats for himself). ~ Ah, life. So much to do, so little time, but we do what we can right? And here's what I was able to create today...cute Halloween Party invitations with matching stickers and magnets. ~ Wishing you a fabulous week and stay tuned for more Halloween stationery and party supplies!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Girly Halloween Party Set

2010-09-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

Latest addition the shop...an invitation set that's great for a Halloween birthday party, or a regular Halloween party with a feminine touch. Matching stickers, gift tags, magnets and post cards also available!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Wedding Note Cards

2010-09-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

A good alternative to the traditional folded wedding thank you cards, are these customizable flat note cards. Just add your names at the bottom to personalize them, and if you have any left over, you can always use them for any other occasion. I personally, would rather write the words "thank you" in the body of my note rather than have it preprinted on the cards. However, the matching envelope seals add a nice touch.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Shopping in your boyfriend's closet

2010-09-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

So happy that I get to share with you today three things I really love...crafting, recycling, and my sister! She's very crafty and has a gift for sewing. I recently introduced her to one of my favorite blogs called Something Old to Something New, which inspired her to pause her wedding planning for a couple of hours, as she "shopped" in her fiance's closet. Here's what she came up with...Isn't her new shirt just adorable? She's so lucky she's thin. Bet there's enough fabric left over for her to create something else. ~ Have a great weekend everyone. May it include lots of fun and crafts!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

An "Out Of This World" Birthday Party

2010-09-15T17:29:00.001-07:00

This is just a little sneak peak of on of my favorite projects this week...an "Out of This World" birthday party stationery set. The invitations are now available for purchase at PaisleyInParis.com. They will look super cool if you have them printed on Metallic Ice card stock! The shimmer card stock makes the spaceship look more shiny and real. Other matching items coming up next!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

How to Make Cupcake Toppers - 3 Easy Steps!

2010-09-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Here's one of the easiest ways to make cupcake toppers! Don't bother purchasing a printable file which requires you to have computer knowledge and access to a color printer. In many cases, you'll also have to buy a whole ream of white card stock to use only a few sheets. Eliminate those steps - here's how...

{Supplies} You'll need:
a) Round stickers, measuring 1.5 inches.
I used these from my shop, other designs available, 20 per sheet, 24 hr shipping.
b) Color card stock to match your stickers
c) 2" scallop hole punch
e) 4" lollipop sticks
c) E-6000 Adhesive

Step 1: Punch out your scallop circles from the color card stock.
Step 2: Attach a sticker in the center of each scallop circle.
Step 3: Glue the lollipop sticks on the back to make cupcake toppers.
You can omit step 3 step to use the party circles for gift tags, to decorate napkin rings, beverage cups and more.
Step 4: Enjoy!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Studio Updates

2010-09-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

Hope you all a great Labor Day weekend. I had a great time with my sister and the rest of her bridesmaids who also happen to be our cousins. We got together today to help her make cranes for her wedding decor. Above is a picture of my first crane on origami paper. Her wedding is going to be amazing. They are doing such a good job blending both cultures (Mexican and Japanese) and they're both very crafty so it's gonna be a DYI wedding, with lots of style. Can't wait!
On another note, I recently accepted a temporary full-time job through the end of December. Aside from that I am working on completing custom stationery for 2 weddings that I booked this summer, I am finalizing a corporate order of 4,000 (yes four thousand) invitations for a holiday party, I'm responding to daily inquiries for items selling in my stationery shop, and I have first grader that needs help with homework each night. Unfortunately that leaves very little time continue updating the blog several times as week as I was doing, but I will try my best to do so at least once a week so don't forget to stop by occasionally to see what I've been up to! I may be posting a paper crane tutorial on here soon, since we'll be making a few hundred of them from here to next June.

Robot Party Inspiration

2010-08-30T06:20:00.000-07:00

I had blogged a few weeks about my new Robot Birthday and Baby Shower collection. Well today I found a few more items that would make the party complete!
If you're having a Robot theme birthday, you can have your little guests craft their own robots. This would make a fun activity and they get to take home a one-of-a-kind toy.
Believe it or not, the robots above were created using silver spray paint and recycled packaging, such as water bottles, juice boxes, plastic cups, buttons, lids, fruit cups, and more. Read more about the creative process at AlphaMom in this story by one of my favorite bloggers, Brenda Ponnay.

If it's a Robot Baby Shower your having, then you can create these little metallic friends ahead of time and use them as center pieces or as part of the decorations.

What can be more fun than Robot cupcakes? Everybody loves cupcakes! Have fun creating them, mix and match body parts for a more electrifying desert.
If you need any other party elements such as birthday banners or gift tags, thank you cards, or any other stationery items, check my website as I'm always adding more items to my existing collections, and new designs on a weekly basis. If you don't find it in my shop, just send me a message and I'll be glad to create what you're looking for.
Also, feel free to comment with other ideas that may make this party theme complete.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

Pickles & Ice Cream Baby Shower Invitations

2010-08-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

I just finished adding a few more items to my Pickles & Ice Cream Baby Shower collection. I originally only had 5x7 invitations in blue and pink, but they are now available in postcard format as well. The collection also includes gift tags, stickers (you can make cupcake toppers with these stickers), custom postage and thank you cards.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

Something Old to Something New

2010-08-27T13:06:00.001-07:00

I found this fabulous blog today called "Something Old to Something New". I love recycling and and appreciate all things creative so I became a fan of this blog instantly! Unfortunately I don't have a gift for sewing, but I can always sit back and admire what others have done as I sip my morning coffee. I believe that transforming old pieces of clothing into trendier wearables is a true art (one that saves money too), and I can't wait to see future posts!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

Assembling your handcrafted invitations

2010-08-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

As you may already know, I have been designing custom handcrafted invitations for 5 years now. I'm actually transitioning into flat stationery design at this point, but I will forever love the textures and process involved in creating unique invitations for special events. When it comes to designing invitations, the possibilities are endless. There are so many fonts, papers and embellishments to choose from, and they're all available on-line or at any scrap-booking store. I learned early on while working on my first custom wedding, that no matter how beautiful a design may be, if it is not assembled with the highest quality products, you might as well be sending fliers out. In my case, I had presented a beautiful paper ensemble to the bride, which she immediately approved for production. At the time I thought any double sided tape or glue would do the job - wrong! After assembling the third set, I knew I had to search for a stronger higher quality adhesive, because the metallic stocks were too heavy and wouldn't adhere to the other layers. So I did a little more research and found the Scotch 700 ATG tape gun, which made my life a lot easier and allowed me to take pride in my work every step of the way, from design to assembly!
Here's the deal, glue sticks tend to warp the paper as the glue applies wet and then dries hard. Regular double sided tape is too weak and doesn't always hold layers of heavy card stock together, but the ATG tape gun is, in one word, awesome. It applies a dry adhesive that's pressure sensitive and easy to work with. One of my favorite things about it is that if you happen to apply the tape in the wrong place, you can simply rub it off with your finger. It forms a little rubber ball which you can just throw away, it doesn't ruin the paper, and your invitations never fall apart. Yes, it is a bit pricey, but so worth the investment. You wouldn't want your precious designs to fall apart as they're being pulled out of the envelope, would you? No, I didn't think so.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

Monkey Photo Invitations

2010-08-26T00:57:00.000-07:00

I just added a few more monkey designs to the shop. I'm going bananas with this theme, so there's more coming soon!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

Housewarming Party Invitations

2010-08-25T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm back from vacation and ready to tackle the holiday season! In the meantime, while I sort my pictures and settle in, I thought I'd share a couple of my popular designs for housewarming party invitations. They're ready for you to customize and purchase!

Modern Beads Design by Paisley In Paris

Whimsical Housewarming Party Invitations by PaisleyInParis

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

"I'll be back"

2010-08-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

I won't be updating the blog as much in the next week. I hopped in a plane this morning and headed out to the state of Illinois. I'm pretty excited about being able to spend some quality time with my grandmother and the rest of the family here in the midwest. It's a nice escape from the California desert heat, and always heartwarming to reconnect with my loved ones after not seeing them for 5 years. Pictures coming soon!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

Takin' the kids to the bar

2010-08-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

No, not that kind of bar, this kind of bar...The Popbar! With the weather still in the triple digits around here, I'm sure my girls would love to go to The Popbar with me. My mouth is watering just thinking about their handcrafted gelato on a stick. Unfortunately, I'm on the west coast, and their only location seems to be in NYC (of course). I'm sitting here hoping someone around here decides to buy a franchise so we can put these suckers to the test. They look amazing, don't they? Lucky NYC peeps. They get all the fun!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

Back to school shopping

2010-08-16T02:51:00.000-07:00

If you're still doing your back to school shopping, you might be interested in these cute little bookplates. They're fully customizable, meaning you can change the message and the name on the label to use on as many school items as you need! For example, instead of the traditional "this book belongs to" your labels can read "this notebook..." or "this crayon box belongs to..."
This is especially useful for little kids that still need to work on their penmanship and for those who don't know how to write their names yet. They also make great gifts for teachers!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

Food Art

2010-08-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

Art comes in all mediums, shapes, sizes and yes, flavors too! Today I'd like to feature the work of a talented little momma over at Little Food Junction who so graciously shares all her little creations on her weekly posts. Below are just a few of my favorites.

Eye candy that's nutritious and fun! Okay, break time. I think I'm hungry now.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 1 second.

Cake Pops

2010-08-11T01:02:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited! Bakerella's book on Cake Popsis finally out on the market! For those of you who are not yet familiar with these artistic little edibles, they're actually cake on a stick (giving them a lollipop effect), which you can shape as any character imaginable. In this book Bakerella shares her secrets, tips and recipes. Can't wait to add this book to my collection!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com - it only takes 1 second!

Butterfly Birthday Invitations & More

2010-08-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

I've recently added a Butterfly collection to my shop. It includes invitations, magnet favors, round address labels, favor tags, thank you cards and other items that can be customized for birthday celebrations or baby showers. I'll be adding cupcake toppers and candy wrappers to my Etsy shop soon to complete the collection.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com - It only takes 1 second!

Reusable Snack Bags

2010-08-10T01:02:00.000-07:00

Only a few more weeks and my little girl begins 1st grade. I'm so excited, yet nervous for her. What can I say? I'm a mom, I worry. It's as if mommyhood suddenly activated a worry chip in my wiring that has no "off" button. Prayer will always pause it, but sooner or later life kicks in and activates the worry feature in my mommy wiring. I know she'll love it though, she's very social and was at the top of her class last year in kindergarden, so I guess all I really have to worry about now is purchasing a few uniforms, shoes and school supplies. I've also added these adorable and reusable snack bags to my shopping list. I'm a sucker for fun eco-friendly products that help me save money along the way. You may pay more upfront, but you'll save in the long run by being able to reuse them.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

Cute and colorful Mommy Calling Cards

2010-08-07T00:15:00.000-07:00

Next time you meet a great mommy (or daddy) with a kiddo as fabulous as yours, don't loose touch! Be prepared with one of these super fabulous calling cards and schedule your next play date. No more looking for scrap paper to jot down numbers, just hand over your calling card and watch how your children's social skills begin to blossom as they interact with other children their age.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

"How do I become a wedding stationery designer?"

2010-08-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I get a bit of fan mail. People just stopping by to let me know how much they like my work. I love it! It keeps me inspired and it motivates me to continue creating more and more each day. About a week ago, I received an e-mail from a fan who aspires to become a wedding stationery designer and she wanted to know if I could give her a little more insight on what it entitles. Let me tell you...it's a lot of work! But it can also be very rewarding if it is your true passion. Click here to read the post.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

Toilet Decor, Just for Fun

2010-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

What? Someone's hiding in the toilet? An alligator may bite my toosh while I'm relieving myself? Uh, I think I'll hold it 'till I get home, thank you very much.

(Decals found via Etsy)

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

A "Summer Nights Cookies & Milk" Birthday Party

2010-08-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

We celebrated my daughters 6th birthday a couple of weeks ago. We kept the party small to ensure there was enough room for our guests to remain indoors and enjoy each others company in the cool AC. It's usually in the triple digits outside during this time of year, and I personally don't like going outdoors until the sun goes down. I'm sure I'm not the only one around here who feels this way.

Party Theme
We went with a "Summer Nights Cookies & Milk" theme. My daughter loves colors so I had to make sure the decorations were as lively as she is. I was so busy the day of the event that I didn't have a chance to take any pictures while the party was going on. However, I did manage to capture a few during setup, and I'll probably be shooting a few more in the next few days of all the cool things I made for the party.

Set up & Decor
We set up the tables to look like beds to tie-in with the theme. As guests arrived I gave them crayons and white bag to decorate. They would later use this bag to hold the candy they gather from the piñata.
I made hanging flowers that I hung from the ceiling on one side of the room. We had the ceiling fan on, which made them turn softly throughout the night.
I also made paper garland and paper pom-poms that we hung above the dessert table, outside in the patio, the living room and kitchen. It made the rooms look very festive!

Menu & Order of Events
We chose a menu that didn't involve much cooking or any outdoor grilling. Neither one of us wanted to grill out in the heat, that's for sure! So we served Taco Salads, Hot Dogs wrapped in bacon and Sloppy Joe's. We used my sister's indoor George Foreman Grillto cook the hot dogs, it didn't take much time and didn't warm up the kitchen - I love that thing! Gonna put it on my wish list. =)
After everyone ate, we went outside to break the piñata, followed by a hula-hoop contest that gave our guests a chance to win a cash prizes! When the winners were all paid up, we came inside to sing happy birthday while the birthday girl blew out the candles then we all enjoyed ice cream cupcakes (pictures and tutorial coming soon), cookies and milk.
The night ended with a splash, the kids went swimming for a while after their cookies and milk, and they all went home with a goody bag filled other bedtime snacks, such as ingredients to make your own s'mores, peanuts granola bars.

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

"About to Pop" Popcorn Favor Boxes

2010-08-05T00:14:00.000-07:00

These little popcorn favor boxes gave me a good laugh! I guess they would make cute party favors if it defined the expecting parents somehow. For example if mommy or daddy are big fans of popcorn or if going to the movies is an activity they enjoy doing often. They would also make great favors for a themed party such as Carnival Baby Shower, or "One last movie date before the baby" kind of theme. Hey, I think I found what my next invitation design will be!

Note: Enter coupon code SAVE10 to receive a 10% discount on purchases over $150.

Shopping for an 80's Kid

2010-08-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

I think the Pac Man shoes I found the other day have me reminiscing about the 80's. Knowing that the holidays are just around the corner gave me a good excuse to search for a few 80's theme items to add to my holiday shopping list. I know there's others like me who'll appreciate some of these finds.

So what where your favorite TV shows back in the 80's? For me it was Growing Pains, Different Strokes and The Facts of Life.
I also loved cartoons! My favorite were He-Man, She-Ra, Smurfs and Heathcliff.

I remember in 4th grade when all the boys were into their Atari games. I was never into video games, I was more into the Mad onna look and music.

Remember when we would listen to cassette tapes? Better yet, remember when we would make our mixed tapes with songs we'd record right off the radio or from one tape to another? Well, technology has now made them a thing of the past, but you can still have a cassette tape dispenser.

Then there was the Rubik's Cube. I was never able to solve that thing, in fact I think I even broke a few of them trying to solve them. They might not be a popular toy now, but you can still enjoy them in the form of salt and pepper dispensers.

Even though fashion has improved significantly since then, and I don't think I can now live without the technology that came with the new century (such as internet and cell phones), there will always be something special about the 80's. ~ Enjoy your holiday shopping!

Like my blog? Please vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs.com! It only takes 2 seconds.

Lovebirds and Nest Baby Shower Invitations

2010-08-03T11:27:00.001-07:00

My Lovebirds on Branches collection has been a very popular choice for wedding invitations for since I first designed it. As they say "life goes on" and these lovebirds now have a nest and are expecting a baby! Yes, introducing my latest Baby Shower collection: Lovebirds and Nest.
There are three different layouts options, each in blue or pink. Matching thank you cards, favor stickers and address labels are also available!

August 2010 Printable Calendar

2010-08-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

August is here! Many kids start school this month, while others get to enjoy the last days of their summer vacation. Wishing you all a great time. Enjoy and relax while you can, because coming September, the pace picks up again. Holiday season 2010, here we come!

Weekend Project: Artsy Labels for Storage Jars

2010-07-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

I'm going to spend some time this weekend creating cute little labels like these. I already have all I need: empty jars, blank labels, rubber stamps and a variety of ink colors. For several years now, I've been reusing jars to store left over food in the fridge, to store dry grains, and even for storing craft items in my office. They're my favorite thing to reuse and recycle, for many reasons. (1) They're easily accessible! You pay for them when you purchase your groceries, throwing them out is like throwing money away. (2) You can see right through them. If you're storing food, you know how much you have left and what condition it's in before you even open the jar - no green surprises! (3) I just love to reuse and recycle as much as I can.

If this is a DIY project you want to tackle, remember water will ruin the paper labels, so don't use this labeling method for the kitchen. I have another idea for labeling kitchen jars, which I will share in my next DIY post.

(Photo by Jenny Hallengren, found via Lotta Prints: How to Print with Anything, from Potatoes to Linoleum)

Elephant Baby Shower Invitations

2010-07-31T12:59:00.000-07:00

I just added these cute Elephant Baby Shower invitations to the shop! I had a similar design for birthday invitations and baby announcements, and I just realized that I didn't have available as baby shower invitations. Oops! But here you go! Ready to customize right from your desktop.
Matching thank you cards and favor tags are also available to complete your party set.

Footsie Friday: Pac Man Shoes!

2010-07-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

Here's something I wouldn't mind wearing to an 80's party! I think I hear video game noises just looking at them and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" playing in the background.

(shoes found via MN & Sprout)

Robot Party Invitations

2010-07-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

New at Paisley In Paris - baby shower and birthday party invitations with a Robot theme! Shown above are the three current variations. I also have matching thank you cards and address labels. All of these are fully customizable right from your desktop. Just change the info and purchase. They usually ship within 24 hours.

DIY Baby Booties

2010-07-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Oooh, these little baby booties are too cute! MamaChee on Etsy sells the crochet pattern, but with my lack of practice I'd be afraid to end up with one bootie bigger than the other. While this may be a great DIY project for you, I can only admire from distance.

Little Chefs dressed for the occasion

2010-07-22T02:40:00.000-07:00

Awww, I wish I would have found this adorable Little Chef playset from WallCandy® Arts a few weeks ago before my daughter's birthday. She LOVES cooking with me and she's always interested in finding out about the ingredients used in the recipe of a meal she enjoys. I know that this would have made a great gift for her, but it's never too late! I think I just found the theme for my daughter's birthday next year. Shhh...don't tell her because she'll be counting the days and we still have 11 months and 2 weeks to go.

Owl be at your party!

2010-07-21T00:03:00.000-07:00

I found this adorable cake today that I thought would match perfectly with my Cute Owls stationery collection! The cake was created by an Australian baker called Sharon Wee who specializes in the custom creation of baked treats for special occasions.

So far, my Owls stationery collection only encompasses weddings, but pretty soon, there will be other templates available in my store for you to customize them for baby showers and birthdays. That's one thing I love about owls...they fit any occasion any time of the year!

Happy Tape. It Makes Me Happy!

2010-07-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

I think I heard harps playing and angels singing upon my discovery of happy tape today! These delightful little Japanese adhesive rolls feature vibrant colors and interesting patterns that can liven up any package or crafting project. I'm sure there's tons of stuff you can create with it. Oooh, I feel creativity striking once again, and I sense some new invitation designs and party supplies a la Happy Tape coming to my Etsy shop soon!

Hip-Hip Hooray for Hippo Invitations!

2010-07-18T01:45:00.000-07:00

Here's another invitation option for your Petting Zoo or Safari theme party - hippo invitations!

They're cute, stylish, and you can customize them right from your desktop to be shipped within 24 hours.

As always, the matching thank you cards, address labels, magnet party favors and more are also available for purchase.

Custom Invitations for a Safari or Zoo Party

2010-07-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

Introducing my newest addition to the shop...the "King of the Jungle" collection! These stylish invitations can be customized for Baby Showers or Birthday parties with a safari or zoo theme. The set includes your choice of a Post Card Invitation (cheaper to mail) or a 5x7 Invitation with envelopes, thank you cards, round address labels, bookplates and a birthday card. I'll be adding candybar wrappers and cupcake toppers soon, so stay tuned!

Cupcakes for Breakfast??? ~ No Silly, it's a Breakfast Cupcake with a Side of Pretend Fries!

2010-07-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

My 6 year old has been getting more and difficult to feed these last few weeks, so in order to make breakfast more appealing this morning I disguised it as cupcakes and fries. Crazy combination I know, but she got a kick out of it!

So how did I do it?
First I baked a batch of pre-made refrigerated Pillsbury biscuits. While they were baking I scrambled some eggs and added ham, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. I let the biscuits cool for a couple of minutes, then while still warm, I used a spoon to push down on the center and form them into little cups. I placed each biscuit in a cupcake liner and filled the center with scrambled eggs and added a cherry tomato as the finishing touch.

I served them with a side of Mango slices (pretend fries) and watched as my daughter enjoyed. Ahhh...at last, a morning meal that required no force feeding. In fact, she liked them so much she had two! Try it and let me know how it works for you.

Baby Meets Style. Nursery Inspiration.

2010-07-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Love the way these rooms were styled up! They're not cartoony or decorated in a way that the rooms will have to be redone by the time baby reaches kindergarten, and they're not too serious either where you're forcing a child into adulthood by its environment. They were definitely done in good taste, with great use of space and color. Baby meets style, that's for sure! Thanks ducduc for the inspiration!

Happy Birthday, Andria!

2010-07-10T00:33:00.001-07:00

Six years ago my life changed, never to be the same again. When I saw myself in her eyes for the first time, I didn't know what the future held for us. I just knew I fell in love all over again and that I'd always give her the best of me as a mom, friend and guide in life.
Six years later, I have gray hair and I'm sure she's had something to do with it. I yell around the house more than I'd like to admit doing so and sometimes I want to bang my head against the wall because of her excessive whining. She also makes me laugh constantly. We cook together, we craft, we chat, cuddle and enjoy each others company. She really is my best buddy, especially when she tells her dad she needs to ask me for permission because I'm the boss of this house. Hee, hee. Yeah, she cracks me up! ~ Happy Birthday, Andria! I love you with all my heart.
Photo taken June 14, 2010 - Stanford University.

Thank you Lord for my family, and all you do for us

2010-07-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

I have a pretty large family so just about every other weekend, and sometimes even on a weekday, we'll get together to celebrate something. Whether it's someone's birthday, a holiday, or simply getting together for the kids to play there's always a reason (or an excuse) to get together. We're all pretty close. Along with the good times, there come the times of need. Today was one of those days for me.
I went to the library to drop off some movies and books I had borrowed a couple of weeks earlier. When I got out I realized a had a flat tire. My husband was working so he called his brother and without hesitation, he came to the rescue. I was soooo relieved! It must have been about 110 degrees out, I had no water with me, the library had closed and my daughter was complaining that she was hot. Luckily there's a park and a water fountain right next to the library. I took her to the swings while my brother in law got there and we played with the water from the fountain to cool off. He fixed the problem and followed me home. We made it home safely. I am so thankful everything worked out, I know this was a blessing in disguise. I've known I need new tires, but I have been putting it off for a while. I think this was God's way getting my attention, for our own safety. Thus He did it gently, providing a safe place for me and my daughter and making sure a family member was available to come to the rescue. So what's on my agenda for tomorrow? You guessed it...shopping for new tires.

PS - The camera on my phone is not the best, so I borrowed this photo from mndifferent, on flickr, for illustration purposes.

New Items on Sale!

2010-07-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

In honor of the holiday weekend, I have placed a few items on sale over at the shop! Among these are my new coed baby shower magnet favors featuring shades of pink and green for couples expecting a girl, or shades of blue and green for couples expecting a boy.
I've also included a few of my popular designs in the form of calling cards, save the date postcards, save the date magnets, address labels and birthday invitations! Sale ends July 7th, so shop today! ~ PaisleyInParis.com

Free July 2010 Calendar

2010-07-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

It's Freebie Friday at Paisley In Paris! Hope everyone's summer is filling up with lots of fun under the sun! ~ Enjoy your July 2010 printable calendar, courtesy of yours truly.

Warmly,

Pink Whale Baby Shower Invitations

2010-06-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

I had a very busy day today adding my new Pink Whale baby stationery collection to the shop. It's been an exciting couple of weeks, with over 50 new items added in the last week or so. I'm working on increasing my selection for baby announcements, mommy cards, and baby shower stationery now, because starting July, it's time to begin working on Christmas designs! Whoo-hoo! Holiday season 2010, here we come!

Watermelon Invitations Set & Summer Fun

2010-06-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

When we think of summer, images of pool parties, running through sprinklers, family barbecues, popsicles, watermelon and potato salads come to our minds. We think of kids playing in the sun and people breaking the routine to "stop and smell the roses"...or to cringe at the smell produced by their smelly sweaty kids, or that of other people's smelly sweaty kids if they don't have any of their own. ~ In any case, in honor of summer and all of our wonderful memories that evolve around food, I've created a stationery set that can be customized to fit any of your summer events. From company picnics, to family reunions, pool parties, barbecues and more! ~ Enjoy the stationery and most important of all, enjoy your summer!

Question After Question, After Question

2010-06-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

Secret Agent Josephine hit it right on with this illustration! This is what it's like to live a with a preschooler/kindy age kid. My daughter will turn 6 in about three weeks and she is just thriving with questions. It is exhausting, but it's also our opportunity as parents to teach and explain things to them as their personalities form. I'm always tired, though. With the constant answering of questions, preparing meals, trying to teach her other things such as math, spelling, reading, chores, etc., and then asking her my own questions, by the end of the night I hit bed like a rock. I love it though! At the end of the day, when I see her sound asleep, I know that all my hard work has paid off.

Penguin Birth Announcements

2010-06-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is one of five new birth announcement designs that I recently added to my shop. Considering it's 112 degrees here in the desert, I am particularly attracted to this cool and soothing penguin design. I must admit, this adorable photo by RiaLee Photography adds the finishing touch to the whole look. She's an amazing children's photographer, you can spend hours on her site admiring all of the cute babies and great photography. Makes me wanna have another baby just so she can photograph us!

Edible BBQ Artwork

2010-06-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love discovering new artsy blogs that are geared towards special events, crafts and entertaining. The Decorated Cookie blog by Meaghan Mountford covers all three categories! I am particularly fond of her "How to Draw on Food" series. In this last entry, she posts instructions on how to create these adorable and edible BBQ marshmallow treats. Hop on over to her blog to view step by step instructions!

Ladybug Play Date Calling Cards

2010-06-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

I recently added these cute ladybug calling cards to my shop. I never really used any mommy cards when my daughter was a toddler. We have a big family, so as a toddler she had tons of play dates with her little cousins. Then the last week of kindergarten came around. She was excited about all the end of year school activities, but sad about not seeing her friends during the summer. My solution? These adorable play date calling cards! I made her a handful of my "Let's Hang Out" design (also available in my shop) to pass out to her classmates on the last day of school. They were a big hit with the teachers as well as with the rest of the mommies, and we're excited about keeping in touch with her little friends during summer vacation.
If you like these cards but your kids are all grown up, you can keep these cards in mind for the next time you're looking for a great gift for any small child and mommy!

Under the Sea Party Favors

2010-06-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with all of Etsy seller's Gifts Define creations! I posted some lovebirds cupcake toppers from her shop about a week ago but her creations are just too cute not to share! With school being out, having summer upon us and lots of beach theme parties to look forward to, I thought these little handcrafted sea creatures would be a delight and inspiration for all to see.

Free 4th of July Printables

2010-06-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

It's Freebie-Friday! In today's Freebie-Friday feature, we'd like to thank Tweedle Dee Designs for being ahead of the game and creating this fabulous and FREE printable party set that is sure to convey patriotism and style up your 4th of July holiday gatherings. Thank you Tweedle Dee!
Click on the picture to download the artwork.

Tiffany Blue Wedding Lovebirds Collection

2010-06-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

Introducing my Tiffany Blue Lovebirds collection, now available at PaisleyInParis.com. Complete with Save the Dates, Custom Postage, Address Labels, Wedding Invitations, Place Cards, and Favor Stickers. ~ Enjoy!

June 2010 Printable Calendar

2010-06-01T00:40:00.000-07:00

June is here! Wishing you all a summer filled with lots of laughs and lots of play-time. Enjoy your June printable calendar, courtesy of yours truly. =)

Felt Birds Cupcake Toppers

2010-05-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

Felt bird toppers by Gifts Define.

I'm a sucker birds and cupcakes.
When I see them together, it's absolute joy.

Daydreaming about San Diego

2010-05-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

I've been day dreaming about a weekend getaway in San Diego lately. Would love to take the girls to the zoo or the wild animal park.

Maybe some time in June when work slows down a bit and the kids are out of school.

To the left: "Animal Stack" wall art by Charlotte & Austen.