Random Coolness Crush Week Continues 44/365 {Lauren, ten23 Designs}

Random Coolness Crush Week continues..Random Coolness Week, you ask? This week I am crushing on those unique & creative ladies that offer something special and not very often seen. No way to group them with others, so I am devoting a random chick week to these fabulous and interesting women.

ten23 Tuesday. Clever Crush 44/365: Lauren, ten23 Designs

Lauren is a vinyl rockstar. She designs and creates beautiful, unique vinyl decals for home, business and event decor. These decals are unique, of the highest quality and they provide amazing presentation. She creates the most original personalized dance floor decals for weddings and events. She can design a decal logo for your wedding or party-if you can think of it, she can make it:). Way cool. She also offers smaller scale vinyl designs-perfect for home and gift giving. Lauren is funny, sweet and supportive. She is charming and extremely talented. Totally crushing on the Decal Diva:)


Deets:
{shop}
{blog}
{twitter}
{facebook}

Fascinating facts about Lauren:)

• favorite color? PURPLE... which is what made me lurk you on Twitter... so glad I did.


• favorite team? My FAMILY team... we rock! However my favorite sports team is the Florida Gators! I bleed orange & blue!

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Meatballs... didn't even have to think about it.

• party trend you are crushing on? Cake pops and cupcake toppers

• party trend you are so over? Hmm... I'd have to say confetti. I do not care for the mess.

• favorite aisle in the craft store? The scrapbooking aisle. I love the paper, and punches and accessories, oh my!

• do you wear Uggs? The only Uggs I wear is the "Ugg face" when I see something horrid... like people wearing them in the summer and you KNOW there feet are soooo hot! (I think it's a bit warm in Florida usually for them, maybe when it get's really cold I will.

• do you really exercise? I exercise my creative juices on a daily basis.

• minivan or non minivan driving? Non minivan driving

• favorite holiday? 4th of July

• favorite smell? Fresh baked anything tasty... MmmMmm good!!!

• do you color your hair? No... however my daughter got a crayon stuck in it the other day. Does that count?

• do you think you’re cool? Cool as a cucumber.

Random Coolness Crush Week begins. Mod Podge Monday 43/365 {Amy, Mod Podge Rocks}

Kicking off Random Coolness Week...Random Coolness week, you ask? This week I am crushing on those unique & creative ladies that offer something special and not very often seen. No way to group them with others, so I am devoting a random chick week to these fabulous and interesting women.

Starting off this fun filled week-Mod Podge Monday

Crush 43/365: Amy, Mod Podge Rocks

Amy is clever. Amy is creative. She sews, she knits and decoupages-Amy is a Mod Podge Master-me, not so much. Amy has a witty and charming blog devoted to all things decoupage- Mod Podge Rocks. Spend five seconds over there and you will be instantly inspired to Mod Podge something. The creative uses and designs she comes up with are simply magical. She offers tips and tricks for first time Mod Podge users, as well as for more experienced ladies. She is also ridiculously witty. Oh, and she adores pugs!
One more special thing to note about Amy....She is a rockstar-she has thousands of fans, followers, likers, etc., but she she is gracious, grateful and kind. She answers tweets, emails, posts and comments-which, sadly,  you rarely see these days. I crush on her mad Modge Podge skills, I crush even more on the class and kindness of the girl behind the glue.

Deets:
{blog}
{twitter}
{facebook}

Random Amy Trivia:)

• favorite color? Blue.


• favorite team? You mean like Team Edward from Twilight? Or stuff with a ball or bat? I don't know anything about mainstream sports. I like the lesser known car racing and cycling.

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pumpkin bread. If I were a loaf of it, I would eat my own arm.

• party trend you are crushing on? highly decorated and delicious cupcakes with flags.

• party trend you are so over? photo booth.

• favorite aisle in the craft store? Currently it's the paint aisle, because I'm obsessed with spray paint.

• do you wear Uggs? No, but I wear Roxy boots that are furry lined and have a bird on the side. They are cousins to Uggs.

• do you really exercise? I do! I'm a runner. Have to keep those crafty muscles toned.

• minivan or non minivan driving? No minivan for me. I drive a highly tuned Audi S4 wagon. It's the fastest grocery getter in town. I love fast cars.

• favorite holiday? Halloween!

• favorite smell? Demeter brownie perfume. Or punkin bread. It's a tie.

• do you color your hair? Yes, the same color that it already is but with a little punch. My hair got blah in my twenties.

• do you think you’re cool? Unfortunately anyone who likes Star Wars as much as I do probably isn't cool. But my dogs think I'm pretty hip, so I'm okay with that.

Sweet, Sparkly Sunday Edition. Crushing on 42/365 {Gracie, Sweet Sparkle Party Boutique}

Sunday morning sweetness. Pug Crushing on a sparkly, glittery chick-42/365



Sweet, Sparkly Crush: Gracie, Sweet Sparkle Party Boutique

Sweet Sparkle Party Boutique is an event business specializing in creating girly girl dream parties-themed parties, tea parties, anything and everything a little girl could wish for. Gracie is the sweet and brilliant genius behind this business. She also runs and online gift boutique by the same name which offers beautiful gifts for your little princess. Gracie is sweet, talented and wants to make little girls sparkle on the outside and inside:) Party Girl power at its finest. Perfect sweet, Sunday, sparkling crush:)


Deets:
{shop}
{twitter}

Fascinating facts about Gracie:

favorite color? Tiffany Blue


favorite team? Dallas Cowboys since I was 12 years old...Lets just say kinda of for ever.

if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? It's a toss up between Lobster and Tamales. .

party trend you are crushing on? Sweets & Candy Buffets

party trend you are so over? Chuckee Cheese!!

favorite aisle in the craft store? Scrapping .

do you wear Uggs? Nope

do you really exercise? Only in my dreams, haha.

minivan or non minivan driving? I'm anti minivan. My Yukon Denali Rocks! with its "SPRKLS" plates. (only maybe not so much after it rains)

favorite holiday? I luv Christmas.

favorite smell? The smell of baking cookies.

do you color your hair? Oh yeah, first for looks now to cover grey.

do you think you're cool? I'm a little Sassy is that cool?

Super Stamping Saturday Crush 41/365 {Kristin, Stampin' Fanatic}

Crushing on different Kristins two days in a row. Holla! Today, 41/365, a rubber stamping lova:)

Pug Crush 41/365: Kristin, Stampin' Fanatic

I love the look of handstamped everything, but cannot seem to stamp without having the rectangular border of the stamp show up on my work. Perhaps I put too much ink, or press too hard...whatever it is..stamps and I are not besties. I stand in awe of Kristin and her stamping masterpieces. She describes herself as a "crazed stamper." L.O.L. She is ridiculously talented in stamping cards and gifts. Her works are beautiful and one-of-a-kind. She also creates adorable partyware. She is supportive and sweet.  I crush hard on the crazed, talented rubber stamping chick. She rocks. And stamps:)

Deets:

{etsy}
{blog}
{cpn}
{facebook}

Fascinating Kristin trivia:)

· favorite color? Orange...so much so that my kitchen is orange from head to toe ;)

· favorite team? Detroit Red Wings... I'm from Hockeytown, what can I say?!

· if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mexican. YUM.

· party trend you are crushing on? Bumblee Bees & Pom Poms... I started planning my daughters 2nd birthday about 2 months after her first! ;)

· party trend you are so over? Kiddie characters... Dora, Elmo, etc. I love them, they just aren't my style for a party!

· favorite aisle in the craft store? Stamps! ;)

· do you wear Uggs? No. I wish I could afford some! Haha.

· do you really exercise? Heck no. Not even gonna lie.

· minivan or non minivan driving? No minivan. Never ever. Ever.

· favorite holiday? Valentine's Day!

· favorite smell? Fresh cut grass

· do you color your hair? Oh yes. I have to hide the grays somehow ;)

· do you think you’re cool? Nah. I'm just a chick who does what she loves. :)

Top Secret Inspiration Boards REVEALED! We need help!

Houston, we have INSPIRATION BOARDS! We are revealing the inspiration boards for the East Coast vs. West Coast New Year's Eve Tablescape Challenge. The Throwdown is almost here, so we decided it was high time to give you a sneak peek.

We seriously need your help. We are rafffling off these beautiful tablescapes to benefit Project Night Night. You can buy raffle ticktes throughout the week, but today, we are holding a ONE DAY SALE ...2 raffle tickets for the price of 1.

Please donate and enter to win, please spread the word to every single person you have ever met:) We really need your support to make a difference in the lives of some very special kids.

the East

the West

Wrapping up Animal Week with a Fabulous Friday Crush. 40/365 Kristin {Hatter & Hare Events}

Hope you Turkey Day was beautiful and with minimal drama:)

Wrapping up my Wild Animal Crush Week Series with one seriously amazing chick.

Fabulous Friday Crush: Kristin, Hatter & Hare Events

Kristin is a rockstar even if she won't admit it. I stumbled upon her blog months ago and was immediatley head over heels in love with her. She is an amazing event planner and seriously crafty. Her blog is newer, but you need to folllow it. She is one to watch. She is clever, out of the box creative and offers up easy tutorials for many of the projects she creates. She styles outrageous parties and has an enormous amount of talent. She is super smart, witty & hilarious:) And her favorite color is aubergine...They don't come much cooler than that. Totally crushing on the Hatter & Hare chick.

Deets:
{blog}
{facebook}
{cpn}

Fascinating Kristin Trivia:)


• favorite color? Aubergine - not only a gorgeous color, but also fun to say!

• favorite team? I'm more into entertainment than sports. This is so five years ago, but remember the big Team Aniston/Team Jolie debate? I can't stand to see women tear each other down, so I voted for Team Brad...specifically the long-haired, Legends of the Fall version. Yum.

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Calamari...grilled, fried, sauteed - it's all good to me!

• party trend you are crushing on? Embellished invitations - I'll never get tired of bling!

• party trend you are so over? Cupcakes - they've had their time.

• favorite aisle in the craft store? The paper aisle - I always seem to get inspired by the great color combinations and patterns I see there.

• do you wear Uggs? There is a restaurant near my house called the "Dynasty Buffet". One day my grandmother remarked that she would never eat at a place that had "nasty" in its' name. Following my sage grandmother's advice, I do not wear Uggs....far too close to "ugh" for me!

• do you really exercise? No, but I really think about it all the time!

• minivan or non minivan driving? No to the minivan. Much like religion and politics, the subject of owning a minivan is too divisive and therefore forbidden in my house.

• favorite holiday? St. Patrick's Day. I'm not Irish, but we always have a huge celebration because my sons (who are two years apart in age) were both born on March 17th. Weird - I know.

• favorite smell? Fresh Basil.

• do you color your hair? No. But one time when I was really mad at my then-boyfriend now-husband I pulled a Britney and cut it off and colored it red. Oh youth...

• do you think you’re cool? Nope. I don't think I'm hot either. Does that make me luke-warm?

The week of the Bird...Crushing on Turkey and the other Bird {Bird Craft Parties} 39/365

 

Welcome to the Animal Week ,Thanksgiving Day Edition of the Pug Crush. Most us will have a fabulous day filled with family, friends and a whole lotta turkeys. Turkey seriously rocks! I can think of no one more fitting chick to crush on today than The Other Bird...

Turkey Day Edition crush 39/365: Bird, Bird Craft Parties

Bird is extraordinary. She designs and creates unique and fabulous printables.  Her designs stand apart from the printable party pack. She blogs about all things party. She features party tricks and tips, provides excellent tutorials and she is one seriously crafty chick. Gorgeous and genius ideas and is an amazing party stylist. The parties she hosts are whimsical, original and astounding. She has been featured all over the web and world. She lives in France:) She is extremely talented, super smart and sweet. Proud to call her a friend. Totally crushing on the Bird on Turkey Day.

Deets:

{web}
{etsy}
{blog}
{cpn}
{twitter}
{facebook}

Fascinating facts about Bird:

• favorite color? pink


• favorite team? my family

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Easy! Chocolate

• party trend you are crushing on? Vintage Anything, Wizard of Oz, Princesses and Knights

• party trend you are so over? Candy Shoppe!

• favorite aisle in the craft store? Ribbons and Candy Jars (yes, my craft store is kind enough to stock those!)

• do you wear Uggs? Ugg-huh!!!

• do you really exercise? I think about it everyday, and everyday I find some excuse to postpone it...so, No!

• minivan or non minivan driving? a scooter! Does that count?

• favorite holiday? St Tropez

• favorite smell? Several: My children's hair, husband's $5 aftershave, baking bread or cake, rain on hot tarmac, bacon, garlic or onions frying...

• do you color your hair? Yep!

• do you think you’re cool? Nope! But I guess if I said yes, then that would be reeeeeally uncool, huh? So I'm hoping this is a double-bluff... :D

ME. LOVE. COOKIE.

Come on, you know that is a cute post title:)

Fabulous cookie giveaway time....Dandy Delights wants to make your life a little sweeter.

Contest deets and entry rules here.

Race over there and enter to win some beautiful & delicious cookies. Contest ends November 30th.

Good luck and have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

I. LOVE. TWINE.

I am lucky. I was chosen to be a member of the elite Design Team for The Twinery. The Twinery sells the most beautiful, eco-luxe, colorful and hip baker's twine in the universe. As a Design Team member, I , along with the other amazing creative chicks, will be designing unique projects each month using..wait for it...wait for it....

Colored Baker's Twine:)

Very excited to design with this fine twine.

Turkey Day Eve Edition. The Pug crushes on the Lizard & Ladybug {Staci, Lizard & Ladybug}

The day before Thanksgiving Pug Crush Edition:)

Animal Love Crush 38/365: Staci, Lizard & Ladybug

Staci is crafty. Very crafty. She likes the challenge of upcycling and making clever masterpieces out of everyday household stuff...She is always up to try a new technique. She comes up with some brilliant ideas that make you think "DUH-why didn't I think of that?" She also loves to host adorable & memorable kids' parties. Staci is funny, charming, sweet and supportive of everyone around her. Always leaves comments for others to let them know she was there-very friendly & supportive chick. Oh, and she plays for the East. Werd.
I adore this clever, crafty goddess:)

Deets:
{blog}
{cpn}
{twitter}
{facebook}

Fascinating facts about Staci:)

• favorite color? Purple (and I'm not just saying that to suck up)


• favorite team? Florida State Seminoles baby!!

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? this is a tough one..I'd say cheese pizza

• party trend you are crushing on? anything on a stick (sweet/savory--it's all just so cute)

• party trend you are so over? I don't know if it's a trend..but I'm not a big fan of the punch w/sherbet served typically at baby showers :)

• favorite aisle in the craft store? paper

• do you wear Uggs? no. It's too hot in Florida for Uggs!

• do you really exercise? yes, I really do.

• minivan or non minivan driving? non minivan..an suv

• favorite holiday? Halloween

• favorite smell? baby powder (but only Johnson & Johnson)

• do you color your hair? uh..duh - yes

• do you think you’re cool? most of the time :)

Tiny Tuesday. The Pug Crushes on the Giraffe. 37/365 {Amy, Tiny Giraffe)

Animal Week in full effect...Tiny Terrific Tuesday-crushing on Tiny Giraffe.

Crush 37/365: Amy, Tiny Giraffe

Amy is the creative force behind the Tiny Giraffe. I call her Baby Block Girl. Her genius specialty is creating whimsical wooden blocks for beautiful little babies and tots. She can create any color palette or unique design. These fabulous blocks are eco-friendly, non-toxic and ridiculously adorable. And...ummm... featured in People Magazine along with a hundred other way cool places! Beautiful for gifts, photo shoots and room decor. Amy is unbelievably creative and her work simply shines. The Pug is totally crushing on the Giraffe.

Deets:
{shop}
{facebook}
{twitter}

Fascinating Amy facts:

• favorite color? Green and pink because they're perfect together.


• favorite team? I have to say the OSU Buckeyes. I grew up in Columbus and there really isn't a choice. ;)

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Ice cream, for sure!

• party trend you are crushing on? Dessert on a stick. Seems to be all the rage and I'm loving it. Though, the portion size is a bit small for my taste.

• party trend you are so over? Little plastic junk toys as party favors.

• favorite aisle in the craft store? Paper. Oh, paper.

• do you wear Uggs? Nope

• do you really exercise? Depends on when you ask

• minivan or non minivan driving? NON

• favorite holiday? Halloween & Christmas, I just love October through December.

• favorite smell? Freshly brewed coffee = my motivation in the morning!

• do you color your hair? No, but starting to think it's time

• do you think you’re cool? Most of the time ;)

The Pug Has Left the Building....

It's official..Effective immediately, the glitter factory is CLOSED.

My store is closed and I will not be accepting any orders for several weeks {at least}.

I am working round the clock on the East Coast vs. West Coast Tablescape Challenge and the auction to benefit Project Night Night.

I will be freaking out   working on a million little details to get the East Coast Tablescape into sweet, glittery shape.

Stay tuned for Challenge Updates..It is going to be a ridiculously amazing few weeks:)

Animal Week Continues. The Pug Crushes on the Chick 36/365 {Rebecca, Fresh Chick Design Studio}

Pug Crush Animal Week continues. Animal Week, you ask? Any blog, business or creative crush that has some kind of animal, insect or critter in its name..Like Shark Week...But way cooler..


Kicking off the work week with The Fresh, Fabulous Chick.

Crushing on the Chick 36/365: Rebecca, Fresh Chick Design Studio

Rebecca is the definition of fresh. She is a printable designer that creates original works, stationery, invitations, party decor and art prints. She has a unique, fresh style that definitely shines. She brings something very special to the party world. She is an amazing party stylist. Photo shoots are gorgeous.She is cool, clever and creative. The Pug Seriously Crushes on The Chick. Fo' Shizzle:)

Deets:
{etsy}
{blog}
{cpn}
{facebook}
{project nursery}
{dreamers} *Rebecca is a Martha Stewart Doer of the Week:)


Fascinating Rebecca facts:

13 questions because that’s more interesting than 10.


• favorite color? PINK!!!

• favorite team? Da' Bears!

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? How could I possibly limit it to one??...Mexican food, pizza, and brownies!

• party trend you are crushing on? Simplicity, I love seeing some of the smaller scale parties...they can be just as fabulous as the over the top ones. Less is more!

• party trend you are so over? Although, I am guilty of the following usage...not a big fan of balloons...they smell...they scare the crap out of me when they pop...but, the kids LOVE them!!

• favorite aisle in the craft store? Ahhh...FABRIC!!! I am a pattern & texture FREAK!

• do you wear Uggs? Yes! I am probably pushing the age meter a little but who cares!! Arizona has very mild winters...I love when it is chilly enough to bust them out!!

• do you really exercise? Nope! I really dislike it...but it is time ): My youngest turns one next month so no more "I just had a baby excuse!!"

• minivan or non minivan driving? No mini, but most def a mom mobile...Ford Expolrer - Eddie Bauer

• favorite holiday? Do my kiddos birthdays count?? LOL!! Christmas!! Tis the season!

• favorite smell? Vanilla candles

• do you color your hair? Of course...I have a few colors in there now, including some "natural" highlights!! hee hee!!

• do you think you’re cool? Fo' Shizzle! (; I am super "fresh"! Woohoo!!!

Kicking off Animal Week. Crushing on 35/365 {Kim, Little Ladybug Designs}

Kicking off Pug Crush Animal Week..Animal Week, you ask? Any blog, business or creative crush that has some kind of animal, insect or critter in its name..Like Shark Week...But way cooler..

Kick off crush 35/365: Kim, Little Ladybug Designs

Kim is the owner & creator of Little Ladybug Designs-an online boutique specializing in custom stationery, invitations, announcements, dvd photo montages, and party favors for any occasion. She started Little Ladybug Designs after her and her husband adopted their daughter and noticed there were not many options for adoption announcements on the market. Wanting other families to spread their joy through beautiful photo cards, Little Ladybug Designs was born. Her designs are whimsical and adorable. Kim is extremely talented, sweet, smart and funny-Perfect Sunday Crush.

Deets:
{shop}
{cpn}
{blog}
{facebook}
{twitter}

Fascinating Kim facts:

• favorite color? Blue

• favorite team? Yankees

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Bread

• party trend you are crushing on? Dessert tables

• party trend you are so over? Generic Party Decor

• favorite aisle in the craft store? Paper

• do you wear Uggs? No

• do you really exercise? No but need to

• minivan or non minivan driving? Non minivan driving, just bought a new suv :-)

• favorite holiday? Halloween

• favorite smell? Sea Breeze

• do you color your hair? Do highlights count?

• do you think you’re cool? My daughter thinks so :-)

Saturday Style Pug Confetti Crush 34/365 {Rosemarie, Home Confetti}

Happy Saturday!

Crushing on 34/365: Rosemarie, Home Confetti

Rosemarie has a new blog about all things entertaining. She blogs to provide inspiration and "real life" ideas to embellish and enhance your home entertaining-to throw some confetti into the everyday home life. She has an amazing eye for style and for the unique. She styles beautiful parties of her own. She is sweet, smart and creative..And, O.M.P. (oh my purple) she had a purple themed wedding. Enough said. Beyond crushing on the the Home Confetti Girl.

Deets:
{blog}
{cpn}
{twitter}
{facebook}

Fascinating Rosemarie Trivia:)

• favorite color? Purple... Really! I'm not just saying that to get brownie points! I had a purple-themed wedding!


• favorite team? NY Yankees (still need to represent although I'm living in CO now!)

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? I scream for ice cream!

• party trend you are crushing on? The hanging fabric, lace swags being used as backdrops... SO pretty!

• party trend you are so over? My kids still get those old school "loot bags"... what I refer to as "kiddie litter." All those little plastic toys break and get dumped in the garbage, usually that same day!

• favorite aisle in the craft store? the "$1" bin aisle--amazing what you find there and the ideas it inspires!

• do you wear Uggs? NO! They look like martian boots!

• do you really exercise? I actually do! It really helps me unwind... and a good reason to get away from the computer!

• minivan or non minivan driving? NON minivan.

• favorite holiday? Do friends' birthdays count as a holiday?? I always love the opportunity to create something custom and personal for a friend.

• favorite smell? Anything with cinammon coming from the kitchen

• do you color your hair? Just started about a year ago to cover the grays

• do you think you’re cool? My 4-year old twin girls do, and that's all that matters to me! :)

Wrapping up International Crush week on a Sweet Note. 33/365 {Candace, Candy & Cake}

Wrapping up International Pug Crush week on a very sweet note-Candy and Cake:)

Sugary Canadian Crush 33/365: Candace, Candy & Cake

Candace is a cake artist. Creating cakes that capture the theme of the celebration is her game..and she is a.maz.ing. She adores dessert tables. She is also an extraordinary and talented party stylist. She blogs about all things sweet-cakes, candy, dessert tables-my kind of blogger. Oh, and she is really clever, kind and supportive.
Sweet, talented, Canadian Cake Goddess. My kind of Sugar Rush and Pug Crush:)

Deets:
{blog}
{cpn}
{flickr}
{facebook}
{twitter}

Fascinating facts about Candace:)

• favorite color? Blue

• favorite team? Saskatchewan Roughriders (Canadian football team) Rider Pride!

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Chocolate!

• party trend you are crushing on? Dessert Tables

• party trend you are so over? Those disgusting cupcake cakes and chuckee cheese parties of the past. They require no effort or love in the details.

• favorite aisle in the craft store? Cake decorating supplies

• do you wear Uggs? Yes, a year round staple. Keeps my toes warm in -30c

• do you really exercise? I do actually

• minivan or non minivan driving? minivan

• favorite holiday? Christmas! We start decorating the day after halloween!

• favorite smell? Chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven

• do you color your hair? No

• do you think you’re cool? No, do people really think that about themselves?

The Pug Crushes on the Clown. 32/365 {Jane, Home Made Parties}

I am loving International Pug Crush Week and I hope you are too! Crushing on a very sweet and funny Australian today:)

Crushing on a serious party girl 32/365: Jane, Home Made Parties

Jane is one amazing Australian party chick. She is always coming up with fabulous new ideas and she is seriously creative. She is sweet and extremely supportive of all of her peers. She is also a Jane of all trades..LOL I just made that up. She adores to plan and style parties, runs a spectacular business that designs boutique children's clothing, she designs gorgeous handmade partyware, she is an entertainer, and she. is. a. clown. -a real life, actual CLOWN. I love this more than anything. As per Jane "I get to go to children's birthday parties - a very happy occasion, and make children even happier." She is simply sunny, funny and just wants to make kids smile. Perfect crush.

Deets:
{blog}
{shop}
{cpn}
{facebook}

Fascinating Jane Trivia:

favorite colour? pink, pink and more sweet, girly, frilly, delicious, lovely pink.

favorite team? Vote 1. The party team. He, he, he, well the short answer is; I don’t really have one. The smarty- pants answer is; our local soccer club of course - “Thistles”. The convoluted response is; Aussies play mostly two codes of footy, and I only really know about AFL, which we don’t hear about that much up here, but I go for the Geelong Cats. If I was in the US, there is a baseball team I would go for, and I have NOT been all over the States, but one of the places I love most over there is the state of Massachusetts, especially Boston, so I would have to say the Red Sox.

if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? I couldn’t. I love way too many foods, particularly Greek, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, Thai and Italian; variety is the spice of life. But… while we are talking about food, I have an awful confession to make; I actually don’t like candy (we call candy ‘lollies’). Nope, too sweet, sticky and artificially coloured. Whew, glad I got that off my chest, (please don’t judge me).

party trend you are crushing on? I have a few that I’m seeing pop up and a few I would love to see more of; I love frugalicious DIYing. I’m loving this trend of having parties where the children’s activities are as well thought out, planned and presented as the dessert buffet. It's really nice to see the move away from all the licensed commercial characters. I also think it’s so wonderful when parents include children in all stages of the party process; planning, designing, creating and implementing.

party trend you are so over? Plastic water bottles and juice bottles for all the guests; sorry, but it’s a waste of resources really.

favorite aisle in the craft store? The fabric area (especially poly/cotton prints) and the scrap-booking paper aisle. The ribbon aisle is also a visual and textural feast.

do you wear Uggs? Um, are ‘Uggs’, ugg boots? If so I think they are an Aussie invention but I live in the subtropics, and am more of a flip-flops girl (except we call flip-flops ‘thongs’ here). I think flip-flops are less tragic than ugg boots

do you really exercise? I go insane if I don’t go to the gym – I like group fitness classes, especially step.

minivan or non minivan driving? Non mini-van.

favorite holiday? The Christmas lead-up – not necessarily Christmas Day, but more that child-like anticipation of buying and making gifts, planning the food, wrapping presents, carols, Christmas baking/craft and decorating the house. I am smiling just thinking about it.

favorite smell? Cafes at breakfast time.

do you colour your hair? Oooh, funny, NO, I’m too low maintenance EXCEPT my mum and I went shopping yesterday and bought a home hair colour kit – we haven’t put it in my hair yet, but I’m visiting her again next week, so maybe then.

do you think you’re cool? Yes. But my daughter is starting to question that status.

Like a Kid in a Toy Store...

I love kid parties. A lot.

I love to look at photos of real parties, look at photos of styled parties, read magazines about parties, read blogs about parties, shop all day for parties, tweet about parties, facebook comment about parties,  cruise on CPN all day long looking at parties and I love to search the ends of the Earth to find unique inspiration for parties. I dream about parties. I am a party loving girl. Period..

What makes me even more giddy than looking at parties pictures all day long is looking at parties that are created by party planners for their own children. There is something so personal and special about getting a peek into what a creative children's party planner does for her own kid. It is touching and so sweet to see how much thought and love a Mom will put into her own child's Little Shindig...

The ridiculously talented, Natalie, of Little Shindigs, threw a party for her little boy this past weekend and I am in love with every last deet.

Natalie's son, Luke, is a HUGE Toy Story fan..What's a vintage loving, party planning Mom to do? If you child loves a book, movie or special character, there are so many ways to get creative without looking like Party City exploded in your house. Nat did an amazing job. Gorgeous, whimsical and so much detail to gaze upon without being a commercialized assault on the senses.. And totally planned for the enjoyment of the birthday boy and his friends.

Here are are a few pictures of this brilliant and beautiful party. Head over to Natalie's blog to see the rest:)

ummm. Toy Bar? Cleva.

Come on, is this a fab sister, or what?

Adore the dessert table.

 

Twirlie Whirlie Wednesday. Canadian Crushing on 31/365 {Shannon, Twirlie Whirlies}

International week in full force. Welcome to Twirlie Whirlie Wednesday.

Crushing on the Pinwheel Princess today.

Creative Canadian Crush 31/365: Shannon {Twirlie Whirlies}

Shannon is witty, creative and a serious-I mean SERIOUS-paper girl. She designs and creates unique handmade paper party accessories. She is def the first person that comes to my mind for fabulous paper pinwheels. They are simply beautiful, whimsical and one-of-a-kind.  I cannot believe how many different variations and designs of pinwheels she has created. Awesome beyond. She also creates handmade party favors, cupcake toppers, buntings, hats, ribbon wands and about a million other things I don't even know about. She has some serious paper crafting skills. And she loves parties! She is clever, hilarious and a ray of sunshine:) Totally Pug Crushing on The Pinwheel Princess. She's cool..Even if she won't admit it:)

Deets:
{shop}
{etsy}
{etsy2}
{artfire}
{blog}
{twitter}


Fascinating Facts about Shannon:

favorite color? Red

favorite team? Not sure if you mean a sports team (*blech*) or one of the more famous "teams" so I am choosing the latter - Team Jacob, of course!


if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Popcorn.


party trend you are crushing on? Paper straws (and those cute little straw flags, too!)


party trend you are so over? I think I am done with the water bottle labels.


favorite aisle in the craft store? Paper and cardstock. LOVE!


do you wear Uggs? No


do you really exercise? No, and I don't claim to either!


minivan or non minivan driving? Uggh - you had to ask. Enough said.


favorite holiday? All of them!

favorite smell? I am seriously smell sensitive. I won't stick my nose into something out of curiousity - it has to already be present in the atmosphere. I do love the smell of Starbuck's!


do you color your hair? Not anymore. I coloured my hair for 20 years needlessly but stopped when I was trying to become pregnant 4 years ago. I was pleasantly surprised to discover I had NO GREY! I've been au naturel ever since.


do you think you’re cool? No. Absolutely not.

Thoughts on 30 Days of Pug Crushing....

30 days of Glittery Pug Crushes down in the history books. It has been an amazing month on so many levels.

My little "experiment in nice" has touched so many people in so many different ways. The response has been overwhelming and so positive. I am astounded by the feeling of connection it has given me to so many of my friends, peers and heroes.

I can tell you that most people are honored and excited to be featured on this 365 project. I think most people are genuinely happy and grateful for an opportunity to give a little glimpse into the actual person behind the businesses, blogs, shops, tweets and comments. I am over the moon each time a completed q&a hits my inbox. I love to read what everyone is all about and thinking...I am lovestruck by how funny and totally honest the answers are.

I am an equal opportunity crusher. I adore the big time party girls and bloggers for giving me the time of day and for being so gracious to answer my crazy questions. And they are crazy questions..LOL. I also chose these questions for very specific reasons. We can all relate to them. If you are a big time party girl-you know it, and by letting little old me feature you shows true character and class...

I also proudly crush on the new girls, with even one follower,  because they are just as important in the experiment in nice as someone who has 10,000 fans. Every single one of us was "the new girl" at one time and knows how hard it is to get a chance to shine. I will never understand these sourpuss party people who threaten, harass and try to stop other people from pursuing their dreams. And I cannot figure out those that do not respond to emails, or to comments or questions from their readers and fans. Totally lame. And, trust me, everyone is hip to this ridiculous behavior. Playing nice on the party playground is so much sweeter.

I have 335 days left to continue this "experiment in nice." I have so many more extraordinary people for you to meet and crush on with me.

If you would like to be crushed on or would like to nominate someone, just give me a secret sign:)

I thank each and every one of you fabulous chicks for participating in this project and for your sweet & encouraging words. The positive vibe and support I have been receiving is remarkable.

Keep Calm and Pug Crush On...Come on, you know that is WAY funny:)

Oh Canada! International Pug Crushing on Caren {Appleford Paper}, 30/365

International Pug Crush week in full effect. Today, crushing on one wicked cool Canadian.

Way Creative Canadian Crush 30/365: Caren, Appleford Paper

Caren is a paper chick. She designs and handcrafts beautiful partyware and accessories. She is wickedly funny. She loves the word "wicked." From her bio:
"Paper crafter extrordinaire, super wicked awesome mom to two wicked awesome kids, wife to spiderman, crocheter, cardmaker and enemy to the post office."  LOL. She is extremely talented in the paper arts and I simply adore her work. She shines. Totally Crushing on the Wicked Cool Crafting Canadian and you will too:)

Deets:
{etsy}
{twitter}
{facebook}


Caren fascinating trivia:)

Favorite colour? omg.. do i have to pick ONE? Right now it is that soft turquoise-y blue that goes well with a hot pink, light pink - any pink really.. Also, we are painting my daughters room this colour with accents of black and white.. And it looks (singing) FABULOUS!!!!

Favorite team? Whatever team I have chosen to gamble on that particular week. Im only in it for the money.. Also, I support my home teams, Toronto Blue Jays and the Maple Leafs. My hubby is a HUGE Arizona Cardinals fan, so I obviously cheer for the Steelers. Kidding.. gross.

if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? - ok.. will this food make me gain a bajillion pounds? or, is this in a magical world where when this question is asked, and you answer, this particular food no longer has calories that apply to only me? If this is the case, then my favorite food would be french fries. Homemade, New York Fries, McDonalds... i would seriously eat them all day. and chips.

party trend you are crushing on? - Parties that look UBER expensive but arent. i love going shopping in my own home for unique glassware, jars, ceramics etc to display your treats and food. You tend to forget that you have a lot of goodies you just havent looked at for a while that can really help you save when you are trying to put on a good show. And TRY to handmake things.. Its a lot more meaningful and fun, not to mention, usually cheaper.

party trend you are so over? - What is up with mustaches.. i dont get it. its kinda weird. also loot bags.. BE CREATIVE PEOPLE!! what usually ends up happening with the stuff you get in the loot bags? Forgotten and thrown out or you irritate other parents who now have to deal with more things in their home. You dont have to impress with lots of candy and uselss items. In fact, that can get suprisingly expensive. Why not stick to your theme and find one really cool thing (i.e. I just made a bunch of playdough and made tiny boxes to put them in along with a thank you gift tag) and send your kiddies home with that instead?

favorite aisle in the craft store? - paper.. i love paper. and yarn.. and ribbon.. why is this so difficult!!! i cant pick just one isle. i think i will have to open my own craft store where all MY fav things are in one isle.. Ask me then.. lol

do you wear Uggs?- ugggh.. no. but i DID find a crochet look-a -like pair for my wedding and wore them under my dress.. just like slippers..

do you really exercise? - i imagine myself really exercising, but then i find myself sitting down and working on etsy orders or birthday parties. But i DO try to get in at least 3 days a week.

minivan or non minivan driving? - whatever! minivans are cool!! We will be getting one next year out of necessity.. I have a 9 year old, a 1 year old and I want another baby soon.. So my honda fit cant accomadate all the kiddies..

favorite smell? - baby.. best.. smell... ever.. also, victory. i love the smell of victory.

do you color your hair? - i havent for a while, and now I am noticing a crapload of grey hair. so i MUST colour my hair to keep people thinking i am only 27 and a half.

do you think you’re cool? - obviously.

 

Aussie Awesomeness, Pug Crush 29/365 {Amy, Giggleberry Creations}

 
We all speak the language of party. International Pug Crush week continues. I am totally loving it-so exotic! Featured some creative Canadians over weekend. Some fabulousness from Down Under today.



Totally crushing on 29/365: Amy, Giggleberry Creations

Amy is THE fabric bunting chick. She designs them, creates them and they are way beyond gorgeous. You have seen her work everywhere. Magazines, blogs, and showcases. Her talent is simply amazing. Each and every bunting is a whimsical & unique masterpiece. I thought I had a serious crush on Amy..Until last week..When she debuted her new Ribbon Garlands. Now I am deeply in love with her and her work-I lose sleep over the adorableness. She has created fabric and ribbon thunder from Down Under. She's extraordinary, she's sweet and she sews. Perfect Pug Crush:)

Deets:
{shop}
{etsy}
{blog}
{cpn}
{twitter}
{facebook}

Fascinating Amy trivia:

• favorite color? Purple - nothing to do with the Purple Pug's preference, I swear ;)


• favorite team? If I had a time machine I would tell you whatever the name of my son's future soccer team is - he's 19 months old and can kick a ball better than me! Watch this space for the next soccer star - seriously he is a freak (in the most loving way I could mean that)!

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Homer Hudson Chocolate Rock ice cream - drooling now!

• party trend you are crushing on? Unique invitations. I am loving the fun and different ways I am seeing around the web that people are sending invites - no longer a piece of paper in an envelope. I've seen pool party info sent out in a plastic sand bucket, Fairy party info attached to little jars of fairy dust (glitter), and so many other super cute ideas.... so fun for the person receiving them!

• party trend you are so over? Circus themed - seems like it has been done, done and done!!

• favorite aisle in the craft store? Fabric, fabric, fabric - could spend hours, days, weeks, months fabric shopping!

• do you wear Uggs? Yes. I had to say goodbye to my mid-shin length ones last winter (boo hoo) I had worn them to death! But they are a winter must for me!

• do you really exercise? Believe it or not - yes, I do! I get up at 6am every week day morning and go for a 1/2 hr run. It gets the morning grumps out of me before the kids wake up (& let's me have the Homer Hudson ice cream I love so much)

• minivan or non minivan driving? Non. Not sure why... that was just my first response LOL

• favorite holiday? 5 week round the world trip that ended in NYC with hubby proposing (awwwww) offer me a ticket back to NYC any day and I'll dive at it!

• favorite smell? My babies straight after their bath's when they were newborns!!

• do you color your hair? Yup! Blonde foils all over.

• do you think you’re cool? Sometimes, but then my kids put me back in my place LOL

I love my boys & Pug Crush 28/365 {Stephanie, Spaceships and Laser Beams}

International week continues with another creative and clever Canadian business. A genius little partyware company devoted to all things BOY!

Crushing on 28/365: Stephanie, Spaceships and Laser Beams

Spaceships and Laser Beams is an exciting and adorable concept. Their printable products are created by a  talented group of different professional designers. The focus on all things boy in a party world filled with the pink and ruffly. Beautiful and unique designs always with the little guys in mind. And because they believe that happy childhoods are about making every day feel special, 5% of every Spaceships & Laser Beams sale is donated to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.
Way unique & stylish DIY party decor with boyish charm lovingly created by a collective of talented designers. Perfect Pug Crush.

Deets:
{etsy}
{twitter}
{facebook}

Stephanie is one of the designers for Spaceships and Laser Beams and she answered the q&a:)

Some Stephanie fascinating trivia:

Favorite color? Black

Favorite team? I’m really not into sports. At all. I did, however, watch the Winter Olympics every day last year as they were in Canada and I was on mat leave. I fell in love with the crazy, human demolition derby that is short track speed skating, so I am going to say the Canadian National Men’s Short Track Speed Skating Relay Team.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? My grandmother’s tea biscuits warmed with butter. I’m originally from Newfoundland and tea biscuits are pretty much soul food there.

Party trend you are crushing on? I love that people are starting to put effort into boys’ parties. Just because we’re moms of boys doesn’t mean we can’t have a little style in our lives.

Party trend you are so over? It’s more of a pet peeve but I don’t like when people leave the sticks showing on their cupcake toppers. To me, it’s like looking at a visible panty line.

Favorite aisle in the craft store? Paper!

Do you wear Uggs? I have never even tried a pair on. I have always thought they’d be horribly unflattering for my body type. (Pear – Sigh)

Do you really exercise? At this point only twice a week and that’s just to try and counteract the effects of stress eating all day long. I really should make more time for myself as it has been a losing battle of late.

Minivan or non minivan driving? Non. I drive a hatchback.

Favorite holiday? I am going to cheat a little and say my son’s birthday. It’s a recent development as he’s only one. The day of his birth and his first birthday were simply the best days of my life. I cannot imagine a time when July 31st won’t be the most special day of the year.

Favorite smell? Baby shampoo. Every time Sam gets out of his bath my husband and I can’t stop sniffing his hair. At some point he’s going to realized we’re doing this and it’s going to be a problem.

Do you color your hair? Every two months since I was 16.

Do you think you’re cool? I know there was a time in my 20s when I thought I was cool. But the older I become, the more I realize that what I thought was cool wasn’t. The person I am right now isn’t cool.