The end of an extraordinary experiment in nice. Crush 131 and done. Kristy crushes Kristy.

The Pug Crush feature began as a little experiment in kindness and it changed my life. I had the distinct honor of shining the spotlight on so many extraordinary women, businesses and blogs without asking anything in return. Just to be nice to another human being. Radical, huh?

Through this journey, I was able to get to know so many of you in a way I would never have otherwise. My experiment was designed to showcase everyone as a relatable individual and let the world know a little bit more about all of these amazing women behind their computer screens. Crushing knows no fan or liker count-it is about the person..not the fan club.

Pug Crushing has seriously changed my life. I cannot describe how it actually feels to make someone else feel valued, special and happy with no strings attached. The feedback I have gotten is astounding. The same, simple questions answered by the super star bloggers and the newbies makes everyone more relatable and connected.

That all being said, crushing is quite time consuming. I spend up to an hour each day on the feature and I can no longer keep the pace. My business will be moving in a new direction and I have a bunch of shiny, new excitng projects I have been working on that I will share in the upcoming months.

I have crushed on every sweet chick from around the world to return their q&a. I thank them from the bottom of my glittery heart for answering the questions and for allowing me to shine the spotlight on them. I hope my readers have gotten to know some of their favorites in a different light and I hope I have introduced you to many new and extraordinary women.

As my last crush...I will crush on myself. Could I be any more conceited? LOL. I will answer those very same questions we have all grown to love and adore.

Thank you again for all the support. This was an amazing journey. An experiment that changed my life and I hope you enjoyed the ride.



the purple pug crush of the day


{365 days of creative coolness}
13 questions because that’s way more interesting than 10


• favorite color? grayish purple

• favorite team? J-E-T-S

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Black raspberry jelly donuts or a Cinnabon with a side of pizza.

• party trend you are crushing on? Real parties~on a smaller scale~designed with love. Handmade everything. Yarn. Fabric. Old school charm. Creativity. Glitter.

• party trend you are so over? Precision balanced dessert tables-snooze. Labeling every single item on every single table..LOL.. Silhouette drawings of kids creep me out. Curling ribbon.

• favorite aisle in the craft store? Glitter. Paper. Ribbon. Yarn. Wait-every single aisle-except the picture frame ones and the stencil aisles..I pass those up..LOL.

• do you wear Uggs? Negative.

• do you really exercise? See answer above.

• minivan or non minivan driving? Pugs need more swagger than a Minivan provides.

• favorite holiday? Valentine's Day. I love love.

• favorite smell? Applejack and Peel. And, in my heart forever, the smell of my baby boys, fresh out of the bath-clean little curly hair and a little bit of Baby Magic. Heaven.

• do you color your hair? Totally.

• do you think you’re cool? HOLLA!

Little Pink Tuesday. The dazzling and amazing 130 {Carmen, Little Pink Box}

Little Pink Tuesday Crush #130 Carmen, Little Pink Box

Carmen is one of the first people I ever met on Twitter. She is simply amazing. She is sweet, charming and has an eye for the details that go unnoticed by most. She is a graphic designer by trade and one of the most clever and extraordinary party stylists I have ever encountered. She has a love for all things beautiful. And pink:) She is incredibly supportive, sweet, sunny and funny. Proud to call her a friend. Totally, seriously and ridiculously crushing on the charming Carmen. xo

Deets:
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Fascinating Carmen facts:)

favorite color ? PINK

favorite team ? New England Patriots maybe because my son is a huge fan of them

if you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be ? I know this is not a food, but defintely CHOCOLATE, I can’t live without it

party trend you are crushing ? Cakepops, they look so cute on Dessert Tables, but I’ve never done

party trend you are so over ? Cupcake Toppers (printed ones, not fondant)

favorite aisle in the craft store ? a few years ago, all about cross stitch but now, everything about candy and chocolate molds

do you wear Uggs ? no, maybe they are comfy but I prefer things more exquisite

do you really excercise ? I don’t like so much but I try 5 times a week, at least the treadmill

minivar or non minivan driving ? I'm a Mom but I've always preferred car

favorite holiday ? of course Christmas, I love decorating my house this season

favorite smell ? apple with cinnamon

do you color your hair ? yes, I have to, just retouch my roots every 3 weeks in my color

do you think you’re cool ? I don’t know, you tell me

Buckets of Inspiration Tuesday. Super Fab & Fine 129 {Melissa, Buckets of Grace}

Fab & Fine 129: Melissa, Buckets of Grace

Melissa is seriously creative, clever and crafty. No stranger to the glue gun. She is the talent behind the blog Buckets of Grace. She blogs about beautiful party ideas and inspiration for any occasion. She is an amazing and creative party stylist. Unique, brilliant ideas and extremely detailed. Check out the links to her featured parties:) Melissa is a sweet and sunny. Buckets full of crushing on Melissa:)
Deets:
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Fascinating Melissa trivia:)

• favorite color? Periwinkle

• favorite team? I'm a sports nut! I fall asleep to SportsCenter. It's hard to pick just one. I spent 7 years at UW Madison for undergrad and law school so of course the Badgers, but the Green Bay Packers are almost in my backyard and my family has owned season tickets for 3 generations. Can I pick both?

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Another hard question. I have Celiac Disease so if I could pick one food to eat and it wouldn't make me sick, it would be a really good, authentic plate of pasta. But unless there's a cure in the near future, I'll pick chicken enchiladas with green sauce and a side of chips and salsa.

• party trend you are crushing on? DIY parties. I'm not a professional party planner so I feel a sense of pride for the moms out there who work so hard putting together a well done "Real Party"!

• party trend you are so over? I'm totally with Kim at Party Frosting - the 2x2 parties. When I see these beautifully adorned sweets or favors tables, I just wonder what other substance goes with the party. If it's a kid's party, I can tell you from personal experience that they could care less that your sweets labels coordinate with the invitation and your spacing between glass jars is balanced.

• favorite aisle in the craft store? The ribbon aisle (but the dollar aisle at Target is a close second!)

• do you wear Uggs? Umm, no. I'm not cool enough to pull those off. And, after my husband referred to them as "potatoes for your feet," I've sworn them off.

• do you really exercise? No. Between working full-time, being a full-time mom, teaching my daughter's CCD class, planning my kid's and family members' parties, and attempting to keep my blog up, it just doesn't work in my schedule. And , see my answer above as to the food I'd eat for the rest of my life :)

• minivan or non minivan driving? On my second mini. I swore them off but now my motto is, "Once you go mini, you never go back!"

• favorite holiday? Christmas - Christmas Eve in particular. We celebrate every Christmas Eve at my Grandmother's house, eating lots of food that's not good for you, playing games and acting silly. This year she turned 90 so it is a real special tradition and we are very blessed to be able to celebrate with her!

• favorite smell? Rain on a really hot summer day (yes we do have those in Wisconsin!)

• do you color your hair? No. And my mom is almost 60 and she still does not need to color her hair - I hope I have those genes!

• do you think you’re cool? As cool as a mom of 2 young children from Green Bay, Wisconsin who drives a mini van can be (a.k.a. no.)

Marvelous Maylene Monday. The Fab & Great 128 {Maylene, Malu Boutiques}

The Fab & Great 128: Maylene, Malu Boutiques

Maylene is the seriously talented chick behind Malu Boutiques. She designs beautiful handcrafted partyware and party favors. Her work is gorgeous and unique. Maylene blogs about all thing party inspiration and ideas. She offers up clever and crafty ideas, along with tutorials. She is also an amazing party stylist. Total detail chick. Maylene is sweet, sunny and seriously creative. Totally Monday crushing on Marvelous Maylene from Miami:)

Deets:
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Fascinating Maylene facts:)

• favorite color? I love pink! Anything pink I'm a sucker for and with glitter forget about it.


• favorite team? University Of Miami.

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Yummy Chocolate. I am a chocoholic I admit it.

• party trend you are crushing on? Vintage Style. I like to see the old is coming back instyle.

• party trend you are so over? For as much I as LOVE sweets, I would love to see food incorporated with sweets.

• favorite aisle in the craft store? This is a hard one, especially me being there often. I love the Scrapbook Paper aisle. All the different colors and design.

• do you wear Uggs? No only when it gets cold once a year lol I live in Miami not much cold weather down here.

• do you really exercise? No I don't have time with working fulltime, kids, hubby, and my side biz. Really time?????

• minivan or non minivan driving? Non I'm a Jeep girl

• favorite holiday? I love every holiday, but there's something about Christmas.

• favorite smell? Citrus yummy

• do you color your hair? Yup red.

• do you think you’re cool? I think so.

Sweet & Spectacular Saturday. The Fabulous 127 {Juanita, Juanita's Sweet Cakes}

Sweet & Spectacular 127: Juanita, Juanita's Sweet Cakes

Juanita is a brilliant baker. Her creations are astounding and beautiful. She designs custom cakes and baked goods for any occasion. Her portfolio of work is gorgeous. Juanita is sweet, friendly and charming. Total Saturday crushing on this brilliant baker.

Deets:
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Fascinating Juanita facts:)

• favorite color? baby blue


• favorite team? My son and I :)

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? That's easy...cheese pizza

• party trend you are crushing on? Can I pick 2 trends? Ok.....I love unique and original party themes as opposed to the commercial party themes you may find in a party store aisle...I especially love vintage themes and any themes that involve the color pink lol. I also love creative party invitations...I especially love Party Box Design and Fresh Chick Design Studio invitations. Their invitations make you want to come to the party!

• party trend you are so over? As mentioned above, commercial party themes. I think party themes should have a personal touch and reflect the indivdual.

• favorite aisle in the craft store? cake decorating aisle

• do you wear Uggs? Uggs = Ugh! So the answer is No I don't wear them

• do you really exercise? Yes at least 3x a week

• minivan or non minivan driving? Non minivan

• favorite holiday? Thanksgiving, I love to have an excuse to pig out

• favorite smell? anything tropical

• do you color your hair? no

• do you think you’re cool? Uhh not so much and neither does my 9yr old son....lol

Sparkling & Savvy Thursday. The Devastatingly Charming 126 {Nicole, The Two Savvy Sisters}

Sparkling & Savvy # 126: Nicole, The Two Savvy Sisters

Nicole is one talented chick. She is the brilliant and creative force behind The Two Savvy Sisters. She offers a beautiful line of handmade partyware, as well as, printable versions. Nicole blogs about parties and dazzling event inspiration. She also shares unique, crafty tutorials to make you look like a creative, crafting super star. Nicole is sweet, friendly and seriously talented. Oh, and party girlfriend is training for an Ironman competition. Um...Rock Star. Totally crushing on this Sweet, Savvy and Seriously Fabulous chick.

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Fascinating Nicole trivia:)

• favorite color? I love yellow its so bright and fun!! :)


• favorite team? GO RED SOX!!!

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Home-made chocolate chip cookies and CANDY!!!

• party trend you are crushing on? I LOVE black and white damask print right now!!

• party trend you are so over? Confetti, hate cleaning it up, my boys like to make a mess with it ugh!

• favorite aisle in the craft store? The CANDY aisle of course, oh and the paper aisle :)

• do you wear Uggs? HHHMMMM well I live in Arizona so not so much...Im more of a flip flop kinda girl!

• do you really exercise? I LOVE to exercise!! I am training for a half Ironman thats in October and my next goal is a full Ironman November 2012

• minivan or non minivan driving? NO minivan, I LOVE BIG TRUCKS!!

• favorite holiday? I love Christmas and Halloween

• favorite smell? The Sugar Cookie candle sent from Gold Canyon...SO YUMMY!!

• do you color your hair? BAD subject lol!! I colored my hair black and hated it so I have spent way too much time and money trying to get it back blonde...almost blonde again! :)

• do you think you’re cool? HHHMMMM well my kiddos think I am pretty darn cool because I eat lots of candy and desserts with them...does that count??? We even have a bunch of secret candy stashes around the house...ssshhh don't tell my hubby!! :) Don't worry I feed them lots of fruits and veggies too lol!!

Wild Wednesday Eye Candy.The seriously fabu 125 {Laura, Eye Candy Event Details}

Ridiculously Fabulous # 125: Laura, Eye Candy Event Details

Laura is amazing. She is the seriously talented chick behind Eye Candy Event Details. She offers a unique line of printable and completed partyware. Her designs are original, fresh and whimsical. Laura is also an exceptional event stylist. She is a detail freak. Laura is clever, creative and crafty. She is also sweet and ridiculously funny. And wicked cool. Totally adore and crush on the Eye Candy Chick and you will too.

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Fascinating Laura trivia:)

Favorite color? Definitely Pink! Oh . . .and RED! I love pink because there are so many shades to work with & it reminds me of my little sweet pea (my daughter) & red because it just exudes PASSION - gotta have passion for everything - to do what we do . . .hmmm but I wear black ALL the time so maybe black too?


favorite team? Well here in Ohio we have a slight pride for our college team that rocks it every year - none other than the our beloved BUCKEYES! We take it very seriously here - we bleed scarlet & grey . . .hubby even has the man cave decked out in all Buckeye decor! Can I get an O-H . . . . I-O! =)

if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Ice Cream! No matter how full you are you can always eat ice cream - it just fills in the cracks! lol And of course the daily intake of dark chocolate - the doctor SAID it was good for me ya know!

party trend you are crushing on? Details! I am a firm believer in IF the details are AWESOME - the little details will MAKE the party! Ohhh and I am loving the ORIGINALITY I am seeing lately. ORIGINAL designs I think will make a party stand out! Also party peeps coming together to create/ work together - need MORE of that!

party trend you are so over? I hate to say it but huge stylized parties that are not real. Have I done a couple myself? Yes - but I think doing them in moderation is ok & if it serves a purpose but I believe the trend is people are wanting duplicatable parties - something that can actually DO! If they feel they can't do it - then will they buy from you? Something to ponder. . . .

favorite aisle in the craft store? Do I have to pick one? Wow - fabric - so much inspiration there & also seasonal goodies . . . the little things you can use that just gives your party that WOW factor! Oh . . .and tissue paper & napkins - I have an issue - I always have to buy some - you can create so much out of those inexpensive things!

do you wear Uggs? Ummmm . . .that would be a huge NO! I really hate those things & it's probably because I only see those girls wearing them that do it in 90 degree weather w/ their butts hangin out of their shorts & they have no idea what they look like! Really? WHO on earth told them they could pull off that look! yuck

do you really exercise? hmmmm . . .my right index finger really gets a fantastic daily work out but other than that - yeah I am gonna have to say no on this one. My name is Laura & I am here to say that YES - I HATE exercise. Period.

minivan or non minivan driving? Gonna have to go with the big hell NO on this as well. Told myself if I ever had kids - I would NEVER drive one . . . more of a Mustang or drive the Explorer kind of girl! - just depends on if the little one is with me! lol

favorite holiday? Christmas because of the meaning - the TRUE meaning! What a better day! And I love all the preparing for it - it takes me one month at least to decorate the house for it - I even have 6 different themed trees I put up! I LOVE it! Plus knowing that I am creating all those memories for my daughter is worth it!

favorite smell? Coconut anything - reminds me of the beach - LOVE that smell! Oh & the smell of walking into a Starbucks - hmmmmm . . .good stuff! Oh & Sweet Pea from bath & body works - my daughter rocks that - it's her signature scent! =)

do you color your hair? Helloooooo - doesn't everyone? I have a standing appt. w/ the color gods like every 3 weeks since my hair grows that fast. (and I HAVE to - read between the lines on THAT one! lol) But I recently went a little blonder - love changin it up - so gettin back to my original color. I think it's blonde . . .well yeah maybe?

do you think you’re cool? Of course I am - I am friends with the Purple Pug aren't I? And only the cool people hang with her!

Sugary Sweet & Hand Stamped Tuesday Crush. The fabulous number 124 {Tina, Sugar Tops}

Hand Stamped & Sugary Sweet 124: Tina, Sugar Tops, LLC

Tina designs and creates beautiful, hand stamped jewelry. She is a truly gifted artist and I am amazed by her talent. Her business, Sugar Tops LLC, specializes in one of a kind designs so you can "wear your story." Beyond charming, meaningful and gorgeous. Tina is sweet and sunny. Total Tuesday crush:)

Deets:
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Fascinating Tina trivia:)

·        favorite color?  Black because it's slimming and mysterious... and maybe red too because it's passionate!

·        favorite team?  The Dallas Cowboys!  Just because I crushed on a boy down the street who like them... when I was in second grade!!  Still root for them today!

·        if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Pasta with home made meat sauce!  Yummo!

·        party trend you are crushing on?  For kiddo's I like the personalized plates, napkins and cups that have your kids photo printed on them.  The kids think that is so super cool - and that makes mom so super cool!

·        party trend you are so over?

·        favorite aisle in the craft store?  Undoubtedly, the stationary aisle.  I like to enclose hand written notes as thank you's with my orders - and I like to find fun paper to do it on.

·        do you wear Uggs?  yep!  I treat myself to a new pair every few years.  This year I bought the Dakota slippers and I love them.  

·        do you really exercise?  My jaw when I am eating cake!

·        minivan or non minivan driving?  Non minivan... I like the SUV's.  Right now I have a Ford Edge, but I want to go a little bigger.  Any suggestions!?!

·        favorite holiday?  Christmas with out a doubt.  You cant get any better than seeing your kid's faces when they get up on Christmas morning and see all of those presents. Warms my heart.

·        favorite smell?  Either pasta sauce on the stove, or chocolate something in the oven.

·        do you color your hair?  <>, yes.  Until this year I did it to have fun with color.  Now, I do it to over the grey hair.  Just an other reminder that I am as old as I am.

o do you think you’re cool?  I like to think so... let me ask my 6 year old.  Me: Alyssa, am I cool?  Alyssa:  no.  Me:  Well I guess I better work on that this year.  It can be my new years resolution!

Monday Morning Fabulous. The Dazzling & Sparkling 123 {Ebony, Sparkling Events & Designs}

Dazzling & Sparkling 123: Ebony, Sparkling Events & Designs

Ebony is extraordinary. She is the brilliant chick behind the dazzling Sparkling Events & Design, LLC. She designs and styles amazing weddings, parties and events. She is a serious detail girl. She has original style and is so ridiculously inspiring. Her astounding work has been featured all. over. the. world. She blogs about unique ideas and on trend inspiration. She loves purple:) Ebony is smart, hilarious, and one of the most genuine people I have ever met.  Totally, deeply,  and madly crushing on the chick with some serious sparkle.

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Fascinating Ebony trivia:)

• favorite color? Black! It goes with everything and makes me look skinny!


• favorite team? Team Jacob… He is such a sweetheart and I’m a sucker for a sweetheart!

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Right now… Red Velvet cake with cream cheese icing…. Ahhhhh I just discovered red velvet cake for the first time last year and I’m still in love.

• party trend you are crushing on? Doilies! I love them. They are totally making a comeback! They are super cute, inexpensive and you can do so much with them.

• party trend you are so over? Dessert Bars…that hurts to say but there is so much more to a party than a dessert table but they are pretty and here to stay.

• favorite aisle in the craft store? Ouch, this is a hard one! Would have to be the paper aisle or the clearance aisle. I’m a frugalista!

• do you wear Uggs? Yes, ones with heels. ;)

• do you really exercise? Ummm, pleading the 5th! I need to have a date with my treadmill, let’s just put it that way.

• minivan or non minivan driving? Never! Crossover SUV for me…but that Toyota Swagger Wagon has been looking mighty enticing lately....

• favorite holiday? Christmas! My mom would decorate every inch of space in our home growing up. I love that and do that today in my home. Makes me feel all warm inside. I love love love the giving spirit that Christmas brings out in people.

• favorite smell? My girls neck! I love just snuggling in their little necks for a big squeeze me hug. Can’t get enough of it!

• do you color your hair? Of course but these nasty gray hairs are hard to get rid of.

• do you think you’re cool? All Day EVERYDAY!

Thursday Seriously Inspired Crush. Amazing Aussie Awesomeness 122 {Renee, The Inspired Occasion}

The Sparkling & Dazzling 122: Renee, The Inspired Occasion

Renee is one of the devastatingly talented chicks behind The Inspired Occasion. An extraordinary "boutique event management" business. I adore the term "boutique event management." Very clever and original. The whimsical parties and events created and designed by The Inspired Occasion are beautiful, unique and seriously detail oriented. Renee is way beyond talented, sweet and charming. Total Thursday crushing on this Party Wizard from Oz. Come on, you know that is funny:)

Deets:
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Fascinating Renee trivia:

• favorite color? blue...blue grey, turquoise, teal, peacock, navy...they are all great!


• favorite team? In Australia, we follow the AFL (Australian Football League) - and my team is Essendon.. go bombers!!

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? icecream, no question

• party trend you are crushing on? There are so many...We are fairly new to all this, having come from the sterile environment of corporate events, so it's all sparkly for us. Printables, domed glassware, pom poms, lanterns and cake pops - love them all!

• party trend you are so over? Anything that involves an indoor play centre.

• favorite aisle in the craft store? Fabric or scrapbooking - it's a really tough call!

• do you wear Uggs? Not outside the house.

• do you really exercise? Not regularly... although I really should...

• minivan or non minivan driving? Non - I squeeze us into a Golf!

• favorite holiday? I love anything that involves a public holiday! I love a long weekend and the opportunity to spend extra time with my family.

• favorite smell? Freshly ground coffee beans

• do you color your hair? Nope... but as soon as that first grey creeps in I will be on the phone to my hairdresser!

• do you think you’re cool? My first response was to say no, but then I check with my husband and he replied "you're cool, in a mumsy kind of way..." I'll take that!

My Two Favorite Food Groups Wednesday Crush. Fab & Delish 121 {Laura, Cupcakes and Lemonade}

Sparkling & Sunny 121: Laura, Cupcakes and Lemonade

Laura is the sweet and talented chick behind the Cupcakes and Lemonade Shoppe and Blog. She designs adorable completed partyware as well as printables. Her style is whimsical and FUN! Laura blogs about all things party. Real party inspiration, fabulous ideas and cute finds for amazing parties. Laura is sweet, smart and charming. Perfect Wild Wednesday Crush:)

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Fascinating Laura trivia:

• Favorite color? My favorite color has always been pink! Yes, I am a girly girl! I guess it’s a good thing I have three girls.

• Favorite team? I am a born and bred FL Gator!

• If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? As long as I could have my cupcakes, I think I could survive anything. I have the worst sweet tooth!

• Party trend you are crushing on? I LOVE the ruffled crepe paper streamers. I just made my first set for my daughters’ Birthday party in January and they are gorgeous. Such an easy thing to do and what a statement. Whoever thought of those, GENIOUS!

• Party trend you are so over? I guess I have always been over the store bought “themed” party. You know, the character ones? I love to see someone take a theme and put an amazingly original twist on it.

• Favorite aisle in the craft store? Can I have two? The first has to be the paper aisle. I literally sometimes feel like a kid at Christmas when I see all the new patterns and imagine what I can create. Second, I have been working on my Christmas tags and just got the hang of using eyelets. I love that whole aisle!

• Do you wear Uggs? I have a pair and love how comfortable they are, but they really aren’t sexy!

• Do you really exercise? I think the key word here is “really.” I do go to Zumba on the weekends, but not as often as I know I should.

• Minivan or non-minivan driving? I do have a “Swagger Wagon.” But I also have 3 ½ year old twins and a 21 month old, so it’s the only thing that holds 3 carseats.

• Favorite holiday? Christmas, no questions asked. I LOVE everything about it.

• Favorite smell? Johnson’s Baby Lotion. My twins finally asked me to stop putting it on them because it makes them smell like babies.

• Do you color your hair? Oh yes. I am a brunette and YIKES, already have a few grays peaking through.

• Do you think you’re cool? Hmm…I like to think so. My kids tell me I am, does that count?

Sparkling Super Star. The Ridiculously Fabulous 120 {Amy, Amy Nichols Special Events}

The Sparkling & Dazzling 120: Amy, Amy Nichols Events

Amy is an extraordinary wedding and event planner. Her style is always beautiful and seriously swoon worthy. Her work & events have been featured around the world and about a zillion times on Style Me Pretty-she's that fab. Dazzling details and breathtaking beauty are what makes her work shine. Amy is sweet, funny and charming. Total Tuesday crush.

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*Amy is also a Martha Stewart Doer of the Week:)


Fascinating Amy trivia:)

favorite team?∙ sf giants of course!

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

party trend you are crushing on?∙ dessert bars - love 'em!

party trend you are so over?∙ wedding inspiration shoots (does that count?)

favorite aisle in the craft store?∙ the martha stewart craft collection

do you wear Uggs?∙ hell no

do you really exercise?∙ depends! I'm bad at being consistent, but currently loving pilates reformer classes. Expensive but worth it!

minivan or non minivan driving? No minivan here

favorite holiday?∙ christmas

favorite smell?∙ lavender

do you color your hair?∙ yes

do you think you’re cool? Sure!

 

Event Planning Super Star & Arkansas Razorback Lova. Fab 119 {Katie, Katie Grace Designs}

The Dazzling 119: Katie, Katie Grace Design

Katie is ridiculously talented. She is a lover of all things party. She runs an amazing event planning business-specializing in small events with extraordinary style. Katie's designs are unique, clever and beautiful. She is extremely creative and crafty. Total detail chick. Major Monday Katie Crush.

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Fascinating Katie facts:)

favorite color? Brown. I know boring but I am definitely a lover of anything neutral.

favorite team? Arkansas Razorbacks.. Woo Pig Sooie! For those of you who haven’t heard of ARKANSAS it is a state and it is where I reside. Come visit you’d be surprised at how amazing it actually is. We are even pretty classy; we wear shirts and shoes in public I promise!

if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Peanut butter and chocolate- Healthy I know.

party trend you are crushing on? I love anything styled with a rustic flair; Wood, branches, moss… definitely one of my favorite trends right now.

party trend you are so over? Diaper cakes, actually I’ve never liked them. Sorry!

favorite aisle in the craft store? Fabric and Ribbon

do you wear Uggs? Not anymore after reading everyone’s hatred of uggs on here… Kind of kidding,I have been known to pull out the uggs but I retired mine last year.

do you really exercise? Besides lifting my 27 pound 18 month old and walks a few times a week, no.

minivan or non minivan driving? No minivans for me. My mom had one when I was growing up and sadly I am scarred by the wood grained paneled mini van that my mom would pick me up in every day. Definitely not considered cool to the 12 year old girls.

favorite holiday? Christmas, duh!

favorite smell? Pumpkin Bread Baking

do you color your hair? Yep, just a couple times a year to richen the color.

do you think you’re cool? No, I actually KNOW that I am a huge dork!

Tweedle Dee Tuesday. Party Chick & Brilliant Baker. 118 {Brandi, Tweedle Dee Designs}

The dazzling 118: Brandi, Tweedle Dee Designs

Brandi is the creative force behind Tweedle Dee Designs. She brings Fairy Tales to life:) She designs beautiful printable partyware for every occasion. Her work features clean lines and gorgeous, fun designs. Brandi is also a ridiculously talented baker. She is always testing out interesting new recipes and ideas. I have seen the stuff she whips up in the kitchen and am in awe of her talent. Amazing. Brandi is sweet, sunny and charming. Totally Tweedle Tuesday Crushing:)

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Fascinating facts about Brandi:)

1. fave color? Pink


2. fave team? Arizona State Sun Devils, Go Devils!!!

3. food you oculd eat forever? Mac and Cheese, hands down

4. party trend you are crushing on? I love all of the mini desserts that have been popping up

5. party trend you are so over? I don't think I've seen anything I don't like

6. fave aisle in craft store? The baking aisle, I have a bit of a cupcake liner obsession

7. do you wear uggs? Only in the winter, it's too hot in Arizona

8. do you realy exercis? No, and I have no excuse

9. minivan or non-minivan driving? Non minivan driving

10. fave holiday? Christmas

11. fave smell? Most dessert scented candles, I love the vanilla cupcake and sugar cookie from Yankee Candles

12. do you color your hair? Not yet, but I've been finding a few more gray hairs, I definitely see it in my future

13. do you think you're cool? Is this is a trick question? Of course I'm cool :)

Happy Monday:) Fun, Fabulous Favor Lovin' Jersey Girl Crush 117 {Dulce, Fun Favors}

Fun & Fabulous 117: Dulce, Fun Favors

Dulce is simply amazing. She is a lady of many talents-favors, partyware designer, baker, dessert tables, party stylist..She rocks! She loves parties and creating beautiful and unique products and treats for them. She creates astounding party favors:) I adore her whimsical & original designs and her style. Dulce is sweet and charming.  Totally crushing on this Fun & Fabulous Favor Lovin' Jersey Girl.

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Fascinating Dulce trivia:)

favorite color? aqua


favorite team? I'm so out of the sports TV...but I grew up loving the Diamondbacks,AZ

if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? def SUSHI in my next 3 lives as well :D

party trend you are crushing on? Cake Banners

party trend you are so over? candy buffets only...please add some fun desserts people!!

favorite aisle in the craft store? baking (of course!)

do you wear Uggs? NO!!!

do you really exercise? I try...specially since I'm surrounded by desserts all the time

minivan or non minivan driving? NON minivan...they haven't grow on me yet...maybe one day when I have kids

favorite holiday? I think Halloween

favorite smell? fresh fancy perfume

do you color your hair? yes...who doesn't!

do you think you’re cool? hehehe...people tells me I am...hopefully they're not lying to me.

Set Free Sunday. Seriously Sweet 116 {Stacy, Set Free Photography}

Welcome to the Seriously Amazing Stacy Sunday Edition of the Pug Crush.

Sweet 116: Stacy, Set Free Photography

Stacy is an extraordinary photographer. She is the definition of  gifted. My number one client introduced me to Stacy and I was instantly and totally in love with her and her astounding work. Stacy just takes the most beautiful photographs I have ever seen. She has the eye to capture the littlest of details, emotions, love and beauty. I simply adore the photos of the babies and kids. Breathtaking. Very special. Stacy is sweet, clever, charming and gifted. She is a gracious and a beautiful person. Totally, ridiculously and epically crushing on the chick with the camera.

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Fascinating facts about Stacy:)

• favorite color? Always changing ...just getting over an orange episode.

• favorite team? Team Edward! Hahaha

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Tie between sushi and pizza from back home (Chicago suburbs)--Sanfratellos's Pizza...it will change your life!

• party trend you are crushing on? I love love love macarons lately, especially at weddings!

• party trend you are so over? Can't think of one!

• favorite aisle in the craft store? Baking section...can't get enough polka dot cupcake liners!

• do you wear Uggs? no, I am too short to pull them off. Plus, I live in Florida!

• do you really exercise? I recently starting running outside and I love it! I actually run with a smile on my face!

• minivan or non minivan driving? Ex-minivan driver.

• favorite holiday? Thanksgiving

• favorite smell? I love the fresh air smell on my kids when they come in from playing outside.

• do you color your hair? You betcha!

• do you think you’re cool? The older I get, the cooler I get.

Sparkling Saturday Edition. The Fabulous 115 {Brandy, Parties & Cupcakes}

Sparkling Saturday Edition of the Pug Crush.

The Fabulous 115: Brandy, Parties & Cupcakes

Brandy is the party lover behind the Parties & Cupcakes Event Planning Business. She offers full service event planning-specializing in children's parties. Brandy can bake. I have seen many of her beautiful finished desserts. She has passion for baking and it shows. She is also an amazing party stylist. She has unique ideas and vision. Beautiful presentation. Brandy is sweet, sunny and talented. Perfect Serious Saturday crush.

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Fascinating Brandy trivia:)

favorite color? Pink


favorite team? Florida Gators

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

party trend you are crushing on? Mason Jars - they're soo versatile and I love them!

party trend you are so over? Mustaches....they're cute but it's been done too much

favorite aisle in the craft store? The clearance aisle! You find all sorts of cool and weird stuff there!

do you wear Uggs? Yes

do you really exercise? No, but I need to, especially with all the baking and sweets I make

minivan or non minivan driving? No, but I really, really want a minivan - and I'm not being sarcastic - I think they are cool and are good for traveling and hauling kids and party stuff!

favorite holiday? Christmas - Its a time to celebrate faith, family, and food!

favorite smell? Fresh linen

do you color your hair? Yes, but not because I have to, it's because I want to......if someone told you i had gray hairs they lied. ;)

do you think you’re cool? I don't think I'm cool, I KNOW I'm cool!

S is for Shiny Super Star. P is for Party Perfection. Dazzling 114 {Christi, P is for Party}

Closing out shiny super star week with a BANG. SHA-ZAM!

The Seriously Shining 114: Christi, P is for Party

Christi is the brilliant party lover behind the "P if for Party" blog. She writes about real party inspiration along with tips, DIY projects, seasonal décor, recipes and many other unique and gorgeous ideas. I adore Christi because she not only blogs about gorgeous entertaining inspiration-but she is actually a chick that has amazing party styling and design skills. She is the real deal. Christi is smart, sunny and funny. And she has a Pug:) Totally adore this charming rock star. Kristy seriously crushes Christi.

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Fascinating Christi trivia:

• favorite color? I honestly do not have a FAVORITE color, but I tend to lean towards all shades of green; from kelly to celadon.


• favorite team? Team Edward (I know Rebekah from A Blissful Nest said the same thing, but I agree!) and any Texas team!

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top!

• party trend you are crushing on? Specialized food tables like a Biscuit Bar, Cereal Bar, Pie Table, etc.

• party trend you are so over? I don't want to hurt any feelings!

• favorite aisle in the craft store? Ribbon

• do you wear Uggs? Only at home or if it is literally freezing outside! I have a pair of UGG slippers that are always on my feet when I'm at home.

• do you really exercise? Yes, I'm kind of a nut. I am at the gym 4-6 times a week. Lots of cardio and then Pilates Reformer and I just started Barre classes!

• minivan or non minivan driving? Non

• favorite holiday? Christmas, then Thanksgiving and then Valentine's Day!

• favorite smell? Dessert in the oven or any candle by LAFCO.

• do you color your hair? Yes, I am naturally blonde, but I still get hilites every 6 weeks or so.

• do you think you’re cool? LOL! Not at all.

Partyware Designing Thunder from Down Under. Lucky 113 {Jordan, Polka Dot Prints}

Sparkling Super Star Crush Week in full effect. Today, crushing on some partyware designer thunder from Down Under.

Lucky 113: Jordan, Polka Dot Prints

Jordan is a ridiculously talented partyware designer. She is another of the Awe Inspiring & Amazing Aussie party chicks. Her creations are sweet, dreamy and polished. She designs completed goods, printables and sells some adorable packaging and party accessories in her shop. She  is also a clever and creative party stylist. She is def one of my faves:) Jordan is sunny and funny. Totally crushing on this charming wonder from Down Under. Shiny Super Star.

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Fascinating facts about Jordan:)

• favorite color? Blue - so many shades, and goes with so much!

• favorite team? hmmm.....not really a sports watching fan, except the olympics, so I'm going to go with Australia as a team

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? hands down, Lasagne - I think I should have been born Italian!

• party trend you are crushing on? I'm really loving all the parties and weddings that use indoor furniture out doors, and things that are a little bit hand made. I'm really wanting to do something outdoors soon - Fairy lights, beach setting with a table (stay tuned on this idea!)

• party trend you are so over? I think as long as a party reflects the birthday person, it will always be unique and original, so, I don't know if I'm over anything really...(is that diplomatic enough?! :)

• favorite aisle in the craft store? paper isle for sure - punches, paper, decorative bits...it's an ideas pool & also the chocolate making aisle....yum!

• do you wear Uggs? No, even though they are Australian. Where I live in tropical Queensland, it's not really Ugg-worthy country, it's only really cold for a couple of months a year

• do you really exercise? I do, although with a toddler the gym is no longer an option *sniff*, I have found a few other options to get in some daily calorie burning time!!

• minivan or non minivan driving? non

• favorite holiday? Definately Christmas - the carols, the baking, food, family, gift giving and the overall Christmas build-up vibe!

• favorite smell? summer (weird, but I think it does have a smell)

• do you color your hair? Ha, yes! :)

• do you think you’re cool? I think I'm cool until I hang out with people younger than me!! I'm happy to let go of 'cool', but I hope I'm always relevant.

Seriously Shiny Super Star crush week in full effect. The dazzling 112 {Jessica, Pen n' Paperflowers}

 

The devastatingly fabulous 112: Jessica, Pen n' Paperflowers Studio & Design

Jessica is a rock star. She is a gifted graphic designer. She designs partyware, gorgeous invitations and original art prints. Her work is one of a kind with fresh and clean lines. Jessica is also ridiculously talented in the party styling arena. She is creative, clever and way crafty. She is a detail freak. She dreams up so many unique, polished and briilliant ideas for her events. This chick has a million ideas and endless talent.

This was an extraordinary week for Jess too-she was just named as a contributor to the dazzling Hostess with the Mostess Empire.

Rock Star. Super Star. Epic crush.

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Fascinating Jessica triva:)

• favorite color? It's been pink for years. I've been favoring the "vintage blue" for some time now too. And honestly...I appreciate all colors - I guess because I'm a designer?


• favorite team? The creative "team" behind the genius mind of the Martha Stewart empire.

• if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? cheesecake.(or peanut butter and chocolate). Or how about a peanut butter & chocolate cheesecake? *wink*

• party trend you are crushing on? hmmm...dessert tables really are my favorite things because it allows for one focal point for all of the party elements/decor to be brought together. Not only are they pleasing to the eye but they are pleasing to the palette - a perfect combination. (and it might also have to do with the fact that I'd eat dessert over an entree any day).

• party trend you are so over? milk bottles with striped straws. (even though it's SO absolutely adorable...it's been way over done).

• favorite aisle in the craft store? It's impossible for me to choose just one aisle...they all scream "girl! get over here right now" to me. I love all things creative so you could find me on EVERY aisle on any given day.

• do you wear Uggs? I've never worn them...however...I just got a pair for Christmas in preparation for my trip to NYC. Don't even know if I like them all that much - the ones I got aren't the trendy suede version. These are full leather which are better for snow so I'm afraid they look more like Santa Claus boots?

• do you really exercise? Yes. But not on a consistent basis and my body is proof of that.

• minivan or non minivan driving? NON-minivan. I'm a minivan snob. I have a complete abhorrence to minivans because I also don't want to get old and I feel minivan = old? I would rather ride a bike.

• favorite holiday? any holiday I can find cute hershey kisses for.

• favorite smell? my favorite perfume: chance by chanel

• do you color your hair? No. My hairdresser "breaks the base" and adds highlights. *wink*

• do you think you’re cool? Yes...I "think" I'm pretty cool. Especially when I'm driving down the road, sunglasses on, sunroof open, jammin' to "Like a G6" or "Bass down Low", singing into my rearview mirror...pretending I'm a rock star. *wink* But of course my kids think otherwise.