Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Wonderful Websites Every Wednesday!


I look forward to every Wednesday, don't you?  I have found so many fabulous websites and you are all so talented out there!!  Some of the things you make are incredible.  Love it!  

If this is your first time stopping by and you have an etsy shop or any type of online business, share your link below and come back every Wednesday to post it.  I also wanted to let everyone know that I leave this open for 72 hours.  You have until Saturday July 2nd to post your links (no duplicate links though on the same week)

If you know anybody out there who would like to share their business, feel free to send them over :)

Monday, June 27, 2011

Celebrating 4th of July on a budget

Are you wanting to celebrate 4th of July in style, but on a small budget? Here are some ideas I pulled together for savvysassymoms.com.

A lot of my inspiration came from a board I created on Pinterest.com.  Do you follow me there?  Here's the link to the board: http://pinterest.com/atozebra/4th-of-july-ideas/
I was excited to challenge myself and figure out how to style something that would "WOW" your guests regardless of how much you spent on the party.  I think you'll love these ideas!
Details:
I went around my house and gathered all the things I could use to set up my tables.  I used a 6-ft table with a white tablecloth.  You can find tablecloth at Target for $16.99.  I use mine very often.  I am not good at sewing, but I can make simple table runners and napkins as you see displayed on the tables.  The blue and white stripes fabric is from Goodwill ($.99 cents for all of it).  The red and stars table runners cost me about $20 in material, but you will have leftover material for other use.

Table set-up:
A cake, cupcakes or dessert does not need to be the focal point in the middle of the table.  I used my white beverage jar to make it my centerpiece.  This jar is from Linens & Things.  Do you remember that store?  I've had the jar for over 8 years!
I wrapped 2 cans of soup with stars scrapbook paper to set the little red jars on top.

I decided not to buy desserts such as cookies, cupcakes, or cake pops because it can get very expensive. I bought summer fruit and it was way more affordable.  Everyone loves fruit, right?!



I purchased 4 clear star dishes at the Dollar Tree ($4)
The candy scoops are from Walmart ($3) for a pack of 3
I bought a small amount of m&m's ($5) from here: http://www.sweetiescandyaz.com/ 


I bought red and white tootsie rolls ($3) from here: http://www.sweetiescandyaz.com/ 
I bought 2 bags of "flag" mints at the Dollar Tree ($2)
The little flags are from Target 3 of them for $1
The red jars next to the white beverage jar are from Hobby Lobby.  Clearance isle for $1.25 each

I bought one bag of "red vines" ($1) and wrapped them with flag ribbon I purchased at Hobby Lobby for 90% off last year.  It helps to buy things after each holiday. You get the best deal.  The patriotic boxes where the beverage jar and flowers are setting on are also from the 90% isle last year. 


All the mason jars are from Goodwill.  I spent $3.50 for all of them
The patriotic straws inside the jars are from the Dollar Tree ($1)

The roses in the mason jars are from the Dollar Tree

I make my own pennant banners with scrapbook paper.  If you don't want to make your own, you can purchase them in my etsy shop at A To Zebra Celebrations.

Fruit:
Strawberries
Cherries
Red grapes
Blackberries
Blueberries
Watermelon (cut into stars with a cookie cutter)
I made mini strawberry shortcakes in the clear glass jars
Total spent for fruit: $6.50 (everything was on sale)

The small serving white tray where all the fruit is set up is from Pier1 Imports.  It costs $24.99, but I  had a $20 gift card.  I only paid $4.99 plus tax :)


Kids table:  
I used my daughters' old table from IKEA.  I put a red Christmas tablecloth I bought at Walmart years ago.  I made the little table runner with the stripes fabric from Goodwill. 

I bought paper plates, napkins, and 4 apple juice boxes at the Dollar Tree. Total for this $4.  I wrapped each juice box with scrapbook paper.  The little pinwheels inside the red jar in the middle of the table are from Michael's $1.20 with the 40% off coupon.




I wrapped the red chairs with the "flag" ribbon from my 90% off purchase at Hobby Lobby last year. 


All the little tags, signs, and party circles are a FREE download from Paper & Pigtails etsy shop.  You can download them here: http://www.mediafire.com/file/5oq3itg8jbfkkcw/July4thPrintables.zip

Total for this party was less than $80.  However, I didn't spend this much because I already had many things in hand.  This total is for someone that practically has to get everything except the tables.  If you are buying tables, then you will go over this amount.  I suggest to borrow from friends/family if you need to.  Walmart, Goodwill, Target and garage sales are the best places for white dishes.

I'd like to add a HUGE thank you to my friend, Sherah for letting me use her gorgeous backyard to take these pics!  Thank you to my friend, Kristin as well.  She came over to help me set up!

The stunning pictures are a courtesy of Jamie Lynn Photography.  You need to check out her website! She's so talented.  Thank you so much, Jamie!

Are you ready to throw a party?  Go download your free printables here: http://www.mediafire.com/file/5oq3itg8jbfkkcw/July4thPrintables.zip
Thank you to Kori from Paper & Pigtails for designing these for free!

What was your favorite idea?






Saturday, June 25, 2011

Doodlebug & Dimples Giveaway Winner Is......

Congratulations to comment #32

Briannas On Aim said...




I love the baby couture!



Please send me your information to atozebracelebrations@hotmail.com.  You have 48 hours to claim your prize.  I will pick a new winner if I don't get the info.  

Thank you everyone for entering!!!


Thursday, June 23, 2011

Friday Party Feature - ELMO


Today's featured ELMO party is from I DO invitations by michelle.
Instead of going the traditional all out character themed party route, Michelle kept it cute and classy by adding in other vibrant colors besides the usual red and orange.   She added in pink and yellow to the orange and red and of course polka dots! 








Oreo Pops




I LOVE this cake!








Here's Michelle and her beautiful family!

Everything looks super adorable and I'm sure little Miss Cami enjoyed her super fun party!  
Congrats on being today's winning party feature!
Too see more photos and read more details about this cute Elmo party, be sure to visit Michelle's blog HERE!



www.Pirates-n-Princesses.blogspot.com

DIY- Party Tray: Chevron Style


Hey Party Peeps... is it just me, or are Chevron patterns EVERYWHERE these days???
I'm still on the fence with it all, but when I saw this easy party tray over on Martha Stewart, I knew someone might find it interesting...
They make it sound pretty easy.

Tools Needed:
*1 yard of decorative fabric
*An aluminum cookie sheet 
(I've seen them at the Dollar Tree!)
*Spray Adhesive
*Scissors
*Fabric Glue
*Synthetic Felt
*1/4" thick acrylic sheet cut to fit inside the tray with the corners rounded

How To Assemble:

1. Cut fabric large enough to cover the front and wrap around the back of the baking tray. Cover the front of the tray with spray adhesive.

2. Place fabric on tray so pattern is aligned, leaving enough room to wrap fabric around all sides to the back. Smooth fabric onto tray, pressing out any bubbles.

3. Pull any extra material into corner and push around the edge. Turn tray over. Cover the back of the tray with spray adhesive.

4. Press the fabric over two edges of the tray first, then fold in on each remaining side, as if wrapping a gift. Trim any excess fabric with scissors. Use fabric glue to secure, if needed.

5. Cut a piece of felt to fit the back of the tray and conceal fabric edges. Smooth felt on the back the tray.

6. Place acrylic sheet in center of tray.

Maybe it's growing on me...
BIG thanks to my BFF who doesn't know it, Martha Stewart, for this awesome DIY that you can find HERE.

Don't forget, time's a ticking and the giveaway from Doodlebug & Dimples ends tomorrow!!!!  Enter HERE!



Feel free to come visit me over at Pirates-n-Princesses!  
I have a neat giveaway going on, too.  
Come see!!!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Wonderful Websites Every Wednesday!


Hello everyone!! 
So excited to see what you sell?  Share your business with us!





Monday, June 20, 2011

Marvelous Monday Giveaway~ Doodlebug & Dimples NOW CLOSED

Happy Monday!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Father's Day weekend!  We were pretty low key, but enjoyed the time together as a family.  My girls are blessed to have such an amazing daddy!!

This week's giveaway is a $50 gift certificate to Doodlebug & Dimples etsy shop.  


She designs invitations, tags, cupcake wrappers, banners, and more!  Be sure to check out her shop, HERE.  You could totally be set to throw your next party!

Here's how to enter if you wish:
1. Check out her shop to see which party theme you would like & comment below with your favorite. 

The following entries are optional.
The more entries you have, the better chances to win

2. LIKE Doodlebug & Dimples on FacebookFeel free to comment on her wall how you found her. 
3. Follow her blog HERE & leave a comment if you do. 
4. LIKE A To Zebra Celebrations on Facebook. Let me know if you are a new fan :)
5. Follow my blog, A To Zebra Celebrations by clicking on the right side where it says "Followers".  

You could enter for a total of 5 entries, but only #1 is required.  

This giveaway will run through Friday, June 24th.
Winner will be chosen through random.org on Saturday, June 25th.

Good luck everyone!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Cupcake Stand Giveaway Winner Is................

Comment #165
Dorothy Ellen said...

I liked Cupcakestand on FB!

June 17, 2011 1:33 PM

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Please email me your info at atozebracelebrations@hotmail.com

Thanks everyone for entering!!!!






Friday, June 17, 2011

Friday Party Feature- Aqua & Orange Circus Theme

Today's Party Feature is an ADORABLE Aqua & Orange Circus Theme!  Inspired by a paper carousel from Meri Meri, the ideas started flowing for Mae of Mae Armstrong Designs
Being a busy mama to twin boys, Mae was able to pull this party together quite fabulously and managed to do a lot of the projects herself!

 Check out that spread!  
Way to reuse those old baby food jars!




 So. Stinkin'. CUTE!

 Now that is what I call a smash cake!

How convenient to have a neighbor friend willing to play the bagpipes at your party as a tribute to the boys' half-Scottish heritage!?


AMAZING party, Mae! 
Congrats on being today's winning party feature!
Your family is adorable.  Too see more photos of this uber cute Circus themed party be sure to visit Mae's blog HERE.