Made by a Princess Parties in Style

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Win a $1,000 Photographer's Dream

Tell me how much you want to win a $1,000 Photographer's Dream Shopping Spree! Go on...tell me! I can tell you that I would say, "Heck yeah!"...if I could, but I can't because I am one of 60 bloggers and vendors helping to bring this amazing opportunity to YOU!

So this is how it's going to work: you can pick out anything you like from a DSLR camera to a super cool camera bag to accessories,lighting and more. OR you can opt for the $,1000 USD transferred to your PayPal so that you can buy up whatever fun stuff you want. NOW tell me how much you want to win!

There are quiet a few super great bloggers and vendors who came together to make this amazing giveaway possible including Spaceships and Laser Beams, Yumtastics, Go Against the Grain, Life Revolves Around Them, Mimi's Dollhouse, Not Just A Mommy, Angelina´s Dream Parties, Twinkled Spice Boutique, Hello My Sweet, Party Snobs, Inkberry Cards + Design, UR invited, Petite Bebe, Party Printables, Unlimited Party Themes, Party On! Designs, Vanessa Hankins Photography, My Garden Party, Dorothy Kurzydlowski Photography, Sugar Sugar Cakes, DimplePrints, Creative Juice Cafe, Miss Party Mom, PaperCandee, Creative Designs by Toni, Paige Simple Studio, Calamity Kate's Kitchen, Simply Creative Printables,The Way The Cookie Crumbles, Michelle's Party Plan-It, Paper and Style Co., And Everything Nice, Samantha Walker Designs, Simply Sweet Parties, Events by Kate, Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams, One Inspired Party, Kima's Konfections,This Nest is Best, Triple M Good Parties and Myour Stories Designs, and Made by a Princess Parties in Style. And that's not even everyone!!!

More than 60 people are contributing to this contest. To see the complete list, take a look at the Rafflecopter form. As small businesses and blogs, we would never be able to offer such a cool prize, so it's a lot of fun to be able to combine forces and giveaway something so special.

Prize Details: The winner can select up to $,1000 in camera equipment or supplies (including all sales taxes and shipping) to be delivered to the single destination of their choosing. The winner has the option of receiving $1,000 USD in PayPal funds in lieu of receiving their prize.

The winner will be selected randomly via Rafflecopter. The odds of winning are dependent on the number of people entering. Should the winning entrant(s) not respond within 48 hours of being emailed, another winner(s) will be selected. Please ensure spaceshipsandlaserbeams [at] gmail [dot] com is on your safe email list. We would hate to have to redraw another winner!

Rules: This contest is open worldwide from May 17, 2013 at 12:01am EST to June 6, 2013 at 11:59pm EST. All entrants must be the age of the majority in their own country. Should unforeseen circumstances occur, this contest could be cancelled at any time. Void where prohibited by law.

Enter Using Our Rafflecopter Form

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This blog did not receive any money to participate or promote this contest. This giveaway is in not way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, PayPal or any camera-related company. As one of many participants, we are not responsible for logistics or prize delivery. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie at Spaceships and Laser Beams by emailing spaceshipsandlaserbeams [at] gmail [dot] com.

Monday, May 20, 2013

{Recipe} Crab and Avocado Sandwich

This morning I woke up thinking about a crab and avocado sandwich. I have no idea why but I just felt an overwhelming urge to get to the store and make this sandwich happen. I had actually never made a crab sandwich before but I had a pretty good idea of how I wanted it to come together. I was pretty darn pleased with my crab and avocado sandwich!

Ingredients for crab mix:
8oz lump crab meat
3oz softened cream cheese
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp Lawry's salt
1 tsp pepper (or to taste)
1 tsp Old Bay (or to taste)
1.5 tbsp finely chopped green onions
2 tsp finely chopped dill
2 tsp lemon juice

Ingredients for sandwich
1/2 avocado
Alfalfa sprouts (optional)
Fresh sourdough bread
Gruyere cheese
1 tbsp butter for pan

Directions:
Place all ingredients listed for crab mix in a medium bowl and mix well. I did not want my sandwich to be overly salty so if you find it's not salty enough by all means add more to taste.

Slice 1/2 (so 1/4) of your avocado and place on one slice of bread and the alfalfa sprouts on the other. I probably put about a 1 tbsp of sprouts on my bread. Place your crab mix on both sides and then grate cheese over the mix, 1-2 tbsp worth. Put sides together and set aside. Put your tbsp of butter in a frying pan and turn on low. Move the butter pat around until your pan is coated. Place the sandwich in the frying pan and cook until both sides are golden brown. Plate and serve warm with avocado slices. I wanted a little bit of melted cheese on top of my sandwich so I grated some more Gruyere onto the sandwich and popped into the microwave for about 25 seconds, until the cheese had melted.

I hope you enjoy this. It definitely satisfied my craving and was so filling. Let me know what you think!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

{Real Party} Patriotic Picnic & Giveaway

In March I participated in a styling challenge for Everyday Party Magazine. There were eight designers and only one winner. We all had the same printable collection to use which was designed by Chickabug, could only spend $150, and could not seek "donations" from other party planners. I asked 5 other moms and babies from my playgroup over on a Friday morning and one of my best friends, Tricia of Tricia Breidenthal Photography, photographed the event. I am beyond thrilled to announce that I WON the challenge! I really didn't think I was going to win, I mean there was some stiff competition, but I am pretty pleased the way my little picnic turned out. One of the best things about this party? It is completely doable and re-createable. I used a number of things from my own collection, borrowed from a couple of friends, and of course found great things from the Dollar Tree.

Decorations:

I found denim fabric and red and white gingham on the clearance table at my local fabric store.

I made a no-sew bunting for the back fence and the tree by cutting out triangles and hot gluing them to double sided bias tape.

I then cut a piece to use as a table runner and a skirt and awning for my Pottery Barn tiki table. I wanted the frayed edge look so I washed and dried the pieces and they came out just perfect.

I have a new product line call Gimme Glitter! which includes glittered wine glasses, serving pieces, votives, candles, and banners so I made a custom one to match the theme that said, "Let's Picnic".

I found silver stars and red, white, and blue tissue fans at Party City that I thought would be perfect in the tree. Some of the fans I stuck in the middle of the star because I thought the star needed some dimension. I borrowed mason jars from Pat of ZPerfect Party and wrapped the tops with blue and white twine and hung in the trees with daffodils and pinwheels I made. The pinwheels were really easy to make! I attached them to some paper straws and used silver star brads to affix.

For the table I borrowed a picnic basket from Roni of Roni’s Sugar Creations and used that as my centerpiece. I lined the inside with red and white gingham fabric I found at Joann’s and used that same fabric to make napkins. Last month I purchased the dessert stand from PBK and thought it would be perfect to use for the picnic. Since it’s all white I dressed it up a bit with the blue ticking fabric tape along the edges.

The napkin “rings” were made with blue ticking fabric tape I found at Paper Source and I made a star with my Silhouette Cameo using shimmer paper I had on hand. I printed the blue ticking paper on cardstock and trimmed with red and navy ricrac for color. I had some wooden forks and spoons in my party collection. I love sparkle and glitter so I just had to add a little bling to my table by glittering the forks and spoons.

I started collecting cans awhile back so I printed blue ticking paper and wrapped them around the cans. I was going to use sunflowers but daffodils were on sale at the grocery store so I opted for those. I think the yellow is the perfect accent and just makes the table pop. I collect buttons, for no particular reason, and figured it would be an easy and free way to add a little something to the cans. I dabbed a little bit of hot glue so I could pop them off and use them again for another project.

The vintage aluminum cups were purchased last year for my daughter’s first birthday party and thought they would be perfect. I dressed them up with fabric tape from PaperSource, ribbon I had purchased from a local scrapbook store, and a button. I purchased paper straws from Crafts by Jilly and used the drink flags from the set. When the party was over all I had to do was take off the tape and wash them out…good as new, vintage new.

The chair backs were made from dishtowels I found at Dollar Tree. I trimmed one edge to fit the width of my chair and sewed them together. Super easy and cheap project that was definitely a wow at the party.

The tiki table served as the food bar. I purchased 3 star bowls from Dollar Tree and glammed them up a bit with glitter. A couple months ago I found wooden boxes at Target and had no idea what I was going to do with them but knew I had to have them. I printed up some red gingham paper from the set and cut them to fit the top and bottom of the box. One side of the box was actually open so I hadn’t intended on setting anything on it but just didn’t want it to look unfinished. I had star ribbon left over from last 4^th of July so I wrapped it around the box and secured with double stick tape.

Food:

I made watermelon and tomato salad, a Southern Living recipe that I make every summer. I cut stars out of watermelon and pineapple and put them in the water pitcher along with blueberries. I also put watermelon stars and blackberries and blueberries in the glass star bowls. I also made parmesan star bites out of pizza dough.

I had seen 4^th of July jello online and knew I wanted to do that. I used mason jars for the ones for the moms which had a cheesecake middle and baby food jars for the kids which had a vanilla pudding middle.

I have always been a glitter girl so I thought it would be fun to add a little sparkle to the spoons as well.

I also made star grilled cheese sandwiches for the kids.

Kid stuff:

My daughter loves fairy wands so I thought it would be fun to make them for the kids. I called them firework wands because the silver ribbon I used make them sparkle. I bought dowels, fishing swivels, and split rings at Walmart and hooks at Home Depot. These were fairly easy to make, just time consuming. The kids loved them!

I found red little buckets, blue sippy cups, blue shred, bubbles, crayons, and square white plates at Dollar Tree.

I made labels for the bubbles out of paper from the set, a star bubble wand from pipe cleaners in my craft collection, decorated with twine.

The rockets held the crayons! I made them from a wrapping paper roll I had just finished and cut them down to the right size. I covered them in paper, made a rocket top out of cardstock, and found the “explosion” in one of my craft drawers. I knew it was a good idea to keep it! I made little star coloring books out of cardstock from my collection using my Silhouette Cameo and tied together with twine.

The flags I found in my garage, probably from last year – I just forgot where they were when I needed them! I used the fabric tape to dress up the sippy cups and plates. I made the names and stars on the buckets with vinyl from Joanns and my Silhouette Cameo.

It turned out to be a gorgeous (and hot) day so the kids ran around the backyard, had fun with our neighbor's cat, and thoroughly enjoyed the bubbles their mommies were blowing. Perfect day in Carlsbad!

I hope you see find some inspiration here. If you do I would love to hear about it!

Now that you've seen how many things you can do with this printable set...want a chance to win this adorable printable set from Chickabug? You can! Enter to win below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ELIGIBILITY:

Contest is open worldwide from May 8 - May 11, 2013. All entrants must be at least 18 years of age. Winners will be selected randomly via Rafflecopter. The odds of winning are dependent on the number of people entering. Should the winning entrant(s) not respond within 48 hours of being emailed, another winner(s) will be selected. Please ensure kylie@partiesinstyle.com is on your safe email list. We would hate to have to redraw another winner! Many sponsors include shipping. Please be advised that pertains to US shipping only. Should an international winner be chosen, that winner is responsible for any and all shipping costs and fees. These costs and fees must be paid prior to shipping. If you do not agree with these terms, you are not eligible for the prize.

DISCLOSURE:

This blog was not compensated for being part of the giveaway and all opinions are our own. The prizes will not be shipped by Made by a Princess Parties in Style, we are not responsible. This event is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media network. If you have any questions about the giveaway you can contact Kylie kylie[at] partiesinstyle [dot] com. Good Luck! Made by a Princess is not responsible for prizes (beyond our own) and the shipment thereof. Any issues that arise must be taken up with the sponsoring business directly. Cash prizes are not being awarded. Prizes cannot be turned into for cash.

Monday, May 6, 2013

{Recipe} Spiced Coffee Cake

I love quick and easy recipes, especially ones that I can make on the fly when a girlfriend is coming over for coffee. Last Friday my friend Pat of Zperfect Party was coming over to talk shop and have a cup of coffee so I whipped this spiced coffee cake up right quick.

Ingredients:

1 box of spice cake

1 (3.4oz) box instant butterscotch pudding

1 (3.4oz) box instant vanilla pudding

4 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp vanilla extract

1.5 cups packed brown sugar

1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13 baking pan.

In a medium bowl mix together cake mix and pudding mixes and stir with a fork. Add eggs, vegetable oil, and water with a hand mixer. Add spices and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl mix brown sugar and spices, set aside.

Pour half of the batter in the baking pan. Sprinkle half of the sugar and spice mixture over the batter. For an even coat you can use a flour sifter and sift mixture over the batter. Pour rest of the batter in the baking pan and then sprinkle remaining sugar and spice mix.

Bake for 20 minutes on 350 then turn oven down to 325 and back for 35 minutes more. Use a toothpick to test the center. If it comes out clean your cake is done, if not pop back in the oven for about 5 minutes. Check again.

This would be perfect to make for mom this weekend...hint hint hint ;)

Friday, April 19, 2013

Party Food: Lemon Curd & Chocolate Chip Filled Raspberries

Last summer I went up to Los Angeles to hang out with one of my best friends for the weekend. It was just the two of us so we did what gabby girls who don't get to see each other very often do...we gabbed, we gossiped, we ate, we drank, we laughed, we cried, and then we did it all over again! Marisa and I have been friends since 8th grade so there's a lot of history, a lot of stories, a lot fun. Of course I couldn't show up empty handed so I made a few things: rum cake, jalapeno popper dip, and lemon curd and chocolate chip filled raspberries. These seriously take no time at all but I guarantee your guests will oooh and aaah about how clever they think you are.

One thing I know about my friend is that she loves sour things so I thought the lemon curd would suit her just fine. I filled the other half of the tray with dark chocolate chips because I just think dark chocolate and raspberries is a winning combo and you can't go wrong with that. So, how easy is it you say? This is all you need:

Fresh sturdy (not mushy) raspberries, cleaned and dry
Jar of lemon curd
Bag of dark chocolate chips

You can use a piping bag and tip to make the lemon curd ones really pretty but if you don't have those things or are just feeling lazy put some lemon curd in a ziploc bag and take a little snip out of one corner and squeeze a bit right into the raspberry. For the chocolate ones just plop a chip right in.

That's it. Seriously. Put on a nice plate and serve. Done.

I hope you enjoyed this quick little treat! Have you ever filled raspberries? If so, let me know!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Made by a Princess 5,000 Fan Giveaway!

Thank you all so much for being here and celebrating this milestone with me! I have been in business for almost ten years now and never imagined where this business would take me. I have made some wonderful friendships, been a part of some pretty spectacular events, and designed everything from baby showers to bachelorettes, to weddings, to birthdays, to graduations. I cannot thank my clients enough for putting their trust in me and for their loyalty. I really love what I do and just want to say thank you!

I continue to grow, learn, and change. I have a new logo, many new products, will have a spanking new website design in a few weeks, and will see my products in some magazines in the coming weeks as well. I could just squeal, well, I really have squealed quite loudly in fact, over all these wonderful things. Change is difficult sometimes but I am enjoying the ride, bumps and all.

In addition to saying thank you to all you 5,000 fans (and tip of the tiara to the new ones to come), I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to all of the amazing companies who are participating in this giveaway. Without them I would not have over $825 worth of prizes to gift to 30 lucky winners. Thank you friends for helping me celebrate...I truly appreciate it!

ELIGIBILITY:
Contest is open worldwide from April 2 – April 8th, 2013. All entrants must be at least 18 years of age. Winners will be selected randomly via Rafflecopter. The odds of winning are dependent on the number of people entering. Should the winning entrant(s) not respond within 48 hours of being emailed, another winner(s) will be selected. Please ensure kylie@partiesinstyle.com is on your safe email list. We would hate to have to redraw another winner! Many sponsors include shipping. Please be advised that pertains to US shipping only. Should an international winner be chosen, that winner is responsible for any and all shipping costs and fees. These costs and fees must be paid prior to shipping. If you do not agree with these terms, you are not eligible for the prize.

DISCLOSURE:
This blog was not compensated for being part of the giveaway and all opinions are our own. The prizes will not be shipped by Made by a Princess Parties in Style, we are not responsible. This event is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media network. If you have any questions about the giveaway you can contact Kylie kylie[at] partiesinstyle [dot] com. Good Luck! Made by a Princess is not responsible for prizes (beyond our own) and the shipment thereof. Any issues that arise must be taken up with the sponsoring business directly. Cash prizes are not being awarded. Prizes cannot be turned into for cash.

Make sure you look closely...many are offering coupon codes that you can use now!

So, here we go...

$75 gift certificate to spend in my store, printables only

kylie@partiesinstyle.com

www.partiesinstyle.com

www.facebook.com/madebyaprincess

www.twitter.com/madebyaprincess

www.pinterest.com/madebyaprincess

www.instagram.com/madebyaprincess

Anchors Away! Summer Fun for the Pool or Beach... Monogrammed Anchor Acrylic Glasses

Set of 4 (same initial and color choice on all 4 glasses)

$34 value

Shipping not included (winner pays shipping, ships US/Canada only)

www.monogrammusegifts.com

www.facebook.com/monogrammuse

2"x2" Art Mounted Custom Return Address Stamp

$45.95 value

Choose from 12 available designs!

Includes personalization, shipping, and one complimentary proof. Additional proofs are $10.

Font changes are not available. Ink pads are not included, but can be purchased for an additional fee.

Enjoy 10% off any purchase made in my Etsy shop

using code "PINTEREST" when pinning my item!

Must link to pinned item when checking out in message to seller box.

www.facebook.com/BlushPrintables

www.blushprintables.com

www.twitter.com/ohsoglam

www.instagram.com/ohsoglam

www.pinterest.com/blushprintables

www.etsy.com/shop/blushprintables

www.ohsoglamblog.com

$25 gift certificate to shop

Shipping not included

www.facebook.com/atozebra

www.etsy.com/shop/atozebracelebrations

www.twitter.com/atozebra

www.instagram.com/atozebracelebrations

www.pinterest.com/atozebra/

www.atozebracelebrations.com

$25 gift certificate valid on anything in Swish Design's shop.

Can be used on anything: standard or custom products.

Expires 1 year from the end of the contest.

Not transferable (needs to be used by the person who wins)

Must remain a fan of my FB page.

Shipping not included as all products are digital.

10% discount through December 31st for all of your readers in my shop.

Please enter PRINCESS in the coupon field when they check out through Etsy.

www.facebook.com/swishdesigns

www.swishdesigns.etsy.com

www.twitter.com/swishdesigns

www.swishprintables.com

www.pinterest.com/swishprintables

swishdesigns4u@gmail.com

$20 gift card to Target

U.S. only

www.facebook.com/prettymyparty

www.prettymyparty.com

www.pinterest.com/prettymyparty

Custom Number Birthday Shirt to match party theme

Valued at $20

US Shipping only, expires in 6 months

www.facebook.com/sweetthreads

www.etsy.com/shop/SweetThreadsClothing

www.twitter.com/SweetThreadsCo

www.instagram.com/sweetthreadsco

www.pinterest.com/michelebrown

Printable Party Package

$35 Value

www.facebook.com/itsybelle

www.etsy.com/shop/itsybelle

www.pinterest.com/itsybell

(4) Satin Flower Headbands

(color options include: baby pink, yellow, light blue, lavender, black, or cream)

$40 Value

Shipping not included. Flat rate shipping fee is $2 within US only.

Coupon code: giveaway10 for 10% off your order

www.facebook.com/TheLittleLovelies

pshurti@yahoo.com

50% off any printables package in our shop

$27.50 value

Good for one year from day winner is announced.

Does not apply to custom designs.

www.facebook.com/soireeeventdesignstudio

www.soiree-eventdesignshop.com

www.twitter.com/SoireeEventDsgn

www.instagram.com/soiree_event_design

www.pinterest.com/soireeevents

www.soiree-eventdesign.com/blog

1 dz Oreo Cups

$36 value

US only shipping included. Must give Roni 3 weeks advance notice of your order.

www.facebook.com/ronisugar

www.ronisugarcreations.com

www.instagram.com/ronisugarcreations

$20 Gift Certificate to her online store

Credit does not expire but is only good on a single transaction

Use code MADEBYAPRINCESS for 20% off (on top of sale prices) any order placed during the giveaway.

Cannot be used with any other offer.

www.facebook.com/LittlestPrinceCouture

www.littlestprince.com

(1) pillowcase dress in fabric shown in the sample, child’s size of your choice

Shipping is included

10% coupon to any new fans from giveaway

www.facebook.com/Godslilones

Comfy Cozy® SLEEP! Glow-in-the-Dark Pillowcase & Matching Cover Up/Nightshirt

1 pillowcase & 1 cover up/nightshirt

Value $36.90

Ship within USA Only.

Coupon Code: Princess for 20% OFF Order. Valid thru May 2013

www.facebook.com/ComfyCozy

www.comfycozy.com

www.twitter.com/GlowFxDesigns

www.pinterest.com/ComfyCozyGifts

www.etsy.com/shop/ComfyCozyKeepsakes

$30 shop credit

Valid on digital items only please; expires 1 year from end of giveaway

PRINCESS5000 for additional 10% off in Etsy shop (15% sale already on...can be used in combination)

www.facebook.com/PaintingParisPink

www.paintingparispink.com

www.pinterest.com/paintingparisp

Dara is donating an upcycled hat and pants, similar to the one shown in the sample photo

US shipping included. International $8 shipping will be the responsibility of the winner

www.facebook.com/pages/Jewelry-and-Baby-Bling-By-Dara

www.jewelryandbabyblingbydara.com

www.dara43.etsy.com

www.darasblingphotography.com

$20 worth of product or $20 off towards your purchase

US shipping is included, regardless of the size of your order

Winner must contact Beth prior to placing the order.

www.us.nyrorganic.com/shop/BethAnn

6 ft roll of custom design wrapping paper and a dozen of "to and from" matching cards

(2 design options, 6 colors to choose from, 2 revisions included)

$55.00 value

Custom designed iPhone 4 or 5 cover and set of 20 matching design calling cards (2 design options, 6 colors to choose from, 2 revisions included). Custom work does not include designing a logo)

$45.00 value

US shipping included

Allow one week production time

www.facebook.com/taniafischerdesign

www.taniafischerdesign.com

www.instagram.com/taniafischerdesign