There are several reasons not to send notes through the mail:
Saving trees
Saving money
Rounding up everyone’s mailing address
Hoping the mail system works
With Paperless Post, you can send a digital version of a real note and not worry about any of the aforementioned issues.
Customize everything on your invite, announcement, holiday card, or thank you note. You choose from a variety of themes and fonts, add personal pictures, and print on multiple sides.
The service isn’t free, but you save money when comparing to paper cards. Aside from the printing costs, just consider postage. Buy 40 stamps on Paperless Post for $5 (as opposed to $18 from USPS).
And finally, if you’re like me and haven’t sent your holiday greetings yet, there is no delay in sending these digital cards instantly!
I think this is one of my favorite TMI’s in a while. It’s informative, funny, and genuine.
Just this morning I went to the 99cent store to pick up some vases and votives for a house-warming party I plan on throwing when I get back to LA. I’ve missed my little dinner parites so much!
And I think now in my old age, I have learned to relax and not be the stressed hostess who is always late to her own party. In the past, the decorations and food would be ready to go, but I was always getting dressed as my first guests arrived. Big no-no.
(Photo by Lindsey Belle – check out her latest shots of the cutest couples and kids.)
My friend Lauren is throwing a shower for the mom-to-be at her house this weekend. What tips can you offer in regards to her questions below? I’ve posted my answers in italics.
What are some fun but not cheesy baby games? (already doing “guess the celebrity baby”)
I found this post searching under bridal shower, but I think the games are still applicable: baby gift bingo, bottom of your bag scavenger hunt, think fast, and mystery spice game.
The mom wants to stay with a white/cream theme as she doesn’t know the sex yet, and hates green and yellow – do you have any inexpensive floral decorating tips?
Orange lilies are less expensive than the big white casablanca ones. You can also get bunches of spray roses and mix them with irises. If you city has a flower mart (which is usually near the garment district), it’s always your cheapest option. You just need to get there early in the morning. Or you can go the Sam’s/Costco route – just don’t expect them to last more than a day or two.
Instead of filling the vase, make modern arrangements that are sparse.
Finally, after you’ve made your centerpieces, fill little shot glasses/pitchers/champagne flutes with your extra flowers and put them in the bathroom, side tables, and coffee table.
What are a few options for cost effective party favors?
I’ve been loving scented soaps and organic lip balms lately. SalonTea by Tracy Stern makes my favorite lip balm ($7 each) that my friends have always loved as little sussies.
You could make a card that says “Thanks A Latte” or “I love you a latte” and put at $5 gift card to Starbucks in it.
Shopping in the home section of Marshall’s, Ross, or TJ Max I always find cool stuff that’s inexpensive.
Are there any good websites that could help me with some ideas?
To send invitations, use Pingg – an updated version of Evite that provides cool pictures, an RSVP tracking system, and an efficient way for you to correspond with guests.
Looking for a way to get your girls together without having to spend $100 on dinner and drinks? Cocktails poolside would be nice, but maybe you don’t have access to a pool, or you’re looking for something new.
Plan a sun-less day with your girls for about $60 per person.
Mobile Tanning Technician – $45ish
Bottle of Barefoot wine – $8
Tea sandwiches and fruit – $7
Grab some cards and play a round of hearts while you wait for your turn. You have to wait at least 8 hours for the tan to set in. So when you’re all bronzed and beautiful, order a movie on demand or catch up on __(your favorite show)__.
You know you’re going to have cocktails with friends, so why not ditch you’re go-to drink and celebrate with something special.
Watch my Cinco De Mayo Special TMI and check out my visit to Braeburn to learn new light and fresh recipes for two classic summer cocktails: sangria and margaritas. Katherine Bito, the resident barista, showed me super simple recipes that will absolutely have you going back for at least two more rounds. But beware, just because they’re super smooth doesn’t mean they’re weak.
I’ve become infamous for my berry infused vodka cocktail that is perfect for poolside parties and BBQs. You know me, I only use one pot so it’s super simple.
You’ll need:
Quality vodka (Grey Goose and PINK are my favs for this)
Berries (whatever you want)
Fresh squeezed orange juice
Soda
A pitcher
Ice
In the pitcher, squash a bunch of berries, add some whole berries, and then pour in an entire bottle of vodka. Stir. Although it’s not necessary, let it sit in the fridge overnight.
In a glass of ice, fill 1/2 with berry-infused vodka. Add a splash of orange juice. Dilute as much as you want with soda.
Serve, wait, and watch your friends get a little giggly
