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SHARE | Thirsty Thursday • Mini Cast Iron Skillets

Thursday, August 30

It's back...

THiRSTY THURSDAY
defined as a day to...
share something...ANYTHING... 
that makes my mouth water...
quenches my creative tastebuds...
satisfies my thirst for inspiration...
or leaves me "creatively parched" 
and ultimately wanting for more...

Mini Berry Cobblers
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I discovered these gorgeous minis during a Southern Living Facebook Chat I participated in the other day.
Several Test Kitchen Chefs were available to address any questions regarding "Fall Menus and Parties". 
The link to "14 Mini Festive Appetizers" was referenced and there I was...
completely smitten.

As if the Cobblers weren't enticing enough...
Those sweet mini cast iron skillets...
I mean how cute are those!?
Seriously adorable.
I cannot get them out of my head...
and I already envision them as part of my Fall celebrations.

So far...
the lowest price I've seen on the web is around $4.50/piece.
If you happen to find them cheaper - let me know, will ya!?

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I only NEED five...right?

And yes...
I'm feeling quite guilty right now.
There are people right now who are without electric...
without homes for crying outloud because of Hurricane Isaac.
And yet here I am...
obsessing over mini cast iron skillets?! *sigh*
My heart really does go out to all of those effected by the storm.
The devastation/destruction is always worse than what the media is capable of sharing.
So, I can only imagine the reality of the situation.
Be safe everyone...

FEATURE | Curious Cami's 3rd Birthday Party

Wednesday, August 29

I absolutely LOVE when passionate customers reach out to me with a design idea for a party they are planning...
I just KNOW the creative results they come up with are going to be good.

Such is the case with Michelle Knox, of I DO Invitations by Michelle.
She approached me about designing an exclusive "Girly Monkey" graphic...
for her daughter's Curious George themed birthday party.
I can't begin to tell you how amazing the party details turned out...
and here's my small contribution...


The exclusively designed "Girly Monkey" I created for Michelle...
EXCLUSIVEgirlymonkeyFiNALcr



You may have even already seen the party featured on HWTM...
or perhaps you were one of the people who voted it a "Reader's Favorite" on Project Nursery?
It's even been featured on Catch My Party...
and has been a favorite "Pin" on Pinterest.

I'm honored to have worked with Michelle...
and I'm thrilled to finally feature it here on Pen N' Paperflowers...

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Celebration Type: 3rd Birthday Party
Party Theme: Girly Curious George
Inspiration: Her daughter's love of Curious George
Color Palette: Red, Pink, Yellow, Green and Blue
Party Style: Fun, Whimsical
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

PARTY iNViTATiON
Michelle took the graphic I created for her and whipped up an adorable invitation
INVITATIONCOLLAGE

PARTY DETAiLS
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COLLAGE3

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I'm certain you are going bananas over the vibrant color palette...
and the super cute details in every nook and cranny!!

MY FAVORiTE PARTY DETAiLS
• The trendy chevron pattern used throughout all of the party details
• Those amazing "girly monkey" cake pops
• The use of the fireplace as a backdrop and focal point for the fabulous dessert table
• The adorable DiY cake topper
• The super cute custom cookies
• The incredible "Curious Cami" wooden sign Michelle's husband made. Wow!!

Michelle went above and beyond...
There couldn't have been one detail that was overlooked...seriously!
I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Michelle.
Her sweet little Cami is one lucky girl to have such a talented mom.

VENDOR CREDITS:
• Exclusive "Girly Monkey" graphic: Pen N' Paperflowers
• All Paper Designs + Styling: I DO invitations by Michelle
• Photography: Photos by Vitella
• Custom Monkey Shirt + Curious Name Tees: golden shop
• Cami’s Headband/Clippie: AMK’s Boutique
• Cami’s Necklace: Miss CoCo Designs
• Cupcakes/Cake Pops/Desserts: Lillycakes & Desserts
• Curious Cami/Yellow Hat/Banana/Chevron Cookies: The Cookie Jar
• Monkey Cookies: Allyson Jane
• Cake: Polka Dot Bakery
• Billboard Cake Topper: The Purple Pug
• Chevron Pennant Banner: Paisley Handmade
• Painted Chevron Name Plate: Aedriel Originals
• Red Chevron Table Runner: A to Zebra Celebrations
• Wooden Chevron Spoons/Balloons/Chevron Treat Bags: Shop Sweet Lulu
• Gumballs/Tubes: Polka Dot Market
• Boxes (stuffed with Tissue Poms): Blumebox
• Large Frame with Cami’s Photo: Poppy Tree Frames
• Monkey Signs/Tree/DIY Ribbon Wreath/Fabric Garland: I DO invitations by michelle

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I would've liked to have posted this right after Michelle sent me all of the photos...
which would've been a few months back. *sigh*
Nonetheless, it's never too late to share the details of an amazing party...

CELEBRATE | National Picnic Month

Tuesday, August 28

Did you know there is a National Picnic Month?
Can you believe I didn't know it even existed?
Me? A picnic lover...
How could I NOT know this important piece of information??

After researching it a bit more...
I found myself on an emotional roller coaster.
I realized from Four Seasons and Old Navy...
National Picnic Month is NOW!
I only have one weekend left to celebrate.
Then I was disappointed when I found Country Living and others...
citing National Picnic Month as having occured in July. *sigh*
How could I have completely MiSSED it?

So which is it?
After several Google searches...
which included an unsuccessful inquiry as to whether Martha Stewart has an official National Holiday Calendar...
and searching for some feedback from Facebook Fans...

I've come to the conclusion that...
it really. doesn't. matter.
Which is WONDERFUL because I could literally claim my birthday month as National Picnic Month...
if I wanted to.
And maybe I will??

Regardless...
I'm ready to have a family picnic on this very last weekend of August.
If you are considering a picnic as well...
perhaps these images will give you the added push you need to make it happen.
And if you weren't tossing around the idea at all...
perhaps you will now...









Source: hwtm.com via Jessica on Pinterest




Source: etsy.com via Jessica on Pinterest


Source: wix.com via Jessica on Pinterest






xoxo
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Do you HAVE to bring hand-painted wooden utensils...
or bell jars to cover your food?
Of course not.
You throw some snacks/beverages into a bag...
maybe even include a frisbee or a football...
don't forget the blanket...
and you've got yourself a picnic. *wink*

BUT...
By doing a couple of things to make it a little extra special...
you'll have a GREAT photo opportunity awaiting you.
You KNOW you are going to need a great picture for those...
Dare I say it???
Christmas/Holiday cards you'll be sending out...
sooner than you think. *wink*

CRAFT | Back-to-School DiY Posters

Monday, August 27

Last week marked the first week back to school for my older girls.
That means I was able to get crafty and create their annual "Candy Posters"...
celebrating having made it through their first week back.

I did change things up a tiny bit this year from last year's poster...
First of all, I did separate posters for each girl instead of one poster.
Second, I added in a couple of "good-for-you" items into the mix...
Take a peek...

Ema's Poster
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Clara's Poster
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This is a super simple idea...
and it's something you can create for teacher gifts...
a fun birthday gift for a co-worker...
or even an out-of-the-box birthday card for a family member/friend.

TiPS:
• If you have multiple posters to make, split up the candy/snacks into small ziploc bags to save money.
• Use a smaller poster board so you don't have to purchase as many snacks to fill it. 
   although the big poster board makes quite an impact...*wink*
• Don't worry about your handwriting being perfect...it's the candy/treats that are the main focus.
• Sharpie Markers are my favorite thing to use
• Keep it simple. I just used packing tape to stick the items to the board.
• Make this a "Group Gift" for someone in the office or your child's teacher by enlisting candy/snack donations
   from co-workers or parents.

Although I've got one daughter who is a  "Junior" this year *gasp*
and another one in 8th grade...*sigh*
They both REALLY love this idea.
(and neither of them claim to be too old to continue receiving these).
Are we ever too old for some treats?
Especially when they are presented in such a personalized manner?  *wink*

Have a great day everyone...
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Ella had an upset stomach on Friday...
but recovered quickly.
I ended up feeling crappy the whole weekend...
BUT still mustered up the energy to completely purge my closet.
I don't know what I was thinking but I'm glad I did it.
If you follow me on Instagram then you got a sneak peek.
I'll have to share my results with you...
You will think I'm absolutely insane...but that's okay. *wink*

But get this...
Ella woke up about midnight this morning with a fever and the "v" word.
Poor thing.
I don't know if this is something different or a continuation of things from Friday.
She was acting completely fine though the entire weekend??
Didn't sleep much to say the least...

SHARE | Art Print • I Was Here

Friday, August 24

Remember the video I shared with you earlier this week...
That amazing World Humanitarian Video with Beyoncé singing "I Was Here"?
If you missed it...
you should absolutely go watch it right now so you understand the rest of this blog post...

I was so completely inspired by it...
I downloaded the song from iTunes...
and I've been listening to it over...and over.

I started working on an Art Print I could share with you...
almost immediately after I saw the video and heard the words...
and got the chills.

I hope you like what I've come up with...


ART PRiNT | I Was Here (the "Present" Edition)
(the black text should be read & then the grey text should be read)
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ART PRiNT | I Was Here (the "Past" Edition)
(the white text should be read & then the muted text should be read)
iwashereBLACKolSM
Download the FREE 16x20 "I Am Here" .pdf file HERE

Did you like that I included both "present" and "past" wording...
Reminding us of what we should be doing NOW...
So we can later reflect on all the good we were able to accomplish?
You should read the "present text" first
And then the "past text"...

I LOVE the end result. I hope you do too.

Mostly though...
I hope you were inspired.

TiP:
Want a different sized print without compromising print quality?
You can always go DOWN in size but don't go up:
For example...download the 16x20 art print but have it printed as an
8x10, 5x7, 4x6, 3x5 or smaller.

PRiNTiNG OPTiONS/iDEAS
• Print from home computer.
• Have a photo print made by your favorite photo developer.
• Don't like your printer? Have FedEx Kinko's, Office Depot, or Staples print it for you onto cardstock.
• Have a canvas print made.
• Frame it to hang in your home.
• Frame it and give as a gift.
• Email it to a friend

If you ever print the FREE Art Prints I share...
I'd LOVE to see your results.

hugs...
Jessica

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'm not kidding when I said I played this song over and over...
I play it in the car...
I listen to it while I'm designing...
I sing it or hum it when I don't have the music to listen to...
AND...
believe it or not...
I have had the song in my head as I've drifted off to sleep. *wink*
Pretty much non-stop listening and obsessing over the song.
I've got the amazing lyrical runs words just about memorized now.
I've been singing it at the top of my lungs in the car...
sometimes with Ema, my 13 year old - she loves it just as much.
Although I pretend I'm Beyoncé when I'm singing it... (oh yes I do)
I really only sound good when the music is up loud enough to drown out blend with my voice. *blushing*
It's quite liberating, actually.
You should try it if you don't already do it. 

DESiGN | Fun in the Sun Collection

Wednesday, August 22

I've got several new collections coming to the shoppe...
So today...
I thought I'd share with you the fun design process that took place while creating one of those collections...

THE CREATiVE BiRTHiNG DESiGN PROCESS
Introducing the brand-new Fun in the Sun Collection
conceived from a GREAT foundation of inspiration.
fabricswatches


I was approached by the talented Morgan Wiebke of Made by Morgan...

Morgan was preparing for her son's birthday party and she needed some
custom designed party printables that would coordinate with the fabric she'd already purchased.
She also had some sketches she wanted to incorporate into the printables as well...

HAND-DRAWN SKETCHES
The sketches Morgan designed and sent over to me are SO cute.
originalsketchesCR


SPECTACULAR WITH COLOR
I was super excited and up for the challenge of recreating someone else's artwork...
With the sketches recreated and the addition of color...everything came to life.
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A COLLECTION BROUGHT TO LIFE
Once the artwork was finalized, the rest of the collection came together almost effortlessly.
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I LOVE the mix of colors Morgan chose to use...
The combination of the color palette, patterns and Morgan's adorable sketches 
made for an adorable collection altogether.

I give us both an A+ for a fantastic collaboration. *wink*

I can't wait to see the photos from the actual party.
I promise to share those as soon as I get them.

And guess what?
Morgan gave personalized embroidered beach towels as party favors...
USiNG THESE ADORABLE GRAPHiCS. 
Pinch me please. 
Can.
Not.
WAiT to see those!!

Hugs to you my sweet, sweet friends.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I had SO much on my plate this Summer...
I really didn't have time to squeeze in this extra project.
Remember...I was going nuts with orders and could barely find time to blog?
However...
When Morgan shared with me her vision...
which was precise and exact, by the way...
I couldn't help myself.
And I'm so glad I said "yes"!!
I hope you are glad I took on the project too...
it'll be available in the shoppe soon.
If you need/want it sooner,  just shoot me an email: pnpflowers@live.com

iNSPiRE | I Was Here...

Monday, August 20

I thought this would be a great way to start off the week...
A beautiful source of inspiration...
encouraging each of us...
to do more...
to reach out more...
to love more...
to make a difference...
big or small...
it ALL matters...

Beyonce's "I Was Here" (United Nations World Humanitarian Day Performance Video)

Powerful message, right?
I hope you got chills like I did when I watched this.

Make it a great week, friends.

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Look for an Art Print this week...
inspired by the video.

Got the girls off to school this morning for their first day back...
THRiLLED beyond words to be back into a routine...
which means I get to revel in my passion for blogging...
LOVE getting the week started off right. *wink*
Looking forward to sharing all of the fun things I've
had bottled up...




COMiNG UP | Shabby Chic + Rustic Bridal Shower

Friday, August 17

Monday marks the start of a new school year...
Two days left to finish any last minute prepartions...

To take my mind off of the emotions associated with my children growing up...*sniffle*
I thought I'd share with you a gorgeous image from a Shabby Chic Rustic Bridal Shower
I'll soon be sharing with you here (and on Hostess with the Mostess).

It was styled by a super creative friend and beautifully photographed by Wendy Ackerman of Ackerman Photography

Charming + elegant DIY floral centerpiece
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I can't wait to show you the rest of the lovely details.
Have a beautiful weekend, friends!!
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Okay...
So I've been going out of my mind with the busy-ness of Summer.
The shoppe has been SO out-of-control busy...
I haven't even had time to blog.
(Which completely freaks me out and frustrates me).
So...
I'm thrilled to say after many, many incredibly late nights...
and very early mornings...
my shoppe orders are finally caught up.
I squeezed in some custom work along the way and look forward to sharing those projects next week.
I. have. missed my sweet readers...
I have missed habitual blogging...
I have missed the regimen the school year provides...
and I'm SO looking forward to getting back into my normal routine.
And yes...
part of me feels guilty for being happy the lazy days of Summer are ending.
But it's time to get back to business around here.
(And when I say "business"...I mean crafting, baking, sharing, creating, party styling...)
Are you with me?

GOOD THiNGS | Watermelon Blueberry Salsa

Wednesday, August 8

Before Summer is officially over...
and the fruits of the season are completely gone...
I have GOT to try this...

salsa
photo source
Doesn't that sound SO good?
I found this on Monday...
created and posted by Lindsay of  Love & Olive Oil...
and to me...
it is the epitome of Summer.
I pinned it to my "Good For You" Pinterest Board as soon as I saw it and I cannot wait to try it.
In fact...
I may have to run and pick up the ingredients today.

Perhaps you'll want to try it out too?
CLiCK HERE to be taken directly to the recipe.
If you try it out, I'd love to know your results...

Thank you for the inspiration Lindsay!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I can't believe we are closing in on the last days of Summer.
As much as I look forward to the structure and routine that comes with the start of school...
I also LOVE the extra time I get to spend with my girls.

I am looking forward to getting back to a regular work routine.
I've been completely out-of-sorts...

iNSPiRE | Barnes and Noble

Monday, August 6

One of my very favorite things to do is spend time in a bookstore.
I had the unexpected opportunity to do so when I took my older girls to the mall over the weekend.
Realizing my 13 and 16 year old don't need me for the actual school clothes shopping process anymore...*sniffle*
I found my way to the Barnes and Noble located in the mall.

For me...
There is ALWAYS inspiration waiting to be discovered in every nook and cranny of a bookstore.
Sometimes I have a specific purpose for information I'm looking for...
Other times I just browse until I stumble upon something that makes my heart race. *wink*

Case in point...my first discovery in the Home and Gifts section...
A super cool paperweight with a quote by Benjamin Franklin. LOVE!
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My passion for journals drew me to this gorgeous, unique, textured, bindless beauty...
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And then this quote jumped off the shelf at me as I made my way to find something to read...
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I was able to snag an empty bench in the kids section and got comfortable...
(which was the perfect photo opportunity for the "Photo-A-Day" prompt on Saturday: "Where I sat")
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I just browsed book covers...
book pages
and walked the aisles...
discovering new information...
a couple of diy's I want to try...(and will be sharing)
and ultimately...
I left uplifted and inspired.
LOVE that feeling.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Last week was quite hectic.
Ok...
It. was. SERIOUSLY crazy.
LOTS of orders in the shoppe...
A LOT of running around for appointments...
Emotionally stressful since J's dad still hadn't been released from the hospital due to complications from having surgery the week before. (He was able to go home Saturday...yay!!)

I'm so grateful to have been able to have some COMPLETE quiet time to myself at Barnes and Noble...
even if it was only for an hour.
Those moments are far and few between...
which makes me most appreciative when they happen.

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