SILLY SOCK PARTY aka photo bomb!!!

Its that time of year again...birthday time! And this year I have two little munchkin's birthdays. My kids birthdays are 1 month and 2 days apart. So since my parents come out to see us in October, I decided on a joint birthday party in between their actual birth dates. 

This year was also the first year I invited kids from my daughter's class. I usually just invite family and then a few of my friends have kids around her age. In total we had 12 kids in the house!!! I was super nervous but it turned out to be a wonderful time!!!

It all started with the theme and invite....I figure its probably the last year I'll be able to do a none character theme birthday for my daughter. We are big on fun socks and holiday socks so I thought a silly sock party would be perfect!

And of course the birthday girl and boy! (I couldn't get a good one of my little guy with his socks and ribbon, he was overwhelmed and tired and didn't want to cooperate with a photo...this one is him after cake)

The Dollar Tree was my best friend when it came to decorating! I was able to get a ton of cute fun socks for cheap! I used them in the decor and for party favors. And the best part is now my daughter has a crap ton of socks to wear! 

 

I created this for the food table back drop! I LOVE how it turned out and it was super easy...just white socks tacked to two pieces of foam board...just what I envisioned! 

 

 

We did simple foods this year as well. We didn't even bake anything. So much less stress and everything was yummy!

 

 These awesome fondant cupcake toppers were designed by Beth with Your Cupcake Story. I LOVE LOVE how they turned out, I just wish I was able to get better shots of them and the ones that were on the kids individual cakes. I bought the tye-dyed cakes at Walmart. They fit the color scheme and they were a good size for individual cakes.

 

Oh and of course the SILLY SOCKS!!! All the kids came in some super cute socks, I was so excited. Only wish I got a better pic but its hard trying to direct several 3-4 year olds would rather play and eat than pose for a pic :)

My daughter picked out all the socks for the fam...we did an argyle theme to tie into the argyle from the invite. It took a few pics to get us all in!

My amazing mother made these cute little sock monkeys for party favors along with a pair of fun socks. I actually think the traditional sock monkey is creepy looking but I loved how these little guys turned out!

Sign of a successful party...the littlest one ran out of stem even before the party was over but he did manage to open his presents, stuff his face with cake and play a little. My daughter announced after opening presents that it was time for everyone to leave (she really wanted to play with all her toys). After the party was over and we were just cleaning, we found her playing quietly with her new mini Barbies...so sweet!!

I have to say it was the best birthday party we've had. I always have these grand ideas and I would love to be able to create a party that is featured on the popular party blogs and have fab professional photos but that never seems to happen. But instead I get so wrapped up in having fun with the munchkins that I generally forget to capture it all :)

I hope you have enjoyed my photo bomb:)

Vendors:

Invite and Printables: With Envy Parties

Fondant Cupcake Toppers: Your Cupcake Story

Cake/Cupcakes: Walmart

Party Food: Costco

Sock Monkey Tutorial: Craft Passion

Drum Roll Please...

Better late than never right?!?!

The THREE winners are....

1)Angie Alford
2)Lauren Guilbeau
3)Monica Wile

I had intended to designate a specifc prize for a specific person but when I did the rules there was a word missing so it I didn't have you list what you wanted to win.

Sooo instead, you three just email me (withenvystudios@gmail.com) which ONE prize from the options, you would like*: 

PRIZES:
1)ONE Little Monsters Printable Party Collection, 
2)ONE 2013 Illustrations Desk Calendar (you choose whether you would like it PRINTED or PRINTABLE)
3)ONE 2013 Patterns Desk Calendar (you choose whether you would like it PRINTED or PRINTABLE) 

*please note winners have 3 days to respond with their prize choice.

Thank you everyone who entered!!!

Pipe Dreams

The last few days at work I have really realized how much I hate being "new". Its one of those things where I just wish I knew what I don't know already. On days like that I tend to daydream about what it would be like to work for myself....

Now I live in reality and the idea of actually having my shops be my main source of income has been a "pipe dream". See I actually really like my day job, its a ton less stressful (most of the time) than my previous job and I get to be challenged during the day but I can leave it at work and be totally present for my kiddos. Also I am a girl that likes stability...I like knowing exactly what I am getting each paycheck (especially the idea that I will be getting a guaranteed paycheck every month).

The income I get from my Etsy shops is super helpful to pay for the surprises that come up or to get us closer to getting ride of student loan debts and such. But it is by no means consistent or something I could live off of right now.

But one day last week I sat down and just decided to do the numbers for fun. I took my best selling item from my party shop and figured out I would have to sell between 800+ a month to equal my gross monthly wage. It was interesting seeing an actual number...even though its a big number and I am no where near that now, it made it actually seem possible somewhere down the line. It made it something for me to strive for...unexpected motion.

Maybe working for myself isn't such a pipe dream after all :)

Been A Long Time Coming!!! GIVEAWAY CLOSED

It's been busy at work, at home and around the shops. Summer is ending and the holiday season is fast approaching. 

I added a couple seasonal/holiday items to the shop. 2013 desk calendar have made their way into the shop.  

 I have offered a new version of both these calendars 3 years now and I am still totally in love with the design/idea! 

I finally was able to finish my Halloween party for this years. When trying to decide on a theme for my munchkin's joint birthday party, the little monsters theme came to mind. I decided against it for the bday party but thought it would make a great Halloween party!

 Its now available at With Envy Parties.

So I haven't had one in a long time I thought it would be a perfect time for a GIVEAWAY. 

PRIZES:
1)  ONE Little Monsters Printable Party Collection, 
2)ONE 2013 Illustrations Desk Calendar (you choose whether you would like it PRINTED or PRINTABLE)
3)ONE 2013 Patterns Desk Calendar (you choose whether you would like it PRINTED or PRINTABLE) 

 There will be THREE lucky winners (ONE prize per winner)

How to Enter:

1) Leave a comment on this post simply saying you want to win. 

2) Follow me on Facebook and leave a comment indicating you did. 

Extra Entry:

4) Share this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter. Come back and leave a comment for each place that you shared it on (you will receive one extra entry per "share").
5)Visit With Envy Parties and/or With Envy Paper and leave a comment with a product you like in the shop or one that you would like to see.

Giveaway ends on Wednesday September 12, 2012 @ 10 PST.

Winner will be announced Thursday September 13, 2012 on the blog.

Good Luck!!!

With Envy Wednesday-Aqua

So I know its late but I've been home with a sick baby...and now my daughter is sick too...oh the joy in this household!!

But better late than never right!

Lately I have had a lot of orders with aqua as part of the color scheme. So in love with the color!

Recently I created this banner for a customer and fell in love with the color scheme..

 

 so summery...would love to incorportate that scheme into a new design...we will see (my to do list is very long these days!)

Check out these beautiful items from Etsy in honor of the lovely color Aqua!!

Click on image for optimal viewing

a)Chevron clutch purse by SassyStitchesbyLori

b)Aqua paper party straws by PaperStrawsParty

c)Sweet Aquamarine Dream Tutu by ASweetSweetBoutique

d)Blue Patina Earrings by apocketofposies

e)Baby shoes by wooliewares

f)Canister Pendant Light by BootsNGus

Have a happy and HEALTHY Wednesday!

Monday Around The Shop

Happy Monday everybody! It's funny, prior to getting my new job I dreaded Monday most of the time. This past  Friday wasn't all that great at my new job and I really haven't been looking forward to Monday. But I woke up and just decided this week I would do better and I'm not going to let things get me down. Kind of weird how a change of scenery and change your resolve!

There are some semi big things going on in the shop:


1) With Envy Paper is now up and running. I had to finally just make the decision and currently only offer a limited amount of printed items. With the two shops, my day job and my family it was hard to get orders out without it feeling like a chore and I never want it to feel that way. So the I felt the best decision was to offer most of the same items but in diy/printable format.

 I know not everyone is savvy or into doing it themselves but I decided it was the best decision, otherwise I'm not sure I would have reopened. I am offering placemats, and plates "printed". I will also be offering my art prints in printed format soon (need to stock up on supplies again) and bookplates on request.

I hope this was the right decision but I guess you won't know till you do it!

2) I finally updated my illustration options for both shops. The master list is under the "Illustrations" page at the top of the blog. I'm sure in a couple of months it will need to be updated again...but I love custom requests!!!

3) I took the plunge and join Twitter!! Not really shop related but I thought I would share in case you want to follow. https://twitter.com/WithEnvyStudios

4) Along those lines I have been on Pinterest for a while but why not come check out my random boards! http://pinterest.com/afryemajor/

SALE SALE SALE!!

CHRISTMAS SALE WITHOUT THE COLD AND SNOW!!!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE GOING ON NOW AT

WITH ENVY PARTIES!!!

ENJOY!!

Monday Around The Shop

I've been busy with orders and trying to plan our short vaca to Seattle among my normal stuff but just a few stuff going on around the shop to point out...

1) August 1-5 With Envy Parties will be open but I won't be processing orders received during that time until August 6th. So if you need something make sure to get it in by August 1st.

2) I think I have decided what I want to sell in With Envy Paper. I am planning to re-open on August 6th..fingers crossed. I have a few new items I want to list and I want to try and take new pictures of some of the other items.

3) And the best part is....

Check out the shop or this blog for the specific discount. 

That's all folks...HAPPY MONDAY!!

Friday Fun Facts: It's Not Easy Being Green

I don't know when it happened but some where between college and grad school I became obsessed with the color green! Its kind of concerning the level of my obsession, how excited I get down to my core when I see green things.

The other day I went to by running shoes. I had a set amount I was willing to spend and I had a pair all picked out and then a little section of shoes caught my eye. 3 pairs of shoes with green in them!!

Unfortunately, one was a pair of trail running shoes and I don't run on trails, one was too expensive and one didn't come in my size. So why did I stand in the store for 20 more minutes trying to decided if I really wanted to spend more than I could really afford to have green running shoes. 

I have a green coat, a green coffee cups, green water bottles, I would prefer to write with green pens but they suck when having to photo copy...I don't have a green car but not for lack of trying! 

It really is disturbing...but I refuse to change!!

Now take a few secs to bask in the beauty of green :)

 Whats your favorite color? 

Pic Credit: 1,2,3,4,5

Have I Arrived Yet?

When I first joined the etsy community by opening Green With Envy Studios there were several shops I considered teh "it" shops in my area. I strive to have the success they did. I will admit I had unrealistic expecttions in the beginning but one of my main longterm goals was to have at least 100 sales by my first year anniversary.

Well that didn't happen...I got there a few months after but I did feel like at least my business was picking up and I was happy with the direction. Then my computer died and so did my motivation (I blame being in the first trimester of pregnancy trying to stay awake, work my stressful day job and chase a 2 y/o around).

When I finally reopened with my new shops I had more realistic expectatiosn. I still had my "it" shops and I had list of not necassrily goals but certain things I felt like if I reached then I would feel like I had arrived as a party designer.

But its funny I was thinking about it the other day and I have had way more success this first year than I anticipated. I surpassed my 100 sales in the first year goal, my products were on TV and I am loving every minute of what I do. But I still don't have that "I've arrive" feeling, I still feel very new.

Then I started to wonder will I ever have that feeling. I know we all continue to have goals as we cross things off the list more come in to replace those.

I wonder if the "it" shop owners feel like they have arrived?

Friday Fun Fact: Whats In A Name

Happy Friday everyone!

We ha to get new internet so I wasn't able to blog for a few days but I'm back in business!

I thought I would try something fun...every Friday I will share a fun tidbit about me an hopefully you'll get to see a little about the girl behind the shop!

In 7th grade we did a project researching the origins of our name. I have a unique first name but I never asked my mom where she got the name from. 

I knew my brother was named after my dad, my sister was named after a woman who was like a second mother to her, and where did I get my name??....

yeah thats right The Price Is Right!!! My mom told me it was her fav show when she was preggo with me and there was a spokes model named Anitra and she really liked that name.

When my mom told me I thought she was lying so I would have a neat story for class, but then several years later I was watching an anniversary special and they had a clip with her on it...Anitria Ford!!

At least she was attractive :)

Who were you named after?

Fourth of July Recovery :)

I was very excited for the 4th of July this year. Mainly because since starting my new job I have a renewed excitement for getting out and doing stuff. We live like an hour to 2 hours away from the beach but have yet to take the kids. So we decided July 4th would be great because its always sunny and warm.

I was a little bummed with it being the middle of the week so I knew Thursday would be rough, but seriously come Tuesday midday I could not wait for a day off mid week :)

We had a great time at the beach. Several times during the day I remember thinking how lucky I am to have such a great little family...not perfect by any means but just right!

We planned to come home, bbq then go downtown for the fireworks show. But the big munchkin was too scared of the loud neighborhood fireworks so we decided against the original plan. Instead she still stayed up way past her bedtime and watched the Macy's fireworks on TV and saw the awesome (and illegal) fireworks from the various little neighborhoods around our house....those went on forever but were so awesome...and we didn't have to leave my bed (thank you house with ginormous windows!).

Getting up for my run was ROUGH but I did it and now to make through the day at work. But I wouldn't trade it for anything!!

Here are some shots from the beach trip:

Trying to get a good pic

She posed herself...little miss sass

Love the drive!

THE BEACH!!

She loved the beach

He enjoyed eating the sand...then vomiting all over an hour later!

Me and the little munchkin

Crazy yummy lunch...little munchkin's hand trying to get it :)

 How was your fourth?

Monday Around the Shop!

I guess I just don't know when to say when with this blog.

Every month I think ok I'm just going to let it go and just do updates on Facebook unless I want to say something more long winded. But then I just keep coming back. I think it's because I really like reading other people's blogs and I was good at my personal blog for a while and I can't accept defeat :)

So I'm at it again...(at least I'm consistent on Facebook...I have faith I will be hear too at some point)

Here is what is happening around the shop(s):

• I have decided to close With Envy Paper for now. I have not spent much time with it lately. I want to make it a great shop but I don't have the time to do printed stationery items on a consistent basis and I haven't decided what I want to do yet. I will let you know when it's back up and running!
• I'm working on getting the blog, Facebook and the shop more organized. 
• New items added to With Envy Parties
•  



Cowboy Parties Invitation



Sesame Street Inspired Party Invitation

• New items coming soon
• Monkey & butterfly Party Invitation
• Superhero coordinating party items
• Picnic Party

And remember if you have purchased from With Envy Parties, I would love if you could send pictures of your event and my products "in action". As a "thank you" I will offer 25% off your next purchase!

Check out some pictures sent in by my wonderful customers HERE!

Happy Monday!

Monday Around the Shop!

Just dropping in to update you on some news around the shop!

• I am working on get some new themes into With Envy Parties
• Cowboy/Western
• Carnival/Circus (have the invite but working on additional party items)
• Superhero (have the invite but working on addition party items)
• Rainbows & Unicorns
• Soccer
• I am changing how I offer party items
• I am offering a Full Party Collection with all the party decor items and invitation for $35.00
• I am also offering a Small Party Collection with 12 party items for $25.00, YOU PICK THE ITEMS. 
• If you purchase 4 party items you will receive a 15% discount on your order
• If you purchase 8 party items you will receive a 30% discount on your order
• I am working on updating the listings and also creating a product/price sheet and a list of themes/options I currently offer. 
• Lastly I will be starting a "contest" of sorts each month. All the customers who purchase from With Envy Parties in a given month will be entered to win a free item from my shop. Some months I will have a specific item up for grabs other months the winner will get to choose. I will announce the winner the 2nd day of the new month (that will give me time to get all the customers in and pick a winner).
• So the first winner will be announced July 2nd!!!

Friday Freebie!

I've been a busy little bee these last couple of weeks. My Graduation Party Collection has been very popular and led to many late nights!

But I love what I do even if I can only do it when the rest of the world is sleeping :)

As a THANK YOU to my wonderful customers and follows/fans. I created a set of Mini Chocolate bar wraps for you...and they are FREE! Just click below and download...instructions are included. 

FREEBIE HERE!

Around The Shop: New Car Smell!

I love being busy with fun orders from my awesome customers, it makes me so happy to make peoples party visions come to light. I would gladly stay up till 12 am working (up at 5am bed at 12 or 12:30am has been my routine this last couple of weeks) because I truly love it! At the same time lots of things fall by the wayside. So it was nice this weekend to have a little downtime...I finally cleaned out my car (WAY overdue) and I was able to work on some new items and clean up the shop a bit.

So heres whats cookin around With Envy Parties this week:

1) Its nearing the end of the school year, time to start thinking about gifts for your kiddo's teachers. I created some fun treat bag toppers to go with your treats for that special teacher.

Teacher's Appreciation Gifts Available HERE

2) I finally added some new patterns and updated the available colors (I am still happy to customize to your party decor). I have done several custom color schemes so I added some of those colors to the palette.

I Feel Like A Woman!

I have a list I keep...its kind of a weird list but I thought I might let you guys into a little of my weirdness :)

My list is things I think will help me be a better woman. No not better woman as in a better person. No I mean a better woman as opposed to grubby slob.

I see lots of woman during my day that look so put together. They have matching, grown up outfits with nicely done hair. Everything coordinates without looking forced. I strive to be one of those women one day. I'm not a high maintenance kind of girl but I wouldn't consider myself a slob either. But really most days I'm lucky to have clothes that aren't wrinkled...whether they match is really secondary :) I love comfy clothes and most weekends I have on jeans, yoga pants, t-shirt or a sweatshirt. But now that I have a job where I have to wear business casual I really need to pull it together. Some things on my list that I think will help and that I'm slowly working on...

Source: bit.ly via Tyler on Pinterest

1) Wearing more jewelry...I generally wear silver hoops and my wedding ring and thats about it. I don't really own a lot of jewelry. I always feel like things look great on people but when I put them on myself it just seems like too much to me...maybe because I don't wear jewelry it will just feel that way until I get use to it.

2)Doing my hair every day. My general hairstyle is pulled back with a hair clip. I might wear my hair down once maybe twice a week. Time in the morning is lacking and I hate doing my hair...really not a good combo. This results in my current hairstyle. I really need to cut my hair but thats been on the list for several months and it hasn't happened.

3)Skirts! I use to wear skirts but I haven't wore one in like 3 years.

Source: icandyhandmade.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

4)Painting my nails regularly...having painted nails always makes me feel girly :)

5)Pajama sets...I love pajamas but I don't really wear them. I normally sleep in pj pants and an old t-shirt. The only time I actually buy pjs for myself is before Christmas.

Source: victoriassecret.com via Natasha on Pinterest

Source: bringiton.typepad.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I hope to be well on my way to womanhood by summers end :) Thanks for taking a trip into my weird head...hope it doesn't creep you out too much!!

FRIDAY FLASH SALE

FRIDAY FLASH SALE!!!!

25 % OFF

Printable Custom Water Bottle Wraps/Labels

& Printable Custom Mini Chocolate Bar Wraps

FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2012 ONLY

No coupon code needed, items already marked down