This site knows the way to my heart

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

My head is about to explode. My mouth is totally watering and there is a rumbly in my tumbly. I am, as are most of you, in love with Etsy. But what I love even more then amazingly creative, crafty, handmade party decor and gift items is amazingly creative, crafty, handmade food items. Have you seen Foodzie? It is the same idea as Etsy but done with only food and food gift items. The first page I looked at had Ginger Sconettes (perfect for a dessert bar, brunch buffet, unique favor, evening snack, whatevs). And as I started to browse further, I was so glad that my wallet was upstairs as I have bookmarked about a zillion things to try. You can search via categories such as cheese, gifts, snacks, chocolate and candy, etc. but also via dietary restrictions, price, producer, or other key phrases such as organic. Another super cool feature is you can browse by map to see who is producing locally so you can cut down your carbon footprint (thankfully my footprint is so large it reaches in to many other states so I can consider most producers local - oh wait, that's not good at all...) and support local business. You could plan the rest of your party menus from this site alone and find amazing favors as well. Also check out their blog for interviews with some of the producers and for interesting posts on the site itself. These people really have a passion for what they do, from the people who put on the site to all the artisans producing the food sold on it, and it shows. I am a huge fan. Note to my family: looks like it might be a very yummy Christmas for you this year...

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all photos via Foodzie.com

Party in a Pouch

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

As you get older, your close friends end up spreading across the country (kayla b funk in san antonio, I'm talking to you). And you end up missing out on a lot of special occasions. But that doesn't mean you should let them go unnoticed. I love finding little, inexpensive items that mail well that can be sent to show that you are thinking of them. I think I was first directed to the If'n Books + Marks website because of a great product called the Fortune Kooky. They are just like those old folded up paper thingys you used to make in elementary school that would tell you who you would marry (does anyone know what I'm talking about? If not, click on the link and you'll get it.) but way cooler. They would be so great to have laying out at a party to entertain people. But once to the site, I saw the Party in a Pouch. What a great idea!!! And their description and directions for use are so well written. Please go check it out. For $3.50 plus whatever shipping materials you will need, it makes sense to pick up a few of these to have at the ready. I think these would also work great for office birthdays, teacher gifts (not to be opened in the classroom, what a mess, right kayla b?), a birthday gift for your mailman (hey, my parents buy xmas gifts for the postman, a birthday gift is not that far off), or to use at a bar for a bachelorette party. Do it.

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Have a Ball!

Have you guys seen Kids LA Magazine yet? If you live outside of Southern CA you probably won't care, but I like it. It is a new magazine, focused primarily on Los Angeles and the children and families that live there. There are some great articles and features and always a good listing of local businesses. I was reading the Summer 2008 issue this weekend and came across something fantastic in their Grab Bag: Activities section. Sometimes you don't live close enough to do something special for a loved one for each major event. And sometimes, the cost of shipping alone, can deter you from doing even something small. But I think this is the greatest idea. It is called Send A Ball and what they do is send a ball, fully inflated (the post office treats it as a package) to the recipient of your choice. They come in a variety of colors and have sayings like "Have a ball on your birthday!", "Have a ball with your new baby!" to "I hope that rash clears up soon!" (they allow custom sayings...). The balls are $19.95 each and are hand addressed. I know how excited I would be to get one of these in the mail!!! Imagine your young nieces and nephews receiving one! Check out their website for all the details.


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