Festive FYI's

Hey, Arizona peeps!

Blogger and local party planner Michelle, has just opened her own party boutique in Glendale.  She is having a big Grand Opening party tomorrow (probably today by the time you read this) and asked me to help spread the word.  I'm hoping to drop by with my crew to check out what she has done (by herself) in renovating the building and prepping for this new business venture.  She has some great ideas like a Playdate Club that you are going to want to check out if you live in the area.  You can read more on her blog, Maddycakes Muse.

Second FYI:  You know how I feel about invitations.  I generally love creative, tangible, interesting invitations, kind of like these bat ones I made a few years ago.  But running all over town with my four children trying to get some baby shower invitations printed and mailed yesterday, has me reconsidering online invitations.  Especially if they are as cute as these ones from Punchbowl.

They are definitely catering to people like me by allowing you to customize all of the details, like the envelope liner, stamp design, and font.  Then when you have designed your invitation, it gets delivered in a virtual envelope that guests click on and see open before their eyes to display the invitation.  The site has a lot more in terms of party planning resources, but I'm just excited that you can send on-line invitations that look like real invitations.  They still won't replace my hand-made invitations for most occasions, but could be a great option for a large party or last minute get-together! 

And especially for my readers...

You're invited to receive 25% off a Punchbowl membership upgrade between now and October 25, 2010. To receive your membership upgrade, visit http://www.punchbowl.com/upgrade and enter promo code MYINSANITY25 at checkout.   

(There is a lot you can do with a free membership, but more options for the upgraded members).  

And one more Arizona shout-out...

Don't these Stuffed Caramel Apples looks positively sinful?  They are by my friend, Chef Tess, who has been getting a lot of airtime lately on the local news and cooking shows.  Check out her blog for her latest TV adventures and for how to make these heavenly creations.  (Note:  I'm just assuming they are heavenly from the post.  If you'd like me to verify that, Steph, I'd be glad to oblige!  :-))

Oh, and a quick thank you to Beth @ The Stories of A to Z for featuring my Halloween Mantle along with lots of other fabulous ones from some amazing bloggers!  If you need some decorating inspiration, you need to check out these ideas!