Notes of Distinction (are EZ to make)!

Today's post is not about parties and celebrations but it is something you can make - quickly, easily and affordably.  Note pads.  I made some note pads for my business as thank you gifts to potential clients.  I call them 'Notes of Distinction' because I include high-level information about me and my business yet clients can take notes during our conversation and throughout the planning process.  So far, it's been a hit!

{cover and inside cover}

The instructions for making E-Z Notepads are on the Paper Source blog.  It really is E-Z.  Give it a try!

What creative ideas do you have for making business gifts?

40 Sucks Milestone Gift

Yesterday, my family and I went to a 40th birthday party.  We took the guest of honor, my husband's friend since Kindergarten, a really fun gift - a box of lollipops that read "40 Sucks" with a gift card tucked inside.

I was inspired by this blog post from Everyday Celebrating.  The gift was so easy to make.  I filled an existing gift box with floral foam topped with shredded blue and green paper; inserted 40 [Dum Dum] lollipops; and placed a piece of striped scrapbook paper on top which I embellished with circles, letters and numbers from my Cricut machine. 

Our friend has a great sense of humor; I'm positive he will enjoy our funny gift!

Hostess Gifts

Usually, I write about entertaining ideas for people who like to host their own parties, but sometimes, the shoe is on the other foot; we're guests at a party - and need hostess gift ideas. When I hosted Girls Night Outon Tuesday night, I received bottles of good red wine (prompting me to consider a follow up wine tasting party in the fall?), gorgeous flowers, a CD of photos of my 2 year with my friend's little girl (so sweet!), and The Cocktail Party - shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath in Mimosa, Daiquiri and Margarita flavors by Philosophy. These clever gifts are available for other special occasions, too - Baby Shower, Birthday, Thank you and Congratulations.