Darling Doodles

St. Patricks Day Lunch Box Notes

2012-03-02T04:30:00.000-05:00

Your kid will be the luckiest little leprechaun in school when they see these notes in their lunch box! The other kids will be green with envy!

Download the PDF

St. Patricks Day Goodies!

2012-03-01T04:30:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for some fun and simple ways to help you celebrate the upcoming shamrock day you are in the right place. I'd like to share with you my newest Etsy item- A St. Patrick's Day Goodie Package!

I LOVE to do lists. I make a list for everything and the sense of accomplishment you get when you check that little box...ahhh, its priceless. To Do Lists for me are essential and I love it when they match the month!

I plan on putting together some easy and small gifts to give to my friends, husband, and the ladies I visit teach. These candy bar wrappers and square gift tags do the trick! I think they would be fun for your kids, neighbors, or school teachers as well!

If you're interested in picking up this Goodie Package it is available in my Etsy Shop now!

March Visiting Teaching- LDS

2012-02-29T04:30:00.000-05:00

The March 2012 visiting teaching message is called Daughters in My Kingdom and the beautiful message focuses on our divine role as daughters of God. You can view the entire message here.

Download the handout to take or mail to the ladies you visit teach.

(For some reason the text on the handout is appearing really blurry in my browser. It isn't that way on the actual handout, just so you know!)

Two Chicks WINNER

2012-02-28T04:30:00.000-05:00

We have a WINNER! Thanks to everyone who entered the Two Chicks & A Vinyl Cutter giveaway! The lucky winner is..... drum roll please....

Comment #47- Korine Miller! Congratulations, I will be sending you an email soon. Thanks again!

St. Patty's Day Print

2012-02-27T04:30:00.000-05:00

I've decided that I love St. Patrick's Day, mostly because I've also decided that I'm in love with green and black and white polka dots. This color combo just makes me so happy! Actually just about anything with polka dots makes me happy.

The PDF is 8 x 10 but if you want it to be a different size you can always right click on the image below, save it to your desk top, and then just print it like a regular picture sized to whatever dimensions you need.

And on a random but still related note, is it St. Patty's or St. Paddy's? I've seen it both ways. I'm sure somewhere there is a raging debate about this very important topic.

Guest Post- St. Patricks Day Craft

2012-02-24T04:30:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! I'm Crystal from A Pumpkin and a Princess. Thanks for having me Brie, I am excited to be here.

Today I'm going to share with you an easy ombre four leaf clover canvas I made for St. Patrick's Day. On my blog you'll see that I love decorating for every holiday. It gives me a reason to craft and change up our decor. This also means I make frequent trips to Michael's, but I'm not complaining. :)

To make your own you will need scrapbook paper, a four leaf clover punch or die cut machine, glue dots, and a canvas or frame. Disregard the gingham paper in the picture, I ended up liking the solid colors only.

Using a small hole punch I added mini green brads in the center of each clover. This step isn't necessary but I liked the look of the brads.

I then used small glue dots to adhered the clovers to the canvas. This makes them easily removable in case you want to reuse your canvas.

Then stick them onto the canvas and you're done. I didn't measure the spacing, but you could bust out a ruler and make sure they line up correctly.

It looked a little bare so I added some green raffia to finish it off. I think it completes the whole look. If you have an extra frame on hand you could use that instead of a canvas by adding scrapbook paper to the glass, then the clovers on top.

Thanks for having me today. I hope you will come visit me sometime over at A Pumpkin and a Princess. Have a great weekend!

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I think my favorite thing about this is how easy it would be to replicate for any holiday and you can use the same canvas over and over! Hearts for Valentine's Day, eggs for Easter, stars for 4th of July, etc. My kind of craft. Thanks Crystal!

Two Chicks and Vinyl Giveaway!!!

2012-02-22T04:30:00.001-05:00

I am really excited for this giveaway sponsored by Two Chicks and a Vinyl Cutter. Who are the two chicks? How about we let them tell you! In their own words: The Chicks are two friends who are old enough to know better, but still too young to care. Friends since college days, we like to get into all sorts of trouble, and we always have multiple decorating projects in the works. We LOVE to create all things crafty, scrapbooky, mod podgy, and of course, just about everything vinylicious! Please help support our crafty habits - our husbands will thank you...

Besides showcasing their products on their blog the Two Chicks can make just about any custom order too. I've picked a few of my favorite things to show you!

There is so much you can do with vinyl and the creativity of these two chicks knows no limits. And today we're giving away this CUTE sign that will get you in the spirit of spring! It's the perfect addition to your spring decor.

I'm in love with the bright color. Are you? Want to win? Here's how!

-Become a follower of Darling Doodles
-Become a follower of the Two Chicks
-Leave a comment saying your favorite thing about Spring!

There are three different ways to enter, three ways to win. Please leave a separate comment for each entry. The giveaway will run through Monday and end at midnight with the winner announced on Tuesday. Open to U.S. residents only. Good luck!

New Place, New Look?

2012-02-20T04:30:00.001-05:00

Last November my husband started a new job, one that we are incredibly grateful for. It is one of those dream jobs and the events that led to him getting this job were definitely miracles to us. He's been so happy since he started there and I'm happy seeing him happy! The one and only negative (and it isn't even a huge one) is that he had an hour to an hour and a half commute each way. And with gas prices...not fun. So we decided to start looking for a place that was closer to his new job and lo' and behold we found one that is seven minutes away! You really can't top that. So this week we are moving into our new apartment! I'm pretty excited to be closer to downtown Boston, closer to Sam's work, and in a place that doesn't rely on heating oil. Seriously, if you live in New England you know what I mean. Heating oil? What is this, the 1800s?

Anyway.... I've decided to take this time to focus on redoing a lot of our decor. I know that most of this blog is featured on printables and crafts, but I do have a passion for interior design as well. I went to school for Theater and Cinematic Arts and I then I also went back to get a degree in Interior Design, but the school ended up cancelling the program. Bad economy I suppose! So while my actual "knowledge" of interior design only consists of a couple of college classes I have always enjoyed learning and studying the subject on my own.

We've been married for almost six years and a lot of our decorations are still what we could gather together as newlyweds. Our home has always looked "nice" but I've spent a lot of time working with whatever I could find to match the hand-me-downs we've been given. So I want to take this move as an opportunity to take my time decorating and really work on putting together a house that is reflective of my style. Now of course I have to keep in mind that we're still renting so painting and fabulous moldings or wallpapers are out. We also can't afford to buy all new furniture and I will have to get really creative with our budget. We picked up our couches for the low price of $Free.99 from the always stylish boutique of Our Aunt & Uncle's Garage. And while they aren't my style they're still in good condition so they'll have to work for now. I don't know exactly what I'm going to do yet, but I'll be sure to share whatever I decide over the next few months. Of course I've been scanning Pinterest for some inspiration and here are some rooms that have my creative juices flowing:

Source: Pottery Barn

Source: houzz.com

Source unknown


Minus the horns. I'm NOT feeling those horns. Source- fabulouskblog

Source: HGTV

Source: savvycityfarmer

Rooms that are calm and bright but full of interesting textures and pieces. Neutral palettes that are anything but boring and feel cozy and comfortable. I think I'd like to throw in some hints of red too, just for a little pop of color. We'll see how far my budget dreams can take me! And since we're moving this week I hope you'll bear with me if I'm a little slow on responding to emails!

What's for Dinner Restaurant Binder

2012-02-16T04:30:00.000-05:00

Sam and I recently went out to a new restaurant called Not Your Average Joe's, which was delicious by the way. And when we left they gave us a whole packet full of their take out menu's, multiple coupons, and special offer flyers. I got in the car and stuffed the coupons into my wallet, the flyers went into the back seat, and when we got home the take out menu got stuck on the fridge under all the other menus from some of our local favorites. I had an "I could seriously figure out a better way to do this moment" right then and there by my fridge. So I started creating a Restaurant Binder to add some organization to my life, and I am loving it!

With this package you can organize your favorite restaurants, take out menus, and dining coupons. Next time you're wondering where to go for dinner grab your handy binder and have all the information you need at your fingertips for the next time you need to call and make a reservation. Write down new restaurants you want to try as well, so that you no longer have to have a "where do you want to go," "I don't care you just pick" conversation again!
Organize all your take out menus in one location for the next time you want order take out. And save money by always having your dining coupons ready when making the decision on where to eat.
Included is a bonus recipe printable. Do you print countless recipes off the internet? I know I do and they end up just stuffed inside an old cookbook. I've started putting them in this binder as well where they stay neat and always nearby.

I keep my binder sitting next to my cookbooks and it just makes me feel so much more organized. The side of the fridge isn't cluttered with magnets and menus and coupons don't get lost and forgotten in my wallet or purse.

This whole package is available in my Etsy Shop and comes in two different colors, Red Polka Dot or Blue Polka Dot.

I hope you'll stop by and check it out! What else would you like to see added in the shop? I love to hear feedback!

Mama Mia!

2012-02-15T04:30:00.000-05:00

In June 1889, to honor the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savor, the Neapolitan chef Raffaele Esposito created the "Pizza Margherita," a pizza garnished with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, to represent the colors of the Italian flag. He was the first to add cheese. (At least according to Wikipedia.)

I say Raffaele Esposito was one smart fella. Ever since then we've all delighted in the cheesy goodness of a delectable pizza pie. Who doesn't like pizza?

Just like the endless combinations of pizza toppings there are endless combinations of items that can be used for this pizza gift. Some suggestions are:

Pizza Pan or Stone
Pizza Cutter
Rolling Pin
Dish Towels
Pizza Sauce
Seasonings
Basting Brush
Cutting Board/ Rolling Mat
Cookbook

Included with this gift tag is the recipe for homemade pizza dough. It's the one I use every time I make homemade pizza. Never had any complaints. Throw it in with the rest of the gift items for a special touch.

Download the PDF

Valentines Day Goody Round Up

2012-02-13T04:30:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for some last minute Valentines treats (like I was) then I have some wonderful links to share! As I was searching I found ideas that were so great they had to be passed on to you.

No bake Cherry Cheesecake from Family Fun. No bake= me like.

Fruit Hearts from Family Fun. Watermelon, oranges, and bamboo skewers. Love it!

Marshmallow Pops from Glorious Treats.

I am really excited to try this technique for making Chocolate Hearts from BH&G.. Throw one of these onto a top of a cupcake, cookie, or cake and your dessert is instantly elegant and gorgeous.

M&M Blondies from Baked Perfection. These are just plain cute!

Bubbly Valentine Love Potion from E is for Explore. Sounds simple and yummy too!

Heart Fruit Salad from Little Wonders' Days - healthy, pretty to look at, even better to eat!

Anyone else have any fun treats to share? Please do!

Red Hot Love

2012-02-10T04:30:00.000-05:00

If you saw the cute devil creme cake tags a few days ago then you will recognize this hot little heart.
I told you she would be back!

The perfect gift tag for a Red Hot Love Gift Basket.
(I have to apologize for a poor quality cell phone picture. This fun basket was a Valentines present for my man a few years ago and if I had known that I would someday be putting it on a blog I would have taken a much better picture. As it is all I have is a quick pic snapped with the cell phone on my crafting table.)

The red basket is from the Dollar Store, as are the hearts on the sticks and chocolate lips. Inside you will find:

Hot Sauce
Big Red Gum
Red Hots
Hot Tamales
Spicy Beef Jerky
Doritos
Twizzlers
Cherry Chapstick
Cinnamon Bears

I think this is a perfect gift for a guy while still being cutesy enough to be fun and special.
Download the PDF

Tweet Bags

2012-02-08T04:30:00.000-05:00

Treat bag toppers! These are some of my favorite things to design, I think because they are so versatile. You can fill the bags with literally anything! Okay, maybe not literally. But almost. Use them for candies, little toys, gift cards, gum, lip gloss, jewelry, etc.

A pair of love birds make the perfect treat bag toppers for Valentines.

These toppers are designed to fit a standard size sandwich bag and come two to a page. Download the PDF.

Feeling Devilish

2012-02-07T04:30:00.000-05:00

So after having our discussion yesterday about making healthy food cute, I decided to go with another Little Debbie treat. At least I'm consistent right?

These work with Devil Squares or Devil Cremes. Little Debbie should really be a sponsor on my blog by now...

I really do enjoy putting together these simple, easy gifts. And not just for Valentine's Day. Any day is a great day to show some love!

Download the PDF

This hot heart is one of my favorites. She'll be back in a a few days in another gift idea!

Be My Honey-Bun

2012-02-06T04:30:00.000-05:00

Why is it that all the things that are also perfect for little gift tags happen to be on the unhealthy side of the food group? Can anybody out there think of something clever and witty enough to make another person enjoy getting a bunch of carrots? Maybe if they were shaved into tiny little pieces? And then baked into a dough? And covered with frosting? And called carrot cake?

Well until we can all collectively come together and find a way to make carrots be considered a cute gift we'll have to use the next best thing. Little Debbie.

This can be either one gift or easily turned into lots of little valentines.

Download the PDF

And as soon as you think of something for those carrots you let know, mkay?

Valentines Lunch Box Notes

2012-02-03T04:30:00.000-05:00

Spread the Love! These lunch box notes are perfect for the little Valentines in your life.

Download the PDF

And don't let them tell you these are too "mushy" or "cheesy." Secretly they love them. Those are eye-rolls of joy.

How do I say I love you?

2012-02-01T04:30:00.000-05:00

I love Valentines Day. I know that there are some people who aren't a huge fan of the day, but I personally love any reminder to be grateful for the special ones in our life. Whether it is love for a spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, roommate, friend, brother, sister, child, parent, etc. let's celebrate it! And let's celebrate it with something cute! Here is the first of several Valentines printables I have coming up.

How do I say I love you? With a hug & a kiss!

I picked up this adorable red pail at Target on clearance. For $0.30. Score! Simply fill the container of your choice with some Hershey hugs and kisses. (Or um, leftover candy that you still have from Christmas. Even though its February. Whatever...its chocolate.)

I made three different designs, leaving space to write a little note on the third design if you so desire. Enjoy!

Download the PDF.

Talkin' bout the Benjamins, and WINNERS!

2012-01-31T04:30:00.000-05:00

Don't you just hate it when you have so much money all the time? Like you can't even walk around the house without tripping all over the massive piles lying around and its practically spewing from every opening? Ugh, I know I get so tired of it every time that happens to me.

Yeeaaahhh, no. I don't think any of us have that problem. So that's why I'm dropping the B-word today. Yup, budget. Nobody likes to talk about budgeting. It can strike paralyzing fear into the hearts of even the bravest of men. Or at least cause minor indigestion. But the reality is that having a budget and sticking to it can actually be one of the most freeing practices. Knowing where your money is going and being in charge of your finances can provide you with feelings of security, control, and even peace. Budgeting can help you plan for the future. Whether that future is getting out of debt, buying a house, or planning a dream vacation.

And hey, having something cute to look at while you're having to do all that math (ugh) is just the icing on the cake! My latest Etsy item is a complete set of 12 Printable Budget Worksheets- one for each month with charming, unique designs. Track your expected expenses and income and then compare with your actual expenses and income.

And if you want to figure the cost of the worksheets into your budget, the whole set is $10.00. That comes out to about $0.83 per worksheet. Even less when you consider that once you have the file you can print them again and again, year after year.

The entire set can be purchased from my Etsy shop.

And in other exciting news...I get to announce 2 winners from the Wispies and Curls giveaway!

#23- katieneu and #3- Amy Kirchhoff
Congrats! I will be in touch with you soon about the details!

February Visiting Teaching- LDS

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-05:00

If you don't know, Visiting Teaching is a program for women in my church. Each month we have a different message to share and I like to create a little handout with a quote from the message for each month. February's visiting teaching message is called "Guardians of the Hearth". I love that title. You can view the entire message here. Download the handout to mail or take to women you visit teach.

Download the PDF

And don't forget, today is your last day to enter the Wispeis and Curls giveaway! Read the previous post for all the details!

Wispies and Curls- Giveaway!

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-05:00

*Giveaway now closed*

Question: Who loves cute things?
Answer: Everybody!

2nd Question: Who has some cute things to give away?
Answer: Me!

And by cute I mean CUTE! Wispies and Curls makes adorable and fashionable hair accessories for little girls. But honestly, I would be totally tempted to wear some of these myself. Wispies and Curls makes headbands, clips, and ponytail holders that would be perfect for pictures, special occasions, or just for everyday use. Just take a look at how cute these are!

I love the use of the feathers and different jewels and all the textures. Wispies and Curls works mostly through their Facebook page where you can look at their inventory and order right from there. I also understand that they do custom orders all the time for events such as weddings or even to match certain outfits.

I'm pretty excited because for this giveaway there are going to be TWO winners! Each winner will receive one headband and one hair clip!

Here's how to enter:
Required Entry: Like Wispies and Curls on Facebook.

Additional Entries:
Be a follower of Darling Doodles
Like Darling Doodles on Facebook

Please leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry. The giveaway will run through Monday January 30th and end at midnight. The winners will randomly be chosen and announced on Tuesday. Good luck!

Pretty & Purple- Wedding Details

2012-01-25T04:30:00.001-05:00

As promised a couple of weeks ago here are some of the details from my husband's brother's wedding and our trip to Arizona. Sharing party details are always fun. I know I always draw lots of inspiration from seeing parties, whether I am planning one or not! You can see the invitation I made for the happy couple in this post in case you missed it.

As much as I wanted to put together a gift basket I had to keep in mind that our present had to travel with us from Massachusetts to Arizona so I decided to do something a little different. I have seen TONS of different versions of "Love Maps" all over Pinterest. With so many places to draw some inspiration from I decided to make one for Jacob and Sarah. And since honesty is the best policy I'll admit I'm hardly reinventing the wheel here, but hey...if it ain't broke, don't fix it! After all imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. And it traveled easy because you know good things come in small packages. It was killing two birds with one stone!

Ahem. I'll stop now.

Anywhoodle, here is the print I created.

The heart is located where Mesa would be which was the location of the wedding. Sweet yes?
Just like the bride and groom. Love them!

Wedding pictures courtesy of Junebug Photography.

The wedding colors were all different shades of purple and all the little details were so lovely.

A week after the wedding the groom's family had an open house in their hometown and while Sam and I weren't able to be there I did get to help in making some of the decor. The theme was popcorn....my favorite food! Gah! Love! Sam's aunt was kind enough to send me some pictures of my designs in action.

It was a beautiful weekend for a beautiful couple. Did you find anything inspiring in the details?

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

2012-01-23T04:30:00.000-05:00

I love finding easy and fast treats that don't look like they were easy and fast. If something looks time consuming and fancy but isn't...that's my perfect party treat. So when I decided to make some chocolate dipped strawberries I was pleasantly surprised to find how easy they were. I was able to make all these in less than 30 minutes. And with Valentines Day coming up I thought this might be the perfect time to share the how to.

First up- the ingredients. I used white chocolate chips, semi sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and two different kinds of sprinkles. You could use any color or shape of sprinkles, chopped nuts, toffee bits, coconut shavings, etc. And strawberries of course.

Rinse all the strawberries and lay out on paper towels to dry. The strawberries need to dry completely so either let them air dry or blot with a paper towel if you can't wait.

Next begin melting the chips. Chocolate tends to burn easily in the microwave so just be careful. Melt the chips in 20-30 second intervals, taking them out and stirring them each time until they are fully melted. If you want you can add in a tiny bit of canola oil to the chips. The oil just makes it a little bit smoother and easier to dip. Also make sure you stir the chocolate as messily as possible and get it all over so that later when you take a picture you can say 'uh, yeah. I meant to do that.'

Once the chocolate is all melted begin dipping! Hold onto the strawberry by the top and dip into the chocolate until it is evenly coated on all sides. While the chocolate is still soft sprinkle on the extra toppings. Leave some of the dipped strawberries plain and once the first coat of chocolate hardens you can drizzle some of the other flavors of chocolate across the strawberries using a spoon.

Lay on a cookie sheet covered in wax paper while you finish up the other strawberries. Once the chocolate is set up you can break off those funny little pieces that formed when you drizzled the chocolate, like on the strawberry in the front row.

Once all the strawberries are dipped and on a cookie sheet place in the fridge until it is time to serve. Take out and arrange on a pretty platter and you have an elegant, delicious dessert.

Dipped strawberries typically don't last more than 8 hours but I don't think you'll have a hard time emptying the platter. If anything you'll have a hard time putting them down!

For wheb you dob feel bery dood.

2012-01-20T04:30:00.000-05:00

Translation: For when you don't feel very good.

Fact: You cannot catch a cold by going outside without a jacket or wet hair. The only way to catch a cold is by catching a virus, which happens more during the winter because people are grouped together inside.

Fact: The old saying "feed a cold, starve a fever" isn't true. It's just an old wives tale. What is important is to stay hydrated and eat nutritiously if you feel up to it.

Fact: If you do happen to catch a cold or come down with the flu then receiving a cute and thoughtful gift basket WILL make you feel better. Gift baskets have amazing healing powers. :)

Here are some things to consider using for the Get-Well Gift. Any combination would work.

Basket
Bowl & Spoon
Chicken Noodle Soup (it could even be homemade if you're feeling ambitious)
Crackers
Book (Chicken Soup for the Soul works well with the theme)
Blanket
Relaxing CD
Tissues
Printable Gift Tags

Download the PDF

Splish Splash

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-05:00

I think you'd be hard pressed to find something that smells as good as a fresh, little baby right after bath time. That makes a little baby bath basket a perfect gift for any baby shower!

For this gift you will need:

Container
Towels and/or washcloths
Baby Soap and/or Shampoo
Bath toys
Printable Tag & Poem

Download the PDF

Don't forget the rubber ducky!

Sharing the stuff on the side

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-05:00

This lil' blog sure is keeping me busy and I love every second of it! I appreciate so much all the kind comments and emails, and the people who trust me enough to be a part of their special celebrations with their custom orders. I thought it might be fun to share with you all some of the things I've done for these customers.

How cute are Jacob and Sarah? I had so much fun making their wedding invitations. It was hard to choose what pictures to use because they were all so cute. Thank goodness Sarah wanted an invitation with a lot of pictures! This is actually my husband's little brother, and our new sister-in-law. Congrats again you guys, we love you!

Front

Back (with personal info removed)

Ashlyn was throwing her grandma a 95th birthday party, (go grandma!) and she wanted some special invitations for the celebration. Her grandma loves the game Phase 10 so that was a perfect party theme!

Personal Info removed

Abigail ordered some buffet cards and party circles for her daughters destination wedding in Lake Tahoe. The welcome dinner was done in creams and purples with snowflakes.

And then they had an after party with a s'mores bar and hot chocolate bar. The theme for this was the bride and groom's alma matters. What a fun idea! Here is just a couple of the tags I made.

Have you checked out Darling Doodles on Etsy? I started the shop to list my Party Packages, but last month I started adding some additional items.

Like these Chore Charts for boys and girls. They're a pretty cute way to stay organized and help teach your little ones responsibility too. There are eight different designs, $4.00 each. Buy three get one free!

Four designs for boys:

And four for girls:

I love my menu planner. I cannot believe how much something so small has simplified my life. For saving time and money, planning out your weekly menu is a must. The Menu Planners come in four different designs for $3.00 each or you can buy a pack of all four for $8.50

Thanks for letting me share! Want to stay updated whenever I add a new item to my shop or get special tips and tricks, and freebies? Then follow Darling Doodles on Facebook!

Have a great Monday!