Ellebee Everyday

Rainy Day Fun!

2011-10-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

Rain has finally returned to Austin, and in the spirit of the moment,

I thought I would provide you with a couple cute rainy day activities!

Take those old boxes, cover them with packing paper and let the kids decorate their "cars."

Put the cars in the living room for a Drive In Movie Day, but be prepared with some movie snacks!

Kids Spy Training! Use leftover crepe paper from your recent party

and arrange it in many crazy lines for DIY laser training!

photos courtesy of pintrest.com

A Wine Rack Towel Holder! What a great idea!

2011-09-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

Need a better way to store your hand towels?

Use an old wine bottle rack to hold them! What an amazing idea!

photos courtesy of pintrest.com

Display your Jewelry Beautifully!

2011-09-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

I always feel bad throwing my beautiful jewelry away in a jewelry box. I can't get enough of these great ways to store AND display your jewelry!

Towel rack and shower curtain hooks:

Tacks to hang jewelry on with a beautiful frame around it:

A silverware organizer with different dresser knobs:

A frame with a piece of painted wood and brass hardware:

Take one of these creative ideas and show your jewelry off, not hide it away!

photos courtesy of pintrest.com

GRAY room inspiration that doesn't make you feel gray :)

2011-09-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

I have been working on adding gray accents to my own bedroom and love these pictures! Enjoy :)

photos courtesy of color.interiordezine.com, realsimple.com, and annesage.com

Innovative Food for Children

2011-09-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

Being former preschool teachers, we keep our eyes out for great food ideas for children. We have helped our fair share of parent's with picky eaters. You know, the kind who only eat yogurt and crackers...

This banana and peanut butter sandwich packs a serving of fruit, protein, and whole grains if you use a whole grain hot dog bun!

Check out these very cool pb&j sandwiches! Perfect for the child who isn't a fan of crust.

Photos courtesy of pinterst.com

Pumpkins, Spice & Everything Nice!

2011-09-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

It's getting to be that time of year where we roll out the yummy food, the sweat pants because of the yummy food and the comfy couch because of the sweat pants and the yummy food!! BUT we can do all of this with a beautiful table that is fun, unique and cheap!! Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning....

Find a pumpkin what will hold whatever size clear punch bowl you have. Hollow pumpkin completely out. Place clear punch bowl inside. Fill with beverage of your choice and drink up!!

Go to your backyard. Find a good handful of sticks of your thickness preference. Grab one (or some) of your candles with jar. Hot glue sticks to jar all the way around leaving space or none at all and wrap with twine, your fall favorite ribbon or leave it simple! Light candle & enjoy!

Seeing a whole bunch of candy corn at the grocery store? Grab a large bag, go home & fill a vase or two with them. Settle a candle in them and voila- Easy Peasy!

Acorns, pinecones or beautiful leaves all over your yard? Pick 'em up and start throwing them in your vases! Candles or not, they are beautiful (and free!) and bring the outside- IN!

Have a large vase but don't want to buy a large amount of "filler" item? Use a vase inside a vase!! Place your skinnier but taller vase in your shorter rounder vase. Insert filler item of choice in short round vase and use a large candle or a beautiful bouquet of flowers to put in your skinny vase!

Have fun and get creative with all the beautiful and FREE decorative items outside around you!! And don't forget to find those sweat pants! ;)
-Lorye

WHAT A GREAT IDEA!

2011-09-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

Some savvy person has used bread tabs to label their electrical cords on their surge protector! How creative!

photo courtesy of pintrest.com

Innovative Door Decorations!

2011-09-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

So, I normally hate decorative/themed door hangers, but I have to admit these are pretty cool! Check out these pictures for some fall door hanger inspiration!

Photos courtesy of pinterest.com

FUN Things to do with BUTTONS!

2011-09-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

Wedding Cake Inspiration...

2011-09-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

photos courtesy of pintrest.com

DIY Toddler Tap Shoes

2011-09-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Transform worn out shoes into cool tap shoes by gluing pennies to the bottom! A great way to encourage your child to explore their creative style while spending just a couple of cents!

Photos courtesy of pintrest.com

Wedding Ring Pictures We LOVE!

2011-09-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of pintrest.com

Homemade Wedding Favor

2011-08-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

My entire wedding was DIY by yours truly (of course with help from a few favorites!)! One thing I wanted to do different that most weddings I had been to was to have a Wedding Favor that wouldn't be thrown away or was a waste of my money- I say "mine" but I mean my Dads!! With my husband and I heading to Austin, Texas for our first year of marriage, I thought that whatever the Wedding Favor would be, it could also double as a great way to inform all our guests what our new address would be! And then I thought, who is going to throw away chocolate? NOBODY! So that is where I went with it!

I went to my local candy making store, picked up more than a few pounds of white chocolate & milk chocolate, which I was able to get at a decent price because I had to buy so much (we had over 200 peple coming!)! They also had some really cute molds of Cowboy Boots; we're going to be in Texas & I LOVE cowgirl boots; so I grabbed 6 trays of the molds, being $3 each! A few boxes of clear candy bags later and all that chocolate in the seat next to me, I called my best friend of 18 years and recruited her help in making these!

We spent an entire, yes- an ENTIRE Saturday, making and bagging these super cute 'Bride' & 'Groom' cowboy boots! Discovering a few tricks along the way to make it quicker & easier, we had so much fun doing it and time with her I wouldn't trade for anything!! With minimal chocolate lost (ok- eaten) along the way, we successfully made 250 Wedding Favor bags of white 'Bride' & brown 'Groom' little boot chocolates! We tied each bag with twine (a nice little country accent) with a pink square attached that read on one side: "We're boot scootin' to Austin... Thanks for joining us on our day! Love, Garrett and Lorye" and on the other side was our new address!

DIY projects, though lots of fun, are always that much better with some good company to laugh & brainstorm with you along the way! So grab some girl friends, gather your projects and make some memories and great DIY items!! Let me know if you need a few tips on how to make chocolate molds with little hassle and more laughs!!!
-Lorye

DIY Silk Rose Petal Lamp Shade

2011-08-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

I have had this lamp shade that I don't particularly love for a couple of years now. It was given to me and I was just going to replace it when I ran across some old silk rose petals that my boyfriend had given to me in my first Christmas present from him. I saved them and they have turned out to be a great way to remember that special moment while fixing my dull lamp problem.

I started by hot gluing each petal onto the lamp shade. I overlapped them so that the shade would not show underneath. After I covered whole thing with the cream rose petals, I went back and randomly placed sheer, shimmery ones that were in the mix. This added dimension and shine, which I love, who doesn't!

After all the gluing, this is what it looked like:

To finish it up, I glued a trim of black ribbon along the top to hide the edges of the roses.

After about 45 minutes and absolutely no money, I ended up with this great and memorable lamp shade. This is an easy and no-sew project that would be inexpensive even if you had to buy the materials! It was a great spur-of-the-moment DIY project and I hope it inspires you to do something spontaneous in your own house!

Homemade Dog Bed

2011-08-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

My house was in need of a dog bed that wasn't an eye sore and at the same time was affordable! So I set out to find the cheapest yet homiest (is that a word?!) items to make my pups a comfortable bed that would look good with my decor!
My first step was to find a unique piece of furniture that I could use as the bed frame! Here in Austin, TX we have a Habitat for Humanity Restore Store. It was at this hidden gem, that I found an old desk drawer for $3!

After deciding on how fluffy I wanted the pillow and taking measurements, I decided on fabric. This was the only thing I splurged on and purchased at Hancock Fabrics for $17. It's totally worth it for me since it is the upholstery fabric so it will stand up against my pups claws and do well in the wash. I also picked up 2 bags of Hobby Lobby Shredded Poly Foam ($5 each) and some cream colored muslin,which was on sale at Hobby Lobby for $2!!

I sweet talked a friend into helping me; a person who can sew only a button, make the pillow case! We decided a European Envelope style pillowcase was best and so that's what my friend did!!! She can work magic!
I decided that green was a color that would work in any room of my home so I ventured to Walmart and checked out their "oops!" paint. They had the PERFECT green paint that I picked up for $4! Then I went back to Hobby Lobby and had to decide between 2 handles.... And the winner was an antique brushed gold oval knob for $4!
I sanded down the drawer, painted it with 2 coats of the super awesomely cheap paint and "helped" (aka watched) my friend make the pillow cases! Once everything was dry and sewn together, I screwed in the new knob, placed the pillow in the drawer and let my pups check it out and get comfy!

I spent a total of $45 on all materials and made it in 2 days! I couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out, knowing that I have something made to match my home perfectly! I hope it inspires you to make something you & your loved ones, pets included, can enjoy!

- Lorye

Client Testimonial

2011-08-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

"Ellebee Personal Events:

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the hard work, dedication, and creativity that you brought to the table for my daughter’s birthday party. I came to you with not even a single idea and your brilliant team took over to come up with the most spectacular party! With much going on in our lives there was little time for me to devote to the planning of the party so your team was truly a blessing for us! Your vision for my little girls party reflected her personality and included all of the children invited! From dreaming up a theme and designing custom invitations to keeping a gift list and writing custom thank you notes you truly took care of everything! What really impressed me was all of the personal touches that made the day special! This was not a ‘store bought’ party and I know that it was completely unique and especially for my child.

While the invitations were amazing, the custom tablecloths were topics of conversation on their own, and the activities and games for the children were wonderful those weren’t the best part of the day for me. The best part was showing up with my Princess and getting to enjoy the day WITH her! You took all of the details and put them together in an amazing party and took all of the worry away from me! This party will be one to remember, not just for my daughter and I but for the guests as well who are still buzzing about how wonderful it was!

Simply saying thank you seems to be inadequate but there are no other words to express our gratitude. I assure you that you will be the one in charge of all of our events to come!

With great thanks,

Stephanie G."

Super Hero Party Centerpieces

2011-08-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

These centerpieces are perfect for this Super Hero themed party and easy as 1-2-3! Items needed are cylinder vases (enough to fill space on each of your party tables), old fashioned lollipops, popcorn, and novelty star lollipops. All pieces but popcorn can be found at your local craft and candy stores. To personalize these centerpieces to our Super Hero theme, we had our in-house graphic designer make action sound graphic (pop! bam! zap!) and glued them onto cut-out circles to paste to the lollipops! Cutting out the action blasts was a little time consuming, but overall this was a great and successful table centerpiece!

Back to School DIY Project

2011-08-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

Seeing as everyone in Austin is going back to school tomorrow, we thought we would share this awesome DIY teacher gift! How great is that?!

Courtesy of DollarTreeCrafts.com

Children's Party Planning Packages

2011-08-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

Pair of Hands on Party Day

*We offer this package to allow you, the host/hostess, the opportunity to spend time with your guest instead of being stuck in the kitchen and running around. We want you to enjoy your party as much as your guests.

-Up to 2 initial pre-party consultations

-Respond to unlimited phone calls and emails

-Will provide 3 hours on site on party day

-Ensure each task at party is completed according to time line with flexibility

-Coordinate and direct vendors on specific setup location

-Provide assistance to host for event time line

-Coordinate the present opening and record items

-Coordinate cake cutting with host

-Replenishment of all food and beverage items

-Ensure final payment and tips of vendors (optional)

-Provide assistance to responsible party in removal of gifts

-Coordinate the removal of all decor to responsible parties

-30 minute assistance in set up and 30 minute assistance in cleanup (2 hour party, if longer price will reflect)

Complete Party Coordination Package

-Up to 4 initial pre-party consultations

-Vendor recommendations in desired categories

-Respond to unlimited phone calls and emails

-Personalized "to-do" lists outlining host's responsibilities as well as coordinators' with estimated completion dates

-Budget development assistance

-Assistance with entertainment and music recommendations

-Assistance with theme, decor, and favor selection

-Assistance with invitation selection and wording (invitations, thank yous, etc.)

-RSVP management

-Confirm and contact all vendors and facilities prior to party

-Ensure each task at party is completed according to time line with flexibility

-Will provide 8 hours on site on party day

-Handle any unexpected occurrences in a professional and comprehensive manner

-Keep event running on schedule as closely as possible while maintaining good flow of events

-Provide assistance to host for event time line

-Coordinate and direct vendors on specific setup location

-Venue layout(s) and set up

-Ensure party decor is completed as desired before beginning

-Tend to vendors' needs at party (electrical, placement issues, photographer)

-Oversee party activities to make sure they are stocked and running smoothly

-Direct guests to party activities and refreshments

-Coordinate photographer in ensuring that special photographs are taken (optional)

-Coordinate cake cutting with host

-Ensure final payment and tips of vendors (optional)

-Provide assistance to responsible party in removal of gifts

-Coordinate the removal of all party decor to responsible parties

* All packages can be revised to fit party or event needs.

Wedding Planning Packages

2011-08-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

Day Of Package

-Up to 2 initial pre-wedding consultations

-Respond to unlimited phone calls and emails

-Confirm and contact all vendors morning of

-Will provide 8 hours on site on wedding day

-Ensure each task at reception is completed according to time line with flexibility

-Coordinate and direct vendors on specific setup location

-Provide assistance to wedding party for event time line

-Ensure that DJ or announcer and photographer ad hear to time line

-Assist photographer in ensuring that special photographs are taken at wedding and reception

-Assist DJ with grand entrance at reception

-Assist DJ or announcer in completion of special dances at reception

-Coordinate the toast with the DJ or announcer and those who will be speaking

-Coordinate cake cutting with DJ or announcer, photographer, caterer, and couple

-Ensure final payment and tips of vendors (optional)

-Assist DJ or announcer, photographer, and couple with grand exit

-Provide assistance to responsible party in removal of gifts

-Coordinate the removal of all wedding decor to responsible parties

-Confirm clean up by vendors OR provide cleaning service at additional cost

Weekend Package

-Up to 4 initial pre-wedding consultations

-Vendor recommendations in desired categories

-Respond to unlimited phone calls and emails

-Confirm and contact all vendors and facilities before the weekend

-Will provide 1 hour on site for rehearsal

-Instruct and coordinate wedding rehearsal

-Ensure rehearsal run-through and dinner are completed to according to time line with flexibility

-Ensure each task at reception is completed according to time line with flexibility

-Will provide 8 hours on site on wedding day

-Handle any unexpected occurrences in a professional and comprehensive manner

-Keep wedding day running on schedule as closely as possible while maintaining good flow of events

-Provide assistance to wedding party for event time line

-Assist in creating detailed wedding and reception itinerary to be distributed to wedding party

-Coordinate and direct vendors on specific setup location

-Venue layout(s) and guest seating assistance

-Ensure wedding and waiting area decor is completed as desired before opening doors

-Adjust bride and bridal party's attire and accessories prior to walking down the aisle

-Tend to vendors' needs at ceremony (electrical, placement issues, photographer)

-Distribution and set-up of guest book, wedding favors, programs, card box, framed photographs, and all other items that will be displayed/distributed for both ceremony and reception (will include transition between facilities)

-Ensure reception area decor is completed and as desired before opening doors

-Direct guests to ceremony and reception areas

-Ensure that musicians or DJ have correct music selections

-Ensure that DJ or announcer and photographer ad hear to time line

-Assist photographer in ensuring that special photographs are taken at rehearsal, wedding and reception

-Can assist with coordinating the grand entrance at reception

-Assist DJ with grand entrance at reception

-Assist DJ or announcer in completion of special dances at reception

-Coordinate the toast with the DJ or announcer and those who will be speaking

-Coordinate cake cutting with DJ or announcer, photographer, caterer, and couple

-Ensure final payment and tips of vendors (optional)

-Assist DJ or announcer, photographer, and couple with grand exit

-Provide assistance to responsible party in removal of gifts

-Coordinate the removal of all wedding decor to responsible parties

-Confirm clean up by vendors OR provide cleaning service at additional cost

Complete Coordination Package

-Up to 6 initial pre-wedding consultations

-Vendor recommendations in desired categories

-Respond to unlimited phone calls and emails

-Personalized "to-do" lists outlining couple's responsibilities as well as coordinators' with estimated completion dates

-Budget development assistance

-Assistance with entertainment and music recommendations

-Assistance with theme, decor, floral, and favor selection

-Assistance with stationary selection and wording etiquette (save the date cards, invitations and all its pieces, programs, place cards, etc.)

-Appointments available upon request for assistance in choosing venue, florist, caterer, baker, etc

-RSVP management

-Confirm and contact all vendors and facilities prior to wedding

-Will provide 1 hour on site for rehearsal

-Instruct and coordinate wedding rehearsal

-Ensure rehearsal run-through and dinner are completed to according to time line with flexibility

-Ensure each task at reception is completed according to time line with flexibility

-Will provide 8 hours on site on wedding day

-Handle any unexpected occurrences in a professional and comprehensive manner

-Keep wedding day running on schedule as closely as possible while maintaining good flow of events

-Provide assistance to wedding party for event time line

-Assist in creating detailed wedding and reception itinerary to be distributed to wedding party

-Coordinate and direct vendors on specific setup location

-Venue layout(s) and guest seating assistance

-Ensure wedding and waiting area decor is completed as desired before opening doors

-Adjust bride and bridal party's attire and accessories prior to walking down the aisle

-Tend to vendors' needs at ceremony (electrical, placement issues, photographer)

-Ensure reception area decor is completed and as desired before opening doors

-Direct guests to ceremony and reception areas

-Ensure that musicians or DJ have correct music selections

-Provide individual time line for DJ or announcer and photographer

-Ensure that DJ or announcer and photographer ad hear to time line

-Coordinate photographer in ensuring that special photographs are taken at rehearsal, wedding and reception

-Will coordinate the grand entrance at reception

-Assist DJ with grand entrance at reception

-Assist DJ or announcer in completion of special dances at reception

-Coordinate the toast with the DJ or announcer and those who will be speaking

-Coordinate cake cutting with DJ or announcer, photographer, caterer, and couple

-Ensure final payment and tips of vendors (optional)

-Coordinate DJ or announcer, photographer, and couple with grand exit

-Provide assistance to responsible party in removal of gifts

-Coordinate the removal of all wedding decor to responsible parties

-Confirm clean up by vendors OR provide cleaning service at additional cost

* All packages can be revised to fit bachelorette/bachelor party, bridal brunch, or other event needs.