Now that I’m off on a tangent, let me get back to the point of this post.  I wish I could win this one… since I seem to wind up in Target at least once a week and never without a cart full of goodies that weren’t on the list.  My bill is almost always over $100, and I’m sure yours is too!

Today you can enter to win a $100 Target Gift Card for yourself AND a friend!  (I want to be that friend, too!)

Enter at the Pick Your Plum facebook page here.  Hurry up and enter because it only runs until next Monday, June 24th at midnight!

Be sure to check out the other participants in the giveaway!  I know you will “like” them to enter, but for real….. check them out because they are pretty cool!  Fabulous Fun Finds, Confessions of a Cookbook Queen, Funny Postpartum Lady and of course OUR Anders Ruff Facebook page

Jen Carver here from Banner Events with a special star-spangled giveaway just in time for your 4th of July celebrations!  I am so excited to be teaming up with Oriental Trading Company, Anders Ruff Custom Designs and several other amazing companies (see below) for a fun nautical themed 4th of July shoot this year!  In honor of our collaboration, we thought we’d help you plan your own sparkling event by offering you the chance to win over $700 in prizes perfect for your next celebration! A big thank you to Anders Ruff for allowing me to host the giveaway on their blog!

Without further adieu, here are the contest sponsors & prizes!

1.  Oriental Trading Company (Prize:  2- $25 OTC gift cards– $50 total value.) As the nation’s largest direct merchant of value-priced party supplies, arts & crafts, toys & novelties, and a leading provider of school supplies, home decor and giftware,  Oriental Trading Company is a fantastic source for all things party & crafts!  If you love to have fun AND save money, be sure to check out the tens of thousands of products they offer for every season and every celebration.  Finding creative ideas for creating personalized party favors or coming up with a unique event is so easy when you shop their huge assortment of exclusive birthday party themes for boys or girls. Oriental Trading’s website and catalog are full of fun, new and exciting ideas and products!  Do you know what else I love?  Every purchase is backed by a 110% “Lowest Price Guarantee”, which means they are committed to offer you the best value for your dollar! Two winners will receive:  a $25 gift card to use towards products from Oriental Trading Company.

Connect with Oriental Trading Company:  Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~Instagram

2.  Banner Events (Prize:  $75 of online event planning services.)  From concept to conclusion, at Banner Events we believe in taking the hassle out of event planning so you can BE a guest at your own party!  Our specialty is bringing beauty, fun and whimsy to children’s birthday party designs and dessert tables. One winner will receive:  Online event planning services to include an inspiration board based on one party theme (winner’s choice) with ideas for: decor, food, drink, desserts, favors, entertainment, & activity/games plus a suggested vendor list with contact information & links.  {One month notice required. Expires one year from contest end date. No tangible goods will be sent.}

Connect with Banner Events: Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~Instagram

3.  Anders Ruff Custom Designs (Prize: 5- 4th of July Printable Packages. Total value:  $62.50.) Anders Ruff creates unique and stylish customized printable party invitations and decor for events, holidays and special celebrations.  Their clients include A-list celebrities, major corporations & top-selling magazines.  Five winners will receive:  Choice of complete 4th of July printable package.  Winners can choose from:  Nautical 4th of July Collection, 4th of July Pinwheels Collection or Happy 4th of July Collection.

Connect with Anders Ruff:  Facebook ~ Twitter ~Pinterest ~Instagram

4.  DecoArt (Prize:  Social Artworking Masterpiece Painting Party for 4- $150 value.)  With the most complete line of acrylic paints and specialty finishes in the world, DecoArt allows you to imagine, create & discover new possibilities for crafting, DIYing and home decorating.  Not only do they offer a variety of products, but quality products.  You can use DecoArt products and know you are using a product that will last. One winner will receive:  A Statue of Liberty Social Artworking Party for 4, which includes:

4 – 16×20 canvases, paint,4 – Easels, paint brushes, water pails, aprons, transfer paper, tape, wax paper

*To learn more about DecoArt’s “Social Artworking”, please visit:  (http://www.social-artworking.com/)

Connect with DecoArt:  Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~Instagram

5.  American Crafts (Prize:  $50 worth of patriotic crafting supplies).  American Crafts creates innovative, well-designed products for scrapbookers & paper crafters.  American Crafts is known for fresh, clean product design and friendly, personalized customer service. Products feature bright, vibrant colors and a contemporary feel, inspiring crafters to record their memories in a fun, sophisticated, and stylish way. One winner will receive:   a $50 prize pack of patriotic American Crafts supplies.

Connect with  American Crafts:  Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~Instagram

6.  4 Kids Cakes (Prize:  1 dozen fondant cupcake toppers.  $25 value.) 4 Kids Cakes is a small Mom-owned business dedicated to providing custom cakes,
cupcakes, & cakepops (+ other yummy desserts like macarons & chocolated covered Oreos). Specializing in fondant & chocolate sculptures -
if you can think it, they can create it for you in cake! One winner will receive:  1 dozen fondant cupcake toppers, shipped U.S. One month notice required.  No orders in June.)

Connect with 4 Kids Cakes :  Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~Instagram

7.  Make it Mine Couture (Prize: $25 shop credit.  Shipping is winner’s responsibility.) Make It Mine Couture is an online children’s boutique with hand~made children’s clothing, accessories and embroidery designs. All items are custom made.  One winner will receive: a $25 shop credit.  Shipping not included.

Connect with Make it Mine Couture:  Facebook  ~Etsy

8.  Ribbon Revelry (Prize:  a 4th of July ribbon grab bag.  $50 value.)  Looking for ribbon to coordinate with your next craft, party or home decor project?  Ribbon Revelry has ribbon & craft supplies galore, with new inventory being added frequently. One winner will receive:  a grab bag of 4th of July ribbon valued at $50.)

Connect with Ribbon Revelry : Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~Instagram ~Etsy

9.  Autumn Lynn’s Chocolate Sins (Prize:  a $25 shop gift certificate)  Autumn Lynn’s Chocolate Sins specializes in custome colored & flavored chocolates to match any theme for birthdays, weddings & more! One winner will receive:  a $25 gift certificate for the shop.

Connect with Autumn Lynn’s Chocolate Sins:  Facebook

10.  Designs by SK - (Prize:  3 red, white & blue paper lanterns & red & white baker’s twine.  Retail value:  $20.)  Stephanie Knieriem is the owner & event stylist behind SK designs.  With a design degree under her belt, she is all about the details! She can make all your parties & events amazing!  No theme is off limits. One winner will receive:  3 patriotic paper lanterns & red & white baker’s twine.)

Connect with Designs by SK   :  Facebook ~ Instagram

11.  Cupcake Wishes Birthday Dreams (Prize:   1- Yarn Pom Pom garland & 1- personalized printable party pack from the shop valued at $60.)     

Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams can create the party of your dreams!  Specializing in children’s theme parties, showers & girlfriend gatherings, they create custom partyware, offer party space design & fun, decorative cupcakes. One winner will receive: a yarn pom pom garland and a personalized printable party pack from the shop. Cannot be combined with any other offers, promos or giveaways.)

Connect with Cupcake Wishes Birthday Dream:  Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~Instagram

12.  Katarina’s Paperie (Prize: one set of invitations and matching notecards from the shop–a $30 value.)  Katarina’s Paperie is an online boutique that provides handcrafted party designs, pretty accessories and creative packaging to make your every day entertaining and living beautiful & celebrations extra special. One winner will receive:  one set of invitations and matching notecards from the shop.

Connect with Katarina’s Paperie:  Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~Instagram

13.  Party On Designs (Prize: 4th of July Party Pack.  Total value $38.45 )  Party On! Designs specializes in taking your party theme to a BOUTIQUE style party … That’s right, the Party is ON!!  Birthday party ideas, candy buffets, party styling, event planning, dessert buffets for weddings, corporate party events, baby and wedding shower planning & hosting.  We design all items from cupcake toppers, party banners, thank you tags, favor gifts, party signs and much, much more. One winner will receive: (3) red/white/blue star balloons, (2) iron on – personalized star with initial, set of 8 party favor tubes with flags for sparkler favors, set of 20 wooden swizzle sticks, perfect for cupcake toppers, drink markers, cake pops & more.

Connect with Party On Designs:  Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~Instagram

14.  Mady By A Princess (Prize: 1-Set of 18 Limited Edition Patriotic Sparkle Sticks™ valued at $27.) Made by a Princess Parties in Style specializes in party products for all occasions including baby and bridal showers, weddings, birthday parties, and more. They offer a huge selection of shower games with many designs and colors to choose from to match your theme.  One winner will receive:  1 set of 18 Limited Edition Patriotic Sparkle Sticks™.

Connect with  Mady By A Princess :  Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~Instagram

15.  Ten23Designs (Prize:  1- set of nautical vinyl decals.  A $20 value.) Ten23 Designs specializes in custom & personalized decals, custom rubber stamps, wooden monograms and more.  They also offer a line of personalized gifts & goodies such as engraved jewelry, embellishments. One winner will receive:  a sheet of nautical vinyl decals to be used to embellish cups, vases, bottles, home decor + many other possibilities.

Connect with Ten23Designs:  Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~Instagram

16.  Petite Party Studio (Prize:  2- $25 credits to their shop). Rebecca & Shannon are the designers and stylists behind Petite Party Studio.  At Petite Party Studio you can find all of the latest trends in celebration supplies & decor along with finding DIY and inspiration ideas on their blog. See it all here at www.petitepartystudio.com. Two winners will each receive: a $25 credit to use towards products in their shop.

Connect with Petite Party Studio:  Facebook ~Twitter ~Pinterest ~Instagram

CLICK BELOW TO ENTER:

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Enjoy a blissful week with products from Mommy’s Bliss.  Mommy’s Bliss (www.mommysbliss.com) offers safe and effective products for moms & their babies made from natural ingredients.I’m game for anything that’s “bliss!”

Enter to win these Mommy’s Bliss products:

Gripe Water is the #1 selling natural remedy for colic & gas in the U.S.  It is the natural alternative to simethicone (chemical) gas drops. Gripe Water is a liquid herbal supplement that uses organic ginger and fennel extracts to safely and naturally relieve gas and stomach discomfort associated with colic. It works great on baby’s hiccups and teething, too.  Also available in Apple Flavor and Two Pack.

Kid’s Upset Tummy & Nausea Relief is the first and only natural supplement created for kid’s upset tummies. Individual single-dose packets make it easy to always have on-hand in the house, car, purse or daycare. The combination of organic ginger, fennel, dill and peppermint extracts safely and naturally relieve nausea, motion sickness, indigestion, bloating and gas.  The formula is sugar-free and gluten free.

The Sweet Slumber bedtime products incorporate aromatherapy and soothing organic botanicals to help calm and relax baby before bedtime.  Use the products as part of your bedtime routine: 3-in-1 Baby Wash, Nightly Massage Cream & Calming Bedroom Mist. Enriched with soothing extracts of lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang that is historically associated with relaxation and sleep. First and only line of natural baby care products specifically formulated for bedtime.

Mommy’s Bliss believes in products that are free from harmful chemicals, so that they can gently and safely be used to treat babies and kids of all ages. No unsafe elements to these products, just natural products that make you and your baby feel good!

Mommy’s Bliss  can be found at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS and Whole Foods to name a few. Try them out, you won’t regret it!  Also, get some blissful tips, ideas, and recipes on their blog.

Enter Here:

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I am working on Jeffrey’s 8th Birthday party and am so excited to share some budget friendly ideas with you all!  The party is tomorrow and I will be sure to share soon!  We are taking the kids to go see the new Superman (Man of Steele) movie, go to pizza and then back here for cake, treats and favors! Yay!

I have already done the “over the top” Super Hero party for Pierson… so now I’m going to show you a budget friendly super hero party and I’ll be detailing out penny for penny what I spent!   I’d love to hear what you think of this idea!

People leave such sweet comments about our parties but then a lot of people also complain that “to do it all” would cost a lot.  It is somewhat true that these over the top parties do cost you some money, but I’m sure that’s what you would think   SO…. I tried to stretch my dollar and really come up w/ ideas that are do-able, cool, effective and stylish!  You’ll still look like a super mom without completely breaking the bank.

We are adding the new Vintage Super Hero collection to the shop that has classic Superman colors with added patterns of chevron! Check out the invitation here.

Have a SUPER rest of your week!

We love them and wanted to come up with a great summertime sweet to beat this heat!  Our kids are passionate for posicles, so we decided to create a healthy version of this classic treat!

Strawberries & Cream Popsicles 

Ingredients:
Driscoll’s strawberries
Vanilla Greek Yogurt
Milk
Honey
4 piece Popsicle mold (can be found at any grocery store or discount store)

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Directions:
1. Puree 1 cup of washed and cut strawberries
2. Pour into a measuring cup.  Add 1 tbls of vanilla greek yogurt.  Add 1 tsp of honey
3. Mix together
4. Pour 1/2 – 3/4 of the way up in popsicle mold  (wipe out excess along rim with a towel)

5. Let the first layer freeze until firm (to prevent layers from mixing)
6. In the meantime, chop 1/4 cup of strawberries (very small pieces)
7. In a measuring cup, Mix 4 tbls of vanilla greek yogurt, 4 tbls of milk and 1 tsp of honey (add more or less as needed to fill your popsicles)
8. Add chopped strawberries to cream mixture

9. Once first popsicle layer is firm, add second cream layer.  (spooning is easier than pouring since mixture is lumpy)
10.  Top with posicle sticks.

11. Refreeze until frozen solid.

For scrumptious summer recipe ideas using Driscoll’s berries, follow them on instagram @driscollsberry. #tastesummer

I was in line at the grocery and saw it on stands and picked up a copy.    Warms my heart and makes my day to see our work appreciated and shown in print, online or anywhere!  We can’t tell you how much we appreciate our fans sharing our work on Pinterest, Instagram (@andersruff), Facebook, Twitter…. and then our favorite blogs sharing our work…. Makes the tough days much easier and the great days that much more rewarding.

Thanks to Good Housekeeping for sharing our work!

I am so excited to share this precious party today!  Mermaid parties seem to be so popular with little girls and I love the uniqueness each one brings.  Recently, my dear friend Kirsten decided to plan a Mermaid Birthday Party for her sweet daughter, Macey.  I let Kirsten come raid my stash of props and craft items, and happily designed some printables for her to use at Macey’s party.

Kirsten did a great job decorating with our printable Mermaid Party Collection.  I love the use of driftwood furniture / accessories throughout her decor!  We pulled in her new side table from her bedroom to use for a simple dessert table.  Keep reading for more of the party details and adorable photos!

I designed a non-photo version of our popular Mermaid Under the Sea Birthday party printable invitation for Macey to send out to her little friends.

I blew up the mermaid from the printable mermaid invitation and placed it on our fish scale / waves pattern background and had it printed on 20×30 lustre photo paper and framed it over the dessert table.

Kirsten has the best style and she created these adorable and simple canvas favor totes for the girls.  She added a starfish applique with cute rhinestones and embellished the bag with our printable favor tag.  The bags were filled with mermaid bubbles, mermaid crayons, mermaid gummies and more!  The girls were in love and so excited!

I adore how Kirsten made colorful tissue poms in the colors of pinks, aqua and lime (the colors in the mermaid printables) and hung them on her chandelier to be a focal point of decor in the room.

Macey’s friends had a blast at Macey’s Birthday Party!  Kirsten had organized several craft stations for the girls.

NECKLACE MAKING STATION:
The girls could string seashells and beads on a necklace.  (The seashells were special because Macey had found them on the beach in South Carolina at her grandmother’s house!)

FRAME DECORATING:
The girls also got to decorate frames with glitter and shells.  (Kirsten sent a photo of all of the girls in the thank you notes so they could frame them in their frames that they made!).

SAND ART:
Sand art was a hit and the girls filled containers with colored layered sand.  The containers had the 2″ mermaid party logo sticker on front.

Kirsten used cupcake liners to serve goldfish cracker snacks for the girls.  The cake plate in the center had starfish peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the kids (always a hit!).  Pink lemonade was served in our favorite Ikea glass carafes embellished with a 2″ party logo from the mermaid printables and some ribbon.

Kirsten found the most adorable mermaid cups at Pottery Barn kids and the girls all got to take their cups home with them.  She found striped paper straws and embellished them with our printable party flags.

On the way out, the girls got to grab their adorable Mermaid / Starfish canvas tote as a favor.

Party Details:

The girls enjoyed the starfish sandwiches, goldfish crackers and pink lemonade for a light lunch.  Followed by dessert (of course!) – an adorable color coordinating cake was served and the precious marshmallow cups.

VENDOR CREDITS & SOURCES:
Printable Mermaid Party Invitation: Anders Ruff Shop
Printable Mermaid Party Labels, Tags and Decor: Anders Ruff Shop
Polka Dot Baking Cups (Shown on Dessert Table): Shop Sweet Lulu
Sparkle Gumballs: Find at Smash Cake Studio
Tissue (For Pom Poms): Nashville Wraps
Canvas Totes: Hobby Lobby
Mermaid Cups: Pottery Barn Kids
Plates and Napkins: Target

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Here is the FREE Father’s day design!

andersruff-fathers-day-tie-template

**Note – for Silhouette Machine, export the file as a JPG to your computer.  Silhouette Machine needs a jpg to trace!

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The Sihouette Cameo comes complete with step by step direction for the heat transfer process!

Directions:
1. Set up design on your computer via the Silhouette program
2. Insert Sihouette Heat Transfer Paper with grid.
3. Process design according to Sihouette directions. (we ran the cutting process twice)

4. Gently peel apart the die cut tie… you can use the peeling tool the kit provides.

5. Place heat transfer onto canvas or cotton tote (we used totes from Nashille Wraps)
6. Iron on high heat with cloth underneath iron

7. Peel clear backing off
8. Iron again, with cloth on top of heat transfer
9. Fill bag with your favorite Father’s Day gifts such as:  a new tie, special shaving tools, socks, Dad’s favorite adult beverage, tickets to a baseball game or golf outing!

JUST FOR OUR READERS!!!

Through June 15th Silhouette is running a great promotion for Anders Ruff fans on their new heat transfer materials. You can get a Silhouette CAMEO® or Silhouette PORTRAIT® heat transfer starter bundle loaded with all kinds of goodies for your own crafty little heat transfer project.  Or, if you already own a Silhouette, all their heat transfer materials are buy one get one free so now would be a great time to try them out yourself.  To get in on these deals just enter the promo code: ANDERSRUFF at checkout!

Here are more details as told by Daisy…
The adorable outfit Olivia was wearing was made custom by MissMollyMacDesigns.etsy.com.  I sent her the invitation and she used it as the inspiration for the outfit.

The cake was made by my good friend Jennifer Senzano – her company is Sweet designs by Luna. She can be contacted jksenzano@yahoo.com.  She can make anything!
My husband made the tent frame, and I sewed the fabric for it.  I made all the decorations from items I bought at the dollar store.  I also made the pinata as well.  I used youtube to help me make it.  It was so much fun!
Many thanks for all the adorable invitations and artwork!

*****

Visit our shop to view the entire Glamping party collection as well as many ideas to make your party an amazing success!

Follow us on Pinterest for more party inspiration!