Complimentary Photo Cards with Every Blooming Bouquet!

ChristieCreations offers a complimentary 4x6 photo insert card with every purchase.

A keepsake photo of the Blooming Bouquet is displayed on the front of the card so that its beauty can be enjoyed and remembered long after the gift is taken apart. On the inside of the card, there is a complete list of the bouquet's inside contents written in beautiful calligraphy. This allows the gift receiver to know what fabulous items will be found when she unrolls the "blooms."

Since the majority of our Blooming Bouquets are sent directly to the gift receiver, a personal message can be added to your complimentary photo card.

Introducing Spa Pampering Products

There is only so much room to discuss the fantastic products featured inside ChristieCreations Blooming Bouquets on etsy.com. In our blog, we get unlimited about of space to show you the quality products selected for the various themed bouquets.

Today we are introducing you to the new lines of Ms. Manicure and Ms. Pedicure products included in the Spa Pampering Blooming Bouquet line.

Look like a pro did your nails with my Tips & Toes set. I've put together all the tools you need to give yourself the ultimate pro manicure or pedicure. This set includes a Toenail Clipper, Cuticle Trimmer, Cuticle Pusher, Washable Salon Board, Wood Cuticle Sticks, Pumice Stone, Nail Brush, and Toe Separators.

Handy Dandy Mani set is a tidy carry-all that has every tool you could require to manicure yourself solo. If you like to have your own personal tools when you go to the salon, just take this set with you! This all-in-one tool kit includes a Cuticle Nipper, Nail Clipper, Nail Scissors, Wood Cuticle Sticks, Nail Brush, Washable Salon Board, 4-way Nail Buffer, and Slant Tip Tweezers.



My Sweet Feet set includes 6 necessities to pamper your feet! Exfoliating Foot Scrub (one of my very favorite products!), Moisture Rich Foot lotion, Emery Boards, and Toe Separators.


Get your toes in tip-top condition with my Best in Toe set! This compact set includes the best basics for a great pedicure! Toenail Clipper, Mini Salon Board, Nail Brush, Pumice Stone,Wood Cuticle Sticks, and Comfort Toe Separators

To further pamper you, we have included:Pamper your feet while lounging in these super soft, washable cotton Spa Socks. Great to cozy up with on cool nights at home or when traveling. Fits shoe sizes 4 - 10.


These bath & shower gloves lather quickly and gently scrub your body squeaky clean. Plus, the textured nylon helps stimulate circulation for healthier, refreshed skin.


Here’s help for dry, overworked hands. These gloves help lock in lotion so parched skin soaks up a rich, conditioning treatment. Enjoy noticeably softer hands. Moisture Booties also available.

Quality Baskets Always

ChristieCreations pride themselves on using only the highest quality products in their Blooming Bouquets. Each gift is handmade and delicately arranged as though we were designing it for our own friends and family members.

The containers that hold the unique blooms are considered just as important. ChristieCreations is often asked where we purchase such unique, durable baskets! Today we are sharing our secret with our valued customers. The majority of Blooming Bouquets are designed using Andrea Baskets.

Andrea Baskets http://www.andreabaskets.com/

Back by popular demand: The Bushel Basket

Two sizes available

Yellow, Blue, Green, Pink, and Tan Perfect for the Baby Blooming Bouquets and Spa Pampering Blooming Bouquets







































With the new addition of the Organic Blooming Bouquets and Cloth Diaper Blooming Bouquets, ChristieCreations is now offering an array of Eco-Friendly Handmade Baskets.

For those who prefer a more traditional looking handled gift basket:

Multicolored woven baskets are now back in stock.

How to throw a fabulous baby shower (Part 4 of 10)

Where do your guests get the first impression of your baby shower? The invitation! This simple, yet incredibly important element sets the stage for your entire event.

The invitation is more than just a practical way of dispersing the who, what, where, and when but conveys the theme, formality, and general demeanor of the party.

In a time where electronic invitations are getting increasingly popular, your gorgeous custom invitation will be even more valued.

And before we continue, let me mention how cheesy and inappropriate it is to send a baby shower e-vite. First of all, not all of the invitees will have access to a computer. Most showers have a combination of young friends and the full gamete of family members. I know there are some hip grandmothers out there that are "silver surfers" but the majority still prefer the old fashion paper invitation.

Now that we have established that the paper invitation is the way to go- let's get a feel for the extraordinary selection of baby shower invitations.

Handmade Custom Invitations: Are you looking for an invitation as unique as you? Etsy.com is filled with talented artisans ready to make your baby shower dreams come true. Here is one of my favorites from graciegirlnotes.etsy.com



Gather your friends and family to the shower your hosting with this sweet, flat invitation. This listing is for 8 custom invitations and address labels. This heavy-weight, white card measures 4.25 x 5.5 and features an adorable pink, handmade, polka dot onesie embellishment. Chocolate brown envelopes (with custom address labels) included. $ 20.00

graciegirlnotes.etsy.com

TinyPrints.com features a huge selection of invitations. For those of you considering a "Bring a Book" themed baby shower consider this cute invite!

Bedtime Stories: Cream Prices start at .99 per invitation

Encourage the growth of a new generation of baby bibliophiles with a book exchange and this delightful baby shower invitation! Created by Petite Alma, this snoozing babe must be having sweet dreams about the wonderful world of literature.

On a tight budget? Do-It-Yourself Kits are economical and a great way to save money! This kit sold on Target.com includes everything you need for only $ 24.99

• Invitation Kit
• Features Blank Cards
• Contains 50 Cards, 100 Envelopes , 50 Seals , 50 Thank You Cards
• Cards: 6x9 "

New Avatars!

Help me select the new avatar to represent the brand new ChristieCreations!

Option 1: flower with "Do your gifts bloom?"
Option 2: Flower with name on petal
Option 3: Large name with flower
Option 4: Just flower- no name (not shown)

How to make gorgeous pomander/kissing balls

How to make gorgeous pomander/kissing balls

This was one of my last DIY projects for my wedding. I almost did not do it but I am so glad I did. I received so many compliments and it really added elegance to the aisle.

Let me preface this by saying it will take a TON of flowers to do these. I literally used 35-50 rose stems on each ball. I used varying sizes and shades of red and burgundy to give the ball dimension. All stems were medium quality - it would have cost a small fortune to use the same high quality roses I used in my centerpieces.

Supplies needed.. glue gun.. low temp, glue and melting pot (you can buy at Pat Catan's for 5 bucks) styrofoam balls (I recommend the green ones) wire cutters, rose stems, ribbon, and a few straight pins (I used the ones with pearl tops).

Things to keep in mind: when selecting the size of your foam ball, remember it will be much larger once all the flowers are in place.

Prep Work: Cut all rose (or other flower) stems and leaves off. Keep 1-1.5 inches to press into stryofoam ball. If using varying stems like I did, seperate into groups of color and size.

Begin by placing the largest roses on the ball first. Dip the stem into the glue melting pot making sure to cover the stem and bottom of rose. Fill in with the medium size roses and then the small buds to complete your pomander ball.

To attached the ribbon, hot glue the bottom of the ribbon into the top of the ball inbetween the roses where it can be completely hidden. To ensure it holds properly, use straight pins to secure to ball.

I hung my pomander balls from iron shepherd hooks special ordered from Pat Catan's (9.99 each).

How to throw a fabulous baby shower (Part 3 of 10)

No one wants to taste baby food or smell a "dirty" diaper with a melted candy bar. Let's talk baby shower games!

Who was the idiot that came up with the dirty diaper game? Did they actually think that this was something women would want to do? When was the last time you smeared peanut butter, melted chocolate, and butter into a diaper and made your closest friends guess what which one is which?

Needless to say, there are FAR better games and activities to do at a baby shower. There are two things that I always think about when planning a baby shower- would I want to do this at a shower and will it be practical for the Mom to be! Especially with the push to be "green" why not utilize activities that will further help the Mom.


Activity 1: Decorate a onesie!

This is always a hit. Babies need onesies- lots and lots of onesies. They basically live in them from birth to 12 months. Stock up on onesies of VARIOUS sizes and colors. Hang them up on a clothesline to decorate the shower venue before the activity and then after to display all the guests works of arts. Even the least crafty guest can use a paint marker to write "baby" or draw a heart.

~Christie Tip~
*when using fabric paint markers: make a dot outline of what you want to write or draw

*bring cardboard to place in between the onesies to prevent the paint from bleeding into the other side

Activity 2: Daddy Tool Belt

With the increase of coed showers, this is a great way to stock up the parents to be with all the essentials. Purchase or borrow a classic leather tool belt (Walmart sells them for under 15 dollars)

Gather all the baby care necessities: Gas drops, baby wipes, baby Tylenol, thermometer, baby butt paste, toy, bottle, baby food jar, teething ring...

And of course add some funny items like tongs, nose plug, emergency call list to Grandmas, bottle of adult Tylenol, goggles...

Have the Daddy to be wear the tool belt through out the shower. At the end of the shower, ask the guests to do one of several things:

-traditionally guests are asked to write down all the items they can remember
but to make it less predictable you can ask more specific questions like-
1. What was the flavor of the baby food?
2. What brand of diaper rash cream?
3. What color was the teething ring?

Activity 3: Name that tune- Baby style

Who doesn't love music? Pick 10 songs that have the word BABY in the title. Cue up the IPod and play name that tune. Make sure to give at least 1 minute of each song. As the hostess you know the guests the best. Select a variety of songs that will be easy and familiar to the crew along with a few toughies.

Baby Song Suggestions:

Baby - LL Cool J
Baby - Ashanti
Tell Me Baby - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Tell Me Tell Me ... Baby - NSYNC
Always Be My Baby - David Cook
Baby-Baby-Baby - TLC
Baby Baby - Amy Grant
I Got You Babe - Sonny and Cher
Baby, It's Cold Outside - Ray Charles & Betty Carter OR Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey
Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me - Mac Davis
Hey Baby - Bruce Chantell
Baby, It's You - Shirelles
Baby Love - Supremes
Ooh Baby Baby - Miracles OR Lind Ronstadt
Baby I'm-A Want You - Bread
Baby I Need Your Lovin - Four Tops
Hey Baby - No Doubt
Rockin' Roll Baby - Stylistics
Baby Boy - Beyonce
You're Having My Baby - Paul Anka
Baby Makes Her Blue Jeans Talk - Dr. Hook
Baby, I'm Yours - Barbara Lewis
Baby Workout - Jackie Wilson
...Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
Baby, What A Big Surprise - Chicago
Baby, Come To Me - Denise Austin and James Ingram
Give It To Me Baby - Rick James
Don't Worry Baby - Beach Boys
Take Good Care of My Baby - Bobby Vee
There Goes My Baby - Drifters
Baby, Don't Forget My Number - Milli Vanilli
Always Be My Baby - Mariah Carey
My Baby - Lil' Romeo
Baby You're A Rich Man - Beatles
Be My Baby - Ronettes
Baby Hold On - Eddie Money
American Baby- Dave Matthews Band
Baby Beluga - Raffi
Baby love - Diana Ross
All that she wants (is another baby) - Ace of Base
Always be my baby - Mariah Carey

Or if you are looking for more of a twist: grab your karaoke machine and make someone sing the tunes!

Most importantly, have fun!

A whole new look

As the end of the month quickly approaches, ChristieCreations is about to embark on a whole new look. Talented graphic designer, Beth Stafford, has taken Blooming Bouquets to the next level. A new logo, etsy store banner, avatar, and independent website are scheduled to debut on June 1st.

New business cards, magnets, flyers, and more will help promote the new website and expand the business into local gift boutiques.

All new backdrops are in the works. Look for a brand new look for ChristieCreations.

How to throw a fabulous baby shower (Part 2 of 10)

Welcome to the second installment of "How to throw a Fabulous Baby Shower!"

After 3 years of planning my wedding, I learned more than one person should ever know about party favors. This is the number one topic on wedding boards. What's your bridal shower favor? What's your wedding favor? and then... What's your baby shower favor?

According to wordnet.com a favor is defined as a souvenir consisting of a small gift given to a guest at a party. A party planner's definition of a party favor is the object which makes your party stand out from all the rest. Women love favors. More importantly, women remember favors!This past weekend I cohosted a first birthday party where my talented friend designed the favors. These are perfect for the "Green" Mom-to-Be that loves to recycle.

Baby food jars were saved and filled with candy (you could also place a tealight inside). A custom photo label was designed by Alexis Sykut of Luminescent Events. Contact her for pricing.

http://www.luminescentevents.com

These favors were a huge hit and such a great keepsake.As an Etsy.com boutique owner, I wanted to feature some of my talented colleagues.

One of my all time favorite sellers, LoveLeeSoaps makes the most unique, realistic, custom soaps. These would make the most adorable party favors. Here are a few of my favorites and the shower themes they would support.

http://loveleesoaps.etsy.com

This set is so adorable! It is made with moisturizing shea butter. The bird has a soft baby powder scent and the nest is chocolate. The nest has cocoa added the increases skin hydration and decreases its roughness.


Bird themed nurseries are ALL the rage right now. Why not carry that theme into the Mother-to-Be's shower theme. Stop back for tomorrow's post about themes.





Another cute theme is the "Bun in the Oven." These super strong Cinnamon Bun tarts smell incredible and are so affordable!25 for only $ 6.95.

http://theclackhouse.etsy.com

How to throw an incredible baby shower! Part 1

When I say "baby shower" what images appear in your mind? Cheesy games, pink and blue paper decorations and balloons with chatty women sitting around opening boxes and bags filled with breast pumps, diaper genies, and blankets.

Is this how you imagined YOUR baby shower?

I have thrown my fair share of baby showers and have found the out of the ordinary activities and unique themes are always well received. The number one complaint of baby shower attendees is the stupid cheesy games: dirty diaper, baby word scramble, and the infamous guess the circumference of the Mother to Be's belly. Who in the world thought that would be a good idea? My guess is a man.

Here is my Top 10 Best Baby Shower tips list:

10. Think outside the pink and blue box. There are so many color combinations out there. There is no need to stick to the traditional pastel pink and baby blue shades. Don't worry, the guests will still know that it is a baby shower.

Why not try these unique color combos?

Navy Blue, Aqua, and Crisp White

Mandarin Orange and Bubblegum Pink.

(Photo courtsey of Hostess with the Mostess)

School Bus Yellow, Kelly Green, and Cherry Red

If you must have include a pastel, try these alternatives:

Ice Blue, Beige, and Cream

And the always loved Princess Pink and Happy Green combo:

New Logos! Help me choose!

Option1 (above)

Option 2 (above)

Option 3 (above)

Option 4 (above)


Check out my new logo designs created by the talented graphic designer, Beth Stafford.

Please choose your favorite~

Do you like Beth's work? Contact her at: e_a_stafford@yahoo.com
or at http://www.momsofga.com

For a great cause....

Those of you that know the Randall family are asking what you can do to help! ? And those of you that don't know them are asking, what's going on?

Our friend Shannan and her husband Monti gave birth to a beautiful 8 pound boy last Sunday after emergency c-section. The cord came first which is the baby's lifeline to not only food but oxygen and blood. The doctors and Phoenix Childrens Hospital did all that they could, and after many tears, prayers and medical life saving measures the machines were turned off on Friday, and he was returned safely to heaven on Friday afternoon.

This was supposed to be a time of rest and relaxation for the family, but that was not meant to be. They are reeling, emotions are raw, and the funeral expenses were not expected.

This is were you come in. "WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?"

This Thursday through Saturday (hopefully many) blogs will be hosting online auctions to raise money to cover the funeral expenses, and time off work for the family.

If you will be hosting an auction or would like to donate an item email me at shannanrandall@gmail.com

I will have a list here of all the places you can shop!

AUCTION RULES AND INFORMATION
If you would like to bid on an item:*Please place your bid by leaving your Name, Email, and Bid Amount in the comments section of the item you are bidding on. The auction will go on from Thursday till Saturday, keep checking the comments to see if you need to bid higher!

IF YOU WIN THE AUCTION:*Please pay your high bid amount directly to the Baby Harry Fund at PayPal by clicking on the link on the sidebar.

*Please forward the receipt they email you to the person running the auction with your shipping address. The person running the auction will then ship your won item.

http://inhonorofharry.blogspot.com/2009/05/lets-talk-auctions.html