Calling All Kindergarten and Preschool Graduates

There is something special and a sort of right of passage when you get to wear that cap and gown and know that you are stepping into a new chapter in your lives. This is huge when you are graduating from high school or college and any higher level of education. But it also starts from when you are little. That bittersweet moment when you see your little, not so little anymore. You want to cry and squeeze them at the same time but are also soooo proud.

Although we can’t have that beautiful ceremony at school with the rest of their classmates, give them and your family something to celebrate. You can remember this day even from home. All it takes is that one paper diploma on it to make them feel so accomplished and throw in a cap to take pictures in and let them toss it in the air. And just for good measure, I am adding in other little fixings if you wanted to make it more special or having a zoom party. You do what makes you feel comfortable and will make your little happy.

I have created a party package that you can easily print in the comforts of your own home or have me ship to you. I hope this makes things a little easier for you.

Included in the party package are the following:

1. Graduation Cap Template PDF
2. Kindergarten Diploma Editable PDF
3. Preschool Diploma Editable PDF
4. Kindergarten Memory Milestone Board
5. Preschool Memory Milestone Board
6. DIY “Congrats Grad” Banner with additional Grad Cap Garland Banner cutouts
7. Photo Booth props
8. Best Award Certificate Editable PDF
9. Instructions

From the bottom of my heart, congratulations to all the graduates of the Class of 2020 and may there be many bigger and better things to come your way. You deserve the biggest party ever.

Visit our Etsy shop now for many printables and designs.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/790721890/kindergarten-graduation-kindergarten?ref=shop_home_active_2

Teacher Appreciation Week – Quarantine Edition

Teacher Appreciation Week 2020 is from May 4th to May 8th and although schools are closed, our teachers are working harder than ever in this new, unexplored territory of distance learning for them too. As a mom, I know I am struggling with homeschooling and balancing work and school with the kiddies at home. I have no idea how teachers are dealing with it when they have to completely rearrange their lesson plans and make sure everyone is on board with them. What I do know is teaching my two monkeys has been demanding and exhausting so I have no idea how teaching an entire class is. I still hope everyone tries to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and try to do something special for their teachers. For me, I wanted to create something memorable and meaningful. I wanted to have it be a keepsake of this odd time and be like a time capsule. So, I designed a form that any student can fill out highlighting what they love about their teacher, what they miss about school, and what they look forward to when they go back to stay positive. This is an easy, editable pdf file for your convenience or you can print it out and fill out by hand as well. a

I think teachers will appreciate this but it can also be a cute keepsake for kids to look back on. In addition, I created a slideshow/pdf file with a poem I wrote myself for these crazy, stay-at-home times. I had the idea that kids could send a little video message with these printouts if they like being in front of the camera, or just email it. It may be difficult to send anything physically to teachers since we don’t have their addresses but these digital files would be nice to email to them and perhaps include an electronic gift card with.

Hoping all the teachers know how much we appreciate them! Feel free to purchase my Instant Download printables in my Etsy shop! 

You may also like this inspiration typography piece to gift your special teachers!

 

 

 

The Party Must Go On

Sometimes things do not go as planned, and right now is definitely the time. I have been planning my son’s birthday for a while. He has been looking forward to it for, well, pretty much since his birthday last year. I had to make the difficult decision to cancel the party, but after thinking about, I realized I don’t have to cancel it. I can still do his party and although everyone can’t be here, I can have them be with us via FaceTime/Skype/Google Hangouts/Zoom, any of those, and everyone we love can still be here on his special day to sing to him and see him blow out his candles. The party must go on! ⁠

Visit our Etsy shop for this easy digital file that you can email or message to everyone and have them still be a part of the celebration. This is the time when we need to celebrate life even more and still keep spirits high for our children.

 

 

 

 

Life Happens, We Are Here For You

There is no denying that these are difficult times and things may not be going to planned. So many of us have had to cancel plans and special events. I know it must be extremely stressful and there are many decisions to make. I want to help where I can and offer a free digital template for you to tell your loved ones about changes. The files below are for any couples who have had to move their wedding. There are two templates: (1) with a new date you can enter and (2) with no new date planned and updates will follow.

Also, if you have ordered digital invitation files from me recently, please feel free to contact me and I can change the date on those as well. May we all stay united and healthy at this time.

With New Date

Change the Date 5×7 Template

Update to Follow

Change the Date 5×7 NO DATE Template

Out of this World Birthday Party

I have been wanting to do a constellation themed party for the longest time as it has been trending in home decor for a while. So when this boy said he wanted a out of this world, space party, I jumped at the opportunity!

The party started off with, of course, the invitations. It featured a movable, shooting rocket, raised glittered silver stars, a galactic background and on a round format invitation. It also had personalized address labels with our signature strip design.

We actually had two concepts going on and decided to partition the party into two parts. One where the adults sat and the other where the kids sat. The adult area featured a modern, clean star backdrop. The cake was simple and featured a custom cake topper.

The kids’ area featured a more playful backdrop with balloon garland, tassels, and the most adorable astronaut, rocket and moon balloon. We still wanted to keep it clean and modern and highlighted it with the phrase “oh the stars, look how they shine.”

The kid’s table featured silver garlands, geodes, star balloons, glitter moons, and a custom constellation placement that I designed.

Other details and personalization for the party included custom water bottle labels, personalized cups as party favors, and custom party favor bags.

A Wistful Wedding Filled with Magic and Wizardry

I just finished up this beautiful invitation suite for a lovely couple who wanted a magic and wizarding world inspired wedding. They wanted the inspiration to be subtle but still set the mood and the mood was set indeed.

The invitation suite consisted of a rich purple pocket slip featuring the silhouette of a castle on a hill overlooking a city. It also had the couple’s initials cut in the corner. The invitation card consisted of flowing watercolors and a feather pen for more subtle, magical references. The RSVP Card was simple but also included a wand cleverly inserted as a line for guests to fill in their name. The custom address labels were the perfect way to package the invitation. This is truly one of those invitations that makes the guests wanting more and excited to see what awaits at the wedding.

The possibilities are truly endless for this wedding but I put together an inspiration board composed of items that I found on Etsy that would be perfect for this wedding. Artisans on Etsy are truly amazing and talented. When you shop Etsy, you know you are getting something handmade with love and care, and in many cases, these artisans are available to custom design for you as well. It truly is the perfect spot to shop for your wedding when you want something unique and personalized.

Macrames! Enough said. This is the biggest trend in weddings right now and are being used everywhere from ceremonies and backdrops. This beautiful purple ombre macrame is handmade with love and attention by The Craft Room by V. The best part is that she can make them any color for you.

This brooch bouquet is everything! The diamonds and gold make it look so rich and elegant. I love the twist on the traditional floral bouquet and the best part is that you can still keep it after the wedding and it will last at no additional cost! You can find this beautiful beauty at ToshCreations and they are available to do custom designs if you want this in different colors.

Every bride needs a garter for the garter toss! This is an old tradition that has been passed on through the years and through many cultures. This one goes perfectly with our wedding theme and LeonoraB can customize these to any colors you need.

What’s a bride or a bridesmaid without jewelry? These purple floral earrings are a perfect match to your purple bridal brooch bouquet. Check this out, along with many other handmade jewelry, from Gilli’s Flowers for the bride, bridesmaids, flower girl or anyone else in the wedding party.

I love this bracelet so much because it could make a great gift for the bridesmaids that they don’t just have to wear for the wedding, but also everyday. The layers and charms give it so much character. This diamond in the rough can be made just for you by Eclectic Beadworks.

Don’t forget about something cute for your flower girl! This adorable felt bow is the perfect accessory to match your flower girl’s dress and the theme! Find them and customize them at Crafty Hands Bows and Gifts. 

And what is a magical, wizarding wedding without wands? Unique, hand-carved wooden wands to be exact! I love the craftsmanship and attention to detail from The Skilled Smith Workshop.  These can be placed at the entrance as props for the sign-in table, dessert table, centerpieces, wedding favors and anything else you can think of.

What is a wizarding wedding without a Prefect? You need to give this prefect button to your Best Man! It is just so fitting! Amazing idea from Reloved Buttons.

I am in love with this owl bookmark! How great would it look laid on a white napkin at your place setting? It would be a beautiful and unique party favor to give to your guests and goes with the theme so perfectly and yet still keeps the elegance of it all. You can find this beauty at By Kauri along with many other shapes and icons.

The is one wedding you will not want to miss!

 

 

A Wanderlust Wedding at Calamigos Ranch

I know I might say this often, but this is definitely one of my favorite weddings. Not only because it was held at the beautiful Calamigos Ranch venue in Malibu, California but because we were able to work on all the wedding signage to make a cohesive look. I will try to share pictures of the actual wedding in another blog but wanted to spotlight the signage that we did in this one first.

The main welcome table featured the Ceremony Program and the Hashtag sign, both framed in beautiful gold, ornate frames.

Everyone could find their seats  from this beautifully set up gold frame with the place cards hung on string.

The guest book was a shadowbox with the couples’ names and a slot to put little wooden hearts with guest’s names on them. Extremely sweet idea and you have a keepsake that you can put at home.

At your table, you will be able to find your table number and a bottle of wine with the menu conveniently placed on it.

It was a magical and romantic wedding to say the least. The beautiful, sunny day with the sun rays beaming in made it even more perfect.

You can find all of our wedding signage in our Etsy shop conveniently as printables!

 

Venue/Catering: Calamigos Ranch, Malibu

Event Management & Coordination: In the Clouds Events

Floral Design & Decor: In Flower Design 

Vintage Rental: DIY LA Bride

 

25 Days of Good Deeds Challenge

It’s that time of the year again. Where the holiday music is blasting, the lights are shining everywhere and everyone is in a hustle to go Christmas shopping…. but, there’s also the other side of it too. The other side which I have encountered so much more of this year that leaves me with a heavy heart. I have bumped into so many people who are without jobs, barely getting by on the jobs they do have, homeless, and many that are just very alone in life. It is suppose to be the season of giving but sadly, the unfortunate end up feeling so much more pain and loss.

I talked to my husband and felt awful because I believe I was meant to meet these people for a reason. Not to just turn my backs on them and act like nothing happened. I can give money to the homeless and donate food and clothes to the shelters but it still doesn’t seem like enough. So this is where my challenge comes in and I want all of you to help me in joining and sharing.

Please note that I am not asking you to follow my blog, or to like my page, or to follow me on Social Media, or to subscribe to my email. All I want is for you to do the challenge with me. So here it is:

25 Days of Good Deeds Challenge!

1. Print my FREE Advent Calendar (link at the bottom of the post) or give a donation by purchasing it on my Etsy shop where all the profits will go to a charity.
2. Gather with your kids and family and talk about how you will do one good deed for each day of December until Christmas.
3. Get out there and change lives.
4. Share this with anyone and everyone!
5. Hashtag #25daysofgooddeeds and tag @ladesignboutique to share what you are doing and see what others are doing to spread some cheer and love.

That’s it! It might seem hard to think of one thing a day but it really isn’t. And once you start doing it, you may realize it’s pretty easy and something you can carry on through the new year or make it an annual tradition.

But just to get you on the right foot, here are some ideas:

• give someone a compliment
• spend time with someone you haven’t seen in a while
• give someone a hug
• smile at someone or everyone!
• share something
• hold the door open for someone
• leave a heads up pennies on the sidewalk
• invite a friend to the house
• pick up trash on the floor
• tell a joke
• say thank you
• write a christmas card or thank you card to someone
• give to the poor
• donate canned foods
• donate a toy
• visit your local convalescent home or shelter and see if they need help
• do something around the house
• do something for your parents
• donate blood
• participate or help out at a marathon or charity
• go to your church and see if they need any help
• participate in Operation Christmas Child and donate a shoebox of goodies (refer to Hobby Lobby)

The possibilities are endless and it can be the smallest of gestures that changes someone’s life. But, remember one thing, for every act of kindness you do, you should not expect anything in return. This will be such an important lesson to teach your kids and if I can change the life of one person or family, I have already done my job.

Please, please, please join me in this challenge and spread the word.

Again, if you would like to make a donation to The Charity House of Mother Theresa in Vitulazio, Italy, please click this link here or the button below to be directed to our Etsy shop and make your donation by placing an order for the printables. You will also be given two extra calendars with that purchase for 25 Days of Gratefulness where you can write down everything you are grateful for. Another great lesson and tradition to do with your kids.

Otherwise, the FREE printables are below. Thank you so much for participating in the challenge! Let’s change lives and bring some cheer!

8″x10″ Advent Calendar – Click to download for FREE

11″x14″ Advent Calendar – Click to download for FREE

DIY Christmas Advent Calendars

It is that time of the year again! Getting ready for the holidays and wanting to decorate your house to get into the holiday spirit. December is just around the corner and one of the first things you will need, that you probably don’t have already, is an Advent Calendar! And not just any advent calendar, I am talking about a modern, put it on the wall, write whatever you want on it and reuse every year kind of advent calendar. Best of all, this is great for the adults and kids. Let’s be honest, the kids have been counting down to Christmas since last Christmas, so when they ask you one more time, “how many more days mommy?”, all you have to do is point them to this calendar! To kick it up a notch, you can make it into a lesson. Decide with your kids if you want to use them as just a countdown, or perhaps to remember holiday events, or even better, write down one good deed or something you are grateful for everyday! The possibilities are endless. Choose from our many styles where you get three sizes with every purchase 8×10, 16×20 and 24×36 so you can decide later what frame and size you want it to be. Start the countdown to Christmas right!

Step by step DIY Advent Calendar process:

1. Pick your style:

 

2. Purchase, download and print in any of the three sizes you want (all included with purchase!)

3. Pick out a frame to match your fabulous Christmas decor or select from our selection.

4. Voila! You have instantly made your own dry erase advent calendar. Find a dry erase marker to start filling it out!

5. Decide with your family how you want to use this calendar among the following merry ways:

• Cross off each day as you countdown to Christmas
• Write down all your holiday activities
• Write down one thing you are grateful for each day
• Make it a family activity and teach your kids to do one good deed each day
• Make it a desk calendar

6. Complete it, celebrate Christmas, be grateful, and put it away to reuse next year!

I hope this may start a new special tradition in your family. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

If you want to share another way to use this calendar or even share your actual calendar and how you are using it with your family, please feel free to tag us on Instagram or Facebook at #ladesignboutique.

Please visit our website to see our entire collection. https://www.ladesignboutique.com/collections/holiday

More Minions Mayhem Party

We got to work on a Minions birthday which only means that it was full of fun, bananas and these crazy little guys. Here are some of the things we did which were a huge hit.

A party never has a beginning without the invitation! These invitations were loved by all the guests with the minions face on the booklet cover and banana envelope liners of course!

Here is the entire backdrop complete with large minions and birthday banner and dessert table.

The cake was customized with, of course, more minions!

Party favors included hostess cakes, and small minions surprises and complete with personalized thank you tags and monograms that say “You are one in a minion”.

And what is a Minino party without the party rules???? I never get sick of seeing this! You will not cry or whine or laugh or giggle or sneeze or burp or fart, no annoying sounds! Haha

More personalized Minions signage include a “Thanks a Minion” sign and “Assemble the Minions, it’s Party time” sign.

And what is any party without photo booth props!!!! These were a blast with the kids and the adults.

Hostesss Twinkie Minions are no brainers and so easy to make and yummy in the tummy too.

And look down below for even more details to satisfy any Minion lover and fan.