{Friday Freebie} Weekly To-Do List

Better late than never!  Friday's Freebie is here just in time for Monday morning and for you to get ready for your week!  We're working hard to get the L&S office organized and with that in mind, this week's printable was born.  

Be a STAR: just print this lovely little To-Do list and stay on top of your chores for the week! =)

Try it out, it's free! Just click the image above to download! =)

{Etiquette Thursday} When should I send invitations?

When planning your invitation set, one of the very first things I'll ask is "When is the event?" This determines when we should get to work on your design and most importantly, the completion date.

According to The Knot, formal invitations for events such as weddings should be sent 8 weeks (and no later than 6 weeks) prior.  If you are sending RSVP's, invitations should reach your guests with ample time to respond. RSVP's should be returned no less than 3 weeks before the event to allow ample planning and preparation.  


For parties, showers and other informal events, 3-4 before the event should suffice.  Just be sure you've left enough time for your guests to clear their calendar and prepare for a gift.

If you are planning to use one or our invitations or custom designs it's best to let us know so as soon as possible.  We can then get you on our calendar and plan your design in plenty of time before your invites should hit the mailbox!

Is it time for a Royal Wedding Invitation makeover?

courtesy of jezebel.com

1,800 of these fancy pants invites hit the mail last week...and ohhh what I wouldn't give to see one!  I don't want to actually go to the wedding...but I'd love to feel the paper, inspect the envelope and see how the real Royals roll!

The folks over at The Wire weren't so impressed.  And from the looks of the photos, I  can't say I disagree.  The design is simple and traditional, but with all of the amazing designs available today...these just seem boring.

It wouldn't take much to bring the design up to date.  Adding a shimmering golden pouch or pocket to the design with the Royal emblem on the front would be beautiful, and still keep the traditional design intact.

What do you think?  Is it time for a Royal Wedding Invitation makeover? Or does traditional always win?

{Friday Freebie} Sunny Days Cupcake Toppers

It's been beautiful this week in Atlanta, and it's killed my winter blues!  Thank goodness! In honor of that lovely sunshine, I created a new Sunny Days set!  It's the first in my Party Printables series and will be available in .pdf and print format.  The set's not quite finished yet, but I couldn't resist sharing the Cupcake Toppers for this Friday's Freebie! =)

Just print, and print or punch as needed!  (There were set up for use with any 2" craft punch). 

Just click the image to download!

Ettiquette Thursday: Are Thank You Notes from Children Necessary??

One of my favorite little girls recently turned one and had one of the most precious birthday parties I've ever been to.  She was showered with adorable cupcakes by Sugar Baker's, all the candy she could ever want, and presents for days.

Afterwards, her mother and I started discussing the need for Thank You notes.  Is it really necessary to send Thank You notes these days? From a 1 year old?

I think that there is absolutely nothing wrong with teaching your child good manners, even at an early age.  Of course, the child can't write the notes herself but lots of Mom's choose to write in the child's voice. Others simply write from the family as whole.  Personally, it doesn't matter...any gesture of appreciation is acceptable.

Thank You notes are a great way to show your creativity!  Use photos from the party to personalize your notes and be sure to include any cute stories mentioning their attendance or gift.  Once the child is old enough to 'help' let them draw pictures or even use fill-in-the-blank Thank You notes so they can add their own details. 

What do you think?  Do you send Thank You notes for birthday gifts?  What about at Christmas? Are Thank You notes still necessary?

Etiquette Thursday: Do you have a baby shower for your second child?

It's Etiquette Thursday!  This week I'm talking babies!

I recently saw an expecting friend ask on Facebook "Do you have a baby shower for your second child?"

There is an old belief that baby showers are only thrown for first-born children. The thought was that the mother already had all the baby gear making another shower unnecessary.  The reality is, with each child comes new needs and new expenses and this old way of thinking is quickly going by the wayside. 

I believe every child is special and should be celebrated in some way.  Non-traditional showers are a great way to change things up the second time around. Diaper Showers (where guests bring only diapers and formula) are great for Moms who may not need all the baby gear again.   Luncheons and Brunches are another great way to get the ladies together to welcome a new bundle of joy without all the fuss of a full shower. 

I asked a Mom-friend if she wanted another baby shower if she decides to have another child.  Her response...'It depends.  If I have another girl, I don't have the space or storage for even more girl stuff.  But if it's a boy, I'll need everything.'  And she's right...it really all depends on what the Mother wants and needs.  It might be best to ask her what she wants, that's what's most important anyway. =)

What are your thoughts?  Should every baby get a shower?  Or is that too much??