{Designer's Challenge} Meet the Challenger - A to Zebra Celebrations

My how time flies when you are having fun. It's the middle of August already! We are only 7 weeks away from the reveal of the challengers entries! The pressure is brewing. Today, we are meeting the lovely Nancy from A to Zebra Celebrations! Nancy has an AMAZING Etsy shop where she sells everything from table runners to banners to ribbons skirts.  She has the perfect accessory for your event!  Without further adieu, let's Meet Nancy!  

1.   What is your favorite color?

It's between pink and red

2.   What is the best bargain you ever got?

mason jars at Goodwill for $.35 cents

3.   Are you a beach or pool person?

Pool

4.   Do you still ride roller coasters?

yes! in fact, I went on one last week while I was at Knotts Berry Farm!

5.   What is your favorite vacation spot?

Maui, HI where I got married

6.   What is your most embarrassing moment?

When my thong fell out of my pant leg at Hobby Lobby...yup! apparently I don't know how to fold laundry or put it away...lol

7.   What is your favorite sound?

my little girls' laughter

8.   What would you describe as your design style? Trendy, Modern, Classy & Fun

9.   Who is your biggest inspiration?

If we are talking about parties- Jen from HWTM and Amy Atlas

10.                If you could have a theme song, what would it be?

"Get the party started" by PINK

11.                If you could pick any reality TV star that relates to you, who would it be?

Not sure...sorry

12.                What's a motto you live by?

Ohhh there are so many, but here's a couple that I love: "Don't compare yourself to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about." "She believed she could, so she did". "You can do anything, but not everything". 

Here are a few pictures from Nancy's favorite party of her own.  This is what she had to say about it.  "My favorite party event has to be my daughter's zebra party because it all started from there. It's not necessarily "my best" styling I think, but I am just emotionally attached to this party....lol  It's just special to me :)"  
I just love this!!!  Oftentimes an event may not be what "we" would consider our best work but is still just as special none the less! Great work Nancy! 

How cute is Miss Ashley! 

See more photos from this fantastic party here!

Find A to Z Celebrations! 

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{Designer's Challenge} Meet the Challenger - Little Shindigs

We are back with our little 12 question interview from our next challenger, Natalie of Little Shindigs.  I'm so happy that Natalie said "Yes" and I can't wait to see what she has in store for this challenge.  Her lovely vintage style is something that I have admired for sometime now. {sidenote} Natalie is also the creative goddess behind the new shop called The Knock-Knock Factory.  Make sure you check them all out! 

Let's Meet Natalie! 

1. What is your favorite color?

Robbins nest egg blue

2. What is the best bargain you ever got?

Ummm....I sorta, kinda...only do bargains, lol!

A better question would be- what have I splurged on the most!

3. Are you a beach or pool person?

If I don't have to get in the water..def beach. I get bored at the pool...and I think sand castles are cool!

4. Do you still ride roller coasters?

Heck to the NO!!!

Hated them when I was young. Only tolerated it to be cool. Kind of like Twitter!

 I still think amusement parks are fun though. I just rather go on the little train rides and eat funnel cakes.

5. What is your favorite vacation spot?

Anyplace where I can "drink" the water.

6. What is your most embarrassing moment?

Shopping with my then 2 year old daughter and saying a bad word in front of her bc I dropped something by accident. She thought the word was funny and decided to repeat it over and over and again. Loudly.

7. What is your favorite sound?

Mommy...I'm sleepy.

8. What would you describe as your design style?

Kitschy

9. Who is your biggest inspiration?

My kids. I know that might sound sappy but its true. They are only 4 and 6 but know A LOT about parties.

They will tell me is something isn't cool enough and they also think I happen to be THE BEST PARTY PLANNER they know! They don't read blogs yet.

10. If you could have a theme song, what would it be?

Def the Copa Cabana. Yes, I said it. Berry is a lyrical genius:)

 Most people want to laugh or dance when they hear that song. I will take either in a heartbeat.

11. If you could pick any reality TV star that relates to you, who would it be?

Wow...that is a tough one!

Mama Elsa? I have a thing for the stars.

12. What's a motto you live by?

Dance like nobody is watching:)

Here are a few photos from Natalie's own favorite celebration, Dr. Seuss!  Visit her website for even more! 

 Find Little Shindigs 

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ETSY

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{Designer's Challenge} Meet the Challenger - Piggy Bank Parties

Today we are back with our latest “Meet the Challenger” contest, Do Driver of Piggy Bank Parties!  I was so honored when Do accepted our request to be a contestant. I’m such a fan of her work and I love that she is a “frugalista” like me and offers creative ways to host a fabulous event on a budget.  I love that! 

1.    What is your favorite color?

Red....but I also love piggy pink!

2.    What is the best bargain you ever got?

My husband. I thought I was marrying a software engineer but I snagged an amazing artist and webmaster who works for food and one-liners!

3.    Are you a beach or pool person?

Both. This lil' piggy is originally from Michigan which requires me to be within 15 miles of water at all times!

4.    Do you still ride roller coasters?

Yes, but I now ask myself this question on the first big climb, "Why am I doing this again?"

5.    What is your favorite vacation spot?

Disney World. We went there for our honeymoon!

6.    What is your most embarrassing moment?

Recently? Turning the corner in the grocery store, slipping on spilled water and almost doing the splits. I caught myself before I went down all the way. Thought I had survived without anyone seeing until an extremely loud voice rang out, "Are you okay?!? You came inches from hitting your head on the floor! Hey, is there anyone who can clean up the floor?!?" Have you seen a red pig lately?

7.    What is your favorite sound?

Water gently lapping against the shoreline.

8.    What would you describe as your design style?

Fun, Whimsical and Quirky!

9.    Who is your biggest inspiration?

My hubs and Piggy Bank Parties' illustrator, J. He took a leap of faith into the world of illustration in his late 30s having never drawn before (except when he was a little kid). There are times his creations actually take my breath away and render me speechless. His artwork inspires and challenges me to create invitations, partyware and parties worthy of his illustrations.

          10.   If you could have a theme song, what would it be?

            “I am Piggy.  Hear me Oink!” (To the tune of, “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy)

          11.    If you could pick any reality TV star that relates to you, who would it be?

Duff Goldman, "The Ace of Cakes." He creates very detailed designs with a little humor mixed in. Duff also surrounds himself with people who are not just co-workers but freakishly talented friends.

12.What's a motto you live by?

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."




Here are some photos from Do's All Time Favorite Party "Charlie Brown Inspired Birthday"  

 

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ETSY

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{Designer's Challenge} Meet the Challenger - Love the Day

Happy Wednesday!

Today we are back with our series “Meet the Challenger” to meet next challenger, the lovely Lindi of Love the Day!  Lindi and I have one major thing in common, we both get our creative genius from our mothers!  Without further adieu Meet Love the Day. 

1.    What is your favorite color?

It changes ALL THE TIME, but I consistently come back to shades of yellow (especially mustard yellow).

2.    What is the best bargain you ever got?

I was able to get CS5 for $30! WHOA! Best bargain ever. I seriously felt like I was stealing.  

3.    Are you a beach or pool person?

If I lived by the beach, I would be there all the time. But because I live next to a pool, I take my girls every afternoon.

4.    Do you still ride roller coasters?

Yes, but really lame ones. I think the 2 looper at Disneyland is my max.

5.    What is your favorite vacation spot?

My family and I love to travel to small surf towns (especially in Mexico) with little tourism and great waves.

6.    What is your most embarrassing moment?

When I was in High School I was working out in the gym (the whole football team happened to be there) and during a clean & press I lost my balance & the bar. The bar hit the mirror shattering it and then one by one I watched 14-15 panels of mirrors shatter in a wave around the room. It was mortifying.

7.    What is your favorite sound?

My girls giggling in the other room or really loud thunder storms.

8.    What would you describe as your design style?

I don't think there is one style that defines me. I like to experiment! But I would say that I consistently try to use non-traditional color schemes.

9.    Who is your biggest inspiration?

My mom. She is the most creative person I know. I owe much of Love The Day to her.

10. If you could have a theme song, what would it be?

I don't know about a theme song, but Never Say Never by the Beibs always inspires me to run faster and accomplish more. Don't judge.

11. If you could pick any reality TV star that relates to you, who would it be?

Uhmm, I am totally pulling a blank here. I scream like Mary Murphy when I get super duper excited. Does that count?

12. What's a motto you live by?

        "today is a wonderful day" - my uncle Bill

Here are a few photos from Lindi's favorite party her Sunshine Party.  It is just beautiful! 

Find Love The Day

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{Designer's Challenge} Meet the Challenger - Bird's Party

Today we are back with our {Meet the Challenger} series and I’d like to introduce you to our one and only only international challenger, all the way from England!  Meet Bird from Bird’s Party! 

Bird, Creative Designer, Bird's Party

1.   What is your favorite color?

Used to be purple when I was going through a teenage "goth" phase..but it's now Pink!

2.    What is the best bargain you ever got?

I love thrift stores, flea markets and charity shops so whenever I go to these places I always manage to find a bargain!

3.    Are you a beach or pool person?

Beach. A lot more eye candy! ;)

4.   Do you still ride roller coasters?

I would if I had the time. I LOVE them!!

Hope that when my kids grow up a bit we'll be "roller-coastering" together!

5.   What is your favorite vacation spot?

St Tropez.. so far. 

6.            What is your most embarrassing moment?

Hummm... toughie! There are so many! LOL

No seriously, I think maybe with age one becomes less self conscious...or more thick-skinned? 

So I honestly can't remember last time I was "embarrassed". 

7.            What is your favorite sound?

My daughter (3) singing songs she hears on TV. 

She's at the age where she can't quite pronounce things as they should be, so it's hilarious!

8.   What would you describe as your design style?

I was thinking about this the other day....and came to the conclusion that my style is not just one style. I design 

based on my moods, what I see, based on what I love and above all would use myself. 

So, I guess you could say my design style is "selfish"?!! 

9.            Who is your biggest inspiration?

My children for sure! 

10.       If you could have a theme song, what would it be?

Not sure what the song title is, but if I sing "sugar, tut, tut, tut, tut tut, ooooh, honey, honey, tut, tut, tut, tut..you are my candy girl, and you've got me wanting yooooouuuuu..." 

Does that mean anything to you?

11.       If you could pick any reality TV star that relates to you, who would it be?

Oh Nigella! Especially when she pops back to her fridge (after dark) to tear pieces of cake and stuff in her nightgown? 

Soooo me! :)

12.       What's a motto you live by?

"Keep calm, and have a cupcake"

Here are a few photos from Bird's favorite party, Red Riding Hood Inspired Woodland Party.  

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