Becoming organized can be as basic as making a daily list.  Jotting down your errands, your groceries, and your “to-dos.” Glancing back at a list to see what you have accomplished can be very gratifying or possibly mortifying depending on what you were able to complete!  But one thing is for sure; you have put yourself on notice.  Once you write it down, you are accountable. That little list tells the story.

So… since this list is able to keep you organized and on the right track, it might as well be attractive, right? We think so!  SanLori is introducing twelve new magnetic list pads that look outstanding on your desk, your fridge or at the cash register as you complete that last exhausting errand of the day.  I’m sure being on the A- list is good for the ego but keeping a list, is good for the soul.

There are some gifts, as nice as they are to receive, are just downright problematic when it comes to presentation. Case in point…anything in a bottle!  Somehow wrapping paper ends up looking like a Pre-K papier-mache’ project and even if you buy one of those decorative bags, you still don’t have anywhere to put a card!

Introducing…. Message On a Bottle! The decorative answer to your gift-wrapping dilemma.  Perfect for wine bottles, cordials, specialty oils and vinegars.  Styles vary from an elegant approach to a bit of whimsy but they all do their part is dressing up your offering and identifying it’s intended destination.  No more bottle identity crisis. This year, your host will know who gave them that bottle of private reserve and not the Two-Buck Chuck!  Holiday and everyday styles are now available.  Cheers!

If you are supposed, “to stay,” that would imply that you are, correct?  So let’s assume for arguments sake, that you are chill, chic, trendy, hip, fly, phat, kicky or at the very least, skillful with the thermostat.  Everything is open to interpretation, after all. Today we will address this common exhortation and explore a simple path toward mission accomplished!

Korto Momolu Fill-in invitation has fashion sense.

Here is a way to beat the heat, endear you to your friends and neighbors, transcend the economic crisis and yes, “stay cool.”  Host an informal party/get-together so you can have face time, not facebook time with your friends! Remember them?

Aqua Cool

Mail an invitation. Not an e-vitation! It conveys your interest in their attendance and alerts them to the fact that you are not inviting them to come purchase items such as overly-smocked children’s clothing, questionable “fashion” jewelry or suspect kitchen items that don’t seem to have an obvious use of any kind.

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Poolside is definitely Cool-side!  Pool parties are casual, appropriate for all ages and simple to pull off. It pretty much covers the entertainment part of the equation.  It also eliminates all pretension. Lycra can only do so much.  Cannonball!

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No Pool? That’s Cool! It’s probably more comfortable inside your casa with the air cranked down and the music cranked up!  Music is like an invitation, as it sets the mood of the party.  If you want to go cool jazz, some suggestions are: Harry Connick Jr., Michael Buble’, Dave Brubeck and of course, Frank Sinatra, the chairman of the board! A martini bar wouldn’t hurt either…

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For additional stylish fill-in invitation suggestions, click here.  Happy summer!

I love food.  Let me now take that a step further and admit what I really have a jones for…. All things sweet!   So when we decided to add “Cupcake Toppers,” as one of our new products, the ole’ cogs started churning.  Just think of the testing that will need to take place.  Does this pick look better on the red velvet or the black forest gateau? I better make an extra effort to get this right and try it with the peanut butter cup or better yet… the chocolate malt ball!!

Delicious Decisions!

Well…forty-eight toppers and two dress sizes later, we have a delightful little offering that will enhance any of your iced creations.  They come in hanging bags of 8 and match many of our children’s Fiddle-de-de invitations and thank you notes, which just made your party planning that much easier! So kick back, pick your theme and just add cupcakes. A win-win for all!

Charlotte can't wait to talk about her new Cupcake Toppers!

When you hit the milestone numbers, there are two roads to go down.  You either quietly go cry in the corner while mumbling, it’s only a number, it’s only a number, or you embrace it! I say, pick door number two and have a PARTY! So with that being said, I thought I would show you a clever use of one of our invitations for a big 4-Oh party. Masquerade, anyone?

At this particular 40^th birthday party, the mask is a must.  All attendees are required to come in disguise.  This theme automatically brings some amusement to the evening when you see how your friends present their alter ego.  (In itself, could be worth the price of admission!)

This invitation was printed in Portuguese so FYI, “Festa de Mascara” is not a Mary Kay home party but indeed a masquerade event to celebrate the “40 so far” and whatever life holds in the future.  So with good design and a little imagination a fabulous evening is born. Feliz aniversario!

A new season has arrived, and with it an entirely different cadence and awareness of starting anew.  Hope has once again left its calling card with gardens bursting with color and sustenance.  It’s time to get outdoors! With this call to action, direction is essential. Perhaps it’s some type of map or field guide or almanac?  No dear… you need a P. Allen Smith Garden Deck!

Our local friend P. Allen Smith, “America’s Favorite Garden Expert,” has come out with a wonderful assortment of how-to decks that give step by step instructions on how to beautify your garden or in my case…my yard!  Addressing my patch of land as a garden, kind of sends me down the path of Pinocchio.  Let’s just say it’s a garden, in the making? I am however, encouraged that I can actually transform my residence, as I look over these handy and helpful garden home decks.  They are:  P. Allen Smith Veggies & Herbs, Rose Garden and Bulb Garden. Three different Garden Home Decks, chock full of instructional cards with beautiful photography plus an instructional 1 hr. DVD included.  So, as I catch up with my spring correspondence on my vibrant new SanLori note cards, (yes, they are amazing and you need to check them out), I thought I would let you in on a great new product at the same time! The decks make great gifts but I guarantee you will want them for yourself.  To purchase click here. Then…. Get outside!

Recently, TOTTS Magazine in Fresno California did an adorable spread about little Haidyn’s 1^st Birthday Party that was absolutely, well… Zebraliscious!  First Birthday parties are special and this crew made sure that this party was no exception beginning with  SanLori’s Fiddle-de-de Children’s Fill-In Invitations and Thank you Note Cards.  To carry the theme all the way through, look at our matching label/stickers that look great on party cups or favor bags.

If you want to see how to pull off a wild little fete like this, here in the link to TOTTS Blog for all the details!

This week leading up to the Academy Awards , the media hype has intensified as every day goes by it seems.  Who’s attending, who’s wearing who, who will take home the gold?  All of this got me thinking about what the color gold means to us as a culture.

Right out of the gate, we know it carries the cachet of monetary value or worth.  In English, it is usually used in a very affirming manner.  That’s not to say there aren’t a few negative connotations floating around out there.  (You nasty gold-digger, you!)

You’ve earned a “gold star!”  (Commendation for a job well done.)

You’re as “good as gold!” (A positive and valuable asset.)

You’re the “golden child” of the company! (Held in the highest regard, successful)

Well, you get the point.  It carries an elevated place within our culture.  So with that in mind, when you are hosting a special event, be it engagement party, formal corporate party, academy awards party or anniversary, make a choice to go for the gold. Let us help you make your event the gold standard for all others to follow!

We are headed to the New York International Gift Fair this weekend!  Please come by our booth #1862 at the Javits Center to see all the new products we have to offer in 2011.  We have a great assortment of gift items from candles to coasters and everything in-between! Featuring the Korto Momolu line of products for SanLori, a new inspirational line called, “Hold that Thought…in your mind and on your heart,”  and three new Garden Home Decks of P. Allen Smith!  I told you it was a lot!!

Fresh new products for Spring.  See you in NY.

Tell Me Something Good...

As the New Year approaches, we become reflective but also look forward with great expectancy for what’s just around the corner.  As a whole, Americans are an optimistic bunch.  I tend to proudly fall into that camp, as being on the other side doesn’t seem to be the happiest place on earth. I’ll take my pipe dreams thank you very much!

That being said, even the most hopeful amongst us needs a little push sometimes.  A kind word, a spiritual message or some plain common sense can be the very thing that lifts your spirit.   But how can you package that?

Introducing -Hold That Thought… in your mind and on your heart.  Ten inspirational decks that have one encouraging (and decorative!) thought per month.  They are presented in three functional options; acrylic easel, acrylic magnet or acrylic desk frame.  It’s a little gift of happiness to last the entire year.  To start your year on the right track press here! Happy New Year!