An Oh-So-Glamorous Birthday Affair

Written by Editor :: Debbie Watts

Photographs by Chris J Photography

So, a little while ago we gave a little tiny sneak peek of a Birthday Party we have had in the works for some time now. A little diva turning 9, who loves animal print and anything that makes her feel like she is a star, totally ruled this party theme! We decided on hot pink and zebra print with a dash of glam for added flair and the results were a completely girlie pink and zebra explosion! We finally have all of the details and photos to share with you and we hope you love it as much as we do!

The birthday girl was dressed to impress! She wore a beautiful hot pink, white, and black tutu with a zebra print bow from Atutudes as well as a custom made shirt with her name from Ooe & Auti! Her younger brother wore an oh-so-adorable shirt from Ooe & Auti that read "I'm just here for the free cake!" The girlie theme just was not for him, but his shirt told the world his story! Last but definitely not least, the birthday girl's baby sister wore an ADORABLE outfit completely made from Amy's Buttons & Bows! She had a custom made onesie with her first initial, "C" in zebra theme {of course!!}, zebra print bloomers with hot pink ruffles on her little bottom, zebra leg warmers, and a beautiful headband with black, pink, and zebra print rolled fabric "flowers" and topped off with a few black feathers. The children were just too adorable! These outfits were great for the party and would be SO perfect for in studio photos! So adorbs!

With printable decorations designed by none other than The TomKat Studio {so amazing!} the guests were greeted with a welcome sign as they entered the hall {yes there was a hall!}. 

The little ones played BINGO on custom made BINGO cards which matched our theme {of course!} courtesy of Little Bees Graphics. They also enjoyed playing "5 Minute Makeover!" where they got to break up into groups and makeover an adult {we're talking, hair, nails, eyeshadow, the works!} the best they could in just 5 minutes! That was a truly hilarious sight!

The room was covered in hot pink and black, zebra balloons provided by Party City {they had SO many wonderful decorations & supplies to go with our theme!}. 

The dessert table was absolutely to die for! Draped in a table cloth from Party City, and wrapped with a beautiful ribbon garland from A to Zebra Celebrations, it featured Valentine themed M&M's and Hershey Kisses {the party was just before V Day!} which were served up in glass candy dishes from....THE DOLLAR STORE! Yep we said it! Sweets were provided from some pretty amazing vendors who we absolutely LOVE! There were Fudge pops from Jewel of the Lion, Cake Bites from Bite Size Delights by Ann, Glam Cookies with GLITTER from Firefly Confections, Chocolate Covered Double Stuffed Oreo Pops from Hansel & Gretel's, Hot Pink & Black Zebra Cupcakes from Kake Korner as well as a beautiful, fit-for-a-princess cake also by Kake Korner {they are SUPER talented!}. Not only was everything completely gorgeous but EVERYTHING {and I do mean everything} tasted amazing! There were no sweets to take home at the end of the party because they were such a hit, they were completely devoured! 

All of the amazing goodies were labeled with adorable pink & zebra cards from The TomKat Studio and the cards were displayed on place card holders handmade by Dazzling Expressions.

Party City provided us with all of the serving bowls, paper plates, cups, plastic-ware, tables cloths, etc. They really have it all! Magnolia Creative Co created the custom "Alyssa" plate for the birthday girl as well as the "A" tray we used to display the Fudge Pops {from Jewel of the Lion}. 

April of April's Freetime hand painted a BEAUTIFUL vase for us that really added a sparkling touch to the dessert table. We filled the vase with gems from Party City and Fudge Pops. The custom vase was oo-ed and ahh-ed over by all of the guests! 

Hot pink and zebra print poms from Perfect Poms were used to decorate the cake table and provide a beautiful background for the cake and cupcakes from Kake Korner. The cupcakes were topped with adorable pinwheels from Pinwhirls as well as custom party circles from The TomKat Studio. They were wrapped in matching cupcake wrappers also provided by Pinwhirls! Completely FAB! 

The Cake Bites from Bite Size Delights by Ann were beautifully displayed on a cake pop stand created by Ali's Keepsake Art Cakes. Alison is simply amazing and will custom create her stand to match your theme. We absolutely love ours and since we didn't use cake "pops" but rather bites, she left out the holes for us in true custom fashion.

As guests made their way to the exit when the party was over, they were thanked with custom made favor bags from Creative Expressions. The favor bags were filled with some super cute and oh-so-girlie, pink & zebra themed goodies. Glam Lipstick Cookies from Firefly Confections, which were tied off with "Thank You" tags from The TomKat Studio, were a lovely parting treat. Each little girl received a custom handmade zebra hair bow with a hot pink princess crown from Grace Bows, and a pair of zebra print Baxies! 

We have heard such rave reviews from all of the guests on every little detail of the party from the party printables {banner, welcome sign, invitations, water bottle labels, party circles, and thank you tags} to the goodies, to the display items, to the favor bags and treats. Everything was a HIT! We hope you love it as much as we do and if you are inspired to throw a zebra print bash, whether it's for a child such as this was or baby shower, or even for a bride-to-be, hot pink & zebra is a HUGE hit right now!

Shop the Party:

Tutu: Atutudes

Custom shirt for Birthday girl and brother: Ooe & Auti

Custom baby outfit: Amy's Buttons and Bows

Printable Decorations: The TomKat Studio

Ribbon Garland: A to Zebra Celebrations

Balloons, Paper plates, Plastic-ware, Chip bowls, table cloths: Party City

Cake Pop Stand: Ali's Keepsake Art Cakes

Hand Painted Vase: April's Freetime

Poms: Perfect Poms

Place card Holders: Dazzling Expressions

Custom Plate & Tray: Magnolia Creative Co.

Pinwheels & Cupcake Wrappers: Pinwhirls

Printable BINGO game: Little Bees Graphics

Favor Bags & Fillings: Creative Expressions, Firefly Confections, Grace Bows, and Baxies!

All the yummy treats: Jewel of the Lion, Hansel & Gretel's, Bite Size Delights by Ann, Firefly Confections and Kake Korner

We had such fun putting this entire affair together and seeing it come to life and we really want to say a HUGE thank you to all of the vendors who worked with us on this. This is a birthday that will never be forgotten!!

Be sure to "LIKE" our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for more amazing parties and of course all of your weekly momAHOLIC finds and must haves!

Etsy Love: Pixiedust Pretties

Pixiedust Pretties is an oh-so-adorable shop on Etsy that offers gorgeous headbands, tutu sets, crib shoes, and much more! You just have to see for yourself! The customer service is phenomenal as Alison is simply amazing! We asked her a few questions about her shop and her passion to help you get to know her better. You will absolutely love her!

Flower Gem Headband - $4.99

1.What inspired you to start your business, Pixiedust Pretties?

My daughter Brynlee is my biggest inspiration in creating my designs. From the moment I found out I was having a baby girl I could not get enough headbands for her. I wanted one in every color and style. I started out learning to make headbands for my daughter and after realizing how passionate I was about creating them I decided to make and sell headbands for other little girls as well. It is my mission to create headpieces worth buying an outfit for! From there, I started adding other “pretties” to my collection such as bloomers, rhinestone tees, tutus and tutu dresses.

Pink Princess Tutu Dress - $37.99

2. What is your favorite thing about owning your own business?

The flexibility is one of my favorite parts of owning my own business, especially since I work from home. I have the luxury of being with my children all day and being able to work at the same time. It can get a bit crazy at times but every time my three year old son says, “Mom, that dress is beautiful”, it puts a smile on my face and reminds me of how encouraging and supportive my family is of Pixiedust Pretties. 

Triple Satin Flower Headband - $8.99

3. Do you have a favorite item or best seller?


One of my best sellers is my double layer “initial” hairbow. I think people like to buy clothing and accessories that is custom made especially for them. This bow is very versatile because it is placed on an alligator clip and comes with a crochet headband. The child is able to wear it as a headband when she is a baby and then able to clip it in her hair when she is older. 

Double Layer Initial Heaband - $7.99

4. What's up next for Pixiedust Pretties?

My goal is to ensure each customer is truly satisfied and can not wait to shop with me again! I would like to continue being featured on flash sale sights as I feel it is great exposure and a great opportunity for my customer to get my product at a big discount. I have recently been featured on Zulily and Kudzoom and hoping to be showcased again shortly! It is such a joy for me to be able to share my passion for “girly things” with everyone.

Our little model wearing her Pixiedust Pretties headband!

Congrats to Alison for being featured on so many wonderful sale sites! We are completely smitten with our bows from Pixiedust Pretties and will definitely be getting more! "LIKE" Pixiedust Pretties on Facebook today to receive 20% off your first purchase then go grab some Valentine's Day hair bows for your little princess to wear this V-Day!

X's and O's and a Sweet Giveaway!

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and we've got the scoop on your go-to places for gifts, decorating ideas, adorable outfits for your babes and more!

Start your love fest off right with a beautiful Valentine's Day wreath {$45}, from Blissful Meandering on Etsy, hanging on your front door. We absolutely love this wreath's classic chic beauty and deep red hue, it says "Love is in the air in this house!" Read on to find out how you can WIN this beautiful Valentine's Day wreath from Blissful Meandering, in time for this Valentine's Day!

Don't forget to decorate inside too! Banners, and garland, and art oh my! Everything you see pictured about can be found on Etsy as well!! Here are the details:

{1.} Vintage LOVE Banner from SeasonalDelights - $18 {2.}14' Red & White Hearts Garland from polkdadot shop - $14.50 {3.} Glittery XOXO Wood Letters from CraftJunkie28 - $22.99

Be sure to dress your little babes up in their Valentine's wear from Kiddy Up on Etsy. They have Valentine's shirts galore for both your little girl babes and little boys ranging from $8-$18

A gift for him: Red Sea Glass Cuff Links - $163 from West Coast Sea Glass

A gift for her: Valentine Personalized Heart Necklance $30 from Petitor

Printables and Yummy Treats: Seen above is an entire printable Valentine's Day party collection from The Pomegranate Shop for only $10.50. This is perfect for sending to school with your little babe or hosting a Valentine's Day party for your class or daycare. 

Below: Lollipops, Cake Pops, and Cookies galore. Valentine's Day is not complete without these amazing treats!

1. One Dozen Valentine's Day Cookies from The Fancy Lady Gourmet - $30

2. One Dozen Cake Pops - $20

3. Classroom Package of 30 Lollipops from Custom Candy Creations - $15

Read on to find out how to win the amazing Valentine's Day Wreath from Blissful Meandering!!

the momAHOLIC diaries Brings You, Cloth & Crown

Just before Christmas we gave you a little teaser of a feature to come {Merry Christmas, Santa Baby!}. Today we would like to introduce you to Cara. Cara owns a shop called Cloth & Crown on Etsy and is the designer of the adorable outfit that our little model was wearing in our Merry Christmas, Santa Baby photo. We can't say enough how much we LOVE Cara and her work. She is super sweet and fun to work with. We could tell how much she loves creating for others from our very first chat with her and we know you'll love her just as much as we do when you read our quick q+a with her!

{Top} Petal Hat & Tutu Diaper Cover Set $40
{Bottom} Monogram Baby Teddy Bear Stripe Beanie $25

{Tell us about yourself and your business.}

HI! My name is Cara Crowley and I am the founder of Cloth & Crown. I have another full time job and I have two teenage sons who inspire me every day. I come from a long line of people who love creating with their hands. My sweet mom taught me to crochet and sew when I was a little girl and instilled in me a love of all things crafty. She also makes items you see in my shop. I love being able to walk this adventure with her! Life can dish out a lot of 'hard and serious' for so many of us and we need more love and fun. This is why I love to mix the classic with the whimsical in my designs. 

{Left} Marble Newsboy Beanie & Diaper Cover Set $30       {Right} Flower Diaper Cover & Headband Set $32

Cloth & Crown sells unique handmade baby products such as hats and shoes. We make a lot of items for photographers to use in their photo sessions and for a lot of moms wanting unique items for their sweet babies. In a world of mass production where products are made ever more cheaply each year, we strive to ensure each item is of the highest quality and perfectly made for the precious little ones who will be wearing them.

{Top} Peacock Opal Rose Headband Photo Prop $30
{Bottom} Baby Bear Girl Shoe $25

{What is your favorite part about having your Etsy shop?}

I love every aspect of the business. I love the personal aspect of working directly with my customers to create their items and hearing about their little ones or babies on the way. I love being able to just be free and create. Love getting feedback and photos from customers of their baby wearing one of my products. I adore working with my mom and seeing her talent on display. I have also been so blessed by who has crossed my path because of the shop. I have loved meeting and working with Avery Grace Photography. She is so sweet and amazingly talented - her photos help sell my products and I'm so grateful.

{Left} Pink Crochet Headband with Satin Pink Bow & Pearl Bead Photo Prop $10 (does not include crochet hat)
{Right} Yellow Newsgirl Beanie & Diaper Cover with Ruffles Set $25 (sale today only, regularly $30)

{When did you know you wanted to open your shop, Cloth & Crown?}

Cloth & Crown actually came about a year or so ago. I was creating gifts for all my friends and family members who were expecting. After lot of encouragement and a little pushing from loved ones, I took the risk and opened up shop! I couldn't be more grateful for them. I am loving every minute of it! 

{Top Right} Black and White Newborn Hooded Cocoon $35
{Bottom Left} Cream Newborn Hooded Cocoon $35

{What can we look forward to in the future from you?}

I have so many ideas on what to do next!! I have a spring line rolling out full of new cute and cuddly items. I am working on a 100% organic line too! I also will be adding more knitted items. Love knitted products! I have three shows the first quarter of the year at Project Mom Conferences - I can't wait to meet all the moms in attendance! Plus, I really want to get the blog up and running, but we shall see! =)




Cara's creations are seriously some of the cutest! If you have a new little one coming, a baby shower to attend, or are a photographer, you NEED to get over to Cloth & Crown NOW and buy your favorite item for the cutest pictures you have ever seen. It's an absolute must!!


Other than the photos we've shown you here, there are TONS of other items in Cara's shop {Cloth & Crown} on Etsy including adorable holiday outfits such as the one she sent to us for Christmas. We are so thankful to have been able to work with such a sweetie and that we can share her work with our readers. 


PS: Did you notice that the Newsgirl set is on sale today??? 15% off! Regularly $30 and is only $25 BUT only for today!! 


A super huge thanks to Avery Grace Photography for all of the adorable photos and allowing us to use them for our feature on Cloth & Crown!

Etsy Love - We Can't Get Enough!

If you're looking for the perfect way to welcome guests when they reach your front door, or maybe a personalized gift for a loved one, or even for yourself, we found THE perfect place to get exactly what you want! Nothing is more customized to your needs/wants than something handmade from an Etsy shop and we just LOVE the handmade art from Bronwyn Hanahan Art. You can find anything from adorable door hangers, to personlized picture frames, wall art, and more! 

Personalized Winter Snowman $45

How adorable your front door will look with a hand painted snowman hanging on it to cheerfully greet your neighbors and guests this winter! This is a MUST HAVE for every cozy home and the best part is that it is sealed with a protective finish so you can use it every year! You can find other door hangers in the Bronwyn Hanahan Art shop on Etsy if the snowman doesn't meet your needs, such as the Our Home Door Hanger, which can be personalized with your family's last name!

Our Home Door Hanger $55

We were so fortunate to chat with the artist, Bronwyn, to find out a little bit about her creations and her shop on Etsy.

Grannies Canvas Wall Art $15

{1} Tell us about yourself and your business.

There is no rhyme or reason to my artistic style...I just love to create! My style is very simple. I love things that make me happy, whether it be fun colors, cute ribbons, or anything that sparkles. If I can put all of these things together to make something happy, I am pleased! I am so lucky to be able to do what I love each day.

Personalized Picture Frames $15

{2} What inspired you to start your business?

I was inspired to start my business when my daughter, Elizabeth, went off to college and needed to decorate her dorm room. I wanted her to be surrounded by bright, happy colors, as well as inspirational words. This is really when I started Bronwyn Hanahan Art. Since then I have been helping little girls and moms add fun pieces to their own rooms!

Happy Art $75

{3} Do you have a favorite item or best seller?

I don't really have a favorite item, but I would say my best seller is a piece titled "Happy Art". This piece is very simple, yet filled with inspiration. Moms and grandmothers seem to really enjoy purchasing this piece for the girls in their lives.

Silly Circle Stool $40

{4} What are your plans for the future of your business?

My daughter has recently graduated from college and has helped me launch the internet side of Bronwyn Hanahan Art. It has been very fun watching her create this side of the business. In the future I hope to be able to spend more time in my studio creating, because I find that my studio is where I am the happiest!

Hanging in our office!

We love our custom Snowman Door Hanger so much, we just HAD to share this shop with you! Head over to Bronwyn Hanahan Art today to purchase your favorite handmade item! Don't forget to "LIKE" the Bronwyn Hanahan Art Facebook Page!

Showcasing a FAB Etsy Shop: Cotton Corner

Back in September, we briefly shared with you an ADORABLE photo prop we found on Etsy {see here}. Since then, we have been working with the designer, Kim, to bring you an exclusive interview and giveaway! 

Kim and her mom

We asked Kim a few questions to get to know her better and what inspires her passion and creativity. Here, she tells us all the details!

{1} Tell us about yourself and your shop, Cotton Corner...

I am a mother of six children ranging in ages of 15 to 4 years old. I have a

wonderful Husband who has supported me in my goal of staying home to care for our children. And though things have been tight at times we have been able to accomplish this.

{2} What inspired you to start your business?

I developed a love for crafting, sewing, and embroidery at an early age from my own mother. I did not know how to crochet until just recently. I saw some adorable crocheted hats and wanted to learn how to make them. Having such a talented mother has been a great blessing she showed me the basic stitches. From there I started making all kinds of crocheted items and learning more and more along the way. This opened a door for me to begin my own little business on ETSY.

{3} What is your favorite part about owning your own business?

I love to create things for people and my ETSY shop allows me to do this. I love that I can stay home with our youngest daughter and still help our family financially.

{4} Do you have a favorite item or best seller?

My best selling items are the ankle booties. They are a great way to keep little toes warm and protected and very stylish too!

{5} What's up next for Cotton Corner?

In the future I hope to expand and offer even more items such as scarves, blankets for photo shoots, a wider variety of hats, diaper covers and more. A special thanks to the momAHOLIC diaries for the opportunity to showcase some of my items from my shop in a giveaway.

{aww thank YOU Kim!}

Visit Kim's shop on Etsy to purchase any of the amazing items featured here plus SO much more! 

Read on to enter to win the gift set pictured below!

Check Out These Black Friday DEALS!!

If you are doing your Black Friday shopping ONLINE today check out these hot deals on Etsy!

Black Friday through Cyber Monday take 25% off all hair accessories in the ready to ship section at Love in Bloom Boutique!

This little boys onesie is only $10 at the We Choose Joy Etsy shop!

and check out Pink Parchment Soaps for tons of adorable soaps to give as Holiday gifts!! 

We LOVE these Troll Rubber Duck Soaps!

USE COUPON CODE "BlackFriday" to receive 20% off at Pink Parchments Soaps!

HAPPY SHOPPING!