Happy 2014 - New Year, New Look and New Energy!

A Few Pictures from 2013 by B.Nute productions

I love January. New Years always gives me fresh new energy. I'm ready to tackle projects I've put off for months or start something new. Yes, it's like setting New Years resolutions, but I don't make a big deal about it. So come February or March, if somethings have fallen to the wayside, that's OK. 

In December, I did a little soul searching. With 6 1/2 years of blogging on B.Nute productions, I was ready for a little change, but I didn't quite know what. A new look to the blog? Definitely needed. A little clean up and reorganization of content? Yes, of course. But what else?

New Year & New Direction for B.Nute productions!

Happiness is Being a Designer by B.Nute productions

Happy New Year! I'm back from a wonderful holiday vacation and ready to dive into my "NEW" work. No, I'm not stopping what I've been doing this past 5 years, I'm just hoping to do MORE of it... more designs, more parties, more blogging, more fun! Let me explain...

2012 was quite a year for me at B.Nute productions. Business boomed!! (Thank you, thank you, thank you!) I've been so honored by the amazing positive feedback, compliments of my work and orders I've received. This incredible energy boost kept me going for many months of full days, late nights and long weekends... but alas, I must say, my family and personal life began to take a toll.

After much soul searching and business brainstorming this fall, I realized I was losing what I loved to do the most -- DESIGN! With proofs, everyday communications, productions, packaging, shipping and more, I had very little time to create new designs, blog fun free printables or do the things I set out to do. I realized I wanted that back... but how?

Focusing on my print on demand shop on Zazzle (and potentially other sites down the road) is my answer! The beauty of a site like Zazzle is it will get me out of the proofing/production/shipping business, and get me back to the design business! More time, more designs, more blogging and more fun! Here's how:

• No Proofing Time - Head to my shop, find a design you like, enter your party details on the right and watch the proof update on the left! No wait, and you are ready to order! (By the way, white envelopes are included in invitation orders.)
• Fast Shipping Time - I've been very impressed with Zazzles fast shipping time-- they have loads of details on their site about shipping times, so take a look.
• Great Customer Service - Zazzle has done a great job in my experience with customer service. They are quick to respond and answer any questions. They also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee (on production of product.) Can't beat that!
• Questions- Although I won't be answering every email and question (Zazzle handles the ordering/production/shipping/etc.), I love hearing from you! Feel free to email me any time to ask about a design, request a new theme or whatever you'd like: questions@bnute.com! 

So, for now, my Etsy shop is on sabbatical as I journey down this new path. I have loads of invites to add to my Zazzle shop (that were in my Etsy shop), and many more up my sleeve I can't wait to design. Definitely email me if you can't find what you are looking for.

Thanks again for all your wonderful support. Here's to a fabulous 2013!

2012 - A Year Full of Celebrations!

Twenty-twelve is Here!

What do the following things have in common?

A dragon.

The number 13.

5 rings.

A missing day.

An ancient calendar.

A new or renewed leader.

Any thoughts? Well, these are just a few of the things that will be happening in 2012:

• Chinese New Year- the year of the dragon
• Three, yes, 3 Friday the 13ths in 2012
• Summer Olympics in London
• Leap Year
• Mayan Calendar predictions
• Presidential election

Think of the parties and celebrations to be had-- How about a very lucky Friday the 13th party? A Dragon party? A Summer Olympics party? A Party for the End of the World? An Election Night Party? The list goes on and on.

Happy New Year to all! I can't wait to be a part of 2012 with you!

Cocktail Ideas for 2012: Ring in the New Year with the 2012 Themed Cocktail

Close Up from B.Nute productions New Year's Banner

Time to say good bye to 2011, and ring in the New Year! Below are some cocktail ideas, perfect for your welcoming 2012 and beyond!

Red Dragon Cocktail
In January of 2012, the Chinese New Year will be welcoming the year of the Dragon. Offer up a Red Dragon Cocktail at your New Year's gathering to start the dragon celebration early. (recipe from cocktailmaking.co.uk)

• 1 cup Blood Orange Juice
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 8 oz. Tequila
• 7 oz. Triple Sec
• 1 blood orange peel for garnish
• Mix the orange juice and sugar in a sauce pan on low heat to get a syupy texture. Allow to cool. Combine rest of ingredients (besides peel) into a large pitcher. Add ice, and pour into a margarita glass. Garnish with orange peel.

The Purple Mayan
As we all know, the ancient Mayan calendar has some pretty hefty predictions for late 2012. Here's a cocktail to toast to this myth, and live long after 2012! (recipe from End of Times Party)

• 6 oz. can Limeade - frozen
• 9 oz. Tequila
• 2 oz. Blue Curacao
• 2 oz. Creme de Almond
• Put in blender and fill to the top with ice. Blend until smooth, and toast to our destiny!

Trendy Cocktail for 2012
Just google "Cocktail Trends 2012" and be amazed about the trends that are hitting local bars, restaurants and clubs around the world. Be a trend setter, and bring these home to your party as well! Your guests will be "wowed" by your cocktail savviness!  Here are just a few that caught my eye:

• Cocktail popsicles
• Cocktails from a tap
• Homemade concoctions from behind the bar (infused liquors)
• Local Brews-- and I mean local, (down the street, perhaps?) just like the local food craze.

2011 - Dive on In!

The Pool on Vacation in Puerto Vallarta

It's hard to believe yesterday I was enjoying the luxurious life by this pool in the picture above and now I'm home. Although my vacation was amazing, I'm also happy to be back. I'm very fortunate to say that I LOVE what I do! I am so excited for this coming year and would love to share a few of my goals for 2011.

Printable Packages
Although I've been offering "printable" digital invitations for sometime, behind the scenes I have created may matching accessories for customers that I'd love to share with the world! From cake buntings, menu cards, and cupcake toppers to door signs, t-shirt designs, and water bottle stickers... I love creating a whole look to my party themes. This year, I plan to officially "package" and offer many of those elements together for the DIY crowd, who love to create amazing parties. Stay tuned for details!

More Photo Card Collections
I enjoyed designing my holiday photo cards this past season and look forward to creating a much wider selection of photo cards in my whimsical, vintage style... baby announcements, birthdays, weddings or any occasion, if you want a photo on your card, just let me know.

Bloggy Goodness
This past fall I attacked my blog with vigor... no more haphazard posts, but daily posts for you to help plan your special occasion. Of course, I will continue this in 2011 and include loads of free printables, games and art activities. Want to see more things on my blog? Just let me know!

I have much more up my sleeve for 2011, but don't want to spoil it all on the first Monday of the year! Be sure to email and let me know what you'd like to see from B.Nute productions in 2011. I'd love to hear your ideas!

Happy New Year: 2010 Hot Trends, What's coming in 2011?

To wrap up the year, I wanted to add my 2 cents about some trends I've been noticing-- would love to know your favorite things from this past year, and what you look forward to seeing in 2011!

As seen on the Modern Mom by John W Golden on Etsy

Move over Owl, Here Comes the Fox
Have you noticed that the fox is everywhere? First it was birds, then owls, and now the sly fox has seemed to have taken it's place. Although these cute little woodland creatures seem to co-mingle so well, I've definitely noticed that the fox is the hottest in the crowd! Let's see if he can stay on top in 2011.

Cake Pops on Amazon

Cake Pops are Hot!
Is the cupcake reign over? Some would argue yes, some would say no way... but let me tell you, any treat on a stick is just too cool. The cake pop phenomenon is just so great. Have you seen them yet? If not, you must check it out!

Photo Booth Props: Beyond the Mustache
Mustache props are so cute, but folks are definitely moving on... there are clown props on a stick, santa/christmas props on a stick.... and much more. I think we just love to put things on a stick and make funny faces! I wonder where this trend will lead? Perhaps it may lead back to just a good ol' dress up box next to the photo booth... like those shops at the amusement park where you can dress in western garb and get your photo taken. Who knows. But, for now, I expect to see many more props on a stick at parties for fun "candid" pics!

Woodland Fairy Cake Bunting by B.Nute productions

Cake Bunting is so Cute
Cupcakes have their fun with cute sticks to put in them, and now cakes can get that attention too! Aren't cake buntings the best? I just love anything "mini" and this is definitely one of those things that just make a cake. You can create a whole party on top of the cake now... the question is, who will want to eat it when it looks so cute? I look forward to more cake bunting in 2011, and can't wait to "miniaturize" more things to put around the party scene!

Wishing you a very Happy New Year. I look forward to plenty of parties, fun and many new trends in 2011!