Whoops! Apparently this post didn't go up earlier. Here is the kit of all your cookie exchange party essentials: recipe cards, voting ballots, cookie labels and awards! See pictures and details from last year's party here.
 

 
 
And for your convenience, here is the entire kit, including the invitations!

 
I'm already excited for this party and it's still a few weeks away. I've been trying to decide which cookie to make and have narrowed it down to 3! If you throw a cookie exchange party I would love to see pictures. You can email them to bri@collectedblog.com!

 
Last year I threw a Cookie Exchange Party with some of my friends. It was really fun (and delicious)! Here were last year's invitations and last years free invitation download.
 
This year's invitations are also up for grabs. I went with a little more non-traditional colors this year and I love it. You could host this type of party anytime. After Christmas, Valentine's Day or anytime you need an excuse to eat lots of yummy treats. Fill yours out by hand or on the computer, mail (or email) and then host your own cookie party! Tomorrow I'll have all the other party downloads available for you too (recipe cards, awards, etc.).
 

Here are the invites available for download:
 

 

When my friends from Small Fry (the cutest children's lifestyle blog) asked if I would work with them on their Christmas cards this year, I was thrilled. Nicole, Emily and Jenna all have impeccable taste so I knew I would love whatever we came up with. Each of them had a different style and idea for their cards. Nicole likes to make hers more like an art print, Emily wanted a funny infographic and Jenna wanted something tactile showing all their travel this year. I love how they all turned out! Check out their post about the cards on Small Fry!

 

{images by Nicole}

 
I'm taking on a VERY limited number of custom Christmas cards, so if you're interested in working together, please email me at bri@collectedblog.com! And be sure to check back this morning for Day 5 of my 12 Days of Christmas Downloads.

 
For the last few years we've used "Want, Need, Wear, Read" as our family's Christmas gift giving mantra. You might be familiar with it already, but you find presents in each category to make Christmas a little more simple. Adam and I tend to get out of hand (we love giving gifts) so this helps us remember what Christmas is all about and cut out all the excess "stuff".
 
So for day 4, I have Want, Need, Wear, Read tags for you! And in 3 different colors, so hopefully one will fit in with your wrapping scheme! You can write the recipients name on the back of the tag!
 

 

 

 

 
I'm a huge fan of address labels. You may have noticed from past Christmas cards and party invitations that I almost always use them! I have all my addresses saved so all I need to do is change the design. To be honest, I'm not quite sure if Christmas cards would make it out without them!
 
I designed 2 different labels, one for cards and one for packages. You can even use a program like Photoshop, Photoshop Elements or GIMP to add in your addresses before printing or just write them in. I find it easiest to purchase full sheet sticker paper and then simply cut, peel and attach!

 

 

 

 
And on the second day of Christmas, it's TWO Facebook Timeline Covers! You'll need Photoshop or Photoshop Elements to insert your photos, but it's simple to do!
 

 

 
Instructions:

1. Download your chosen Facebook Timeline Cover to your computer.
2. Open the Facebook Timeline Template and your selected photo(s) in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.
3. Drag the photo to the Facebook Timeline template file.
4. In your layers palette, make sure the photo is the layer ABOVE the photo mask you are using.

5. Right click the photo layer and select "Create Clipping Mask".

6. You will now be able to resize and move your image within the photo mask shape, until it is just how you want it!
7. Insert more photos, using steps 2-6.
8. Save the file as a .jpg.
9. Upload to Facebook!
 
Please email me if you have any questions or you don't have access to Photoshop! bri@collectedblog.com

 
Today kicks off the first day of my 12 Days of Christmas Downloads, all free of course! Day one is an iPhone wallpaper! I'm excited for what's in store and hope you are too!

 

 

{collected} Free iPhone 4s Wallpaper

 

{collected} Free iPhone 5 Wallpaper

 
Click on one of the above links, save the image to your phone, then go to Settings>Wallpaper to change it!

Bijou Market starts this Friday and Saturday.  It's always the perfect way to start off my holiday season!  Great vendors and good friends makes Bijou something I look forward to every year!

 

This year Emily, Nicole and Rashelle (the geniuses behind Bijou) asked me to create the official Bijou flyer.  They provided me with some inspiration and it went from there.

 

 
Email me at bri@collectedblog.com if you need any design services! And hope to see you this weekend!

All of my newborn photo packages come with custom birth announcements because I love them so much! This one was for Lillian...isn't she sweet? We used the pretty pink and gold color palette.

 

 
If you're interested in a custom birth announcement, contact me at bri@collectedblog.com!