Well hello blog, hello readers (if you are still around after my lack of posting) I hope you are doing well and have had a great 2013 this far. I’ve been busy on my end (clearly seeing the lack of posts) and I can’t wait to share with you my big announcement.

For the longest time, I’ve always wanted to have my own business, my own shop… but I never really knew what would work, what was right for me. I’ve opened several businesses in the past with partners and unfortunately that didn’t work out so well, so I decided I was going to do something solo and kick ass at it. I want to have a store that I can merchandise, make pretty and entice others to buy. Okay sure that’s not going to happen right now now, but I give myself 3 years. What am I talking about? I decided to open up a baking + party supply shop called : Sucre + Confetti

What made me take the jump? I still get requests about Mavrick’s first birthday (almost 2 years later) asking me either about the invitation design or where I got the elements of the party. I love designing themes and making them come to life, but planning wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to provide ideas to those who lack them and bring new, fresh, modern, colorful party + baking supplies to make it all happen.

Sure it’s nothing new, we know many online stores with this kind of stuff. Stuff like : paper straws, big 36″ balloons, treat bags, treat sticks, washi tape, garlands, paper plate… etc. But it’s certainly something that is lacking in Canada, even more so in Montreal. We are so hip when it comes to design & fashion but lacking in fun (not tacky) party decor. I decided enough was enough and that I would become the #1 source of sweet + stylish decor.

My site is under-construction but I invite you to like my facebook page to stay up to date. I’ve decided to change my Instagram handle from blushink to @Sucreconfetti and will plan to switch up my twitter and pinterest accounts soon. What will happen to Blushink? I will simply become Sucre + Confetti and I will offer design services under my new name. (So don’t be scared to contact me for design services if you are interest)

What will happen to my blog? It will stay … but I’ll probably change the name for it to be more “party related” I was thinking “C’est la Fête!” or something along those lines. That won’t be for a bit though so please bare with me as I try to work all of this out.

Phew… if you are still reading, hats off to you! Looking forward to sharing my new venture with you. Don’t forget to like my facebook page! Merci!

Last year, for those who remember, I went all out with a vintage newspaper boy theme birthday party for Mavrick and my family & friends couldn’t believe the amount of work I put into it. So, in return I promised them that his 2nd birthday would be a very basic party. Well the designer in me was dying. I couldn’t just have a blah party. I decided to do two things to stay somewhat true to the idea of a basic party.

For his first birthday, I went all out with food and it wasn’t friendly on the wallet. Even if I basically made everything myself with the help of family/friends, it was rather time consuming, and who has time now, with 2 kids. So this year I decided to do two things : #1 Opt for a dessert only party which is more manageable than cold/hot food, not to mention less expensive, and #2 Seeing as I’m on a budget, I decided to go to the dollar store for party decor.

I used pretty much the most inexpensive decor items you can find and threw this amazing party for very little. There was a crepe streamer backdrop which was paired with balloons, and $2 bunting that actually inspired the whole party. I got colored plates, glasses and napkins for that much needed punch of color.

Again, I opted to make majority of the desserts myself. From strawberry mousse, to cone cupcakes, to rice krispies balls to the birthday cake. I purchased mini donuts, popcorn, fruit and candies. I even served cold lemonade as the signature drink for the party.

Looking at these pictures you wouldn’t guess that the birthday boy was sick and rushed to the hospital. Luckily our guests had time to enjoy the sweets we prepared for them. Let’s hope that next year won’t be as eventful in the health department.

Would you have guessed this party cost less than $40?

In less than two weeks Mavrick will turn 2 (craziness!). Last year, for his first birthday I went all out with a vintage newspaper boy theme and told my family & friends that next year would be a very basic party. I told them not to expect much actually and I would only make big parties every 5 years. (seeing I have Sienna now, that makes a big party every 2 years – pretty good )

Well the designer in me is dying. I can’t just have a blah party… it’s against designer code. (ha … totally made that up) So, I decided to do two things to stay somewhat true to the idea of a “basic party”. Last year, I went all out with food and it wasn’t friendly on the wallet. Even if I basically made everything myself (with the help of family/friends) it was rather time consuming (and who has time now, with 2 kids) So this year I decided to do two things : #1 Opt for a dessert only party (which is more manageable than cold/hot food then sweets) not to meaning less expensive and #2 Seeing I’m on a budget I decided to go to the dollar store for party decor.

I don’t have a specific theme, just colors and patterns….can you believe the whole party is designed around red, turquoise and lime green bunting I found for 2$?! I designed the invitation last night – simply nothing spectacular, but it give guests a little hint on what to expect.

I will use pretty much the most inexpensive decor items you can find and make this party amazing for very little. There will be crepe streamers, balloons, bunting and colored plates, glasses and napkins for that much needed punch of color. Now the easy part is done, now to figure out the desserts.

Anyone have suggestions?

Sunday March 11th (yup, this weekend) marks the 3rd edition of the Bridal Boudoir Affair. For all you Montrealers, if you have to go to 1 wedding related event, this is the one to check out. Imagined, created and produced by the renowned wedding & event planner Madeleine aka Maddy K , this event is sure not to disappoint. If you are getting married, first off… congratulations, but finding the best vendors for that special day can be daunting. Well… why not make a stop at the Boudoir this weekend (I’ll be there! – not that it makes a difference really… ha!)

Here’s a shoot taken at the Hyatt Montreal (where the event will take place)

The 2010 edition was a great success and according to what I’ve been reading, this year will be even bigger and better. Must see fashion show, guest speakers, amazing vendors. Be sure to purchase your tickets soon. You don’t want to miss out!

Event Details :

Sunday March 11th, 2012
From 10:00 am
HYATT REGENCY MONTRÉAL
1255 Jeanne-Mance, Montreal
Québec H5B 1E5
$20 per visitor

Follow the Bridal Boudoir Affair and be the first to know what’s going on. Facebook | Twitter | Blog
See you there!

[ Photography : Badger photography. ]

Always in search of some great, unique ideas, I have to say I never thought of this one and I LOVE IT!  Custom Birthday Balloon Bouquets. Talk about how great a gift this is to a long time friend. You gather your friends and they each write something unique to the birthee. Or what about a long distant friend. How fun is it to receive snail mail with a special note(s) on the form of balloons. Now, to start collecting balloons and writing down messages.

Don’t be surprised if you are my friend and happen to receive this in the mail.

[ Via | A Subtle Revelry ]

I love back to school. I was one of my favorite time of the year when I was younger. Back to school meant new clothes, new school supplies, new teachers and getting reunited with my friends after a few months off. I’ve always loved school and maybe that’s why I feel like September smells like back to school…. so secretly I would love to have a party like this one from One Charming Party.

I love the pencil cake! So smart and so easy to make.

Crayola crayons for each child, eraser tips in candy jars, candy wrapped erasers, mini “spelling” water bottles and cute little brown paper lunch bag with adorable labels.  (free for download)  What’s not to love about all these details.

Are you a fan of back to school like I am?

[ image: One Charming Party ]

Remember last year I blogged about how sad I was for missing out on my good friend’s Maine Wedding. I had a good excuse (cough cough I had a baby) but I still wish I had made it, even more so after seeing their professional pictures. Are you ready to swoon over their Shabby Chic Kennebunk Maine Wedding?! Feast your eyes on the awesome!

They did a wonderful job (but I knew they would, being both graphic designers! ) They are such a handsome married couple, don’t you find?

Caterer: Kitchen Chicks Catering
Cake: Let Them Eat Cake Maine
Flowers: Katherine’s Garden
Hair: Fringe Hair Art
Beauty: All Season Salon & Spa
Photography: Nystedt Photography
Linens & Host (private residence) Au Lit Fine Linens

[ Via | Sparkleandhay.com ]

Confession, I don’t want my son to wear superhero gear. I don’t want his room to be plastered with Red, Yellow and Blue. Why? Because his father is a Superman fan and I’m not going to feed his love for the man in tights. I told him that unless Mavi at 5 years old WANTS that theme (coming from him) then I might do something neat. Not the tacky route.

As you know Mavrick will be 1 year old in July and I already started brainstorming some idea of birthday themes. When I saw the Vintage Pop Art Superhero Birthday… I knew I had to share. I had to admit it was well done, and I COULD do this for my son when he’s a little older. (Oh geez, I have a feeling I will regret saying this, I can just see the husband jumping up and down and excited to sport his own cape)

I think this vintage pop art superhero party is amazing. They did it so well. From the Capes to the phone booth, this party screams fun! Maybe I can adopt their idea of going the vintage route when it comes to figuring out what I will do for Mavi’s 1st. Any ideas? Would you do a party like this?

For more pictures and vendor resources, check out the original Post.

[ Via : Hostess with the Mostess | Becca Bond Photography | Anders Ruff Custom Designs ]