Monday, October 21, 2013

SoCal Social Wrap Ups!

Wow - another SoCal Social has come and gone!

We had such a fabulous time and hope you did too! We had a blast seeing all your fabulous shopping finds on the Swag Walk - and dinner, dessert and the giveaways were so fun!
We also loved hearing how much you enjoyed hearing from our special guests, Eva LaRue and Mark Montano!

Have you checked out the #socalsocial feed on Instagram? It's awesome! Makes me want to go shopping and find all the great stuff you all did!

We can't wait to see your wrap up posts as well - it's always so great to see the day through all of your eyes!
So here's a link up party! Add your posts and have fun checking out everyone else's!

Thank you so much for another amazing year! We love spending the day with all of you!

Friday, October 18, 2013

One More Day!!

We are so excited that the 2013 SoCal Social is tomorrow!

It is going to be such a fabulous day of meeting new and old friends, shopping, eating and of course swag and giveaways! Woohoo!



We have sent out a couple emails in the last week or so with details on the parking, registration location, schedule, etc. If you didn't receive an email - please let us know!

If you aren't able to join us this year, make sure you follow along on Instagram at #socalsocial - you will be able to keep up on the fun all day long!

See all you fabulous attendees tomorrow!

Bev & Viv

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Cut It Out: Frames and Wood Shapes

Cut It Out Frames are one of the hottest crafting supply on the market right now!


You have probably seen these darling frames out and about the interwebs - let me show you a few adorable inspiration ideas!

Cut It Out frames are such fun shapes and since you can paint them any color you like, they make a fabulous pop of color on a gallery wall like this pretty display from Your Home Based Mom.
I think this idea would be very cute in children's bedrooms and playrooms. How to Make a Wall Collage with Cut It Out Frames
 
Or take a look at this fun Organizational Wall that Jen from Tatertots and Jello made! I love the look of the stacked frames!
 
pegboard organizational wall at Tatertots and Jello
 
Cut It Out carries a huge selection of frames in all different sizes and shapes. You can get single or double frames as well.
 
They also have other shapes as well! Alphabet and numbers are available, as well as cute holiday phrases like "Gobble" "Halloween" "Elf" and lots more!
 
I love the idea of using the frames to make Christmas gifts too! Take a look at this sweet Interchangeable Holiday Frame from Lolly Jane - I know of several people who would love to receive something like this! This shows it paired with a little Easter pennant - but you could make up a Christmas, Fall, and Summer banner to gift with it!
 


You can shop for the frames online on their website here, and you can follow along with them on Facebook as well!


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

FloraCraft - Styrofoam and So Much More!

Odds are if you are a crafter, you have worked with Styrofoam™ at some point in your crafty adventures!




FloraCraft is the maker of Styrofoam™ - and so many more fun things!

 
 
One of my favorite things about the FloraCraft website is their Make It: Fun page! It is full of all kinds of projects and inspiration. Check out this fun Halloween Countdown display!
 
 
Or what about these Decorative Cones? These would be great for Halloween or Christmas!
 

 

Make It:Fun is also partnering with bloggers over the next few months - one of which you may know!
 
Check out my Spooky Family Photo frame - I used Styrofoam for the frame and their awesome Burlap Ribbon for the bow!
 
Spooky Halloween Family Photos Frame
 
You can follow along with FloraCraft on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for more inspiration!
 
 

Crafting with Yarn and Lion Brand

One of my favorite crafting materials is yarn!! It is so versatile - you can knit, crochet, or craft with it!
Plus there are so many yummy colors, styles and textures.

We are so thrilled to be sponsored again this year by Lion Brand Yarn!

Here's a little bit about Lion Brand from the company!

Lion Brand is a family owned and operated business that has been providing quality yarns for crafters since 1878. This year marks Lion Brand’s 135th anniversary, and they’re celebrating a long history of inspiration, education, and innovation.  Lion Brand is devoted to supporting and encouraging you with yarns, patterns, how-tos and ideas, and looks forward to supporting the future generations of knitters and crocheters over years to come.




Lion Brand prides itself on the great quality of yarns that are available, and has just released a few new yarns to get you ready for Fall crafting.  One of the newest releases is Heartland, a sensationally soft, premium acrylic, available in 16 heathered shades inspired by the natural beauty of the American landscape.  The subtle shades of this made in America yarn suggest landmarks like the Redwood Forest, the Everglades, and Yosemite National Park. 


 
Another new release from Lion Brand is the yarn, Unique.  Each ply of Unique yarn is printed in a multicolor pattern, which creates a stunning and bold tweed effect as it is knitted or crocheted. In addition to working up beautifully, Unique is also easy-care and lofty, making it a perfect choice for sweaters, accessories, and home décor.

 
 
Lion Brand is a great resource for buying yarn as well! They have a huge clearance section right now. It would be perfect for stocking up on products for Christmas crafting!
 

 

You can find projects, yarn types, tips and more on the Lion Brand website! You can also follow along with them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Sponsor Highlight: The Duck Brand

We are so excited to that the fabulous Duck Brand is sponsoring the SoCal Social again this year!  They have totally transformed the concept of duct tape as boring, gray and utilitarian and made it vibrant, colorful and creative.



We love the Duck Brand because they have taken duct tape out of the garage and into crafty supply closets everywhere!  Perhaps you've heard that kids have been making wallets out of Duck Tape?  It's a very fun project for kids and grown-ups, alike.
Here's a great example from Kim at Seven Thirty Three. Her nephew specifically requested a duct tape wallet for his birthday.

Duck Tape is so fun and versatile that it was even used on Project Runway last season!

It's great this time of year for pumpkins, too!!  

I have done several, including a zebra striped, houndstooth and skull patterned pumpkin.


We love these fun pumpkins from Kim at Sand and Sisal.

And more fashion:  How about jazzing up some plain black boots with The Duck Brand's cheetah print?
That's exactly what Kaysi from Keeping It Simple did!

Jewelry?  Yep!
Check out this Anthropologie knock -off using Duck Tape and paper clips from Sugar Derby.

Or this fun, colorful bracelet...
From Heather at Dollar Store Crafts.


Let's move on to the home decor possibilities, shall we?
Connie from Measured By The Heart added some oomph to a plain lampshade.

You will have to see this Hello Kitty Cat Feeder from Plucking Daisies in order to believe it...

Valentine's Day?  Christmas?
Lots of possibilities for this wreath from Poppies At Play.

Want a whole bunch of Duck Tape ideas?

Check out this round up of projects from Saved By Love Creations.  The possibilities are just about endless!

You can visit The Duck Brand at their website, like them on Facebook, and follow them on both Twitter and Instagram.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Queen Bee Market - Fabulous and Fun Handmade Shopping

So I will warn you all here - I am going to gush now.

One of our favorite sponsors this year is Mique from the Queen Bee Market. I have to say that I adore Mique - she is so supportive and encouraging and she is so talented too!

Mique is the genius behind the Queen Bee Market - my favorite place to buy handmade awesomeness!

The next Queen Bee Market is November First and Second - just around the corner!

 
 The market is my go-to place for Christmas shopping - and let's face it, shopping for me too! There are all kinds of vendors, housewares, jewelry, clothing, treats and more! You can see a list of the vendors here.
 

 
If you sign up for the QBM Newsletter - you'll receive a coupon off of admission too!
 
There is a new addition to the market this year. On Friday night there will be a Girls Night Out event, hosted by the gals from the Elevate Conference.
 
 
 
This event will be full of treats, giveaways, pampering, and of course SHOPPING!! After the market Ashley from The Shine Project with be a special guest speaker too!
The event will be from 7:30 - 10:00 on Friday, Nov. 1.


Tickets are $10 for presale and $15 at the door - if it doesn't sell out early! You can purchase tickets here. The tickets are limited so don't wait!

You don't want to miss out on the Queen Bee Market - it is 4-9pm on Fri. November 1, 9am-3pm on Sat. November 2nd.  It's $3 for general entrance.  Kids 12 and under are free and military are free with ID. 

You can follow along with all the market details on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
We'll see you at the market!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Back at Avila's for Amazing Mexican Food!

One of our favorite parts of last year's Social was dinner! The food and service were so fabulous.

We are so excited to be returning again this year to Avila's El Ranchito Restaurant for the last part of our event - it's the perfect way to close out the day!

Let me start off by saying the food at Avila's is amazing! We love the fajitas, the enchiladas - the guacamole! It is all so yummy!
 
 
One of their most popular items is this Botana platter. But you'll want to check out their whole menu HERE, it is full of yumminess! I have friends that swear by the Avila's soup. That is definitely on my list to try next!
 
 
One of our other favorite things about the Avila's in Orange is the beautiful building!




 It was built in 1891 as a Baptist Church! The gorgeous stained glass windows are the originals from the church - the minister's wife ordered them in the late 1800's. The restaurant has old, dark wooden floors and the sides or the booths are old pew sidings. The old altar is intact too!


The history of the Avila family is amazing.  It truly is representative of the American dream. Here's an exerpt from their website - sharing a little bit about the family -

"When Salvador Avila came to the United States from Guanajuato, Mexico with his wife and children, he came with hope and the American dream in his heart. Four decades later, Avila and his children own and operate one of the most well known and highly successful groups of Mexican restaurants in Orange and Los Angeles Counties, Avila's El Ranchito restaurants.
It all started in the kitchen over 40 years ago. Mama brought with her recipes that have been in her family for generations, paying strict attention to freshness and quality.

It was Papa, though, who had the idea to involve the whole family and create a truly special restaurant. The entire Avila family pitched in and help at the first El Ranchito when it opened in Huntington Park in 1966 with only five picnic tables. Even Grandpa Poldo offered a helping hand by washing dishes.

Today, the 40-year tradition that has made their authentic Mexican cooking legendary continues to be served at the family's eleven restaurants. It is still a family business, family owned, family operated and family loved. Mama and Papa eventually shared the responsibility of running El Ranchito with their children and now their grandchildren. Each restaurant is under the personal care of a family member, guaranteeing the reputation the family has earned for treating the customers "like part of the family.""


The service at Avila's is fabulous too. We were so happy with how well they took care of us last year! And let's face it - when you're listening to fabulous speakers, eating yummy food, and winning lots of prizes - you want a great place to hang out in! Avila's is definitely that place!



We would love for you to visit Avila's - try them out before the event! You'll love them as much as we do!
If you're not in the Orange area, they have 11 locations - you can find one near you!

You can find out more info at Avila's El Ranchito Restaurant - they have menus, locations and lots more online!

You can also like the Avila's El Ranchito in Orange
Facebook page to stay updated! :)

Monday, September 30, 2013

The SNAP! Conference: Why we love it, why you should go, and how you might win a ticket.

Guess what!?  We have super exciting news from another of our fabulous sponsors: The SNAP Conference.  One of you will be able to pop this little button into your sidebar, because you'll be....

SNAP! Conference
One lucky SoCal Social atendee is going to go home with a ticket to the 2014 SNAP Conference!  (A $350 value!!!)  You might actually win a ticket before you can buy one, since tickets don't go on sale until October 24th at 9:00 MST

The 2014 SNAP Conference will be held April 24 - 26 at the Little American Hotel in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah.  There will be amazing speakers, panels and work shops, fantastic creative bloggers, great food and an over-all phenomenal experience.


Tauni Everett is the charming genius behind SNAP.  I think she's the Willy Wonka of conferences (but without the oompa loompas and that creepy boat that goes too fast in the chocolate river.)  She creates a warm and wonderful experience for her guests and thinks up all sorts of fun touches and details.  Last year we had a crafting pajama party, for crying out loud!

Be sure to check out the blog post on the SNAP website for the full details on the venue and registration.  We have been to the SNAP Conference both years of its existence and we have October 24th at 8:00 am (PST) on our calendars to make sure we get our tickets to this year's.  There is a $100 discount for the first 50 tickets sold if you use the promo code: FIRST50.  (Of course maybe you won't need to worry about that because you'll already have WON your ticket at the SoCal Social.)

Tauni is an awesome supporter of the SoCal Social and we are so excited that she is donating a ticket to SNAP!  Now here is an important detail for the ticket giveaway:  It is non-transferable... do not enter the raffle if you will not be able to travel to Salt Lake City and attend the conference in April.  You won't be able to let a friend use it if you can't go, you can't sell it, etc.  With that in mind, please look into whether or not the trip will be feasible for you before entering the raffle on October 19th.

Good luck, and maybe we'll see you in Salt Lake City in April!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Sponsor Hightlight: Amy Cornwell Designs

I have a confession. I am all about gorgeous jewelry! If that's you too - then you will LOVE Amy Cornwell Designs!


I can personally vouch for the beauty and quality of Amy's jewelry, since I own several pieces myself. (I may be addicted. just sayin.)

It is all so pretty and stylish - in addition to being super high quality!

Amy has just released her Fall Collection and it is AMAZING. Here are a few of my favorites.

overcomer-set
 
itty-disc-set
 
 
So gorgeous right?!

One of Amy's best sellers is this True Love Ring. I love this one too! I wear mine everyday.


Amy makes everything from rings to necklaces, earrings, charms, and more! Take a look at these pretty leather cuffs -


You are definitely going to want to head over and take a look all around the store! Amy also writes a blog, you can follow along with her adventures and get info on the shop as well!
In fact, if you hurry over, she is having a giveaway to celebrate her new collection! It's only open for 3 more days so you want to scoot on over there and enter!

You can find Amy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest too! Oh and she has an Instagram shop too - you can get some great deals on her cute jewelry there! So go visit and say hi!

We are so excited that Amy is a part of the SoCal Social this year!

Friday, September 13, 2013

SoCal Social: The Ribbon Retreat



We are so excited to welcome back The Ribbon Retreat as a sponsor for this year's SoCal Social!

The Ribbon Retreat Logo
 
 
The Ribbon Retreat is one of my go-to sources for online fabric and ribbon shopping! They have a really fabulous selection of both and I know I can always find what I need at a great price!
 
Designer Fabrics
 
Let me show off some of my favorite finds!
 
They carry so many pretty ribbons! They have everything from simple satin to gorgeous Jacquards!
 
They also have a huge selection of fabrics!
 
And that isn't all of it!

You'll also want to check out and follow The Ribbon Retreat blog. They post tutorials all the time for sewing, ribbon and crafting projects! Really fun stuff.


They also have patterns, notions, hardware, and lots more! Make sure you head over and look around - you will find lots of fun things for your upcoming projects!

You can keep up with The Ribbon Retreat on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest - and if you subscribe to their newsletter you get all kinds of sale info and coupon codes! Sweet!

Happy Shopping!
 


Wednesday, September 11, 2013

SoCal Social Ticket Giveaway!

We are sooo excited about this year's SoCal Social!

We are lining up fabulous sponsors this year and we have some new shops to bring you as well for the Swag Walk - it is going to be a blast!

The fun is right around the corner and to celebrate we thought it would be a great idea to have a Ticket Giveaway!


You can enter here to win a Ticket for One to the SoCal Social!
And yes, if you have already purchased your ticket, we will refund you. We're nice like that. ;)

If you're not sure what The SoCal Social is, you can check out this post for lots of info, as well as our FAQ page.
If you can't wait to Register - you can do so here. There aren't many tickets left so don't wait too long. We'd hate for you to miss out!

You can enter on the Rafflecopter Widget below - we can't wait to see you at the event!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Make sure you check back often here at the blog, we are going to be bringing you info about some of our sponsors starting later in the week!

Good Luck!


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Registration for the 2013 SoCal Social is Now Open!

Registration is now open for the 2013 SoCal Social!


Here are the details for you!

Date: October 19
Location: Orange Circle, Orange, CA
Time: 12:30 PM - 9ish PM
Cost: $50 per person
You can check out our FAQ page for answers to common questions too.
We can't wait to see you at this year's event!!
 

Click here for Registration.

There are only a limited number of tickets so don't wait - register today!