Image Map

Meet this month's Cream of the Crop! {ComfyFeely: Handmade Children's Items}

This month's Cream of the Crop is ComfyFeely, a local Etsy shop that specializes in bright and comfortable items for babies and toddlers. Since the shop's feature in September (read the post here), ComfyFeely has grown, adding soft toys, bags, and dolls to the collection. We think these items are perfect for Christmas stockings and gifts, and the best part is that the shop is currently having a 20% off Anniversary sale! (Use code 2013Anniversary at checkout.)

While I love the shop for what it offers, it is most dear to my heart because of Debbie, the owner and creator of each and every item. She is my sweet mother-in-law, and I can honestly say she is one of the kindest people I know! When you purchase from her shop, not only are you going to receive a one-of-a-kind item (most of which are completely reversible...love that!), but you are also helping her continue her ministry of donating a ComfyCare Set to every baby born through the Care Pregnancy Center of Tulare County. Each mama receives for her baby an entire set of brand-new, hand-made items from ComfyFeely, which includes a blanket, a coordinating outfit, booties, a bonnet, and now a soft toy. 

Check out our favorites below, and be sure and take advantage of the sale this December!
  1. Reversible Zoo Animals Comfy Cover
  2. Gray Pony Softie Toy
  3. Festive Vest & Bowtie
  4. Handbag and Softie Doll Set
  5. Reversible Lime Hooded Jacket
  6. Drawstring Backpack 
Thanks for supporting Citrus and Cream, Debbie! And happy anniversary!
 photo Can-Sig_zpsba361423.png
Continue Reading ...

Local Highlight: GrayPaperie {Custom Invitations, Announcements, & Greeting Cards}

Every time I throw a party, I make a grand plan to create beautiful invitations. The problem is always the same, though: Time quickly gets away from me, and my beautiful invitations get demoted to a Facebook invite, or even worse, a last-minute text.

In comes Meghan of GrayPaperie to save the day! This lovely Etsy shop is stocked full of sweet invitations, announcements, party printables, and holiday cards––all customizable and all easy to order as digital files or prints. You will love the chic and trendy options Meghan provides, but if there is something specific you're looking for, she'll work with you to create it. Read on to learn more about GrayPaperie!
Tell us about yourself!
I am a wife to Jeff, the tallest and kindest man you’ll meet. I am a mommy to Jack, the cutest and chattiest two and a half year old I know. And I’m a volleyball coach at CVC to the very recent 2013 Valley Champions! I am the daughter of a third generation dairy farmer which makes Jeff number 4. And most importantly, I am the daughter of the King, the Lord Jesus Christ!
What does GrayPaperie offer?
GrayPaperie is an Etsy shop that offers printable invitations, announcements, and photo greeting cards. While I do offer professional printing services, the bulk of business is simply for the design of an invitation at a reasonable cost that the customer can then print as many times as they like from home, from a local printer, or from an online printing company.
Why and how did you get started selling?
I have always loved art and have been interested in graphic design. I bought an ancient version of Photoshop Elements at a garage sale and started working with it, learning as I went. Soon I was designing cards and invitations for family members. I created an invitation for my sister’s baby shower and she insisted that I start an Etsy shop to sell it. Kacie has a way of getting me to get things done that I normally wouldn’t, so thanks to her, GrayPaperie got its start six months ago.
What does your week look like as a shop owner?
Life is busy right now between being a stay at home mom, a volleyball coach, and a math tutor. I usually find time in the evenings to work on fulfilling Etsy orders and creating new designs. I love designing––it doesn’t feel like work.

What is your inspiration for creativity?
I like to take popular trends and put them to paper. I also like to draw, so some of the designs in my shop are inspired from doodles of mine.

I love that I get to use this love and gift of mine to serve my church family. Some of the designs I have posted on Etsy originated as flyers or invitations for events at Grace Church of the Valley.
How can people request a custom order?
I love working with customers until I’ve created a design they love, whether it’s an invitation that sets the tone for the party they’ve planned or an announcement that captures the moment they are sharing. To request a custom order, email me at graypaperie@gmail.com or go to GrayPaperie and click on the blue button labeled “Request Custom Order.”
What’s playing on your iPod? The Rend Collective.

Some things I couldn’t live without are…the word of God, my phone, and my retainer.

My top five faves this month are...Thanksgiving dinner, volleyball playoffs, colored leaves, sweaters and Jack’s newfound love for the song 10,000 reasons by Matt Redman. 
Stay connected with GrayPaperie by favoriting her Etsy shop and following her Pinterest board. And contact Meghan directly by e-mailing her at graypaperie@gmail.com.

As a special treat for Citrus and Cream readers, Meghan is offering 10% off, just in time for the holidays! Simply enter the code citrusandcream at checkout, and you'll receive 10% off your order until December 16th.

And if that isn't sweet enough, Meghan has a gift to give! Enter the giveaway to win a printable card, invitation, or announcement! In order to enter, you must favorite GrayPaperie on Etsy or pin a GrayPaperie item, then do as many other entries as you can!
a Rafflecopter giveaway Meghan, we're so glad to have gotten to know you! Thanks for sharing your shop and talent with us!
 photo Can-Sig_zpsba361423.png
Continue Reading ...

Saturday Snapshot {November 30}

We haven't fully accepted that today is the last day of November. How can that be? What a wonderful (and busy!) thanksgiving season it has been. Here are our highlights from the last two weeks, so you can catch up with a cup of coffee and slice of pumpkin pie this morning. ;)
  1. We shared our Citrus and Cream Thanksgiving with you and gave 5 tips for a fabulous festive table.
  2. We devoured these Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese and Chocolate Drizzle. Use up that last can of pumpkin puree in the pantry with these babies.
  3. Who doesn't love freebies? Enjoy a Winter Bucket List and a Winter-themed Subway Art Printable.
  4. There are only 25 days before Christmas! Check out our two gift guides for lovely local items under $20 and under $50.
  5. Need something to do with all your pumpkins? Make this fun little Pumpkin-snowman!
  6. We are thankful for so much! Check out our list, from A to Z. 
We hope you are enjoying time with family and friends this weekend, savoring good food and good company. See you Monday!

Continue Reading ...

Thankful, from A to Z

We are still full from Thanksgiving, and it's not just because of the turkey. We are full of joy and gratitude, thankful for a sweet day with our families and friends. So while we may be hitting the Black Friday sales or taking a nap on the couch today, we are still naming our many blessings from A to Z.

A: Artists and artisans...the talented people who share their passions with us.
B: The beach, which I got to see this past weekend.
C: Coffee in the morning, and chocolate in the evening (or any time of day!)
D: Disneyland! (This lucky girl was just there!)
E: Encouragement, especially after a hard day.
F: Friends and family, who make our lives full.
G: God and His grace in our lives. 
H: Our sweet husbands. 
I:  We'll just say it: the Internet. We love it!
J: Jammies...and lazy days to wear them.
K: Kisses :) 
L: So many! Littles, love, laughter. Life itself.
M: Mountains
N: Naps, especially after a day of feasting.
O: Opportunity
P: Pumpkin piePhotographs of pumpkin pie (or anything we love).
Q: Quiet moments 
R: Rain. Rain boots. Rainbows.
S: Sunsets. We never tire of them. And s'mores. Together, if possible.
T: Travel. A travel mug with peppermint mocha.
U: Umbrellas. For the days of rain, rain boots, and rainbows.
V: Vacation
W: Warmth
X: eXtra whipped cream on our mocha. (Yes, it's a stretch.)
Y: Yosemite. Seriously. That place is awesome, and it's only a few hours from us.
 Z: Zebras. (You try and think of something else that starts with Z!)

I don't think we will ever run out of reasons to be thankful! How about you? What are you thankful for this week?

 photo Can-Sig_zpsba361423.png
Continue Reading ...

Frosty, the Pumpkin-Snowman! {Easy DIY Craft}

No, it's not the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! It's simply the cutest pumpkin-snowman you ever will see. And with just a few materials and steps, you can have your very own!

What You Need:
-Three white mini pumpkins ranging in size
-Gorilla Glue
-Grey felt for a hat
-Red ribbon for the scarf
-Two buttons for eyes

What You Do:
Take the stems off of the two larger pumpkins. Using the gorilla glue (hot glue doesn't work...trust me), glue the three pumpkins on top of each other, making sure the top one has the stem facing out for the nose. Let it dry. In the meantime, make your felt hat. Cut out two circles of felt, one about 2 inches in diameter and one 1.5 inches in diameter. Cut out a strip that will fit around the circumference of the smaller circle. Glue the strip around the circumference of the small circle, let dry, and then glue to the larger circle. Your hat is finished! Glue hat to the snowman as well as the two button eyes. Tie your red scarf and set that cutie up.
Note: Even though gorilla glue works the best, your pumpkin will still be fragile. Find a place you want to be his home and keep him there! Also, remember that pumpkins will eventually go bad, so check it now and then to make sure it hasn't started to rot. When it has, it's time for your snowman to...um...melt away.

Set up your new little friend and get ready for lots of smiling...you just can't help it when you see this guy.

Happy thanksgiving, friends! Hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with the ones you love.
 photo Can-Sig_zpsba361423.png
Continue Reading ...