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Memorial Day is the perfect time to celebrate friendships. As the unofficial start of summer vacation {hooray!}, we plan to get the gang together for a modern BBQ.

The Menu, Traditional with a Modern Twist

Sangria {family recipe, see below}

Veggie burgers from My Father's Daughter {better than ANY veggie burger you've ever tasted. pinky swear.}

Locally grown, grass fed beef burgers {we go to Clancy's in linden hills! the best! ask for kristen}

Tomato + Mozzarella salad with Fresh Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Basil, Pepper + Kosher Salt

Grilled Corn w/ Lime Cilantro

Ricotta Cheese w/ Fresh Berries

Sangria Recipe

Sancerre Wine
Sprite {1:4 Sprite:Wine}
Agave Nectar, 2 Tbsp
Squeeze oranges
Squeeze lemon
Squeeze lime
Sliced peaches
Sliced lemons

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Hooray for May! From Mother's Day {May 8th!} to Memorial Day {May 30th}, we are mad about May! 

 

May Desktop Calendar 1024x768 | 1280x960 | 1280x1024 | 1680x1050 | 1680x1200 | 1920x1200

 

May iPhone Calendar 

May Android Calendar 

Need help setting your wallaper to your smart phone? Try these instructions, right from your phone!

1. Find our latest calendar post at blog.redstamp.com
2. Scroll down + select the proper phone/tablet image
3. Save image ::
   • For iPhone/iPad/Android users ::
     • Click + hold down image until phone asks you to "Save Image". Save.
   • For BlackBerry users ::
     • Highlight the wallpaper
     • Press the "Menu" key
     • Click "Save Image"
     • Click "Save"

To apply to an iPhone/iPad

1. Go into your settings folder {from your phone}
2. Select "Wallpaper"
3. Choose "Camera Roll"
4. Scroll down to select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar + select. It will set as your wallpaper

To apply to your Android Phone

1. From your Home Screen open up settings + select "Wallpaper"
2. Choose "Gallery" + click into the "Downloads" folder
3. Select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar
4. Resize to your personal preference {using the touchscreen} + click to save. It will set as your wallpaper.

To apply to your BlackBerry

1. On the Home Screen, click the "Media" icon
2. Click pictures
3. Browse + select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar
4. Click to "Set as Wallpaper"

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Whatever you're honoring this weekend, celebrate green!

In honor of Earth Day...text, tweet, post or email happy weekend wishes. And make it look good using the RedStamp app. Available for free in the iTunes store.

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Ahh, brunch. A truly delicious type of party we love to host. Perfect for Mother's Day...or any day. 

THE SETTING

Have a seat! Mix and match. Layer and layer. Planning the table setting is almost as fun as whipping up your signature dish. 

THE MENU

One of our favorite dishes of all time...this delicious granola recipe. Pair it with grapefruit, eggs + a bubbly drink and you have yourself a lovely brunch. 

THE TAKEAWAY

A party isn't a party without a little something sweet for your parting guests. Our latest thing? Gift sets of personalized, stylish recipe cards with your signature brunch recipe on the very first card! 

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Fabulous fashion inspires modern correspondence. When planning a party we love pulling inspiration from beautiful details, like Anne M. Cramer's fashion genius. When asked to help brainstorm fabulous elements for Anne's meet and greet, "Coco&Croissants," we were immediately attracted to her new line of Flynn skirts -- so fresh + modern. The best part? They easily translated to paper details. Soon invitations, name tags + stationery were born.

Look around + find inspiration. Let people, fashion + events inspire party details. We love on-trend designs + love how they can be carried from start to stop to create a cohesive + fabulous flavor.

{Love the name tags above? Print them here on your favorite 8.5"x11" paper + use them at your next gathering! It's a great + stylish way to break the ice.}

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Meet Anne M. Cramer, an incredible designer {see her latest Spring line + copious press here} + impeccable hostess. When asked to describe herself she replied without missing a beat with

" I come from a very loving + quite social family. My grandmother made every visit special, she never hesitated {and absolutely loved} to put out her very best silver, linens + china.  It was never stuffy, never overly formal + never forced.  Her guests could tell she truly loved entertaining.  And in that, they felt her sense of gratitude toward them. I have carried that with me my entire life and strive, in my day-to-day lifestyle, to give my friends and family that same sense of thanksgiving. "

She recently hosted an stylish + intimate brunch for her visiting sister, Coco, to meet some of Anne's nearest + dearest in Minneapolis. We asked her to share a few secrets from behind the scenes of this lovely event {appropriately titled "Coco&Croissants} and here's what she had to say:

RedStamp: Who/what inspired this fabulous soiree?

Anne: My sister, Coco {a name given to her years ago by our three boys} + her Valentine's Day birthday. She's been instrumental to the communications portion of anne m cramer + has been talked about by me to many of my good friends, for many years.

RedStamp: How would you describe the guest of honor?

Anne: Coco, who is my "Irish Twin," and I are quite different in most ways, however, our sense of humor + flare for all things "fancy," unite us often. Coco's personality is down to Earth, fun-loving and adventuresome. She is the sort of sister one loves to show off! 

RedStamp: And the croissants?

Anne: I chose to host brunch in her honor because she and I often chat over coffee {and croissants} each morning. She is in our hometown of Chicago and I am here, in Minneapolis. 

RedStamp: Describe your party details. How did you choose each part?

Anne: Details are my passion. I could {and do!} spend countless hours on the little things. Coco&Croissants was inspired by my morning chats {via phone} with Coco so I designed an invitation {via RedStamp} where I could combine a color that reminds me of Coco {red-- for her Valentine's Day birthday} + my own palette {Tiffany blue, ivory + silver}. The invites were designed + from there, the rest of the planning was easy.

RedStamp: Tell us about your favorite detail.

Anne: I decided {at the suggestion of RedStamp} to design name tags that coordinated with the theme of the brunch! They were actually my favorite details of the soiree because they added a bit of cheekiness to the more formal {though, never stuffy} atmosphere. They proved to be a great convo starter as well! {editors note...since the name tags were such a hit, check back on our blog this Friday for your very own free download of these fab name tags!}

RedStamp: In your opinion, what makes a party {any shape, size, occasion} FABULOUS?

Anne: The people, first + foremost and then a consideration of the range of personalities in attendance. And, of course, picking a striking color + style theme.

RedStamp: What makes a thoughtful host/hostess?

Anne: The best host is the host who loves her guest + makes them feel welcome, from entrance to exit.

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Easter is on Sunday, April 24th. {i.e., Less than 2 weeks away!}

This year, we are hosting a little brunch / Easter egg hunt to celebrate. Here's what's on our plate. {Pun intended.} 

1. Bring out your finest. China + crystal is a sure way to elevate any occasion. With the sunlight hitting just right, it is sure to make the room glow.
2. Incorporate fun, related objects on the table. For Easter, we LOVE using dyed eggs as place cards. This year, we are incorporating our favorite trends + dying our eggs in stripes, chevron + polka dots using this incredibly easy technique. To personalize, just grab a Sharpie in a coordinating color + pen your guests' first names. It's a thoughtful + playful way to tuck in personalize sentiment.
3. Play with contrast. We love how texture can play with bright + bold fabrics. Mix and match to really add dimension and visual interest to your table. And always remember perspective. No matter which way your guests approach your table, make sure it's dressed to impress.

Have ideas? Resources to share? Leave a comment + share below...we'd love to know!  

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What you'll need:

1. Your sweet new baby
2. The thoughtful gifts given to you by your nearest + dearest
3. Your smartphone

Dress up your precious model and show off how cute she/he is in their new outfits, with their new toys or wrapped in their cozy new blankey. Snap a couple of photos + text or email to the fabulous gift-givers. Have an iPhone, iTouch or iPad? Check out our new iPhone app {free in iTunes} - perfect for this occasion. DailyCandy Kids calls us their dream app for new moms. With our app, you can even opt to have us print + mail a paper postcard to the gift giver on your behalf for just $1.29, including postage.

It's not a handwritten thank you, true. But when you include a photo, your note becomes instantly charming and personal. And, if there was ever an occasion where you are allowed to buy yourself a little convenience...having a baby is it.  

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Break out the bubbly + celebrate le bebe! Whether it's a sparkling non-alcoholic elixir or fresh-popped champagne, make a toast to the new parents + their new bundle of joy. It's a thoughtful {+ fun} way to celebrate all things new!

Count every finger + every toe. This occasion is both casual + fabulous! An intimate, open house-style gathering for new parents to show off their newest addition to their nearest + dearest. An afternoon for friends and family to stop by to swoon over your new bundle of joy, catch up with the new parents + enjoy a nice array of snacks + refreshments.

While everyone is ahhing over the sweet new baby, it's a perfect time to casually sneak in a few practical items to pamper mama. The first couple of weeks {months} can feel a little overwhelming depending on how much sleep she + the baby are getting, so here are some tried + true suggestions from some of our favorite moms.

1. Yummy frozen dishes to fill up her freezer. Something simple + delicious they can pop in the oven, microwave or slow cook all day long. 
2. A moment at the spa. Or for the really new mama...an in-home spa treatment like a manicure or massage. It's all about giving her an excuse to have a little time to herself. Just keep in mind...in the beginning, it's a little difficult to get out for more than an hour or two at a time.
3. A few gift certificates to her favorite Take Out in town. A much-appreciated time saver. 
4. Fresh cut flowers, because color + fragrance are a total pick me up. It'll brighten her day.
5. Cozy, button-down, silk pajamas. Something beautiful that is also easy to slip into, is loose + comfortable. Chances are, she'll be spending more time in pajamas than usual. Make them gorgeous.

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1. Stylish Pick a card that marks her style, something bold, striped, floral, etc. We love modern correspondence {flat} cards. Unfussy, but still proper, they always allow just enough room for words of thanks. 
2. Personal Personalize the stylish notes with the the honoree's name. This way she can use the notes beyond the shower...even beyond baby. 
3. Practical By giving your guest of honor personalized notes, you've helped her cross off an important detail on her to-do list: finding the perfect thank you note. Having a baby means lots of thank you's. And helping a new mom save time is always appreciated.

Looking for the perfect notes? Check out these stylish notes you can add on to any invitation order. 

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Hello April! Spring is now in full swing, with pops of sunshine + days stretched longer. This month stops us in our tracks + demands us to live colorfully, in the moment. Winter has melted away + new things are blossoming. Fresh adventures, fabulous gatherings + new faces await us. Let's start fresh + embrace every new hue. Cheers!

Desktop Calendar Sizes: 1024x768, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1900x1200

iPhone Wallpaper

Android Wallpaper

Need help setting your wallaper to your smart phone? Try these instructions, right from your phone!

1. Find our latest calendar post at blog.redstamp.com
2. Scroll down + select the proper phone/tablet image
3. Save image ::
   • For iPhone/iPad/Android users ::
     • Click + hold down image until phone asks you to "Save Image". Save.
   • For BlackBerry users ::
     • Highlight the wallpaper
     • Press the "Menu" key
     • Click "Save Image"
     • Click "Save"

To apply to an iPhone/iPad

1. Go into your settings folder {from your phone}
2. Select "Wallpaper"
3. Choose "Camera Roll"
4. Scroll down to select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar + select. It will set as your wallpaper

To apply to your Android Phone

1. From your Home Screen open up settings + select "Wallpaper"
2. Choose "Gallery" + click into the "Downloads" folder
3. Select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar
4. Resize to your personal preference {using the touchscreen} + click to save. It will set as your wallpaper.

To apply to your BlackBerry

1. On the Home Screen, click the "Media" icon
2. Click pictures
3. Browse + select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar
4. Click to "Set as Wallpaper"

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Make it super easy for guests to pamper their favorite mama-to-be by tucking an extra little request into the invitation. Every party + guest-of-honor is different, but in our years of working with our fabulous clients, we've found these themes to be tried + true favorites.

1. YUMMY Recipes Enclose matching recipe cards for the invitee to write down their favorite slow cooker recipes. Through bleary eyes, new parent{s} will be SO grateful for quick + easy dishes the first couple of weeks baby is home.
2. Parenting 101 Ask your guests to impart their parenting wisdom. Have each party-goer record a piece of sage advice on enclosed, matching note cards. Once collected, the notes easily compile into a thoughtful, new-parent guide book. Which then can be added to the treasured baby book...fun for everyone to look at years later.
3. Build the Baby's Library Have each guest bring their favorite children's book to build the baby's library. An extra gift that will give for years to come.
4. Pamper Mama In addition to any sweet, registry gifts, have each guest bring their favorite home-spa item. Lotions, baths salts, cozy pajamas, etc. Something fresh + relaxing to build a fabulous, spa basket. A gift your guest-of-honor will appreciate before + after baby arrives.
5. Thoughtful Patches Have each guest bring along a 4"x4" cozy, quilt square to build baby's first blanket. Shower throwers can collect and have a blanket commissioned as their shower gift. It's truly a gift that will last a lifetime.

Have you seen other thoughtful wording extras? We'd love to know! Just comment below so we can share with our future hostesses. 

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A thoughtful hostess indulges each + every guest from start to stop.

A bubbly beverage is an impressive {yet effortless} way to add sparkle + elegance. Our favorites? Prosecco + Cava. Delicious sparkling wines from Italy + Spain, respectively, that offer a fresh alternative to Champagne. Both are a bit more reasonably priced + widely available at your favorite Wine Shop.

Looking for an alternative to alcohol? Try these insanely tasty elixirs mixed with sparking water. {Psst...our tasters can't say enough good things about the Hibiscus + Rose.}

Finally, add a bit of fruit. Choose a coordinating color or flavor that fits well with your party's style. Our hostess Jennifer chose to add a single blueberry to each glass for Julia's party -- a simple, yet sweet, way to add a complimentary pop of color to every last sip.

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For a party that keeps them talking long after the last good-bye is said, let whimsy, personality + style inspire your party details. From start to stop, your party will shine {cohesively} with thoughtful details.

As an accomplished freelance lifestyle writer + editor for Sky magazine, Jennifer Blaise Kramer is a master of inspiration + detail. For her daughter's 1st birthday, Jennifer let Julia's affinity for all things owl-y work its magic. She let her invitation inspire important party details: delectable dessert, decor + dress! The result? An impeccably gorgeous + impossibly easy party.

Idea #1 :: The Dessert 

Bring a copy of your invitation to your local baker + let them work their magic! While you're there, mention it's your little one's 1st birthday and have them put together a mini, matching cake -- you'll love the photo opportunities that result from such a tiny, matching treat!

Idea #2 :: The Decor

Subtle details connect a party. Deconstruct your theme + sprinkle elements throughout your party space. The multi-colored stripes, owls + soft color palette inspired Jennifer's choice of balloon color, whimsy pom-poms + sweet owl figurines. The key is connecting subtle elements throughout; play with color palettes, patterns + character details. 

Idea #3 :: The Dress

Julia’s adorable blue-and-white polka dot dress matched the shapes + colors of the invitation + decor flawlessly. Such a simple + sweet way to carry out a theme without over doing it.

See it all unfold here.

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Whether you're already on vacay or won't be jetting off 'til next weekend, our favorite chef + caterer, Molly Herrmann says take avantage of local fare.

"Eating and shopping locally can really give you a true sense of a new place, as well as create an indelible memory. Know how you always associate foods from your childhood with certain things? Same idea. One of the best ways to do this is to shop at local stores, markets and visit the grocery store! It can be an eye-opening experience to see how Americans eat vs. the rest of the world. Create food memories on vacation."

LOCATION: Parco Savello [Aventine Hill, Rome, Italy]

 

LOCATION: Fresh Fruit in Mexico

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Happy St Patrick's Day! A delicious holiday calls for a delicious gathering. We've selected a few of our favorite, tried + true recipes from some of our favorite foodies to make your dinner is a success.

• Green starters: Emerald Eggs, from the Food Network Magazine. 
• Something hearty: Irish Soda Bread, from Ina Garten "Barefoot Contessa"
• Tradition at it's finest: Corned Beef + Cabbage by Darina Allen, courtesy of epicurious
• Don't forget dessert: Chocolate Guinness Goodness by Shane Philip, courtesy of epicurious

Did we miss any your favorite recipes? Let us know below -- we'd be happy to share. Cheers!

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Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, the perfect oppotunity to celebrate all the fun in your life. And the perfect opportunity to send the luck of the Irish, in the moment. How? With a thoughtful photo text or post.

May St. Patrick's Day bring you luck, good health + happiness. Cheers!

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