In Free Printables/ Freebie

Party Planning Checklist :: FREE Printable Party Planner

I am so excited to share another wonderful free printable that I have been using myself for the past couple of years. I created this free party planning checklist to make sure I never forgot a single detail when hosting my kids birthday parties. Party planning doesn’t happen overnight. The best way to ensure a successful party is to plan for one!!

It’s no big secret that I love a good checklist and this free printable party planner will be your go-to guide for your little ones next birthday party. Whether you start planning a year or weeks in advance, start jotting down a few of the important pieces of the party puzzle. Will there be a theme? How many invitations do I need? What date should we pick? What type of food should we serve? What activities or games should the kids play?

After you figure out the party basics – Event, Party Theme, Date – move on to the guest list. For my little guy we still do a big close friends and family party. Between kids and adults it tends to be around 40+ people. I like to keep the kids/adult guest list separate for two reasons:
1. It helps to account for how much food I need and
2. So I know how many kids I need to purchase party favors for.

Tally up the number of invitations you will need to send and start shopping for the perfect invitation. I may or may not know of a super awesome place to shop for cute kids invitations…. 505 Design, Inc on Etsy!!

The best part of our Free Party Planning Checklist is that the files are editable in Adobe Reader. You can type in all your information and save the file to your computer or print off the blank party planning checklist and fill it in yourself as you go.

Use this list as your go-to guide the day of the event to ensure all the food out, activities are in order and favor bags are accounted for.

I hope you enjoy using it as much as I do!

Download Our Free Party Planning Checklist Here

These files are specifically designed to be used in Adobe Reader. If you are using a Mac the default program is Previewer which will not allow you to edit the text fields. Here is the link to Reader in case you do not already have the program installed. http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Open in Adobe Reader and start typing over the sample text. You can save your changes, so you can return to it later to print off.

**** If you need to change the font, size or color hit Crtl+E or CMD+E if you are using a Mac
or View > Tool Bars > Properties Bar

You cannot change the location of any of the text, fonts or graphics. You can only enter customized wording in the editable text fields.

You cannot edit/personalize on an iPad, iPhone or other mobile tablet/device.

Good luck creating!

Cathy C

July 15, 2014 By 505design

Milk and Cookies Party

What kid doesn’t like cookies and milk?!? Check out this fun Milk and Cookies Party that is perfect for your little guys next event. There are so many wonderful and inexpensive elements that this party theme is sure to be a hit for kids and moms alike.

Let’s start off with one of the main components – the Milk. I used my favorite Starbucks glass container – you can see the full tutorial on how I created them here. The milk carafes were placed in a galvanized drink bucket and topped with the round milk labels included in the set.

The crate from my little cutie oranges turned into the perfect box for holding the cookies. I used some of the pattern paper that is included with the printable package to cover the sides and one of the thank you tags for the center.

Of course no Cookies and Milk themed birthday party would be complete without cupcakes. These delicious cookies and cream frosted cupcakes were to die for. Topped with the cupcake circles and of course the editable food labels.

The best part of a Milk and Cookie themed party is that each guest can go home with their own little box filled with yummy cookies! The printable set includes the Famous Cookies circles and the editable favor tags. Personalizing each gift bag is a great way to make sure everyone goes home happy and the gift boxes never get mixed up.

Printable Party Decorations: 505 Design, Inc
Cupcake Liners & Red Polka Dot Boxes: The Bakers Confections
Milk Carafes – World Market
Starbucks Milk Bottles – 505 Design Tutorial Here

Have a great day! Cathy C

March 31, 2014 By 505design

In Free Printables/ Valentine's Day

Printable Valentine Tags : : Free Printable

I finished up my kids Valentine’s Day treats, completely last minute per usual. Although they were not happy I forced them to choose only one thing to hand out this year. Both of them had specific requests when designing there Valentine tags. I wanted to use “I’m a Sucker for you Valentine” for both kids but my daughter wanted nothing to do with that. She requested pink, purple and girly. Done and done!

Here are the Valentine tags I created for my sons class – red, teal, black and gray. You can edit the name portion using Adobe Reader or leave them blank and let your child squeeze in there name.

The Valentine Tags for the pretty princess are hearts with pink, purple and red. Like the boys version, you can edit the name portion using Adobe Reader or leave them blank and let your child squeeze in there name.

Download the “I’m a Sucker for You Valentine” tags here

or the “Happy Valentine’s Day” tags here

Happy Valentine’s Day Friends! Cathy C.

February 12, 2014 By 505design

In Calendar/ Free Printables

2014 Calendar :: Free Download

Slightly behind getting the free 2014 editable calendar up this year. We have been digging ourselves out of a “Polar Vortex” full of 18″ of snow and sub zero temperatures. I loved the extra time I was able to spend with my little ones but it’s nice to get back to work.

Anyways back to the reason you’re here, our free 2014 Calendar. Some of you may have noticed the 2013-2014 school year calendar I posted back in September. My original plan was to extend that version into a full 2014 calendar, but that would be way too easy. Soooo, I ditched the old design for the most amazing calendar yet. I am in LOVE with this calendar! It is so bright and cheery, plus it includes one of my favorite trends right now – confetti.

Along with the full 12 month calendar download I have also included a zip file with each month separated. I hope you enjoy the free 2014 calendar download!

Download Options
2014 Calendar – Full 12 Months
2014 Calendar – Separate Months

Not only can you add your own text to these beauties you can also change the font, size and color!
Simply hit Crtl+E (cmd+E on Mac) or View > Tool Bars > Properties Bar

***Please note, these items are designed to be viewed in the latest version of Adobe Reader. {For all my MAC friends, the editable text areas will not work in Previewer} Click here to download Adobe Reader.

Good luck staying organized in twenty fourteen!!

Cathy C

January 11, 2014 By 505design

In Elf on the Shelf/ Free Printables/ North Pole Breakfast

Elf on the Shelf North Pole Breakfast – 2013

Christmas is right around the corner, can you believe it? This Saturday our elf on the shelf Chippy finally came back and brought a fabulous “candy breakfast” for my two little sweeties. Normally, Chippy and me have all our shit together. This year we are a hot mess. After searching the basement for 3 hours I found our elf on the shelf hiding in a Christmas Cookie tin. Exactly where I would hide if I wanted to stay near the Christmas stuff but in a place where no child dare look…if I was a magical elf of course. Once Chippy was found (1 AM) it was time to create a magical North Pole Breakfast. I whipped up a printable sign and letter using elements from an old Christmas design (it’s now pushing 2AM). The super awesome breakfast consisted of powder sugar doughnuts, peeps on a pretty red and white lollipop stick, Hershey kisses, candy canes, hot chocolate and milk in a fancy bottle dipped in sugar (hallelujah it’s 3am, and I am finally done!). Ooops, Chippy forgot to get the kids a gift. Everyone was up early (of coarse they were) and super excited to see that there friendly elf on the shelf had indeed not forgot them this holiday season.

With all of the madness, scrambling around and lack of gifts my kids both thought this was the “best breakfast Chippy has ever brought us”. Seriously? I almost feel foolish for the hours I spent last year getting everything together. All they really wanted was powder doughnuts, who knew.

Here are the free printables I used, good luck creating your own magically elf awesomeness.

Enjoy! Cathy C

December 9, 2013 By 505design

9 In Calendar/ Free Printables

2013-2014 School Year Printable Calendar :: Free Download

School is back in session and my mind is filled with a million things to remember – times two. Last year I drove myself crazy trying to keep a handle on which days to return library books, pack gym shoes, turn in homework, pack a lunch or buy lunch, bagel day, half days or early dismissals – it was all too intense. When I inevitably forgot something – which I did several times – my Type A personality had a near melt down. After months of going off the deep end we installed a school drop zone in the den (more on that later). The most crucial part of our Kiddie Command Center is my beloved calendar, this beauty keeps me on track like nobodies business.

In a nut shell here is how I organize our printable calendar.

1. I use the initials of each child to determine which kiddo has something to do on any given day.

2. I write all important dates for the whole year – school breaks, half days and so forth. Both of my kids teachers happen to give us a sheet at the beginning of the year – super helpful for this OCD mom.

3. Every month I sit down and fill out school specials (which change quarterly for my oldest), hot lunch schedule, snack days for my little guy, the dates and times of any sports they are playing and so on.

4. I print it out and post it on the cork board – any birthday invites or schedule changes are written in by hand.

The editable calendar is honestly a lifesaver for keeping me on track of multiple schedules. I hope you find it just as useful.

Download the 2013-2014 School Year Calendar

Not only can you add your own text to these beauties you can also change the font, size and color!
Simply hit Crtl+E (cmd+E on Mac) or View > Tool Bars > Properties Bar

View our free 2014 calendar here

Enjoy! Cathy C

September 9, 2013 By 505design

In Boys Party/ Motorcycle Party/ Party Photos

Motorcycle Party :: Another Happy Customer

My good friend Monica at Andary Studio’s came to me last year to design a Collection for her sons upcoming Motorcycle Birthday Party. I jumped at the chance because I knew the design would be a hit for “kids” of all ages. She wanted to stick with black and orange to play off the Harley Davidson colors. I added gray and a diamond plate pattern to the design to give it a tough guy feel.

The favor boxes were filled with black sunglasses, a flame bandanna and some sweet treats for each kid.

Tracy from Tracy’s Sweet Treats created flame cupcakes- I love how they turned out!

The birthday boy loved everything and I am so happy that I was able to be a part of his special day.

If you are interested in hosting your own Motorcycle Party – check out our full printable party collection.

Thanks for stopping by! Cathy C.

September 4, 2013 By 505design

In Baseball Party/ Boys Party/ Mickey Minnie/ New to the Shop/ Star Wars Party/ Surfs Up

Boys Invitations :: New to the Shop

The summer is almost over and I just wanted to share some of the fun invitations that I added to the shop in the last few months. Since the last New to the Shop post was all about the girls this one will focus on the boys.

Vintage Baseball Invitation

Boys Popsicle Invitation

Boys Surfs Up Invitation

Mickey Minnie Invitation

Star Wars Jedi Invitation

Boys Sports Themed Invitation

I hope everyone is enjoying the last few days of summer.

Thanks for stopping by! Cathy C

August 20, 2013 By 505design

In Baking Party/ Girls Party/ Party Photos

Jacqueline’s Bake Shop Party

So I’m a little behind on the bloggy, per usual and ~~needed to~~ scratch that HAVE to get all of these wonderful party photos up and on the site. First up is the Bake Shop party I had for my daughter’s 5th birthday. To date, this party tops the list of all time favorite projects. I think what made it so fun is two very important elements.
1. The kids had a blast decorating cakes and were so proud of there creations.
2. Everyone stayed very busy with all the fun activities we planned.

The party was held at our house with 15 of my daughters closest friends. I moved the table out of our eating area, added two banquet tables and set up the Bake Shop.

I found a great tutorial on how to make the chefs hat over at The First Grade Parade. Very simple and inexpensive, all you need is tissue paper, post board and tape. The white aprons where purchased at KNG International. Each apron was personalized with a printable stickers (included in the party package) and my super crafty mom added ruffles for the girls.

Now it was time to decorate. Each guest received there very own cake and 3 tubes of frosting to decorate with. The boys had chocolate, blue and orange while the girls were supplied with pink, purple and orange (by request of the birthday Princess).

Honestly, how cute are they in their little chef outfits?!

When everyone was done I snapped a picture of each little cutie showing off there cake – look at how proud they were.

If you are interested in hosting your own baking party the printable party package is now available in The Shop.

Thanks! Cathy C

July 16, 2013 By 505design

2 In Calendar/ Free Printables

Countdown to Disney Calendar

We’re going to Disney!!!! My kids are over the moon with excitement (I am too) and have been asking non stop everyday, “When are we leaving”, “How long til we go”, “Can we go tomorrow…I’m bored”. Instead of checking my calendar and counting the days with them I decided to create this fun and colorful countdown to disney calendar. My design inspiration came from the bright colors of the new Disney Art of Animation hotel that opened last year at Disney World. The printable file includes the Countdown to Disney page along with the numbers 1-31 plus a mickey graphic for the day that you leave. I also created a Disneyland printable for all of the west coast travelers.

Our Countdown to Disney Calendar is displayed on the cork board in our kitchen so the kiddies can see it every single day. I placed the countdown sheet in a page protector and I use sticky tack to attach the number to the sheet. The cut out numbers in a goody bag that I cut down to size.

You can download your own Countdown to Disney World or Disneyland here.


Countdown to Disney World	Countdown to Disneyland

Thanks for stopping by! Cathy C.

March 13, 2013 By 505design

In New to the Shop/ Printables

New to the Shop :: Girls Party Invitation

I cannot believe the amount of custom orders I have completed this past month. Everything from invitations, full party packages or customizing colors for packages that I currently have listed. Here are a few of the items that are newly listed in the shop.

Girls Glam Camping Invitation

Minnie Mouse Invitation

Vintage Barbie Invitation

Barbie Princess Pop star Invitation

Thanks! Cathy C.

March 7, 2013 By 505design

In Tutorial/ Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day Lunch

This is the first time my little sweetheart will be away for Valentine’s Day so I want to make sure her day is extra special. I’m planning a heart shaped lunch with all her favorites – jelly sandwich, strawberries, cucumbers and chocolate milk.