Tart Paperie

Quatrefoil...for less than $65!

2010-08-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I have been searching high and low for a large quatrefoil mirror that's NOT $300 or above. I'm wanted to use them for my master bathroom. So I wanted a pair. And spending $600 on mirrors that, let's face it, only my husband and I will enjoy seemed a bit indulgent.

Especially since we just spent a mint on new carpet, tile and wood flooring!

So I've been pining away at these gorgeous beauts for a while now and we took a saturday trip to Lowe's to get some faucets (yep, add another $500 to the tally of home improvement costs!) and...

TA DA!!!!

There it was. The perfect quatrefoil mirror. Staring right at me.

30 in x 30 in...FOR $64.97!!!

Thank you Lowe's. I am forever your friend.

Find it here.

It's been foreeeeeeever!!!

2010-07-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

So, I've been soooo out of the blogging loop lately. My hubbie and I bought a new house (yippee!) and I will be posting pictures shortly.

It's going to be a BLAST to blog about it because there are a ton of makeovers happening. I'm currently picking out paint colors, and the only thing we've really decided on is a gray for the living room!

Benjamin Moore Imperial Gray:

But I desperately need help! I'm looking for a cream, a smoky green/blue and a lovely darker warm gray all Benjamin Moore.

I find it so much easier to pick out fictional colors that actually commit to my own. I had it all planned out, but my adorably picky husband pretty much exnayed all of my fantasy colors, of which included a peacock deep turquoise for the entryway. So I'm at a loss and super frustrated.

Thank you Shan!

2010-05-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

I was so humbled and honored to write a guest post for Shan and her blog, Design gal and her handyman.

I really got to explore my inspirations and how they go from a tear-out in a magazine to a design.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your fab blog!

To Stick or not to Stick?

2010-04-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

I know that wall decals are coming back in a big big way, but I'm still a bit...eh? I don't know. Is it weird? Are they pretty? Are they cheesy? Is it too much trouble?

I mean, I get it for a baby's room. That's the majority of cool ones that I found. Like this one from Coolil:

But what about for a home? Like..your living room?

Crafty Easter Eggs

2010-04-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this website searching for...get ready...mini gold foiled craft leaves. I know. Don't even ask.

But the site itself is gorgeous and they have this beautiful little DIY on there for these charming little Easter Egg boxes. I'm usually not a fan of overly intricate antiquey things, but the possibilities are endless! I always forget about decoupage...

{instructions here}

Heart to Haiti

2010-03-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

First, I have to say I've been HORRIBLE about posting! This past week was insane, so updates are coming. And I haven't even had time to visit all of the wonderful blogs that I usually frequent. My deepest apologies!

Secondly, my beautiful friend Stephanie is over in Haiti helping piece back together the broken hearts there. I deeply respect her and wish I had the gumption to drop my life and do something bigger than my day to day selfish existence.

But alas, there are fabulous people in this world who DO do that, and to them I am eternally grateful.

I religiously read her fascinating blog, Heart to Haiti . There was this picture that inspired the artist in me and I had to share.

These are packages of scented candles on the store shelves - a huge luxury over there. Aren't they just lovely?

Jonathan Adler Giveaway

2010-03-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

LOVE Jonathan Adler. LOVE giveaways.

I hoping that just this one time I can get some luck and win one of these fabulousnesses (um, no. that's not a real word).

There are 3 drawings - 1 on March 22 for a porcelain frame (I'm not quite sure if this is the frame or not -but they're all very yummy):

March 29 for a monogram pillow:

April 5 for a monogram rug:

Thank you!

2010-03-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

I got some wonderful blog love from the very talented and ultra-fabulous Susan over at Chirps and Cheers (a perfect little paper store in Edmond, Oklahoma).

Thanks!

Handmade Love: Easter Felt Acorns

2010-03-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

I saw these over at etsy from FairyFolk . Aren't they adorable? I want 50 million to put on my table...=)

"eat pray love" love

2010-03-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

I LOVED this book - along with every other woman in the world who has felt like they lost a bit of their passion somewhere along the roadside.

Plus, it really ignited my love of reading again after I went though a dark period of constant work and didn't ever have a chance to get lost in myself. You know what I mean? There's nothing more satisfying to me than breathing and getting lost for a bit in something, anything, and realizing that hours went by. I've once spent 8 hours straight painting and when I was done began crying from joy. Yeah. I'm weird.

And I just saw the trailer for this book of beauty and CAN'T WAIT! I think Julia is the perfect choice too. Oh yummy yummy.

Egg and Nest Shower

2010-03-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

I love love birds and my best girlfriend used my "big pink nest" invitation for a egg and nest themed shower. I was so very jealous, because I am BURSTING with ideas for hosting an egg and nest shower!

Anywho. If I were the one hosting - I'd use one of these two invites:

And my party would look like this:

Somebody get engaged or knocked up ASAP!

{ Tart Paperie invite, nest and almond dessert with instructions from Save the Date for Cupcakes, place cards from Timeless Paper via etsy, glitter birds from Paper Source, branch arrangement via Bridal Cheek, birdcage flower arrangement from bhg?, wall decals from Art Wall Project via etsy, bird garland via greenunion.co.uk, robin's egg soaps from Gianna Rose Atelier }

Congratulations!

2010-03-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Save the Date for Cupcakes !!!

Just send me an email and let me know what you'd like in your 8 card packet and what you'd like them monogrammed!!!

Sweettart Giveaway!

2010-03-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

I love love love and appreciate all of you and want to give away something sweet!

I'm offering a package of my personalized sweettarts - any combo you choose - 8 total.

So you can get em all, or just one design, or make your own combo!

1. Become a follower if you aren't already.

2. Leave a comment.

3. Become a facebook fan for an extra entry! (Let me know if you already are so I can enter you twice...)

I'll announce the winner and you can tell me what combo you'd like and how you'd like them personalized!

Giveaway ends Thursday at midnight.

Monsieur Boudin

2010-03-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this adorable little weinie dog illustration collection on Daisy Pink Cupcake's blog and I love this dog!!!

The illustrations are so whimsical and fun. You can buy all the cards here , but I don't have any idea if there's a place in the US or not.

And his name is Mr. Sausage. I mean...how cute is that!?!

{designs by Lab Partners}

Sandra, we love you

2010-03-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

These have to be two of my favorite things on a woman. Sparkles and soft feminine nudes.

My hubbie and I watched the entire ceremony last night...except for a hour long stint of him snoring...but I was DAZZLED by Sandra Bullock, Demi Moore and Cameron Diaz. Gorgeous.

Did you know that Sandra is 45!?! She looks not a day over 35. Ridiculous. And she's so much more hilarious and humble than I thought.

And her speech made me cry.

I'm obviously smitten with her.

So here are my fave sparkle looks and nude looks:

{ by the way - huge disclaimer. I thought Miley's dress was GORGEOUS, but she handled herself like a ...duh, 15 year old girl. So I think it was a tad old for her, but I would wear it in a heartbeat! }

New Stores!

2010-03-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

I wanted to send some online love to my newest stores!

Illinois:
Chicago - All She Wrote
Mokena - RSVP Invites

Kansas:
Prairie Village - RSVP in the Village

Oklahoma:
Norman - Christmas Expressions
Tulsa - You're Invited

Texas:
Houston - Katie and Co.
Waco - Scribbles

Thanks!!

Annie Kyle

2010-03-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

I am seriously obsessed with this artist. My lovely friend Jamie did her fantastic site and while perusing her work, I seriously started to hyperventilate with inspirational fever.

I love her stuff. LOVE.

Etsy Love

2010-03-02T15:32:00.000-08:00

I saw this artist Dr Kennedy Jones over at Paper n Stitch and just HAD to post about her.

I am so ultra inspired by her vintage collages. They are so unexpected and fanciful.

mmmm lovely. Great job Hollie! You rock!

Lonny and Nesting Newbies Online Fabulousness

2010-02-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

I know that most everybody is familiar with Lonny now, but I just got wind of this new online magazine, Nesting Newbies ! The lovely Julie over at Belle Maison 23 wrote a post about this new online inspiration.

I will be adding it to one of the many things I am currently addicted to...

Thank you Belle Maison for the wonderful tip!

Gorgeous Headers

2010-02-26T15:14:00.000-08:00

I am a blog jumper. I find myself an hour into blog jumping and realize...hey? It's what time?! All I've been doing is BLOG JUMPING?!

But I love it. And there are so many talented wonderful souls out there that I just can't stop myself.

One of the things that I LOVE to look at are beautiful headers. I love a great header, and these are just spectacular. I'm so inspired by each of these in such different ways. I'm thinking of creating a "beautiful header award". Does that already exist? hmmm.

I am smitten with them all.

Recycled Chandeliers

2010-02-26T12:21:00.000-08:00

I have been so naughty about writing and visiting all your fabulous wonderful blogs. My past week has been a tornado of work, and I think it might be getting back to its usual pace now!!! I so apologize for the absence and to show my appreciation, I'll be giving away a prize this weekend! So be on the lookout tomorrow...

Ever since I spyed this trash chandelier in the Two's Company Dallas showroom this past January, I've been seeing them everywhere.

{made from detergent bottles}

I don't know if it's a trend or I'm just now noticing these beautiful reclaimed art pieces. Discarded pieces of "trash" can really be so intriguing!

{ below is made from Time Out Magazines }

{ below is made from plastic bags...don't you think this baby is pretty flammable?! }

{this one below is made from coffee stirrers}

{below is made from plastic water bottles}

{below is made out of sun glasses}

{ below is made from glasses lenses }

{ below is made from paper clips - it's a DIY kit you can buy from etsy! }

{ two's company showroom, designer Wary Meyers out of Time Out Magazines, Tyler Velten out of plastic grocery bags, Studio Verrisimo made of coffee stirrers, Anneke Jakobs made of Chaquita banana cartons, Stuart Haygarth out of party poppers, discarded plastics, sun glasses and glasses lenses, DIY paper clip chandelier from ReDesignTechnologies via etsy, ReclaimedLighting.com out of mason jars, Domestic Construction out of tea cups, wildflowerorganics.com out of wine barrels, reclaimed plastic and trinkets chandelier via Sean Daniel }

Anthropologie swoon

2010-02-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

They manage to make the most beautiful emails ever.

It's like a breath of fresh air for my oversaturated mailbox ...

Fuchsia February - Fuchsia and plum

2010-02-22T16:12:00.000-08:00

I love color. LOVE LOVE LOVE. And I get so inspired by different combinations.

This month, albeit late, I'm picking fuchsia! Throughout the rest of the month, I want to highlight different combos using one fabulous color.

{unsure of this one, earrings from Layla Grace, pic via Fine Living, stationery from Boatman Geller, wallpaper from Osborne and Little, invitation from Wedding Paper Divas }

Thank you Therese!

2010-02-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

{ I am so so honored to be mentioned in Therese's beautiful and fabulous blog, La Dolfina . It's so great to meet friends through blogging! Too bad we live across the country from each other =( Thank you dear...}

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2010-02-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's my daddy's 68th birthday, and I want to wish him the most wonderful year that anybody can have. He's a walking miracle that battled cancer and survived a heart attack and we're so thankful to still have him in our lives.

He will NEVER read this, because he's never been on a computer in his life, but I just wanted to put it out there.

Diagonal Stripes

2010-02-19T05:41:00.000-08:00

Ever since I saw this pillow from 2modern, I've been clawing at every black and white diagonally striped thing I can get my hands on.

I love stripes, but they can get a bit on the boring side sometimes. Love how fresh and interesting diagonal looks!

{ pillow from 2modern, dress from narciso rodriguez, brittany snow, umbrella from lulu guiness, dress by Betsey Johnson, room via ?, dress from Tory Burch }

What type are you? quiz

2010-02-19T05:40:00.000-08:00

Love this super cute quiz . It analyzes your personality with 4 questions and tells you what "type" you are.

Mine was Dot Matrix. Not sure if I totally agree, but I can dig it.

{via poppytalk}

$300 Green Headboard - 3 ways

2010-02-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

I am in love with this mossy green velvet headboard from Urban Outfitters.

So much so that I've been spending WAY too much of my free time playing with different room options centered around its loveliness.

Which is your fave?

Here are my three versions:

1. Vintage Prep

2. Asian Glam

3. Modern Eclectic Chic

Hot Knots

2010-02-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

At first, I wasn't too fond of this whole nautical movement. The anchors and everything seemed so...1995 or something (I think I used to have a huge anchor necklace...gross)

But then I really started falling in love with all the sailors knots. It's so preppy and refined yet rugged and utilitarian.

And oh so classic.

{Charles Fradin Letterpress Stationery, napkin holders from countryporch.com, headband from fengjunk.com, necklace from Anthropologie , doormat from L.L. Bean, knot ring by Everlon, dress from neiman marcus, wallpaper from Jonathan Adler, purse with knot clasp by Bottega Veneta, belt from Anthropologie, bracelet from thevamoose via etsy, knob from Anthropologie, Maison Martin Margiela ring, invite from Boatman Geller }

Happy Mardi Gras, Y'all!!!

2010-02-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

YES! The ultimate day of indulgence is here! I've decided that I might actually cheat on my gluten-free allergy diet.

I know.

I'm a crazy lady.

This past Sunday, I went to the mardi gras parade in Alexandria, Louisiana and it was a blast. Much, much tamer than New Orleans. Nobody was puking on my shoes. Girls weren't flashing people everywhere you turned. And I didn't lose anybody in the crowd.

{ my hubbie and I }

{ one of the krewe floats, made out like a hunting deer blind...TRUE louisiana style! }

{ the crowd across the street from us - notice the guy at the top holding the Saints flag }

{ random cajun dude with 20 bazillion beads on }

I'm hoping this isn't too randy for the blogosphere...

Dallas Wisteria Outlet Sale

2010-02-15T14:18:00.000-08:00

Ok. If you live in Dallas, you must do this for the rest of us who aren't lucky enough to be near one of the greatest wonders of the world.

The Wisteria Outlet is having a fab sale. If you haven't been, it's blow-your-mind-good sometimes and sometimes it's just good. Either way, it's worth the drive.

And if you go and buy something, you must tell me all about it. I have to live vicariously!

Raindrops keep falling

2010-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

{ jonathan adler pillows, rug from overstock.com, earrings from withnature via etsy, painting from gollybard via etsy, raindrop garlands from kategreiner via etsy, teardrop earrings from ippolita, letterpressed card from letterpress via etsy, jonathan adler lamp, ceramic tiles from ashleyg via etsy, crocheted raindrop from juicyanne }

Glamourpuss for $1500

2010-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

If I am blessed with a baby girl one day, I am going to force her to have a bedroom like this.

Honestly, I'm tempted to make my own room like this, but I think my husband would have a heart attack. (I WILL however have to find a way to work in that rug, the coatrack and the umbrella stand. In a very very manly way, of course...)

If you can't tell, I'm becoming obsessive with online deal finding.

{ And by the way, that fab sequins pillow IS from Babies-r-us. Who knew? }

May every kiss be a movie kiss...

2010-02-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Love Day =)

New Stores!

2010-02-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd give a warm welcome and thank you to some of my wonderful new fabulous stores this week!

Alabama:
Birmingham - Alan's Invitations

Illinois:
Chicago - Mi-Te Printing and Graphics

Louisiana:
Baton Rouge - Queen Bee

Missouri:
St. Louis - Saint Louis Service Bureau

Texas:
Austin -
Hayden Avery
Inviting Affairs
Party Cat

Wisconsin:
Milwaukee - Giraffe, Ltd.

A Bedroom for $1500

2010-02-12T22:32:00.000-08:00

I was so inspired by finding the $70 kmart table that I decided to build a $1500 bedroom using the orange and pale blue palette.

Ok. I'm aware that I have no bedding and no place to put my clothes and I might be a tiny bit over budget. But I couldn't help myself! That Asian settee put me over, but it had to be done...=)

Snow in Alexandria, Louisiana!

2010-02-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

I absolutely can't believe it. First, the Saints win the Super Bowl. Then, it snows.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the weather patterns of middle and southern Louisiana, this is completely unheard of.

This is the view of my backyard (albeit, my parent's backyard, as my hubbie and I have been crashing here for a couple of months until we find a fab house) from my bathroom window.

Tray side table - $69!!!

2010-02-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

LOVE this tray side table from Kmart . I saw it in this month's issue of House Beautiful listed at $90, but when I went online, I saw that it was on sale!

What a happy surprise. Buy it now!!!

Orange and Powder Blue

2010-02-11T12:46:00.000-08:00

I am a huge fan of this color combo. It can be very masculine, yet very Hermes chic. I think if I had a boy someday, I might be using this palette!

{ Sea you soon Sweettart note Tart Paperie, room pic via thelennoxx.files.wordpress.com, Serena and Lily pillow via Layla Grace, rug and lamps from 1st Dibs, pic via martha stewart weddings, pic via decor pad, letterpress invitations by Smock, hat from Layla Grace, room pic via chicprovence.blogspot.com, Crane baby announcement, Barney's tie, cake from sweet quince cake, flat notes from Annechovie }

Under my Umbrella...

2010-02-11T07:46:00.000-08:00

I've been on the lookout lately for an ultra fab umbrella. When I lived in Manhattan, a cool umbrella was so essential...because if you didn't look hot walking down 5th Avenue in the pouring rain, then you might as well go back to wherever you came from.

Then I moved to Chicago, where all of my delicate umbrellas were promptly turned inside out on the first windy day. The only thing that held up was an ultra strong black mini-brella.

And now, I live in small town Louisiana where the only time you get wet is when you walk across the Kroger's parking lot.

But who cares! I still want something fabulous. I've held on to my black mini-brella for too long!

(honestly, I'm the most in love with the first one from Target - only $16.99!)

{ clear done umbrella from Target, Felix Ray LOVE umbrella, Fornasetti Theme and Variations umbrella, Marc Jacobs Standard Supply umbrella, Burberry umbrella, Fornasetti Hot Air Balloons umbrella, 4 umbrellas from Lulu Guinness, Marimekko umbrella, union jack umbrella from umbrellaworld.co.uk }

Ruffled Feathers

2010-02-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

When I was a wee little thing, I couldn't get enough of girlie stuff. Barbies, jewelry, dresses, ponies and ruffles.

Then something happened around junior high. I hated all things girlie. Began wearing blue jeans, simplified my design sensibilities, and started listening to Jimi Hendrix.

None of those things have changed, except the ruffles part. I think I started my love affair again when I saw that fabulous episode of Sex and the City. You know the one. Where she spies a pair of Christian Louboutin ruffled shoes in the window and seductively whispers, "Hello Lover."

And WHO can forget that Versace Couture dress from the last episode...

I love a good ruffle.

And I love a good ruffle on top of another ruffle.

So here are my favorite finds that have not just one, but many beautiful, girlie ruffles. Embrace the girlie!

{ here's the how-to for the pink ruffle cake }

{ ottoman from Layla Grace, shower curtain from Anthropologie, Valentino dress, ruffle skirt from Diane Von Furstenburg, towels from Neiman Marcus, Eva Longoria in a Marchesa gown, curtains from Urban Outfitters, bedskirt from Layla Grace, Funktion apron, Jim Hjelm wedding gown, bib necklace from a common thread via etsy, ruffled white comforter from Urban Outfitters, pic via Martha Stewart Weddings, cake from Bobbette and Belle cakes, jacket from Anthropologie, wedding gown by Vera Wang, jumper from Urban Outfitters, cake with instructions from Martha Stewart Weddings }

Valentine banner DIY

2010-02-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

Usually, I hate Valentine's Day. Making people feel guilty if they don't have a significant other, or worse yet, that they don't buy you some silly heart necklace that represents eternal love.

BLEH! Baloney I say!

But, I DO love the hearts and the colors and the sentimentality of it all. Vintage French love poems? Yes please. Calligraphy love notes? Uh-huh. Candy hearts with sweet sayings on them? mmmm.

And I LOVE making valentines. There's something so innocent and beautiful about a handmade note. Doilies and lace and pink construction paper make me happy.

So I decided to send a valentine to my wonderful reps over at Daniel Richards.

Here's what you'll need:

spray adhesive
red poster paper
a love book suitable for tearing out pages
jute string
regular scissors
scalloped scissors
a saying printed on any type of paper, each letter cut into squares

Here's what you do:

1. Glue one of your letters onto your poster board and cut with the scalloped scissors tightly around the letter.

2. Continue with every letter.

3. Lay out your letters with about 1.5 inches in between them. Cut your string, allowing for 6 - 7 inches on either side.

4. Tear out your book pages.

5. Glue your scalloped letter onto the lower part of your page. Fold the page where you'd like the string to go.

6. Cut the page around the letter with regular scissors while it's folded to allow about 1/2 in. around the edges.

7. Turn over the page and apply the spray glue.

8. But the string where the fold is and close the flap. (Folding the flap over around the string)

9. Repeat this for every letter.

Mirror, mirror on the wall...aren't YOU the prettiest of them all!

2010-02-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that Wisteria seriously rocks. Especially when they have a sale.

Right now, every mirror is 20% off. Just enter MIRROR20 at check out. Yumm. (I'm obsessed with that first one with the shells - originally $379, now $303)

Who DAT!!!

2010-02-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

So this past weekend, I, along with every other person in the country, watched as my beloved Saints won their very first Super Bowl.

I'm so very proud and wanted to give a shout out to my team and any other members of the Who Dat nation who might read my blog.

My hubbie and I also went to Parlangua, which is a Mardi Gras Krewe in Alexandria. We attended the ball this past Saturday and started the Mardi Gras celebration!

For those of you NOT in Louisiana, we have our parades starting this weekend, so I'm definitely taking pictures and posting them! It's something you have to see to believe. I love it. There's really no other place like this in the world. I'm very proud to call it home. GEAUX SAINTS!

Pink and Poppy

2010-02-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

I love this color combo. It's so youthful, yet sophisticated at the same time.

{tart paperie pink pagoda invitation, dress from Neiman Marcus, invitation by iomoi, Kravet website, vintage Cabaret poster, pic via makingitlovely.com, print from 1st Dibs, matches by iomoi, pics via martha stewart weddings, Christian Louboutin Georgineta pumps, pic via designspongeonline.com, cake pic via martha stewart weddings, Checkerboard sweetheart announcements, vintage apothecary jars from 1st dibs, MOR blood orange soap, Midori blossom favor bags from Barney's, pic via martha stewart weddings}

Mad for Plaid

2010-02-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

There's been a plaid movement lately, and all those men's flannel shirts I wouldn't leave the house without in junior high are suddenly back in style...with a twist.

I love the preppiness of plaid. It can either say yacht club or cowboy trucker. Totally depends on the plaid.

I'm definitely more fond of the yacht club plaid.

{tart paperie preppy plaid invitation and stationery collection, Kelly Monaco via Ethan Miller/Getty Images, boots from Target, throw from Urban Outfitters, Splendid tunic from Neiman Marcus, pumps from Target, plaid upholstered bench from 1st dibs, room via Traditional Home, chair from 1st dibs, wedding pics via Martha Stewart Weddings, Whitney English stationery}

New Stores

2010-02-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

I wanted to give a very special shout out to a few of my new stores added in the past 2 weeks!!

Illinois:
Glenview - FUN cards and gifts
Hinsdale - Sass-N-Class

Indiana:
Granger - Festivities at the Crockery

Louisiana:
Baton Rouge - The Keeping Room

Oklahoma:
Edmond - Chirps and Cheers

Texas:
Beaumont - Mannings
Houston - Katie & Co.
San Antonio - Invitations, Etc.

Thanks to all!

Ring, Ring!

2010-02-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

I love rings. Diamond rings, Ring of Fire, my Journey ringtone...

But I'm a design nut, and my favorite rings are the ones used as a design element.

Well, maybe second to diamond rings...=)

Rings are a very OLD design element, being used in celtic designs and medieval chain mail, and probably appearing before that. It's classic, gorgeous, and goes with anything. It looks old and new at the same time. Here are my favorite examples:

{this barstool comes in white and is only $89 from Target!}

{buffet from Layla Grace, Kraftmaid Kitchen courtesy of blog All That Inspires , Pianagonda circles ring at Neimans, Circles barstool and circles fireplace screen from Target, Demby and Soloman personalized labels, watch from Target, David Meister dress, mirror from Lamps Plus, Roberto Coin bracelet and circles sheet sets from Neimans, gold table from Layla Grace, invitations from Crane, unsure of console table and mirror, R & Y Augousti Brownclips tray, Mallory Marks hoop earrings at Barneys, Iomoi personalized coasters}

Spay Day 2010 Photo Contest

2010-02-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

We ALL love our pets, and you can submit a photo to prove it! The Humane Society is having a photo contest/ fundraiser in honor of Spay Day.

If you've thought about donating, now is a perfect time. Upload a pic and people can buy votes for your pooch, kitty, ferret, parrot, mouse, hamster...whatever!

If you don't have one, vote for mine !

Thai Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken

2010-02-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

I usually don't post about food, but here it goes...

I live in an average sized town. With average restaurants. So when I craved Thai food one night, I knew that going to my local Thai restaurant was out of the question. We got great Cajun and great Chinese. But no Thai.

So I decided to make some coconut curry chicken - my fave dish. I got the recipe from foodnetwork.com, and the BEST thing about this site is that people can comment on the recipe. Usually the comments consist of ways to make the recipe better and mistakes to avoid. So I altered the recipe a bit.

And it was melt in your mouth good.

I just had to share - for those of you out there WITHOUT a fab Thai restaurant around the corner:

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
dash of olive oil
1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
1 to 2 cans green chilies (usually found in the ethnic section)
red pepper flakes
cayenne pepper
salt and pepper
1.5 cans coconut milk
1.5 cups chicken stock
2 tomatoes
4 chicken breasts cut into 1 in cubes
1 vidalia onion
1 bunch green onions
chopped jalapeno peppers
chopped cilantro
1 lemon, juiced
4 - 5 carrots, sliced

Directions

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium
Add the onions, ginger, garlic and carrots and cook slowly till the onions are soft - 15 min.
Add the tomato paste, curry powder, cinnamon, chilies, salt and pepper and chopped jalapeno and stir well
Add the coconut milk and chicken stock and bring it to a simmer
Cook until the sauce has thickened - 30 minutes (some people said that they had to cook it for an hour until it thickened, but 30 min to 45 should do it with the adjustments I made to the ingredients)
Add the tomatoes, chicken, cilantro (just a bit chopped) and lemon juice. cook until chicken is cooked through - 15 min
Season with red pepper and cayenne pepper to reach the perfect spiciness!

Serve with jasmine rice.

New font - Swingdancer

2010-02-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

I just bought a new font! I love it. It's so fab. And it was only $14.95.

I've never bought a font before, but I couldn't resist.

Find it here .

Behind the Scenes - Valentino 2010

2010-02-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

I'm usually not a huge fashion person. I get inspired by fabrics, but the entire crazy fashion pedestal is a bit odd to me. The shows and the hoopla and lady gaga and the this and the that. It seems a bit much to me.

However, I saw these pics on vogue.com of behind the scenes of the creation of the 2010 Valentino Spring line. I thought they were gorgeous. Just stunning.

Petals falling everywhere

2010-02-01T08:42:00.000-08:00

I love natural shapes, and I've started see the shape of petals and leaves everywhere. It's so beautiful and organic and way feminine.

Latticework has taken over our lives and I'll be the first to admit that I'm still gaga over trellis wallpaper. But there's something about natural shapes that really eases my heart rate and pleases the hippie inside.

{ Heidi Klum and Michael Kors Key to the Cure shirt at Saks, earrings and perfume and shirt at Anthropologie, earrings from Neiman Marcus, Romo wallcoverings, rug from Layla Grace, hydrangea necklace from etsy - Patrick Irla Jewelry , daily candy header illustrated by Sujean Rim }

Christian Lacroix Papier

2010-01-30T09:40:00.000-08:00

While I aimlessly dawdled through my daily dose of inspirational fashion and design sites, I was suddenly aghast when I saw this post of Christian Lacroix's new line of paper goods on vogue.com.

It's so stunning. Very Papaya-esque but with a fashion edge that borders genius. There's collage, paintings, fabric, beauty, sketch, charcoal, vintage drawings. The number of mediums is fantastic.

It really stuck me. It looks so effortless, though I know each masterpiece was probably a painstaking exercise in adding and subtracting.

Gorgeous:

Color Picks - 2010

2010-01-26T13:57:00.000-08:00

I love color. Every color. As a child I would have a panic attack every time the teacher would ask, "What's your favorite color?"

What kind of question is that? I like certain colors for certain things. Right?

So here are my favorite inspirations for this year.

Green:

Horse from ZGallerie, still from Atonement, green and gold bracelet from i forget!, Kate Spade wallet, house beautiful home, greek key candles from ZGallerie, Crane Apple Green cards

Gray:

homes from house beautiful, lamp from Zara Home

Red-orange:

look by Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta red necklace, red thank you from William Arthur, trench from Kate Spade

Gold:

bangle from Alexis Bittar, silk top and knob from Anthropologie, circles side table from Layla Grace, Moulinette Soeurs Eau de Parfum, room from house beautiful, calling card from Martha Stewart

Orange:

Agraria Luxury bath bar at Barneys, interior photographed by Dan Duchars, Halston Heritage Pleated gown from Neiman Marcus, Prada loafer, screen from Layla Grace, bedding from ZGallerie, stationery from Crane

Pink:

room from house beautiful, Vera Wang Truly Pink, invitation from Martha Stewart, child's ghost chair from Layla Grace, room from house beautiful, Nana de Bary Pink Eau de Parfum, John Derian coaster

Turquoise:

chest from Layla Grace, ring from Kate Spade, floral necklace from Lee Angel, barrettes from Anthropologie, room from house beautiful

Gerard Gauci

2010-01-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this incredible interiors painter and set designer from Canada. His paintings are so fabulously unexpected with bits of paint scattered over a precise rendering of a room.

I imagine him sitting at an easel, admiring his perfect painting that took weeks to create. Then dipping his little brush in a pool of shocking turquoise.

And then with fear and adrenaline, swiping it across the canvas.

I think it would probably give me a heart attack to do that. But then again, it might be the most liberating thing in the world...

Post Secret

2010-01-21T12:16:00.000-08:00

Ah. Don't we all have that one...

{ found on post secret's blog }

Paper Suitcases...they're EVERYWHERE!

2010-01-20T18:09:00.000-08:00

I've been noticing these paper suitcases everywhere I go. The first place I saw them was on the beautiful blog, Making it Lovely . Nicole owns a fabulous line, Pink Loves Brown.

So after I saw those paper suitcases, I was thinking, "hey, those are pretty cute." Little did I know there was an entire freakin paper suitcase movement going on.

I've been living under a rock I suppose. That's ok. I've known it for quite some time.

So I saw them recently at Paper Source at Northpark Mall in Dallas:

And THEN, I spyed it in an ad for The Land Of Nod:

There's also a company on Amazon that makes them:

It's crazy. I mean, I think they're cute and everything. Am I really living under a rock?

freecreditreport.com IS SO NOT FREE

2010-01-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

Just an FYI to all of you normal people out there who actually believe that free means you don't have to spend any money.

freecreditreport.com IS NOT ONE OF THOSE FREE THINGS.

After you get your credit repot, you are signed up, unbeknownst to you, to receive reports every month at a $14 charge. They automatically charge you.

You MUST call and cancel. Or else the little devils will keep charging you.

FOREVER.

They've been reported to the Better Business Bureau more than any other company.

freecreditreport.com, I hate you.

I'll get you, and your little jingle-singing emo dude too....muah ah ah.

Stick a fork in me

2010-01-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

I like silverware. mmmm...

{ tray from Zara Home, serving ware and forks prints from art.com, five forks print from bridbird on etsy, julia rothman print, wallpaper and linen towels from anthropologie }

Dallas Market: Day 3 and last

2010-01-17T22:47:00.000-08:00

My third and final day in Dallas was short, but sweet. I had to get on the road for my 5 hour trek home. But I managed to finally hop in one of my favorite showrooms, Donald McEvoy Ltd. I instantly gravitated toward the showstopping line, Fringe Studio. I've seen it in various stores in Dallas, and I've even bought a vase. But THIS was breathtaking. I want every single freakin thing they make. Seriously.

Here's a couple of pics (Love that yellow peacock. I can't stand it.) :

Even their website is oh so fab. But way mysterious. They don't have any product on there, just this gorgeous homepage:

I also took a few more pics of Daniel Richard's showroom:

Tile Table close-up:

These two gift lines they represent are so fun. The first is Funktion , and the second is The Macbeth Collection . I know union jack is everywhere, barf, but I can't help but love that trash can!

All in all it was a great trip. To be surrounded by such beautiful things is actually good for the soul. A few times my head wanted to explode from the sheer volume of inspiring goods. But I gradually just let them all wash over me and stopped trying to take millions of mental pictures. I like to think by the power of osmosis some of that beauty has seeped into my subconscience and when my next line comes out it's going to be sinfully good. =)

Dallas Market: Day 2

2010-01-17T05:40:00.000-08:00

I didn't get a chance to roam market like I wanted to, but instead stayed in the showroom talking to all of the lovely stores that came. I did take a couple of photos - one with the wonderful reps:

In fact, Roseann has a fantastic blog about being a Dallas stationery rep!

I also hammed it up and took a photo in front of my wall...

Dallas Market: Day 1

2010-01-16T05:18:00.000-08:00

Day 1 of market (at least for me! It's been going for 3 days now!) was a bit slow. The highlight was getting to meet my fabulous reps. They're totally on it, and all so beautiful. How can I go wrong?!

I hung out in the showroom for a bit, mostly chatting with the girls and looking at the other gorgeous lines they have - Bella Ink, Lemon Tree Paper, Paper Belle, Jonathan Wright, Mara Mi, Sharp and Sally, Tina givens, etc. etc. Here's a couple of pics of the showroom and my wall section - I'll get more tomorrow!

And a NEW line that they carry by Amy Butler. I ADORE her. I've been swooning over her fabrics for years now, and she's turned some of her glorious patterns into paper products (not just scrapping paper). I'll take some pics of her exquisite line and post them tomorrow.

I did take a chance to roam the temporaries, which actually really shocked me. The aisles were half the size they normally are, and I didn't find any new paper lines. Even Papaya didn't set up this year. Last January, it was huge, with 5 or 6 new lines. And Papaya was like a bright beacon of color right in the middle of it all. I suppose the economy has sucked out some of the excitement of those entrepreneurship spirits. Plus the cost of the booths are a bit pricey.

However, the permanent showrooms looked as beautiful as ever. Here are a few pics of my favorite - Two's Company.

Yes, those are empty detergent bottles. Here is a close-up:

Here's a close-up of the wall detail:

And this white buffet inspired me so much. At first, I couldn't figure out why I was so drawn to it. Then it hit me. I, along with millions of other Americans, have a piece like this that's gross and ugly and has been in my parent's house for years. Chances are, there's one in every thrift store across town. Next time, I'm not going to pass this little gem up! A coat of white paint and voila!

Hand Drawn Type

2010-01-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

When I was at Creative Circus for art direction, I took a typography class. I thought it would be fun.

It was interesting...but not fun.

Our perfectionist teacher had us hand-rendering type till the cows came home and each serif that didn't perfectly match the letter before it got a big red circle around it.

Of course, I had few circles. Since I am a teacher-pleasing perfectionist pet.

But I suppose it was useful to some extent. There is something so dang beautiful about hand-rendered type and when a designer incorporates it instead of using the ole list of computer fonts, it makes an illustration sing. I can't believe I haven't incorporated any in my designs thus far, but I promise the summer 2010 line will have it's share!

Here are a few of my fave examples:

{ from The Land of Nod website, 2 illustrations by julia rothman, Alphabet Cards illustrated by Melissa Sweet, Taschen's New York and Rosie Flo's coloring book both at Anthropologie and Amazon }

Birthday...Yay!

2010-01-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

It's my hubbie's 30th birthday. He's wonderful and adorable and the most perfect husband ever.

If I had to get married to him again, I would.

And my wish for him this year is that he finds what he loves to do.

{ calligraphy provided by love, jenna }

Isn't he so handsome? =)

I just got a favicon...#2

2010-01-14T06:51:00.000-08:00

Ok. I wrote this post earlier yesterday, posted it, and realized that it had two different fonts in it. I tried to change the fonts and BAM! It suddenly wouldn't edit some things.

So I'm trying again. (I'm sorry Blushing Hostess, but your lovely comment was deleted in the mayhem!)

Here's what I did:

1. Built a file in photoshop or illustrator at 16 x 16 pixels

2. Saved it as a .png

3. Converted it to a .ico on this website . (you don't have to sign up for anything)

4. Uploaded it to this website . (Again, NO signing up)

5. Clicked on layout, edit HTML.

6. Found this line of code near the top :

7. Put this code underneath:

Viola!

This website is where I found the last two steps - they have tons of great stuff for bloggers.

The Source - September 2009

2010-01-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

I was so very honored to be interviewed and featured in the Dallas Market Center's quarterly pub, The Source, in September of 2009. Here it is if you'd like to take a peek!

The invitation featured is "Birthday Girl" and it isn't square, it's rectangle. They took some liberties with the file I sent!

{ the pages get much larger when you click on them! }

Dallas Market starts today!

2010-01-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

I'm here in Alexandria, Louisiana as Dallas Market starts, my VERY FIRST time to be in a showroom. I am terrified and hopeful all at the same time.

Hopefully it's going well over there...eek! I'm leaving early Friday morning to be there by noon and staying until Monday. (I would be going earlier, but my hubbie's 30th is Thursday and I can't bear to miss it!)

So if you're traveling through the market center this weekend, stop by Daniel Richards and I should be there! It's in the Market Hall on the 2nd floor.

I'll be posting pictures and documenting the experience starting Saturday, so keep checking back!

By the way - here is a glimpse of me at market last January! I was in the temporaries.

And in answering your questions - No, I'm not preggo, it's one of those dresses. Yes, I am sporting some hot bangs that I no longer possess. And yes, my booth was wrinkled. My husband threw away our iron.

Sanibel Island Countdown

2010-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

In 4 months to the day I will be here:

hmmmm. happy.

Vintage Collective

2010-01-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

In the blog poppytalk , there was a recent post on a flickr gallery named "The Vintage Collective" .

I fell head over heals for the gorgeous calligraphy and typography. It's really something:

{ added 1/13 } By the way - doesn't this gorgeous calligraphy look familiar? Martha Stewart must've done her 19th century homework, because her Crane Christmas collection is dripping of this stuff!

BeautifulPeople.com is downright ugly

2010-01-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

I was reading Time magazine, and was APPALLED by a quote I read in the "Verbatim" brief.

Robert Hintze, founder of the dating site beautifulpeople.com, said "Letting fatties roam the site is a direct threat to our business model."

But that's not the shocking part.

He said this AFTER he dropped 5000 of it's members because...drumroll...they "appeared" to have gained weight in their photos over the holidays.

Um...newsflash Robert Hintze man, EVERYONE gains weight over the holidays.

So I looked him up on google, and yes, he's mildly attractive. If you like that slicked back used-car-salesman, I'll never give a crap about what you have to say look. Ugh. I HATE guys like that.

He's the one on the right:

Gross. You disgust me.

African Sketchbook Fabrics

2010-01-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

In a recent post on the blog, Cote De Texas, the author featured a hotel in Cape Town that was filled with fine art fabrics by African Sketchbook. They are GORGEOUS, awe-inspiring, worthy of a million oohs and ahhs. After exploring their website and learning how much time and effort goes into these masterpieces, I'm even more in awe.

I'm convinced that with a bit of inspiration, I can make a DIY version. Possibly for some curtains...hmmmmm. If only I had a house!

Check out that couch! It's a striped fabric with a vintage letter silk screened on top.

Contact us

2010-01-11T11:36:00.001-08:00

Benjamin Moore iPhone App

2010-01-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to download and test out this FREE Benjmin Moore Color Capture iPhone App. You can take a picture of anything with your iPhone, and the app picks one of 3,300 paint colors to perfectly match your photo.

So that perfect gray sweater can now be the perfect gray room. That hotel room in Playa Del Carmen with the memorizing blue green lobby can be your home away from home, in your home. And your baby's gorgeous green eyes can fill his room.

Oh, the possibilities!

I heart Andy

2010-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Once Urban Outfitters got a hold of Andy Warhol then the frenzy was at its peak. You couldn't walk 5 steps without seeing Warhol bags, keychains, stationery, blah blah blah. I bet he was laughing his butt off somewhere due to the irony of it all. His study of the corporate image became...tada! A corporate image.

But...I still love Andy. I have a very special place in my heart reserved for his whimsical paintings. They were so far ahead of his time that it's almost freakishly bizarre to look at them now. This was painted WHEN?

I love his cats named Sam:

I love his delicious ice creams:

Love his bugs:

But my favorite is his fabulous pink wild raspberry print!:

You can find all of these at art.com for cheap cheap cheap!

Life is a Cabaret!

2010-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, women have beautiful legs. More than 120 years ago, when the Moulin Rouge opened, graphic posters of women's legs littered the streets of Paris.

Today, I still see them everywhere. Legs have made a bit of a comeback I suppose. I'm definitely not complaining - it's a beautiful shape to use as a graphic element! Here are a few of my faves - vintage and new:

{ vintage Cabaret poster, Super Furry Animals poster by Methane Studios, not quite sure about this one, vintage cover of french Le Frou-Frou magazine, vintage CanCan poster, Sharon Jones poster by Methane Studios, Sonic Youth poster by Spike Press, Cameo Lounge logos by Werner Design Works}

Here is my "cabaret" interpretation into an invitation:

White Stationery Down Under

2010-01-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

Swedish stationery store, kikki.K has opened a new concept store in Sydney Australia called White by kikki.K. Everything, and I mean everything, in the store is white, from the wall color to the floors (a whitewashed timber) to the products they offer.

It somewhat makes me feel uneasy. I think being surrounded by so much white would be quite disorienting!

Neiman Marcus Paper Sale

2010-01-08T05:37:00.000-08:00

Neiman Marcus is having a paper sale! It's 30% off of their regular prices, plus free shipping with a $200 order. I'm not saying that you should buy $200 worth of paper, but if a pair of shoes were to happen to jump in that shopping bag...

But if you're in Central Louisiana, DEFINITELY go to Invitation Station because they have the same exact brands for the sale prices!

Vintage Barbie

2010-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I, along with almost every other 6 year old girl, used to be obsessed with Barbie. I had the dream house, corvette, ice cream shoppe, ken and outfits galore.

My niece came home from her grandparents last week screaming about this new Barbie she'd gotten. It had this patchwork gown with vintage images from the past 50 years. I was so inspired by the fabulous illustrations, that I tried to collect as many as I could online. Here are a few of my favorites:

The last two are actually notecards from Graphique de france.

Illustrator Chris Raschka

2010-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

I'm a sucker for children's book illustrations. Especially when they rock.

I love his use of color and line variation. I love how some things are outlined and some aren't. It makes me want to paint all day.

That owl and pussycat make me want to cry they're so adorable. Anyone who can capture that much expression in a fanciful illustration deserves a Caldecott (which he won!).

Operation Valentine for our men (and ladies) overseas!

2010-01-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Calling all creatives and crafters... Operation Valentine needs you!

Valentine's Day will be here before we know it! Operation Valentine is a program which provides deployed servicemembers with blank valentines to send home to their loved ones. That is where you can help! By giving a few minutes of your time, you can boost the morale of both our deployed troops overseas and the families who support them on the homefront. Your help will give servicemembers a resource that they would not ordinarily have.

Be a part of something big. Of something warm. Of something filled with love and appreciation.

Resolve to do good in 2010.

Here's how:

1. Design and create a Valentine's Day or love-themed card(s) that is left blank inside. Please, no bulky and/or heavy embellishments.

2. Send your card(s) along with a blank envelope(s) to:

OPERATION VALENTINE

P.O. Box 2290

Rogers, Arkansas 72757-2290

Please Note: Deployed servicemembers send mail home at no cost, so there is no need to add postage to the blank envelope(s).

3. Please have your package postmarked by Friday, January 15, 2010.

Please help spread the word! Feel free to copy and paste the above blog post to share on your own blog, on Facebook, in an email to all of your contacts or link to it on Twitter!

One pagoda, two pagoda, three pagoda four

2010-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love pagodas! So much so that I introduced a red pagoda invite this season -

I know that the chinoiserie look is getting old. Ok, it's getting downright obnoxious. We've got chairs and pillows and chandeliers and pretty much everything a designer can get her hands on. But I still have a special place in my heart for a beautiful pagoda.

Here are a few designs that feature this classic shape that I think might outlast this asian craze:

(from top: Mrs. John L. Strong, Jack and Lulu, Iomoi, Whitney English)

And even though it's not a paper good, I have to throw in Charlotte Moss's logo. I love it.

Find us!

2010-01-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

ALABAMA

   Birmingham
   Alan's Invitations - 4524 Southlake Parkway STE 15 Birmingham 35244

COLORADO

   Denver
   Scribbles Stationery and Invitations - 2368 15th St. - Denver 80202

FLORIDA

   Naples
   Paper Lantern - 2700 Immokalee Road #7 - Naples 34110
   Paper Merchant - 3609 Tamiami Trail North - Naples 34103

ILLINOIS

   Chicago
   All She Wrote - 825 West Armitage Ave. - Chicago 60614
   Anjenu - 1747 West division St. - Chicago 60622
   Mi-Te Printing and Graphic - 180 W Washington - Chicago 60602
   Smitten Boutique - 845 West Monroe St. - Chicago 60607

Glenview

FUN Cards & Gifts - 1442 Waukegan Road - Glenview 60025

   Hinsdale
   Sass-n-class - 19 West First Street - Hinsdale 60521

   Mokena
   RSVP Invites - 11139 East Lincoln Hwy - Mokena 60448

INDIANA

   Granger
   Festivities at the Crockery - 222 W. Cleveland Road - Granger 46530

KANSAS

   Prairie Village
   RSVP in the Village - 3924 W 69th Terrace - Prairie Village 66208

LOUISIANA

   Alexandria
   Invitation Station - 3215 Masonic Drive - Alexandria 71301

   Baton Rouge
   The Keeping Room - 7575 Jefferson Hwy. - Baton Rouge 70806
   The Queen Bee - 7415 Corporate Blvd. STE 905 - Baton Rouge 70809

   Metairie
   RSVP Stationers - 2701 Airline Drive - Metairie 70001

MISSOURI

   St. Louis
   Saint Louis Service Bureau - 9773 Clayton Rd. - St. Louis 63124

NEW JERSEY

   Hoboken
   Yes I do! - 312 Washington St. - Hoboken 07030

NEW YORK

   New York
   Arthurs Invitations - 13-15 East 13th St. - New York 10003

OHIO

   Cincinnati
   Designs by Dawson - 7713 Camargo Road - Cincinnati 45243

   Fairlawn
   Beverly's Invitations - 2858 W. Market St. - Fairview 44333

OKLAHOMA

   Edmond
   It's a Party - 1241 E. Danforth - Edmond 73034
   Chirps and Cheers - 100 N. Broadway ste106 - Edmond 73034

   Norman
   Christmas Expressions - 2214 W. Lindsey - Norman 73069
   Occasions - 2001 West Main - Norman 73069

   Oklahoma City
   No Regrets - 9301 N. Pennsylvania - Oklahoma City 73120
   Paper N More - 7600 N. May Ave. - Oklahoma City 73116

   Tulsa
   You're Invited - 8005-A South Sheridan - Tulsa 74133

TEXAS

   Austin
   Hayden Avery - 1515-A W. 35th St. - Austin 78703
   Inviting Affairs - 3742 Far West Blvd. #106 - Austin 78731
   Party Cat - 2727 Exposition Road - Austin 78703
   Silver Papery - 3300 Bee Cave Rd. #240 - Austin 78746

   Boerne
   Fly Paper - 241 Lone Tree - Boerne 78006

   Dallas
   Paper Affair - 5710 West Lovers Lane #105 - Dallas 75209
   Preston Road Pharmacy - 6901 Preston Road - Dallas 75205
   St. Michaels Women's Exchange - 5 Highland Park Village - Dallas 75205
   Tallulah Belle - 2011 Abrams - Dallas 75214

   Fort Worth
   Salutations - 2741 South Hulen St. - Ft. Worth 76109

   Frisco
   Paper Station - 5729 Lebanon Road - Frisco 75034

   Houston
   Berings 1 - 6102 Westheimer - Houston 77057
   Berings 2 - 3900 Bissonnet - Houston 77005
   Katie & Co. - 4500 Washington Ave. - Houston 77007
   The Houstonian - 111 North Post Oak Lane - Houston 77024

   Longview
   Pen and co. - 1311 Alpine road - Longview 75601

   Plano
   Paper Affair - 5809 Preston Road #576 - Plano 75093

   San Antonio
   Invitations, Etc. - 6434 N. New Braunfels - San Antonio 78209

   Waco
   Scribbles - 4700 Bosque Road - Waco 76710

WISCONSIN

   Milwaukee
   Giraffe Ltd. - 527 E. Silver Spring - Milwaukee 53217

ONLINE

   Impress In Print
   Party Cat
   The Pink Sea Turtle

I heart pink

2010-01-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

I noticed after I completed my spring line that I had a exceptional amount of pink.

I haven't always liked pink, though. It's been one of those friendships that develops after you hang out so long you suddenly realize that they're your bestest.

Here are a few of my pink creations this season:

The sad thing is, this is probably only HALF of my pink designs! So I starting to realize that I actually am in love with pink. It looks fabulous with orange, so fancy with black, chinoiserie-esque with red, perfect with brown...and the list goes on. I have decided that in my someday home, I will be painting a room pink.

But for the meantime, in lieu of having an actual address that's NOT the upstairs of my parents, I've collected my imaginary pink stuff. You know, just in case.

{ Breakfast at Tiffany's poster, Annechovie print from etsy, books box from Wisteria, paperweight from Iomoi, peacock feather wastebasket from Layla Grace, moroccan pouf from Serena and Lily, arrow decoupage tray from John Derian, pink storage bench from BNP Discount Furnishings, chest of drawers from Wisteria, pink agate bookends from ebay }

New Year's "Wishes"

2010-01-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

I'm not a "resolution" kind of girl. I recently read back in this journal I had in 8th grade, and one of the resolutions was to not kiss any boys and another was to donate all my allowance to charity.

I'm guessing neither happened.

So here are my New Year's "wishes":

1. Get in shape - at least to where when summer comes I don't skip out on any rad pool parties just because I got some jiggly in my suit. (for the record, I realize that my stomach will never look like the stomach above. A girl can dream though...)

2. Stop eating so dang much - I read this book, The French Don't Diet Plan, and it said all the right things, eat real cheeses, put real sugar in your coffee, stop eating processed foods. The catch? Eat a bite and let it sit before you get your next bite. Supposedly us Americans eat double what we're supposed to be eating and it's all fake. It also doesn't help one bit that my mom keeps a full stock of diet cokes, chocolate, chips, dips, and M&Ms at all times.

3. Stay on top of my accounting - Yep. This is the one I think will be the hardest. Billing, taxes, company expenses, inventory. You name it, I don't do it.

4. Charity work - I won't be as ambitious as my 8th grade journal in saying that I'll donate every little cent I earn to some wonderful cause, but I want to do SOMETHING. When I used to contribute to society, it made me a very happy girl.

Move Out Day!!!

2010-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

My husband and I officially closed on our house Tuesday. YAY!!! We had to set up the camera on a bookcase and hope for the best. I think it turned out pretty well!

Tavern on the Green closing

2009-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am so terribly saddened by this gorgeous piece of New York closing. On my first visit to the city with my sisters, mom and aunt, we dined here on a clear, starry night. It was full of magic and the way the trees were lit has stayed with me for 15 years now.

12 years later, I was living in New York, and returned to the Tavern for my dearest friend's rehearsal dinner, following her Central Park nuptials. It was still just as spectacular and even more grandiose that I had recalled.

Here are a few pics from that day:

The Wonderful World of Hermes

2009-12-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

When in need of inspiration, I travel through designers websites, sometimes ending up at Barneys New York and sometimes ending up at a french website for paper dolls. Today, I ended up at Hermes.

I've always loved that signature orange, and those classic stitches. But their website is actually FUN, and incredibly interesting. If you go to hermes.com , click on United States and go to the "travel the world of Hermes" button, you are off on an adventurous maze. There's games, do-it-yourselfs and intimate stories from customers who have an emotional attachment to their heirloom Hermes items.

Here is a fabulous do-it-yourself bracelet (there are 6 styles and you download the pdf pattern to cut and paste together):

This particular puzzle challenges you to create different shapes and designs:

And there are also touching, beautiful stories from customers:

Here are a few of the random illustrations that really inspired me:

And then, of course, there are the scarves. Here are a few of my favorites, but honestly, it's like trying to pick your favorite pair of diamond earrings from Tiffanys.

Ode to Mr. Buddlesworth

2009-12-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

I was sifting through some pictures on iPhoto the other day, and came across this lost collection of my cat, Mr. Bud (short for Mr. Buddlesworth). I just had to share.

By the way, the last picture is honestly the way he sleeps, with his tail between his legs. It looks quite dirty. Especially when he starts moving it around...

Lovely Ladies

2009-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have been a fan of the very talented Sujean Rim for years now, due to her work with Daily Candy and Bonnie Marcus StylePress. Everyone knows her style, because it's so beautifully distinct. There are also a few other illustrator crushes I have, like Hanna Brooks Nation of Gadabout , Chesley McLaren , Amelie Hegardt , David Downton , and tons of others.

I love drawing women, especially for my invitation designs, and my style has evolved a bit since last year. I get so much inspiration from fashion illustrations, book covers, and just about everything that a lady is on that I'm starting to wonder if I need to evolve my lady-drawing style even more!

Hanna Brooks Nation of Gadabout:

Sujean Rim of Daily Candy and Bonnie Marcus StylePress:

Chesley McLaren:

Amelie Hegardt:

Joe Eula:

David Downton (LOVE that center one with the white sparkles!):

Tart Paperie

Quatrefoil...for less than $65!

It's been foreeeeeeever!!!

Thank you Shan!

To Stick or not to Stick?

Crafty Easter Eggs

Heart to Haiti

Jonathan Adler Giveaway

Thank you!

Handmade Love: Easter Felt Acorns

"eat pray love" love

Egg and Nest Shower

Congratulations!

Sweettart Giveaway!

Monsieur Boudin

Sandra, we love you

New Stores!

Annie Kyle

Etsy Love

Lonny and Nesting Newbies Online Fabulousness

Gorgeous Headers

Recycled Chandeliers

Anthropologie *swoon*

Fuchsia February - Fuchsia and plum

Thank you Therese!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Diagonal Stripes

What type are you? quiz

$300 Green Headboard - 3 ways

Hot Knots

Happy Mardi Gras, Y'all!!!

Dallas Wisteria Outlet Sale

Raindrops keep falling

Glamourpuss for $1500

May every kiss be a movie kiss...

New Stores!

A Bedroom for $1500

Snow in Alexandria, Louisiana!

Tray side table - $69!!!

Orange and Powder Blue

Under my Umbrella...

Ruffled Feathers

Valentine banner DIY

Mirror, mirror on the wall...aren't YOU the prettiest of them all!

Who DAT!!!

Pink and Poppy

Mad for Plaid

New Stores

Ring, Ring!

Spay Day 2010 Photo Contest

Thai Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken

New font - Swingdancer

Behind the Scenes - Valentino 2010

Petals falling everywhere

Christian Lacroix Papier

Color Picks - 2010

Gerard Gauci

Post Secret

Paper Suitcases...they're EVERYWHERE!

freecreditreport.com IS SO NOT FREE

Stick a fork in me

Dallas Market: Day 3 and last

Dallas Market: Day 2

Dallas Market: Day 1

Hand Drawn Type

Birthday...Yay!

I just got a favicon...#2

The Source - September 2009

Dallas Market starts today!

Sanibel Island Countdown

Vintage Collective

BeautifulPeople.com is downright ugly

African Sketchbook Fabrics

Contact us

Benjamin Moore iPhone App

I heart Andy

Life is a Cabaret!

White Stationery Down Under

Neiman Marcus Paper Sale

Vintage Barbie

Anthropologie swoon