ThePaperApartment: sweetness

I am in love with these sweet designs from The Paper Apartment at Etsy.

Love, love, love.

Ruffles Note Set

A Flutter Print

Lucky Feather: Gold

Bubbles Note Set

Feather Note Set

Stop Motion: Her Morning Elegance

Ok. So I know that this video has been floating around for awhile now, but I would feel silly not posting on how much I do love it. I want to sleep walk in bed now...

"Her Morning Elegance" by Oren Lavie

Ben Wilson: More posters on my list

So, I have yet to get a good tip on a frame shop, but I did get a tip on some more amazing posters by Ben Wilson. My childhood friends, Luke and Dani (who happened to be getting married!), tipped me off on this Idaho local artist and his website. They have a copy of this Josh Ritter poster hanging in their home and I am so jealous, not only because they have the poster, but because it is signed by Josh Ritter!

Quote of the Day:

Small Stakes: Art for my walls

Whenever I am looking for some art, I of course go directly to Esty where I surf through many of my favorite artists, but I have found myself coming back once again to Jason Mumm's site, The Small Stakes, and drooling over the many silk-screened posters he's created for many musical and other clients. My missing link? A great frame shop....

Ted Leo + Pharmacists (Bomb/Cage)- sold out

The Shins (Hourglass)- sold out

As you're already starting to notice, many of these posters are sold out so its important to snatch up the one you like while you have the chance!

Q and not U- sold out

Pedro the Lion (Rose)- sold out

Why? (comb)- sold out

American Analog Set (envelope)- sold out

Low- sold out

Teenage Fan Club- sold out

Now that I live in Louisiana, I have a better appreciation for this poster.

Death Cab for Cutie (Hurricane Katrina Benefit)- sold out

Mates of State (San Francisco)- sold out

My Brightest Diamond- $25

Nouvelle Vague- sold out

And of course, Idaho always has a corner of my heart...my home and my memories.

Josh Ritter (Idaho)- $25

The Decemberists (Feather)- $25

Noise Pop 15th Anniversary- sold out

BEN GIBBARD (SOLO TOUR)- sold out

Work Day: Back to the grind

After a fully loaded weekend plus an extra two days off for Mardi Gras celebrations, I am winding down from loud, bright light nights and into peaceful, productive days. I am ready for work, training a replacement for my job and planning my night for our first load of boxes to move to the new house.

1) Anthropologie: Aalto Top
2) Old Navy: Bell-Sleeve Swing Jacket
3) Lulu's: Lust Skinny Jean by Divine Rights of Denim
4) Nordstrom: Matisse Subway Boot
5) Forever21: Polished & Matte Link Watch
6) Forever21: Forever Flower Brooch
7) Forever21: Drea Faux Leather Tote
8) American Eagle: Glass Statement Necklace

Martha Stewart Sewing: Brilliant!!

The group at Martha Stewart is back on the band wagon with this brilliant idea of a wrap around pin cushion for your sewing machine. Seriously, brilliant! I have seen all kinds of ways to keep track of pins you pull out while sewing- magnets, trays, pincushions that wander away. After the move, I will be whipping one of these up right away.

I noticed MountainBerryButterfly made comment that this wrap around cushion looks like it might allow the pins to scratch the sewing machine. If you have a sewing machine that is metal, I like her idea of making the wrap thicker to have substance to stick the pin into rather than the sewing machine.

Getting ready for some Good Luck

I think I'm going to get myself ready for some good luck early this year....

Red Envelope: Good Luck Garden($19.95)

News Release:

Ok. I haven't said anything yet because I've been waiting for details....but the most recent scoop on my life is that I am finally leaving my job! I have two potential job positions that I've interviewed for and I'm not sure if either will pan out, but I am already feeling much more happy knowing that I won't be going in to my office after the end of the month. Less stress, less anger, less poor influences, less bad environment = happiness, smiles, laughter and CREATIVITY!

I have never quit a job before (well, for just no reason- I have left a job because I was moving, etc. etc.) So this really is a big deal to me and it took about three months of convincing that it was okay for me to want this.

Yes, the timing is a little poor because of the economic recession and so many people being let go from their own jobs. I should have left this job long ago, but I had the sense to "push through the difficulties" of my work environment and just be happy to have a job. I felt squandered in my creativity and it made me depressed. I have no regrets for doing what I did.

And perhaps it will all be better. I have been asked to stay with the company as a freelance designer for some future projects, which may lead to more freelance oppportunities.

So I am happy now.

Spreading Out/New Additions: chalkboard

I know I have not posted photos of our new rental yet, but it is the best living space I have ever been able to get my hands on! I am really looking forward to moving in....three bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen nook, screened in patio....loving it. With so much space to move in to I am getting excited to decorate and find new items to add character to our living space and our lives. I have been eyeing this chalkboard for awhile now. (I recently saw it in someone's house tour online- though I can't seem to find the image again or where I saw it. Have you seen it in a recent house tour somewhere?)

the Curiosity Shoppe: Don't Forget Chalkboard ($40)

MIA: my apologies

I apologize for my missing appearance on this blog since about Valentine's Day. We have been searching for a new rental and finally signed a lease last week. Now we're in the bustle of prepping to move AND trying to celebrate with some pre-Mardi Gras parades. I will do my best to keep you updated and even try to post some photos from our Mardi Gras extravaganzas!

Valentine's Day: Cards (printables)

Check out these great Valentine's card freebies. Click on the links below each image to be directed to their website to print out on cardstock and mail out to all your loved ones!

Be Mine, Valentine by Inside a Black Apple

Class Valentines by Bunny Cakes

Vintage Valentine Collage by Altered Stuff

Valentine's Day Cards by Maquette

Shop: Shinzi Katoh

After yesterday's post on the trays designed by Shinzi Katoh, I researched this shop further and found some great photos from their blog on a new shop they recently opened at Koshigaya lake town in Japan. I love how inviting this shop looks!

Paper: The Paper Studio

Stickers and Stuff has posted on her favorite papers from the Paper Studio, including some amazing designs from Denise Lynn Studios. I was intrigued to check out these papers for myself and fell in love with many of the designs. Now all I need is a project to use these papers on- perhaps lining the inside of a bookshelf?

1. Cloverleaf Red

2. Plum Blossom Blue on Green
3. Plum Blossom Brown
4. Wood Typography
5. KZ Mums rust red black
6. DL Wrapping Paper Talk Bubbles
7. Script Green
8. italian feathers and plumes decorative paper
9. DL Wrapping Paper Bouquet

Trays: Shinzi Katoh

I somehow ran across this shop and I am infatuated with the trays they design! I wish I had 20 kids so I could buy them all trays to eat their food on (there is a reason why I am not a mother yet :) For now, perhaps I'll stash one in a mud room to keep rainboots on.

Some more...

You can see all the trays being sold at Shinzi Katoh's shop right here.

DIY: Valentine's Flowers

Learn how to make a beautiful bouquet of ribbon flowers for Valentine's Day!

I just found this great how-to from BurdaStyle on Etsy mail. I love how vibrant these flowers look and I'm interested to see how simple these flowers could be to make.

You can follow the directions here.

Healthy Working

Mr. M came home last night lightheaded and feeling sick he said. He took a nap while I made dinner. He looked very weak and dehydrated, so I gave him the quick health questions: how much water are you drinking? did you eat breakfast? what did you eat for lunch? etc. We discovered that he is having a difficult time maintaining his health while working so hard at work. Although this seems silly, I know I find myself in the exact same situation from time to time. It is easy to get so caught up in something you're doing or feel your time is needed so often, that you choose to neglect healthy habits. Even though there's a kitchen at both Mr. M and my workplaces, we both find that we rarely step into the room to get some water or a healthy snack to keep us going throughout the day. So, I'm going to work on ideas that will help remind us to take a break every now and then while working to reflect on what our bodies need from us.

The number one thing on my list to conquer is the lack of water we're drinking. My office stocks an entire fridge with soda from Coca-Cola and a little drawer at the bottom with water, but I don't like the taste the bottle water leaves in my mouth so I avoid it. I try to drink juices but I don't always feel like drinking apple juice all day, every day. Mr. M and I own several Nalgene water bottles that we've collected over years of camping, work freebies, etc. but they seem to collect dust at the back of our cabinets. This made me think of how I much I disliked lugging a large ugly Nalgene around during my years in college. And stickers didn't help.

I know I've posted on some amazing water bottles I found and I went back to the post to find my favorite water bottle, by Kor, that hadn't been released yet at the time. Well, now it is and guess who bought two to start the new year off with a healthy start? These puppies are expensive for a water bottle, but I told myself I'd rather pay $29.95 for an amazing reusable and material safe water bottle than crates of throwaway water bottles!

I am encouraged that having these beautiful water bottles on our desks will continue to remind us to keep them filled and used. I will keep you up to speed on how this first idea works for us. :)

Finding love in amazing places....

This nineteen day old ox, appropriately named Heart, was recently born on a farm near Tokyo, Japan. Just in time for Valentine's day! Thanks, Sunny, for sending this link!

via: Yahoo! News Photos

I couldn't help but remember this image from Domino magazine.

Rugs: Twinkle Living

I wish I could afford to have these awesome rugs from Twinkle Living in my home. I would smile every time I looked down at my feet. You can find these rugs here at PillowsandThrows.com.

L to R (Clockwise)

1. Glamour Girl 2. Night Fox 3. Spin 4. Deer Head

Work Day: 6 (Trying to keep up)

I saw this Rosette Tee from JCrew in the recent Real Simple magazine and I was in love!


1. Target: Merona Multi-Strand Turquoise Necklace
2. Target: Merona Tear Drop Filigree Enamel Earrings
3. American Eagle: AE Stripe Scarf
4. JCrew: Ringspun Cotton Rosette Tee
5. Delias: Jordin Low-Rise Trouser
6. Garnet Hill: Kenneth Cole Adjustable Leather Tote
7. Old Navy: Women's Suede Moccasins in Seal

Sale: World Market

I am gleefully clicking through WorldMarket's Sale while tuning in to their radio station. Yes, WorldMarket's radio, which can be loaded from their website here. Besides some great world music, they're also offering some great deals on their products! My eyes are set on these:

1. Raman Table Lamp - For some reason, this lamp reminds me of a peacock...
2. Stainless Steel Tiffin Tin
3. Chloe Accent Tables
4. Coup Dinnerware
5. Novica Peruvian Rainforest Vases
6. Bistro 7-piece Condiment Set

Sketching: Thom Glick

Thom Glick has started up a sketch-a-day which makes me smile from ear to ear because now I get to see more of his work through these daily sketches. Check out his blog here to see more.

Children's Book: Eli, no!

I really want to get my hands on a copy of this adorable book, Eli, no!, which was created by Katie Kirk and Nathan Standberg at EightHourDay.

This is what the duo say about their amazing unpublished book:

"Inspired by a phrase often said by our nephew, Parker, Eli no! uses iconic illustrations to tell the story of one trouble-making dog (our own Eli) and the one word that is never far behind. We paired bold graphics and bright colors with clean, strong typographic layouts to instantly engage audiences of all ages. A call-and response writing style makes this book easy to read and even more fun to shout!"

Thanks, Drawn! for pointing out this fabulous find!

Photography: TripleCord

I just reconnected with a long lost friend recently and was so excited to hear about her new photography business she started up with some friends. Annie and I met at a youth camp in the Sawtooth mountains and became fast friends. (We also shared a last name before we were both married!) After spending four summers together at camp, we went our seperate ways and have reached new heights. I wanted to share with you some of the beautiful photos from TripleCord Photography and give you a sneak peak into the projects they've put together.

I love this unique album!
You can learn more about TripleCord Photography right here.

DIY: Garland for Valentine's Day

I finally have my Valentine's Day garland hanging in our house. I am so happy I saved these awesome envelopes from work. I love the patterns and they create such happy harmony next to one another. Here's how I put together my envelope heart garland.

Tools needed:

billing envelopes

scissors
pencil
embroidery floss or other type of string
needle
tape

Tim Walker: Fashion Photography

I have been scrolling through these images from Tim Walker numerous times, trying to choose my favorites.

Springtime: Rainboots [cluster]

1. Zappos: Hunter Festival Tall in Hunter Red
2. Macy's: Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Rainboot in Green/White Anchor
3. Zappos: Skerry Vinter Shiny by Tretorn
4. Zappos: Hunter Original in Navy
5. Zappos:Ellie by Kamik
6.Zappos: Dasan W by Vans
7. Target: Mod Dot Rainboots in Olive
8. Macy's: Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Rainboot in Blue/White Fish

Springtime: Umbrellas [cluster]

I'm thinking spring while I shiver and sniff my nose. I know that spring will be here soon enough and I, like always, will not really be prepared for it- the rain. Last year it downpoured during March and I had no idea what to do with myself- it doesn't rain that often in Idaho, but Louisiana is now a different story. Here are some of my favorite umbrella picks, along with some fun umbrella stands to stash them in near the door.


1. 2Modern: Citrus Orange Umbrella by Tray 6
2. MoMA: Sky Umbrella by Tibor Kalman
3. 2Modern: Perch Rain Umbrella by Tray 6
4. 2Modern: Grass Green Umbrella by Tray 6
5. MoMA: Ten Symbols Umbrella by Jehee Kim

1. Kyouei Design: Umbrella Pot
2. The Container Store: Silver Metalla Can by Umbra
3. Chiasso: Droplet Umbrella Stand
4. Oxo: Good Grips Angle Can
5. Urban Outfitters: Owl Umbrella Stand
6. Plastica: Tubelor Trash Can

Work Day: 5 (skipped a few)

I've skipped a few work days- this is more difficult than I thought. Even though it is chilly outside, I am thinking of spring colors. And I love this Kaleidoscope shirt!

1. Lulu's: Kaleidoscope Top by Nick & Mo.
2. Zappos: Gabriella Rocha Calla (Green)
3. American Eagle: 77 Straight Jean
4. Urban Outfitters: Double Pocket Lady Purse
5. Old Navy: Button-Front Raincoat (Black)

Jewelry Crush: Divinerose

Some beautiful jewelry I'm crushing on from Divinerose.

1. Silver Rose and Pearl Charm Earrings
2. Gold Leaf, Pearl and Rhinestone Earrings
3. Coral Rhinestone and Pearl Chain Earrings
4. Vintage Silver Heart Charm Necklace
5. Vintage Silver Heart Charm Necklace
6. Grey Floral Rhinestone Earrings

Trying my hand.

via: Scrapy Sev on flickr

I am working on new ideas...

Because I am too brave to go back to school (ahem), I'm checking out some tutorials on the web for designing websites from scratch- using html coding and dreamweaver. I took a short and brief class on html but I only learned how to steal codes and then re-write them to fit what I (sort-of) wanted. Do you know of any good tutorials to check out?

Office Inspiration: Kelly Van Patter

I am loving this office space from Kelly Van Patter's house tour on Apartment Therapy. You know I'm a sucker for red and orange! I also love the little pops of green, like in the clock...and plants. I need to look into growing a cactus....

via: Apartment Therapy

Graphics website: My Ink Blog

I came across My Ink Blog today while surfing through some Illustrator and Photoshop tutorials. I would definitely recommend checking out this blog to view some tips of the trade.

Waiting to kick butt

I feel like an amazing karate kid who is stuck working in the rice patties, but is waiting for a war so he can go kick some butt....

Work Day: 4 Groundhog's Day

Although it is dreary and cold outside, I am happy to think that summer is just right around the corner now. This is my Groundhog's Day outfit- to celebrate shadows (or no shadows in this case).


1. Old Navy: Roll-Up Sleeve Chambray Shirt
2. Anthropologie: Carpathia Sky Wide-Leg Pants
3. Forever 21: Stella Swing Coat
4. RedBeardVintage: Retro Canvas Travel Bag
5. Nordstrom: Burberry Skinny Stick Umbrella
6. Piperlime: Hush Puppies Rosemore

Groundhog's Day [cluster]

In celebration of Groundhog's Day- some of my eye candy for the day.

1. YeeHaw: Groundhog Oversized Postcard
2. AllurebyJen: Mineral Makeup Forest Green Eyeliner
3. StudioLyon: Great Smoky Mountains
4. Getthebubbles on flickr: Casting off the Long Shadows of Winter
5. Sushipie: Smoky Tweed Mittens
6. IsabellasArt: Guardian of Springtime
7. AmberAlexander: Groundhog Hair Print

Man-iac Monday: Please meet Harry

In respect for all those hairy men out there- a good shave is an amazing feat. I love the look of old shaving sets and surprisingly I could see why a good lather from a badger brush will out stand any foam in a can.

"hot for teacher" image via: kelco on flickr

Both items from le Train Bleu:
1. Cella Shave Soap in Travel Container
2. Omega Shaving Brush

The hubby recently received a shaving set from my parents for Christmas and he loves the feel of the lather, but it seems that his skin disagrees with the glycerin soap the kit came with. I am tempted to have him try this out shave soap by Cella. Do you know of any face friendly shave soaps available?