beautiful photo calendars

I'm so excited about the launch of the new photo calendars from Minted!  From Minted's blog, "The idea for the calendar originated from the fact that most drug store-type calendars are wonderful in that they showcase your family’s pictures, but are horrible to look at. We were never sure where to even hang them… the closet or a hidden corner seemed to be where they gravitated to. We wanted to elevate the calendar to the level of fine art and make it something that was a reflection of your personal style and aesthetic. And we’re pretty confident we’ve done just that with today’s launch."

They are printed on high quality calendar paper and are available in two sizes with lots of customizable options for each month of the year.  I plan to order several as Christmas gifts for family.  My antico noe design is pictured above.  Be sure to check out all the truly unique designs.

stationEry

My very first post on this blog in May 2005 had to do with the difference between "stationery" and "stationary".  I still encounter stationEry designers and retailers who spell it with an "a".  It doesn't bother me as much when customers spell it incorrectly - we all make spelling mistakes sometimes, right?  But, if you're in the business you really should know better.  LizzyB Loves and Oh So Beautiful Paper both posted about these bags recently.  I couldn't help but purchase one!  Check them out on Sapling Press' etsy shop. . .

bonnie marcus

If I could just have one ounce of Bonnie Marcus' talent I would be so grateful! Her illustrations are absolutely beautiful and she has created a very successful business over the past 7 years, all while raising 3 boys (and I thought my 2 were difficult enough)! I just received her newest catalog and I hope to have at least some of her designs for sale on Pen + Parchment in the coming months.

workspace

I really should be reconciling my accounts in QuickBooks, but instead I am procrastinating and sharing a picture of my office.  It's still in the works since we moved here 6 months ago and I'm really somewhat content with it right now.  I'm just thrilled that I have an entire room to myself instead of a corner of the guest room, a closet in the middle of the house and the dining room table.  It really was chaos in our old house!  Anyway, I LOVE my project table!  It's perfect for keeping small hands out of my space.  My sons were always finding ways to climb up onto my old desk and wreak havoc on my computer and paperwork.

I am honored to have a book of photographs by my Pulitzer Prize winning cousin, Preston Gannaway, decorate a prominent corner of my table.  My friend, Kelli Davidson, encouraged me to purchase this padding press for my etsy line of notepads and it sure does make pad-making easier!  

I've been admiring a few pendant lights to go over the project table and I still need to fill up some walls.  I'll post another photo when I complete my space!

2 Red Hens

One of my close friends just took on a new and very important role with a company called 2 Red Hens. As CEO of this rapidly expanding diaper bag company, she definitely needed some stationery that would stand out! I had a great time creating these fun foldover note cards. The border design continues on the back side of the cards. Read more about this wonderful company and their mission here. . .

Vacation Ready Preplist

I don't know about you, but the only way I can keep my head on straight when packing for a family trip is to make a detailed list.  Of course, I write out the list from scratch before every new trip.  It would be much easier and foolproof if I had one on hand to use over and over again.  This free printable template from TimeToo is perfect and the timing couldn't be better with the start of summer!