• COOK
• BE
• CREATE

• CELEBRATE
• TRAVEL
• ABOUT

Archive for February, 2012

How many real, true letters do you receive on personalized stationery each year? A handful? Fewer? Maybe just one? I’m not accusing you of being unpopular, I promise. I’ve just seen a huge drop-off in those letters written on monogrammed cards that used to arrive in my mailbox (maybe I’m the one who’s not so popular!).

Last week though I received a stunning 8″ x 6″ bright white postcard with charming red letterpress illustrations by Nancy Howell, one of my favorite calligraphers and illustrators.

Even though the card was a sales piece of sorts, the luxurious feel of the heavy card stock and the sweet designs pressed in the soft paper made me hold on to it for a few minutes. Even my kids swooned over the touch and feel of the card—and the fact that it highlighted Doggie Dental Month (they’re very concerned we should be brushing our dog Tess’ teeth more often!).

This card is a keeper, I added it to my inspiration folder.

And while I never considered ordering letterpress Valentine’s before (they don’t exactly fall in everyone’s budget), I did realize letterpress need not be reserved for wedding invitations. Consider having letterpress recipe cards or postcards designed.

Most high-end stationery stores offer letterpress, and the number of online retailers are growing (I’ve used Dauphine in the past). Working with an individual or small press versus a large company though allows for greater creative freedom by you when designing your piece.

Carolynn Giordanno (twobrunettesshop.com) is another talented illustrator who works with the Bella Figura letterpress shop in Syracuse, New York. She’s a dream to work with.

Be a part of the small press movement and make a lasting impression (no pun intended) with a custom letterpress piece. There’s no better month than now—the recipient will undoubtedly feel the love.

Hello all! I am thrilled to be a part of the lifestyle blogging community. There are so many sites I read regularly—see my favorites to the right—and I find more I like every day. Keeping up with blogs can be overwhelming though, so I’m sure you’re wondering why start another?

A writer and stylist specializing in entertaining, I work in many homes and experience different living styles. I feel fortunate that I’m able to do this professionally—I love meeting people and being in their houses—and want to share the inspiration I find with you.

I have to say though, there’s nothing I love more than being at home with my own family!
I strive to create a sweet home for my family through food, crafts, activities, hang out time, and festivities. We’re big believers in celebrating, from birthdays and anniversaries, to summer’s first lightning bug and fall’s apple harvest.

Celebratory events deserve celebratory measures: we decorate, don hats, eat delicious food, and more. Birthday breakfasts may end with a doughnut tower alighted with candles. Not just one, but two, three, or four desserts usually deck the table after a holiday dinner. Snow cream is whisked up during the first snowfall. It’s these experiences, big and small, that I look forward to sharing with you—ideas and thoughts for spending time at home with family—and hoping to further inspire your nurturing ways.

Thanks for stopping by—and I hope to hear from you in the future.