The Paper Chase...

Now is the perfect excuse time for stocking up on stationery to delight some folks with snail mail this year.  I can't get enough of these darling illustrations from Pei Design on Etsy.

 for a more personalized touch, I'm loving these I just received from Jones Street Press...

... perfect for finishing up all of those Christmas thank you notes!

Happy weekend!

Take Note...

It's Monday again..... time to set things back on kilter after the weekend and think about tasks for the week ahead.  I'm a list-maker myself.... appreciating the time to sit down with a cup of coffee in the morning and map out my "to-do" list for the day.  Ofcourse, one can write a list or scribble a note on any ol' scrap of paper..... but searching for that said scrap always seems to irk me.  Having some of these inspirational pencils or monogrammed notepads on hand would certainly make my long list of chores (and groceries, and my daughter's spelling lists, and notes to the teacher).... a little more cheerful.

First up.... the laundry (and another cup of coffee)....

Good Tidings

...... of comfort and joy...... isn't that they way it goes?  If only that were the case when trying to select the perfect Christmas card each year!

Receiving Christmas cards is one of my favorite holiday traditions but, honestly, sending them has been a chore some years.  In fact, my husband says his worst holiday memories involve posing for the Christmas photo; trying to appear joyful while being yelled at to "SMILE!".....

But, what is one to do?  Well, for one; based on my husband's feedback, a few years ago I decided to forego the official "Christmas" photo while our children are young and just choose one from another time throughout the year. Just that one decision alone has made my holiday season so much better..... no more hunting to find the perfect matching holiday outfits, less money spent, less complaining..... I just select the photo/photos; peruse the 147 Shutterfly options for "Holiday flat cards with 3 photos"; and click; I'm done!

....... until this year when I started seeing ads for Tiny Prints, Hello Lucky, Minted, Paper Culture, Pear Tree Greetings, Card Store; throw in a few hundred folks from my fave Etsy.  My comfort and joy turned into panic and misery.  Not to mention, all of the incredibly lovely "styled" photos that are becoming the rage.

There really are THOUSANDS of fabulous options out there this year if you have the inspiration and wherewithal to make them happen.  Back when life was a little simpler (a la one kid vs. three); I loved nothing better than to spend hours dreaming and planning for the perfect card and I'm sure that time will come again when my girls are old enough to be "game" for a cleverly arranged photo.  But this year I've decided to stick with what has been working and dedicate no more than a couple of hours on the entire process.  In fact, I've already got them stamped and ready to mail...... and THAT makes me "merry and bright" this year. :)

What's your Christmas card attitude?  "Joy to the World" or "Bah Humbug"

Great Finds at TJ Maxx and Homegoods

I'm a paper goods junkie of sorts..... I can't resist pretty stationery, wrapping paper, ribbons, napkins, etc. and I stock up on them when I see them.  Imagine my delight yesterday when browsing TJ Maxx and Homegoods, I spotted a whole cache of Lilly Pulitzer, Jonathan Adler, and Cath Kidston goodies.....There were so many different items that I couldn't make up my mind.  Here's a sampling of what came home with me....

I settled on a few rolls of wrapping paper and gift bags, a hostess gift, some adorable cupcake liners and a birthday gift to have on hand when one of my girls gets invited to her next party.  There were also file folders, pens, bulletin boards, and more.   If you are a fan of these designers, I'd suggest you run, not walk, to your nearest TJ Maxx or Homegoods before they're all gone!