Make Mine Skimm….

…. my peppermint mocha and my news that is….

… absolutely love this daily dose of news with wit that a girlfriend introduced me to a couple of weeks ago…

… just a couple of minutes each day and I'm back in "the know" about what's really going on in the world outside our nice cozy blogosphere here….

Scout: Blurb

Perhaps my excitement is a bit premature given I haven't placed my first order yet; but I'm sure hoping not.... for I recently discovered the book making web-site blurb allowing one to create beautiful "bookstore quality" (so they say) books with amazing ease and flexibility using photos, recipes, instagram pics or blog posts.  My first project.... a compilation of my Photo a Day project posts from 2012.

And, if you've ever dreamed of becoming, say, a Penguin or Harper Collins publisher.... well, here is your chance (sort of)..... they even allow you to sell your creations on their site.  

I'll let you know how my first attempt turns out....

Have a great weekend everyone!

Scout: Printstagram

If you are an Instagram lover like me.... you are probably racking up quite a library of tiny digital goodness..... only to be locked up there on your phone or in cyberspace.   I'm guilty too.  That's why yesterday's post inspired me to log-on and do this..... order miniatures of my favorite shots on matte cardstock.  I love the vintage feel complete with the "polaroidesque" extra space to make a note or write the date.  Pinned on my bulletin board for inspiration or tossed in a bowl as an instant conversation piece.... I haven't decided (probably both).  Would make a darling enclosure to a card or an instant bookmark for a gift too, no?

I can't wait to get mine in the mail.

  In the meantime, however, I'm going to file this under "Why didn't I think of that?" :)

Happy "Printstaing"!

Scout: Chena Designs Custom Monograms.....

Rare is the blogger that has not one time or another been enamored with the look of a beautiful Leontine Linen or other monogram..... me included.  I've mentioned before about my mild obsession adoration of monograms and I've long loved the idea of having one custom designed to be unique to our family.... I just haven't been able to find the right designer.... until yesterday when I discovered the talented Lindsay of Chena Design.

She works with her clients to deliver exactly what they want be it whimsical, classic or modern and delivers a digital one of a kind file.  From there, the possibilities are endless......

printed in a lovely hue and framed;

printed as a decal and used on a tray, wall, mailbox :).....;

printed on beautiful stationery;

embroidered on a chair back or cushion;

 or engraved on a silver platter or a necklace;

...... and it goes without saying a custom monogram would be a lovely core design element in any wedding.

Lucky for most, I'm not an interior designer or wedding planner or I would be busily insisting on suggesting one of these for every project!  

I will be working with Lindsay on my own design over the next few weeks and I can't wait to show you what we come up with!

Have a great Leap day!

Scout: Restoration Hardware

I was standing at the counter in Restoration Hardware last week; trying stave off purchase anxiety over buying this ; when I was pleasantly distracted by the sales clerk using an iPad housed in one of these.  Part of their Artisan Leather collection, this is even more eye-catching in person.

Another item I found equally charming were these framed mini-flags from various countries.  Several of them were displayed vertically in the store and made quite a statement.  A fun way to honor your family's heritage I think.....

It's not too early to start thinking about holiday gift giving, is it?  

I'm determined to get mine done early this year!

Scout: Warby Parker

We all know what can happen when a couple of college buddies get together and brainstorm business ideas..... Google, Facebook, Microsoft ring a bell?  So, I shouldn't have been surprised when I heard about Warby Parker; an online purveyor of eyeglasses described as "vintage-inspired, with a fashion forward twist".  Tired of high-priced, lack-luster retail options, these Wharton friends conspired to offer eyeglasses for the style-conscious set at a price of only $95 including lenses!  And, realizing that shopping for glasses online isn't the easiest proposition; these guys offer at-home try on of up to 5 pairs free of charge; free shipping; free returns; and this handy "virtual try-on" (go ahead and laugh, it's equal parts entertainment and help).  

Finally, if that wasn't good enough, they donate a pair to someone in need for every pair sold.  Yes, yes, yes & yes!

Scout: The Classic Camera Strap Co.

I've begun seeing various camera strap designs surfacing as a trend recently but I think this one wins hands down (pun intended).  I purchased it a couple of months ago and I couldn't be happier.  I love it's vintage "Gucci" feel and the fact that it works for me as well as my guy.  I even take more photos now because I can leave my camera out without it screaming neon Nokia at me everytime I walk by.  Now, that's what I call a consumer end-benefit!  Oh yeah, and it's insanely priced at only $30!  Get it here:  Classic Strap Co.