new chevron stamp project

I spent my morning off starting a new tablecloth. My newest stamp is genius, if I do say so myself. It's pretty easy to line up and is going much faster then some of my previous attempts. I'm more then half done already.

already planning for 2011

My search for the perfect planner always commences around this time. New calendars and planners are being introduced for the new year and I am on the hunt. I start this early because it really does take me months to find the perfect one that fits my strict criteria. Yes, I have rules for my planner.

a. It must have full page monthly calendars. None of this weekly calendar stuff.

b. It must be small enough to be portable, therefore, it needs to be able to fit into my purse. The 5.75”x8.75” size is ideal. I shy away from the notebook sized planners.

c. I need adequate square space for writing. I really do write EVERYTHING in my calendar so it needs to be able to accommodate it.

d. I also don't like them to be burdened with all the extra bells & whistles such as daily planning pages, address pages, future planning calendars that extend to 2020, or the entire periodic table of elements. I usually find a way to eliminate those because I pack it full of my own things. It quickly becomes home to all my little slips of paper, lists, and pay stubs. I am slightly flexible on this element, however, I understand I'm asking a lot.

e. And finally, it must be pretty. I have to carry this thing around for 12-months! That's a longer commitment then I make to the purse that it will be in.

So, you can understand my amazement today when I was browsing online and came across this. It might just be the one! Now I don't want to jump to any conclusions but it meets about 90% of my criteria. It does have a lot of extraneous pages, but even I can concede that a few might be helpful. Who knows, maybe I can actually use the "notes" pages provided versus writing my ideas or sketches on random post-its and scraps and tucking them in between the pages. I think I may be in love...but I also have strong feelings for this one as well. Oh dear, who would have guessed that I'd find 2 strong candidates before it is even October!

[images via fred flare]

new project

Here is a little preview of a new project I'm working on. It's been partly inspired by my family's sudden obsession with visiting all 50 states. We've become quite competitive and I'm definitely in last place. I always associate life moments with where they took place so I like the idea of having a little reminder. I only have Indiana and New York so far but they'll be in my shop soon. (photo by the lovely Hayley Jurnak)

What should be the next states (or countries) that I make?

needs vs. wants

I can completely relate to the idea of this project. I always want things I don't need. In addition to her great designs, the Recovering Lazyholic is also a super talented photographer.

Below is my favorite (green thumb) and the bf's (waffles).

music monday: ida marie

I think this sums of my week ahead pretty well. Oh My God by Ida Marie

ming makes cupcakes...and cookies and savouries

I stumbled upon the world's greatest (and most dangerous) site, Ming Makes Cupcakes. I want to try each and every cupcake but first are these two. She has everything, great photography, a fantastically simple but nice website design, and great recipes. This is my new favorite bookmark!

Click on images to view the full recipes or find tons more here.

oh, happy friday

I admire this eclectic assortment of goodies. Vintage posters, old clocks, good typography...it all works together beautifully.

Found at Hilda Grahnat's blog.

merely contemplating...

Please excuse this random couple, I am using them as a prop. Though they are lovely, really only the girl is important. I found them as I was perusing Oh, Darling's photography blog. I am rather protective of my long hair (it's a slow grower) but seeing this short little bob made me think how nice short hair might be. Hmm...

summer lovin'

I've suffered through a string of steamy 90+ July days lately without adequate air conditioning. These hot Midwest days make flowy summer dresses a necessity.

All from Ruche. All darling.

speaking of freelance whales

Oh, was this too long ago to just offhandedly bring it back up? Forgive me, but they're are always on my mind. Reason number 1,467 to love Freelance Whales...their album art.

the uniform project pt. II

The Uniform Project that I posted on way back when released the dress for sale. It was a little out of my price range so I had to pass but they just released the dress pattern. For an additional twenty dollars they supply you with fabric and buttons as well.

I'm tempted.

My apparel sewing skills are rusty but I love the dress enough to try to tackle this. Find the dress and pattern here.

new julia rothman

A preview of her new illustration work. She can do no wrong in my book.











See more beautiful patterns here.

i'm drawn to this...

DailyCandy email dropped this gem in my inbox a few days ago. I don't know why I love it so much...maybe because it's looks ridiculously comfortable and the tie-dye is a mature take on what we used to spend summer afternoons creating in the backyard.

Find more of Mina Stone's collection here.

vintage letterheads

A fantastic collection of vintage and new letterheads. See more here.

the coffee cup

I've always loved the iconic NYC coffee cup.

Buy here.