Christmas Card

Merry {early} Christmas from our family to yours!!

Let's Talk Paper

So you know I have just a teeny, tiny obsession with paper, stationery, penmanship and everything in between.  And I'm a firm believer that there isn't an excuse in this world for not taking the time to hand-write a thank you note, no, an email does not suffice.  But there are times when, even in my old fashioned mind, an electronic note or invitation is acceptable for certain things.  For example, that last minute barbecue you're having next weekend or brunch with your best girls.  If I had it my way, I'd send a traditional paper invitation for every dinner, barbecue, crab feast that I host/plan but my hubby might just ring my neck for spending money on "unnecessary" things. 

Enter two of my favorite electronic stationery sites, Paperless Post and Pingg.  Both sites offer free online invitations and stationery for all occasions.  Paperless Post and Pingg both focus on bringing traditional paper stationery into today's fast-paced world to allow members to send thoughtful, cute and personalized correspondence. 

I often use Paperless Post to send a quick card to friends and family when it's last minute, unexpected or I don't have a card on hand.  PP offers classic casual and formal cards for all occasions, cocktails to save-the-dates.   I especially love PP because they offer personalized stationery, envelope liners in a rainbow of colors and designs, and when the recipient opens the card it looks like a paper card.  

How cute is that?!

Pingg is a favorite for sending invitations, specifically.  You can set up the invite so that you are emailed each time a guest responds, making it easy to track numbers and details.  I often use this for impromptu dinners, cocktail parties, Mother's Day, Father's Day, girls' day, etc.  

  

The next time you're in a pinch to send out a card, note or invite, don't fret, Paperless Post and Pingg have got you covered! 

Completely unrelated - Banana Republic is offering 40% off today only, online. Enter code N1DYXWT1YYQ3 at checkout.

My sister's bridal shower was amazing and a huge success!  I'm still sorting through all the pictures and will do a post in a day or two showing you all the girly, monogrammed details! For now, I'll leave you with a picture of the cake, which was probably the most delicious cake I've ever eaten, and the favors, monogrammed cookies!

cBv

Paper, Paper Everywhere!

I have a serious addiction that I've mentioned before. Paper. Anything paper.  So much so that this weekend I opened a drawer to grab a thank you card and found my drawers overflowing.  For some women it's shoes or bags, for me it's paper.  Cocktail napkins, tissue paper, gift bags, gift tags, wrapping paper, place cards, the list goes on and on.  I find myself always checking out the "sale" shelves at Tarjay, Hallmark, the Paperie, Papyrus, etc. and always snatching anything that is cute and a good deal, needed or not.  My thought process when buying paper: it doesn't expire, doesn't go bad, and rarely goes out of style!  The hubs just shakes his head.  I think my addiction started as a child when my mother would pay me to wrap beautiful presents.  A few Christmas seasons I even had my own little "business", wrapping presents for neighbors. So I guess my hubby can thank my mama.

For me, it's all about the presentation.  It's as important as what's inside the box.  I love making people feel special and to see them smile at the sight of a beautifully wrapped gift.

Here are some of my favorite stores and boutiques for all things paper.

The Stationery Studio
- love it because there's always a sale going on

Namemaker's

- love them for their personalized gift wrap and ribbon

Gifts In 24

My go to for these adorable notecards and personalized napkins

These in blush pink are a staple.  Timeless, classic and super affordable ($35).  Awesome gifts!

Great for showers & hostess gifts!

Papyrus

One of my favorite places to buy cards.  Cards are always buy 3 get 1 free.  {Target stores also carry a small selection of their cards.}

The Container Store

This place is heaven for lots of reasons, not just gift wrap.  My go to for holiday wrapping.

And if you live in a shoebox, like I do, this store will be your best friend for maximizing space, hello Elfa!

Hallmark

LOVE their gift wrap!  They have some really cute burlap, pink and green pieces right now in addition to super cute baby gift wrap.

I stocked up on the red & green houndstooth a couple of Christmases ago and use it year round.

And since I live in a shoe box, I'll dream about beautiful spaces to house my paper addiction until the day comes when I have space.

What are your favorite places to shop for stationery?!?!

Hope your Wednesday is fabulous!

cBv