SEND SOME LOVE

Since Max graced us with his presence, my snail-mail game has become pretty lame. After missing the boat on Christmas cards last December, I promised myself I would get Valentines out to family and friends. While I'd love to create snazzy personalized cards, I was crushed when I realized on Monday that February is HERE and I have a rambunctious tot on my hands. Yowzah! Thankfully, I found a handful of keepers at Greer — a fabulous stationery shop that offers a variety of cards from familiar brands like Rifle Paper Co. and Sugar Paper, in addition to less-known indie makers like Elum and Hello Lucky. Because my list of recipients vary in age and snark, it's nice to have some colorful options ALL in one place. Within ten minutes, I was able to cross another item from my to-do list. Now if I could just teach the babe to address and stamp envelopes! I'm sure we'll master that sometime this morning... Right?!

In search of the perfect Valentine? Look no further. Greer is your one-stop shop.

P.S. This isn't a sponsored post. I'm just thrilled with my Greer experience and eager to share with readers.

SHOP SPOTLIGHT

CARDS VIA LITTLE LOW

Lately there have been a slew of birthdays and babies that require celebratory mail, so I spent Sunday afternoon checking out my note-card inventory only to realize my current snail mail sitch is lacking BIG time. Yikes, I can't believe I'm actually admitting that on the blog! Kidding, but only kind of... Anywho, while browsing the web for cute options to replenish my stash, I found myself visiting Little Low. I've shared a few items from the Austin-based paperie previously, but I felt it was necessary to "spread the happy" by dedicating an entire post to Caitlin McClain's bright and cheeky paper goods. Can't get enough? Hop on over to the shop!

Happy Wednesday, m' dears!

CARDS FROM CUPID

THIS VALENTINE'S DAY SMOTHER FRIENDS AND FAMILY WITH A LITTLE SNAIL MAIL LOVIN':

Hey Girl! Postcard via Rifle Paper Co.

Your Love Is My Drug via Ashkahn

Cupid Is Stupid via The Social Type

Amour Card via Pei Design

God Only Knows Card via Ashkahn

Hello Valentine Card via Sugar Paper

Forever Postage via Beau Ideal Editions

Red Heart Cards via Paper Source

Pink Leggies via Mr. Boddington's Studio

Only You Card via Scout's Honor Paper

Petite Red Stationery via Carde Blanche

Lookin' Good via Idlewild Co.

Valentine's Perks via Little Low

Hello Gorgeous via Rifle Paper Co.

Q&A: Questions & Ashley

QUIRKY CORRESPONDENCE FOR ANY OCCASION

Over the past few weeks, I've received a handful of emails and they've all shared the same request. "Where do you buy all of your stationery?" Um, do you have an hour?! After compiling a letterpress list for a few dear readers, I figured it was time to share m' favorites in the form of a blog post. I apologize for getting all GIF happy this past week, but there are honestly too many cute cards to feature and I figured it was the best way for me to share a few I really adore. Now, on to the list... You down?!

• Sugar Paper // If I had to choose my all-time fave paperie, it would have to be this one. No question about it.
• Rifle Paper Co. // The first time I really splurged on pretty paper was during college and I owe the addiction to Rifle. 
• 1Canoe2 // My love for 1Canoe2 needs no explanation. Remember that time I visited their studio?! Holy swoon!
• Kate Spade New York // I sometimes feel like Kate Spade stationery is designed with me in mind. Can you say delirious?!
• 9th Letter Press // How can so much whimsical goodness be packed into one website?! Eek, I love it!
• Idlewild Co. // I've already added a few of their prints to my collection, now it's time to stock up on note sets.
• Thimblepress // Who couldn't use a doodle hug?! I don't mind sending or receiving cards designed by Kristen Ley.
• Quill & Fox // This is definitely one of my favorites on Etsy. It's usually my go-to for Valentine's Day and Easter.
• Pei Design // If I want to feel Parisian chic, I can rely on Pei Design for inspiration. That's kind of a paper must, right?
• Brim Papery // A recent addition to my list of faves, I simply adore this note set. Donna Meagle, eat your heart out.
• Sycamore Street Press // Such a delicate array of type and design. The art prints are just as lovely.
• Ashkahn // Absolutely hilarious! Prepare to giggle hysterically at the cheeky collection. Emphasis on CHEEKy.
• Moglea // When I dream about designing letterpress, I can't help but hope it looks something like Meg Gleason's work.
• Dear Hancock // Ever since I laid eyes on this birthday card, I've been hooked! What's not to love about a gigantic cake?
• Parrott Design Studio // If I was going to send snail mail to Flyboy, I'd definitely send this card.
• The Social Type // I blame my obsession on the gold foil and lovely script.
• Hello! Lucky // If you're looking to add a few "Thanks and Blanks" to your stationery collection, look no further.
• Egg Press // Seriously the sweetest selection of illustrations circulating around the Interwebs. One of each, puh-leez!
• Blackbird Letterpress // The animal diecut cards are precious. You must see for yourself. 
• Anemone Letterpress // I've been known to hoard most of the cards I've purchased from this shop. Oops!
• Emily McDowell // Witty words and colorful illustrations. Browse Emily's work and you'll find yourself snorting.  
• Yes Ma'am // Erica Loesing's designs are so simple and chic. I still need to snag these striped postcards.
• Hello Small World // Such a cheerful selection of note cards. I wish I would have found this one back in February...
• Printerette Press // Their custom designs make my heart skip a beat. Birth announcements, anyone?!
• Ma and Grandy // Another Aussie stationery company that I adore. Remember my ode to the shop here?!
• Hammerpress // I can't get enough of the bright patterns and vintage looking designs. These badges are super cute!
• Mr. Boddington's Studio // I usually end up purchasing Christmas cards from here every year.
• Fig. 2 Design // This is what happens with Kate Spade and Sugar Paper collide. Yeah, it's wicked good.
• Ladyfingers Letterpress // I recently professed my love here. For the record, I'm still just as smitten.
• Ferme à Papier // Cat Sato manages to illustrate small celebrations beautifully. Her collection of paper is brilliant!
• Little Low // In search of local Texas letterpress options, I clicked my heels when I found this one from Austin.
• A. Favorite Design // They have a card for EVERY occasion. I'm not even kidding about this one. 
• The Great Lakes // If your BFF had time to doodle and create cards, I'm sure she'd design something like this.
• La Familia Green // Alright, alright, alright... If this Matthew McConaugHEY card doesn't get you, I don't know what will.
• Lady Pilot Letterpress // Another amusing website that will leave you chuckling at the comical selection.
• Steel Petal Press // Because cursing doesn't count when it's printed in fancy script. That's letterpress logic.

I apologize in advance for the lack of organization to m' list. When I get excited, it's hard for me to categorize my thoughts in any systematic way. Pretty paper seems to have that effect on me. I'm certain I've missed a few of my favorites, but I plan to add to this list as I think of them. We'll consider this a good starting place. Enjoy and happy browsing!

A Postal Pick-Me-Up

It's no secret that I'm a sucker for snail mail. It not only gives me a reason to buy snazzy card stock and washi tape, but sitting down to send a little postal pick-me-up to dear friends and family brings me oodles of joy. Since I started blogging, my list of pen pals has almost doubled, and I LOVE it! It's a nice little escape from the typical email, tweet, or Instagram comment — a personal way for me to connect with others and unplug from all the digital madness. I've received so many notes of encouragement, it's a little bit overwhelming. I feel truly blessed to have connected with so many people who delight in something as silly as a colorful envelopes, the occasional handful of confetti, and thoughtful words. It can be as simple as "I'm rooting for you!", to a favorite quote, or corny joke. I've learned that random pieces of mail with positive messages are like sunshine for my soul. Sending snail mail is almost as fabulous as receiving it. I love having a reason to skip to my mailbox only to find an unexpected envelope from a friend.

Since this brings ME so much happiness, I figured it was time to share the joy. Don't you want to receive a little snail mail sunshine? I think it's time for One Fine Day to go postal. Many of us connect via blogs, Twitter, and Instagram. It's obvious we have a lot in common. You like stationery, I like stationery. I think we should be pen pals. Whattaya think? 

How it works:

1. Anyone interested in joining the mail madness can email me your address. 
2. Each month, I'll pair you with a bloggie friend in which you will send a surprise piece of snail mail.
3. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just grab a cute note card and get creative.
4. Don't know the person? No problem. This is a random act of kindness — a reason to make someone smile.
5. Doodle a favorite quote or joke. Fill that envelope with a silly amount of confetti. Say "Howdy!"
6. This shouldn't feel like another task to add to your To-Do list. It should be fun! We're bringing postal back!

Happy Monday! I hope this gives you something to smile about.

IMAGE CREDITS: Snail Mail // Fancy Stamps // Confetti // Vintage Stamps // Happy Note // Le Pen // Good Things Doodle // Envelope // Heart // Washi Tape // Bow Paper Clips 

Weekly Round-Up

Let's get right to it, shall we?

Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

Illustration by Katie Evans

I stumbled upon this image in this month's Matchbook magazine, and a grin was instantly painted all over my face. There's just something so charming and perfect about it! I don't think I've ever seen an illustration by Katie Evans that I didn't absolutely adore.

Keep on the bright side.

I was completely overwhelmed by the feedback I received from this past Monday's post. Thank you! I wish I could reach out and hug each and every one of you, and I'm not even a touchy feely kinda gal. I know I've discussed many of those topics before, but I wanted it to be a reminder that although life isn't perfect, it's really all what you make of it. I think it's important for us to know there are others experiencing many of the same feelings, doubts, and insecurities. Stay authentic and unleash your original, shimmering self!

March Matchbook Magazine

Oy with the poodles already! I love that the month starts off with oodles of charm and cheer once Matchbook's issue goes live. I've yet to sit down and pore over every word and page, but from what I can tell it's going to be another fabulous issue. I've got bubbles in my stomach just thinking about Sally King Benedict and her art studio! The layout is gawgeous, darling! I think it's what we've come to expect from such creative talents as Sarah Tolzmann and Katie Evans. I only wish I had a print copy so I could cut out my favorite articles and graphics and plaster them all over my inspiration board -- kinda like I did with my American Girl magazine eons ago. Some things just never change...

Gold Foiled Happy Notes / ASOS Bow Skinny Belt / Pink Scarf / Fine Note Card Set / Cocktail Swatchbook

My soapbox has gone postal (again)! 

You know how much I love sending and receiving snail mail. Well, I also have a thing for my mailman. It doesn't matter where I live, I don't really feel at home until I purchase a new Woolite Rug Stick, crack open a bottle of gin, and meet my mailman. Around Lil' Puna, the mailman part doesn't happen often. I've met Paul (that's his actual name) once. All envelopes and small packages are left in my mailbox at the base of the hill. If there's a large package, I've got to make a pit stop at the Post Office for pick-up. I'm a big fan of online shopping, so the local mail crew has gotten to know me quite well. Unfortunately, I haven't ordered much lately, so I went three weeks without visiting. Blasphemy! My dry spell ended when I stopped by this past Monday. Just as I'd hoped, I was warmly welcomed. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I honestly feel like they missed me! I guess I got that warm and fuzzy Cheers feeling -- where everybody knows my name.

Ain't it Jay?

I worked a few times this past week, so there was a lot of commuting into Honolulu. As I've mentioned before, it's best to leave an hour early to ensure a timely arrival. All of this time in Das Auto got me thinking about my iPhone playlist and song superlatives. It was also a great reminder that it's time I update my playlist.

 Michelle Williams & Gwyneth Paltrow / Bethenny Ever After / It's A Brad, Brad World / Sophia Grace & Disneyland

My picks for best dressed at this year's Oscars goes to Michelle Williams and Gwyneth Paltrow. That red dress suits Michelle Williams to a T! It was both classy and elegant -- feminine perfection. Gwynnie showed up and rocked a cape à la Tom Ford. Who else could pull that off?

I'm a big fan of Bethenny Frankel. I think she's hilarious, honest, and tenacious. I love her even more when I see her interact with her food blogger friend, Nick. They're a hoot together! Tune into Bethenny Ever After to see this duo in action. You'll be thoroughly entertained!

We need to discuss It's A Brad, Brad World. First off, I was so depressed when I found out this past week's episode was the finale. Why so short, Bravo? We'll blame the eight-episode season on Brad's commitment to Kate Spade, which I think is a great excuse! Anywho, did you see Gary's surprise flash mob for Brad? I bawled. We're talking tears of joy. I just love them as a couple. The sentiment was so sweet and thoughtful, and Brad's reaction was priceless.

And finally, Sophia Grace and Rosie went to Disneyland courtesy of Ellen. My heart swells when Sophia Grace Brownlee visits. She is the most adorable little girl that ever lived, which got me thinking... If I ever have a daughter, I want her to be just as animated, genuine, and girly (bonus!) as Sophia Grace. I don't even really care about the talent part. She radiates sunshine and happiness, and I can't seem to get enough. I wish I could bottle her energy and enthusiasm! If you missed them on Ellen this week, watch this clip. Best. Day. Ever.
(Note to Self: Must get my hands on a crown, some cotton candy, and learn the words to Princess Swagger.)

Happy Hour: Get the full recipe here!

Happy Friday, and have a swell weekend!

Toodles,

ANF