- Let's hear it for New York -

"concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do, now you're in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you"

Why are we singing Empire State of Mind over & over in our head? Because we're going to New York!

National Stationery Show that is - May 16-19, 2010. Our 1st visit & couldn't be happier :) Or in other words "Write On!"

Congratulations

With December officially dubbed "engagement month" (did you know 15% of all proposals happen in December?) here's a big congrats to all the new Fiancé's & Fiancée's out there!


Whooo hooo - you're getting MARRIED!!

So much to think about, so much to do! No worries - once you've settled on a date, browse the site & come see me to check out some lovely save the dates such as these:

Don't you just love calling your beloved your Fiancé? Check this quirky article I came across while trying to find the correct spelling!

and a few more fun facts for good measure:

• The average engagement lasts 14 months.
• 3 percent of brides plan on signing a pre-nuptial agreement
• The percentage of brides that change their names after getting married is 81 percent
• 99 percent of couples take a honeymoon.
• 40 percent of honeymooners stay at resorts
• 16 percent of all weddings are destination weddings.
• An average of 44,230 weddings take place in the U.S. each weekend.

~Happy New Year~

wishing much happiness in 2010

Paula Deen Paper!

Paula Deen is everywhere you look these days & rightfully so, it's hard not to fall in love with a classy, good-cooking, sweet accented, southern lady. (Just ask my husband.) (kidding.) Today, International Greetings announced a Paula Deen partnership with products launching in May 2010. Although Gray Papier won't be carrying the goods, I looove the idea & Michaels is a regular shopping spot - can't wait to check them out!

A line of Paula Deen-branded stationery and more from International Greetings will hit Michaels stores nationwide in May.

Beside stationery, the range will include recipe cards, organizers, boxes and food containers. It will be available in more than 1,000 Michaels stores. Discussions are under way with other major U.S. retailers.

"I am looking forward to working with International Greetings in designing my signature paper products," says Deen. "I am confident that their reputation for quality and creative goods will result in great products at a good value."

International Greetings is headquartered in Deen's hometown of Savannah, Ga. (Stickin' to her southern roots!)

{Question: do you use recipe cards? or are your cookbooks stuffed with magazine tears, print-outs & crusty folds like mine??}

Apologies for the holiday hiatus!

Life got busy & the 8-5 turned into 8-8, shew!

Wishing you & yours a holiday filled with glimmering lights of laughter, memories & hope.

Holiday Shopping tips for Men

Ladies, does your man need a little assistance in the gift buying department?

Pass along this article featuring my awesome friend Bethany, a Pittsburgh based personal shopper, discussing "Holiday Shopping 101: Tips for Men at a Loss".

Or watch the video!

Doesn't she ROCK?!

{*so proud*}

perfectly anxious

'missing a perfectly good day because she's sure that she should be anxious about something'

It's holiday time! How festive, and fun, and ssstressful!! Between decorating, shopping, wrapping & of course, my favorite - sending out the Christmas cards - there isn't much time to actually enjoy these tasks. It feels like the older I get, the bigger the 'to do' list grows. We leave town in 2 weeks, so that means 1 more weekend to wrap it all up (no pun intended. Or was it?!) We've already crossed a lot off the list, so why is it, when I have a perfectly nice evening to spend with the husb + kitties, I feel like there is something more I should be doing instead of enjoying their snoozing company in front of our pretty tree?

Anyone else have this problem? How do you stay sane during the busy holiday season? do tell.

The quote above comes from one of my favorite product lines - Story People. (If I ever have a store, you can bet this will be the 1st thing in my assortment!) Hang around the blog long enough & you're sure to see more of these. I fell in love with a book of drawings & stories about 11 years ago while browsing with my Mom during her lunch hour in a cute little shop in downtown Jonesborough, TN. Ever since we've been emailing ones we find meaningful. Sometimes funny, sometimes sappy, always sweet.

One more, for your enjoyment :)

'She asked me when the season of joy was supposed to end & I said I didn't really think there was an exact date, so we left the tree up till June that year.'