Anatomy of a Family Holiday Card

I think most greeting card and stationery designers would agree, that designing a card for yourself is more difficult than designing a card for the masses. Strange but true. So where to begin? This year I knew a few things right off the bat. I knew I wanted to depart from (gasp!) my favorite color red. I wanted to steer clear of holiday colors in general. I knew that I did indeed want to use photography. Specifically pictures of my daughters. The picture of my oldest dancing in her EllieBellie Kids Tutu is what ultimately served as inspiration. I love it that she's dancing on our unfashionable little basketball court/tricycle track. Aahhh...the magic of photography! Especially that of photographer Genevieve Fridley.

What does a holiday with atypical colors and tutus bring to mind? Well for this former ballerina, it instantly conjured up sugarplums! And thus the card was created. I went reverse with the color this year, keeping the card itself black and white and letting the punch-colored plum envelope, lined with a deep, shimmering aubergine, do most of the "talking." Inside is a picture of my littliest sugarplum fairy (also in a tutu and looking rather herself with an impish look on her face), the famous "while visions of sugarplums..." quote from 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and a holiday greeting from my family. This year, I actually had a fun time creating my cards. I like to design by setting up some limitations for myself, and the challenge of creating something to fit within those boundaries. It's almost as thrilling as getting cards from around the country delivered to my mailbox! Well, another design challenge complete. Time to put this job to bed for a long winter's nap...

Happy holidays from my studio to your studio, home, iphone, or wherever it is people do their blog reading nowadays. Oh and p.s., Santa, if your listening...I'd love an iphone of my own someday.

Everything old is new again!

The holidays are a busy time and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the "stuff" in your life. If you've been good, gifts will be making their way into your home, adding more "stuff" to the "stuff" you've already accumulated. One way I de-stress and hopefully prepare for an influx of stylish gifts, is to go through my makeup bag and start tossin'!

Even though there's rarely an expiration date on makeup, it does go bad. So it's important to periodically check products and throw them out accordingly. Chuck mascara every 3-6 months (I'll admit I lean closer to 6) and eyeliner every 6 months. No one needs nasty bacteria hanging around on stuff that goes near those precious peepers. You can keep eyeshadow and blush for a year or so, after that it generally becomes hard and kind of chalky. If it's still in great shape, use your best judgement. I can usually finish a lip color within 2 years, but if you've got one that's been around longer than that, I'd give it the heave-ho. These days, I use powdered mineral makeup for the most part. Since I love it so much, this makeup cycles in and out of my makeup bag at a reasonable rate, limiting what I need to chuck due to old age. We'll save the talk on taking care of your brushes for another post. Overall, I keep a relatively pared down makeup collection these days, which keeps the clutter to a minimum.

Wondering what to fill that empty cabinet up with, now that you've completed your clean sweep? Have no fear. I've got a couple of lists going over at Wishpot for just this reason! If you're a bride-to-be definitely check out my Bridal Beauty Blitz list. You can even email a favorite item to your groom for easy shopping, or start a few lists of your own. Or, if you're like me and love to share the gift of beauty with the already-beautiful mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends in your life, then take a peek at Holiday Hot: The Best Beauty Gifts Ever. Who knows, you might even end up buying something for yourself. Go on, you deserve it! After all, you did just do all that cleaning and organizing. Happy gift hunting!

Crazy about: Cameos

1. Vintage Cameo Necklace, 2. Kelly - Cameo Necklace, 3. Ghost Cameo Necklace, 4. Alabaster kitty cameo necklace, 5. Bakelite cameo necklace, 6. Very Romantic Vintage Cameo and Pearls Necklace, 7. bow n vintage cameo necklace, 8. Bronze Cameo Charm Necklace, 9. Vintage Cameo Necklace Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

I opened my most recent issue of Victoria Magazine (yes, it's back!), and immediately came across a huge ad for this Italian cameo maker. I know! Isn't their stuff gorgeous? I have always been taken with the beauty of cameos and the history behind them. Both the history of how they are designed and created, as well as the history of ownership. Gotta love the mystery and nostalgia of antiques! Unfortunately, I can't afford an Amedeo cameo at the moment. Still, I have hope that someday I might! In the meantime, I decided to scout around flickr and etsy, and there is much to be had. Just take a look at the diverse group of cameos above!

How about that stunning black bakelite cameo? Or the sweet one with the kitty and the delegate gold bows? The traditional cameo paired with the modern green stone necklace is a total knockout. And that indigo blue one with the subtle, shimmery orange accents. What can I say, I love 'em all! In the meantime, I'm off to check out these designer's shops! Happy Monday everyone...

Girls Night Anyone?

Things here at Bride Design are about as busy as they are at Santa's workshop. Holiday time is always buzzing with activity, but I've also been swimming in card proofs and table numbers, ceremony programs and Sweet Talk Boutique cookie designs. I love being busy, but this morning I found myself thinking that when the opportunity for a break comes up it might be nice to unwind with friends for a Girls Night Out! And what better way to get those sweet girlfriends together than with a cookie invite, right?

Feel like hitting the clubs and dancing? An invite with our fab martini illustration just might do the trick. Want to meet-up for dinner and that new "chick-flick?" Then let Sweet Talk's own little chickadee, shown here, do the inviting. Feel like dishing while eating some delicious desserts? Try personalizing your invite with our box of chocolates illustration. Your friends will be sure to feel the love. And in the meantime, while they think about what outfit to wear, they can curl up with their cookie ( don't forget a paper invite is always included!), a cup of tea, and a good book. Which is just what I'd love to do right now...

Design jobs await, but I'll be back soon with another post. Until then keep busy (that shouldn't be hard, if I know most of you readers out there!) and of course, be good to yourselves!

Ellie Bellie Kids' Classic Play = Classic Design

Just got an email from one of my favorite, favorite, companies...EllieBellie Kids. I've blogged about the EBK tutu before but I couldn't resist giving them another shout out. I recently ordered...Ahem, I mean put a PO in to Santa's elves for...two ADORABLE EllieBellie super hero capes for my daughters. In fact, I went on and on about them so much to my sister, that somehow I infiltrated my 3 year old niece's consciousness and now she's obsessed with being a super hero too. So, I just had to order two more. This time I was smart though and paid with the husband's account (*wink*).

The email was alerting me to the latest issue of EBK's online Magazine Classic Play. I love how the clean, modern, and classic design of the ezine highlights and further brands EBK's totally sweet product line. Of course the photography (by Dave K Cooper) and art direction are brilliant as well. My first EBK purchase was for two delicious orange and yellow tutus (with pink and yellow reversible ribbon), and I so loved the Dave's shots on the site, that I knew I had to use them in my own photoshoot with a local photographer Genevieve Fridley. The pictures of my own little sugar-plum fairies in their EBK tutus came out so great I'm using them as part of my personal Christmas card this year. Keep an eye out for a future post. I'll be sure to share them with you just as soon as they get back from the printer!

In the meantime, check out EllieBellie Kids to find gifts for any super heros or fairy princesses you might happen to know!

Dear Santa...

Recently, I helped my 3 and 2 year old daughters write letters to Santa (using this adorable freebie from stationery pal Three Wheels Design). I was charmed by my 3 year old who asked me to write "I was mostly good this year." And chuckled at the fact that my 2 year old is way more into reindeer than Old Saint Nick himself. This little endeavor, combined with some encouragement from Melissa of Operation Nice, has me drawing up my own little letter to that right jolly old elf. So here's what I want this Christmas.

Dear Santa,
I've grown up a bit since we last talked (which was oh, I don't know...when I was 25 or 26 and desperately wanted a husband for Christmas?!). You've always been generous with me. I'll never forget my cabbage patch kid from Christmas '84. I was 11, but still loved (and played with) Patrice Suzanne, for a good while (*blush*).

What I'd really love this year Santa is TIME. I know that's not exactly something you and the elves manufacture up at the North Pole, but maybe you can still help me out just a bit. I would love more time to lavish my children with kisses, and listen to their thoughts and feelings. I'd love more time to design and dedicate to work, building up my business and helping it to grow. Of course I'd love some date-time with that husband I finally ended up securing not long after I placed my request with you (go figure). Of course, I knew him all-along, but isn't that always the way?! I would love more time to volunteer for causes I care about and give of myself to those in need. I'd love time to help my parents and mother-in-law adjust to their eventual retirements, and the life changes that come with getting older (and wiser and better). I'd love some quality girl-time with my sisters and best friends. And last but not least, I'd love a smidgen of time to myself...to listen to the music I like (rather than Dora The Explorer), draw a picture, or for goodness' sake—take a well-deserved nap.

The impossible gift of more time is what I'd like, but here's where you come in. Santa, please help me remember how precious time is. I'm all about Christmas spirit (as you well know), but admittedly there are times throughout the rest of the year when my spirit lacks. Right around June my tidings of comfort and joy, can turn more towards cranky and jaded. I get stressed, and the little bit of time I am blessed with ends up getting wasted on worry, frustration, and disappointment. So, if you could just leave a bit of extra holiday cheer and spirit in my stocking this year, I'd be oh, so thankful. Help me remember that time is a gift to give myself and those around me, all year long.

Thanks Santa!
Love your friend,
Erin

PS plenty of cookies and hot cocoa will be waiting for you at our house!

Holiday Deals and Donations

I was saddened to hear of some of the events surrounding one of America's largest shopping days, Black Friday. A store employee getting trampled on Long Island, a shooting in a toy store in California. This year Black Friday really was black, and not because retailers are moving out of the red.

I'm a lover of deals, but the older I get the more inclined I am to stay home and out of the stores on Black Friday. This year I ventured out but shunned the throngs of shoppers for a visit to the gorgeous new Burchfield Penney Art Center in Buffalo, NY. It is amazing. As for the deals...there is always today, Cyber Monday. I haven't found anything good yet, but it's fun to window shop. Even if that window is one of the internet browser variety.

In an effort to focus less on getting and teach my little girls about giving more during the holidays, I'm trying to think up ways to share what I already do have. I think I'm going to gather my book club for a no-stress evening of chatting and fun sometime this month and suggest that we all bring one of our favorite books to donate to a women's shelter or another worthy cause. Do any of you have a way that you love to give during the holidays? Do tell. You just might inspire someone else!

A Bride Design Studio Tour

As an avid MTV Cribs watcher back in the day, I'd always eagerly wait for the part in the program where the rock star or NBA player who's showing off his or her mansion (or guest house, luxury apartment etc.) arrives at the bedroom. Nine times out of ten, said celebrity would quip "...so this is where the magic happens." I'd roll my eyes and think..."typical," then go back to munching my Doritos. For most artists, including me, the studio is "where the magic happens" (at least the work-related magic). I thought I'd offer you guys a little tour through my world via a Flickr set. But today I wanted to focus on my favorite part of this office, my studio desk.

I think I probably spend more time at the computer these days, but in my view this desk is still the birthplace of much magic. It's where ribbons get tied, papers get chosen and cut, drawings are created and embellishments attached. It may look like just a desk, but it is a friend to my creativity. It's also where a lot of the affection I feel for the projects I do, gets added in to the mix.

My favorite thing about this desk is the large self-healing cutting mat. I almost don't remember what it was like to live without it. Other faves include, the space saving stacking canisters (perfect for eyelets and brads) I got from Jen for my birthday, and prismacolor colored pencils with a great box that doubles as a "stand." Forget the ribbon dispenser box that's off to the side there, it doesn't work a lick! I think a ribbon storage/dispensing area is going to be my next project. Right after I get around to making those curtains...

Chenille Stems: A Fancy Word for Pipe Cleaner?

1. Pipe cleaner star ornament, 2. Pipe Cleaner Christmas Ornament, 3. pipe cleaner, 4. Pipe-Cleaner Flowers, With Panda, 5. Pipe Cleaner Tiara, 6. pipe cleaner wreath by stephanie, 7. Bunny butts, 8. DSC_0001.JPG, 9. Pipe cleaner star

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

I was recently flipping through Parents magazine, when I came across a piece on some cute Christmas crafts. Over and over the article kept saying "using brightly colored, cut-to-length, chenille stems" and "take your chenille stem..." I found myself thinking, "am I crazy or are these just plain, old, pipe cleaners?" I'm probably just late to the party, but I've always called them pipe cleaners. I'd never heard the phrase "chenille stem" before. I suppose the term "pipe cleaner" might be considered politically incorrect these days. And truthfully, "chenille stem" does sound a lot prettier. Anyway, my linguistic conundrum got me thinking about some of my fave pipe cleaner projects, and I got curious to see what other creatives are doing with their chenille stems. Here's what I found. I must say, that oviraptor sculpture impressed me! Have a great weekend!

and furthermore...

Have you ever seen a doily clock? Neither had I, until I stumbled across and furthermore's delightful etsy shop. There's something really striking about simple clock hands on an intricately patterned background. I like the textures and the contrast. What's even cooler is that these clocks are made from reclaimed materials. Great design in a green format. Now I just need to figure out which one to add to my wish list!

Social Networking Overload?

I'll admit it. Life has been hectic lately. I love social networking (maybe a little too much?). I give talks to other entrepreneurs about how to use the internet as an effective PR tool. In these times, blogging, forum participation, email press release blasts, and social networking are near requirements for staying current or creating buzz. For the most part, I feel my activity on the internet greatly benefits my business, especially blogging and forums. But does it benefit me personally? Well, in some ways, yes. In other ways? Not so much.

In 7th grade I had perfect attendance because the social butterfly in me was convinced that if I missed a day at school, I would miss something HUGE. Silly, right? Looking back, I can't even imagine what sort of HUGE social event, shift , or explosion, the 7th grade me could actually envision taking place at her school. Sillier still, is that I sometimes feel this way about social networking now, as an adult. Am I twittering enough? Should I post about my new blog post on facebook and twitter? Do I need to be on Linked In and Plaxo as well?

The answer to that last one, for me, is no. I went with LinkedIn if it matters, and said "no thanks" to the couple of Plaxo invites I got, as well as to some additional invites I got from a few other "business" social networks. Social networking is great for business, when utilized with a bit of a internet marketing plan in mind. My internet marketing plan, may be on sticky notes (thanks Vicki for turning me on to this idea from The Start Up Princess!), but it is something I try to consider when joining a social network. I have finally realized that I just can't be a part of EVERYTHING out there.

I think we all know what a "time-suck" social networking can be so, I'm monitoring my use these days. In an effort to keep myself sane and my "friends" list manageable, I've kept my personal facebook page just that, personal. I have some awesome industry colleagues as my "friends", mostly people I've really gotten to know over the past 5 years. But in an effort to keep the "social" in at least one of the social networks I'm using, I created a business facebook page for my business and try to direct more of my industry activity on the site to that page. I know a true entrepreneur can't completely separate themselves from their business, but social networking works best personally, when it's fun, connects you with others, and most importantly when it doesn't feel like work. I suppose one could say the same for business social net working as well...

Of course in doing my research for this post, I stumbled across this interesting list of the 10 Most Beautiful Social Networking Sites. I'll try to resist, but I'm a sucker for usability and a cool design aesthetic. I promise, I'll try not to wast too much valuable work time checking those out. But before I go, what makes social networking work for you? How do you use it to your benefit? And how do you not let it consume your time (this twitter lover is always looking for tips!)? I'll look for your comments here...but if I don't see them, I'm sure I'll catch most of you on twitter, or facebook, or friendster (remember that one?), or Linked In...and the list goes on!

Another Operation Nice Love List: I like me...I really like me!

The oh-so-nice Melissa at Operation Nice, recently assigned another love list. You may remember my last attempt here. A visit to Molly's Artful Sentiments Blog reminded me to get crackin' on this one. Her list was so inspiring. I knew it was time to make my own. This one seems a bit tougher as it needs to be all about me. I even tried to challenge myself further and include a self-portrait I took not too long ago (still feeling the cringe-factor on this one, but I'm powering through!). So here it goes. Here's what I LOVE about myself.

I love my freckles. And my choice in red highlights (so much so I included them in the last list too!). I love the color of my eyes (green with gold flecks) and that their color changes depending on what I'm wearing. I love that I've become a good cook over the years. I love that I've grown to be more accepting of me as I've gotten older. It really takes a load off! I love it that I was raised in a loving family with great parents, two sisters and a brother. I love it that I shared a room with my sister Kathleen my entire life. That made adjusting to a college roommate easy. I love it that until I was 16 my family lived in a small apartment. It seems unique, as I don't run into many people that grew up that way. It also made me respect others' privacy even when it's hard to come by, and allowed me to experience the joy of a busy, fun, brimming with love home. I love that my youngest siblings are 9 and 11 years younger than me. I cherish my memories of them as babies and toddlers. I love that I was a late-bloomer and didn't really date much in high-school. Conversely I love that I was a boy-crazed maniac who always had a crush on some cute boy. I love that I eventually became confident enough with guys to get one of those crushes to ask me to marry him (10 years later, but who's counting?). I love doing my hair and makeup (when given the opportunity). I love that I have to sing at least 3 lullabies to my two year old EVERY night. And I love it that I probably enjoy it more than she does. I love that I grew up singing and know the gift of song and music. I love that I can not have looked at a clock for an entire day and still guess the time correctly within a few minutes give or take. I love being a mom. I love that I am spiritual and have faith. I love that I can draw and paint and that I can use these mediums to express things I might never be able to express otherwise. I love that I spent the majority of my life dancing. I love it that I have made mistakes and learned from them. I love it that I lived alone in a big city where I essentially knew no one and made a life (complete with friends!) for myself. I love that I get stronger every day. I love that I have the power to love.

But enough about me! What about YOU? What's one wacky thing you love about yourself? Whether you've done this assignment or not, I'd love to hear what you guys have to say. So get your comment on kids. Making that list was difficult but encouraging. I've gotta say, being nice to yourself is a pretty nice feeling. Thanks Operation Nice!

Champagne Wishes: A Kir Royale Tasting

1. Just playing..., 2. kir royale toast, 3. the kiss, 4. Kir royale, 5. Alexia & Nils #16, 6. Kir Royale!, 7. Kir Royale, 8. Strawberry Kir Royale, 9. Kir Royale and Pantheon
Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Before our fabulous anniversary dinner in New York, Pete and I decided to stop for a cocktail at a Flûte, a cozy spot in Gramercy. Everything on the menu looked delightful, but our best choice was the Kir Royale tasting flight. A Kir is made with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liquor) and white wine. The Kir Royale, substitutes champagne for the white wine. Yum.

First a little history (from Wikipedia of course). The Kir is named after Félix Kir, mayor of Dijon in Burgundy, who after World War II popularized the drink by offering it at receptions to visiting delegations. Besides being a wonderful host to his international guests, Felix was also brilliantly promoting two key economic products of the region, white wine and crème de cassis.

There are many varieties offered for the flight at Flûte, but we decided to go unconventional with Violet, Ginger, and Blackberry versions. They were all delicious. The violet perfectly perfumed the cocktail, but didn't overpower the champagne taste. The ginger was a refreshing palate cleanser, and the blackberry was smooth and sweet.

The colors of the drinks were lovely. A Violet Kir Royale would be a great signature cocktail for a wedding where lavender or sage green were the colors of choice. A Lemon Kir Royale would add some hip and colorful sparkle for an event using everyone's favorite neutral these days...gray. We had so much fun tasting and talking, that it got me thinking. A Kir Royale tasting would be a fun offering a New Year's Eve party. After all, there's always bubbly conversation and high spirits, when champagne is around! Clink! Clink!

Lather Up!—Sweet Soapylove® Bars

As most of you know, Jen and I love a good collaboration. Which is why I was thrilled when Jen told me she was "cooking" up an idea with the delightful Deb from Soapylove®. The result? Super cool hand made soaps exclusive to Sweet Talk Boutique! Sweet smelling, with loads of lather, these non-edible soap bars are available in round with cupcakes in vanilla frosting scent, or square with our tiara and bubblegum princess scent. Mmmmm...

Just in time for the holidays, our Sweet Soapylove® bars make perfect gifts! Paired with our Signature Stationery or one of our fabulous and functional new purse hooks (how cool are those?!), these soaps are an even bigger hit. Of course you could send 'em along with some of our famous cookies too. This way, when you're done washin' up...you can throw on your cozy bathrobe, kick up those fuzzy slippers (you know you've got 'em), and enjoy a yummy snack. Now that's sweet!

Edit: Hey, Jen just commented that we're offering fab little poufs (you know...those sudsy, scrubby shower thingies!) free with each order while supplies last! Hooray for freebies!

A voice for the voiceless: speaking a language all children can understand

Bloggers Unite is an opportunity for bloggers to use their space to make the world a better place. Today, Bloggers Unite has urged participants to raise our voices on behalf of more than 40 million voiceless refugees. In researching this crisis, one particular statistic spoke to me deeply: "An estimated 80% of refugees are women and children." Easy prey when it comes to abduction and violence, defenseless and frightened refugee children seem to be the most voiceless victims of war and global crisis.

As I dug further in my research, I came across a UN site featuring the artwork of refugee children. Visual and performing art have been two vital forms of expression and recreation for me since childhood. I quickly realized that one inroad to giving refugees a voice, is to speak to them in languages that are universal, cross-cultural and understood by all. And to provide them with resources and education that will allow them to do the same. Kicking a soccer ball is fun, thrilling, and empowering whether you are in Des Moines or Darfur. Dancing, singing and athletics can all help young refugees regain bits of their childhoods which in many cases are lost to terror, uncertainty, and persecution. Here are three (of many!) organizations that aim to do just that:

ninemillion.org campaign: A partnership between the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in partnership with Nike and Microsoft, that aims to give more than nine million refugee children better access to education, sport and technology by 2010. Runners around the world have already raised over a million dollars and heightenedawareness of the plight and the potential of refugee children.

A.R.T. (Art for Refugees in Transition): This organization provides curriculum and training programs to engage both children and adults in refugee communities in visual, performing and creative arts drawn from their own cultures, aiding in recovery from the trauma, terror and dislocation of war.

The Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children: This group has an extensive gallery of photo essays, some of which include moving and informative artwork from refugee children.

How can we help these organizations and others support the plight of refugees? Contributions and donations are always needed. Activism is essential and costs little except your time. Ask Congress to support the International Violence Against Women Act, legislation that would make ending violence against women and girls a a key priority in U.S. foreign assistance programs. The International Rescue Committee has a great website thejourneystartswithyou.org, that gives lots of ideas and motivation for how to volunteer and assist the IRC's 24 resettlement offices, and their efforts on the ground in 42 countries.

Most of all we need to educate ourselves, and those around us. By teaching the children in our world to have a global perspective, a love for the environment and respect for themselves and others, we are producing a future where understanding is the basis for action and reaction. Ignorance is a contributing factor to war and crisis. It is my hope that increased understanding will prevent or lessen such atrocities, or at the very least provide us with caring individuals to meet the needs of those least fortunate. On the ball field or court, voices raised in song, dancing together...these are life's moments when it seems little "work" is needed for us to all gather together in true understanding and peace.

For the Love of Marriage!

Tomorrow, my husband Pete and I will celebrate 5 incredible years of marriage. I can't wait. If the rest of our years are anything like these first five, then they'll be fun, thrilling, full of surprises, and just plain joyful. I think my expression in the picture above from my wedding day, says it all...giddy, totally in love, and blessed to have found the right partner. All things I still feel today. Side note, I also feel pretty blessed to have found the perfect wedding photographer for my day Maggie Heinzel-Neel. She captured our love, friendship, and the completely amazing celebration we had in a way that no one else could.

As a corporate graphic designer for many years, I had a revelation while creating my own invitations. I love weddings. Combine that with my love of all things paper, typography, art, and communication, and you get Bride Design. In March my business will celebrate it's 5th anniversary as well, and it too has enriched my life in many ways I never imagined. These were the invites, and programs, that started it all and I am so thankful for the many wonderful opportunities they've brought me. I've met wonderful couples, business associates (including photographer Crystal Herry, who took the still of my work above) and friends, and have created designs I never would have created, if I had not found exciting and adventurous path I now walk on.

An Uber Amazing Honor

I'm tickled pink that the FABULOUS Gift Girl at The Wishpot Wedding Blog chose Design is Everywhere (along with a bunch of other KILLER wedding related blogs) to receive The Uber Amazing Blog Award! If Design Is Everywhere meets even one of the requirements below with each post, then I'm a happy blogger. Thanks so much Gift Girl and if you haven't checked out wishpot.com yet, I'd highly recommend it. I love keeping lists of my favorite beauty and bridal recommendations, as well as a wish list of gifts I want (or neeeeeeed!). If you'd like to see what I'm loving lately, check out my wishpot lists here. Maybe you'll even end up starting a few lists of your own!

In the meantime, let's celebrate! The Uber Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to a site that:
~ inspires you
~ makes you smile and laugh
~ or maybe gives amazing information
~ is a great read
~ has an amazing design
~ and any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!

The rules of this award are:
* Put the logo on your blog or post.
* Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!
* Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.
* Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

Here are 5 blogs that keep me feeling creative! I could have listed every single one in my links list (as they are all awesome) but I decided to keep it short and sweet. I even took it a step further and stated why I chose them. Here goes...
- suffixabuse (for unparalleled commitment to blogging and amazing design sense!)
- threewheelsturning (gorgeous photography and witty writing that captures the perfect blend of "mom meets designer.")
- feterie blog (modern design musings, great giveaways, and a touch of French-American chic!)
- cafecartolina(beautiful vintage finds and insightful writing which never cease to inspire me.)
- She Take's The Cake's blog (Hilarious posts about the world of weddings and caking. Uumm hello? The woman went as a cupcake for Halloween. Now that's loving what you do!)

Check these ladies out, as well as the rest of the peeps in my link list. Like I said, each blog listed there offers a unique perspective on design, style, parenting, weddings, crafting, or all of the above. I'll just be here trying to think up posts that live up to the title "Uber Amazing." Thanks Gift Girl!

Fan us on Facebook!

I've got to hit the road for the day and I'll be back tomorrow (ready to vote at my local polling place!). You should see a new post on Wednesday, filled with lots of holiday cheer. All those Christmas trees that have been up at stores for the past week are putting me in the mood. In the meantime, check out Design is Everywhere on facebook! I know most of you do not need yet another addictive social network in your life, but if you are already sucked in, please become a fan of this little blog. We hope to use facebook to keep you posted on giveaways, guest bloggers, special features, Bride Design and Sweet Talk Boutique news and so much more! Have a stylish day everyone and maybe I'll see you on facebook!

Happy Halloween...

1. Ofrenda, 2. The Killing Fields, 3. El Dia de los Muertos, 4. Untitled, 5. busy altar, 6. Calavera Cupcakes, 7. The Death of Marilyn Monroe, 8. flores y mariposas, 9. Dia de los muertos 2007 Jes
Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

or Día de los muertos as the case may be! Looking for a little colorful, Halloween-inspired, creativity today I jumped on flickr to browse through some Day of the Dead shots. And boy...what inspiration I found! How cool is that shadow box? Enjoy and have a terrifyingly spooky day everyone!

Picture this: Fin + Roe Photo Correspondence

There is a HUGE demand for photo correspondence these days. How do I know? I send out a lot of personal holiday cards (around 100) each year, and I always seem to get around 80 or so delivered to my mailbox. Most of those are photo cards, featuring the smiling faces of new babies born over the past year, groups of unruly children in soccer uniforms, or perfectly preened young ladies in their holiday best. I LOVE the shots of cute children. The big bummer? The photo retail giants out there offer a limited selection of designs. Worse, those designs often fall short when it comes to enhancing and highlighting the best part of photo cards: the picture.

Which is why I wanted to tell you about Fin + Roe. Besides the fresh colors, modern patterns and the ability to mix and match, I love the way this company's designs let the photography SHINE! So if you're thinking about a holiday photo card this year for your family, check these guys out. As a stationery designer myself, I feel compelled to create my own cards from scratch each year. It's become a holiday tradition. But for those who prefer to have a little elf create your cards for you...do take a look at Fin + Roe's adorable collection. The grandparents and your friends will thank you. And If you're one of those people who send me a card each year, I'll have something a little more unique to deck my halls with. Alright kids...smile for the camera!