Today is National Letterwriting Day!

Today is National Letter Writing Day!  Yes, that's right, you can return to the lovely art of actually writing a thank you note or correspondence.  E-mail is not the only way to correspond, I don't care what you say.  I have been stockingup on new notecards for the new year.  I have three requirements for notes:

1) Good quality paper:  I really prefer heavy cardstock, however, if the notes are cutest enough I will forego heavy stock

2.  Great Design - I adore cute patterns even if only in the evelopes.

3. Personalized Design - Who doesn't love to write on notes that are personalized and also who doesn't enjoy getting notes that you know are from someone's personal stash?

Here's what I came up with for fun notecards:

10 Notes for $16

All three of these designs are from Swoozies.  check them out here.

What note cards motivate you to write notes?   Do tell!  

also get an awesome pen to write those notes with!  here are my favs....

I love these bamboo pens they just make me feel special when I am writing.

Via

I must admit my all time favorite is....

A black flair pen!  A fab pen! only 10.99 for a dozen

10 Must Have Items for Your Desk & 5 New Organizational Goals

Photo Credit Via apartment theraphy

What does your desk look like?  Does it a portray an organized life or a mix matched mess?

Do you change things around or keep the same objects for a hundred years?  I must admit that I have been guilty of keep the same objects but this year I am cleaning up and replacing my tired desk objects for fresh happy pieces.  I am also implementing some new organizational procedures I thought I would share with you. 

(click on the title to see the "must have" items for your desk and learn more...)

"The Love Lock Bridges" in Paris

My first day in Paris last September, was spent strolling around the city before the others arrived.  There were a few of us who decided to venture out to see what we could find.   We  ended up on the bridge Pont de l'Archeveche, where the lover's locks hang in masses from the bridges mesh walls.   For those of you who aren't familiar with the Love Lock Bridges, I wanted to share it with you.  The old saying goes that lovers write their names on a pad lock attach the lock to the bridges wall and toss the key into the Seine to pledge their undying love forever.   The Parisians cannot remember how it began, but find it rather irritating.  Sentimental folks like myself, find it rather charming, but I was unaware of the how the weight of locks may cause damage to the structure.  Couples visit from all over the world and place their declaration of love on the bridges, Pont des Arts and Pont de l'Archevêché. 

(click the title to continue reading to find out the different in the two bridges...)

Congrats to Emporium Home - Ashley Childers!!! This Year's 25th Annual Arts Awards Rising Star

Congrats to Ashley Childers who won the "Rising Star" Award last night at the

Dallas Home Market 25th Annual Arts Award Ceremony!  In a couple of years,

Ashley supported by her husband Garret have taken the home couture market by
 storm and make quite the impression on the industry as was evident by this award!

(click to continue reading after the break…)

Thank You!

Unmade Bed" by Marc Whitney

Thank you to everyone who called to check on me, sent messages and notes while I was sick this week.  The entire week has actually been a blur.  I don't remember sleeping so many continuous hours in my life.  My husband was out of town til Wednesday so my children were basically on their own for most of the week.  I'm proud to say they survived as did I.  Thank goodness for fast food and a 16 yr old who can drive.   My sweet friends locally offered to bring food, but I couldn't eat and didn't want to expose anyone to this horrific virus.  As bad as it was to be so sick, it was nice to feel missed by so many of you!  Thank you for making me feel part of your life and in exchange you have become part of mine!  I'm on the mend and will hopefully be back to regular posting very soon.

I'll Bet You Need a "Big O" as in O-Venture Key Ring!

When I was in Atlanta last week, my friend, Danielle Rollins introduced me to the O- Venture girls!  My only regret was my tardy party prevented us from actually dining with this fun threesome, but all was not lost we were still able to eat and meet the O-Venture girls, as well see Danielle. (I must say UMI was fabulous!  Thank you Danielle oxox)!  I highly recommend UMI if you are in Atlanta.  

Now for the O-fun!

Boy! These two ladies have designed the hottest "must have" accessory to hit the market in a long time!  (click the title to find out what I'm talking about 
after the jump…)