Bookstore pick-up lines

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What a coincidence! No sooner do I ponder bookstore babes than I come across this handy-dandy cheat sheet for picking up said babes in said bookstore. Way to go, David Letterman! xoxo

Thursday Giveaway!

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Today's giveaway is from Laura of Ceville Designs, the Ohio-based design shop full of art prints, collages and mixed media pieces. Laura has been creating art and writing children's stories since she was a little girl, and her pieces are all about those cozy reminders of childhood.

"I hope you remember what you knew when you were a child, swinging higher and higher on your swing set, the wind roaring past your ears," she says. "It was the moment you let go and felt as light as a feather, soaring through the air before you landed with both feet firmly planted in the soil and ready to take on the challenge yet again."

She's offering this Mixed Media Owl named Turtle, which, she says, reminds her of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. The two-inch little critter would look great on a desk or in a nursery, don't you think?

For your chance to win, simply visit Ceville Designs, and leave a comment below. You can also LIKE Ceville Designs on Facebook for an extra entry. A winner will be chosen next Monday, July 22nd. Best of luck! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Blue Eyed Night Owl. Thanks so much! :)

Sponsor Spotlight: Lisa Leonard Designs

FREE IMAGES I'm big on stories (obviously!), and there's nothing I love more than hearing the stories behind creative types and their equally creative projects. It's just so interesting, and I had the pleasure of interviewing one of those creative types recently. Lisa Leonard is the brains behind the beautiful Lisa Leonard Designs. The California-based designer, who has been making jewelry since her high school days, creates simple, lovely pieces. Her necklaces, bracelets and earrings can be worn with everything from everyday jeans to an evening dress, and she also specializes in personalized home decor and wedding items. She wants each piece to be meaningful, and she definitely achieved her goal. Read on for the inside scoop on her new line and the story behind her current piece in her shop! xoxo

Keep in touch...
Official Web site: Lisa Leonard Designs
Become a fan on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Get inspired on Pinterest

Tell me about yourself and the shop
I grew up in Orange County, in Cyprus, which is near Long Beach, so it's North Orange County, not the South Orange County you see on TV. I met my husband, Steve, and we had my first son, David. I went full term not knowing anything was wrong with David. The day before he was born, it became clear that there were some issues, so they brought me in and induced. We had this tiny baby that weighed only four pounds and had just two fingers on his left hand. They told us that David will probably be a vegetable and that we needed to come to terms with that. We were devastated. I remember both of us were just sitting on my hospital bed just sobbing. I remember thinking one of us needs to pull it together. In that moment, I remember saying, "We don't know what the future holds, no one can say that this is what David will be." Long story short...we absolutely fell in love with David. He has what is called Cornelia De Lange Syndrome. Usually they don't like to be touched, but David loves to be held—he's a total cuddle bug. He's had multiple major surgeries since, but we found out that David is a pretty tough little guy. Despite all of his challenges, he's determined and feisty. Eighteen months later, my second son, Matthias, was born.

A couple years later, we found out a church in San Luis Obispo needed a new pastor, so my husband took over as pastor, and we moved north. I was working in special education and doing in-home therapy with toddlers with special needs. With my two babies at home, one with severe special needs, it felt like I was doing the same thing at home that I was doing at work. I needed to break it up and do something different, and wanted to spend more time with my boys. I already had the jewelry business, but it was more of a hobby back then. But we thought we could really build something through my designs. So I quit my job and started approaching local boutiques about the jewelry. I stated blogging and found out people were really interested in what I was making. It was all very low-tech, but after Steve's friend built an official Web site, it just exploded. We were at the forefront of of a handmade jewelry movement, customized pieces where you could have your kids name on it, for example. It was super organic and grassroots. It's come a long way since then and is continuing to grow daily.

What's the inspiration behind its launch?
The inspiration behind the Summer Line is finding beauty. Life can seem dark and broken, but there is beauty to be found. Each piece is inspired from the seemingly insignificant things that bring so much beauty and warmth. There is an artisan collection as well as a classic collection— both of which we couldn't be more excited about. Please feel free to browse through the pieces and read the descriptions to learn more!

What's your best piece of advice for people looking for great online shopping deals?
I would say stay connected! In the blog world, there are always great deals being offered and giveaways being hosted. There are some fabulous blogs that feature the newest deals -- once you find them, add them to your RSS feed and you will stay in the loop.

What are some ways that people can still look chic for less?
Thrift! Thrift! Thrift! I have found some AMAZING pieces at local thrift shops. It takes some searching, but it's so fun when you find that unique gems!

What is your favorite piece in your shop and why?
Right now, it's the beauty in the brokenness necklace. It so reflects my heart and the core of what Lisa Leonard Designs stands for. Life is imperfect, but that's what makes it beautiful. I'm overwhelmed by the stories I have heard about finding strength in being broken since we've launched it. Definitely my top pick right now.

Downton Abbey paper dolls

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We won't be getting new episodes of Downton Abbey until next January (nooo!!), but how cute are these paper dolls by Kyle Hilton? The Dowager Countess and her many facial expressions! Sybil in a modern t-shirt! These are the perfect little treat to hold us over until the season premiere!

Just one question: Where's my home girl Edith? #TeamEdith

[Via Vulture]

Sponsor Spotlight: Vistaprint office supplies round-up

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It's no secret that I'm a pretty big fan of office supplies. I'm actually a really big fan. I've been known to spend hours walking up and down the office supply aisle, where I'd marvel at everything from the pens to the notebooks to -- yes! -- the crayons. The colors. The shiny packaging. Needless to say, the whole experience was quite an intoxicating one for me.

And don't even get me started on back-to-school shopping; even though I've been out of school for more years than I care to admit, I still find myself battling the crowds every August in a mad rush to snatch up colorful pens and pencils to replenish my stock. When I worked as a college newspaper adviser, my favorite part of the year was organizing my office for the coming semester, so you can imagine my excitement when Vistaprint asked if I'd like to do a round-up of my favorite office supplies. The online hub is a one-stop shop that lets you personalize everything from magnets to mugs to iPhone cases. Seeing all the good deals on Vistaprint products got me thinking about what I'd include in my dream office kit. Here are six of my top picks...

Pens with a personalized touch, starting at $3.74.

Stress balls for a little rest and relaxation, $44.99 for a set of 24.

Notebooks for all those massive to-do lists, starting at $7.49.

Note cards for writing sweet little notes, 10 for $5.99.

A unique mug for a morning cup of coffee -- or, in my case, a morning kick of Diet Coke, $10.49.

And a polo shirt, for obvious reasons, starting at $19.99.

What about you, friends? What would you include in your Ultimate Office Supplies Kit? Pens? Lots of notepads? I'd love to hear!

(This post was sponsored by Vistaprint, though the opinions expressed are my own. Thanks so much for continuing to support So About What I Said's wonderful sponsors!)

P.S. New lyrics and Family Photos are coming your way shortly! :)

Found: 6 beautiful soap stones

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Quick, what do these look like? Would you believe they're actually soap stones? Brooklyn-based design team Jean and Oliver Pelle turn the simple, everyday objects into works of art. Although they're a bit out of my price range, it would be neat to display one on a bookshelf, wouldn't it? Or add a pop of color to your desk? xoxo

P.S. Part Two of our Arizona adventure is coming up this afternoon! :)

Sponsor Spotlight: Happily Ever Borrowed

FREE IMAGES I'm so excited to introduce So About What I Said's newest sponsor Happily Ever Borrowed, a unique wedding boutique. Brittany, the creative force behind the shop, has partnered with different designs to curate all sorts of bridal accessories. But, instead of buying the pretty pieces, brides are able to rent them for their special day -- at a fraction of the cost. Read on to learn about the role Brittany's older sisters played in the launch of Happily Ever Borrowed, upcoming summer wedding trends and tips for planning your big day! xoxo

Keep in touch...
Official Web site: Happily Ever Borrowed
Become a fan on Facebook
Follow on Twitter

Tell me about Happily Ever Borrowed. What's the inspiration behind its launch?
I have three older sisters, and from the age of 12, I was helping to plan their weddings. When I was in college and designing bridal gowns, my one sister asked me to make hers. That was far too much pressure for me, but I offered to help shop with her. When I saw the poor quality and construction of the cheaper gowns, I was horrified. All women deserve to wear quality products on their wedding day. We were also astonished at the high prices of veils, headpieces and jewelry. After spending their entire budget on their dress, most women forget that they need to accessorize as well! This is one of the most common instances where brides exceed their budget. My sisters begged me to find a solution. I let the idea sit for quite a while, but after my third sister got married, the idea started to materialize.

What has the response been like? What's your most-rented item?
The response has been wonderful! We've serviced over 200 weddings to date, and we just keep getting busier! Our most popular item has to be the Isabella Cuff by Enchanted Atelier. It's totally gorgeous and adds a vintage touch to your wedding accessories.

What are some wedding trends we're seeing as we move into the summer? What are some of your favorite wedding trends overall?
We're definitely seeing a huge trend with statement pieces. Where brides were being quite subtle with their accessories for a few years, we're now seeing a movement towards large statement necklaces and cuffs. We also LOVE the feather trend for weddings overall. They can add a really soft but trendy touch to an ensemble.

What are some things people should keep in mind when planning for their big day?
Just remember the reason you're there: To enjoy the day and marry your best friend. Let others sweat the small stuff for you!

What is your favorite item in Happily Ever Borrowed and why?
That's like choosing my favorite child! I just can't! But, I really do love our new Sophie Petite by Enchanted Atelier. It can be worn as a necklace, headpiece and belt. I LOVE the versatility of being able to change your look with just once piece throughout your wedding day.

Fashion Friday: 6 pretty iPhone cases

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Breaking news: I'm moving on up, friends! Well, at least when it comes to the world of smartphones. Yes, tomorrow, I'll be rocking a new piece of bling!! Granted, it won't be as sleek or as fancy as an iPhone, but it will most certainly be a step up from my old Blackberry (read: Instagram, anyone?), and I can finally start using those cool things called Apps that all the young people are talking about these days. And, because a phone can also be the perfect fashion accessory, here are 6 pretty cases I've got my eyes on...

1. Kate Spade New York Chit Chat, $40
2. Kate Spade gold polka dots, $40
3. Pink lined polka dots, $35
4. Forest flowers by Rifle Paper Co., $36
5. Hello Hello by Rifle Paper Co., $36
6. UP, $35

So, friends, which one is your favorite? These do come in regular smartphone sizes, right? xoxo

Honest Disney posters

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Ever wonder what the posters to your favorite Disney movies would look like if they were interpreted a bit more realistically? Well, The FW's Christina Gritmon has done just that with these nine Disney posters, and I love how honest they are. The Lion King as Hamlet? Perfect. You can see them all here. xoxo

P.S. The untold story of Disney princesses, Disneyland proposal, Disney wedding dresses and more Disney posters.

[Via Jezebel]

Psychology of color

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What's your favorite color, friends? Although this chart was created with a designer's eye in mind, it perfectly captures the relationship between color communication. Translation: Certain colors evoke specific emotions and have the power to set a particular mood. For example, did you know that lavender conjures up romantic, nostalgic and fanciful feelings? Who knew?

What feelings do your favorite colors bring out? xoxo

Bow+Arrow Art Giveaway!

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Just in time for Father's Day! Today's giveaway is from Ashley from Bow+Arrow Art, a beautiful Denver-based design studio. Ashley creates fun and colorful art prints, note cards and greeting cards. She describes her cards as fun, inspirational and encouraging and puts her own personal touch on each of her hand-drawn pieces.

She's offering two lucky readers their choice of Father's Day card. You can choose this "Dad, You're Great" card or this "P.S. You're The Best Dad Ever" card. They're both so whimsical and fun, aren't they? Which one would you choose?

For your chance to win, simply visit Bow+Arrow Art, and leave a comment below telling us which card you'd choose if you won. You can also LIKE Bow+Arrow Art on Facebook, FOLLOW on Twitter and GET INSPIRED on Pinterest for extra entries. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow afternoon. Have fun, friends!

**Bonus for all readers: Ashley is offering a special card sale. Buy 3 cards and get the 4th free! Just be sure to leave a note at checkout!

Update: Congrats to winner Sophie and Krystal. Thanks so much! :)

Cut Food

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Here's a new take on food art: Food and still-life photographer Beth Galton went inside food -- literally! -- for Cut Food. For the fun series, Galton took some of our favorite everyday foods and sliced them in half...

How cool is that? Could you guess all the half-sized foods from just the photos? What foods would you like to see cut in half?

[Thanks, Diana!]

Sponsor Spotlight: Bow+Arrow Art

FREE IMAGES I've got a fun interview today with Ashley from Bow+Arrow Art, a beautiful Denver-based design studio. Ashley creates fun and colorful art prints, note cards and greeting cards. As Ashley says, her days as an artist began the second she was old enough to hold a marker. Read on to find out how Ashley made her dream a reality, who helped her along the way and tips for looking chic on the cheap! xoxo

Keep in touch...
Official Web site: Bow+Arrow Art
Become a fan on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Get inspired on Pinterest

Tell me about your shop. What's the inspiration behind its launch?
Bow+Arrow Art was a long time coming, I think. I've been filling the margins of every notebook I've ever owned since I was big enough to hold a marker :) My mom and husband finally convinced me to sell some of my designs last year. It was hard to think of my doodles as "art" but it has been so fun to share them! You can read a little more about it here.

What are some of your favorite design trends?
Well I loooove how imperfect is beautiful in a lot of trends these days. From hand-written typography to vintage furniture, people are finding value in the old and flawed. It makes my heart so happy that people will buy my cards and prints because they're original and reflections of me rather than a perfect cookie-cutter copy!

What's your #1 piece of design and style advice?
I'm not good at offering advice...and I don't consider myself to be particularly stylish. I say be you and find the people who love YOU.

What are some ways that people can still look chic for less?
I genuinely think that confidence is the most beautiful accessory there is. Find something to love about what you wear and rock it with pride. It doesn't have to be expensive, and it certainly doesn't need to be what everyone else is wearing. My favorite outfits originate from $4 skirts at the Goodwill, but they make me feel sassy, and I feel really good about saving money and not contributing more waste by buying brand new clothes!

What is your favorite piece in your shop and why?
This is my current fave. Mostly because I'm madly in love with the old hymn it comes from and I came up with this design while daydreaming about a tattoo I'd like to get :) However, this is my close runner-up because it's like a little pep talk every time you see it!

Vintage reading posters

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I've mentioned my family's love of libraries before, so I suppose it's only natural that these "yay, reading!" posters are making me all sorts of nostalgic this morning. These mid-century gems are so sweet and child-like, aren't they? I wonder what a typical plugged-in teen would think of these, especially the ones about how the books are arranged...HA!

If I ever have a home library one day, I'm definitely hanging a few of these on the wall. They'd even be perfect for a kid's room or an elementary school library...ahhh, the possibilities are endless! xoxo

P.S. More library-themed posts, including a little library, theatre turned library and library engagement.

[Via Brain Pickings]

Paper-Treats Greeting Cards Giveaway!

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Today's giveaway is from Deanna of Paper-Treats, a Rhode Island-based paperie and design studio. Deanna specializes in custom design projects -- everything from cards to invitations to stationery. "One-of-a-kind patterns, hand-drawn type and illustrations bring our designs to life in a way that's timeless, unique and beautiful," she says. "Every design is inspired by you and your special occasion!"

She's offering this set of eight greeting cards to one lucky reader. These greeting cards fold to 5 by 7 and are printed on high quality heavy card stock. The envelopes are carefully lined with a striped pattern. Aren't they cute? It would be fun to send a loved one a little surprise to make them smile, wouldn't it? I especially love the cookie card!

For your chance to win, simply visit Paper-Treats, and leave a comment below telling us who you'd send a card to if you won. You can also LIKE Paper-Treats on Facebook for an extra entry. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow afternoon. Happy browsing, friends! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Krysten! Thanks so much! :)

Typography cake

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Newsflash: My birthday is in LESS THAN three months! The countdown has officially begun! In case you haven't figured it out by now, I take my birthdays pretty seriously and start planning and plotting months in advance. I don't think anything will ever be able to top my surprise 30th birthday bash, but this typography cake would be a good start, don't you think?

I love how the words are baked right into the batter and how the words seem to pop out of the cake -- and yes, now I'm craving cake in the middle of the afternoon... #sugaraddict

P.S. A new MEMO TO MEN is coming your way shortly! :)

[Via A Subtle Revelry]

Sponsor Spotlight: Paper-Treats

FREE IMAGES You all know I'm a pretty big lover of words, but when it comes to crafts and design, well, let's just say that my skills are pretty lacking. Today, friends, I'm excited to share a fun interview with Deanna of Paper-Treats, a Rhode Island-based paperie and design studio. She has a knack for combining both, and the results are beautiful. Read on for Deanna's behind-the-scenes story, what she loves about owning her own shop and her awesome shopping tips! xoxo

Keep in touch...
Official Web site: Paper-Treats
Become a fan on Facebook
Get inspired on Pinterest

So tell me a bit about your shop and the inspiration behind its launch.
Paper-Treats is a paperie and design studio that showcases my work. I love to dream up designs for invitations, cards and all sorts of paper goods. When I got married, I loved designing all of the little details for my wedding from the invitations to the table numbers. Soon after, a friend asked me to design her wedding invitations. Before I knew it, more people were looking for wedding invitations. This sparked Paper-Treats. I recently launched a greeting card line when I realized that I struggled to find the perfect cards in stores.

Where do the ideas for your designs come from?
My greeting card designs are inspired by things that I find in nature, design blogs, magazines and on Pinterest. I carry a little sketchbook with me at all times where I doodle down inspiring ideas that I see. My one-of-a-kind designs are inspired by the person that requests them. I like to learn about my clients before I begin to design. Through a series of design concepts, we come up with the ideal solution for them. Sometimes the bride isn't sure what she wants. I look at this as an adventure instead of a challenge. I love to gather and share inspiration with them so that they can tell me what they see and like.

What's your favorite part of owning your own shop? What has surprised you the most?
My favorite part of owning my own shop is using my imagination. I love to be creative and just have fun trying to imagine what people want. It feels really great to take something from concept to reality; for me, it's really about the journey as much as the final product.

What is your advice for people looking for great online shopping deals?
I think the more you browse, the smarter the shopper you will be. You'll start to recognize who really cares about their craft. Ultimately, the best deals are when you find items that give you the most pleasure for your dollar. If you appreciate great design and can get it for a fair price, then everyone wins!

What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
This is a really tough question...I have favorite bits and pieces of each project. If I had to pick, I would say my wedding suite for Dana & Colin. I loved working with them. Dana was so open to any and all ideas. She was so excited throughout the entire process. We pulled inspiration from everywhere. Each piece is so unique but still works together with the other pieces. This project let me be a fine artist and a designer. I created a custom font style for their names by hand and then brought it to the computer. Seeing everything together -- from the folded invitation, stamp, post card, etc. -- really makes me smile!