Friday, April 30, 2010

From the Desk Fridays: New Product First Look



We're debuting a new product at the NSS in a couple weeks, and I'm so excited to share its very first peek! Can you guess what it is? Hint: there are multiple pieces involved, including these two above. And you will write on it, but never send it.

I'll give you the answer, along with another peek, on Monday.

Happy Weekend!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

I scream, you scream, we all scream for...


I have definitely asked this question on here before, so I apologize for the redundancy, but it's too fun a game not to bring up more than once: What do you want to be when you grow up? Or get to 30? or 40? Or if you could change career paths tomorrow? Or what would you do if you had a year off? or if you had no expenses? It's one of my favorite things to ask people because you get some great answers & I think really get to the heart of what they love. And when you're doing what you love, you're not only doing yourself right, but you're really contributing to your community and your local & national economy in the best & most efficient way. Because different interests and ideas and passions is really what makes the world go round. Don't you think? I do:)

I'll step down from the Life Coach Stage, now. I got my Tasting Table email yesterday & was introduced to Milk Made, a NYC-based ice cream delivery service started by Diana Hardeman, that makes unique flavors from local ingredients. Hello, genius! And hello, my alternate career path! I die for ice cream. It's the one sweet I can never turn down, even on cold January nights. Bryers Vanilla Bean or Mint Chip are grocery store pick-up staples. In my home state of PA, it's Turkey Hill's Phillies Graham Slam. When I want to treat myself or dinner guests, it's Brooklyn Larder's Almond Gelato. But what makes Milk Made so super genius & special is 1) the never-duplicated, locally-sourced flavors, and 2) it's delivered to your door. April's flavors are Mint Chocolate Brownie and Honey Lavender Granola (and the granola is by Early Bird - the best granola out there!). I mean...

Fingers crossed they make their way to my Brooklyn nabe by summer! Look up their NYC delivery zones here for you or a friend. (What a great gift!) And check out Milk Made in action on their Red Velvet Madness here. Is it time for a snack break yet?

[images courtesy of Milk Made]

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Lovely Package


Great new site find: Lovely Package. A couple of my favorites with descriptions above & below.

(Above) Designed by KOREFE

Schokoleim is a chocolate paste, packaged in the classic wood glue bottle. The Food Label The Deli garage offers “artisanal” delicacies made with high quality design and functionality of tools from the garage.”



Designed by ILoveDust

"Playful, colourful packaging for a UK-based cider company, Hearts Cider Makers."

[via thedieline.com]


Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Repurposed Ironing Boards


I have the NSS booth on the brain these days - trying to think of a clever use of space & materials that I already have. Seeing these repurposed ironing boards, used as Bakesale Betty's dining tables, gave me a rush of that's genius.

[via Remodelista]

Monday, April 26, 2010

Preppy Sweat


It's cloudy & rainy & a bit brisk this morning in Brooklyn. I'd like to cozy up in this cool hoody I've had open in a tab for over a week.

[Rogues Gallery Preppy Sweat]

Friday, April 23, 2010

From the Desk Fridays: 2011 First Look


I've been busting so excited to share our 2011 Calendar with you. And since I left you hanging yesterday, I decided to unveil a super sneak peek a little earlier than planned - and not just one month, but two! (Did I mention I was excited?!)

I'm so glad I deliberated on the colors for so long because, as I told John, I feel like I could jump into each month & clothe myself from head to toe in these palettes. I just love love love them. I've said it before - our annual calendar is by far my favorite project of the year. I thought 2010 was such a hit that I wondered how next year would be as good or even better. But I have to say, I think 2011 takes the cake. I'm just so thrilled with the entire thing, from the cover through to December. I cannot wait to show you the rest in just a few weeks!

And for anyone coming to the National Stationery Show next month, be sure to come say hi at Booth #2058 and see our calendar in person - months before it lands in stores or online.

Happy Friday everyone!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Kerry Cassill Bedding


I finally got around to ordering us some bedding. I've always loved Kerry Cassill's prints. We have a few pillow cases & they're hands down my favorite - for their super-soft material and great patterns. I called up their office yesterday to see if they had any other options besides the ones online & who picked up but Kerry herself! She was super friendly & walked me through the choices. While I'd love to sleep in this color combo (above) of purples & pinks, I don't think John would be thrilled. So I decided to go with a green palette - a neutral duvet and some punchy pillow cases - as suggested by Kerry:) I can't wait for it to arrive!