From the monthly archives:

March 2010

Roundup: Cute Office Supplies

March 25, 2010

Hello there, friends! How are you doing this week? Around here people seem to have spring fever, and are out in the parks and on the walking paths in full force, even in shorts and tank tops – which is pushing it a bit in my opinion! The shops and cafes have been more crowded than usual, and I suspect more than a few people have been playing hooky this week :) Well, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I think it helps around this time of year to do a little sprucing up of your workspace. I know that when my workspace is feeling streamlined, organized and pretty, with a stack of fresh notebooks and even a small vase of flowers (I have Ranunculus on my desk right now) or a potted plant, I feel happier and more productive throughout my day. Does it work this way for you, too? I am betting it does, so let’s go shopping!

All of the file folders above, including the tulip file tote, come from Paper Source – one of my go-to sources for cute folders because they always carry such a large selection. The soft cover journals are also from Paper Source, and the spiral bound notebooks are from SusyJack. And if you are in the market for magazine files, you can’t beat the price of these Flyt magazine files from Ikea: only $2.99 for five! This would be perfect if you are the type of person (ahem, not that I would know anything about this type of person) who has collected many years worth of favorite magazines and the piles are threatening to take over your home ;)

Ready for more cuteness? Oh good…

I love the prints on these Anna Griffin zip-top pouches from See Jane Work – perfect for organizing receipts, bills and notes.
Yes, I have featured these red apple notes from Lemontree before, but I had to include them again because they are so sweet!
A slick, modern acrylic address file from Russell + Hazel to keep on your desk.
Gorgeous fabric covered boxes from Blissliving Home can hold tons of stuff.
An old-school alphabet rolling stamp for personalizing correspondence.
Hot pink accordion file from Paper Source.
Transparent dot stickers from Lemontree.
Raspberry Marc by Marc Jacobs pouch for lunch money or spare eyeliner.

Clockwise from the top left: SusyJack pencil cup, Liberty of London for Target printed bin, Top 10 notebook set from Russell + Hazel, mini suitcases and recipe cards (I know, not really an office supply, but aren’t they cute?) from Paper Source.

+Hable Construction – Love their storage boxes, bins, and bushels
+Kate’s Paperie – All kinds of paper products & craft supplies
+Mateo Ilasco – Love the organizing clips & to-do lists
+My Favorite Mirror – The cutest selection of mouse pads

After finishing up a few emails, I am taking off for the afternoon – I am planning a nice walk after lunch and then I will be sitting down to tackle the mountain of paper that seems to have sprung out of nowhere. And if I get through the entire mess, perhaps I can reward myself with a few pretty new file folders or a trip to Target to check out the Liberty of London stuff ;)

{images: linked to individual sources above}

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Photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo

March 24, 2010

in The Sweet Life

Vietnam-born, New York-based photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo’s portfolio is brimming with bright spring colors, abundant family meals and sun-drenched gardens – the moment I saw her work, I knew I wanted to feature her here! With such an eye for the cheerful details of everyday life, I think you will find a little dip into her work fresh and inspiring.

I want to jump right into this bountiful brunch, don’t you? This is making me crave sunny Sunday mornings with homemade waffles and fresh-squeezed juice, the sunlight streaming in and curtains ruffling in a gentle breeze, ah… And the mismatched dishes, tin cup full of pansies and sweet scalloped napkins strike such a casual and charming note – just right.

I am saving this image to my outdoor inspiration file because it captures exactly the kind of mood I want on my front porch or in an outdoor dining area in my backyard. I am drawn to the mix of cool and hot colors – pale aqua on the chairs and cushions + vibrant pinks and melons in the flowers and paper lanterns.

And just a few more images that I chose because each reminds me to keep my eyes open and really notice the little things in my day-to-day life: cookies and tea, a perfect tangerine, a spring blossom outside your window, a bottle with a pretty label, a meal with family and friends under the shade of a tree. What little things can you notice today? What is beautiful in your space at home, or on your daily commute or lunchtime walk? I would love to hear what beauty you are finding today, and even feel free to leave a link to your flickr if you would like to share some of your own images!

Go to Ngoc Minh Ngo’s online portfolio to pore over more of her gorgeous work.

{images: Ngoc Minh Ngo}

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New: Jonathan Adler Party Supplies!

March 23, 2010

in Stationary

Are you ready for some fun new goodies from Jonathan Adler to lift your mood? I love his new range of gift-giving, note-writing and party-throwing supplies in JA signature psychedelic colors and prints – it makes me want to start planning a summer cocktail party by the pool! Except for the fact that I do not have a pool. And I can’t drink now. And it’s only March, and it’s raining outside. Hm. Well, that just goes to show what amazing powers of mood elevation Jonathan Adler has on me! Have you read his manifesto? It’s very funny and cheeky. Come to think of it, it would actually be very Jonathan Adler to host a “tropical pool party” complete with mocktails and a faux-beach inside the house. I mean, why not?

If I had to narrow it down, I think my favorites would have to be the wrapping paper and paper lanterns – that gift wrap looks so luxuriously thick and gorgeous! And how cute would it be to hang a cluster of the paper lanterns on your porch? There are also reusable party tumblers and plates and paper napkins, and tons of other good stuff, so you will just have to go see for yourself and then tell me you aren’t tempted to order something!

Ooh, ooh! And one last thing, I have to mention the stationary – these fold over cards in the Acapulco print are my favorites right now, they would be perfect to use as thank you notes or even as party invites, don’t you think? Which are your favorites? You can go to Jonathan Adler to see everything.

{images: Jonathan Adler}

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Welcome Contemporary Cloth {& Reader Discount!}

March 22, 2010

in Advertisers

Good morning Monday! Did you have a pleasant weekend, my friends? I hope so :) I really enjoyed the warm weather here in Providence, and although today is a bit cool, I am cozy inside listening to Dave Brubeck and sipping a mug of hot tea at my desk. Plus, I was so excited to get up this morning knowing that I get to introduce you to my very first advertiser here on Lolalina! I just know you are going to love this shop, which is stocked with a yummy range of fabrics, as well as wall art, stencils, and beautiful Japanese papers. So please help me welcome Contemporary Cloth!

Contemporary Cloth is based in Ohio, and founder Sondra has a great eye for modern prints – I seriously lost a few hours there choosing the fabrics to display in this post! And to kick things off Sondra is offering a special discount for Lolalina readers: 25% off your order & 10-20% off the Fiber Artists fabrics and products – enter “Lolalina” in the online order form coupon code at checkout; good now through April 9.

This is but a little sampling of the fabrics available…yum, yum! Thank you so much Sondra for choosing Lolalina, it is such a pleasure to have you here! Go to Contemporary Cloth to see more products, also you may visit Sondra on her blog Modern Marks.

Are you interested in advertising with Lolalina? Contact me for details and info. on affordable rates!

{images: Contemporary Cloth}

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Sweet Obsessions Friday

March 19, 2010

in Sweet Obsessions

Tomorrow is officially the first day of spring! The weather here has been lovely the past few days, and I am hoping it will hold up this weekend so I can get out there and enjoy a nice long walk! What are your plans this weekend? Are you doing anything special? Perhaps you can take a little stroll outside wherever you live, noticing the changes and signs of spring in your corner of the world. This weekend I am also planning on posting a number of items for sale on Craigslist, and taking others to donate to clear space in the nursery so we can begin setting it up! Benny and I will also be attending our first birth class, and trying a new restaurant that just opened on our corner :) So now let’s move on to my 7 Sweet Obsessions for the week – all are fresh and fun, and remind me that spring is in the air!

1. Writing little notes or quotations on a mirror like this is such a creative (and easy!) way to personalize and spice up a room. This photo comes from Iro-Ivy, and I found her through Ish & Chi. I would love to try this on one of my own mirrors in my dining room (see it here), but I believe she used permanent marker in this case and I would be too nervous to do that! Do any of you know if there is a type of marker that can be used on mirrors and then removed?

2. Another sweet DIY idea is this dresser makeover using stencils, which is a Lena Corwin project from her book Printing By Hand, and featured on The Happy Home.

3. This is such a cheerful room, don’t you think? I spied it here on My Design Delights. I love the white couch and soft neutral walls with bright pink and blue as accents (and just a tiny bit of yellow) – this reminds me that I want to make a trip to the nursery to pick out a few large and dramatic houseplants!

4. After seeing this handmade butterfly brooch featured on Melissa Loves, I fell instantly in love – the soft pink and orange, the butterfly…it has my name written all over it! It’s a little pricey, but this is definitely going on my wish list!

5. Oh how fun would cleaning up be with this cute little set by your side? I am not sure if it is available for purchase in the States – see this post on Kootut Murut to find out all of the details.

6. Two little gems for an outdoor party on a fresh spring day: Tiny potted succulents with chevron place cards, from Succulent Love, and sleek handmade sandals by Tuto.

7. And finally, a living room idea board inspired by pale Swedish colors and one dazzling little bowl; created by Erika of 2 By Design.

That wraps things up for this week – and I must admit, I am ready for the weekend! Between the time change and jet lag, I have been feeling a bit off all week long, and I am ready to take it easy and settle back into east coast time!!

I am also so excited to announce that I will be introducing my very first advertiser on Monday – I can hardly wait to tell you all about it! I just know you will love the shop, and there will also be a special discount just for Lolalina readers :) So have a great weekend, and I will meet you back here on Monday!