Since getting home I’ve been trying to choose baby announcements, and they have lots of cute ones at Minted. However, I keep getting distracted by their personalized stationary – like this cute one with pennant flags (which you know I can’t resist…)

Or these fun pink and orange talk bubbles.

I love the grid paper and name label on this one.

And these would make some pretty sharp kids thank you notes, don’t you think?

Well, I’m off to finish unpacking the mountain of luggage and gear that is currently sitting in a mountain in the center of my living room. You can go to Minted to check out more addictively cute stationary – but if you lose the better part of your afternoon browsing there, don’t say I didn’t warn you!

{images: Minted}

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…

1. I love the prints on these Anna Griffin zip-top pouches from See Jane Work – perfect for organizing receipts, bills and notes.
2. Yes, I have featured these red apple notes from Lemontree before, but I had to include them again because they are so sweet!
3. A slick, modern acrylic address file from Russell + Hazel to keep on your desk.
4. Gorgeous fabric covered boxes from Blissliving Home can hold tons of stuff.
5. An old-school alphabet rolling stamp for personalizing correspondence.
6. Hot pink accordion file from Paper Source.
7. Transparent dot stickers from Lemontree.
8. 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}

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}

The color choices and designs are so bold and unique, you would never guess they cost a mere $28 – $38 bucks for 300 cards, now would you? The Moroccan tile-influenced cards above are some of my favorites, but I really do like all of them! Oh, and then there are these, maybe they will catch your eye…

All of the cards from Oh Smile seem tailor-made for creative businesses, don’t you think? And just out of curiosity, I would love to know if you currently have business cards. If you do have cards and are happy with them, feel free to leave a link in the comments to point us towards a new source!

{images: Oh Smile}

Last year, I chose an art print as a little gift for Benny on Valentine’s day. This year I decided to make it into a tradition, as it seems like a nice way to build a little art collection over time – this time, I chose the L’Amour Toujours print from the delightful Ninainvorm, and we are both very happy with it!

I am a total sucker for pink and red, chocolates and flowers and cards, so I think I just can’t help but love this silly little holiday. Above is the card I gave B from Modern Printed Matter, along with the chocolates he gave me, my new colored pencils, my favorite hefty little brass pencil sharpener (that I found thanks to Ez; it really is the best!), and one of my Grandma’s little dessert plates.

Also over the weekend, I went to see An Education, which is just perfect if you feel like getting swept up in a dreamy young romance – though I must admit my favorite part was more the wardrobe and art direction than the plot! Oh, give me London and Paris in the 60′s any day…romance makes life more fun, don’t you think?

psst ~ as always, remember you can click on the images to see full-size if you like :)

{images: Laura Gaskill}

For your sweetie:

1. I can’t think of a more romantic love note than this: Hello Handmade will create a custom calligraphy love letter with whatever message you like, along with a hand-drawn, watercolor illustration and all sealed up with washi tape and sealing wax! This is entirely handmade and takes time, so if you have your heart set on sending one of these, order it soon!

2. I love the crisp graphics and unique messages on cards from Miss Vu, especially the In Love card and XOXO – in fact, I think that XOXO card would look pretty spectacular in a frame above the bed!

3. I am a total sucker for buntings, though I have yet to purchase one. Lately I have my eye on this one from Gathering Spriggs – wouldn’t it be sweet hanging in a child’s bedroom? Or anywhere, really – how about the kitchen?

4. This archer card strikes the perfect balance between sweet and modern. From Modern Printed Matter by Anna Cote, a Rhode Islander with a gorgeous little shop.

5. Aw…how can you resist this sweet little tunnel of love card? Would go perfectly with old movies and real popcorn. From Anthropologie.

For your best girlfriends:

6. I just had to smile when I saw this card from Sycamore Street Press – it’s so cheeky, yet so sweet at the same time!

7. A classic, reinterpreted: handwoven silk friendship charm bracelets by L.A. Native.

Bonus: And for when you are so not in the spirit of Valentine’s Day (be warned: graphic language!) this awesomely harsh card from MadeByGirl should do the trick!

Happy Weekend, friends!!!

{images: linked to individual sources above}

In my super-optimistic early-holiday Etsy search, I came across the cutest little shop called Paper Pastries. What an adorable name, right? I love this LA-based stationary shop’s cheery, vaguely old-timey look – and those Cook’s Pencils would be perfect for a certain food blogger I know :) You can check out the shop here, and get a behind-the-scenes peek on their blog.

p.s. ~ Thanks to all of you who have been leaving me sweet comments and emails, wondering where on Earth I have been; it feels good to know I’ve been missed! I’ve been swamped with school work until now, but I’ve been able to shift a few things around and I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things around here.

{images: Paper Pastries}

I love the ice cream parlor colors and the effort P&C puts into every last detail, including the packaging. In their shop, you will also find a selection of cute vintage office supplies and gorgeous stamps, as well as unique children’s books. The books (both vintage and new) look so yummy I want to order them all even though I don’t have children yet! Did I mention I also love the smell of old books? Oh, yes. I wish P&C had a brick-and-mortar shop where I could be surrounded by stacks and stacks of gorgeous paper and books :)

Present and Correct ~ Website/Etsy

{images: Present and Correct}

I was drawn in by the bold, graphic patterns, and then was delighted to learn that Sarah Marie’s wrapping papers and cards are tree-free and printed with soy-based ink. And, owner Sarah donates 5% of profits to Kiva.org, a micro-lending website that supports entrepreneurs around the world. How awesome is that?

I am really smitten with that blue and white wrapping paper because it reminds me of Mediterranean tile work. Hm, and those green leaf-print cards would make really cute party invites. Which ones do you like? And if you have any tips on keeping track of birthdays, please fill me in – I wasn’t joking! :)

Sarah Marie website; Sarah Marie on Poppytalk Handmade

{images: Sarah Marie}