Lugging that laptop

Being part of a small business, most of my days are spent toting my laptop across the city and back again. While it's not ideal, I love, love, LOVE my job so I can't complain. Today I'm excited to highlight one of my favorite Christmas gifts this year:

Yes, I can now lug my computer around with the help of Marc- in the chic-est way possible. Agh, I'm in handbag heaven and just couldn't resist sharing with you on, in light of the first Thursday Purseday of the season! Did anyone else get a handbag for the holidays that they're swooning over?!

SMART Resolutions!

HAPPY 2013!!! We hope that you had a fabulous holiday season & a grand entrance into the new year. It's going to be a beautiful year! While most people probably make their resolutions prior to the clock hitting midnight, we're still putting the finishing touches on ours, each being in categories ranging from relational, financial, spiritual, professional and physical. Alas, we'll have to start them next week, but it's OK! This year, it's not about checking off the box to make sure that we ______ {fill in the blank} every day or reach all of our lofty goals in the first 2 months, but rather, 2013 is about a heart and mindset change.

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So as we think about our goals, we're making every effort to not to get trapped in ambiguity, thus leaving room for failure. Yes, this year we're going to make sure they're SMART.

Specific {be as concise as possible}

Measurable {find a way to measure your success}

Action oriented {make a list of steps to achieve}

Realistic {be practical so you can be successful}

Time Based {have a starting point & ending point}

Have you heard of this before?! If not, get a better picture of how to map out those goals and jump on board with us!!!

Cheers to Christmas & a happy 2013!

We can hardly believe that Christmas is almost here! We've been busy finishing holiday shopping, polishing up those pretty presents, spending some extra time in the kitchen getting use out of the kitchen-aid and now we're packing up to head on our way to spend time with friends and family. So as we depart, we leave you with one last delicious, Christmasy, hand-crafted cocktail recipe...

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While we won't be posting until after the New Year, we will certainly be thinking of you, wishing you the happiest Christmas yet and a very safe & sparkly celebration to ring in 2013. Cheers!!

xoxo,

Anna & Emily

Give give

In the spirit of giving and as our last Thursday Purseday of 2012, we felt compelled to share another company whose proceeds benefit a cause that we believe in. Give Give is a fair trade company that produces  fashion accessories made in Nepal. Hear more about their story here and jump on board with their mission! All proceeds go to providing workers with direct access to health care, education, and good wages.

In addition to getting a ridiculously cute bag, what more could you hope for than to empower hard working people and support people who are less fortunate than we are?! A bit pre-mature perhaps, but thinking ahead to our New Years resolutions, supporting some of our favorite non-profits will be much more of a priority. Have you started thinking about resolutions yet?

Glam gift wrap

One of the best parts about gift giving is the anticipation... wondering what's inside {if you're the recipient}, wondering if they will like it {if you're the giver}. Ah, 'tis the season! Naturally with our love of all things paper, we teeter on the line of going CRAZY when it comes time to wrap those gifts. It's exhilarating, coming up with a wrapping concept: will it be a more rustic appearance this year or funky with bright, punchy colors? Boxes or bags?! To top with sparkly ribbons or baubles?? There are so many directions we could take, but this year, we're feeling compelled to embrace the seasonal neutrals & naturals {kraft, gold, white & green} and tempted to add some textured flare to each package. Take a peek at some of our inspiration...

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What is your favorite way to wrap gifts? Do you have a plan of attack for this year!?

Winter necessities

About this time last year, I fell in love with Sorel. Not knowing where to begin for my winter boot search, I innocently stumbled upon the Joan of Arctic in a shop downtown and it's been nothing but love ever since. So this year, these are on the "must have" list...

{1} Tofino Canvas Boot

{2} Joan of Arctic

{3} Cate of Alexandria

Gift ideas: Going custom

There are 10 days until Christmas and the holiday shopping madness is about to really set in. You know what we're talking about- it only gets worse with every day we get closer to Christmas. I you're stuck on what to buy that 'hard to shop for' friend or family member, our favorite route to take is to gift something personalized. Being that we're obsessed with monograms, here's a round up of some super fun & feminine ideas... but jump on these ASAP so they arrive in time for the holidays!!

1. Monogram necklace

2. iPhone case

3. Chevron pillow

4. Navy cuff

5. Jute + leather monogram tote

These are so fun for newlyweds... but if you're a bride to be, wouldn't any of these also make adorable bridal party gifts? Any reason to bring more monograms into the world!!! :)

Holiday fave: Eggnog!

From the moment those festive little red cups debut at Starbucks, our seasonal fixation with eggnog begins. Eggnog lattes, mistos, milkshakes, cheesecake... from November- January, we can't seem to get enough. A few years ago, I attempted to make an eggnog buttercream frosting, which turned out decently, but I'm ready and willing to give up perfecting that eggnog frosting in order to try this recipe for Eggnog Cupcakes + Spiced Rum Buttercream Frosting! LOOK OUT!!

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The downside to said obsession? When it's over, it's over... in years past, that day comes in January where we can't seem to bare the thought of consuming another eggnog flavored treat. Until then... we FEAST! If you're a fellow nog lover, we hope you try out {and enjoy} this recipe!!

FEED

What's better than a handbag that benefits a good cause?! In our purseday opinion, not many things. Regardless of where you stand on that question, we're absolutely loving the FEED Foundation's collection of handbags, and think that they would make a fabulous, re-usable, stylish, all around "good" holiday gift! Check out their collection of bags and other items, where a percentage of the profits go towards FEEDing underprivelaged countries and struggling cities.

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There's even a bag dedicated to supporting those affected by Hurricane Sandy! The iconic FEED logo on each bag represents a movement and gets people talking. And raising awareness for a good cause is pretty stinkin' fashionable, right?!

Featured: Ally + Scott

Today we're psyched to share the beautiful wedding of some dear friends, Ally and Scott, that was recently featured on Style Me Pretty! Their Colorado mountain wedding was packed with rustic details and plenty of elegance... perfect to lend inspiration for those who are planning a fall or winter wedding! Check out the full feature here!

And we absolutely LOVED working with Ally & Scott to design their paper goods, and with that came a super cute & meaningful custom monogram. Their invitation suite appropriately set the stage for their big day...

Thank you to Dreamtime Images for sharing these beautiful photos & so perfectly capturing the wedding!!

BACK TO PRESS

Slipper socks!

In the winter months, we've really been trying to master the whole "getting cozy" thing. Knowing that it's inevitable that our tootsies will be cold all season, it's imperative to have some legit slippers and socks for the days spent inside. Needless to say, when we found out about the Sabrina Slipper Socks from Club Monaco, it was love at first site. With the yarn blend consisting of wool, angora and cashmere, they're destined to be heavenly.

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What is your go-to winter warmer??

Giving back

Have you started your holiday shopping yet?? Honestly, we've hardly scratched the surface and there is much to be done. This year however, we're trying to be extra thoughtful about the gifts that we're giving... not only to make sure our friends & fam absolutely adore them, but also to make sure that we're giving back to causes that we truly believe in, and BETTER, causes that the recipient believes in too. WIN!! So yes, the holidays are rapidly approaching, but it's not too late to order some of these fabulous items to support causes charity: water and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

{1} Large Leather Travel Case

{2} Glassy Baby

{3} Thistle & Bee Ruffle Cuff

{4} Alpaca Infinity Scarf

{5} Leather Evening Bag

Stay tuned for some more gift ideas that give back... including some last minute ones!! {not to encourage procrastination or anything...} ;)

Sweeten up the season

One thing I look forward to most about the holidays is the Christmas Cookie Baking day that my mom and I designate each year. The perfect time to crank up holiday tunes, sip on some cocoa & peppermint schnapps and dirty up the kitchen... and our holiday aprons! Oh sweet memories! Sadly, this year with my mom still in Seattle and me in Boston, said cookie baking day will look a little different. Even still, I'm managing to bite my lip and make a list of holiday treats I plan to bake before I head out west. Some of these are favorites and some are newbies. What are your staple holiday cookie recipes??? Please share!

{Recipes clockwise from top left: Sugar cookies; Red Velvet + peppermint whoopie pies; Outrageous chocolate cookies; Chocolate hazelnut & caramel thumbprint cookies; Stained glass trees; Candy canes; Raspberry almond linzer; Chocolate hazelnut biscotti}

Phillip Lim

Lately we've been loving layering {how else would we survive autumn in New England?!} and in effort to keep the look fresh, we've been stalking and studying some of our favorite fashion blogs. While over on My Style Pill the other week, we spotted this stunning polka dot combo... and a luxe leather handbag by none other then Phillip Lim that we're trying oh-so-hard to not drool over!

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Gold hardware, zippers and soft, textured leather... oh my!! The purse is so breathtaking that we nearly forgot to take notes on how to replicate the rest of the ensemble!

Winter wedding bouquets

While perusing some of our favorite wedding blogs the other day, we became super excited about the idea of winter wedding bouquets. Some of our all time favorite blooms are out of season in the winter months, but that doesn't mean that a stunning bouquet can't be created by a qualified florist. Take a peek at some of these...

We're thinking that we might need an excuse to order a sweet bundle of wintery flowers, even though we're not in the midst of planning a winter wedding! Perhaps a hostess gift?! What is your favorite look for winter flowers?

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Simple, elegant + sparkly

There is something so simple and elegant about this chic pairing. Bravo to photographer Sarah Culver for capturing these glittering wedding shoes in such a phenomenal light. We're majorly crushing on them for today's shoesday pick!!

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Pretty Paper: Becky & Patrick

Happy Monday! This weekend was full of celebrations- aside from my birthday, two of our sweet clients, Becky & Patrick tied the knot! In honor of their recent nuptials, we're excited to share their hand calligraphed, letterpress invitation suite with painted gold edges. By pairing a modern calligraphy style with the antique pattern and icons, their designs set the tone for an elegant, fall wedding that was full of rich colors and romantic, vintage details. We're just so excited to see how their vision came together on the big day!!

*Photos courtesy of Laura Ashbrook Photography

Fall Fave: Vanilla Pear Cocktail

It's Friday! Hope you have some fun and festive plans for the weekend! We're continuing birthday festivities and aptly soaking up time with a dear friend who flew in from Seattle yesterday as a surprise. It's going to be a fabulous few days! As we head into the weekend, I can't resist sharing my signature birthday cocktail that I found on Two Tarts. In case you're on the hunt for some seasonal libations, this Vanilla Pear Cocktail is one you must try!

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12 oz (1.5 cups) pear juice

6 oz vodka

1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped

vanilla sugar, for rim

1 cup ice, plus more to serve over

Mix pear juice and vodka in a pitcher or shaker. Split open the vanilla bean, and scrape the seeds into the juice and vodka. Add 1 cup ice, then give it a good shake. Pour into cocktail glasses over more ice and serve with sugared rim. {this recipe makes 4 drinks}

Another sparkly year

Alas it's here: another birthday. One of my favorite parts of birthdays is to reflect on all that has happened in the past year... and to anticipate all that is to come. Year 29 has been a wild ride, but I bid it farewell feeling stronger then ever and filled with thankfulness that I've been blessed with so many beautiful relationships and a job that I adore. So today, I eat cake and anticipate what 30 has to offer. One thing I know, it that it's going to be FABULOUS. What better to kick off this year {or any year} with a little bit of sparkle to set the tone?! I've had my eye on this Miu Miu inspired cake for some time now, and it couldn't be more appropriate to feast on today!

Find out how to make the glitter cake {here}

And my purseday pick is going to be a staple for this year to come: a glittery gold envelope clutch. Though I really  have my eye on this Anya Hindmarch clutch,  I found this similar style for next to nothing! It's probably best to save the splurges for classic, timeless pieces, right?

{splurge} vs. {steal}

Have a sparkly day!!!

Handmade wedding gowns

While perusing Etsy the other day for some holiday gift ideas, one thing lead to another and well, we ended up finding some pretty stunning wedding gowns. It's hard to resist!! From custom to eco friendly to designer inspired, Etsy has quite an array of handmade styles and price ranges. This begs the question... would you order your dress from an Etsy shop? Do you know anyone who has?

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