June Around The Web

June 30, 2017

Summer has officially arrived, and I can't believe June is already coming to a close! This month Dale and I spent time celebrating our friends' birthdays in Lawrence, I visited my cousin Liesel in Richmond, we celebrated Megan and Matt's wedding in Kansas City, and spent a weekend at home in St. Louis. Dale and I visited the Johnson Shut-Ins and had a lovely dinner at Scarlett's Wine Bar for our two year wedding anniversary! While not overly relaxing, this month was filled with time spent with our dearest friends and family and we still have more celebrations to look forward to this summer. This was also a busy month at work filled with special projects and work on cards I can't wait to share when they finally reach stores!

Letters Are Lovely | June Around The Web

With the warm weather I have also been wanting to try making homemade popsicles, and the web did not disappoint with two (very different) recipes that both look delicious! The first is the Pitaya Popsicle from Glitter Guide, and the second is a frosé popsicle from Camille Styles. Here are some other finds this June:

I loved browsing these beautiful cards by Moglea on Print & Pattern
I'm always on the hunt for book and podcast suggestions — Grace's June reading list looks wonderful and I can't wait to listen to some of these Creative Podcast suggestions
Think.Make.Share.'s terrarium ideas would be perfect gifts year-round beyond Father's Day
This dress looks like the perfect summer addition to my wardrobe.
Keeping this backdrop tip in mind for future parties!
Dale and I are planning a Europe trip for next summer and are hoping to visit Southern France after Lisbon. Julia's photos from Provence and Victoria's guide to Lisbon have both been inspiring!
I am in need of a new toiletry bag and I have my eye on this one from Mark and Graham.

Now go enjoy those long summer days!

Richmond, VA

June 14, 2017

Hello, friends! This past weekend I spent a few days in Richmond, Virginia visiting my cousin, Liesel. I didn't take too many photos, but wanted to be sure to document my favorite discoveries. Here a few snapshots and then some recommendations if you find yourself in the area! Enjoy.

Quirk Hotel

We spent my last evening in town at the Quirk Hotel Rooftop bar! It was one of my favorite parts of the trip. The hotel is beautiful and the view of Richmond is spectacular. (If you are lucky enough to get a beautiful sunset like we did it's the cherry on top!) Take a peek at Coco Kelley's post for even more information and photos. The pink accents, quirky artwork and general attention to detail make the space.

Letters Are Lovely | Richmond recommendations

VMFA: Yves Saint Laurent Exhibit

I love visiting art museums when I travel, and I highly recommend the Virginia Museum of Fine Art. If you find yourself in the area before September the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit is stunning. I loved learning about how influential his career was, and seeing his designs, moldboards, and costume jewelry in person was very inspiring. They also have a lovely cafe and outdoor space to work and relax. Friday evening happy hour was also very popular!

Food and Drinks

Richmond had so many wonderful places to eat and go out, I think that would be one of the most fun parts of actually living in the city. Below are a few my favorite restaurants and bars I tried, as well as the winery we went to outside the city on Saturday afternoon.

Garnett's Cafe
Sugar Shack Donuts
Home Sweet Home
Postbellum
New Kent Winery

May Around The Web

May 31, 2017

May is one of my favorite months of the year, and my allergies haven't even been quite as terrible as normal! This month I traveled to Chicago for a work event, tried a Soul Cycle class, attended Hallmark's Creative Leadership Symposium (and a Gemma O'Brien Meet & Greet!), spent Mother's Day in KC (complete with a delicious lunch and the Symphony Designers' Showhouse), watched my youngest sister, Grace, graduate from sixth grade, participated in a piñata making workshop for one of #My5Days, marbled paper with my team at work, and continued working on Mother's Day 2018 cards!

Looking back, this month was filled with some pretty special opportunities and lots of making. One of my favorite parts of these posts is thinking back on what I accomplished during the last month, and of course seeing what inspired me. I have been constantly impressed by Nick Misani's Fauxsaics. They are stunning! If you haven't already seen them be sure to take a look. I noticed on Instagram he might be teaching a class to share his process, which would definitely be something I would need to sign up for. Here are some of my other favorite finds this May:

I love this faux-flower DIY from Sugar & Cloth!
These are the perfect shorts to celebrate warmer weather.
An interesting read , good thoughts for business owners and those working corporate jobs.
A beautiful home in Berlin.
I would love to try making these smoothies, they are so pretty!
A great guide to pressing flowers, I also want to get Beci Orpin's new book, Sunshine Spaces.
I don't need these pineapple earrings, but they sure are cute!
Create*Cultivate in New York looked amazing, and these thoughts on Instagram are worth reading.
New balloons from Studio DIY!
I've been dreaming about an outdoor space at our next place, and I loved Emily's patio.
AND Pippa got married this month!

Until next month, happy reading!

Ban.do Wish List

May 16, 2017

When shopping for my Ban.do agenda I ended up buying several things, I just couldn't help it! Have you seen their pom pom paper clips? Here are a few of my favorites – I ended up purchasing my planner, the paper clips, the mini light box and a new phone case. The purse and mask are definitely still on my wish list!

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Diptychs 15

May 3, 2017

Muted tones for this rainy spring, with a bit of added sparkle. Happy May!

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Natural Beauty Picks

April 7, 2017

I have mentioned it a few times here on the blog, but I have gradually been replacing my beauty products with safer, more natural options. Today I decided it would be fun to gather up some of my favorite products I have been using, as well as a few I am planning on purchasing. All of the Honest Beauty products below are ones that I have purchased and loved! I have found that Beauty Counter is wonderful for eye shadow and blush ( I prefer powder blush, which Honest does not offer). The last few product are either on my wish list, or something I have just purchased! Both the body lotion and deodorant were recommended by Elsie of A Beautiful Mess. Their natural product round-ups have been keeping me inspired to branch out from some of the larger brands. I also would love to test out Beauty Counter's tinted moisturizer, I do like the one from Honest I have been using but am also open to other options. I am always curious what others love too, so if you have any recommendations please let me know!