Daily Inspiration: Beautiful Brooch Bouquets

I have been so eager to share this amazing post with you all. . . my college girlfriend, and author of Third Coast Bride is doing one of the most fantastic things for her bridesmaid bouquets!

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Jenn has always had a love of all things antique and ornate, she is full of class and is likely the most creative person I've ever known. The vision for her wedding is unmatched and one that will not only be special for she her lovely fiance, Bob, but also a memorable evening for all in attendance. The happy couples attention to detail is impeccable and their vision for their wedding is unbelievable. . . Jenn has a love of brooches and she's decided to incorporate this passion into her wedding day!

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The bride and her adorable future-mother-in-law have collected hundreds of beautiful vintage brooches. Her future-mother-in-law has an interest in antiques and design and has helped to create the most beautiful vintage brooch bouquets.

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Take a look at this amazing assortment of brooches that they have collected. . . Impressive! Believe it or not, this is only a small portion of them!!

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Here are more of the delightful brooches that they have found. . . beautiful!

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Here is the first bouquet that they have created. . .Isn't it lovely?

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Check out this second brooch bouquet that they have designed . . . beautiful!
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Don't you wish you were going to be one of Jenn's bridesmaids? Aren't these the most wonderful pieces of art, you've ever seen? I'm in love. . .

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Thanks for sharing with your readers and allowing me to blog about your special details! Make sure to stop by Third Coast Bride, for more about the brooch bouquets, Chicago, Fashion and Wedding Planning!

Giveaway Winner: Michelle Chang Jewelry!

A little over a month ago we hosted a giveaway to help us kick off Spring with Michelle Chang Jewelry and today I am so glad to be able to announce the winner today! The winner will win a pair of Branch Stud Earrings, shown below.

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Michelle Chang, the jewelry designer herself, selected the winner who wrote . . . .

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Meghan said...

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What a wonderful giveaway, Abby! :) . . .

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My favorite thing about spring??? Being able to come home from work, open all of the windows, and have dinner with my husband on our balcony. It's the little things, I suppose:)

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Meghan who is the author of The Perfect Compilation Tape and co-author of The Wife Diaries is the winner! If you haven't stopped by her sites -make sure to do so - they are fantastic and prove to be a great read on a daily basis!

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Congrats, Miss Meghan! (Please send me over your address via email at simplecreativeinspiration@gmail.com and we'll get these sent out to you, ASAP!)
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Thank you again for all of the wonderful entries! Keep checking back - more giveaways are in the near future! Don't forget to leave your entries for the Rachel Ray Giveaway it ends today at midnight!!
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Stop by Michelle Chang's site to view all of her beautiful pieces and thank you again for hosting, Michelle!

Daily Inspiration: Dining Room Re-Do - Lighting!!

I've been eager to share some ideas that we've been working on around the house lately. . . so I thought today would be the perfect day!

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I finally had the dining room painted in a great, deep, dark navy blue. . . I bought a fabulous martha stewart rug and I'm working on finalizing the fabric choices for my dining room chair recovering process and our wing back reupholster as well.  (I know for all of my loyal readers - yes, I'm still working on it, I'm so non-commital, sorry!)

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Currently this week we're working on the lighting in the room. . . I'm envisioning something unique and a little different. . . what do you think about multiple chandeliers in a room? Has anyone seen it done? We fell in love with it from a catalog a few months back and now its time to make it happen. . .

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Check out some of my inspiration. . .

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So this is lovely - a bit too modern for me - but you get the idea with two pieces?!?

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love love love these little ones - from arhaus!

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These are totally me either - but doesn't it look fab with two pieces? love it!

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Aren't these lovely?

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I like this one. . . not a huge fan of the brass, but I like the double idea!

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Last, but not least, here is my true inspiration - isn't it adorable?!? Don't you want to come to dinner now and sit under my double or maybe triple lighting pieces? Come over now - we'll make it happen!

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Now, please leave a note letting me know if you think its a 'must do' or 'an absolutely not' - I'm dying for some opinions here!!

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Enjoy. . . .

Link Love: ThirdCoastBride - Simply the Best Post!

Thanks to the fabulous Jenn at Third Coast Bride for showcasing our wedding on her blog today! We loved the shout out and the link love!

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If you aren't already a follower of Third Coast Bride - You Should Be! Jenn is not only documenting her upcoming September Wedding in the windy city, but she showcases tons of fabulous ideas for your special day and for any day really! Her blog is fantastic and is a great resource for those of you that like to keep a nice home, are fashionistas or are simply interested in following a fantastic blogger on her journeys!

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Enjoy and thanks again Jenn for the shout out, you are 'Simply the Best' and so sweet!

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Happy Wednesday friends, I'm off to Cincinnati for one night on business! Be back soon!
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Blogger Inspiration: Hip Chicks Cook

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a wonderful little blog! Hip Chicks Cook is written by a sweet friend of mine, Shanna.
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Shanna and I first met when we lived in LA, now the author of 'Hip Chicks Cook' resides in Portland, Oregon. Shanna blogs to share her new found love of cooking with her readers! She writes about recipes that she has already tried and ones that her girlfriends love. Her mantra comes from the lovely Paula Deen as she states "Best dishes, from my kitchen to yours. . ."
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Check out her delightful blog and the fabulous recipes that she showcases . . . this week alone she posted about Chicken Zucchini Alfredo, Risotto with Asparagus and Fennel, and Rock Fish with Roasted Corn. Can you say, Yumm?
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. Thanks for sharing, Miss Shanna! Make sure to visit Hip Chicks Cook today!!
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Enjoy your week!

Sharing the Rue-La-La Love!

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't stop by and check out what is going on in one of my favorite little online shops, Rue-La-La.

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I thought I'd share the link with you all - so that you can all experience the wonderfulness that is Rue-La-La also!

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Check out this link here to experience the savings - today I bought my sweet hubby two beautiful button down shirts, which he wears everyday with a tie, for $30 a piece, regularly $100+! I'm also eyeing these adorable Cynthia Rowley dresses too!
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Unfortunately, I missed out on this little number - I adore it. . .but clearly it wasn't meant to be since its already sold out!

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Check out these CRAZY Good Deals at Rue-La-La!
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Check it out!

Giveaway: Rachel Ray Stoneware Baking Set!

Turn up the microphone, make sure your speakers are positioned just right on your speaker stands! We're announcing a great giveaway this morning from CSN stores!

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If you haven't checked out CSN stores - you should. It's sort of amazing how many different websites, vendors and designers they work with - check out this link to see them all!

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(I've really enjoyed the dwell line that they sell, the cookware and the lighting!)

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We're giving away a Rachel Ray "Bubble & Brown" 2- Piece Stoneware Baking Set in a fabulous shade of green - I adore the bold colors and think it'd be great fun to bring as a dish to pass to a brunch or cookout!

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Isn't it fun?

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Simply leave us a comment or an email telling us which site you think you might visit again, with your name and your email address by Monday, April 26, 2010 at 12midnight (est).

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For an extra vote - retweet and share as a comment with us or repost on your own blog and send the link as a comment to us!

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Enjoy your Tuesday!

Daily Inspiration: Elizabeth Hurley Illustrations

A few weeks back my sweet girlfriend from college, Nike, who now resides in Denver, emailed me a link to this fabulous etsy artist. I took a few glances and have been dying to share it ever since!

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Elizabeth Hurley is an artist out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Elizabeth states that she has two sides to her love of art; she's always been drawn to illustrations and children's artwork, but her second side has always expressed a love for fine art. Her Etsy designs combine both loves paired with her affinity for sewing. . .I think you'll agree that her work is unmatched and something that would be a great addition to any child's room, office, or any room really!

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Check out a few here and make sure to visit her etsy site for more. . .her work is incredible.

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These are my favorite from her site currently - 'Russian Babushka Dolls' - I adore these and am simply trying to find the perfect spot in my house, to hang them! I L.O.V.E. Them!!

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This is adorable too - 'I Love Ewe' - I mean really, can you think of anything cuter? Talk about the perfect compliment to a child's space. Love at first sight. . .
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Check out this little bugger - my goodness - I adore him. His name is 'Blue Wood Owl' and I think he is precious. . .look at that detail, amazing, really.
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Check out Elizabeth Hurley's entire shop on Etsy today! She also does custom, so make sure to shoot her an email, I'm sure she'd love to hear from you!

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Thanks for sharing, Miss Nike! Enjoy your end of the day and have a wonderful weekend!

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Daily Inspiration: Working Class a Division of SCAD

Good morning, Friends!

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This week I stumbled upon a few items this week at Indianapolis Museum of Art, so I took a couple pictures and had plans to share them with you! I researched the items a bit more and found that they were all a part of the same group, Working Class a Division of SCAD.

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SCAD stands for Savannah College of Art & Design. Working Class is a venture that devotes itself to creating and promoting works from student, alumni and faculty artists. They create works that marry function with fine art and then they sell them nationwide in local retailers. Check out the artists and their designs on the website, for more information!

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Talk about talent - wow! This stuff is amazing - currently it seems they focus on stationary, neat paper and entertaining products, home textiles and a few other home decor pieces as well! All are complete with fabulous designs and fabric choices, I simply love it!

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Check out this adorable 'puffy frame' - I found this at the IMA and had to research - I thought it'd be ideal for a dorm room. . .fun!

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I adore these note cards, this is only one of many-

but isn't this 'Just Because - Howdy card' cute?

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These pillows are perfect for any space - 'The Sarah Collection' has a number
of lovely options! Check them out!
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These coasters would be the perfect hostess gift or compliment to your summer entertaining regime! 'The Jesse Collection' of Coasters is one of many collections -
stop by and see for yourself!
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The 'Ben Collection' of melamine plates are fun for the beach
or your summer dinners on the porch or patio!
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Last, but definitely not least, check out these 'Cassie Collection' pillows! Adorable. All of my Chi Omega friends would likely love these too!
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I've showcased a few of the pieces, but make sure you check out the entire website for a full view of just what they offer and create! Their are plenty of locations, nationwide as well as websites that sell these products - so visit the website for more details, as well!

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Happy Thursday - Enjoy your afternoon!

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Daily Inspiration: DVF Sale!!

Check out these amazing dresses that Diane von Furstenburg has on sale currently!

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Can you say "I gotta have em?" I can!

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My fave is the 'della dress' - Oh.My.Goodness! Adorable!!

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Check them out and enjoy your day!

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Favorite Recipes: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

This weekend was the perfect weekend to break out the Cuisinart Ice Cream maker for the season! It was beautiful weather, mid 70's and sunny! My lovely husband had the idea and I think it was a great one!

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I decided to try out a new flavor, Mint Chocolate Chip, in honor of my future-brother-in-law's 30th birthday! (Happy Bday, Mike! Today is the official BIG day!) I am so glad I tried this recipe out, because it turned out to be delicious and I'm sure he'll be excited to share some later tonight!

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Here it is - in the works - it's always so hard to resist when its this consistency, it'd like having a whole bowl of a delicious milk share! Yumm.
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Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream:
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Ingredients:
-2 cups 2% milk (it called for whole milk, it's probably delightful, but I wanted to save calories!)
-2 cups heavy cream
-6 drops of green food coloring (really to your liking)
-1 cup sugar
-1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (optional, but so good!)
-2 cups chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, etc (to your liking, mini chips would be perfect!)
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Directions:
Mix together milk, cream, sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla, and food coloring in a bowl. Pour into frozen Cuisinart Ice Cream bowl. Turn on machine, let it run for 10 minutes then add the mint leaves and the chocolate. Let machine run and circulate ingredients for another 20 or 30 minutes. Remove from bowl and transfer to freezer safe container (I use Ziploc plastic containers and they work perfectly!) Allow mixture to freeze up in your freezer. Serve with a piece of fresh mint on top of your scoop and you'll wow guests, or add a little extra punch by creating homemade ice cream sandwiches, or simply scoop it out for all to share!
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Enjoy your Monday!

Daily Inspiration: 2010 Color of the Year!

So I'm pretty much in LOVE with the Pantone 2010 color of the year. . .

Have you checked it out yet?

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I've been dying to share it with you all, because it was love at first sight for me!

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I bet if we polled all of our readers we'd find that many of us have some variation of this lovely color in our living space. . .I know my closests are full of it and I've got three - yes three - rooms with this color serving as either the primary color or the first accent in the room!

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Needless to say, I'm obsessed with this color and its close color hues. . .and have been for quite sometime. . .

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Check out a few of my inspirations with this color family. . . How about this fabulous space? Who doesn't love the butterfly, red sofa and white lighting feature. . .My goodness! (I realize this isn't the same color - but seriously - how could you not LOVE this space!?!)

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How about the pink and blue combo in this great space? I'm obsessed. (I even love the rug!)
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How fun is this white wreath? I envision this being up all year long - how fun!(How about mercury glass champagne flute too? LUV.)
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Last but definitely not least - I'm in love. If this room was in my house, Ben would have a heck-of-a-time getting me to even walk into other rooms - I'd likely live in this room!

Love. It. More.Than.Life.Itself!
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What can you do to add a little of Pantone 2010's color of the year to your home? Do you already have it somewhere in your house? Let us know!
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Beauty. . .

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. . .

Enjoy. . . I know I surely will!

Daily Inspiration: Is She Peeking in My Closet?

For some reason every season, Miss Kate Spade seems to peer into my closet and see exactly what I am missing. . . Check out these adorable shoes, wouldn't they be the perfect compliment to your closet too?
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Sign me up. . . they are now on my list. . .are they on yours too?

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Check out Kate Spade for her new arrivals, I'm pretty much in love with all of them!

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Enjoy your day!

Blogging Inspiration: Fit For Real Life

I follow a number of blogs on a daily basis. In fact, its my morning routine on travel days to check blogs at about 5:45am after getting off the treadmill, if I'm not traveling I have the luxury of checking my faves a little later in the morning.

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One of the blogs I follow is Fit For Real Life, written by a friend of mine, Kate. This blogger is a college mate and sorority sister who resides in the windy city, Chicago. Kate blogs daily about healthy living, lifestyle choices and making a difference in the world!

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This week alone she blogged about Achieving Success and how it is not something we accomplish alone, and today she shared a great opportunity to help personally impact the world through running! She offers a 'Tip of the Week' that is fascinating every week, as well. Kate's diverse and honest approach is impressive and something that continually draws me in for more. . . Check it out, I think you'll find the same!
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Kate has a passion for life that she projects throughout her blog, Fit For Real Life, on a daily basis! Her blog is not only motivating, but I find it inspirational as well.
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Make sure to add her blog to you tracker or start stopping by on a daily basis! I know Kate would appreciate any of your thoughts and she'll love the new readership as well!
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Happy Reading. . .

Daily Inspiration: For the Love of Paper. . .

Who doesn't love receiving cards in the mail? There is nothing more that brightens your day than receiving a card from an old friend, a thank you note, or even a written letter. Unfortunately, in today's world, so many of us find it easier to send an email than sit down and write a card. I find this to be highly unfortunate and something I'm setting out to change in my own little piece of the world!

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My mom and sister are great 'card-senders' - they are always so thoughtful and the cards seem to arrive at the perfect time. I, for one, send cards more on a whim or in response as thank you notes - but I have found it hard to stay in the habit of sending cards more often. So, in an effort to get back into the swing of sending cards on a weekly basis to friends and family - I've been on the hunt to grow my 'card stock' (get it - hahaha!) and build up my card library so I find it more fun to send cards on a more regular basis!

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Today I stumbled upon a fantastic Chicago based papery, called Paper Parasol Press.

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I first found their blog and then quickly realized that they had a fantastic little etsy shop as well! This little papery produces all of its own pieces individually, by hand on one of its vintage letter presses.

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Would you believe the letter press machine they use weighs in at a ton - they say "she's a big girl!" They'll gladly create custom orders if it fits in with their vision and style and they create handmade, letter press cards because they believe that 'old fashioned acts of writing, make for the best correspondence.'

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Check out this great anniversary card, called 'In It for the Long Haul' listed $5.00.

What a great card to share with friends!

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One other great feature about Paper Parasol, they use 30-100% of paper products and envelopes that are recycled and that use renewable energy sources - they look for chlorine free, alternative energy sources, such as wind powered, etc. when choosing a paper for their one-of-a-kind cards.

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Check out this card for your lovey, 'Turn me On' is listed on sale for only $2.50! Grab it today on Etsy!

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What's not to love about this Peacock card, great for all occasions and so ornate!

You can buy this one individually or in a package of 4 cards.
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This one is a favorite of mine - a sweet card to leave for your loved one - to brighten his or her day!

This ones on sale too kiddos - $2.50 on Etsy right now It's called 'You're a Reel Catch!'
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(What's not to love about this card - hilarious and adorable all in one! This card was found on the blog, but is about to go live on the Etsy store - so keep checking back if you're dying to have it!)

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Make sure to check out your favorite items at Paper Parasol's site on Etsy and choose for yourself, which ones you think might brighten a friend or family members day!

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Best of luck hunting. . . (get it - see the card above!!) Enjoy your day. . .