tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78908966640538622912024-02-18T21:15:06.843-05:00On a Good NoteOn a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-4462073000124447702013-08-05T22:50:00.000-04:002013-08-06T10:29:30.406-04:00Verily Magazine Brunch & Being Real<i>I feel like I should cue a trumpeter to celebrate I'm actually writing something! But alas, I've made my way back to the blog. Here it goes:</i><br />
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About 5 weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend a brunch for <a href="http://verilymag.com/">Verily magazine</a>, a new print publication co-founded by an Indy native, Janet Sahm.<br />
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Janet and her co-founder, Kara, hosted the brunch as an introduction to the publication. I brought along my friend Melanie from <a href="http://www.jadabeauty.com/" target="_blank">Jada Beauty</a>, and we were joined by an amazing mix of local creatives, bloggers, and entrepreneurs like Jessica Quirk of <a href="http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">What I Wore</a>, Leslie Bailey of <a href="http://theadventuresoflesalina.com/" target="_blank">The Adventures of Lesalina</a>, and my fellow DePauw alum & <a href="http://www.patternindy.com/" target="_blank">Pattern</a> editor/organizer Maria Dickman. While we gathered around an impeccably set table to eat scones at local coffee spot Hubbard & Cravens, we were asked to have a real conversation about what we want to see in a magazine.<br />
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Verily is focused on the lives women are actually leading, not just the ones we're <i>supposed</i> to lead. In today's media-saturated environment, it's hard to sort the reality from the fiction, and the group was quick to jump into action to point out just that. They talked about the need for real talk about marriage and relationships (not just the Cosmo-variety articles full of ridiculous tips) and finding professional lives with meaning. But the thing that stuck the most was the conversation about being real in the blogging world. Leslie tackled the myth of the West Elm Parsons desk being THE only desk of successful bloggers (and God bless her for it, because I kind of loathe that desk and its impracticality), while Jessica and other women discussed figuring out the balance between how much is too much when talking about their loved ones or the downsides to their lives. <br />
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In the Pinterest generation it's easy to get wrapped up in the beautiful and avoid the messy all together. Some bloggers only share and preach the perfection they've achieved--or at least the perceived perfection they want to present to their readers. But sometimes the sugar-coated pics of a spotless desk and perfect floral arrangements and a wardrobe that makes my wallet weep are too much to take on the reader's end. We're not all living well-organized lives with white picket fences and manicured lawns. Desks are messy, houses get cluttered, life gets hard. But we're brushing it under the rug.<br />
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I realized that when I started this blog I was leaning toward a non-authentic voice that didn't necessarily reflect my style and interests. And that's likely why I wasn't creating posts. I haven't decided exactly how I want to move forward in the blogging world, but I'm out to be real. Maybe you'll join me. <br />
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<br />On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-50830487314726323052013-03-18T10:58:00.000-04:002013-03-18T10:58:11.824-04:00Monday Morning Meeting: Stacie Grissom of Stars for Streetlights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm so excited that this month's Monday Morning Meeting feature is Stacie Grissom of <a href="http://www.starsforstreetlights.com/" target="_blank">Stars for Streetlights</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwx9vJTMqOn43LBTJivtz4IVTGVFpIzXQL4UpyjWygo3ErJk-JsfOFg5umfogUPTBAHZmBppeTNACbZY_hf1l4TD04JfvTZ6o8jZicRibYG9lsIfyyiIW41V5EzeCkhPjIrV7lalMb5I/s1600/stacie-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwx9vJTMqOn43LBTJivtz4IVTGVFpIzXQL4UpyjWygo3ErJk-JsfOFg5umfogUPTBAHZmBppeTNACbZY_hf1l4TD04JfvTZ6o8jZicRibYG9lsIfyyiIW41V5EzeCkhPjIrV7lalMb5I/s1600/stacie-1.png" /></a></div>
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Stacie and I went to DePauw together, where we were both in the Media Fellows program. She also lived across the hall from me our first year (seems like forever ago now, doesn't it?) and was my friend Katia's roommate. I've always admired her quirky yet pulled-together style, and her blog features an awesome mix of photography and DIY projects, including jewelry and home decor ideas. She recently left the Hoosier state for NYC but took some time to answer these questions:</div>
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<b>My job is... </b>I manage The BarkPost for BarkBox in Chinatown, NYC! When I'm not ghostwriting for dogs, I troll around the interwebz looking for awesome pup content. I also manage the BarkBox social media. [Note: Here's <a href="http://www.starsforstreetlights.com/2013/03/what-its-like-to-work-at-startup.html" target="_blank">a fun post</a> Stacie just did about what it's like to work there.]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax2D3O_L8ZlB-OG__FOPvv-OV_o0BWfkzjRXcOOCqOHhFG9DhlNhlYbD8y-7hvou2eNrQiJ4hrNnMqGbz3ajXFp-eu2pUurhrw2ewxztHOmFmI3ttnw9B0TQZXp3GVN8fyGLXvE8F3hU/s1600/stacie-and-dog.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax2D3O_L8ZlB-OG__FOPvv-OV_o0BWfkzjRXcOOCqOHhFG9DhlNhlYbD8y-7hvou2eNrQiJ4hrNnMqGbz3ajXFp-eu2pUurhrw2ewxztHOmFmI3ttnw9B0TQZXp3GVN8fyGLXvE8F3hU/s1600/stacie-and-dog.png" /></a></div>
<b>When I wake up on Monday morning, I... </b>go on a run, drink a spinach smoothie, and balance those things with eating a hot dog... or Cheetos. #embarassingtruth<br />
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<b>I can't make it through the day without... </b>Veggies for physical health, a cookie for mental. ;)<br />
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<b>My favorite work soundtrack is...</b> Franki Valli, Bon Iver, Passion Pit<br />
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<b>My must-have desk accessories are... </b>I don't have the tidiest desk, but I always need a box or two to hide the clutter!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl4RpPcvUwfwONkQq19ZcQYjq-59IXwJwfSeKWaGc3GNPFrsFklkAM7MLSb3w7wV28SkmaA5lA3wfSkQCY02PVAmiZ-_ggUYLuZ4CUQZ21oFMVTGYZHxA8zuqTvOxvNvRS0UoO_YdFHE/s1600/stacie-and-mirrors.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl4RpPcvUwfwONkQq19ZcQYjq-59IXwJwfSeKWaGc3GNPFrsFklkAM7MLSb3w7wV28SkmaA5lA3wfSkQCY02PVAmiZ-_ggUYLuZ4CUQZ21oFMVTGYZHxA8zuqTvOxvNvRS0UoO_YdFHE/s1600/stacie-and-mirrors.png" /></a></div>
<b>I never leave home without... </b>Some type of camera. DSLR, Polaroid, Instax, iPhone, something. :)<br />
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<b>I get style inspiration from...</b> Blogs, my roommate, and walking around on the street!<br />
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<b>My favorite subject to photograph is...</b> Oh man. I love documenting things-- places I've been, things I've made, things I drink. I love looking through old photos that remind me of an uneventful day or night and then it becomes special.<br />
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<b>My must-read blogs are... </b>I love A Beautiful Mess, Craftgawker, and Buzzfeed.<br />
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<b>My favorite things about blogging is...</b> Blogging has gotten me jobs! I started my little blog in 2009 as a way to make myself a better photographer and document some of the things I made. As it turned out, my blog has helped me develop the skills I needed to get some awesome jobs and have a ton of fun at work creating content.<br />
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<b>I daydream about... </b>Haha. Crafts, sewing, running around outside, sitting in my PJs watching Mad Men and making a new necklace. I think I need to daydream higher.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi2BY4WIM79murRkWE4A0yp14YkG5o3KfJqa7ldCmhi-bSTGuoJZD20dBO3DmBgOqR25l2tP0LnWfU6cbm7OhqfJ4aFTClrsbMThELXbZWUPc-AwUbxXT823EZqx7KF4xuzz_Tdi8BXo/s1600/stacie-painting.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi2BY4WIM79murRkWE4A0yp14YkG5o3KfJqa7ldCmhi-bSTGuoJZD20dBO3DmBgOqR25l2tP0LnWfU6cbm7OhqfJ4aFTClrsbMThELXbZWUPc-AwUbxXT823EZqx7KF4xuzz_Tdi8BXo/s1600/stacie-painting.png" /></a></div>
<b>If I could schedule a Monday Morning meeting with any person, it would be...</b> Don Draper. Or Alexis Ohanian.<br />
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<b>In 5 years...</b> I want to have a Brussels Griffon dog. :) Or a Schnauzer. Or a Newfoundland.<br />
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<b>The best advice I've received is... </b>"Can't never did anything." --My mom<br />
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<b>The quote that motivates me to keep going is...</b> “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” --Dumbledore<br />
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Thanks for the great responses, Stacie! Get a dose of DIY and Stacie's New York adventures over on <a href="http://www.starsforstreetlights.com/" target="_blank">Stars for Streetlights</a>. On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-80938468215168151272013-03-15T10:38:00.000-04:002013-03-15T10:38:39.119-04:00Friday's Fancies: St. Patrick's Day Style<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=730770282&tid=onaff2687457&ap=2&siteID=onafcid89" target="_blank">Pants</a> | <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters/Patterned/PRDOVR%7E36106/36106.jsp?srcCode=AFFI00001&siteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-ValNspo7aH5HaEFy9pMBaw" target="_blank">Sweater</a> | <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/earrings/allure-of-the-arboretum-earrings?SSAID=256758&utm_medium=ad&utm_source=affiliateprogram_sas&utm_campaign=sas_feed&utm_content=256758" target="_blank">Earrings</a> | <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=27257492&cm_mmc=Performics-_-Affiliates-_-Polyvore-_-Primary&clickid=0004d7f74c9803f30a2afa063b001106" target="_blank">Necklace</a> | <a href="http://www.keds.com/store/SiteController/keds/productdetails?catId=cat610203&subCatId=cat610251&showDefaultOption=true&stockNumber=WF46400&skuId=***5********WF46400*M050&productId=5-176320&&subCatId=cat610251&productId=5-176320&stockNumber=WF46400&subCatTabId=&catId=cat610203&productdisplayName=Champion+Dot&subcatdisplayName=Spring+Collection&skuId=***5********WF46400*M050&pageIdentifier=productdetail&catdisplayName=Women&showDefaultOption=true&cid=BBANNER_SP13%20_NavyDot_polyvore_product" target="_blank">Shoes</a></td></tr>
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One of the fun things about <a href="http://www.longdistanceloving.net/2013/03/fridays-fancies-120.html" target="_blank">Friday's Fancies</a> is putting together things that I haven't tried in real life or have avoided because I didn't think I could pull them off. Today I did that with two things: colored skinny jeans and mixing prints.<br />
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I don't even think I've tried on a pair of skinny jeans, and colored jeans just aren't my thing. But for some reason this green pair spoke to me. It's such a lovely spring-y shade and perfect for an Irish celebration. Since I certainly don't think you should go green overboard, I turned to navy, one of my favorite green pairing colors, for the top. This striped cardigan from J. Crew is very traditional prep and a great pairing with the pants. It comes complete with anchor buttons and a name Mrs. Kennedy herself would approve of: The Jackie Cardigan.<br />
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Even though mixing prints terrifies me in real life, when I saw these shoes I couldn't resist pairing them with this outfit! In high school I went on a big Ked's kick and loved my solid navy pair. But these polka dots with the tan rims seem a step in a more stylish and sophisticated direction. Basically: I'm in love. Serious love. Like I may need to go try some on this weekend love.<br />
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The gold earrings and anchor necklace--couldn't be nautical prep without it--round out the look.<br />
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How are you celebrating St. Patrick's Day? And better yet, what will you be wearing?<br />
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<br />On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-79449691613126666752013-03-11T00:00:00.000-04:002013-03-11T00:00:01.168-04:00March Good Tunes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy March! I know, I know, I'm a week behind. But the days have been getting away from me lately.<br />
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Now that we've survived the time change and the daylight is extending longer into the evening, it's beginning to feel like winter drear is being kicked to the curb by spring. The shifts in seasons call for some changes in music.<br />
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I have a tendency to like sad music--I'm weird, I know--so spring feels like a good time to introduce some lighter choices of songs into the mix--or least make a gradual stride in that direction.<br />
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I first heard "Age of Consent" in the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxc2TqBYSh4" target="_blank">Marie Antionette trailer</a> and haven't gotten it out of my head since. I always associate it with that movie, the gorgeous costumes, and the times I played it during the radio show I hosted with my friend Ellen during college.<br />
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"Answering Bell" was introduced to me in Bridesmaids and I'm obsessed. "Big Jet Plane" comes from a recent artist obsession, Angus and Julia Stone, and I've currently been listening to the Of Monsters and Men and Grouplove albums on repeat.<br />
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This weekend I watched Sleepless in Seattle for probably the 500th time (Nora Ephron is a personal hero), and was reminded of the wonderful soundtrack. "Wink and Smile" by Harry Connick, Jr. is so happy and infectious. I love it, as well as all of the other classic picks featured in the film (Joe Cocker's version of "Bye Bye Blackbird" is amazing). <br />
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Those are my March Good Tunes picks (I hope to introduce a little mix of songs every month). What's on your playlist right now?On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-64901348336878116802013-03-06T15:31:00.000-05:002013-03-06T15:32:54.000-05:00Etsy Find: Boris Loved NatashaLast December I worked a fantastic gift fair that included a really great mix of local vendors. One of those vendors was Holli of Boris Loved Natasha, whose booth was right next to mine.<br />
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Holli's line of fun and colorful bags feature mixed-and-matched fabrics--often re-purposed from clothing and items she finds at thrift stores--and these adorable tags featuring her logo.</div>
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I snagged this fun nautical-inspired bag, which I used to house my Kindle for its first few months. I'm a sucker for blue and orange is my current color love, so I kind of couldn't resist.</div>
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Her bags also feature pretty cotton linings in various prints and bright zippers that add to the fun and uniqueness. </div>
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Other designs feature clutches and coin pouches, some featuring adorable applique cutouts like owls and elephants. You can <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/borislovednatasha#" target="_blank">head over to her Etsy shop</a> to see some of her other products. She takes listings down the days she has shows, so if you venture there to find an Etsy shop, don't fret; they'll be back soon.</div>
<br />On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-14516303528390882092013-03-01T13:18:00.001-05:002013-03-01T13:19:13.333-05:00Friday's Fancies: Etsy Bling Edition<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh_fbRsvTw17_M6SS5bgkJ5ONawOlvTieJv6eY8baxy5vjGQsQciEF8n_qFo8RPLURiJvpWOjQ20nrx0cabXMJ1Cl_rRs1UQhhsS7a0nhuNuuFaRPqUlPk0E3swS1IrD5G67BpBEuud0/s1600/etsy-bling.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh_fbRsvTw17_M6SS5bgkJ5ONawOlvTieJv6eY8baxy5vjGQsQciEF8n_qFo8RPLURiJvpWOjQ20nrx0cabXMJ1Cl_rRs1UQhhsS7a0nhuNuuFaRPqUlPk0E3swS1IrD5G67BpBEuud0/s640/etsy-bling.png" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80390554/write-necklace-sterling-silver-wire-word?ref=usr_faveitems" target="_blank">1</a> | <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/113157891/burgundy-stud-earrings-burgundy-gray?ref=usr_faveitems" target="_blank">2</a> | <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60985367/sterling-silver-fire-opal-post-earrings?ref=usr_faveitems" target="_blank">3</a> | <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83805890/gold-london-blue-quartz-ring-round-cut?ref=usr_faveitems" target="_blank">4</a> | <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104797698/retro-fabric-yo-yo-necklace-buy-3-get-1?ref=usr_faveitems" target="_blank">5</a> | <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71779527/daisy-earrings-gold-turquoise-flower?ref=usr_faveitems" target="_blank">6</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I love jewelry. I probably love jewelry more than clothes, having started my extensive earring collection when I got my ears pierced in 4th grade. This week's Bling Friday's Fancies theme was therefore right up my alley. <br />
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Since getting my Etsy account I've been hoarding jewelry in my favorites, so it was easy to throw together some beautiful and fun picks. My personal favorite is probably the "Write" necklace, though that's certainly not shocking! Can't wait to see what some of the other picks are this week. I'll try to keep myself from buying anything new...On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-76504684076797766102013-02-26T00:00:00.000-05:002013-02-26T00:00:07.846-05:00Emails & Organization<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTJWuWw8Lp1lCIhopklv7_4J2WMWVRahOqsiTuy15kojUESzoFBUA9gtWSGjkbZTsvgA7raiNT6ylmnHbDKd4l-XcW1qX80ozZR5XKXx95msUM_9FwFuOTCKRMT_PvkdGB0SqEB1LZ1Q/s1600/To-Email-sheet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTJWuWw8Lp1lCIhopklv7_4J2WMWVRahOqsiTuy15kojUESzoFBUA9gtWSGjkbZTsvgA7raiNT6ylmnHbDKd4l-XcW1qX80ozZR5XKXx95msUM_9FwFuOTCKRMT_PvkdGB0SqEB1LZ1Q/s640/To-Email-sheet.png" width="414" /></a></div>
I've gradually been working on trying to get things more neat and organized, especially when it comes to my desk and my online life.
Lately 2013 has felt like the year of the email. I'm constantly trying to stay on top of my inbox, and just when I think I've tackled all of my owed responses three more pop up. It's a vicious cycle.<br />
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One evening I was feeling particularly overwhelmed when a Twitter acquaintance tweeted to me, "If it's email, it's not dire." And you know what? He's right. So while I certainly respond to my emails, I've been trying to stop bending over backwards to get a response to everything ASAP--unless, of course, the subject matter warrants it.<br />
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A few weeks ago on The Zesty Digest, <a href="http://www.sweetlemonmag.com/#" target="_blank">Sweet Lemon Magazine</a>'s blog where I contribute weekly, I ended up writing about tackling email overwhelm. You can read more of my tips <a href="http://sweetlemonmag.blogspot.com/2013/02/tackling-email-chaos.html">here</a>. I also designed this snazzy "To Email" list sheet as a free printable, but--my fault--it didn't get posted as a PDF download. I didn't want you to miss out, so I'm including it here. <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4PeVv-N_QECM1J6U01HZlZLMkE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to access and download the PDF</a>, then organize away!<br />
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On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-29305749499843594672013-02-25T00:00:00.000-05:002013-02-25T00:00:02.918-05:00Word to the Wise: Shirley MacLaine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImsahknWlMhAhDHno9GGngq4TEZMWynDrlvZ6dVqzc8Kmrm1WX8WVmFmq43D0ZEyjEG3CwwhEp1aFKRcUTnDZ6qzul-RxIImj_woDxedPGX-rqFdVqkDStNXYB8joSDSLIzE_2TzvWJU/s1600/films-are-like-clay.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImsahknWlMhAhDHno9GGngq4TEZMWynDrlvZ6dVqzc8Kmrm1WX8WVmFmq43D0ZEyjEG3CwwhEp1aFKRcUTnDZ6qzul-RxIImj_woDxedPGX-rqFdVqkDStNXYB8joSDSLIzE_2TzvWJU/s1600/films-are-like-clay.png" /></a></div>
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I'm still in an Oscars mood, so I thought I'd do a little research to find a great Academy Awards quote for this edition of Word to the Wise. These words come courtesy of Shirley MacLaine at the 1983 ceremony.<br />
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Did you watch the Academy Awards this year? Favorite dresses? Disappointments? Let me know!On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-30371917675000089702013-02-22T00:26:00.002-05:002013-02-22T00:28:08.025-05:00Friday's Fancies: The Red Carpet<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYaRmOH07blCtjK6LtJBe5jXA4J-mYFXWkPalcS1fuuPRQx1cGUyjkIEpZFQ8pCh9LTVbvw7tCWhL92gD-wq_KkoURCwMIIrWeEtIPr50t9Qm-x_-M1RSyHH75zScGdMkRhI_FAet1fk/s1600/1920s-affair.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYaRmOH07blCtjK6LtJBe5jXA4J-mYFXWkPalcS1fuuPRQx1cGUyjkIEpZFQ8pCh9LTVbvw7tCWhL92gD-wq_KkoURCwMIIrWeEtIPr50t9Qm-x_-M1RSyHH75zScGdMkRhI_FAet1fk/s1600/1920s-affair.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.couturecandy.com/sue-wong/ball-gown-in-antique-champagne-/product.html" target="_blank">Dress</a> | <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/bracelets-watches/good-as-nouveau-bracelet" target="_blank">Bracelet</a> | <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-heels/exquisite-entrance-heel-in-black" target="_blank">Shoes</a> | <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/earrings/in-with-the-nouveau-earrings" target="_blank">Earrings</a></td></tr>
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It's the Oscars weekend, and while I won't be walking the red carpet anytime soon--maybe once I get that screenplay finished--it's fun to think about what you'd wear if you <i>were</i> going to be brushing shoulders with Anne and the Jennifers (let's face it--there are a lot of them).<br />
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When I was thinking about this week's red carpet themed Friday's Fancies I couldn't help but think about the devastatingly gorgeous dress Rose wore in the Downton Abbey finale--the one her mother couldn't stand. While most of the fashion on the show is beautiful, that blue-ish teal dress made a grand entrance. I couldn't find a similar look, but I did find some other 1920s-inspired glitz and glam, including this lovely dress. The champagne color certainly screams romantic antique, and I love the bead work. The bracelet pulls in the soft pink while adding gold and black, also picked up on the earrings and shoes.<br />
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Anyone else loving the 1920s right now? On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-12057796055278299032013-02-21T10:41:00.000-05:002013-02-21T10:42:04.381-05:00Getting in Touch with My Artistic Side<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPdL3ck59wk8TaMY6PJ2UemooyD_ZqFokXbF2wWjBkSvSkxPTLMC6HoNYe7g-uwZjHdzLe26p9sBsREKZQy8bZqvoEbK2ff9b6Su53-2b_n1yuB4FldlyknWn6YB1o-lh5mHIKHNov7k/s1600/getting-in-touch-with-my-artistic-side.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPdL3ck59wk8TaMY6PJ2UemooyD_ZqFokXbF2wWjBkSvSkxPTLMC6HoNYe7g-uwZjHdzLe26p9sBsREKZQy8bZqvoEbK2ff9b6Su53-2b_n1yuB4FldlyknWn6YB1o-lh5mHIKHNov7k/s1600/getting-in-touch-with-my-artistic-side.png" /></a></div>
I've always known I was a writer. It was just a natural part of me, something I'd been doing since I could scribble my name. When it comes to applying other labels to myself, though, I tend to hesitate.<br />
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Calling myself an artist is something I've never really done. I did spend hours doodling on computer paper with markers and colored pencils as a kid, eventually experimenting with acrylic paints. In high school I took three years of art classes, two of them focused on photography. My senior year my photography portfolio of leaf photos won a few awards, but part of me always thought it had to have been some fluke, that perhaps I had just crafted a better artist statement than my peers who were clearly better at photography. Maybe that excuse was just because writer was a label I was more comfortable owning.<br />
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When I started On a Good Note my dad started pushing me to explore handmade illustrations for my work instead of computer-generated graphics. I dragged my feet, explaining it had "never really been my thing." <br />
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But I eventually picked up a sketchbook and a few supplies, dug out my mom's collection of Prismacolor pencils, and started drawing. It was frustrating at first. Then I got hooked. And now? I kind of can't stop drawing. <br />
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Which brings me to a new phase for On a Good Note:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXJaFXITe41JVbvz7Y1QMe-uOlAXCeDkzOQua2wiPtOk8XqzNYGpDQLKofoA_TPjxHGUPVTjL9LR_U2pFmqKPEwn5KyowEvL3q7Wwhy6DzMZ3vU3HaUmsXOgaH1b9qrlTEHy_d2skmlg/s1600/100_3871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXJaFXITe41JVbvz7Y1QMe-uOlAXCeDkzOQua2wiPtOk8XqzNYGpDQLKofoA_TPjxHGUPVTjL9LR_U2pFmqKPEwn5KyowEvL3q7Wwhy6DzMZ3vU3HaUmsXOgaH1b9qrlTEHy_d2skmlg/s400/100_3871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4_pPhtoecglLacuoPtAJhdUfnKkef2IuBlUkpmuWiGaYlrDmYvpffydt7zKCYcUlF22Oz8iuoZYwldvIhaxFWoWDriaafvxcg9uxE7xLkhKykmxY6K6Qmr5GKP11PVtOV8FJntz8K20/s1600/100_3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4_pPhtoecglLacuoPtAJhdUfnKkef2IuBlUkpmuWiGaYlrDmYvpffydt7zKCYcUlF22Oz8iuoZYwldvIhaxFWoWDriaafvxcg9uxE7xLkhKykmxY6K6Qmr5GKP11PVtOV8FJntz8K20/s400/100_3872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The new spring designs will feature some of my new drawing efforts.
Expect some of the same types of styles you've seen before, with a new lovingly handcrafted
vibe. Don't worry, most of your favorites will still be sticking around
for a while! Some may get an eventual makeover. Others may be retired (complete with a clearance price).<br />
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I'm excited to take a new direction. Hope you enjoy!On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-37688734853928598892013-02-18T00:00:00.000-05:002013-02-18T00:00:03.225-05:00Monday Morning Meeting: Lauren Levine of Life with Lauren<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr51fJoCtDk8l9c8MggUyGyNSXiNzSJEqelS-ch9n3fRq9Q2bcsNMos-y0G4dbP-8huZ4jaIlTkm0mt90-HaH5ZHaxbkNk6-qT3SMeT65TFt8twyjBOHI1dqnqQFmQhjvE0auKrYXBUWI/s1600/monday-morning-meeting-header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr51fJoCtDk8l9c8MggUyGyNSXiNzSJEqelS-ch9n3fRq9Q2bcsNMos-y0G4dbP-8huZ4jaIlTkm0mt90-HaH5ZHaxbkNk6-qT3SMeT65TFt8twyjBOHI1dqnqQFmQhjvE0auKrYXBUWI/s1600/monday-morning-meeting-header.png" /></a></div>
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I took a brief break from the blog to tackle a few projects (more on that Wednesday), but I'm back on track for this week!<br />
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First up is a new feature I'm excited to get up and running: The Monday Morning Meeting, which will feature a different blogger each month. This month meet Lauren Levine of <a href="http://lifewithlauren.com/" target="_blank">Life with Lauren</a>. Lauren is one of the first bloggers I started interacting with on Twitter and her blog is one of the first I started regularly reading. She's also been a great supporter of On a Good Note, hosting a few giveaways and <a href="http://lifewithlauren.com/2012/01/05/more-about-on-a-good-note-designs/" target="_blank">doing a little interview</a> with me last year. Obviously I thought Lauren was the perfect person to kick-off the series. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zftFYdslCnVuxwcyGsEJA2Ez7OnvknhwKwxfDhfMZEQDPslxC-U5CYQoUMZgaGIT5HSzQglS0SETQRExvkclHtDtNCQ1xw3A5zc6Yo4eiu6RNdxJTBzFJ23pUwiSieoFoLJxzMSMH24/s1600/IMG_2201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zftFYdslCnVuxwcyGsEJA2Ez7OnvknhwKwxfDhfMZEQDPslxC-U5CYQoUMZgaGIT5HSzQglS0SETQRExvkclHtDtNCQ1xw3A5zc6Yo4eiu6RNdxJTBzFJ23pUwiSieoFoLJxzMSMH24/s640/IMG_2201.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<b>My job is...</b> Copywriter/editor, as well as freelance writer. Did I mention I get to work from home in my PJs?<br /><b><br />When I wake up on Monday morning, I...</b> tell myself I’m going to get up and go to the gym, but actually I probably just eat breakfast, make coffee, and get to work. Mondays are useless.<br /><br /><b>I can't make it through the day without...</b> Coffee, music, my computer, comfy clothes<br /><br /><b>My favorite work soundtrack is...</b> I listen to music all day, so I’ll usually go through my iTunes and then put Pandora on. I love Kings of Leon, Dave Matthews Band (live, of course) Foo Fighters, AWOLNATION, Incubus, Gaslight Anthem, John Mayer, Walk the Moon, Third Eye Blind, My Chemical Romance, Teddy Geiger, the list goes on. Oh yeah, and Kid Rock is my guilty pleasure. I’m not ashamed.<br /><b><br />My must-have desk accessories are...</b> Tons of sticky notes and places to scribble down ideas. The amount of notes that I write to myself is a little scary. Also, plenty of pens and cute notebooks.<br /><br /><b>I never leave home without...</b> At least mascara on, and Eclipse mints in my purse. I’m addicted to those mints. Ask anyone I know and they’ll tell you that I leave a trail with me wherever I go. Oh, and my phone. I feel naked without it.<br /><b><br />I wish I could raid the closet of...</b> Lauren Conrad, her style is feminine, chic, yet effortless. Never fussy or too put together.<br /><b><br />The book currently on my bedside table is...</b> <i>MWF Seeking BFF</i> by Rachel Bertsche. It’s a great book about a twenty-something’s quest to find a group of friends in a new city. This is definitely an issue I’ve had to deal with after graduation, so I’m really enjoying it.<br /><br /><b>My must-read blogs are...</b> So many A few of my favorites are: Cupcakes and Cashmere and Life Unsweetened for lifestyle, Beauty Banter, and Maskcara for hair/beauty, and Chocolate Covered Katie for healthy desserts. I’m also always Googling to find healthy, easy recipes. I’m obsessed with taking a bad for you recipe that tastes great and making it healthier. I just started to get into cooking not that long ago.<br /><br /><b>My favorite things about blogging is...</b> Literally everything. It’s a great way to express yourself and talk about whatever’s on your mind. It’s also amazing to be able to connect with other people who are experiencing the same thing. I’ve met a lot of great people through blogging.<br /><b><br />I daydream about... </b>Writing a book and going on a book/speaking tour. Also, having my own show. I went to school for Broadcast Journalism and still love TV, even though I had no interest in being a reporter.<br /><br /><b>If I could schedule a Monday Morning meeting with any person, it would be... </b>Okay, well I have this dream of becoming best friends with Carrie Underwood, Chelsea Handler, and Jennifer Lawrence. We’d be like a “Sex and the City” type deal, only real life. But I also adore Giuliana Rancic and Bethenny Frankel. I guess I’d have a busy Monday.<br /><br /><b>In 5 years...</b> Yikes! I’ll be old. Okay, not that old but…Ideally I’ll have written a book and will be writing for some big name publications. My ultimate goal is to support myself as a writer, with copywriting, web writing, and magazine writing. Maybe I’ll be married, but who knows! I’m not into timelines when it comes to that. I try to let things unfold as they’re supposed to.<br /><b><br />The best advice I've received is...</b> My dad always tells me to do what you love and let the chips fall where they may. It’s easy to feel like you should pursue a certain career path for the glitz or money, but unless your heart’s really in it, it’s not worth it. It’s better to go after what you really love.<br /><br /><b>The quote that motivates me to keep on going is...</b> "Things do not happen. Things are made to happen."--John F. KennedyOn a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-21797665859195805122013-02-06T13:43:00.001-05:002013-02-06T13:43:52.738-05:00Etsy Find: milloo Bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwa26uJXUWH10JrDBH7PSXZDbkpR130OU84WQkKD4u_fSxzf2JLC9UbT4_8ubHolAD0DgsaLKtbwWQpRN80oFdDmtbuB7JVvp-lFkD8Zvu2RygoS_HVBKFdSEJpoDAjqxOMgrKXt29qU/s1600/milloo-bags.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwa26uJXUWH10JrDBH7PSXZDbkpR130OU84WQkKD4u_fSxzf2JLC9UbT4_8ubHolAD0DgsaLKtbwWQpRN80oFdDmtbuB7JVvp-lFkD8Zvu2RygoS_HVBKFdSEJpoDAjqxOMgrKXt29qU/s1600/milloo-bags.png" /></a></div>
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I ran across milloo bags on Twitter a few months ago, but it was this fantastically springy gray and yellow bag that captured my eye last week. The shape and colors are fun, but the bag itself looks roomy and still professional enough to tote to a coffee meeting. <br />
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These square shaped cosmetic bags, offered in a variety of colored leathers, are unique in style, and the clutches and other cosmetic bags shouldn't be missed. <br />
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Also upping milloo's cool factor is the fact these these handmade bags come from Athens, Greece. Konstantinos, the shop's owner and designer, writes on his <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/milloo/about?ref=announce" target="_blank">About</a> page: <br />
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"I come from a family whose occupation always involved sewing and making.
I remember spending my childhood among fabrics, sewing machines and all
sorts of clothing materials which I truly enjoy. After spending 12 years
in making kids clothes, [I] decided that handbags was more challenging
for me and something [I] prefer. Even though [I] never took a course on how
to make a handbag, [I] used my skills in clothes making and spend a lot of
hours in experimentation so that [I] can be able to bring in
reality, whatever idea stuck into my mind. The same period [I] involved with
handbags, it was then that [I] also discovered Etsy. So it all comes
naturally."<br />
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Go "ooh" and "ahh" at more of his creations <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/milloo" target="_blank">here</a>. On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-61656159313018644452013-02-05T14:52:00.000-05:002013-02-05T15:07:16.443-05:00On a Good Note Valentine's Day & The Stationery Academy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1ZEoZ51qETblVGM37KMspUt7CB-kJFdQvPBVIX8uXLMXqlU4avDMaaU4css9Z582M5uNqAwDWPYh1Mz13zEX1GSIc10PTWvFsC0bHbFX64eaXG4MJOGXb_R44997CU6RQSRHM-vNO_4/s1600/red-orange-pink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1ZEoZ51qETblVGM37KMspUt7CB-kJFdQvPBVIX8uXLMXqlU4avDMaaU4css9Z582M5uNqAwDWPYh1Mz13zEX1GSIc10PTWvFsC0bHbFX64eaXG4MJOGXb_R44997CU6RQSRHM-vNO_4/s1600/red-orange-pink.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.onagoodnotedesigns.com/product/diy-valentines-printable-valentines/" target="_blank"> Printable Valentines</a> | <a href="http://www.onagoodnotedesigns.com/product/1950s-red-floral-iphone-4-or-iphone-5-case/" target="_blank">1950s Red Floral Case</a> | <a href="http://www.onagoodnotedesigns.com/product/personalized-red-floral-iphone-4-or-iphone-5-case/" target="_blank">1950s Personalized Red Floral</a> | <a href="http://www.onagoodnotedesigns.com/product/valentines-day-cards-3-for-7/" target="_blank">3 for $7 Valentines</a><br />
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Valentine's Day goodies finally made it up on the On a Good Note site last week! There's still plenty of time to snag a card--set of three for $7 or 10 for $12. And if you're a last minute person like me, you can also get the super cute (I'm biased, I get it) sheet of DIY printable valentines for a snazzy $5. <br />
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The new 1950s Red Floral and 1950s Personalized Red Floral cases are sticking around to mingle after Valentine's Day, which is good thing since I'm a little obsessed with how great they turned out! I made one for my aunt--who loves it, by the way!--for her new iPhone 4. Your iPhone 4 or iPhone 5 can join the party, too.<br />
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In other news, I just sent in my scholarship app for The Stationery Academy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteM1UBofCeV8VVZb0ismREQos1a-V94fjAZR2MDTTbEu3DCDtk9bgU30vLVKuryUSFt_nK_DhblBTCojOG2bQORnu8TlYQQEJTUCYZOOMOsVuvf8Jx91TigLyBKeacislEtdJQf1y3NU/s1600/Stationery-Academy-Scholarship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteM1UBofCeV8VVZb0ismREQos1a-V94fjAZR2MDTTbEu3DCDtk9bgU30vLVKuryUSFt_nK_DhblBTCojOG2bQORnu8TlYQQEJTUCYZOOMOsVuvf8Jx91TigLyBKeacislEtdJQf1y3NU/s1600/Stationery-Academy-Scholarship.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is an amazing opportunity to learn from some truly great stationers, including Whitney English. I applied for the scholarship last year and did not receive it, which resulted in a phone call from Whitney inviting me to attend anyways. I was having a weird day and it was one of those moments where I didn't actually process who it was on the phone, and I was kind of awkward. Or really awkward. I'm sorry, Whitney!<br />
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Anyways, if you're interested in being a stationery professional, <a href="http://www.stationeryacademy.com/" target="_blank">check out their site</a> and learn more about the scholarship opportunities. There are two ways to win: an application and a drawing. Wish me luck!On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-21131390441165503072013-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:002013-02-01T10:45:02.696-05:00Friday's Fancies: To the SlopesI've never been skiing, and in full honestly the non-athletic person in me has no desire to ever try. So when I found out about this Friday's Fancies topic from <a href="http://www.longdistanceloving.net/">Long Distance Loving</a> I skipped the whole concept of me actually skiing. What I could go for is a snowy escape in a cozy ski lodge or in the winter landscape of Vermont. And what do you wear when you want to be warm and fuzzy in the winter? Sweaters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6gqPT_4TTr-nvEfeau5-YF2ChTHYYHFWjG0u4GNwn2Voxu99on23LhOZ3a4umnIRhjn0cbi8t1EaHYtO55qJPvdx2gAHhMJlhcFONnWPyiDZSz7XPJwElXI4eobDDB_qBvyqyMxHRXM/s1600/Friday's-Fancies-hit-the-slopes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6gqPT_4TTr-nvEfeau5-YF2ChTHYYHFWjG0u4GNwn2Voxu99on23LhOZ3a4umnIRhjn0cbi8t1EaHYtO55qJPvdx2gAHhMJlhcFONnWPyiDZSz7XPJwElXI4eobDDB_qBvyqyMxHRXM/s1600/Friday's-Fancies-hit-the-slopes.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sheinside.com/">1</a> | <a href="http://www.sheinside.com/Orange-Long-Sleeve-Deer-Print-Loose-Pullovers-Sweater-p-101904-cat-1734.html">2</a> | <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/topshop-nordic-knit-sweater/3410779?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=topshop_nordic_knit_sweater:631573&cm_pla=tops:women:sweater&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-OVhGDxV5qGSSVwoN9ncKVQ">3</a> | <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/pullovers-sweaters/the-cats-of-friends-sweater?SSAID=256758&utm_medium=ad&utm_source=affiliateprogram_sas&utm_campaign=sas_feed&utm_content=256758">4</a> | <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=21_items&ProductID=2000049543&VariantID=&gan_clickID=0004d44e1ac319540a2afa8783007273&gan_affID=k147466&gan_affName=Polyvore&utm_campaign=k147466&utm_source=affiliatetraction&utm_medium=gan">5</a> | <a href="http://www.chicnova.com/baroque-knit-sweater-with-crew-neckline.html">6</a> </td></tr>
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I've recently been crazy for orange and coral, so I'm just a little obsessed with this first sweater and the classic chic pattern (though it sadly appears to be sold out). I don't have many sweaters with prints, but these all just screamed snowy winter getaway for me, especially #2 and #3. The last sweater is something totally different than anything I would normally wear, but I love the color combo. So fun, and feels a little 90s to me, which I admit I kind of dig. On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-72124805006401034482013-01-28T00:00:00.000-05:002013-01-28T00:00:03.501-05:00Word to the Wise: Ellen DeGeneres<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CeaTPZ-XLhlESRbbetVkPNltc9KX5B-ZfMV04W5_9apR-Y9INZJxntlI30qBoNf34xEbsZGxXueNUha7aboxiZZ4PnaNQZHWUGCGbLar-2bp5jkMCaTTlgFCuXTYyZme2WDShVGuAXk/s1600/Word-to-the-Wise-Ellen-DeGeneres.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CeaTPZ-XLhlESRbbetVkPNltc9KX5B-ZfMV04W5_9apR-Y9INZJxntlI30qBoNf34xEbsZGxXueNUha7aboxiZZ4PnaNQZHWUGCGbLar-2bp5jkMCaTTlgFCuXTYyZme2WDShVGuAXk/s1600/Word-to-the-Wise-Ellen-DeGeneres.png" /></a></div>
I watched Ellen DeGeneres's 2009 Tulane commencement speech the same day I watched Conan O'Brien's Dartmouth speech. As you would imagine, it's full of humor and sprinkled with lots of moving moments. This particular quote made it down in my notebook and felt like a perfect thing to bring out in the heart of Carnival season.<br />
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Want some more gems? Watch the full speech below.<br />
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On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-90970418993901097922013-01-25T15:28:00.000-05:002013-01-25T15:28:26.955-05:00Friday's Fancies: Black & WhiteWhen I saw this week's <a href="http://www.longdistanceloving.net/2013/01/black-and-white-outfit.html" target="_blank">Friday's Fancies</a> topic I couldn't help but think about dresses. My favorite formal dress from my sorority girl days was probably a simple black and white dress that had a very glamorous 1960s feel to it. Too bad the date was a dud and there aren't any great pictures of me in the actual dress.<br />
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When it came time to choose looks for this week, I channeled the feeling of that dress to put together these evening options:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdFLlnSn2nzfCEBrvFthAKwtQ5eX9wmPD4ELi8Q04vU7WbyiQfHmCMFVruh95PORH2ektvRXRWdN650ua8rp4mEP_GBSCcNI0oePMPebDwyFM7EMLep8GXPTvukvdf2TKL2dwHhN4HGU/s1600/Friday's-Fancies-Black&White-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdFLlnSn2nzfCEBrvFthAKwtQ5eX9wmPD4ELi8Q04vU7WbyiQfHmCMFVruh95PORH2ektvRXRWdN650ua8rp4mEP_GBSCcNI0oePMPebDwyFM7EMLep8GXPTvukvdf2TKL2dwHhN4HGU/s1600/Friday's-Fancies-Black&White-1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.mango.com/US/p0/mango/new/colour-block-dress/?id=81440364_VT" target="_blank">Dress</a> | <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/isn-t-sheath-lovely-dress?SSAID=256758&utm_medium=ad&utm_source=affiliateprogram_sas&utm_campaign=sas_feed&utm_content=256758" target="_blank">Dress</a> | <a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446550155&site_refer=AFF001&mid=13816&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-8G4f4TCY50KsxjPTsLxeEA&LScreativeid=1&LSlinkid=10&LSoid=203719&LSsid=Hy3bqNL2jtQ" target="_blank">Bag</a> | <a href="http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A293863/LOFT-view-all-011013/Easton-Sparkle-Tweed-Slingback-Pumps/293863?prodId=&defaultColor=6600&CID=aff_2687457" target="_blank">Heels (Similar)</a> | <a href="http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/whats-new/new-arrivals/fiona-earrings.html?SSAID=256758" target="_blank">Gold & Ivory Earrings</a> | <a href="http://us.accessorize.com/view/product/us_catalog/acc_2,acc_2.4/3810570300?skipRedirection=true&utm_campaign=us-affiliates&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=affiliate-window&utm_content=us-affiliates&utm_term=92295&source=aw" target="_blank">Black & White Earrings</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The neckline of the first dress is very similar to my formal dress, and I love the unique top and sleeves of the second dress.<br />
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But let's be honest: how often do you really get to dress up these days? I'm always looking for a great reason to wear a gorgeous dress, but those opportunities don't come around often. Which led me to put together another round of options for everyday wear:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTT8iTPLxCtyxoIDoXxspgajn9GPX7Spf9sKwLLqYz6N4DZvm0HSnpZ-iBqzoMP8wfF6WMrrKDqqMthZuCQJPSaebLahDLK7Sbi8IebjIT0BCyIQZUvwT042W-kf0ljLK5UrWZB05WP4/s1600/Friday's-Fancies-Black-&-White-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTT8iTPLxCtyxoIDoXxspgajn9GPX7Spf9sKwLLqYz6N4DZvm0HSnpZ-iBqzoMP8wfF6WMrrKDqqMthZuCQJPSaebLahDLK7Sbi8IebjIT0BCyIQZUvwT042W-kf0ljLK5UrWZB05WP4/s1600/Friday's-Fancies-Black-&-White-2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A285759/Denim-Dark/Curvy-Skinny-Jeans-in-Black/285759?prodId=&defaultColor=6600&CID=aff_2687457" target="_blank">Pants</a> | <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shirtsandtops/classicshirts/PRDOVR%7E93260/93260.jsp?srcCode=AFFI00001&siteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-N8XHVzBUQ2FebhBnPrmF3A" target="_blank">Blouse</a> | <a href="http://www.katespade.com/carlisle-street-bee/PWRU3063,default,pd.html?dwvar_PWRU3063_color=087" target="_blank">Polka Dot Wristlet</a> | <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kate-spade-new-york-colored-stone-stud-earrings/3026763?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=kate_spade_new_york_colored_stone_stud_earrings:259062&cm_pla=jewelry:women:earring&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-jO6.oLJWCEJwzAV7yGj_eg" target="_blank">Studs</a> | <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/knitstees/longsleevetees/PRDOVR%7E37856/37856.jsp?srcCode=AFFI00001&siteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-1H7WB8z1G*ntOS0kaD3jAQ" target="_blank">Shirt</a> | <a href="http://shop.guess.com/en/Catalog/View/Women%27s%20Accessories/Annalynne%20Envelope%20Clutch/FF375727?CMP=AFC-GANGES_Polyvore" target="_blank">Black & White Wristlet</a> | <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/toms-freetown-classic-espadrille-slip-on-women/3221268?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=toms_%27freetown_-_classic%27_espadrille_slip-on_%28women%29:391448&cm_pla=shoes:women:flats&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-M3BN7mE4soLqfLCnpcQdBg" target="_blank">TOMS</a></td></tr>
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Lately I've really been wanting a gingham blouse like this J. Crew option, and I like the simplicity of this striped long sleeved shirt that pairs khaki with the white and black mix. Both of these wristlets are adorable (though I tend to carry a GIANT bag on most days), and the studs and TOMS (I'm a TOMS addict) would pair well with any combo of these options. <br />
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Are you also seeing things in black & white? On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-68675796001761253812013-01-23T00:00:00.000-05:002013-01-23T09:50:54.600-05:00In Search of a DeskConfession: I'm messy.<br />
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My desk on most days is a complete disaster. Papers, magazines, business cards, opened notebooks, tech gadgets, pens, markers, random art supplies, books, etc. all take up residence on my desk on any given day. I'm terrible at organizing and finding a place for it all. It's basically clutter central and I kind of would love to figure out a way to scrap it all and have a wonderful, beautiful, Pinterest-worthy looking workspace that resembles something like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYe5r3c5sw6WX0rGzvA8B7SMpcwhBByQmVxtFMAy0E-CQ3dRccX_SB4wjTUwqjPKvEcBe1Ua6mQSbDoZFA6fz5OHGvE8xGp1N85iyxQaQdKI5L0kePnUUmNUi7_f4RP4d-VRmy59Z6ok/s1600/dream-office.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYe5r3c5sw6WX0rGzvA8B7SMpcwhBByQmVxtFMAy0E-CQ3dRccX_SB4wjTUwqjPKvEcBe1Ua6mQSbDoZFA6fz5OHGvE8xGp1N85iyxQaQdKI5L0kePnUUmNUi7_f4RP4d-VRmy59Z6ok/s1600/dream-office.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/bedford-corner-desk-set/?pkey=cdesks-home-office&cm_src=desks-home-office%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-" target="_blank">Pottery Barn</a></td></tr>
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I love that this office is crisp, bright and full of pops of color--perfect for both designing and writing--and offers plenty of drawers for storage.<br />
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The main feature is this Bedford Corner Desk from Pottery Barn, which, in true Pottery Barn fashion, comes with a pretty (scary) price tag of $899.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7DImC5LnXf5CqUPoRKZO86pc3BaG9lsirqhBRiaK826VuO-Y17FVwe6hMPQB3L-nnUhan_I4COXyVc5hXBWbvMXCd_h174GAEdjMb_KNfyE-cyZ5DBWfzje5BphGwntEfXtoyy2FttM/s1600/pottery-barn-desk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7DImC5LnXf5CqUPoRKZO86pc3BaG9lsirqhBRiaK826VuO-Y17FVwe6hMPQB3L-nnUhan_I4COXyVc5hXBWbvMXCd_h174GAEdjMb_KNfyE-cyZ5DBWfzje5BphGwntEfXtoyy2FttM/s1600/pottery-barn-desk.png" /> </a></div>
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Since I don't have $1000 to spend on a (beautiful, dream-worthy) desk, here are some options with prices that don't make me cry quite as much.</div>
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<a href="http://theeverygirl.com/feature/how-to-style-the-west-elm-parsons-desk/" target="_blank">The Everygirl</a> recently wrote about ways to style THE desk-of-the-moment, the Parsons Desk from West Elm. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRc89WcXgbzFuKzHmWQWbD-g9MwSwNFgCwwhfFXVkeCGQWksToSTzKwKN0amxqQLOHjvTq0POoqbglNTRWF7nLUofDv2s39ZMzqNtcGhAJRZmhDEwLQy7VijNbb8XvVjH9gnEaQzbSCc/s1600/west-elm-desk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRc89WcXgbzFuKzHmWQWbD-g9MwSwNFgCwwhfFXVkeCGQWksToSTzKwKN0amxqQLOHjvTq0POoqbglNTRWF7nLUofDv2s39ZMzqNtcGhAJRZmhDEwLQy7VijNbb8XvVjH9gnEaQzbSCc/s1600/west-elm-desk.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/606871/?catalogId=11&bnrid=3917930&cm_ven=AfCmtyCont&cm_cat=Reward&Style=&cm_pla=GAN&cm_ite=Std" target="_blank">The Parsons Desk with Drawers, $349</a></td></tr>
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I like the basic, clean, modern style, making it a blank canvas to decorate how you'd like. But I can't lie: I think I would have a hard time pulling off this desk. I need drawers and space. These two options from Ikea speak to me a little more:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWt9poMlXzj1RN0Yv7ng_39B1PUrhXIQrJM6JvmBN7P0xG3Q5HqxFAi5zSoR_0lgx4MMkspa7C0XqfWAj7Sgp5-tsEwf75HJGQjANZhA6-UV5IRgD2lCRdadBH4fG2mG68iNQlWitG4A/s1600/ikea-desk-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWt9poMlXzj1RN0Yv7ng_39B1PUrhXIQrJM6JvmBN7P0xG3Q5HqxFAi5zSoR_0lgx4MMkspa7C0XqfWAj7Sgp5-tsEwf75HJGQjANZhA6-UV5IRgD2lCRdadBH4fG2mG68iNQlWitG4A/s1600/ikea-desk-1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30103676/" target="_blank">The Liatorp Desk, $299</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKmbQX-G9MluyrP_E36iQOALGQ6KBq5i0WAke3sq2dZuAl1ChPI2JVyvc0gf9tojTDar7JwJEVT2nfDJcxurF6Qzj40fI08fgFcuFRCnWrxPi-TpSl4bnsrDVbYUDEHxkQ01b2lnWnus/s1600/ikea-desk-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKmbQX-G9MluyrP_E36iQOALGQ6KBq5i0WAke3sq2dZuAl1ChPI2JVyvc0gf9tojTDar7JwJEVT2nfDJcxurF6Qzj40fI08fgFcuFRCnWrxPi-TpSl4bnsrDVbYUDEHxkQ01b2lnWnus/s1600/ikea-desk-2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30196374/" target="_blank">The Hemnes Desk, $279</a></td></tr>
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Both classic, both providing much-needed storage, and both available at a reasonable price. Just my style. </div>
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My current desk a clunky hand-me-down that doesn't exactly fit in with my other furniture, but it's quite sufficient until I have more money and space to invest in office furniture. Maybe one day I'll be brave and share a picture, but until then, let's talk about you! </div>
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What is your workspace like? Do you rock a cubicle like my twentysomething Indy writer Allie, who recently <a href="http://www.twentysomethingindy.com/2013/01/17/diy-desk-makeover/" target="_blank">gave her desk an awesome makeover</a>? Or do you have a fantastic workspace like the Pottery Barn photo (which, if you do, we need to be friends and I must come work with you)?</div>
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On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-14203334635006188372013-01-21T00:00:00.000-05:002013-01-21T00:00:05.839-05:00Take Me to the Mardi GrasI lived in a New Orleans suburb for about 6 years. While I love Indy and consider it home, living near NOLA was certainly a big part of my childhood. Maybe I can get a visit in sometime in the near future (I haven't been there since 2006), but until then I'll just have to covet these lovely prints I rounded up from Etsy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Rz1l2F_Hp8TgM0X43jPgMCvD4PaJ95HvXW0_wS-aqh_zY7N4yOOT_vkf2k0bltTathj9vWs5DszG3iRPED0YiuPw23vu29A86GaOz_azintwe2iIbMLm9LA9aKqb7fcatAzQanw85Yc/s1600/nola-poster.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Rz1l2F_Hp8TgM0X43jPgMCvD4PaJ95HvXW0_wS-aqh_zY7N4yOOT_vkf2k0bltTathj9vWs5DszG3iRPED0YiuPw23vu29A86GaOz_azintwe2iIbMLm9LA9aKqb7fcatAzQanw85Yc/s1600/nola-poster.png" /></a></div>
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I love the selections and semi-whimsical feel <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/102742466/new-orleans-louisiana-collage?ref=usr_faveitems">of this print</a>. The artist specializes in fun city illustrations, making it easy to find one for your favorite city.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-JAWFZqwOKJXzPDtqaTzXW339shDMDkOKiueoinNMDy7XcB2Kh_4IEccINo8z6PORyjvk5-oHVzl9wdFjA_y-87_EQFipv2oM5xI0vK9NWcV46CrftezM747d4XqHwCsItbsTkKtwDg/s1600/nola-townhouse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-JAWFZqwOKJXzPDtqaTzXW339shDMDkOKiueoinNMDy7XcB2Kh_4IEccINo8z6PORyjvk5-oHVzl9wdFjA_y-87_EQFipv2oM5xI0vK9NWcV46CrftezM747d4XqHwCsItbsTkKtwDg/s1600/nola-townhouse.png" /></a></div>
I love studying all of the funky patterns and colors of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60068726/nola-townhouse-print-10-x-14?ref=usr_faveitems">this artist's</a> NOLA townhouses work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_OleVxJgixOFB-O9TQMIxZkVF2HmdFd5BppwSfShuUz2XXV-M0iavUJkE1I6yKrTG41DZJ9rJd9raxYkteeDvDxUvgD0-MCann5n2krA7qrzesT1jbDb35drFPfHvAgVaqY_S-fCtug/s1600/rainy-nola.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_OleVxJgixOFB-O9TQMIxZkVF2HmdFd5BppwSfShuUz2XXV-M0iavUJkE1I6yKrTG41DZJ9rJd9raxYkteeDvDxUvgD0-MCann5n2krA7qrzesT1jbDb35drFPfHvAgVaqY_S-fCtug/s1600/rainy-nola.png" /></a></div>
Can't get over the colors and overall beauty of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97344345/new-orleans-rainy-night-fine-art-print-b?ref=usr_faveitems">this painting</a>. It perfectly captures the French Quarter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Owh1diO2gW79zmCQobY0VvhyphenhyphendcqtYaHo8Eqzgj4a1SuSKTCkqLVs3m7z4TXoAWfU06AK_O-UPvRQTsrKcEpiPQdxbrrur9-UJjRW6QLF3nVU6cDTqCKIcS7Qti-GmN0LjvH0FxzEmfk/s1600/nola-notebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Owh1diO2gW79zmCQobY0VvhyphenhyphendcqtYaHo8Eqzgj4a1SuSKTCkqLVs3m7z4TXoAWfU06AK_O-UPvRQTsrKcEpiPQdxbrrur9-UJjRW6QLF3nVU6cDTqCKIcS7Qti-GmN0LjvH0FxzEmfk/s1600/nola-notebook.png" /></a></div>
This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54319508/new-orleans-love-moleskine-journal-lined?ref=usr_faveitems">print on a Moleskin journal</a> would help fuel my notebook addiction.<br />
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And since you can't talk about Mardi Gras without talking about music, here's the Marsalis family playing the song I had to play 10,000 in elementary, middle and high school band (though let's be honest: they do it better than a bunch of moody teenagers). <br />
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On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-26417568051343131382013-01-18T00:00:00.000-05:002013-01-18T00:00:00.299-05:00Friday's Fancies: Outfit Crush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40051317@N05/5243673583/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="12.7.10e by kendilea, on Flickr"><img alt="12.7.10e" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5047/5243673583_597c205c38.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Via <a href="http://www.kendieveryday.com/2010/12/remember-this-guy.html">Kendi Everyday</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvIoxoE5oown2VRboLJl_QKaFBMxkpPA8hzr4ZAgRFsHuTdZUofUVrDex0xpLY-igWKO7NiX2ELEUwJ3Eb1gC291inWM1a-Lu64X4ZbUmB9Igd2mTI544ebtAurVSHzqr6NUxgJk0KLo/s1600/Friday-Fancies-Outfit-crush-sign.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvIoxoE5oown2VRboLJl_QKaFBMxkpPA8hzr4ZAgRFsHuTdZUofUVrDex0xpLY-igWKO7NiX2ELEUwJ3Eb1gC291inWM1a-Lu64X4ZbUmB9Igd2mTI544ebtAurVSHzqr6NUxgJk0KLo/s1600/Friday-Fancies-Outfit-crush-sign.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This week's Friday's Fancies is all about the crush--the style crush. We were asked to pick a look from Pinterest and recreate it with our own spin. This gorgeous pic has been on my style board since my early days of pinning and I thought it would be the perfect choice to recreate for today's challenge.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUYZtHwmMyTXHLL03hg0rvJiqx_1HMo05a6qRLksp2KZMowldlGdyFmWO20ApT6B2HGQBTnaXOVy7QW75oHjju6Pia7bMW3hOTtcc45ijxdH8gDyINzlc3XNI1tfNfGAecc54eAuZwRQ/s1600/Friday's-Fancies-Outfit-Crush.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUYZtHwmMyTXHLL03hg0rvJiqx_1HMo05a6qRLksp2KZMowldlGdyFmWO20ApT6B2HGQBTnaXOVy7QW75oHjju6Pia7bMW3hOTtcc45ijxdH8gDyINzlc3XNI1tfNfGAecc54eAuZwRQ/s1600/Friday's-Fancies-Outfit-Crush.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1) Gibson Velvet Trim Blazer, <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/gibson-velvet-trim-blazer-petite/3384352?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=gibson_velvet_trim_blazer_%28petite%29:613831&cm_pla=jacket/sportcoat:women:blazer&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-R7BfL5QYJwqdQSTmfVe.YQ">Nordstrom</a>; 2) Collette by Collette Dinnigan, <a href="http://www.matchesfashion.com/product/131137?qxjkl=tsid:38929%7Ccat:Hy3bqNL2jtQ">Matches</a>; 3) Blythe Blouse in Polka Dot, <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shirtsandtops/blouses/PRDOVR%7E11352/11352.jsp?srcCode=AFFI00001&siteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-OL*p9qQCWrbP3XW2UOVxrw">J. Crew</a>; 4) Thanks for the Tiptoe Flat, <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-flats/thanks-for-the-tiptoe-flat">ModCloth</a>; 5) Chunky Knit Cowl in Luxury Blue, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/111616418/chunky-knit-cowl-in-blue-luxury">Easy123 on Etsy</a>; 6) Gumdrop Stud Earrings, <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=409546012&tid=braff2687457&ap=2&siteID=brafcid105">Banana Republic</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Finding just the right jacket was challenging, but I thought this blazer from Nordstrom did the trick. For the top I decided to go with a classic print instead of a solid and pull in basic black and white. I couldn't decide between these two chic choices, both timeless and cozy looking. I traded in the gold scarf for this beautiful shade of blue, pulling in the gold for earrings and flats. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now I'm dreaming of wearing this outfit for a lovely Saturday out. </span></div>
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On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-84714170361132299132013-01-14T00:00:00.000-05:002013-01-14T00:00:09.118-05:00Word to the Wise: Conan O'Brien<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMeKyKFtACAX4WXpwj95HeNFMqtP7nFdg1f1642DMQjZuvAFD1HiUnBTC_fileBS9JAZTaZXY7KroiINKkn93u9dcc8HNn3Ulvmtz-YJTH8thZ7o92HzZykeqyfJPdJJPDOzlCJc2tHY/s1600/it-is-our-failure.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMeKyKFtACAX4WXpwj95HeNFMqtP7nFdg1f1642DMQjZuvAFD1HiUnBTC_fileBS9JAZTaZXY7KroiINKkn93u9dcc8HNn3Ulvmtz-YJTH8thZ7o92HzZykeqyfJPdJJPDOzlCJc2tHY/s1600/it-is-our-failure.png" /></a></div>
Confession: I'm not a HUGE Conan fan, not like some people I know, but when I watched his commencement speech at Dartmouth from a few years ago I was frantically scribbling quotes down. This one in particular has been an excellent fit for my post-grad life.<br />
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Don't just accept my Reader's Digest version, though. Watch the full speech below. Well worth the 20+ minutes, I assure you!<br />
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<br />On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-13345305203252968372013-01-11T00:00:00.000-05:002013-01-11T10:43:30.548-05:00Friday's Fancies: Emerald City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last month I ran across the fun little blog <a href="http://www.longdistanceloving.net/">Long Distance Loving</a>, written by the lovely Alison, a fellow native Hoosier who is now living in Rhode Island. </div>
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Every Friday Alison invites fellow bloggers to take part in her Friday's Fancies fashion link-up party, where they create looks inspired by established themes of the week. </div>
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This week celebrates Pantone's color of the year: Emerald. I couldn't help but think of Ireland and romantic flowing dresses, which led to this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPOhwvnlJIQtsXgyLPgSi7QqbdGSCk-nJBamMUUDGHDWJbi9wjbUQbpl0PWigOhGRc-1hOJsaH6APZTjs5dEii9bNjXS9NLs67GI8BXXj-BfhKcxLl5304SisX4c4BivNMOQw-BibdqE/s1600/fridays-fancies-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPOhwvnlJIQtsXgyLPgSi7QqbdGSCk-nJBamMUUDGHDWJbi9wjbUQbpl0PWigOhGRc-1hOJsaH6APZTjs5dEii9bNjXS9NLs67GI8BXXj-BfhKcxLl5304SisX4c4BivNMOQw-BibdqE/s1600/fridays-fancies-1.png" /></a></div>
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1) Enchanting Moment Dress, <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/enchanting-moment-dress?SSAID=256758&utm_medium=ad&utm_source=affiliateprogram_sas&utm_campaign=sas_feed&utm_content=256758">ModCloth.com</a>; 2) Filigree Earrings, <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_earrings_teardrop&ProductID=1044036746&VariantID=&gan_clickID=0004d2fa3363750b0a2a78c958003c0c&gan_affID=k147466&gan_affName=Polyvore&utm_campaign=k147466&utm_source=affiliatetraction&utm_medium=gan">Forever 21</a>; 3) Cashmere Shawl, <a href="http://www.flannelsfashion.com/products/details/i/26178-c2bkk/n/cashmere-shawl-collar-cardy.aspx?awc=3805_1357872008_6bde6cc5d6da8b2607bf5df7257fd1b3">Michael by Michael Kors</a>; 4) Starlight Drive April bag, <a href="http://www.katespade.com/starlight-drive-april/PXRU3884,default,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU3884_color=711">Kate Spade</a>; 5) Et Cetera Idiom Bangle, <a href="http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/JewelryAccessories-jewelry-Bracelets-BangleCuff-Et_Cetera_Idiom_Bangle_-lordandtaylor/255628/?utm_source=GAN&utm_medium=Affiliates&utm_campaign=Polyvore&utm_content=Text&utm_term=na&cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-GAN-_-Polyvore-_-Primary&tag=GAN&ctcampaign=221&gan_clickID=0004d2fa405750040a2a7e4877005293&gan_affID=k147466&gan_affName=Polyvore">Kate Spade</a>; 6) This is the Year Idiom Bangle, <a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=527100002&tid=plaff2687457&ap=2&siteID=plafcid105">Kate Spade</a>, 7) Uma Flats, <a href="http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop/shoes/uma-flats-black-gold.html">Rebecca Minkoff</a>, 8) Velvet Love Tub, <a href="http://www.oliverbonas.com/sale/offers/product_slug_9776_emerald.htm">Oliver Bonas</a></div>
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This dress certainly fits the bill! It does, however, feel a little more appropriate for summer, leading me to pull in a flowing black cardigan to take care of the winter months. Gold filigree earrings seemed the perfect fit, as did the gold bangles, bag, and flats to play up the accent belt on the dress. </div>
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As for the furniture piece--well, doesn't every romantic lady need a gorgeous place to sit? I saw it and couldn't resist adding it into the mix.</div>
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Can't wait to check out the other bloggers' picks!</div>
<br />On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-41492877847665839542013-01-09T00:00:00.000-05:002013-01-09T00:00:06.860-05:00Design Diaries: Wedding Fever<b><i>On the new Design Diaries part of the blog I'll be sharing some behind-the-scenes looks at custom projects I'm tackling or have completed alongside peeks at new designs for the shop. </i></b><br />
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When I was little I wanted to be a wedding coordinator. I had a stack of old bridal magazines and catalogs, a Wilton cake decorating yearbook my sister gave me from her time in culinary arts school, and "Sarah's Bridals" forms my mom helped me make on the computer. I spent long afternoons planning fictitious weddings I came up with based on the dress and cake selections on the glossy pages. It was an intense operation.<br />
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I eventually grew out of that phase. Kind of. When I started On a Good Note and realized I could take part in the whole wedding scene by designing invitations and save the dates, childhood Sarah got just a little excited and started buying bridal magazines to look at trends.<br />
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I haven't gotten to do a ton of wedding-related work yet, but I was quite flattered to be asked by a few college classmates to take part in their special occasion.<br />
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Last fall Christine and Matt, who were my classmates in DePauw's Media Fellows program, asked if I would design their thank you notes. Being journalists to the core with distinct design styles in mind, I was excited and a little nervous to take on the task. They specified that they love riding their bikes, the look of their initials, and, of course, newspapers and journalism. The end result was this design:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8h0qhTYLXwWu-aqPIy5TuyZJ1nD957z__NJp8GcSPbWggk4bpX55k0MH1tDKrPOzfDsFxZu2rZSPefEr2Jd0duE6CIi830oT00W1i7dwQdhPBP-fhuEKSWSXZfMhtOBsUTtMHbeFHlE/s1600/christine-and-matt-card.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8h0qhTYLXwWu-aqPIy5TuyZJ1nD957z__NJp8GcSPbWggk4bpX55k0MH1tDKrPOzfDsFxZu2rZSPefEr2Jd0duE6CIi830oT00W1i7dwQdhPBP-fhuEKSWSXZfMhtOBsUTtMHbeFHlE/s1600/christine-and-matt-card.png" /></a></div>
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Then, a few months ago, a sorority sister asked me if I would be interested in designing her Save the Dates and Invitations. She mentioned she was looking for something simple, and that she really likes the <a href="http://www.onagoodnotedesigns.com/product/1950s-floral-note-cards/">1950s Floral design</a> on the shop. I took that design and paired it with her wedding color, plum, to come up with this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8As_bJbmvaYPGVuMXfgvngDOQFnRFAK_5X1cp4vfN6vYVVbx05Yf4apU7XtbK61ZrF8g6U59yS3WIRledPYpnGxY8dzgPw5IwBVZaX45VqPFQm2XdHmrrQNOHZXeh6qKfpUpZ8XHJYUE/s1600/denton-save-the-date.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8As_bJbmvaYPGVuMXfgvngDOQFnRFAK_5X1cp4vfN6vYVVbx05Yf4apU7XtbK61ZrF8g6U59yS3WIRledPYpnGxY8dzgPw5IwBVZaX45VqPFQm2XdHmrrQNOHZXeh6qKfpUpZ8XHJYUE/s1600/denton-save-the-date.png" /></a></div>
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We haven't officially settled on colors yet, but we're almost there! I am currently addicted to the pairing of these fonts together, and I really love the plum. It reminds me of my sister's wedding back in 1997 (she's 14 years older than me; I was the flower girl).<br />
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<i>Interested in working with me on a custom design project? Email me at sarah [at] onagoodnotedesigns [dot] com.</i>On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-69260507361682116512013-01-07T00:00:00.000-05:002013-01-07T12:08:27.188-05:00Wrapping Up Think Kit 2012 (Better Late Than Never, Right?)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-zLndl5oi3P4YK46TLaGMQnUItAqGayxLYI23EsyO03XLkocVEVprPsHVionXQE8eb1x6us67CibEq8-W4sEH-9tTLCzscWpeZ_A0qZXGxsRPRYwoGSAd38CVdvOxhhwibLG-Tnf_UM/s1600/wrapping-up-2012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-zLndl5oi3P4YK46TLaGMQnUItAqGayxLYI23EsyO03XLkocVEVprPsHVionXQE8eb1x6us67CibEq8-W4sEH-9tTLCzscWpeZ_A0qZXGxsRPRYwoGSAd38CVdvOxhhwibLG-Tnf_UM/s1600/wrapping-up-2012.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from top: My sister and brother-in-law's beautiful street in Florida; me and one of my best friends, Ellen, at a mini DePauw reunion (I promise I have other tops than that sweater); the BEST mac and cheese in the world at the OK Cafe in Atlanta; Palm trees!; In Daytona Beach you can actually drive ON the beach, which is kind of crazy.</td></tr>
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December got away from me. I had a table at the Indy Alternative Gift Fair (which I really, really enjoyed) and had plenty of Christmas orders to fill. I also got to see some old college friends for an evening in Bloomington, which was a welcome burst of fun in the middle of the holiday chaos. Then I ended the month visiting family in the Nashville and Orlando areas.<br />
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It had been over a year since I got away for a prolonged period of time, so a week outside of Indiana felt amazing. Plus, I got to eat at the <a href="http://www.okcafe.com/">OK Cafe</a> in Atlanta, a place my family accidentally found about 8 or so years ago when I visited Emory as a prospective student. If you're ever in Atlanta, please do yourself a HUGE favor and eat there. It's a funky spot on the north side of the city that celebrates good southern and homestyle cooking. They have THE BEST mac and cheese I've ever eaten in my life (and trust me, I've eaten a lot). This trip I also enjoyed crab and crawfish cakes, which were perfection.<br />
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But amazing mac and cheese aside, I missed out on the end of Think Kit. I didn't want to let it go without mentioning it again, so here are answers to a few of the responses from the rest of December:<br />
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<b>Wednesday, Dec 12: Something Different</b><br />
<i>Try
something totally different. Have something for lunch or dinner you
don't normally eat. Make up a new recipe. What did you come up with?</i><br />
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I ate lunch with a Twitter friend I hadn't met in person before. Does that count? <br />
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<b>Thursday, Dec 13: Your dream trip</b><br />
<i>Plan out your dream trip! Is there somewhere you really want go in 2013? Pick a place in Indy, or anywhere in the world.</i><br />
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New York City. It's been on my list for a long, long, long time.<br />
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<b>Sunday, Dec 16: Learning</b><br />
<i>What new things did you learn this year?</i><br />
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I learned a few little HTML/CSS skills. I'm no expert, but it was great to figure out how to change some things on this blog and the <a href="http://www.onagoodnotedesigns.com/">On a Good Note</a> website all by myself! <br />
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<b>Wednesday, Dec 19: No limits</b><br />
<i>If money, time or other commitments were no obstacle in 2013, what would you do?</i><br />
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TRAVEL. All over: The East Coast. The West Coast. London. Dublin. Paris. Venice. Madrid. I've hardly been anywhere in the grand scheme of things. <br />
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<b>Friday, Dec 21: New mantra</b><br />
<i>Write a mantra for the year ahead - how you'll approach it, what you wish it to be. How'd you arrive at the mantra?</i><br />
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I don't have a mantra per se, but I did pick a word to live by for the year. You can check out the full scoop over at <a href="http://sweetlemonmag.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-new-years-word.html">The Zesty Digest</a>, where I am a weekly contributor. <br />
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<b>Sunday, Dec 30: First step</b><br />
<i>What's one step you can take to support a goal you have for 2013?</i><br />
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Kick my soda habit! I'm on day 3 of no soda right now. I crave the carbonation but I'm trying to develop a love affair with my Georgia Dawgs water bottle. I purchased it a few years ago when I worked at a camp at UGA. I'm not a UGA or SEC fan, but I just pretend the color is for IU. <br />
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<b>Monday, Dec 31: Looking ahead</b><br />
<i>What are you looking forward to the most about the next 365 days?</i><br />
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Improving--myself, my business ventures, my writing habits. Meeting new people. Trying to get organized. Working toward goals.<br />
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What's on your agenda for 2013? On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-10338498685227549222012-12-11T11:27:00.000-05:002012-12-11T11:27:13.264-05:00Charting My TimeIt's not a secret I'm a huge How I Met Your Mother fan. I've followed the show since it began, and one of my proudest achievements in college was converting not one, not two, but THREE of my friends into HIMYM fanatics.<br />
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So when I saw today's Think Kit prompt--to draw a pie chart or Venn diagram of your year, possible activities: eating, drinking, sleeping, working, playing--I couldn't help but want to first make a nod to my beloved Marshall Erikson (played by Jason Segel, my future husband), who fights a chart addiction in one episode.<br />
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Therefore, here is my pie chart of my favorite bars and a bar graph of my favorite pies:<br />
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But in all seriousness, here's how I probably spend my time:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzP5vDuxN7M_vyPb7NAMyRZCANJber8Lj1eRp5xsvAt25TIhTZBi8eTAZn9DQ1nvhB8l3JEbR88z46EZ5y0_ZO1WgMKbO77X2CvcHrsn6x2waptaO-92ItdR1aHlSXzq3xzgYYA5v42M/s1600/How-I-Spend-My-Time.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzP5vDuxN7M_vyPb7NAMyRZCANJber8Lj1eRp5xsvAt25TIhTZBi8eTAZn9DQ1nvhB8l3JEbR88z46EZ5y0_ZO1WgMKbO77X2CvcHrsn6x2waptaO-92ItdR1aHlSXzq3xzgYYA5v42M/s1600/How-I-Spend-My-Time.png" /></a></div>
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Does anyone else have a life that looks like this? On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890896664053862291.post-90006130331199421492012-12-10T20:06:00.001-05:002012-12-10T20:07:10.306-05:00Creating Traditions<b></b>The holiday season is typically full of tradition, making today's Think Kit topic perfect: What new traditions do you want to start this year? <br />
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I don't have many traditions in place, no routine rituals or things I vow to do every year. Even the holiday season lacks consistency. My family tends to be on the road, with Christmas morning being at either my sister's or aunt's home. A few years ago my aunt decided to start a Christmas Eve tea for just the women. Last year, though, my parents and I opted to avoid the stress of tiring holiday travel and stay in Indiana, skipping out on tradition for the welcome opportunity to wake up in our own beds on Christmas morning.<br />
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Outside of the holidays I don't have many traditions, but one thing I'd love to do is make a yearly road trip with my friend Ellen (or any other friend who wants a little adventure!).<br />
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In 2010 Ellen and I both spent the summer working for branches of an academic camp. She was in Durham, NC at Duke while I melted (literally, it was incredibly hot) at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. At the end of the summer I picked her up in Durham and we embarked north on a Virginia adventure, spending time in Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and the beautiful University of Virginia in Charlottesville. It was the perfect way to end the summer before our senior year of college and it was the first time I got to experience the freedom of vacationing as an adult. We've briefly talked about doing another trip in the future but have never made concrete plans. Maybe 2013 is the time to take the leap. <br />
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What are some of your road trip adventures? And what traditions do you want to create in 2013?On a Good Note Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16839015932050625314noreply@blogger.com0