Finger Lickin' Fridays: Spook-tacular Sweets!

I love, love themed desserts. Look at these to-die-for delectables! (Boy, I'm pun-tastic!)

Stop by the store tomorrow - we've got treats and fabulous frightful greeting cards! Have a ghoulishly good Halloween!

(Photo by Eric Staudenmaier found via Bloomacious)

(Photo by Jessica and Lon at FoodMayhem)

(Photo by Theresa Sullivan of The Craving Chronicles)

(Photo by Annie of Annie's Eats)

(Photo by Amanda Rettke of I Am Mommy)

I'm so excited!

We just ordered Pantone mugs and I am so excited, I can't even stand it. We'll do a full review of them when they arrive next week complete with available colors and pricing, but for now you can daydream about sipping your morning coffee out of one of these bad larrys!

Photo found here.

Drink it up!

We just got a bunch of stripey straws in at the store and I just can't get over how fun they are! Such a simple way to add a bit of POP! to your pop. I love the idea of throwing a cocktail party and jazzing up each sip with a stripey straw. Hooray for celebrating anything and everything!

$3 for 50 straws? I can cheers to that!

(Photo 1 found here, photo 2 here, the 3rd photo here, 4th found here and 5th spotted here)

On videographers.

If you'd asked me 3 years ago whether I would have a videographer at my wedding my answer would have been a resounding "Aww heck no!" You see - my only exposure to wedding videography were the clips I watched on my beloved America's Funniest Home Videos. And they looked just that - like home videos. Blech. No thanks.

Then, after starting a largely weddings-based business, I became entrenched in all things party perfect and was introduced to the way wedding videography could be. And I fell in love. I fell hard for the personality, movement and sound bites that videos can capture.

To prove my point - I direct you to the first 13 seconds of THIS adorable preview from the uber talented Meg Simone. (To give fair warning - don't visit Meg's site if you're at work (and you actually do work at work) or adhering to any sort of schedule. You're going to want to give yourself a good hour or two to watch the oodles of amazing videos on Meg's site. Don't say I didn't warn you.)

Umm, hello? How adorable, hilarious and awesome is that little boy? And how thankful must that couple be that they have that sweet moment on film? I know I'd be pretty pleased.

These days, videography is more than just documenting the day on film. It's an art - complete with a soundtrack, artful editing and all seen through the creative lens of a videographer who knows just what perfect moments each couple will watch over and over again.

I'm a hopelessly devoted photography nut (Hi, Emilie! I heart you!) - you all know that - but I'm fast learning to appreciate the art of the motion picture as a valuable asset to capturing your big day.

Truth be told, though, that little boy could have sold me on anything. Oh boy I love this one too. Looks like a super fun wedding, right?

Lovely things

Here are a few of my favorites today. Loving ivory. Not sure if it's because it makes me think of being a bride or if it's because it reminds me of snow. Either way, how sweet are these little finds?
Left to right:
Adorable skirt dress (literally a skirt and a dress) found here for $165. // Kolo Capri Brag Book in-store at Gus & Ruby for $20. Additional colors available. // Aquiesse candles in luxe linen (smells like sugar cookies baking in the oven!) in-store at Gus & Ruby from $14 - $40. // Cranes zebra letterpress notecards in-store at Gus & Ruby. Also available in giraffe. $19

Sand between the toes or grass stains on your knees?

(All photos courtesy of Tulum Weddings)

Our little Whitney is re-thinking her summer 2010 nuptials. Whiz is now considering flying south for an intimate, casual destination wedding complete with a barefoot ceremony and rustic, family-style dinner under the stars. I'm totally jazzed about the idea. A mini-vacation and watching one of my besties get hitched to a seriously fab guy? Total heaven!

That said, her original idea of a backyard field wedding at her grandmother's home on Lake Winnipesaukee would be amazing, too. The color palate, personal, lovely details and, of course, inspired paper pieces that Whitney has chosen, planned and designed for the event are truly breathtaking and the finished production is sure to be the summer lust for the rest of us wedding fanatics.

Of course, this type of change-of-plans is no easy feat and has Whitney fraught with decisions. Be spontaneous and opt for a simpler, romantic get-away? Stick to the course and see through the wedding she's been planning? Run down to town-hall and call it a day? Smash them all into one and have a ceremony in a small town hall that happens to be on a field on an exotic island in the warm Gulf ocean that Whitney finds out belongs to her family?

Beach or field - this wedding is going to be incredible. It will be beautiful (duh! It's Whitney, after all!), it will be full of care and craft and it will be a celebration of love in more ways than one. Whitney and AK are two of the most hilarious, generous and wonderful people I've had the pleasure of knowing. And, I know I'm not the only one who feels that way. I can only imagine the amount of love and support for these two that is going to be flowing the day they finally tie the knot.

So, Whiz, darlin' - whichever way you go (full-on family wedding in Wofeboro or intimate casual wedding on the beach in Mexico), you're going to be a beautiful blushing bride and AK will play the handsome hubby. We'll all be there (some in person and all in spirit) to clap and laugh and cheer for the wonderful fact that you guys have decided to spend your lives together.

But seriously, let's really consider the Mexico wedding. I could use a tan and this place looks pretty amazing.

xoxo,

sam

Happy Wedding!

Congratulations to our new friends, Tom and Sheila, who are getting married today! They are celebrating on a vineyard in Rhode Island with friends, family and their newest little addition, Corby Rose, who was born in June. We've had the pleasure of working with Sheila over the last 6 months on a save-the-date, birth announcement, invitation, reply card, rehearsal dinner card, table numbers, escort cards and most recently, thank you notes. I look forward to posting some beautiful pictures of all of these items!

Tom and Sheila, we wish you all the best as you begin this new journey as a family! Congratulations!!!

{photo Martha Stewart Weddings}

Ahhhhhh! We need to blog!

So sorry, friends! We have had the busiest week imaginable (no complaints!) and unfortunately, our blog has suffered because of it. Luckily for us, we've had many brides-to-be in to look at wedding invitations and have been designing and printing up a storm for some fun holiday and wedding projects. Yay!

We promise to get back on track with our blogging, but in the meantime, how cute are these little lunch bag notes? You can download the pdf here, print them out and include sweet notes in your little ones' lunch bags! Love 'em.

{seen here}

Darling Dabney Lee

We have so many fabulous goodies arriving daily at the store for the upcoming holiday season. Whitney and I can barely contain ourselves.

One of the super fun things we just received this week is the incredible Dabney Lee @ Home album. Ohmygosh, people. Too adorbs for words.

Stationery designer Dabney Lee started this album of customizable goodies to provide the style-savvy with a place to find "stylish and sophisticated embellishments for your home and office." Browsing through her easy-t0-use album of items and accessories is a treat and the design process is fun, painless and inspiring!

I love everything about this line of home accessories. I love that I can pick a color palate, background pattern and type treatment that reflects exactly my style. I love that Dabney has included everything from ice buckets to picture frames to wall decals in this line. I honestly could find a fabulous, stylish and personal gift for every one of my (beloved!) friends. In fact, I might just do that.

Fab Facts about this amazing line:

1. Everything in the album is SUPER customizable. Once you pick the item that you like, you can then choose from a huge array of colors, patterns, and monogram type from the huge Dabney Lee library of designs. The end result is a personalized, chic piece that truly speaks to your style.

2. Personalized gifts are the best gifts. Seriously. The best.

3. These fun, functional pieces are totally affordable!!

4. Turnaround time is super quick! I mean "I-could-order-cute-gifts-for-friends-for-the-holidays-and-they-would-actually-arrive-in-time-for-the-holidays" kind of quick.

Take a look at a few of the oodles of preppy, chic items you can find in the Dabney Lee @ Home album. Stop by the store for a peek through the album and to place your orders.

Wall art to stylize your living space!

Salt & Pepper shakers - add a little spice to your kitchen!

Playing cards - perfect for your game-fiend friend or the neighborhood bridge club.

This desk calendar is printed on gorgeous, thick, textured paper and each month bears a new, fabulous pairing of pattern and color.

Even without the presence of this ridiculously cute baby, this frame would be a lovely addition to any desk!

There is nothing like a monogrammed notepad to turn the everyday drab into fab.

Can you imagine serving cervezas on your patio from a family cocktail tray? I love it!

The perfect place to stash loose odds and ends - the adorable catch-all.

What stylish lady doesn't need chic file folders?

Every host or hostess should have a dedicated ice bucket. It's Party-Planning 101.

Personalized recipe cards - the perfect gift for a housewarming party, a bridal shower or your favorite chef!

Stop by the store for a peek through the album and to place your orders! Thanks, Dabney. We heart your super cute line.

(All photos courtesy of Dabney Lee @ Home)

A super fun evening!

(Imagine courtesy of Austin from Donald & Trenholm Photographers)

Check out the blog post on MyKPW for a recap of last night's fun get-together. We had a blast! Thanks to all who came by; it's such a treat to meet so many creative, talented, inspiring people!

Hurrah!

MyKPW

(Image by Nelson Hancock via the KPW Blog)

As some of you may know, we are happily part of the Kate Parker Weddings family.

For any of you who don't know Kate Parker - founder of Kate Parker Weddings, Kate Parker Flowers and My KPW - you really should. Kate is one of those amazingly energetic, bubbly, cheery, hugely talented and ambitious women who leaves a wake of dazed devotees wherever she goes. For serious. She's fab.

Kate's newest venture is the myKPW website, which will go live in early 2010. Kate started the totally innovative, interactive, informative myKPW site to give brides a hands-on way to craft her wedding vision within her budget and needs.

The site will provide brides a one-stop shop to view talented vendors (all approved and hand-picked by the KPW team) and browse services using a variety of search methods including but not limited to: location, budget, color palate, and category. Vendors have the ability to constantly update their information, photos and blog postings - making the site a truly interactive format to link providers and customers. In Kate's words, the site is "Revolutionizing how weddings are planned."

As the site isn't live yet, the myKPW Blog was started to give brides, vendors and KPW friends a sneak peek into the myKPW experience. An explanation on the blog reads:

"The myKPW Blog is the unveiling of the unique wedding resource and vendor directory, giving insight and updates as the site is developed and to showcase the talents of its participating vendors. Brides will be able to coordinate every nuance and detail of their wedding a focused resourceful, and dynamic way, all with the expert insight and advice of Kate Parker."

We've been on the blog a few times now! (shameless, aren't I?) Check it. And here!

The moral of the story is that we are just so super excited about the myKPW site. As is the case with everything the KPW team does, the site is sure to be incredible and full of the best-of-the-best wedding industry people with talents and creative spark to fit every vision, budget and location.

Tomorrow night a group of myKPW vendors are meeting with Kate and team at the Gus & Ruby store to get a sneak peek at the site and I just couldn't be more excited. It's going to be a meeting of the wedding-industry minds and I'm pretty sure it's going to be off the hook. We are so happy to be hosting this great group of people.

Hooray! I'm baking pumpkin cookies for the special occasion.

Sunday Cute Things - addendum.

(Photo courtesy of Emilie Inc.)

Ruby kindly alerted me to the fact that she was not acknowledged in my previous post.

My sincere apologies, dear Ruby. You are, of course, a Sunday cute thing!

Sunday Cute Things

Happy Sunday!! In honor of it being Sunday and all, here are some things I think are cute. I'm a firm believer in the healing, restorative power of cute animals.

Teeny, tiny mini horse babies. I mean, do I really need to explain this one?


Hedgehogs - any age - preferably yawning.


Brussels Griffon pups.

Oh, also Brussels Griffon adult dogs, too. Preferably him ^


Tiny pups in hot dog buns.


Tiny pups on hamburger buns. (Please note the difference)


Dogs riding ponies. Obvi.


Baby hippos munching on iceberg lettuce.


Squirrel babies stretchin' and eatin'.


Cheeky lambs.

OK - there you go. Cute things. Happy Sunday!

(Brussels Griffon top photo: FeatherWood Brussels Griffons. Brussels Griffon bottom photo: Emilie Sommer of Emilie Inc. Photography. All other photos: cuteoverload.com)

2010 is going to be...

(Dutch Door Press letterpress wall calendar)

Gorgeous!

Our 2010 calendars have arrived and boy-oh-boy are they gorgeous! We've got wall and desk, monthly and yearly - quite a variety.

A calendar hung with some sweet ribbon can add a pop of color and art to your kitchen wall, office cubicle or just about anywhere. What a simple and fabulous way to infuse your life with a little design?

Linda & Harriett letterpress wall calendar. Coolest thing about this calendar: the back of the bottom half of each month is a printed postcard! Simply cut off the bottom half and send someone a fabulous note! Loves it!

Stunning oversize Snow & Graham wall calendar - wire bound and ready for hanging!

Sweet Snow & Graham desk calendar with a handy display tray.

Suzy Jack desk calendar - modern, graphic and vibrant!

Suzy Jack wall calendar. So chic, right?

These fab calendars are already flying off the shelves so don't wait to come see for yourself!