Instagram Magnets

With almost 2,000 pictures in my iPhone photo gallery, I always wondered what I could do besides leave them to sit there and eat up memory. So glad I found Stickygram, "a personalized printing service that turns your Instagram images into lovely little magnets."  I thought they'd make perfect little additions to Christmas gifts....except they just arrived this week. I love the way they turned out!

College 101

My sister Liz leaves for college tomorrow. {Insert brain explosion}.

Every co-ed needs an attractive bulletin board. Instead of giving into Vera Bradley's current monopoly on collegiate necessities, I made this for her last night.

Directions: Google "how to make a framed bulletin board." I didn't do this and I probably should have. I can tell you that the frame is from Michael's and the fabric (that matches her cute PBdorm bedding*) is from Jo-Anne's.

*Why wasn't there PBdorm when I was in college?! 

In

Hollywood Tuck Shift Dress, Topshop; Cut to the Chase Bib Necklace, Kate Spade; UO Suede Pump, Urban; Faceted Cocktail Ring, ASOS ($3.45!); Leather Mini Clutch, Marketa.

Hot Dog Champ or Whirlwind Sweetheart?

Well, the bff is having a baby! This means a shower is in order. The above is what danced around my head last night - very similar to sugar plums. No matter if it's a girl or a boy, I think the babe will still be a hot dog eating champ...which will make me very proud.

I Remember Summer, bomobob; Hot Dog Eating Champ Tee, crewcuts; Girls' Whirlwind Dress, crewcuts; Rainbow Baby Shower cake via Oh Happy Day; Elephant and Giraffe Rattles, Bla Bla; The Secret Circus by Johanna Wright, Amazon; Animal Parade Cupcake Kit, Meri Meri; Paper Straws, Polka-Dot Market.

Father's Day Love

My friend Michelle took a tip from Martha and put together a shadowbox for her fiancee's first Father's Day. I was so happy to help out and share some bits and pieces from my stash. We used fancy papers for the background, foam core to make the pics stick out, pins, and a glue stick and double sided tape to make the magic happen. Michelle included the teeny hat Ms. Bryn came home from the hospital in and the only pacifier she would accept for the first few months of her life. I thought this was such a sweet idea and would make a great gift for any special holiday.
Happy Dad's Day!

Teacher's Ade

From Lisa Storms, I love this teacher gift idea. Practical and not a lot of fuss. 

Warning that Lisa's blog might suck you in for quite awhile. Her crafty lunches are amazing!

Devil Jars

I need to make these. Or any version of these crazy cakes in a jar. But, it will have to wait awhile because 

I also needed to make cookies on Monday and then only ate cookies for three days.

Cake + party favor all in one. "Here's your cake, it's a favor, thanks for coming, adios."

Photos from babble.com

Living with Chronic Bitchface

Has this ever happened to you? I feel like between the ages of 22 and 25 I heard it at least a few times a week. Nothing is worse! It hasn't happened recently, but it is a Monday and it's 30 degrees colder than some wonderful days last week, so I thought I'd pile on some misery. Happy day to you!

Sidenote: I love Kris Atomic's illustrations. You might recognize her style from the cover of Anthology mag's first issue. See more of her work here (amazing photography, too) and buy prints here.

Fine Heraldry

I've come across these custom crests before, but every time I see them I love them all over again. By Happy Menocal,  they deliver custom heraldry for a new family, wedding gift or invitations, personal monogram or logo.  As a weddding gift would be to die for. Maybe one for the newly engaged Mo of Just Say Maux? I think so.

Sweet Easter Treats

This year my family went to Easter brunch at a nearby hotel so I wanted to do a little something personal for everyone. I know I wouldn't mind getting an extra bag of sweets, so I put together these little cookie packs. Each one had a chocolate cookie sandwich (a recipe I made back in February) and a vanilla cookie sandwich (same recipe, just used vanilla cake). I dyed the icing all sorts of Easter pastels to shake things up a bit. This is a super easy recipe to follow and would make great place cards or favors. I was happy with the result and even happier when I saw some empty bags on the table before we even ate!

Smile Inducing

It's a rainy day and I've neglected the blog for about two weeks now.

However, it's a rainy Friday (!), and these prints are most certainly worthy of a smile. On a Friday. TGIF.

That first one is called Lonely Traveller and I just love him.

All prints and pics from I Love Doodle

Coordinating With Jess LC

Behold, my submission for the Jess LC Design Your Look Challenge. The challenge is to create a spring look around two Jess LC pieces. This was semi-easy for me because a) I already have Jess's Diversey Medium Solid Enamel Paisley Necklace and b) I love the Paisley Small Drop Earrings and need them asap.

I also have the Franklin "Dream Bigger" necklace and couldn't love it a bit more. I wear it constantly and people are always curious about the braille message. All of Jess's pieces are completely versatile and classic which definitely makes her one of my favorite designers out there. And she's local! Check out Jess's blog, Makeunder My Life here and shop the Jess LC collection here. Vote for your fave Design Your Look submission (ahem, mine) starting on April 11th!

Medium Solid Enamel Paisley Necklace, Jess LC; Chiffon Knit Dress, Calypso; Levi's Corduroy Jacket, Urban Outfitters; Blurred Chevron Scarf, Anthro; Natasha leather cross-body bag, Marc Jacobs; Paisley Small Drop Earrings, Jess LC; Melania, Kate Spade; SanTan-tonio, OPI

The Anatomy of a Cupcake

Photographer, Allen Hemberger, and designer, Sarah Wilson, created this print for their friend Lesleigh because they couldn't be with her on her birthday. They also created a little video of their design process.

It's gotten quite the buzz (was featured on Forbes and a few other blogs) and now the print is for sale.

Go here to purchase this sweet birthday gift and watch their design video.

Abe & Mary

Meet my new roommates. They used to live at my favorite antique store right near my house. Dan O knew I had my eye on them for awhile (mostly because Abe is his favorite pres and I was thinking about getting them for him), when lo and behold he gifted me with my first ever President's Day present last night. He mentioned the woman behind the counter said something like, "A President's Day present! Well that's a first. Isn't that somethin?" It most certainly is.

Odds and Ends

Behold, random bits all under $15. These are a few of my favorite purchases in the last month or two.

God bless Homegoods and Ikea, naturally. Also, an apprehensive applause to Michael's for adding some kind of odd Parisian decorating aisle.

Porcelain crown, Michael's; Pink globe, Homegoods; Glass jar, Ikea;

Crystal votive holder, Homegoods; Gray & white striped tray, Ikea

Lost in Bloglovin

An extraordinary way to spend this Friday would be getting lost in Bloglovin. An easy way to keep track of all your faves (and find hundreds of new reads) because "reading blogs can be a pain in the ass." Follow The Social Secretary on Bloglovin here. And just for the H of it, follow me on Twitter here. Happy Weekend!

I Love You Blogs and Coffee Print  by Jennifer Ramos seen on Just Say Maux

Painting the Roses

BMine E-Valetines, Kate Spade; I Heart Umbrellas, ModCloth; Boucle Blazer, Forever 21; Red Lips Hinged Bangle, Betsey Johnson all Valentine's gifts on sale until the 14th!; Red Cheetah Tray, Furbish Online; Nebb Frames, Mascot; Dolce Vita Strappy Platform Wedge, Urban; Duck Bag, Baggu; Mini Cake Stand, A Fabulous Fete.

Chocolate Heart of Gold

The only thing better than a box of chocolates is an assemblage of mini cakes designed to look like a box of chocolates. The gold heart shaped wonders are a dream. Read here how Rosie from Sweetapolita (new favorite baking blog) put this confectionary masterpiece together!

Spotted on Sweet Tooth by way of  Twig and Thistle

A Coral Love Story

Adam Crepe Paper Skirt, The Outnet; Leafy Heart Rubber Stamp, Paper Source; Custom Floral Portrait Print, Rifle Paper Co.; Color Block Shoe Clips, Ban.do; Nude Feather Clutch, ASOS; Little Blouse, Emersonmade; Arrow Earrings, Curiousity Shoppe; Strawberry Cheesecake Necklace, Anthro

DIY Woven Bracelet

An updated style for your BFF.

Spotted on Little White Whale with instructions at Honestly...WTF

Pic from Little White Whale