ASHLEY BROOKE DESIGNS GIVEAWAY

You're all going to love today's giveaway because, well, it's all about you! Ashley Brooke Designs is giving away custom stationery — designed around your favorite things!

I emailed Ashley a list of my current favorites (many from my boutique!) and she sent me an illustrated version complete with the name of my blog/business and gorgeous lined envelopes. Want to win your own set? Simply click into the Rafflecopter widget below (if you're in Google Reader you'll have to click over to see it) and follow the steps to rack up extra entries!

The giveaway closes at midnight Thursday night and the winner will be announced Friday morning at 8 a.m. EST. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You're all going to love today's giveaway because, well, it's all about you! Ashley Brooke Designs is giving away custom stationery — designed around your favorite things!

I emailed Ashley a list of my current favorites (many from my boutique!) and she sent me an illustrated version complete with the name of my blog/business and gorgeous lined envelopes. Want to win your own set? Simply click into the Rafflecopter widget below (if you're in Google Reader you'll have to click over to see it) and follow the steps to rack up extra entries!

The giveaway closes at midnight Thursday night and the winner will be announced Friday morning at 8 a.m. EST. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NEW ARRIVALS!

One of the best parts of owning an online boutique is the feeling that comes with rolling out new arrivals every few weeks. I love the challenge of sourcing new products, the fun of getting to collaborate with new designers, and the excitement I get from all of you when (hopefully!) you like the products as much as I do! I'm thrilled to have collaborated with the darling Keely (whose own site launches very soon!) on all the new paper goods to hit the boutique today. I hope you love what you see!

The monogrammed and personalized options just went live this morning, including a Design Darling exclusive in hot pink and navy blue Greek key! Shop the complete collection here and be sure to let me know what you think!

One of the best parts of owning an online boutique is the feeling that comes with rolling out new arrivals every few weeks. I love the challenge of sourcing new products, the fun of getting to collaborate with new designers, and the excitement I get from all of you when (hopefully!) you like the products as much as I do! I'm thrilled to have collaborated with the darling Keely (whose own site launches very soon!) on all the new paper goods to hit the boutique today. I hope you love what you see!

The monogrammed and personalized options just went live this morning, including a Design Darling exclusive in hot pink and navy blue Greek key! Shop the complete collection here and be sure to let me know what you think!

SPARROW NEST SCRIPT

Lately I cannot get enough of Etsy. I could spend hours scouring new-to-me shops, bookmarking favorite items, and adding new people to my "circles." There is so much talent out there and I'm constantly discovering something else to love! You already know about my infatuation with calligraphy so imagine my delight in discovering the darling designs of Sparrow Nest Script...

{Notebook, $20}

{Mini notecards, $10 for 10}

{Spring stationery, $20 for 10}

Isn't the lettering just perfect? Plus the range of colors is pretty amazing. Imagine a drawer of these goodies at your desk! A dream come true.

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Lately I cannot get enough of Etsy. I could spend hours scouring new-to-me shops, bookmarking favorite items, and adding new people to my "circles." There is so much talent out there and I'm constantly discovering something else to love! You already know about my infatuation with calligraphy so imagine my delight in discovering the darling designs of Sparrow Nest Script...

{Notebook, $20}

{Mini notecards, $10 for 10}

{Spring stationery, $20 for 10}

Isn't the lettering just perfect? Plus the range of colors is pretty amazing. Imagine a drawer of these goodies at your desk! A dream come true.

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Faux Calligraphy

One of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list is to take a calligraphy lesson. Since that's not exactly in the cards right now, I was absolutely thrilled to stumble upon this tutorial for "faux calligraphy" from Jones Design Company via Pinterest.

{photos taken with Instagram}

I played around with different scripts and I have to say I love the way they turned out! In fact I'm afraid I've created a monster ;) Of course it's not as good as the real deal but it'll definitely tide me over... and give me a reason to keep practicing!

One of the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list is to take a calligraphy lesson. Since that's not exactly in the cards right now, I was absolutely thrilled to stumble upon this tutorial for "faux calligraphy" from Jones Design Company via Pinterest.

{photos taken with Instagram}

I played around with different scripts and I have to say I love the way they turned out! In fact I'm afraid I've created a monster ;) Of course it's not as good as the real deal but it'll definitely tide me over... and give me a reason to keep practicing!

Inspiration Boards + Giveaway Winner!

Happy Friday! I was chatting with Erika and Merritt on Twitter about how weekends are a little different when you're self-employed... Depending on how you think of it, it's either always a weekend or always a work day! But when you're doing something you love, well, I wouldn't have it any other way. Here are a few things that inspired me this week:

{Diane Bergeron}

{Jamie Meares}

{Rebecca Minkoff in Matchbook}

Is it strange to pin inspiration boards on Pinterest, which is basically a virtual inspiration board? Feels a little Inception to me. Regardless, aren't they pretty? Oh, and without further ado, the winner of the Tiny Prints giveaway is...

Congratulations, Kelley! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the wonderful folks at Tiny Prints. Thank you to everyone who entered and have a fabulous weekend, working or otherwise!

Happy Friday! I was chatting with Erika and Merritt on Twitter about how weekends are a little different when you're self-employed... Depending on how you think of it, it's either always a weekend or always a work day! But when you're doing something you love, well, I wouldn't have it any other way. Here are a few things that inspired me this week:

{Diane Bergeron}

{Jamie Meares}

{Rebecca Minkoff in Matchbook}

Is it strange to pin inspiration boards on Pinterest, which is basically a virtual inspiration board? Feels a little Inception to me. Regardless, aren't they pretty? Oh, and without further ado, the winner of the Tiny Prints giveaway is...

Congratulations, Kelley! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the wonderful folks at Tiny Prints. Thank you to everyone who entered and have a fabulous weekend, working or otherwise!

$75 Tiny Prints Giveaway!

I'm sure I'm not the only one who pledged to do a little more entertaining and organizing in the new year. Fortunately this week's giveaway is perfect for both resolutions! Tiny Prints is generously offering one $75 gift card and it's up to the lucky winner whether to spend it on address labels, party invitations, personalized stationery, thank you notes, and more! Here are a few of my very favorites...

Mesmerizing Monogram address labels, $7

Vibrant Border personalized stationery, $16

Cursive Cocktails party invitations, $22

Dashing Diamonds personalized stationery, $21

Spring Burst party invitations, $22

To enter the giveaway, please do the following:

For one entry, leave a comment telling us how you'd spend your $75 gift card.

For a second entry (leave a separate comment), like Tiny Prints on Facebook.

For a third entry (leave a separate comment), follow Tiny Prints on Twitter.

The winner will be announced on Friday morning. Good luck!

I'm sure I'm not the only one who pledged to do a little more entertaining and organizing in the new year. Fortunately this week's giveaway is perfect for both resolutions! Tiny Prints is generously offering one $75 gift card and it's up to the lucky winner whether to spend it on address labels, party invitations, personalized stationery, thank you notes, and more! Here are a few of my very favorites...

Mesmerizing Monogram address labels, $7

Vibrant Border personalized stationery, $16

Cursive Cocktails party invitations, $22

Dashing Diamonds personalized stationery, $21

Spring Burst party invitations, $22

To enter the giveaway, please do the following:

For one entry, leave a comment telling us how you'd spend your $75 gift card.

For a second entry (leave a separate comment), like Tiny Prints on Facebook.

For a third entry (leave a separate comment), follow Tiny Prints on Twitter.

The winner will be announced on Friday morning. Good luck!

Hello Sunshine

Everyone loves a handwritten note and every girl needs a wealth of options when it comes time to pick up the pen! I'm quite convinced that these Kate Spade notecards from Crane belong among my collection...

{All Wrapped Up}

{Confetti}

{Hello Sunshine}

Aren't they darling? At just $20, they may very well find their way to my desktop!

Everyone loves a handwritten note and every girl needs a wealth of options when it comes time to pick up the pen! I'm quite convinced that these Kate Spade notecards from Crane belong among my collection...

{All Wrapped Up}

{Confetti}

{Hello Sunshine}

Aren't they darling? At just $20, they may very well find their way to my desktop!

Effie's Paper Giveaway!

There are few things I love more than a handwritten note or a stack of stationery just waiting to be used. I'm excited to be partnering with the darling Kalyn to bring you this giveaway from her stationery company Effie's Paper! 

One of you will receive personalized stationery in your choice of color and pattern! And everyone gets 15% off with the code "DARLING" at checkout now through Friday. I might have to grab that ikat set for myself!

- - -

To enter, become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. For an extra entry (please comment again!), like Effie's Paper on Facebook. Good luck!

There are few things I love more than a handwritten note or a stack of stationery just waiting to be used. I'm excited to be partnering with the darling Kalyn to bring you this giveaway from her stationery company Effie's Paper! 

One of you will receive personalized stationery in your choice of color and pattern! And everyone gets 15% off with the code "DARLING" at checkout now through Friday. I might have to grab that ikat set for myself!

- - -

To enter, become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. For an extra entry (please comment again!), like Effie's Paper on Facebook. Good luck!

And the winner is...

The winner of the Graphic Image giveaway is entry #61, Kelly Carlin! Congratulations to Kelly — please email me so I can put you in touch with the lovely folks at Graphic Image to redeem your gorgeous new 2012 planner! Thank you to everyone who entered; I have a couple more exciting giveaways lined up over the next month that I can't wait to share with you!

The winner of the Graphic Image giveaway is entry #61, Kelly Carlin! Congratulations to Kelly — please email me so I can put you in touch with the lovely folks at Graphic Image to redeem your gorgeous new 2012 planner! Thank you to everyone who entered; I have a couple more exciting giveaways lined up over the next month that I can't wait to share with you!

Graphic Image 2012 Planner Giveaway!

My friends at Graphic Image are graciously giving away one 2012 planner in the winner's chosen color and monogram! They kindly sent me a bright orange planner (that I wish I could start using immediately!) and it officially has my stamp of approval.

Look at all the pretty colors! The leather quality is to die for and there's plenty of space to write — a must for this compulsive list-maker!

To enter the giveaway, simply become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. The winner will be announced on Friday morning. Good luck!

My friends at Graphic Image are graciously giving away one 2012 planner in the winner's chosen color and monogram! They kindly sent me a bright orange planner (that I wish I could start using immediately!) and it officially has my stamp of approval.

Look at all the pretty colors! The leather quality is to die for and there's plenty of space to write — a must for this compulsive list-maker!

To enter the giveaway, simply become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. The winner will be announced on Friday morning. Good luck!

Adorable Stationery + Exclusive Discount!

How darling are these air mail-inspired custom thank you notes? They start at just $1.10 per card depending on the quantity you order. But get ready for this! Amy, the owner, is graciously extending 25% with the code "darling" from now through August 15. For that, I'll expect a thank you note.

How darling are these air mail-inspired custom thank you notes? They start at just $1.10 per card depending on the quantity you order. But get ready for this! Amy, the owner, is graciously extending 25% with the code "darling" from now through August 15. For that, I'll expect a thank you note.

Recent Acquisitions

{Dani Notes monogrammed tray ($34) & Graphic Image business card case ($41)}

I literally squealed when I unwrapped my new melamine tray. They are completely customizable and make great gifts too! My new business card case already came in handy at the San Francisco design blogger meet-up last week (see pictures here).

{Chance Co. shirt ($60) & K. Slademade clutch ($54)}

This striped boatneck shirt has been a gateway drug. Suddenly the only things I want to wear are striped! Hey, I'm not complaining. I recommend ordering one size up. My new K. Slademade clutch comes with me literally everywhere I go and fits the necessities (chapstick, keys, phone, wallet) with room to spare.

{Bibbon eye mask, $35}

This baby gets a picture of its own. You know why? Because it has changed my life. I have a tough time falling asleep most nights (running through my to do list and tomorrow's obligations) and distractions like light and sound don't help. I might not look cool with my ear plugs and eye mask, but hey, whatever helps you sleep at night. I literally could not recommend Bonnie's custom eye masks more highly.

{Vintage earrings}

My mom and I found these fun sparklers at the Alameda Flea Market, enabling me to cross "buy something at a flea market" from my 101 in 1001 list. The best part? They were only $12!

{Kate's Paperie notebooks ($17 each) & Graphic Image address book ($64)}

These eco-friendly recycled leather notebooks come in every color under the sun and my citrusy-hued choices will come in handy for many a to do list. My new address book also checks off a 101 in 1001 task and comes in the most beautiful buttery yellow leather. Swoon.

- - - 

So, darlings, do dish: what are some of your recent acquisitions?

{Dani Notes monogrammed tray ($34) & Graphic Image business card case ($41)}

I literally squealed when I unwrapped my new melamine tray. They are completely customizable and make great gifts too! My new business card case already came in handy at the San Francisco design blogger meet-up last week (see pictures here).

{Chance Co. shirt ($60) & K. Slademade clutch ($54)}

This striped boatneck shirt has been a gateway drug. Suddenly the only things I want to wear are striped! Hey, I'm not complaining. I recommend ordering one size up. My new K. Slademade clutch comes with me literally everywhere I go and fits the necessities (chapstick, keys, phone, wallet) with room to spare.

{Bibbon eye mask, $35}

This baby gets a picture of its own. You know why? Because it has changed my life. I have a tough time falling asleep most nights (running through my to do list and tomorrow's obligations) and distractions like light and sound don't help. I might not look cool with my ear plugs and eye mask, but hey, whatever helps you sleep at night. I literally could not recommend Bonnie's custom eye masks more highly.

{Vintage earrings}

My mom and I found these fun sparklers at the Alameda Flea Market, enabling me to cross "buy something at a flea market" from my 101 in 1001 list. The best part? They were only $12!

{Kate's Paperie notebooks ($17 each) & Graphic Image address book ($64)}

These eco-friendly recycled leather notebooks come in every color under the sun and my citrusy-hued choices will come in handy for many a to do list. My new address book also checks off a 101 in 1001 task and comes in the most beautiful buttery yellow leather. Swoon.

- - - 

So, darlings, do dish: what are some of your recent acquisitions?

Graphic Image on sale!

Remember when I collaborated with Graphic Image to bring you this giveaway? I haven't been able to get their happy-hued leather accessories out of my head since.

I splurged on this address book ($64) in bright yellow leather and suffice it to say I'm obsessed. I can't wait to add all my family and friends' contact information, which you may recall is on my 101 in 1001 list!

I also bought this business card case ($41) in hot pink leather and I can't wait to show it off at my next networking event. It picks up on my blog logo's hot pink dress perfectly! (Remember how I was just complaining about my out-of-control business card collection? Who knew a couple Graphic Image purchases could knock two tasks off my 101 in 1001 list?)

- - -

Want to invest in a few new office essentials yourself? I have very happy news for you! Every single thing on Graphic Image's website is 50% off today thanks to their Christmas in July event. That means my address book costs just $32 and my business card case only $20 and change. Of course my cart is filled up to here with lots of other little luxuries. Shop to it!

Remember when I collaborated with Graphic Image to bring you this giveaway? I haven't been able to get their happy-hued leather accessories out of my head since.

I splurged on this address book ($64) in bright yellow leather and suffice it to say I'm obsessed. I can't wait to add all my family and friends' contact information, which you may recall is on my 101 in 1001 list!

I also bought this business card case ($41) in hot pink leather and I can't wait to show it off at my next networking event. It picks up on my blog logo's hot pink dress perfectly! (Remember how I was just complaining about my out-of-control business card collection? Who knew a couple Graphic Image purchases could knock two tasks off my 101 in 1001 list?)

- - -

Want to invest in a few new office essentials yourself? I have very happy news for you! Every single thing on Graphic Image's website is 50% off today thanks to their Christmas in July event. That means my address book costs just $32 and my business card case only $20 and change. Of course my cart is filled up to here with lots of other little luxuries. Shop to it!

Shoppin' at Poppin

Confession: I am completely and hopelessly addicted to school supplies. (Or are they called office supplies once you've graduated?) Regardless, it says so in my about page and that means it must be true. So when the friendly folks over at Poppin offered to send a few goodies my way, you should know I was all over that.

Free goodies and saucy packaging? It doesn't get much better than that.

I'm loving my new medium red notebook and you can bet I'm putting my new ballpoint pens to good use with my obsessive list-making. Of course the swag bag worked because I've now added these other must-haves to my cart...

{Jumbo assorted highlighters, $4}

{Staplers, $8 each}

{Tape dispensers, $8 each}

And if their awesome office supplies weren't enough, Poppin is debuting a furniture line in the near future. I can only expect that it will be as colorful and contemporary as my new goodies! Go check them out and let me know if you're as obsessed as I am.

Confession: I am completely and hopelessly addicted to school supplies. (Or are they called office supplies once you've graduated?) Regardless, it says so in my about page and that means it must be true. So when the friendly folks over at Poppin offered to send a few goodies my way, you should know I was all over that.

Free goodies and saucy packaging? It doesn't get much better than that.

I'm loving my new medium red notebook and you can bet I'm putting my new ballpoint pens to good use with my obsessive list-making. Of course the swag bag worked because I've now added these other must-haves to my cart...

{Jumbo assorted highlighters, $4}

{Staplers, $8 each}

{Tape dispensers, $8 each}

And if their awesome office supplies weren't enough, Poppin is debuting a furniture line in the near future. I can only expect that it will be as colorful and contemporary as my new goodies! Go check them out and let me know if you're as obsessed as I am.

Graphic Image Giveaway Winner!

And the winner is...

Entry #27, Julip Made! Congratulations — please email me so I can put you in touch with the kind folks at Graphic Image!

Thank you to everyone who entered and to Graphic Image for extending a 20% off discount for everyone with the code "darling" at checkout. 

Shop away! And tell me — what are your weekend plans?

P.S. San Francisco updates coming next week for those who have asked on Twitter!

And the winner is...

Entry #27, Julip Made! Congratulations — please email me so I can put you in touch with the kind folks at Graphic Image!

Thank you to everyone who entered and to Graphic Image for extending a 20% off discount for everyone with the code "darling" at checkout. 

Shop away! And tell me — what are your weekend plans?

P.S. San Francisco updates coming next week for those who have asked on Twitter!

$75 Graphic Image Giveaway!

My dears, are you familiar with Graphic Image? They're my go-to source for everything from luggage tags to picture frames and I couldn't be more excited to collaborate with them today.

Hoping to get more organized in the second half of 2011? This desk diary is on sale for $41.

Looking for an investment piece? These leather notebooks ($84) are refillable. 

These luggage tags ($23) were designed to be mixed and matched! Lime and turquoise please :)

I'm pretty sure that every young professional needs this monogrammed business card case ($30), no?

Or this monogrammed iPhone case ($30) if you're so inclined.

And I might actually buy an iPad just to have an excuse to buy this case ($105).

- - -

Have your eye on a new must-have? Good, because Graphic Image is generously giving away a $75 gift certificate to one lucky reader! Simply follow Design Darling and leave a comment below. 

Want to up your odds? You can earn up to two extra entries by 1) following Graphic Image on Twitter and 2) liking Graphic Image on Facebook. 

And everyone gets 20% off when you use the code "darling" at checkout! The winner will be announced on Friday. Good luck!

My dears, are you familiar with Graphic Image? They're my go-to source for everything from luggage tags to picture frames and I couldn't be more excited to collaborate with them today.

Hoping to get more organized in the second half of 2011? This desk diary is on sale for $41.

Looking for an investment piece? These leather notebooks ($84) are refillable. 

These luggage tags ($23) were designed to be mixed and matched! Lime and turquoise please :)

I'm pretty sure that every young professional needs this monogrammed business card case ($30), no?

Or this monogrammed iPhone case ($30) if you're so inclined.

And I might actually buy an iPad just to have an excuse to buy this case ($105).

- - -

Have your eye on a new must-have? Good, because Graphic Image is generously giving away a $75 gift certificate to one lucky reader! Simply follow Design Darling and leave a comment below. 

Want to up your odds? You can earn up to two extra entries by 1) following Graphic Image on Twitter and 2) liking Graphic Image on Facebook. 

And everyone gets 20% off when you use the code "darling" at checkout! The winner will be announced on Friday. Good luck!

Five Steals & A Splurge

I'm sharing five steals and a splurge today on KC's lovely blog Thrifty Solutions for an Urban Gal. Please pop over if you have a moment!

I'm sharing five steals and a splurge today on KC's lovely blog Thrifty Solutions for an Urban Gal. Please pop over if you have a moment!