Bragging Rights

Have a mentioned yet that I'M GOING TO HAWAII!!! Ahh, I just love how that sounds. Here's some pics to get the rest of you excited for me too. And gloat a little :) The first group of pictures are at the Sheraton Maui, where we'll be staying 5 nights.

And the winner is ....

... Elissa from Red Head in Raleigh! Elissa is winner a set of Mod Floral Pink notecards from Whitney English, personalized to her individual style! Congratulations Elissa. And thanks everyone for playing. Hope to have another giveaway soon!

I have set a date for my fall 'just because' party. I've decided on a fall seasonal menu and a traditional dinner party. Complete with our china that never gets used, the silver that is still in the box, linens, chargers, etc... the works! I've never hostessed a full on dinner party like this so I'm really excited. Cookouts and appetizer parties, yes, but this will be a first. Hopefully I don't burn everything! Will post pics and recipes after. Thank you everyone for the ideas, I'll be using some of them for sure.

Blog Crush on Coco & Kelly

Have you been over to Coco & Kelly yet? If not, you should go ... right now! Not only do they have fresh and fashionable ideas and inspirations for decor, entertaining and personal style, but they also do really cool giveaways. This week they're featuring a giveaway everyday for their Birthday Week. Cassandra turns 30 this week and by the looks of her latest posts, this is a birthday that will go down in history! Some of the fabulous giveaways so far have been bedding from Layla Grace and beautiful clutches from BeeGee Bags. I can't wait to see what else she's featuring this week!

Tomorrow is last day for the GIVEAWAY!

Reminder everyone... the last day to join in on the giveaway goodness is tomorrow! I'm going to be posting the winner! Enter HERE to get in on the fun.  You could win a set of personalized Whitney English notecards for yourself, or as a gift for someone else. These make great gift exchanges, hostess gifts and stocking stuffers!

Ruby and her pumpkin

This is my baby, Ruby! We made a pumpkin together. Ok, well I made it. But its inspired by her. You can find all sorts of dog breed templates on Better Homes & Gardens HERE.

Favorite Fall & Thanksgiving Invitations

Did you know that Christmas is only 59 days away now? And Thanksgiving is only 30 days away?!? If you're hostessing any sort of holiday soiree then it is time to think about your invitation!

Here are my pics for favorite Fall & Thanksgiving themed invitations, perfect for your November celebrations. All of these can be found on PaperConcierge!

Thanksgiving Feast by Hicks

Fall Suziana Invitation by Whitney English

Fall Tree Invitation by Hicks

Pumpkin Invitation by Whitney English

On the importance of a handwritten note

It's no secret. I love Swoozies, and I always will. I hope they re-open a store near me soon! Or as I tell my husband multiple times each week ... "can we please buy a Swoozies or a Paper Source?" Ahh, in my dreams.

I got their newsletter in my inbox today and I whole-heartedly agree with what they're saying here in their Holiday 2010 catalog!

"For all the nay-sayers out there who think putting pen to paper and writing a note to a loved one, a friend or business acquaintance is outdated, we would like to chat with you over coffee. We know the value of a handwritten note and are challenging all of our swoozie's clients out there to do it more often, no matter what age we live in - digial, electronic, information - receiving personal mail means the world to a child, a grandparent, a friend and even a client. So sharpen your pencils, buy some stamps and send stylish note cards customized to your personality. We promise, you'll see the importance."

BucketList update

Gotta stay on target! I have 51 days left. And 23 items left on my list. I'm running one my 5k's tomorrow (although I'll probably walk a lot). And I want to definitely go to church this weekend too.

30 Before 30 Bucket List:


1. Learn to make Grandma Burch's chocolate pie.
2. Visit my sister in NYC.
3. Go to Hawaii and see my friend Heidi.
             Trip is booked!!!
4. Revamp my iPod library.
5. Go to church once per month (minimum).
             September – went 2 times
6. Go hiking in the mountains.
7. Enjoy a concert date with husband.
             8/21 – Zac Brown Band
8. Eat out at 3 new restaurants a month (new to me).
             8/5 – Burger Co.
             8/17 – Ellas Seafood
             8/20 – PioPio
             8/22 – Park 51 Café
            10/3 – The Rusty Bucket
            10/5 – Creole’s
            10/26 - Tai Basil
            10/27 - Fresh Wrap9. Jog on the beach. (Ocean Isle or Hawaii)
            8/14 Ocean Isle
            8/15 Ocean Isle
10. Spend a rainy day at home watching movies all day.
11. Babysit a baby.
12. Order my wedding album.
13. Change a tire.
14. Run two 5k races.
            10/23 - 4.Niner 5k
15. Host a PaperConcierge party at my house.
            10/17
16. Reconnect with old college friends. (Alicia’s wedding, call Beth, Megan, Laura, see Meera in NYC)
            - drinks with Joe 8/13
            - Alicia’s wedding 10/1
17. Make and continue the habit of 2 fitness classes per week.
           Accomplished – weeks 7/18, 7/25, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16 was 1 class & 2 jog outside ... I stopped
          counting, but I have been working out regularly, just not always in a class setting.
18. Give blood again.
19. Go fishing with my dad. (when he visits NC)
20. Have a girls weekend away.
           7/23 – Courtney’s Cabin
21. Have a 'just because' party in the fall.
22. Stop biting my nails.
23. Visit an NC winery.
24. Watch a sunrise. (Hawaii)
25. Go on a picnic date with husband.
26. No fast food for an entire month. (Starting 9/16.)
          9/16-10/22
27. See a drive-in movie.
28. Play tennis ... LOL, attempt to play tennis.
29. Eat vegetarian for a week. (when michael is out of town)
30. Take a Zumba class.

A PaperConcierge Giveaway ... Just Because

#21 - Have a 'just because' party in the fall

Help! I need some ideas and I'm looking for inspiration from YOU! Please enter into my "Just Because" giveaway for a chance to win this lovely set of personalized Whitney English note cards! And also help me decide on a theme/reason for my 'just because' party :)

How to Win:

Giveaway will be open for 1 week, ending Thursday 10/28. You have the opportunity to get up to 5 points!!!

Leave a comment for this post with your idea for my 'just because' party. The party should be compatible with around 10 people.

Bonus Points (include in your comment what your bonus points are):
- do you follow my blog?
- are you a fan of my Facebook page?
- cross post my giveaway in your own blog.
- cross post my giveaway on your Facebook.

Open House pics: Mimosas & Monograms

We sipped mimosas. We tasted yummy coffee cake and snacks. We browsed monogrammed items and holiday eye candy. We had lots of fun! Here are some pics from last Sundays Mimosas & Monograms Open House. This was my very first experience hostessing any sort of 'home party'. I learned a lot and had an overall great experience. Thank you to everyone who came out to see what PaperConcierge is all about!

And I have to share the funny comment from a neighbor who's husband thought she was coming to my house for "mimosas and mammograms"! LOL!

Click here to see the full album

Let's get cookin'!!!

YAY!!! I just saw that PaperConcierge added these lovely recipe tins to the website. And a great price for perfect holiday gifts I do say so myself! Check them out HERE. You can order them as plain tins, or order as a recipe tin complete with lined cards for your favorite recipes.

i'm learning calligraphy!!!

TGIF everyone! I'm really looking forward to my first Open House for PaperConcierge this weekend. I'm calling it "Mimosas & Monograms" ... two of my favorite things! If any of my customers are reading this ... ask for a special 'blog freebie' when you stop by, and I'll have something special for you.

I signed up for a one night class at my local PaperSource to learn Calligraphy! I'm really really excited about it! This post is sure have lots of exclaimation points!!! Here are some beautiful calligraphy pieces that I found. Can't wait to get started! I told my coworkers that I'll probably start writing calligraphy on post-it notes to them to practice, lol!

Healthy Breakfast Cookies

I made breakfast cookies this week by request of my husband. I immediately knew which recipe I would use. Check out the Sullivan's Isle blog for great recipe ideas and for this wonderful step by step instruction for breakfast cookies. Logan is definitely a health nut, but I know she loves loves loves tasty treats. This recipe gets an A+ for both taste and nutrition! I think I might even make some more for our work bake sale. Thanks for sharing Logan :)

Breakfast Cookies

1/2 c Margarine
1 c Firmly Packed Brown Sugar
1 1/2 c Whole Wheat Flour
1 c Oats
2/3 c Wheat Germ
1/2 c Non Fat Dry Milk
2 Egg Whites
1 1/2 c Apple Sauce
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Salt
1 c Raisins or Chocolate Chips
1 c Chopped Pecans

Combine all ingredients

Drop by large spoonfuls onto greased cookies sheet

Bake 375 for 11 minutes
Keep in fridge. For added protein spread peanut butter between two to make sandwich.

Prints Charming's Holiday Photo Cards

Hi Everyone! Don't forget that the holidays are fast approaching. Have you put any thought into holiday cards this year? Whether its something that you love or loathe ... let me help make it a little easier for you this year! As your PaperConcierge, I will work with your personal style & budget to find the perfect way to send holiday cheer to your family and friends. I especially love that they print the matching pattern on the back of the card. Not many other brands do that, and it really speaks to their quality of design.

I just received a HUGE set of samples from our newest brand - Prints Charming! And I can't wait to share it with everyone. Email me or visit my website for all their great styles! I'll have Prints Charming (and more) on display at my Mimosas & Monograms Open House this Sunday. Email me if you'd like address & details.

5 for Friday

The blogging world has been so creative this week! I love it! Here are some links and photos from my 5 favorite posts this week. Enjoy!

#1 - The Bride's Guide posted about a fashion design contest with Shabby Apple (cute blog! i'm adding this to my reader). If you like fashion, then why not consider designing something? You can do it!!!

#2 - Tip Junkie is tempting us with a GIVEAWAY! Check out her post for details on how to win a Lisa Leonard Necklace.

#3 - The Finer Things put together an inspiration board for a Houndstooth theme Baby Shower!

#4 - Work at Paper Source for the Holidays! I should ... I wish ... that would be so much fun ... not even 'work', just fun!

#5 - Nico and Lala have an awesome and unique idea for an engagement party. Let's Play Ball!!!

Bucket List update

TGIF everyone! It is a gorgeous day in the Carolinas!! I wish it would only stay this way forever. I'm keeping busy this weekend planning for my first PaperConcierge Open House - I'm calling it "Mimosas & Monograms" ... two of my favorite things :) I'm surrounding myself in holiday goodies already because we have so many awesome holiday photo cards out, it's getting me in the spirit!

30 Before 30 Bucket List:
a few items I'd like to update. I have a lot to finish before 12/12/10! I have 5 things completely done. And 7 things are in progress. I need to get busy!
3. Go to Hawaii and see my friend Heidi. (in progress)
          Trip is booked for 11/26-12/5!!!
8. Eat out at 3 new restaurants a month (new to me). (in progress)
          Still doing good on this one. Went to The Rusty Bucket (dayton, ohio) and Creoles (ballantyne, nc) in the last week.
15. Host a PaperConcierge party at my house. (in progress)
          Rescheduled date is 10/17. Open to blog readers, so email me if you want details!
16. Reconnect with old college friends. (in progress)
          Saw lots of friends at Alicia's wedding last week! Pictured above.
26. No fast food for a month (in progress)
          I'm at the end of my 3rd week, and going strong!
30. Take a Zumba class (DONE)
          10/1 - with my mom

Guilt Groupe launching The Wedding Shop

PSA on their website (link HERE)

(click image to enlarge)

If wedding planning has become your new unbridled passion, there’s no missing Gilt’s upcoming four-day sale. Start planning with your girlfriends, mother, and groom-to-be as we unveil our Wedding Shop on Wednesday, October 20 — offering everything from the bridal gown to the bijoux to the big-day makeup. For bridesmaids, hot looks and cool pampering luxuries abound, plus grooms and attendants have their way with slick suiting and more. Top it off with not-to-miss tips from a renowned wedding planner, dream honeymoons and fine, nest-feathering necessities. Be sure and check back for new sales every day.


It all starts with your pick of show-stopping bridal looks, that include gowns from Alberta Ferretti and Temperley London, plus stunning jewels from Tara Pearls, not to mention dapper suiting for grooms and attendants by Duncan Quinn, Ce’Luca and Hickey.

Share your chic aisle style with the gals, starting with bridesmaid dresses from Vera Wang and Two Birds, in elegant color palettes and versatile, wear-again designs; then on to mother-of-the-bride gowns from Badgley Mischka; darling flower girl frocks from Pippa & Julie; and pre-wedding spa essentials from Revitalash, Go Smile and Tan Towels.

Our wedding event also includes musts for a red-hot reception, like a cocktail consultation with wedding planner David Reinhard and top-tier cakes from Ana Paz. Get big day-ready with a makeover by Kimara Ahnert; depilatory treatments, courtesy of Completely Bare Salons; and slim-down solutions from Freshology and Clean Program.

Add luxe honeymoons to the mix, from tropical retreats to exotic getaways. Finally, for those attending upcoming weddings, buy the perfect gift for the happy couple - sleek tableware from Laguoile en Aubrac and Stueben, as well sumptuous bedding from Frette.

Save the Dates


Day one: “The Happy Couple,”, Wednesday, October 20, at noon ET. Find the gown, the jewelry, the shoes, and the suit.

Day two: “The Bridal Party: A Perfect Match,” Thursday, October 21, at noon ET. Don’t miss a selection of dresses that your bridesmaids will want to wear again (really).


Day three: “Honeymoons and Experiences,” Friday, October 22, at noon ET. Deal with the details—the pre-big day shape-up, the makeup, the cake, the bash—then book the perfect romantic getaway.


Day four: “Home and Registry,” Saturday, October 23, at noon ET. A stellar selection of china, bedding, and home goods that’s perfect for aspiring nesters.


Posted by giltstephanie on October 7, 2010

Green with Envy

I love it when items in a retail store have coordinating sets. Each piece having a friend with a common style! My eye is very drawn to this green lattice collection at PaperConcierge. Wouldn't these items look so great all together on a desk? Or the home items dressing up your table - melamine plates, placemates and coasters. Take your pick! They're all fantastic. Click here for all of our green lattice items.

Top to Bottom:
Recipe Cards
Address Stamp
Personalized Candle
Drink Coaster
List Pad
Melamine Plate

Introducing Pink Light Designs

Check it out! PaperConcierge has added a new line of fun personalized notes and stationery. I look forward to seeing more styles soon, but for now you can find stationery goodies like these on our site. Click here to view & shop our line from Pink Light Designs!

Bridal Shower - Going to the Chapel

I had the pleasure of co-hostessing a bridal shower for a coworker/friend. Ashley & Ryan were planning a wedding Viva Las Vegas style! The week before their trip to sin city, our office surprised Ashley with a Going to the Chapel themed shower. It turned out awesome, and so much fun!


The shower was full of Vegas fun, complete with monogrammed cupcakes & a custom cupcake tower (courtesy of my create co-hostess), and tables decked out with cards, dice and poker chips. The red, white and black motif worked so well. And I loved the invitation I did to set the theme from the start.