Hello faithful readers!

Where have I been you ask? So many things are happening at work and I have been especially focused these past few weeks. Many changes for our portrait photography business, cobblestone rue and literally our storefront studio that should have happened a couple of years ago. We are excited for all the positive changes, and with all of it comes a shift in priorities and focus. But I am giddy to be blogging again especially this post!

A little history: We launched our portrait brand, cobblestone rue on Christmas Eve, 2007. Yes back then we worked even during the holidays :( Then we announced it to the public on January, 2008. So much has changed, but one brand that has remained constant and still continues to be a source of inspiration for us is kate spade. Our brand colors were (and still are) white and “kate spade green”. I was hooked on this company when I bought my first pair of kate spade sunglasses in 2005 and it came in a hot pink case. I loved their preppy, playful, and sophisticated style and everything that they did made me smile. I loved everything from their customer service to their packaging, and I knew that I wanted to incorporate what they did to our business because I believe in what their business stands for. It was perfect when cobblestone rue was born.

They have launched a campaign, “live colorfully” celebrating every month of this year a different color. In March the color was yellow, this month it is their signature green! So timely for all that we are doing for our brand!

They launched a promo video today on Twitter and of course it is PERFECTLY ADORABLE. They partnered with Adeline Adeline which is a great pairing. Remember my “dreaming of bicycles” post? Well the search is over! Everything else in the video is pretty much fantastic: the music, colors, location, style…the DOG!!!

Well done kate spade, I am a fan for life.

***Oh and one other thing. I have been nominated for Top 25 Party Planning Moms at Circle of Moms! It would mean so much if you vote for me it only takes a second and the best part is that you don’t have to sign up or register! Here is the link: http://www.circleofmoms.com/blogger/cobblestone-rue#_You can vote every day until April 11, just click on the gold thumbs up! Maybe I can throw a party and you are all invited when I make it! I just need to make it in the top 25, crossing fingers and toes! Thanks!

I have always loved the blog Sweet Paul for its beautiful posts on food, design, and crafts. THEN they came out with a special kids magazine issue this week. Its Martha Stewart meets Real Simple. Totally my kind of magazine. Check out the online version!

From super cute kids’ recipes to simple DIY crafts, it is a magazine full of delicious eye candy and great insights for children. I can’t wait to get my printed version to add to my magazine collection.

Photo Credits: Sweet Paul

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I am receiving some fun party things in the mail and now that we have mailed the invitations out, I wanted to give you a sneak peek!

I collaborated with Liana and Mike to create a simple and sweet invitation. I am thrilled with the result!

Beautiful letterpress invitation designed and made by: Liana and Mike Hall of Apres un Reve.

Also you may have noticed something different on the blog. You can now read each post as a complete post instead of opening each one. You can also comment easier with the comment box visible and less things to fill in. And you can now  “Like” the posts :) Thank you Flosites!

I love so many things about rue magazine, not only for the name (they have great taste in choosing it ;) but they have filled the void in my magazine life. It has been sad to not have Domino and Blueprint around.

They are a free online magazine and just launched I believe their third issue.

I was curious on Twitter with the name and what all the buzz was with this up and coming magazine last fall.  I have been a loyal reader ever since. I love how chic everything is and I can easily find a product in just one click! Where have you been all my life?

Bravo to the editors and I look forward to reading and browsing every page of every issue!

Photo credits: rue magazine

Did you have a great Labor’s Day weekend? We had a wonderful time spending it with family and friends. What did you do? Bittersweet to say goodbye to summer, but ready for fall!

Don’t you just ADORE these animal notepads?! I want all of these please, the design and colors are fantastic!

You can purchase these at one of my favorite online office store: See Jane Work

Recently I posted about kids’ wallpaper.  Today I am so excited for Joy Deangdeelert Cho, a graphic designer and blogger who just launched her new wallpaper collection for Hygge & West, (thanks to Design Sponge for announcing the news). She did not disappoint…such beautiful, fresh, and unique designs.

These are just a few of the designs…in addition to the wallpapers, I would love the items in the photos too :)

Gorgeous shades and brilliant match of colors…

This would be fun in the master bedroom…

This would be fun in a small living room…

The metallic white/gold above is fantastic!

You can find more information and order any of the wallpapers here.

All photos from design*sponge and oh joy!

**Special giveaway on Wednesday you won’t want to miss!

Do you dream of the perfect coin purse? Mine would be one with a clasp. It can be leather or vintage fabric…but with a clasp.

1) Photo above: Leather coin purse from ginnybranch on Etsy.

2)  Top L to R: Sakura & Bunny orange/cream purse, Mod Small Frame gray pouch from Field of Roses on Etsy.

Bottom L to R: Owl Sectional flat frame purse, Ume Komachi orange frame pouch from Field of Roses on Etsy.

3)  L to R: Bird in a Cage mini clasp purse, Bumblebees honeycombed purse from EmenGee Designs.

4) For the modern version (no clasp, but its Kate Spade so its good enough!) Plaza Bow coin purse from Kate Spade.

Recently, I have discovered a hidden obsession with wallpaper. There are so many designers out there debuting some fabulous prints (more on this later). Well, there are some great options for kids’ spaces too! I will limit to just a couple of names so not to go overboard. There are so many!

We visited The Land of Nod in Chicago during our family vacation last week. It had been a couple years since the last time we went, and I missed that store like an old friend. I was super excited since I had seen their Frames Wallpaper in their catalog, and I couldn’t wait to see it in person to decide if I would want it in our home. Not surprising, it was way better than I could imagine! So of course we bought it and now can’t decide where to put it…our studio or in hallway between our girls’ rooms…or play area….or….

Below are just a couple of their fun designs:

To the Letter Wallpaper from The Land of Nod

Paintable Damask Wallpaper from The Land of Nod

Otto’s Mountains Wallpaper Design

I just found out about Otto Dunker, 8 -Year Old Wallpaper and Textile Designer via The Stir. I am totally inspired. How adorable and awesome are his designs?!

Otto’s Ohoy Wallpaper Design

You can find and purchase his designs here!

His mother, Elisabeth Dunker of Fine Little Day is also a designer as well as stylist and illustrator.

Images for Otto’s Designs via Fine Little Day

Last fall, I was searching for some unique thank you cards and so I went in Shadowbox, a lovely paper store  across from our studio. I discovered Orla Kiely. She really stood out with her unique design, colors, and of course I was intrigued with her name! And when they told me she carries everything from dresses to homewares, as soon as I got home I had to look up her website. I fell in love with her design, branding, accessories…well everything.

Here are some of my favorites for Spring/Summer 2010.

Rowan Leather Zip Handbag

Rowan Leather Zip Handbag

You know you want these sweet mugs!

You can find these adorable dresses on their lookbook.

I have become a huge fan and I am dreaming up the day we travel to her flagship store in London.

(Photo credits: Orla Kiely website)