Happy Labor Day!

For the sake of being a smartass, I'm sharing my Labor Day inspiration board with you, dear readers. It took all of five minutes and includes everything I plan to eat, watch and do during this glorious three day weekend. 

I hope yours is just as exciting. Happy Labor Day!

The dreaded registry card

Wedding season is about to kick into high gear here in the Valley of the Sun. Each year I get a handful of brides who ask me one question that never fails to make me shudder. It goes something like this:

"I need to order invitations, reply cards, reception cards, envelopes and registry cards." 

Yes, registry cards. 

To which I reply, "I can save you some money up front by eliminating those registry cards because they are totally tacksville." Just kidding. I don't really say that. But that's what I'm thinking. 

My favorite was a bride who wanted the following printed ON HER INVITATION:

"In lieu of gifts, the bride and groom request that you send cash or the equivalent."

(What, no line for the guest to provide a credit card number?) She felt this was entirely appropriate as she had seen some of her girlfriends do the same thing on their invitations. I explained to her that this defied all laws of etiquette. She was unmoved. I told her I'd rather lose her business than comply with this request. Needless to say, I did not design her wedding stationery.

It saddens me sometimes to think that weddings nowadays are sometimes equated with a big cash payout or loads of dazzling gifts. Sure, I love getting cash and presents as much as the next gal. But if you took away everything I got from my own wedding, I wouldn't care one bit because I'd still be married to the man of my dreams. 

So if you are a bride and are concerned that no one will know where you're registered, rest easy and leave it to your bridesmaids or your parents to spread the word. And if you are a potential wedding guest and you receive one of these in the mail:

My advice would be to run. Fast.

Letterhead for Imoni Events

I recently had the pleasure of working with Ms Jennifer Thye, wedding planner extraordinaire and owner of Imoni Events.

I have always been a fan of her feminine but not too "girly" branding, so I was flattered that she asked me to help her with some letterhead. 

To defray the cost of custom printed envelopes, we opted for a snazzy mailing label that can be affixed to the envelope of her choice. Here are the results of our collaboration:

I really enjoyed working with her, and I can tell she's a great wedding planner, too. So if you're planning a wedding or event, give her a call. You might just get to see this letterhead and label up close and personal!

August Charity

This month, I have decided to donate to Kitz for Kidz, which provides clothing, hygiene products and school supplies to children in need. 

One of my favorite things to do as a kid was to draw and color with my jumbo box of crayolas. It's sad to think that this simple joy is often withheld from needy kids. This charity assembles various kits for school kids and presents them in cool packages. Cool packaging is always a bonus in my mind.

Find additional info on their website and help send a child back to school with the tools to succeed.

Super Fantastic Giveaway!

I have partnered with the lovely Liene Stevens of Blue Orchid Designs on a giveaway! Go to her blog for the rules (you'll love this, Office fans!)

Here's what's up for grabs -- 75 cards with a chic metallic gold floral motif. See all the contest rules here. Good luck!

Last of the vacation blathering

After Chicago, we drove back to the Detroit area to visit with family. Fun fact -- while we were home, the Mayor of Detroit was thrown in the clink. I don't even know where to begin with that. So I'll just leave it alone because it's too sad and infuriating to explain.

On to fun things. We were able to get some tickets to see the Tigers play. They ended up losing, and I'm pretty sure it's because this guy wasn't in the lineup:

{ Every article of clothing had a Tiger logo, right down to the Crocs. }

Even though they lost, it was a perfect day. I look at this photo and sigh... the sun is shining, the grass is so green it's almost glowing, and all is right with the world. 

That's all, folks! 

Phoenix needs one of these...

In addition to "the Bean" and the Frank Gehry bridge, we ran into this while in Millennium Park. 

It was fun to watch the kids line up and patiently wait for this giant person to spit on them. 

In addition to needing a giant spitting TV, I believe Phoenix could also use a Frontera Grill. Despite the 3+ hour wait, it was absolutely divine. 

I had the Carne Asada a la Oaxaquena which was served with sweet plantains and it was ridiculously delicious. For dessert:

Blueberry empanadas served with homemade Michigan raspberry ice cream. My whole mouth is filling up with saliva just looking at this again. I can't wait to go back.

Oh, and Obama was dining in the adjoining room with Michelle. He had probably a half dozen secret service stationed in and around the restaurant. And nobody was allowed in for a spell. So if you had to wait extra long for a table on August 2, blame it on Barack. But you've got to admit, the man knows where to go to get some good chow.

I heart Willow

While I was in Chicago, I mentioned to my sister-in-law that I really wanted to check out Willow. As it happens, Willow is within WALKING DISTANCE of her abode. How freaking cool is that? 

So we stopped by Starbucks (also within walking distance) and headed to the loveliness that is Willow. I was afraid I had built it up in my head, but it was such a cool little shop. I basically wanted one of everything, but had to contend with the fact that the airlines will basically charge you a million bucks for so much as stuffing an extra pair of socks into your checked luggage. Plus I didn't have the money for one of everything.

But I did come away with this cutie:

{also available here, $9.95}

The best news is that you don't have to be in Chicago to shop Willow because they have just about everything online. Which might be better because they didn't take Amex in the store. Here are a few of my favorites from the store:

{ $85 right here.}

{ $15 right here.}

{ $30 right here.}

Back from vacation

I'm back in the office attempting to get caught up. Vacation was great, I'll post on that when I'm done grumbling about how freaking hot it is in Arizona. 

In the meantime, here's a pretty flower from my parents garden.

Luv ya Phoenix, but this is nice, too...

The thing that's cool about Chicago is that you can sit out on a boat and look at buildings and you don't spontaneously combust.