happy girls are pretty girls

vintage valentine's day cards

2012-02-07T12:27:00.001-06:00

with valentine's day right around the corner i wanted to share a couple cards from my collection

1. a valentine my mom gave her grandparents

2. a die cut valentine that was given to my grandpa from his teacher

3. still friends with her after all these years

4. i love seeing my mom's hand writing from when she was a child

and the sweet little illustration she included

5. my mom had a very special relationship with her grandma

warms my heart to see this note

something i read, ate and created

2012-02-06T12:11:00.000-06:00

very deep and meaningful

- hollywood news from across the pond -

it's a daily read for me!

YUMMY and EASY

via

found this idea here
used pages from my vintage dictionary

got a chance to use it for a

valentine's day photo shoot with these beauties!

filling MY cup

2012-02-05T12:24:00.000-06:00

i had a weekend that filled my cup right up . . .

the Hudson Hot Air Affair parade

stood with some great friends laughing and cheering

(right in front of the porn shop . . . which makes me giggle that we even have a porn store in hudson)

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ms. pac man and am cokes at pier 500 with kevie

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matilda jane happy hour with good friends

who share a love for food, drinks and fun clothes!

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a chance to get outside and photograph

the morning snow crystals

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what fills your cup?

Show and Tell Wednesday: the oscars

2012-02-01T11:20:00.000-06:00

who loves the oscars? I DO! I DO! just sent these to the printer for a

customer who obviously loves the oscars too!

etsy

more ideas here, here, here and here

something i read, ate and created

2012-01-29T15:05:00.001-06:00

via

Good News | Bad News

2012-01-25T21:26:00.001-06:00

The bad news: I lost my phone and had to buy a new one

The good news: a new phone case was in my future!

Remember Kristin? She took this super cool picture of her vintage camera collection . . . I downloaded the picture to Uncommon and a couple days later . . . my super cool phone case was on my doorstep!

Look Who I Spotted . . .

2012-01-24T12:11:00.000-06:00

over at The Savvy Photographer Blog . . . yep! that's us! that is my very favorite picture from our wedding. i wish i looked like that every day! maybe not in a wedding dress, but that skinny with that makeup!

New Recipe Monday

2012-01-24T11:57:00.000-06:00

New Recipe Monday continues to be a hit around here . . . Henry totally gets into it which is sort of fun! Then after dinner we discuss if it should be a repeat or not. Last night's meal will definitely be a repeat . . . this is my go-to cookbook for New Recipe Monday. . . lots of great and easy recipes!

Happy Monday

2012-01-23T08:03:00.001-06:00

a couple months ago a fellow stationery seller on Etsy suggested I tell people about the picture that I plaster on everything {facebook, blog, business cards, packaging} and then just last week a customer emailed me this: "I love, love, love your business cards-- great design!" . . . when I told her the story behind the picture she said she loved them even more!

I would like to introduce you to my grandma Hallie and her sister Margie. I wish i knew the story behind the picture . . . are they in their bra and undies or swimsuits? not sure!

My mom thinks my grandma would get a big kick out of me using this picture . . . hope so!

did i mention . . .

2012-01-20T17:42:00.000-06:00

i didn't do a thing today worth mentioning EXCEPT play outside with my kids . . . this coat made it possible! i am telling you people, this is where it's at . . . the price point is not great {let's be honest} but it's worth every penny!

2012-01-20T15:41:00.000-06:00

I have not done one thing today . . .

I did, however, spot this on facebook . . . it's good, isn't it?

Happy Weekend, friends!

Happy Birthday Maeve!

2012-01-17T10:31:00.001-06:00

Maeve is a repeat customer! I have been doing her invites for years!

The party hat was H's idea . . . it's fun to have him sit next to me when I am designing!

Happy Birthday Maeve!

2012-01-12T06:45:00.000-06:00

a new year. a new plan. spotted this here . . . i sort of love it!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T14:02:00.000-06:00

the best part of our holiday was being in playa del carmen for new year's eve! we spent 6 days in mexico with this crew . . . it was the best NYE ever!

kristin (the gal on the far right) and i get together several times a year to have camera play dates or "cpd" . . . we took it to a whole new level this year and went international!

our assignment: capture each couple jumping on the beach in manual mode! what we figured out (we are NOT professional photographers) . . . we needed a big ol' aperture so lots could be in focus but we also needed a super fast shutter speed to "catch" them in the air. in order to have both, we needed to jack up our iso . . . i think we did ok! i edited these using the totally rad lab (slight obsession). i tend to over-edit pictures . . . do not follow my lead!

if you got a new camera this year for christmas take the time and learn how to use it! it can be a ton of fun!

Sullivan Seiser

2011-12-22T14:25:00.000-06:00

this guy gives us a run for our money . . . isn't he cute though? {not sure our neighbors would agree} hoping some sweet treats left on their doorstep {along with this note} will help!

shop here for boxes, twine and tape

h and i made the treats . . . YUMMY and EASY!! and it was something fun for the two of us to do together!

Before you Sleep . . .

2011-12-20T08:30:00.000-06:00

I recently got together with a few of my best gal pals . . . apps, drinks and no gifts . . . the no gifts part is sometimes hard for me {notice i didn't say eating and drinking . . . that's never a problem}

I spotted this blessing in the December issue of O . . . and knew I had found the start of my "no gifts" gift! I originally thought of having a small clay plaque made, but the price tag for 10 was a little out of my price range. Instead I came up with this . . .

What I love about this blessing is it sort of let's you off the hook . . . you know what I mean? There are so many times I go to bed at night and instead of giving myself a pat on the back, I am tearing myself up for not doing this or that . . . not being a good mom, eating crap food, yelling at my husband, leaving the kitchen a mess . . . I could go on and on!

My hope is that this blessing speaks to my friends like it spoke to me . . . and that before they sleep, they let themselves off the hook!

inspiration for the bag came from here

2011-12-12T10:46:00.000-06:00

i think all kids should have a book or two that are special to them and theirs only. there is something sentimental about opening up a book from my childhood and seeing my name written inside the front cover.

so every christmas i give my kiddos a book . . . this year H is getting the new diary of a wimpy kid and the little gal of the house is getting potty animals: what to know when you've gotta go.

don't forget the little readers on your list this year! {add a set of bookplates to make each book their very own}

looking for some ideas? here are a few of our favorites . . .

Publish Post

Weekend Project

2011-12-09T15:41:00.000-06:00

it is so cold here right now {at least i think it is} . . . the thought of going outside makes me cold! here is a fun indoor project . . . easy and cute!!

December Giveaway

2011-12-08T14:05:00.000-06:00

what do you get when you cross a photographer and an interior decorator? JOSIE JONES ! fun girls, fun blog! check it out!

i am hosting this month's giveaway . . . run on over and enter to win!

Show and Tell Wednesday: happy camper

2011-12-07T14:28:00.000-06:00

i have lots of stuff to share {i should have posted before today} but it's wednesday and you know what that means . . . SHOW AND TELL!

another little something for my mama! she and my dad are on a big rv adventure . . .

Show and Tell Wednesday

2011-11-30T12:11:00.000-06:00

a couple months ago i was asked by a "small" cosmetic company to help them create one of a kind stationery for holiday gifts . . . i asked my friend crystal from tart workshop for a little help with the illustration . . . i love how they turned out . . . what a fun project to work on!

2011-11-29T13:09:00.000-06:00

When I was little one of the best and biggest treats ever was having my very own Christmas tree in my room - a real tree that I got to pick out and help cut down. I loved falling asleep to the twinkling lights.

I still have all my ornaments from when I was little. Most of them were given to me by my grandma Jerome . . . we got a new one every year. She since has passed away, but my mom continues that tradition. Even now, I still get a new ornament! {my kiddos do too}

When my son was born, I decided to start our very own ornament tradition. Every year the hunt is on for the perfect ornament for Henry, Cleo and Kevin.

Some of the possibilities for twenty-eleven . . .

from left to right

Vintage Inspired Wine Tags

2011-11-28T08:55:00.000-06:00

I whipped these up for my mama . . .

I found this picture of my mom in my stash of old family photos . . . if you look closely you can see that she is holding a bottle of something. I want to believe it's a beer bottle! {she is from ridgeland, wisconsin so it's quite possible} The background pattern is a piece of fabric from a doll dress that my great grandma Sendicy made for my mom when she was a little girl. {i love the sentimental stuff}

2011-11-24T08:38:00.002-06:00

Lovely Package Exchange

2011-11-21T21:28:00.000-06:00

I am super excited to be participating in the 2011 Lovely Package Exchange. We just got our partner assignments today and my mind is already racing with ideas!

Holiday Gift Ideas

2011-11-21T06:00:00.003-06:00

This year for Christmas, I am giving my nieces their own set of personalized stationery {my own kids too}. I don't think I have ever given them Pretty Girl Stationery. Can you believe it? I have been doing this for almost 10 years so I thought it was about time! {they have a mama that believes in handwritten thank you notes, so I know they will get used}

Looking for a fun yet practical gift . . . this may be just what you are looking for! {how's that for a sales pitch?}

Birthday Girl

2011-11-20T20:31:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to our beautiful, silly, no fear, singing, nose picking, dancing, Mickey Mouse loving girl!

Case Envy

2011-11-16T20:06:00.000-06:00

I thought up until last week I had the CUTEST iphone case ever, but then I came across these . . . damn you Write Away {you too Ashley!} now I want a new case!

This one is from Write Away {a small stationery company in Minnesota} I have a small obsession with this pattern. . . I spotted it a couple months ago when I was browsing their stationery selection. Do you love it? I do!

This one was featured on one of my very favorite blogs Under the Sycamore Tree. {I have a bit of a girl crush on Ashley Ann} . . . This one is just so cool! You can read about it on her blog. But she basically just laid out a bunch of pretty things-snapped a picture of it-and downloaded it to Uncommon. I am quite certain it wouldn't matter how many pretty things i laid out . . . my case would not be this cute!

New Recipe Monday

2011-11-14T11:03:00.001-06:00

I have a TON of cookbooks and food magazines. I was going to show you a picture, but then this post should have been titled . . . "darcy clean out your cupboards" so I made up "new recipe monday" instead!

This was a hit . . . I am not sure why we needed the flour? So if you are gluten free I think you could skip it . . . now keep in mind I am not betty crocker so you might want to make your own decision regarding the flour!

Enjoy!

Junk Bonanza Revisited

2011-10-31T22:04:00.001-05:00

ok so i am FINALLY getting around to showing off some of my goods from Junk Bonanza . . .

i found these sweet little playing cards . . . with a little help from the print shop {laminating} and my handy dandy glue gun we now have some super cute magnets . . . the little gal of the house thinks they are pretty fun too!

halloween tradition

2011-10-31T11:19:00.000-05:00

for as long as i can remember my mom has made caramel corn for halloween {yummy caramel corn}. . . i am quite certain it was a bigger hit with the parents than the kids! just today someone posted this on my FB wall. . . when we trick or treated at your house, it was a RULE that I got the girls caramel corn . . . my mom is coming tonight i hope she is bringing me a little bag! {my own bag}

Holiday Goodness

2011-10-27T22:08:00.000-05:00

More holiday goodness . . . these little gems are heading to Smith and Chang.

Halloween fun #2

2011-10-18T18:22:00.000-05:00

Henry doesn't have school this Thursday or Friday so we are makin' plans! Makin' plans for anything and everything that doesn't have to do with school! We thought these would be fun to make and share with his cousins!

side note: add their blog to your google reader . . . lots of fun stuff!

Glitter Drawer

2011-10-16T21:40:00.002-05:00

a friend and i were recently emailing back and forth and she signed off with this . . . {i loved it so much i had to steal it!}

halloween fun #1

2011-10-16T20:37:00.001-05:00

I spotted these over at JosieJones and Company . . . so cute, so easy!

52 weeks of mail . . .

2011-10-10T14:13:00.000-05:00

i am doing this! need some notecards to get you started? check out my etsy shop! Here's a coupon code to receive 25% off your order . . . 52weeks

slight obsession #5

2011-10-08T08:19:00.002-05:00

i don't even love christmas and i sort of loathe decorating for christmas so i am not sure why i love these . . .

oh but i do!

Swap it! Swap it good!

2011-10-04T20:59:00.000-05:00

last week a friend of mine hosted a SWAP MEET

a gathering at which enthusiasts or collectors trade or exchange items of common interest

she is the girl behind Mill Street Vintage . . . her store is amazing! I can't fit my left leg into anything she sells but I love to look, and even more, I love to imagine who wore these frocks and what the occasion was {this is the lifetime movie girl in me}

ok so back to the swap meet . . . she had tables and racks set up in her living room/dining room . . . we dropped our goods off at the front door then she and her sis set it all out in an organized fashion {i brought shoes, book, frames, pillows, clothes , a print} while they organized we sat out on the patio and enjoyed a cocktail {or two} and eats!

45 minutes later the doors opened and we rushed the swap scene . . .

i came home with a frame that needs a bit of TLC, a canvas print of a little girl playing piano {i have no idea what the hell i am going to do with that} two sets of vintage bracelets for cleo bug and more books!

i realize going through the drive thru at goodwill is quicker but it's no way near as fun! thank you gina for hosting a super fun night!

Fancy Taylor

2011-09-26T21:43:00.001-05:00

I was digging through some old photos and came across this one . . . meet Fancy! {she's not so fancy looking, is she?} I am sure we loved her, although I don't really remember much about her!

She was our first pet when we lived on Taylor Avenue . . . do you see where this is going? Yep, my porn star name, Fancy Taylor!

Show and Tell Wednesday

2011-09-21T15:37:00.001-05:00

I have been busy over at the Pretty Girl Shop . . .

this customer has been getting together with the same group of gals for over 10 years. she wanted to send each one a card before their upcoming weekend . . . this is what we came up with!

a little girl who digs trains and a mama who doesn't care that it's not the traditional thing to do!

love the colors . . . fuchsia and black

i can always count on this customer to request a bit of glitter! LOVE!

these continue to be very popular . . . and how fun, the shower is on Kiawah Island!

i loved the verbiage for these . . . ellis and evette's mama is creative!

life is so much friendlier with two . . . twins {better her than me!}

junk bonanza or bust

2011-09-14T14:44:00.000-05:00

tomorrow i am heading to Junk Bonanza with a few of my gal pals! i have been collecting a few diy project ideas and Junk Bonanza is going to be the perfect starting point!

first up . . . a vintage pie tin + mirror = a super cute mirror if you ask me! you can check out the directions here.

next . . . new serving pieces . . . hmmmm what colors should i use?

i am always looking for creative ways to display my photos. how fun is this? here are the easy peasy directions!

stay tuned for some show and tell . . .

one bummer, one brag

2011-09-13T22:08:00.001-05:00

we have a 4th grader in this house that would like nothing better than to be home schooled . . . he just doesn't love school. it makes me sad, anxious and on some nights, even angry.

henry's 3rd grade teacher totally understood because she too had a son that hated school so she came up with this . . . one bummer and one brag a day. it's simple {or at least it should be} he has to tell me one bummer {and it can't be going to school} and one brag {i would love to hear more than one but let's not get crazy} tonight is the first night since school started that he had a brag for me! he wasn't even off his bike! it was a game they played at school and he wanted to share it with us at dinner . . .

the object of the game . . . to say the name of a veggie or fruit without showing your teeth. i know, non stop fun at this house! kev was pretty good at it. i on the other hand, not so much!

cleo had no idea what we were doing but she wanted to be a part of the fun!

and this is what a "brag" can do for a 10 year old's spirit!

follow your heart, friends

2011-09-02T09:42:00.000-05:00

I have several friends that are sending their youngest kiddo off to school this year. With that comes lots of tears, a little anxiety and a big ol' bunch of excitement! For some, it's a chance to finally do what they love, but they aren't too sure what that is . . . I found this quote on one of my new favorite blogs and I wanted to share it with them . . . {and the rest of you that are finally having that chance too}

If you want to know where your heart is, look to where your mind goes when it wanders.

follow your heart, friends! xoxo

Back to School

2011-08-31T21:11:00.001-05:00

I really have no words!

my little brother, me and my big brother {circa 1984}

I heart the Minnesota State Fair

2011-08-30T22:17:00.000-05:00

Kev and I hit the fair on Monday . . . we LOVE the fair! Our first date was at the fair. Seven months later he asked me to marry him at the fair. {technically it was the flea market on the fair grounds but doesn't it make for a better story?}

A few of my favorite things from the day . . .

1} Tacos from the Taco King! YUMMY!!

2} Wine tasting . . . a fun break from the crowds . . . I thought their presentation was really creative . . . the state of Minnesota cut out of cardboard {not sure I would have wanted to be the person cutting them out, but cute nonetheless}

3.} Spotting my cousin and her family on the wall in the Dairy Building . . .

But my ALL TIME FAVORITE thing this year at the fair {insert drumroll} . . .

4} The Giant Sing Along. I could have spent the whole day there, but Kev made me leave after three songs!

I heart the Minnesota State Fair!

happy heart

2011-08-26T09:38:00.002-05:00

this pretty girl was on her way to bed . . . but this big tub of water was calling her name! and she just couldn't resist . . . in she went pj's and all! { her older brother was using them for his cucumber boats.}

it doesn't matter that these two are almost 8 years apart . . . they can have so much fun together. just another part of an ordinary day that makes my heart happy!

To my right hand girl . . .

2011-08-25T07:47:00.002-05:00

I am lucky to have a great print shop right here in Hudson and part of what makes it so great is Serena! She is sort of my right hand girl at Pretty Girl Designs . . . So when she asked me to snap a few picture of her son I couldn't think of a better way to "pay" her back for all the stuff she does for me . . . up until this point I was "paying" her in chocolate!

Isn't he the sweetest? It was so fun to finally meet him in person and get to love on him a bit! I am pretty sure he asked about me the next day!

shhhh don't tell our boss!

2011-08-15T11:19:00.001-05:00

this picture makes me giggle . . . at the time it was taken we were hiding behind a ginormous light in the studio . . . i was supposed to be taking product shots and i am not quite sure what she was supposed to be doing . . . then she became the model and i the photographer (aka look-out girl)..... shhhhh don't tell our boss!

{isn't she pretty? guess what? she is smart too!}

this is so mint

2011-08-11T13:04:00.001-05:00

did you ever say that in high school? i am pretty sure i did! you can not leave the summer months behind until you have tried this . . .

a gardening side note: mint will take over your garden! so if mint is in your future make sure you use a planter!

Cucumber Boats

2011-08-08T13:34:00.002-05:00

This past weekend we headed to my parents house for a family picnic. I brought a bag full of cucumbers (we have cucumbers coming out of our ears). The ones that were still good, I made this . . .

The ones that were too big to eat we made these . . .

Cucumber boats! My great-grandma used to make these with my mama and now I am making them with my kiddos! All you need is a huge cucumber, a knife, a spoon, and a piece of tape and a toothpick (if you want a flag).

S T O P

2011-08-05T08:03:00.001-05:00

Look what I found last night . . . a nest full of babies!

It doesn't matter how many times I see deer in our backyard, a humming bird going crazy around our flowers or a nest full of babies . . . it makes me stop . . . just for a second, but I stop and I take it in. I hope i never get too grouchy or too busy to stop!

{did you know papa cardinals help feed their babies?}

slight obsession #4

2011-08-04T06:28:00.001-05:00

remember this post? i am still so preoccupied with my *new* vintage dictionary that i am now considering it a slight obsession!

hmmmmmm i wonder what else i can whip up?

your mama would be proud . . .

2011-08-01T23:36:00.000-05:00

this past february i lost a dear friend. an old friend. a friend that i have known for 20 years. we met our very first day of college . . . UW-STOUT . . . north hall. we lived together, we graduated together, we watched each other get married and have babies . . . she was a good friend. the best kind of friend and i miss her. she left behind two great kids . . . cole and alli.

alli has a LOVE for horses and this past weekend i had the chance to see this love . . .

oh how i wish that her mom could have seen her. wow! this girl has no fear . . . right into the stall she went . . . brushing and primping and picking up the hooves to inspect them . . . we all stood watching her in awe and i know we were all thinking the same thing . . . her mama would be proud.

Happy Birthday Henry!

2011-08-01T11:08:00.001-05:00

H-Bomb turned 10 on Sunday! TEN! TEN YEARS OLD!!
It's so cliche but really, where does the time go?

He had a small pool party on Thursday with three of his buddies . . . nice boys, from nice families! (I hope I can always say that about the friends he chooses)

Lou, Henry, Jackson and Sam

Before the boys got too out of hand I had each of them jump off the diving board so I could make these . . .

Let me just say: thank god there were only 4 boys! My fun idea gave me serious anxiety.

I googled pool games before the big day . . . tons of different ideas, but we decided on this one . . . the Frozen T-Shirt Game. I should have followed these directions instead of my own . . . the key here is to wring out the excess water BEFORE you freeze the t shirts . . . took a while for the big thaw, but the boys had a blast! (the tshirts had seen better days after this game FYI)

a party wouldn't be a party with out invites . . .

and cupcake toppers . .

and thank you notes . . .

(I am old school . . . I think kids should still write good ol' fashioned thank you notes)

Happy Birthday H-Bomb! You sure make my life more fun! Love you Kid!

Bubbles . . .

2011-07-27T10:45:00.001-05:00

I have been trying to get a good bubble picture for quite some time . . . I think I finally got one! So I thought I would post a tutorial so you could try it too!

this is what you will need . .

1. a camera . . . set on continuous shooting . . . i keep my camera set to this most of the time. especially when i am taking pictures of my kiddos.

2. a bubble gun works best, preferably one your 20 month old knows how to use!

3. patience

your 20 month old shoots the gun and you shoot your camera . . . over and over and over again . . . until you get ONE good picture! have fun!

disclaimer: i am not a professional photographer!

My Backyard Garden

2011-07-25T10:42:00.001-05:00

a couple years ago i thought it would be fun to plant a few veggies and herbs along our fence. we live in town so i had to get creative with our space!

this year i planted: lettuce, basil, dill, mint, cucumbers, red peppers, green beans and peas . . . this is the second year in a row that the peas didn't do well so i am going to cross those off my list for next year. but we do have great luck with the cucumbers. which makes me very happy because i love a good cucumber!

one of my favorite recipes for fresh cucumbers . . . CUCUMBER SAMMY'S! let me just say for the record: my food pictures really do suck! but these really are good and i think they sort of look fancy! HA

Meet Mark

2011-07-22T13:16:00.004-05:00

I started working for a photographer a couple years ago, and from day one I had camera/lens envy . . . it got to the point where I didn't want to take pictures at home anymore unless I had my "work" camera with me . . . so I started to save for a new camera! Here he is . . . isn't he a beauty?

But let's talk about what's really important . . . my adorable new camera strap! You can find it here.

Summer Challenge

2011-07-18T08:20:00.002-05:00

Just recently, a friend of mine stopped by my studio and was "snooping" through my Pretty Girl orders and said, "I think I am the only one that ever sends out cards anymore". Well, I don't think she is the only one, but I do think she is one of the very few that do! I own a small stationery business and yet, I don't send out a ton of cards. Do you?

Here's my challenge to you . . . send a card today! I can guarantee whoever is on the receiving end of your note is going to have a humongous smile on their face! To help you with this challenge I am offering a 25% discount in my Etsy Store . . . buy a fun set of notecards and send one today!

use the code "summer" at checkout

Custom Orders at Etsy

2011-07-15T10:36:00.001-05:00

These are listed in my Etsy store here.

I recently had a customer who wanted to purchase this invite, but only if I was willing to make a few changes . . . of course I was! When you are shopping over at Etsy keep that in mind! Most sellers would be more than happy to customize a current listing. Just ask!

Vintage Dictionary

2011-06-28T12:34:00.002-05:00

In June we hit the Walnut, IA antique fair. I had a couple things on my list that I was keeping my eyes peeled for . . . one being a vintage dictionary! I found one, a HUMONGOUS one in great shape.

I was hoping the pages would be the right size so I could line envelopes with them . . . they fit perfectly onto my accucut die! Such excitement in the stationery world!

Since I brought that beauty home I have been a tad preoccupied with creating designs that would fit with my lined envelopes.

Here's my latest creation . . .

a Summer Favorite

2011-06-26T14:25:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine recently asked when I was going to post another recipe . . . here's two! This is one of my favorite summer time meals. WARNING: I said favorite, not healthy!

Part Two of our Iowa Adventure

2011-06-24T16:56:00.000-05:00

On Saturday we got up and headed straight to the Antique Fair! Everyone was well rested and ready to go. Booth after booth after booth . . . you name it, we saw it!

Henry had one thing on his list . . . a banana seat bike. Before we left I warned him that he might not find one, but he did! We only saw one. It was in great shape and the price was right! He was THRILLED! I loved that he didn't care that it was a girls bike with big daisies on the seat!

I didn't really have anything specific on my list, but I did bring my camera in hopes that I would capture some "arty farty" shots. Here are a couple of my favorites:

I could have walked all day, but the three little people with us were done after 5 hours!

Slight Obsession #3

2011-06-24T16:08:00.002-05:00

I am little obsessed with Cleo's hair or maybe I should say the lack of hair . . . I found these on Etsy about a year ago thinking I would purchase them in the near future . . . nope! Still not enough hair to clip it or to tell what color it's going to be!

Print
Clips
Doll

To Iowa and Back

2011-06-20T20:09:00.000-05:00

Part I of our Summer Adventure

First Stop: Cabella's in Owatonna, MN
Picnic with Uncle Carl who was on his way to Wisconsin.

Second Stop: Clear Lake, IA

FORT CUSTER MAZE

We have driven past this maze several times and have never stopped . . . so we finally did! Admission was easy, getting out proved more difficult!

BUDDY HOLLY CRASH SITE

Yes, this was my idea! Lots of pissing and moaning from the back seat, but in the end all three kids said they were glad we stopped!

How do you explain to a 10, 9 and 8 year old why women leave their undies at places like the Buddy Holly Crash . . . . hmmmmmmm

We spent the rest of the afternoon at the Clear Lake beach. Had dinner in the park, and to top the day off . . . an ice cream truck! So fun to see all the kids running towards the truck!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Father's Day, dad!

p.s. this is one of my very favorite pictures of my dad and me!

What's on your summer to do list?

2011-06-16T08:01:00.000-05:00

An RV trip has been on my summer list for a very long time, but I had never imagined doing it by myself with Henry. After getting married to Kevin, it didn't take long to talk him into an RV adventure!

Last summer, Henry, Cleo, Kevin and I took off on an RV adventure that we are still talking about. We drove to North Carolina to visit Kevin's brother and Henry's great grandparents. As we headed back home, we made a quick stop at Dollywood's Splash Country.

Along the way, we made several stops at different flea/antique markets . . . something the three of us all enjoyed. So it was no surprise that flea/antique markets were on the top of our 2011 summer to do lists!

I googled top antique fairs in the United States and found one that was close enough to drive to. So we are heading to Walnut, Iowa for the Walnut Antique Show today!

Can't wait to share pictures with you next week!

Show and Tell: Custom Baby Shower Invites

2011-06-14T09:16:00.001-05:00

When the mom-to-be was a little girl she had a stuffed elephant that played the song, "You are My Sunshine." The hostess wanted to surprise her by incorporating that into the invites somehow . . . this is what we came up with!

We used the set up from the First Comes Love shower invite and the elephant as the inspiration.

The hostess loved the way they turned out and couldn't wait for her sister-in-law to receive hers in the mail.

And the winner is . . .

2011-06-13T07:13:00.001-05:00

according to random.org, Sweet Love Vintage!!

Thank you everyone for throwing your name in the hat!

Happy Monday!

Slight Obsession #2

2011-06-10T10:01:00.001-05:00

I love a good mason jar craft, but no where near as much as my good friend, Becky!

I dedicate this Slight Obsession to her!

#1 Mason Jar Meals

#2 Lanterns

#3 Jar of Buttons

#4 Hairpin Vase

#5 Cupcake in a Jar "etsy"
Cupcake in a Jar "make your own"

#6 Ice Cream in a Jar

Sentimental Gardening

2011-06-07T21:40:00.000-05:00

these lily of the valley's started out at my great grandparent's house

my mom replanted some at her house

and then i replanted some at my house

every spring i look forward to seeing them pop up. and i am sure that once upon a time my great grandma ella looked forward to her lily of the valleys popping up too!

this is what i call sentimental gardening!

Giveaway

2011-06-06T11:18:00.003-05:00

Win a custom family illustration hand drawn by

Pretty Girl Illustrator, Andrée Tracey.

To enter, just leave a comment below {i.e I love this blog, I love these family illustrations, the color pink rocks, I have three kids, I have two dogs, etc}

A winner will be chosen at random on Friday the Tenth

fine print: prize includes one family illustration for a family of 4 or less
{pets are considered family members} with ONE revision.
One 8x10 print {printed on white 80# paper} and 12 notecards.

Slight Obsession #1

2011-06-03T13:03:00.002-05:00

my definition of a slight obsession?

i find something that i am instantly drawn to

i bookmark it

add it to my favorites

i look at it 1000 times

i tell everyone i know about it

i don't know what it is about these bags but i am clearly

obsessed with them! maybe it's because i grew up

in a small farming community in wisconsin?

or my grandpa was a turkey farmer who

i am sure used these same sort of sacks. . .

it doesn't matter. i love them.

Photography Challenge

2011-06-02T20:12:00.001-05:00

Wanna know the best way to learn how to use your "fancy camera"? PRACTICE and then PRACTICE some more! Here is a great way to get started. Check out this 30 day photography challenge I found on Pinterest (thank you white peach) My dear friend, Kristin and I are going to start on Saturday. Join Us!

Italia

2011-03-08T15:20:00.006-06:00

Tom and I once worked together at BI as Travel Staff and travel we did! I left BI after a few years but Tom is still going strong. So, it was no surprise when he told me he and his bride had chosen to take the plunge in fabulous Italy!

They needed a small amount of invites and wanted something a bit out of the ordinary. This is what we created together . . .

The invites were inspired by a vintage map of "Italia" that came from an atlas owned by my great grandfather. All of the pieces fit into an A7 mailer which is one of my favorite shapes and sizes.

Tom and Christy ...

May you have a marriage full of love, laughter and lots of travel!
Salute!

Flash Back Friday!

2011-03-04T13:48:00.001-06:00

As many of you know, I turned 40 this week! So when I found this picture of my mom at her 40th birthday party I just had to share it!

I think she looks so happy and so young! At that time, she was the mom to a 20, 15 and 13 year old and had been married for more than 20 years. I am the mom to a 9 year old and a 15 month old and I have been married for over 2 years.

We've traveled our paths at different speeds but we both still rock a Wisconsin sweatshirt like nobody's business!

Cheers to all the gals turning 40 this year!

Pretty Girl Giveaway over at . . .

2011-02-02T12:49:00.002-06:00

Swanky Table! Check out her blog! So many great

ideas and recipes including this one . . .

We served this a couple weeks ago at our "gourmet"

pizza party and it was a huge hit!

For the Love of Vintage Photos

2011-02-01T19:19:00.002-06:00

Old family photos . . . one of my very favorite things. I recently created these custom cards for Dani. Each card features a different photo of her great grandmother layered over family names. Such a perfect way to honor a special lady. I am now working on a similar project for Cleo's room. Thank you for the inspiration, Dani!

July Birthdays in January

2011-01-31T21:50:00.003-06:00

Last year my neighbor, KP, and I made a deal with our boys . . . a fun outing just the four of us instead of a kids' birthday party. We finally held up our end of the deal this past weekend. The four of us headed north for an overnight adventure that included bagels, movies, playing outside, sitting in the hot tub, a game of clue (Mrs. Peacock, in the study with a rope) several attempts to start the snowmobile, Bona Casa, marshmallows and toothpicks (thank you ashley) and of course lots and lots of giggles.

It makes my heart happy to watch these two boys!

2011-01-17T15:23:00.003-06:00

These are some of my very favorite people in the whole wide world! Together, we have been through life’s ups and downs, triumphs and tragedies, wins and losses. We gather every other month taking turns hosting “gourmet night”.

Kevin and I were up last weekend. We made yummy homemade pizzas to order and served this amazing cake for dessert. Take a peek-doesn’t it look real? My friend Becca is one talented girl-her creations taste every bit as good as they look.

I will post a couple recipes from the din din later this week!

and the WINNER is . . .

2011-01-12T11:09:00.002-06:00

Amy Bernstrom! woot woot!!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered!

We have lots of fun giveaways planned this year so stay tuned!

Pretty Girl Giveaway

2011-01-05T15:23:00.009-06:00

Pretty Girl has teamed up with Tamara at Sheer Addiction to create a one of a kind stationery set. Each card is adorned with a detachable vintage brass necklace charm made from old tooling and a touch of beautiful french paper.

For a chance to win, become a fan of Sheer Addiction on Facebook and complete the following sentence:

"Twenty eleven is going to be the year of ___________________" in the comment section below.

Looking forward to reading and being inspired!!

{the contest ends Monday, January 10 and the winner will be chosen at random}

Din-Din

2011-01-04T19:42:00.004-06:00

These are YUMMY! I have also layered the chicken mixture with cut up tortillas . . . just as good and not as putzy!

A New Year . . . A New System

2011-01-03T20:40:00.006-06:00

I am a resolution maker, a goal setter, a do it over gal, a list maker so there is something about a new year that makes me happy! One of my goals this year is to become more organized in all aspects of my life . . . as the owner of Pretty Girl Designs, as an employee, as a mom, as a homemaker . . . I am convinced this is exactly what I need to become organized! I found them here. I will report back to you! Happy New Year!

What's for dinner tonight?

2010-12-19T11:07:00.002-06:00

good ol' fashioned bartering

2010-12-13T10:19:00.000-06:00

Recently, my husband and I were in need of new health insurance. I wanted to find the best provider for our family but DREADED the research. So when a good friend, who enjoys the world of numbers and such, called about ordering Thanksgiving Cards I jumped at the chance to do some good ol' fashioned bartering!

If you have long locks, you probably agree, a blow out is a heavenly treat. I am lucky enough to have a good friend who is a hairdresser. And even luckier that she loves stationery! Trading has allowed us both to enjoy each other's talents AND save some moola. It's a win-win!

I encourage you to try a barter or trade with a friend you admire. It's a great way to support each other and reconnect during hectic times. If you are bartering, please post a story, I'd love to read about it!!

From the Pretty Girl Recipe Box

2010-12-06T16:49:00.002-06:00

These are YUMMY!! My mom was here recently and she sort of turned up her nose to this recipe. Guess who went back for seconds? Enjoy!

Pretty Girl Giveaway

2010-12-06T10:35:00.004-06:00

Thank you to everyone who defined a "pretty girl" . Some made me teary eyed, others made me giggle out loud, but each uniquely captured what it means to be "pretty". I hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I did!

I asked my good friend Jamie, from Jamie Schultz Designs, to help me choose a winner. Congratulations, Jessica!

Happy Girls are Pretty Girls

2010-11-29T22:28:00.011-06:00

Pretty Girl Designs and the very talented Crystal Kluge from Tart Workshop are teaming up for a fun giveaway just in time for the holidays . . . a rubber address stamp . . . made just for you!

To win all you need to do is post your paragraph on the Pretty Girl blog describing what you think makes a "pretty girl".

Is it her big beautiful laugh? Or her kindness to others? We want to know what you think!

Entries will be accepted through Friday, December 3. Once a winner is announced, we'll work with you to design your personalized stamp.

First Birthday

2010-11-29T11:29:00.007-06:00

I feel like it was just yesterday that we brought our "little bug" home! We have had so much fun with her and it's been such a treat to see Henry as a big brother! Happy Birthday Cleo bug! xoxo

---------------------------------------

The party hats were cut from paper grocery bags and most other things were printed and cut from scrap paper. My favorite Pretty Girl detail . . . the brass candle holder . . . was on my mom's cake when she turned one!

Go Handmade|Go Local

2010-11-17T10:01:00.008-06:00

I recently stumbled across this blog post . . . "101 reasons to buy handmade". Several customers have said to me this year "I really want to support local businesses and buy handmade whenever possible." I, too, have been doing my part by shopping up a storm on Etsy this week (my dwindling PayPal account is proof!) If you haven't checked out Etsy or other online marketplaces like Poppytalk yet, do so today . . . so many fabulous things! Happy Shopping!

Turkey Chili: A Winter Staple at our House

2010-11-12T00:38:00.006-06:00

I love to exchange recipes . . . This winter I am going to try and post a recipe once a week. Hope you get a chance to try some of our favs!

Happy Birthday Thea

2010-11-08T11:39:00.002-06:00

This was such a fun project to work on. When I arrived at the party I was so busy ooing and ahhing over all the little details that I forgot to take pictures of the things I created.

This was a ladies luncheon/tea party for my little friend, Thea, who just turned seven. Cupcakes, petits fours, miniature croissants, candy . . . but my most favorite detail . . . vintage tea cups. Thea's mom has been collecting them for the past year, so every little girl got to take one home with her.

Thank you for asking me to help with some of the details.

Happy Birthday Miss Thea!

A is for Apple

2010-11-01T10:48:00.005-05:00

Tis the season for all things apple! So many varieties, so many colors . . . red, green, yellow . . . love them all! A friend brought this salad to a party this past summer and it was YUMMY!!

Shopping List:

Two red apples

One packaged piece of Manchego cheese

Handful of fresh chives

Two tablespoons olive oil

___________________

Peel and slice apples into small slivers. Do the same with the cheese. (a mandoline slicer works great)

Combine and mix together in large bowl. Drizzle olive oil on top and stir to coat. Mix chives in.

ENJOY!!

Reuse|Recycle

2010-10-06T16:54:00.003-05:00

First birthday parties are always so much fun to plan! The mom of this one year old wanted to make the day special, but didn't want to spend a ton of money. One thing she for sure wanted at the party were PARTY HATS! I came up with this idea to save money and to reuse some things I had lying around my studio. The hats were actually cut from paper grocery bags, the blue circles from packing paper from a recent order I had received, and I dug through our craft drawers and found stretchy string. With the help of my trusty glue gun, I had 16 cute party hats ready to go!

Custom Family Portraits

2010-09-09T21:27:00.003-05:00

Last Christmas a customer wanted to do a fun illustration of her family for their Christmas card so I put Pretty Girl Illustrator, Andrée Tracy to work! This is what she came up with . . . I just loved the way it turned out so I had her do one for us too!

Check out my Etsy store for more details!

TRY this at home!

2010-07-01T06:59:00.007-05:00

4th of July is my very favorite holiday . . . being on the lake, friends, family, great food, fireworks.

Along with pontooning and eating (I was 5 months pregnant) my main goal last year was to get some cool pictures of sparklers.

Check out this tutorial! Good luck and have a great holiday weekend!

Mother's Day

2010-04-12T17:40:00.003-05:00

Mother's Day is right around the corner and Pretty Girl Designs has the perfect gift . . . Half Pint Art! Let us create something special for the mom's on your list!

See What's New . . .

2010-04-01T21:16:00.005-05:00

Go green, mark your page and get organized all in PRETTY GIRL STYLE!

Happy Birthday Gracie!

2010-02-23T16:01:00.008-06:00

Isn't she the sweetest? Gracie's mom wantedsomething extra fun for her special day.

The little picture of her is actually a magnetand the tri-fold pink cards fit perfectly into a 4 bar box mailer! Who wouldn't smile when they opened this?I loved creating these just for her.

Happy Birthday, Gracie!!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-27T12:03:00.005-06:00

Introducing the newest Pretty Girl . . . Cleo Sendicy arrived on November 20, 2009!
Thank you Jamie for taking such beautiful pictures and creating a birth announcement that people are still talking about! We used Crystal's font, Nelly Script Flourish and added a touch of "Pretty Girl" with the pink rhinestone!