two daughters

Day 40 & 41: Daily Words

2012-02-10T17:09:00.002-07:00

We missed a day. We were sick.

But we took the following words to heart,

as our heart whispered, "You need a rest."

{via}

And today we are living by the following words.

So important to remember when stress and setbacks are all you see.

{via}

This weekend especially we are going to enjoy the ride.

And as for the V-Day ideas we were going to share, hang on.

We promise they'll be up by Sunday.

Perfect timing for you last-minuters!

Day 39: Daily Words

2012-02-08T14:21:00.002-07:00

{via}

We adore this Hellen Keller quote. More than five years ago it adorned the wedding invitations of Mrs. Jones (the future Mrs. Jones at the time, obviously!). Still celebrating love. And great words of wisdom. Every day.

Valentine's Day: Getting Carried Away

2012-02-08T14:17:00.001-07:00

{via}

We are getting carried away for V-Day.

With the day less than a week away, we are gathering ideas for valentine's, gifts and great decor.

Check back tomorrow for all the details.

Until then...

Day 38: Daily Words

2012-02-07T11:19:00.002-07:00

{print via}

Day 37: Daily Words

2012-02-06T13:49:00.001-07:00

{via}

Football for the Men, Shopping for You

2012-02-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

ENJOY 30% OFF!

Save the Dates (for you newly engaged ones!) and

Calling Cards, ID Tags & Stickers

are all 30% off when you shop online.

Be sure to use code: HAPPY30

{shop on}

Day 36: Daily Words

2012-02-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

{via Express Yourself}

Indeed.

It does.

Ain't no mountain high enough...

Super Bowl Sunday: 2012

2012-02-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

So this amazing Dish Network commercial {above} is supposed to start airing Super Bowl Sunday. Yes, perhaps during the Super Bowl. Keep an eye out for it on your T.V. because see that cute baby? She is totally one of ours.

OK, enough about us. Here are some great super bowl recipes to try out tomorrow. So check out the links, get your grocery list together and get your shopping done so you can sit back, relax and have some good grub while watching the game. Whether you are rooting for the Giants or the Patriots, our bet is all of these recipes will be a winner in your house.

Hostess With The Mostess has a recipe for Guinness Stout Brownie Pretzel Bars that will have us bee-lining straight for the dessert table.
Studio DIY has five desserts you can make into the shape of footballs. Don't worry, one of them does contain a fruit.
Now that we have the most important food group - chocolate - covered, we'll move onto protein and veggies and such with the Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili via With Style & Grace.
Studio DIY also has an amazing looking recipe for {light} Chicken Nachos.
The meat eaters might enjoy these Pork, Cheddar and Apple Panini Sandwiches.
And back to dessert {sorry, could not resist} the cake pops in the shape of helmets and footballs at this Tailg8 Party look delish. Not to mention, the decorations are great too.

Enjoy the game!

Day 35: Daily Words

2012-02-04T16:01:00.002-07:00

{via}

Day 34: Daily Words

2012-02-03T19:18:00.004-07:00

{via GraceyMay on Etsy}

Friday Favorites: February Third

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

{via}

Take a seat friends. Any seat will do. It is time for Friday Favorites and we have a lot to share today. {Before you get started, remember that today is National Wear Red Day!} If you already caught up with our posts on some good challenges this month, artists to support, and paper to party with then it is time to catch up on what we have been reading and enjoying this past week:

This surprise wedding gave us goosebumps. SO stinking romantic. Love it!
A picture of the President and First Lady on their wedding day. Stylish from the start, that First Lady.
If you have less than pretty handwriting (calling all men!) you can order up this love letter service to transcribe your words into beautiful calligraphy. Perfect for Valentine's Day.
And these are the perfect Valentine's Day postage stamps to purchase here.
Custom portraits would be an amazing gift for any couple.
Really want to try this cookbook to prep for a family Valentine's Day Dinner, but the husband thinks I have too many already. *sigh*
Parents of girls should read this here. And then this piece here.
Loving this purple and lilac and chocolate baby shower. Thinking this would be a fun invitation for the event to incorporate some animal prints.
Speaking of animal prints, need a pair of these in my closet. Now, preferably.
Finding the plethora of stationery at the New York International Gift Fair so intriguing. Should have gone this year...
And one of our latest addictions still holds us tightly. A great article on why Pinterest works well for artists (of all types).
More Downton Abbey ~~addiction~~ love here: A comprehensive list of what you might also enjoy in books and films, seeing as how Downton Abbey is only an hour a week (oh why, why, is every episode always over too soon?). These recommendations are sure to fill the hours until the next episode arrives.

Hope everyone has a great Friday!

Paper Parade: Winter Continues

2012-02-02T12:10:00.001-07:00

{via and photo credit to: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar}

Since Punxsutawney Phil emerged today to see his shadow and predict six more weeks of winter, we thought we'd share six more reasons to throw a mid-winter fest.

Four selections ready to go now from our retail {brick & mortar} store:

Pinecone Invitations by Inviting Co.

$34 for box of 20

Woodgrain Champagne Invitations by Bella Ink

$20 for box of 10

Snowflake Invitation by Simply Put for Inviting Co.

$28 for box of 20

Mittens Invitation by Itty Bitty

$22 for box of 10

All the above boxed invitations are available at Express Yourself.

Mention code: 2DAUGHTERS for 20% off these select items

when you order via phone {970-927-2533} or purchase in-store.

And two more invitations that are available at our online store:

Snowflakes on Navy Invitation

Starting at $36 for 20 Personalized

Winter Crystals Invitation

Starting at $49 for 25 Personalized

Since winter parties should not be limited to just the holiday season,

we are offering 20% off online purchases

(yes, that means everything!) with code: FANDF.

{party on}

Day 33: Daily Words

2012-02-02T10:10:00.003-07:00

{by Express Yourself}

Love This: Love Ever After Project by Lauren Fleishman

2012-02-02T09:44:00.001-07:00

{via}

Oh, happy heart. We love this. So much. Photographer Lauren Fleishman is seeking support for her Love Ever After Project. An amazing photographic retrospective that captures the images and stories of couples that have been married for fifty years or more. These are the love stories that will never have a Facebook timeline or blog to capture the span of many decades of life and love. Lauren is capturing the stories for these couples, their families, and for all of us.

{the project}

Love Ever After will share the love stories of couples who have been married for at least 50 years. Inspired by a letter my grandfather wrote to my grandmother during World War II (and rediscovered after he passed away in 2007), I began photographing and interviewing couples in the New York area as a way to preserve their stories and to illuminate our universal experience of love.

Check out her personal site for more information and read the story about the cute couple pictured above., plus plenty of other old-fashioned and happy love stories to fill your own heart and inspire you. And you can continue the inspiration and love story by helping to fund her kickstarter campaign.

Challenge + Nourish: Heart + Mind + Soul

2012-02-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

{Photo by Amy :: Express Yourself}

As the first day of February and in honor of creating love-ly connections, we wanted to share some of our favorite ideas for celebrating this month. These are meant to challenge you - heart and mind and soul - and get you outside your comfort zone and into some old familiar territory, as well as some new places too.

{via}

First up, is the Month of Letters Challenge. The idea is that in February, you write a letter for every day the postal service runs. That means on Sundays, you can give your letter writing a breather. Why? We say why not. Who doesn't love to get real mail in their mailbox. And the connections made by hand and post are so much more authentic. We are taking the challenge on and we encourage you to do so as well! There is an entire website dedicated to this project complete with FAQ's and notes on how to connect online via Facebook and Twitter to help take the project from virtual to reality.

Next is the Letters of Note site, where you can be inspired by fascinating and interesting correspondence gathered and curated to share with all. This love letter is worthy of a read.

{via}

Finally, for those of you more prone to pick up a camera instead of a pen, here is a photo challenge for the month of February from Fat Mum Slim. We are looking forward to this challenge as well and we'll be sure to tweet our pics with #febphotoaday.

Be sure to share your letters (if you dare!) and your photos with us here, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter with #noteablyunique.

{write on. read on. click on.}

Love This: bkr

2012-02-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

{photo by Express Yourself}

A favorite amongst Express Yourself staff and friends, as well as famous friends alike, are the bkr bottles. Safe, green and perfectly designed for hydrating on the go. You'll want one in every color. We certainly do.

{the details}
• 500mL (16 oz)
• glass bottle + silicone sleeve
• polypropylene cap + silicone gasket
• FDA approved, BPA-free, BPA replacement free, phthalate free
• small one-inch opening so you can drink from it in almost any position
• fits most cup holders - 3.18 inches wide, 7.88 inches tall
• doesn't leak, lightweight
• 100% reusable + recyclable

Available at Express Yourself in an assortment of colors for $28.

Day 32: Daily Words

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

{via}

Paper Parade: This Week on our Etsy Store

2012-01-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

Day 31: Daily Words

2012-01-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

{via}

Day 30: Daily Words

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

{via}

Day 29: Daily Words

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

{via}

Day 28: Daily Words

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

{via}

Nourish: Links We Love

2012-01-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

That's us...dare we say it, in the 80's (we'll leave it at that). Erin {Mrs. Jones} on the left and Amy {Miss A} on the right. We still love cupcakes, even though we don't fit into our cute, little cupcake tees anymore. We love lots of other goodies too. Today, we share with you some of our favorite links from the week:

If we had more money, and more stretch pants in our wardrobe, we would certainly sign up for the Cupcake Club.
Looking for a healthy, vegetarian and satisfying meal with new ingredients and flavors? We can't wait to try this recipe this weekend. We are having a *thing* with chickpeas lately.
We are jonesing (especially Mrs. Jones) to go to Alt next year. 2013, here we come! **fingers crossed** For now, we will just lust over this fantastic list of Alt Summit attendees and presenters. And learn from VMac + Cheese, one of our new favorites, with her ridiculously awesome detailed session notes. Next up is to review this list of up and coming bloggers.
And to hold us over until our new favorite show airs on Sunday, we'll admire all the collections of Downton Abbey. Seriously, if you have not watched this show, you must START NOW! It is certainly not too late. Mrs. Jones watched all of Season One two weekends ago and caught up on Season Two through iTunes and PBS. You can thank us later.

{Happy Friday!}

Day 27: Daily Words

2012-01-27T10:34:00.002-07:00

{via} from {via}

Day 26: Daily Words

2012-01-26T12:15:00.001-07:00

{via}

Day 25: Daily Words

2012-01-25T13:47:00.001-07:00

{via}

Paper Parade: Help A Bride!

2012-01-25T13:42:00.004-07:00

{via}

We have been working with Chelsea over at Buckets and Bunches and last night she came to an inconclusive decision on which typestyle to use for her wedding napkins we are printing up for her big day. Her timing was perfect, for as we messaged back and forth late in the evening I was having a font crisis myself with a wedding program. Isn't it nice to know you are not alone? Especially late at night?!

{via}

Click her and help her out by voting on your favorite typestyle for the napkins. We voted for our favorite. But we really like them all! Tough call - go make yours now! We'll be sure to show you the final design when all is said and done!

Day 24: Daily Words

2012-01-24T10:51:00.001-07:00

{via}

Take Note: Postage Increase

2012-01-23T10:46:00.003-07:00

Take Note: USPS postage rate increase takes effect

Standard letters are now .45 cents, up a penny. A whole penny. So start sifting through your couch cushions and underneath your car seats to buy your one cent stamps. But only if you do not have the FOREVER stamps - as those are always valid for the current postal rate. Here is a summary of the postage rate increases {via}:

First Class Letters (1 oz.) will increase by one cent to $0.45 from $0.44. Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.20 (no change)
First Class Flats (1 oz.) will increase by two cents to $0.90 from $0.88. Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.20 (no change)
Postcard rates will increase by three cents to $0.32 from $0.29
Priority Mail retail rates will increase by an average of 3.2% and will start at $5.20 (previously at $5.10)
Express Mail retail rates will increase by an average of 4.4% and will start at $12.95 (previously at $12.85)
Parcel Post rates will start at $5.20 (previously at $5.10)
Media Mail rates will start at $2.47 (previously at $2.41)
New Product! Priority Mail Regional Rate Box C is being introduced with a 25 pound maximum weight limit. Prices start at $14.44
New Product! Express Mail Flat Rate Box is being introduced at $39.95 with a 70 pound maximum weight limit

For a full breakdown of rates, check the USPS site here.

{write on}

Paper Parade: Year of the Dragon

2012-01-23T10:34:00.001-07:00

{via}

In honor of the Chinese New Year {the year of the dragon} we are sharing two of our favorite dragon-inspired paper pieces with you. One for more elegant celebrations and another one for the little dragons in your life.

Checkerboard: $160 for 100

Cross My Heart: $12.00 for 10

Day 23: Daily Words

2012-01-23T10:24:00.001-07:00

{via}

Day 22: Daily Words

2012-01-22T18:55:00.002-07:00

{via}

Day 21: Daily Words

2012-01-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

{via}

Day 20: Daily Words

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

{via}

Day 19: Daily Words

2012-01-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

{via}

Day 18: Daily Words

2012-01-18T07:34:00.001-07:00

{via}

Behind the Curtain: End Piracy, Not Liberty

2012-01-18T07:31:00.001-07:00

If you often wonder what goes on in the "back office" of Express Yourself, you are not alone. Everyone wants to take a peek behind the curtain when they are in our store and our home office is often invaded by curious toddlers wanting to get in on the action.

{via}

Well, here is your chance. We are pulling back the curtain to share with you the opportunity to support a halt to the Stop Online Piracy Act, also known as SOPA. As stated on google's petition site, "Millions of American oppose SOPA and PIPA because these bills would censor the Internet and slow economic growth in the U.S...(would) impose harmful regulations on American business." We certainly want to end piracy, but we do not want to end liberty. Sign the petition here and read more here to learn about an alternative option, such as the OPEN Act.

Day 17: Daily Words

2012-01-17T19:12:00.001-07:00

Today it is really all about one word. Yes.
Click on the link for more inspiration behind this post.

{via}

Day 16: Daily Words

2012-01-16T15:47:00.002-07:00

{by}

Day 15: Daily Words

2012-01-15T18:56:00.001-07:00

{via}

Paper Parade: Stationery + Invites 25 {FREE} Offer

2012-01-14T12:00:00.004-07:00

Need to stock up on personalized stationery? It is the end of National Letter Writing Week after all. Or are you planning a wedding and ready to send out your save the dates or invitations? Need new, fresh calling cards for 2012? Look no further...

Order 75 and receive 25 {FREE} from William Arthur and Vera Wang now through April 2nd. Easy, beautiful styles of paper pieces ready for you to order. No complicated design sessions required! Contact Express Yourself at 970.927.2533 for an appointment today or shop online here.

{write on!}

Day 14: Daily Words

2012-01-14T11:06:00.004-07:00

{via}

Real Celebration: A Birthday in Letters

2012-01-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

This is the perfect Real Celebration post for this week - National Letter Writing Week. We encouraged you earlier this week to sit down and write one letter. Someone on the other end of that letter will likely cherish your words (and for some of you, be surprised that you put pen to paper). But how about if you received a whole batch of letters? On your birthday, no less. Real letters (not just cards) with stories and memories and words of gratitude and celebration. Read on...this post gets better. We promise.

This past October, we took our mom, Nancy, out of town for a night.

We headed to Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado (hi Norman!) and quickly settled in for our second annual girl's getaway. After massages and wine and the joy of getting on the slow track, we presented our mamacita with her birthday gift. She was not expecting much this year. Why? Let us backtrack for a moment.

The previous year, we gave her a basket of gifts. An enormous basket, with one gift for every year she was celebrating. We are not saying the basket was big because of her age (never - she is eternally young!), but the idea of wrapping up 20, 30 or even 40 gifts for one person is a bit crazy. This was one big, crazy basket of birthday fun. It took forever to unwrap all the goodies. And she kept talking about it all year long! She never expected us to pull off something that big again - but we did. This year, we gave her an even better present.

We were inspired with an idea for her birthday last year, but sadly we ran out of time. After last year's memorable celebration, we came across a timely blog post showing us exactly how to execute this great idea. We set out to make this year even more memorable and put our idea in motion. A month before her birthday, we sent out a letter to her friends and family to ask them to consider writing a note to Nancy to help celebrate her upcoming birthday. We wanted to keep it a surprise so we had the letters mailed to us. Here is what the email to her friends looked like (and yes, we had to hijack her email list without her knowing!):

We were not sure of the response. But we never should have doubted the idea. Ever. We immediately received emails in response and a slew of letters in the mail.

A couple letters were even hand-delivered and tucked under the front door mat.

We not only got enough letters to give her one for every year she was celebrating - but we had bonus ones too!

We put each letter in their own envelope and labeled them from 1 and on up.

We stacked them together, tied them with ribbon and put them in a gift bag. We were so excited to give her this gift and we almost spilled the beans (accidentally, of course) several times!

She was beyond(!) surprised with this gift and could not stop gushing over the idea. It was amazing that together with her friends and family we were able to create such a memorable gift. Perhaps we all loved the idea so much because far too often we wait until it is too late to tell someone what they mean to us. But she had the chance to hear it now and we had an opportunity to hear about our mom from the perspective of her friends. Her siblings. Her mother. Her brother-in-law and father-in-law too! There were some stories that shocked us and some that were sincerely heartfelt and made us cry. Others recalled hysterical moments that really put so much into perspective. It was one of those nights where we just kept reading letters, drinking wine, lounging by the fireplace and really celebrating our mom.

It was unforgettable and we would do it all over again.

Day 13: Daily Words

2012-01-13T07:59:00.004-07:00

{by}

Day 12: Daily Words

2012-01-12T19:53:00.001-07:00

Too bad we are landlocked here in Colorado!

{via}

Day 11: Daily Words

2012-01-11T13:16:00.001-07:00

{by}

Nourish: Letter Writing

2012-01-10T14:56:00.002-07:00

In the frenzy of text messages, tweets, status updates,

blogging, and e-mails,

we often forget how nice it is to receive a letter in the mail.

A real-stamped-sealed-signed-delivered by a human-letter in the mail.

How many of you can recognize the handwriting of your friends? Your family?

I keep a box of notes, cards and letters.

A couple boxes, actually.

And I frequently fill them up with whatever I get in the mail

that I want to remember in the future.

I can recognize who each letter is from

just by the handwriting.

{That's my sister above!}

And I love that.

I really do.

Otherwise I wouldn't keep these memories around.

For so long.

But they are a connection to my family and friends

that is so much more tangible

than any e-mail or facebook shout out

will ever be.

So I encourage you to sit down this week

and write one letter. Just one.

To your parents, your sister, whomever.

That is all we are asking.

And if you really don't have anyone to write to,

you can write to me.

It's my birthday week after all.

{erin}

Day 10: Daily Words

2012-01-10T11:57:00.001-07:00

{via}

Paper Parade: Valentine's Day Cards for Kids

2012-01-09T11:23:00.002-07:00

Continuing on yesterday's post with Valentine's Day Cards for the whole family to send, here is a round-up of some of our favorite kid-friendly and kid-sized cards. Perfect for the little ones to share with classmates and friends. All available online at our store here, and don't forget about the 20% off code for friends and family: FANDF. Share the love!

{how sweet it is!}

Day 9: Daily Words

2012-01-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

{via}

Paper Parade: Valentine's Day Cards

2012-01-08T10:47:00.001-07:00

{via}

L.O.V.E. is in the air and we are getting ready to celebrate love and joy with our kids. Our spouses. Our family. Our friends. Here are some of our favorite Valentine's Day Cards. Perfect for the whole family to send - perfect for those of you too busy (or too prone to procrastination) to send out holiday cards in December. We know we would love to get some of these in our mailbox come February. P.S. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to get a friends and family code for 20% off your online purchase of these cards!

All styles shown above plus more (yes, more!)

available online from Express Yourself.

Use our friends and family code: FANDF for 20% off!

How sweet it is!

Check back with us tomorrow for a round up

of our favorite kid friendly valentine's day cards

for your little ones and their friends.

Day 8: Daily Words

2012-01-08T09:31:00.001-07:00

{by Express Yourself}

Day 7: Daily Words

2012-01-07T11:48:00.004-07:00

{via}

Nourish: Mind + Soul + Body

2012-01-06T15:01:00.002-07:00

{via}

Here are some of our favorite roundups from the week to :: NOURISH :: Mind + Body + Soul.

Flipboard: Our new favorite app (check it out here - don't miss the video) has not only streamlined our social networking, news intake and general online reading via our iPhone and iPad - but it's actually providing us with smart content that flexes our brain muscles just a bit more. 2012 just may be the year we get a little bit smarter!

Healthy Eating: With the start of the new year, we are certainly looking for some new, fun, creative ways to eat more fruits and vegetables. To eat a little closer to the earth at each and every meal. Pick up the latest issue of Whole Living Magazine for a great Clean Eating Action Plan or head over to the blog of Elizabeth Rider, a wellness coach (we soooo want to do her Hot Body Nutrition School) that has a digital cookbook available with great recipes to try. We can't wait to try her Sesame Ginger Noodles recipe.

Pen Pals: Check this out to join in on some good, old-fashioned pen pal fun. And yes, this will be the old fashioned way. No texting, messaging or other shorthand communication allowed - this isn't Tweet Pals after all. You have until the 10th of January to join in!

{ENJOY!}

Day 6: Daily Words

2012-01-06T11:29:00.001-07:00

{via}

Beyond: This is Not Art For Everyone

2012-01-05T10:27:00.004-07:00

We all have those days where we need a good laugh. Or something unexpectedly funny, yet interesting to come across our desk. Perhaps this is it for you. This series - Drawings for 3 Rooms in Your Home: #1, #2, #3 - by Steve Lambert are certainly different and certain to invite some conversations. Perhaps awkward ones. We imagine this as the perfect wedding gift for that couple you are friends with; we all have one set of people in our lives that would truly appreciate this art. But be warned, as the artist states: "It's not for everyone."

Drawings for 3 Rooms in Your Home: #1 {via}

Drawings for 3 Rooms in Your Home: #2 {via}

Drawings for 3 Rooms in Your Home: #3 {via}

Available for purchase at one of our favorite, affordable art spots: 20x200. Stop over there for some great inspiration.

Day 5: Daily Words

2012-01-05T10:08:00.004-07:00

{via}

Day 4: Daily Words

2012-01-04T08:52:00.003-07:00

For the parents, the grandparents, the families out there.

Enjoy. This is a favorite quote of ours.

{via}

Time Capsule Cards: {FREE} Download

2012-01-03T17:58:00.001-07:00

As promised from yesterday's post here are the {FREE} downloads for the Year in Review 2011 Card for your family to complete. Also, there are four color schemes for the individual kid cards - {A New Year Questionnaire}. It states January 1, 2012 and it is fine to fill out a couple days late...we just did ours last night! The kid cards have extra room at the bottom of the second page to add a drawing, photo, or trace your kids hand print. They can even sign their name! Our kids had more fun doing this than we even anticipated. We are already (OK...not quite that ready) looking forward to next year's questions (and answers)!

To Print: Click on the links below to download a .pdf file. Use a 5.125" x 7.125" stock and print one-sided (The Year in Review) and two-sided for all the other kid questionnaire cards. This is a perfect size to stash in a photo album or slip into a 5" x 7" envelope for safe keeping.

Family 2011 Year in Review Card {HERE}

Pink/Purple Kid Card {HERE}

Aqua/Orange Kid Card {HERE}

Black/Green Kid Card {HERE}

Red/Navy Kid Card {HERE}

{write on!}

Day 3: Daily Words

2012-01-03T16:50:00.001-07:00

Time Capsule: The Year in Review + A New Year Questionnaire

2012-01-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

We are all about getting organized in the new year. From closets to calendars, it is the perfect time for a fresh start. But sometimes we forget to record and organize ourselves internally. Here is an easy and quick way to catalog some collective thoughts on 2011 and take note of what your little ones are thinking as we all start 2012. The perfect thing to do now for a time capsule memory in the future.

{The Year in Review 2011}

and

{A New Year Questionnaire - January 1, 2012}

Original content and design by Express Yourself

Check back tomorrow for the {FREE} download

so you and your family can begin your own

Time Capsule of memories.

Day 2: Daily Words

2012-01-02T09:03:00.001-07:00

{image by express yourself}

Day 1: Daily Words

2012-01-01T21:02:00.005-07:00

We are taking on a new challenge - OK, several new challenges - in 2012. One of those challenges includes sharing our favorite words of wisdom with you. Every. Single. Day. Starting now...

{via}

What are you waiting for?

Post-Holiday {ONLINE} Sale

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Enjoy post-holiday savings in our online store.

Double your order for free on New Year's and 2012 Holiday Cards.

Order 25 and receive 50!

And now is the perfect time to order stationery

to give thanks for all your holiday goodies.

Use code: FANDF in the online store for a savings of 20%

{send on}

Holiday Hangover {SALE}!

2011-12-27T09:00:00.002-07:00

A Second Chance for Cards

2011-12-27T08:58:00.003-07:00

After the holidays, we like to keep our holiday cards out and on display for several weeks. The kids love to look at the pictures and we enjoy seeing familiar faces of friends and family - without having to log on to Facebook.

When it is finally time to take down our cards, we like to recycle our cards to give them a second chance. This year, we will be donating our holiday cards to St. Jude's Ranch for Children - an organization that cares for abused, neglected and abandoned children. The Recycled Card Program offers the children an opportunity to reconstruct the cards and sell them to learn about entrepreneurship skills. They even accept birthday cards and thank you cards! We look forward to sending them packages all year long.

A Desire to Inspire

2011-12-22T16:28:00.003-07:00

Our fireplace mantel had began to clear out as our book advent calendar counted down the days to Christmas. Naturally, it only took drawing upon previous inspiration to improve the festivity factor. It was easy. It was quick. Inexpensive and fun. Here are a couple quick images to continue the inspiration.

Deer Silhouette available here

Joy to the World printable available here

* * * *

A desire to inspire is exactly what this blog is all about.

Our goals include...

* to be authentic *

* cultivate curiosity *

* create community *

* endlessly explore *

* connect *

These conversations online are the same conversations we (Amy & Erin) have. With ourselves. Each other. Customers. Clients. Friends. Family. Whether you are an old friend or new follower, this space - this place - will be our little corner of the world where we will share our inspirations and where we also hope to be inspiring to you. We look forward to a new year, with new ideas, fresh energy and the opportunity to continue doing what we love.

P.S. And if you are on Pinterest, we hope to be Pin-spiring and Pin-spire you! Follow Amy here and Follow Erin here.

The Reason of the Season

2011-12-21T09:10:00.001-07:00

{via}

A good deed does indeed brighten a dark world. Inspired by stories like this one here this holiday season, we set out to plant our own seeds to inspire good deeds. If you are looking for ways to give back this season, consider Charity Navigator, a great resource for researching your favorite, and perhaps some new, non-profit organizations.

{be good}

We Wish You A Maily Christmas and a Wrappy New Year!

2011-12-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

Yes.

There is still time to get

your mail on its way

and your presents delivered

in time for the holidays.

Check out the links below to see what

Brown, USPS and FedEx can do for you.

{via}

USPS Shipping Deadlines HERE

{via}

UPS Shipping Deadlines HERE

{via}

FedEx Shipping Deadline HERE

{carry on}

Holiday Printables and Decor Ideas

2011-12-19T16:58:00.001-07:00

Need some last minute decoration help as the days quickly countdown to the arrival of in-laws, siblings, nieces and nephews? All of these projects simply require paper, ink, a printer, scissors, tape and/or some old picture frames. Maybe a few dollars. Here are the quick links to get you from bare spaces to festive places in no time.

{via}

yes...this one requires glue and glitter!

{via}

And for the more ambitious...

{via}

Now you know what we're working on tonight!

This Is Serious Business

2011-12-18T16:18:00.004-07:00

game on = we are gone!

Kid Friendly Holiday Treats

2011-12-17T14:55:00.004-07:00

Here are a few, simple kid-friendly cookie-type treats that you can easily make in under an hour. The best part? Only one of them requires the oven! So if you don't want to bring a pre-made grocery store tray to the next holiday party and you aren't exactly looking forward to cracking eggs, measuring flour and lots of dirty dishes then look no further. This is the perfect compromise.

Grab a bag of marshmallows for this first treat. Melt dipping chocolate in a bowl on 50% power in 30 second increments. Once it is melted, insert a pretzel stick in a large marshmallow, dip in the melted chocolate then dip in sprinkled of your choice. Allow to harden on wax paper. Instant marshmallow pop!

Melt some more chocolate, white this time, and drizzle it across Oreo cookies spread out on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with your choice of sprinkle(s) and allow the chocolate to harden. Bedazzled Oreo's!

While the Oreo's are out, pull out some pre-made cookie dough and squash a ball of dough around a cookie. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for up to 20 minutes (the more cookie dough, the longer it will take and the bigger the final cookie!). When the tops are golden brown, pull them out of the oven for this sinful treat.

Yes. These are Oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies. And they are sinful! So sinful we had to cut the giant cookies into quarters. But these are worth having to turn the oven on for!

But they are so, so good.

Last, but not least, open a container of mini chocolate glazed cookies, break apart some pretzel twists and add on a red M&M and two white chocolate chips for this cute little reindeer treat.

{how sweet it is}

Present Perfect Perfectly Presented: Boys!

2011-12-15T09:49:00.001-07:00

OK. We'll be the first to admit that when a customer walks into our store and asks us what to buy for a boy between the ages of 10 and 12, we are usually stumped. Actually, almost always stumped. It is one of those age groups that is SO hard to buy for {and let's not even get started on how hard it is to shop for males in general}! All they want is tech gadgets (too expensive) and more tech gadgets to improve on their current tech gadgets. We found ourselves stumped this week when it came time to send our cousin a birthday present for his 12th birthday. But one of our favorite card companies inspired us - Selfish Kitty by Calypso Cards. We love what we put together. And we think he'll love it too! Here we go:

It all starts with the card.

outside...

and inside...

the gift

with the real gift, of course

wrap it up in an old shopping bag

and it all fit perfectly in a

USPS Priority Rate Small Box.

{Present Perfect}

{Perfectly Presented}

Business Notes: Main Street Love

2011-12-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

{via}

As a small business, operating on the main street in the heart of our own town, we couldn't resist sharing this letter with you from the CEO of the American Booksellers Association. As business owners, we thrive on the knowledge that we are working in the heart of our community, we support local organizations, we interact with members of our community and we like to believe that we are something unique. Note-ably Unique. We are not a bookstore, but we are a small indie retailer. With heart. Lots of heart. If there is anything to take from this letter, it is these final thoughts from Oren Teicher:

"...indie retailers remain the heart of countless communities --

offering discovery, energy, support, and unique experiences.

See you on Main Street."

{Think Big. Support Local Businesses.}

Party Inspiration: Star Wars

2011-12-13T18:31:00.005-07:00

While browsing a certain kitchen catalog for gift ideas, we stumbled across this:

{via}

Which naturally led to the question, "What would a Star Wars party look like?" Sure enough, every question has an answer when cyberspace lurks all around. Here are some of our favorite invitations:

lightsaber invites {via}

{via}

And here is the single best party inspiration picture, from hello my sweet, to show you what the food {isn't the best part the food!} table might include:

{via}

{May the force be with you!}

Advent Calendar: Plan B

2011-12-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Plan A.

A for Advent.

I had a lovely advent calendar swag adorning our home.

Full of candy canes.

Just like our childhood.

Amy and I would faithfully count down

to Christmas with peppermint candy.

Every. Single. Year.

It was a holiday ritual that did not waver.

My kids decided, rather suddenly, they no longer liked

their advent calendar and candy canes.

The whims of toddlers, I say.

So they deconstructed it for me,

put the candy in a drawer and said they were not interested.

Time for Plan B. B for Books.

I saw this photo online for a book advent calendar

and thought,

"I'll do that next year."

{via}

But why wait for December 2012 when

I have more than a dozen days left in December 2011?

And I had a surplus of books stashed away for Christmas.

So I wrapped, bundled and tagged.

And on the mantle they went.

A new book to open and read together every day.

They were {beyond} thrilled.

And so am I.

A new family holiday tradition has been born.

Inspired Wedding Color: Tangerine

2011-12-09T10:33:00.001-07:00

{via}

Inspired by this color board from Design Seeds

(the BEST site for color inspiration!)

we put together a few favrite ideas on how to incorporate

the color tangerine into a wedding. Enjoy!

Vera Wang Save the Date

{via}

Vera Wang Invite

{via}

Vera Wang Bridal Stationery

{via}

Letterpress Invitations

{via}

Bridal Bouquet

{via}

The Cake

{via}

Table Decor

{via}

Boutonnieres

{via}

Bridesmaids

{via}

The Shoes

{via}

2012: Looking Bright Ahead

2011-12-08T11:56:00.001-07:00

{via}

Next year is looking bright. To be more precise, 2012 is looking rather Tangerine Tango. The Pantone Color of 2012 was released today and we are excited to get a few mood boards together celebrating this spirited color. As noted by the press release, this color, "continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward."

Looking forward to 2012, indeed.

Happy Birthday

2011-12-08T09:25:00.001-07:00

A very Happy Birthday

to our very happy,

very lovable,

supportive,

funny,

smart,

amazing

Dad.

Love,

A & E

Mini Winter Wedding Aspen Survival Kit

2011-12-05T16:44:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the "Survival Kit" by The Hello Tote

there won't be a hangover, chapped lip

or sunburnt nose to be seen around Aspen

for one of our bride and groom's upcoming wedding.

Cheers to that!

Here's The Skinny

2011-12-02T10:49:00.001-07:00

We made up some fun "swizzle sticks" for the Aspen launch party of Skinnygirl Cocktails new White Cranberry Cosmo. They definitely put us in the holiday spirit and made us thirsty girls...very, very thirsty girls indeed!

Here are some more decor pictures from the launch party last night. You might just spot some of the fun decor and paper goodies from Express Yourself! Perhaps next up is custom stationery for Bethenny...

{last three photos via}

{enjoy!}

-- --- .-. ... . -.-. --- -.. .

2011-11-30T12:39:00.001-07:00

Ah, yes, morse code.

We have found a new love.

or -in morse code- we have found a new

.-.. --- ...- .

{via}

{via express yourself etsy}

{via}

{ . -. .--- --- -.-- }

Print On

2011-11-27T14:08:00.001-07:00

HP - invent from Tom and Matt on Vimeo.

An interesting, artful project with two of our favorite things:

paper and printers.

When used to express ones self,

share art and spread joy then we

wholeheartedly support the use of paper.

{print on}

Blessed

2011-11-24T12:24:00.001-07:00

{via}

and every day.

Amen.

{Happy Thanksgiving}

{THURSDAY through SATURDAY} Holiday Card Sale

2011-11-24T12:14:00.001-07:00

Shop Online

Thursday * Friday * Saturday

and save 20% on

Holiday Photo Cards!

{smile!}

Annual {SALE}!

2011-11-21T17:26:00.001-07:00

* It is that time of year *

Join us for the 7th Annual

ALL I WANT FOR THE HOLIDAYS {SALE}!

15% OFF Storewide

10% OFF Custom Order Placed in Store

* plus *

15% OFF Online (use code: ALLIWANT)

Llama Llove

2011-11-18T10:36:00.001-07:00

There was a time in my life that I did not like llamas. I was taking care of some for a family friend and, well, they started spitting at me. Continually. And I screamed and ran and begged a friend to come feed the llamas for me. Ever since then, I swore off the llamas. Until this kids book came around and I started reading it with my girls.

{via}

Then my idea of llamas turned around.

Because there really is something to llove about the llama.

{via}

{llovely}

Dear Santa...

2011-11-16T13:36:00.001-07:00

We hate to interrupt this time of thanks and giving {really, let's stick to Thanksgiving right now if we can}...but, we wanted to give everyone a heads up on the deadline for North Pole Postmarks. Requests must be received in North Pole, Alaska by December 10th. So after your kids eat their fare share of turkey and pie, they can start working on their letter to Mr. {and Mrs.} Claus!

{via}

{via USPS} NORTH POLE, AK – Once again this year, the U.S. Postal Service is offering North Pole postmarks on holiday mail.

To receive the North Pole postmark on your holiday cards, you should:

Purchase stamps at any post office.
Affix the stamps to envelopes of your choice.
Address the sealed envelopes, with the cards enclosed, to those on your mailing list.
Mail them in a larger envelope, box, Priority Mail or Express Mail package to:

NORTH POLE HOLIDAY CANCELLATION
POSTMASTER
4141 POSTMARK DR
ANCHORAGE AK 99530-9998

Requests must be received in Anchorage by Dec. 10 in order to ensure delivery by Christmas. The Postal Service receives hundreds of thousands of requests each year for North Pole postmarks from around the world. The service is provided at no cost. Each card or letter must have the correct amount of postage and be addressed.

Many communities around the country have local programs set up to respond to letters to Santa Claus. Check with your local post office or call 1-800-ASK-USPS.

{write on!}

Left Brain :: Right Brain

2011-11-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

{via}

We love this ad from Mercedes-Benz. While Amy would say she is Right Brain and Erin would say she is Left Brain, truthfully, you have to be a bit of both to operate a small business. Especially a small business in the stationery and design world. Where creativity triumphs but business acumen spells success. We like to think that the two of us together simply comprise the best "brain" behind the business. We know exactly who we are and we are everything we wanted to be.

Good Morning Weekend, Goodnight iPad?!

2011-11-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

That's right. Goodnight iPad. It might be time to update your child's bookshelf with this parody on Goodnight Moon.

Dubbed as, "a parody for the next generation" this book still pays homage to the original (take a peek at the end). And truthfully, this book is not all that much different from some households at the end of the day. You, and maybe even your kids, will get a good laugh - and a reminder to put down the electronics every once in a while. We are adding this one to our must read list. Just not sure how often we should expect updates?!?

{read on}

Friday Favorites: Vol. 11

2011-11-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

This Friday our favorites are foxes. We have a serious case of Fox Fever. And it is so much fun.

{via}

We have so many favorites, you really have to check out our fox fever board here for even more inspiration.

{stay foxy}

Family Photos: What to Wear

2011-11-10T09:25:00.001-07:00

Looking for ideas on what the family should wear for that holiday photo? Look no further than photographer Lina Jarmond's color-coordinated ideas here on her site. Perfect inspiration when pulling together a cohesive look for you and your kids.

{say cheese!}

For the Parents: Free Laughs Here

2011-11-04T14:18:00.001-06:00

Dear Parents of small ones. Welcome.

Do you have days like this...

{milk "painting" on the window}

or this...

{lovely, and edible, floor decor}

or this?

{a two-year old's version of "organizing"}

Then read this NOW!

Laughing is not optional - it is mandatory.

Now there. Don't you feel better?

Murmuration

2011-11-03T17:54:00.000-06:00

Some days leave us lacking a creative energy. A loss of movement or motion forward. But this video inspires us. Reminds us of the natural beauty and inspiration surrounding us every day. And if we were ever so lucky to encounter a murmuration as in this video, we would be privy firsthand to the amazing and magical capabilities of what naturally surrounds us.

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Thank you to Sarah Beth Brown for sharing this with us. Amazing.

Holiday Cards are Here :: Shop Online Now :: Save 15%

2011-11-02T12:57:00.003-06:00

With our apologies to Thanksgiving, we are already serving up some of our favorite holiday cards. And the best part yet? These can all be ordered online here. So if you can't make it into our store, you can shop right here, right now. And they are 15% off! Happy Holidays, indeed.

We have made it super easy to order your holiday cards online.

You are on your own with getting the kids dressed

and the family photo taken!

Or you can join Express Yourself & Shannon Gray

on Nov. 12th from noon to 4 p.m.

for 30-minute photo sessions. $125.

Call 970-927-2533 for details.

Post-This

2011-11-01T12:20:00.000-06:00

The power of post-its: An original paper concept developed in the seventies and launched in the US in 1980. Here in this video, this classic, original and life changing product pays homage to a man that has changed all our lives. Steve Jobs. Enjoy.

Say Cheese!

2011-10-31T11:18:00.003-06:00

Or as my little one says when the camera is out, "Say Pizza Pie!". Why pizza pie, I have no idea. But if she at least looks at and acknowledges the camera, then we are one step closer to getting a picture of her. Because getting pictures of kids is stressful, not to mention the fact that I am rarely in the photos because I am always the one behind the lens.

We are here to help you take the stress out of the holiday photo this year. Treat yourself to a thirty-minute photo session with Shannon Gray at Express Yourself in Downtown Basalt. On Saturday, November 12th from noon - 4 p.m. {during BASH!} we will be offering thirty-minute slots for you and the kids (or just the kids - go ahead and sneak into The Brick Pony for a much deserved glass of wine). For $125, the lovely and talented Shannon will then give you eight of the best photos in digital format. You can print, re-print, gift, re-gift and oooh and ahhh over them as much as you want. All without having to do a crazy dance behind the camera. Now that is the best gift I will give myself this year.

Call 970-927-2533 or email amy@expressyourselfbasalt.com

to reserve your spot today!

{erin}

Artists to Watch: Brianna Martray

2011-10-17T19:16:00.003-06:00

This past April and May, we traveled through the pedestrian bridge from the main terminal to the A Gates at Denver International Airport. A beautiful, peaceful bridge that easily transports you from the hustle and bustle into the gate area without much effort, yet it was clear that there was someone busy at work. An art installation was occurring. Tiny paper cranes, floating from one end of the bridge to another. But it the early stages of the project were evident and the concept was still clearly taking shape; ladders were tucked to the side and blue painter's tape marked the future path of the art.

{via}

Over this past weekend we finally made it back across that bridge. It was subtly impressive to see the cranes float their way from one end to the other, seemingly traveling with you as you yourself journeyed on. But the most impressive part of this art installation is the story behind it. The story of the artist, Brianna Martray. Here it is in her own words:

Once upon a time, I wrote a novel. I took me eight years and upon completion a New York City Literary Agent asked for a copy. I reread it again, decided it wasn’t good enough and never sent it. In 2006, I started folding the stacks of manuscript pages lying around my house into origami cranes. Fast forward to the summer of 2010 when both my computer and my back up hard drive are stolen and the only finished copy of my novel lives in 10,000 folder paper cranes, the shadow of thousands of hours of work, the history of my creative journey, remnants of a former self.

It is only fitting that this art installation be in a place of movement, travel. A place of going forward. Visit it the next time you visit DIA. {travel on}

Track a Package: Camera Mail

2011-10-13T14:49:00.000-06:00

We have an ongoing courtship with our US Postal Service, Fed-Ex team and UPS delivery service. In the sense that we spend a lot of time at the post office, on the phone, online tracking packages, or wondering when they (lovely drivers, they are) will arrive at our doorstep. We know phone numbers by heart and recite tracking numbers like vital stats. We wield a tape gun like the professionals we are and loathe those packing peanuts. We are always in the know about when items are shipped, how long they will take to arrive and how quickly it can all happen. But we don't really put too much thought into that time in transit. Until now.

{via}

This is an interesting story on Camera Mail. You attach a disposable camera to a piece of cardboard, affix some postage and implore the postal workers to take photos as the package is moved along in transit.

{via}

Results? Here is a camera mail project that had one very helpful postal worker only too eager to participate in this social experiment.

Now we want to see what brown would do in an experiment like this. Perhaps it's time to try and find out for ourselves!

{carry on}

Watch This: The Unseen Sea

2011-10-07T11:48:00.003-06:00

The Unseen Sea from Simon Christen on Vimeo.

We have always been partial to time lapse videos, such as this one here and here. But we came across this time lapse video of the San Francisco bay area this morning via @anthologymag. Whether you love San Fran or have never been, this video is beautiful enough for all of us to enjoy the beauty of nature in contrast to the modern life of a big city. Get out there and enjoy your weekend!