Looking Ahead

We have had a year of big changes in 2012 and 2013 is looking even bigger and brighter and full of amazing opportunities. While life with Express Yourself and theHELLOtote is busy, whether in Denver or Basalt, I have to be honest that we (my sis and I) desire to get out of our comfort zone just a bit more. We need to be inspired so that we can be inspiring to others. We need to branch out and network and be prepared for upcoming changes and what we hope are amazing things to come our way. This need to get out more became apparent when I recently realized my four-year old has acquired more frequent flier miles than I have in the past twelve months. And especially so when I look at our blog posts and realize I have not put anything up since July. It's a sad situation, really.

Some might say that to get inspired you need to be bored, while others suggest that anyone can be more creative if they just tap into it. One has to admire all the viewpoints, however I really have my heart set on the Alt Summit in Salt Lake City. It is so amazing and inspiring just to read about the bloggers and collaborators from last year and we would l.o.v.e. to actually attend. Not only is Alt SLC the perfect time of year (hello new year, hello new ideas) but it happens to fall right after my birthday (a composite number that I shall not reveal). And it's the winter and I've always wanted to ski in Park City. And did I mention a relative lives nearby that just bought a new house that I would love to visit?!? It's meant to be, really. 

Except for the fact it is sold out. 

So, while I am currently here ---> in Colorado, I'll just keep dreaming about being there ---> in SLC. And of course, I will keep up with the Alt actions from afar. In my pajamas. While my four-year old jaunts off with her grandmother on yet another fun trip.

For blogging inspiration and business advice check out the new Alt blog. Go on now...

- e.m.j.

Friday Favorites: Vol. 3

Today we would say we have one, singular favorite. Stationery. Period. That is it.

There is something magical about picking out your monogram, deciding on your personal motif, selecting a font, choosing from all those fabulolus paper colors. And envelope liners. Oh my.

And that, our friends, is just the beginning. The next step would be crafting the letter. Whether it's personal, professional or just a quick thank you, there is something magical about the process. Put the stamp on. Hand address the envelope (imagine that). Hand it over to your mailman (yes, one of us still does that every day at their front door!). You are sending something so much better than a text, email or miscellany electronic message can ever be. When it reaches it's destination, that letter is bringing a little piece of you, from your home to theirs.

One of us still has a letter that our father wrote on a special birthday (you know - the ones that end in either a zero or a five). It's hanging above the desk and every tangible punctuation mark or cramped "e" is a gentle reminder of home, so very far away, but still authentic with that distinctive handwriting of Dad looking down every day.

Now how sweet is that.

the write stuff

We love, love, love vintage typewriters. They evoke an era of non-electronic correspondence that included signatures in ink, postage stamps and the smell of fresh paper. This was when mailboxes served the purpose of delivering something more than just bills and junk mail.

We especially love this collection above as noted by decor8.

Our favorite idea is one that has been around for quite some time. Place some sheets of good, quality cotton paper (or one very long piece) out with an old typewriter and use it as a guest book. We think this is best for small, intimate weddings, as the guest entries will take some time to complete. Perfect for weddings of book lovers, writers and vintage enthusiastic couples.

Bride Beth commented, "Having a typewriter guestbook was really great! We have all of the pages in a scrapbook now and it is funny to read everyone’s comments." This picture above is from her wedding. How fun!

Type on friends, type on!

keep on learning

On our wish list this year are some of our favorite items to buy. But we also long for learning more about our favorite obsessions and things to try. Currently all things paper sway us - from crafting crave worthy letterpress pieces to writing the perfect story to painting, patterns and color. We don't dream of summers spent lounging poolside with boat drink in hand (ok, maybe we do) but instead wish for days full of creating and learning, our fingers full of ink and stained with color.

We'll start with a letterpress workshop at The Center for Book Arts in NYC. Not like we ever need an excuse to hit up the Big Apple, but when there is a Vandercook involved, we'll be there. We just need to get our p's and q's in a row.
Next, we'll retreat home to take an online writing class from Gotham. Maybe Children's Book Writing or Creative Writing 101 to get our writer's block unhinged and to (finally) put pen to paper. Good quality paper, of course. The best part is we can sit in our pajamas on the couch with laptop in hand and be in class at the same time. Or better yet, lounging poolside after all.
Then we'll finish our summer with an early September visit to Squam Art Workshops. Several days spent on the lake in New Hampshire sounds good enough, curled up by a fireplace in an old rustic cabin with a cup of tea. Add on the writing, art, creativity and photography classes and we're in nirvana...no wait, we really are still in New Hampshire.

Just like summer camp, without the sing-alongs, bad food, bunk beds and snarky counselors.

take five

where will you be five years from today?

now is the time to stop doing and start living.

where to start?

try the interactive play book Five.

it asks you the questions

and you provide the answers.

so set aside five (minutes) - read five (pages) or more and begin the next five (years) as a new journey.

we know you want to buy it, see you in five?