53 pink paper notes

more nebraska smooches

2010-03-29T10:55:00.000-05:00

After a nice relaxing weekend (that included knocking a couple of things off of my 2010 to-do list, more to come later) I found myself bright and early this morning with a link to view a friends Etsy store and I fell in love. Cheers to more smooches!

olive robot hat via the fuzzy robot

jute bags with message label via south house boutique

i heart mr. moustache via jos studio

baby leather skull and cross slippers via scandeez

starling a line sundress by emma girl designs

pink felt heart garland by littleseeta

have a good day!

brooke

green loves!

2010-03-17T12:01:00.000-05:00

a green hat for daddy (made by Aubrey)

a pot of gold for mommy (made by Aubrey)

an dreams for a bunch of green balloons for Aubrey :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Brooke

spring makeover

2010-03-13T16:11:00.000-06:00

Progress was made this week - I can now see where the 8 small Christmas trees are that we staked into the ground a bit over 4 months ago. Yep, those same Christmas trees that I only had the opportunity to turn on twice before they were suffocated by the wet, cold stuff.

It is officially almost spring. Not today, today it is freezing cold, but I know in my heart it is coming! :) I'm excited about the possibilities of warm breezes and fresh design.

spring flower curtain via MollaSpace

if we lived in a giant old house with a giant lovely tree i would spend hours decorating it just like this kelly oshiro events my be my hero

my favorite color combo, retro find from Design Sponge {via 2006}

kat in the city via modern twist

aubrey creations

2010-03-13T14:45:00.000-06:00

My husband wearing the newest obsession - headband animals.

Cat in the hat hat.

the next big creation!

Remember how I said that my five year old is this really creative ball of energy? I wanted to post her latest works of art - all are concepts dreamed up and designed by our little one. Soo cute!

Brooke

march love list (via Operation Nice)

2010-03-02T11:20:00.000-06:00

One of my very favoritest blogs is Operation Nice and yesterday the assignment was to create a March Love List.

When I saw it I knew that is exactly what I needed - even with a nice long vacation February the endless snowfall, cold, and crispness of 2010 wore off - so a love list of March is a perfect way to start thinking about what excitement I have to look forward to in the next 31 days! I have to say, I am pretty excited after putting everything down on paper!

love, brooke

nebraska smooches

2010-02-28T12:00:00.000-06:00

You know the feeling you get when you find a song that you really dig before anyone else and you sing along to it for weeks at the top of your lungs only to casually say, "yep, I've been listening to that song for weeks" when it starts play on the radio?

I totally feel that way about the random finds below with cherry on top being they are all local, Nebraska folks that are immensely talented!

A BIG PS all finds were made possible by Etsy's shop local assembly. (If you haven't shopped via Etsy or even just gotten lost in the amazingness of handmade goodies, today is the day!)

Classic Pleated Clutch light gray via Stash

Chocolate Cupcake Hair Clip - with Sprinkles via Lulu Bug Boutique

Appreciation tags via Jos Studio

across a crowded room via deciduou soul

dragon hat in fushia via pedestrian

felt girl's camera love bag via the pink pooka

sophisticated in stripes tie via bellas sweet boutique

antique tin heart from reclaimed barn roof via M West Designs

Golden Teak Chandelier Necklace via Sarah White Jewerly

Loves,

Brooke

xoxo dyi valentine goodie bags

2010-02-07T20:35:00.000-06:00

Remember in elementary school when you spent hours making your paper bag look super cute in anticipation of catching all of those lovely Valentines? Just like birthday cards, something unexpected inside at the end of the day was the exactly what you were secretly hoping for. Mine was the red suckers with the white writing. I don't know why - I just really liked the suckers! I wanted to make Aubrey's Valentine's Day special this year and since she is a little craftista herself, I wanted to channel that creativity into her Valentine's Day cards. I love the way they turned out and they are super easy to make!

You will need:

- bags of Hersey Kisses (I bought one too many, on purpose :) )

- clear archival sleeves (found at Michaels)

- cardstock

- ribbon

- scissors

- hole punch

Step 1: We used 5 kisses per bag, using the smalles archival sleeves.

Step 2: Then we made a leaning tower of ribbon (optional) :)

Step 3: Create/Print off your bag header design. We used hearts from Three Paper Peonies and font via Kevin and Amanda.

Step 4: Punch a two holes, thread the ribbon, and tie in a bow!

Step 5: Drink wine + eat the rest of the kisses!

XOXO, Brooke

vday love

2010-02-05T15:58:00.000-06:00

Just some random musings I found laying around.

PIN eco Felt Think Love Pin Golden and Brown via Green Star Studio on Etsy

Heart Flutter Card via Enid Wilson Studio on Etsy

Teeny Hearties Wall via Neawear on Etsy

Love Hearts Framed Picture via Sarah and Bendrix on Etsy

Its not that far really postcard rarrarpress on Etsy

Brooke

i {heart} wall

2010-02-03T22:07:00.000-06:00

Our {heart} wall filled with the softest red wool hearts, Aubrey blowing a kiss, and a string of fantastically random magazine hearts.

Brooke

kind thoughts

2010-01-28T13:33:00.002-06:00

I have some kindness crushes. You know those amazingly simple every day things that you could be doing right this second but you don't even know it?

I think I mentioned it before, but I'm going through a 20-year-olds midlife crisis (I think). I'm really struggling to find balance and so I decided (after buying 10 books, non of which I have yet read) that instead of focusing on the negative aspects, I want to be a positive influence. Instantly I was driven to fantastically kind folks that are sharing the love.

A beautiful way to remember to seize each day via William Dohman. I love the simplistic nature of the recycled wood, it just seems to be an approachable afterthought of someone rooted in kindness.

image via jennaflee

You know when you stumble across something that you believe could change the world? Kind Over Matter is that site. Dedicated to being the good in the world, their legion of followers dictates just how kind the world can be. These ladies make lovelies for diy drop cards and you do the rest. It inspired me to do something similar this morning to my co-workers and I'm already plotting out my next move. I {heart} random acts of kindness.

Concentrate on yourself. Thoughts become ideas, ideas lead to action. Prep your day with this happy cards from Cleansing Thoughts.

Brooke

Happy Movely! {second} edition

2010-01-25T12:31:00.000-06:00

Movely...it's like lovely but with a Monday to start it off.

Lately I've been finding this lovely, randomistic cluster of inspiration through blogs and sites. Today is Movely, so I thought I would kick this {second} edition off with a site I discovered just this morning.

Say hello to Operation Nice. Hello.

Operation Nice give you warm fuzzies. Yum! Now play along with me on this Movely. Comment below and I will comment you back with a compliment!

Happy Movely!

Brooke

{three} things thursday

2010-01-21T08:00:00.007-06:00

For the past six months I've been really thinking about my next career move.

Did I tell you that tt's a touchy subject with me? After spending the last seven years of my life and making huge life changing moves dedicated towards a goal, accomplishing it last year was my crowning moment. Now where do I go? Who do I want to be? Can I really be happy here forever?

And then there is always that question, "where do you see yourself in five years"...it came to me yesterday in my work review. But the question wasn't five years, it was next year. Next year - 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days.

But instead of being panicked that I have no idea what my next step will be, I began to wonder - what is that I really want to do.

{three} things thursday: {three} career aspirations

photo via Bakerella

I want to own a cupcake shop. Just cupcakes, nothing else. Well, maybe we'd sell really festive party gifts, play loud music, and hand out free cupcakes on Mondays.

photo via the talented the wedding cabaret

Photographer. I would insist on a fantastic mess of personality shots woven with amazing colors and textures. I would spend days scouting out the perfect locations, drawing stick figure representations, and learning about the person. It could be amazing.

photo via Modern Day Floral

I want to make amazing flower arrangements. Ones that include more than five roses and baby's breath - flowers that are planted locally and arranged with love, care, and inspiration. The shop would be large, heavy wooden tables with buckets full of color. Yum.

A girl can dream - can't she?

Brooke

I have a dream...

2010-01-20T20:44:00.000-06:00

Anyone with little ones understands the astonishment and ear to ear grins that they bring on a daily basis. I still remember the first day Aubrey told me her opinion about something, she was two and I couldn't believe that she had gotten big enough to form her own ideas about the world around her. She is super creative (I'm going to start posting her stuff) and has this super stuffed imagination that is fascinating to see work.

This morning she did not disappoint.

Me: Aubrey, let's go! I need to get to work, I have a big meeting this morning.
Aubrey: Mommy, did you know that I had a dream about rainbows (proceeds to walk over by me to tell me the story)
Me: Aubrey, last time - I'm leaving, it is time to go
Aubrey: Where are my shoes?
Me: Aubrey, I can't believe...
Aubrey: that I love you?
Me: Yes, that you love me. Now shoes on, lets go! (I grab her backpack and pull out yesterday's papers and throw them on the coffee table, walk away, then walk back to look at one yellow piece of paper.....)

This beautiful piece of paper says: (did I mention it is mustard yellow paper with red writing, it didn't photograph well)

I have a deam to go on an African safari. Love, Aubrey
And then she drew a picture of a totum pole.

amazing photo via kia ross flickr

Me: Aubrey, you want to go on an African safari?
Aubrey: Yes, I want to see the animals and help people.
Me: You know what?
Aubrey: I love you too.

Love.

Brooke

i want to throw a pa-r-ty!

2010-01-19T16:37:00.000-06:00

After looking at it should it be pa-rt-y? or p-ar-ty? Whatever, all I know is that I want to throw one after stumbling upon the cutest wedding pieces ever. I'm a bit jealous (okay a lot jealous) of these obviously fascinating people so I decided that {one} I must throw a party and {two} I must have Rifle Paper Co design everything! And maybe {three} it needs to be warmer outside :)

photos via Rifle Paper Co.

happy movely

2010-01-18T15:59:00.001-06:00

Movely...it's like lovely but with a Monday to start it off. Wouldn't today be a nice day to say random kind things to each other.

via amy mortimer

Need a pick-me-up or just want to play along? Comment below and I will comment you back with a compliment. Happy Movely!

heart it

2010-01-08T15:21:00.001-06:00

I was looking for a houseplant and ended up on Etsy laughing at these adorable love-you-much-cards designed by up up creative. I'm in love.

twenty seven little ideas

2010-01-02T15:47:00.000-06:00

felt the love

2009-12-28T18:13:00.000-06:00

One of my daily reads A Beautiful Mess featured this fantastic orange, felt bow. I just had to find out how to create one of my own.

Visit Twig & Thistle for this lovely and 4 more felt projects!

brooke

fa-la-la-la I'm tying a string around my finger

2009-12-28T14:48:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was our first trip out of the house since Thursday. Yep, the packed Wal-Mart gave an oddly freeing feeling; a conquest conquered. It was like we were a part of the world again - woo-hoo! After the Christmas celebration was over and the endless hours of snow set in, I was looking for some great diy projects with stuff I have laying around and I found these perfect picks that Aubrey and I started tinkering with. These fantastic finds can be made before you put away this years decorations for a special surprise next year!

Katie Did garland

perfect for Aubrey's room via Sparklecandance

perfect for the left over Christmas paper that i {heart!} via Bloesem

a glamorous cascade of ornaments by dress design decor

lovely wreath via Living with Lindsey

too many things, such little time

2009-12-23T09:21:00.001-06:00

Almost one week away from 2010 I decided that I needed a game plan for my randomicity on pretty paper with boxes allowing the ever so satisfying crunch of another item off the list. I utilized fonts from Kevin & Amanda with lovely details my latest obsession - Jaime Choi of Three Paper Peonies (honestly, how cute are her papers?!)

Ready to tackle 2010? The PDF download is available for anyone to use - get your sharpies ready!

2010 to do list

my name is brooke and i'm a procrastinator

2009-12-18T11:24:00.001-06:00

My 101 ideas about Christmas cards fits neatly into this little pocket, tucked right behind the last 101 Christmas card ideas I had last year. Only problem? I exhibit no ability to actually follow through with these ideas, so they remain there in their raw form until we get to the week before Christmas and I suddenly realize my board is full with other peoples children smiling and I haven't even ordered any. I usually get by in a pinch with something I re-worked mid July when I told myself I would get these done in October next year or the last minute Shutterfly sale that comes just after Christmas...perfect timing for a Happy New Years! card send out.

One great thing about my procrastination? The random, great finds that Etsy has rewarded me with and the secret that comes with them. Forgo the traditional photo cards from the major retailers with their generic designs and dive into these lovelies that can all be printed off by you!

Filmstrip Custom Holiday Photo Card by announcingyou

Color Pop Custom Christmas Card by announingyou

It's not too late for the new year holiday card by OhBayBee

And what is an "after the holidays card" without a letter explaining why you have been so busy you completely forgot to get Christmas cards out on time?

Printable customized stationary by yaelfran

One of a kind custom Christmas tree-shaped letter by thewildcocoabean

oh christmas tree

2009-12-17T16:09:00.002-06:00

I can't believe Christmas is a week away - to do lists are still too long, gifts in a obnoxious pile in front of my bathroom door, and I think we have turned out outside lights on twice (before the snow covered up the switch). But even so it is those little things that I savor - the way Aubrey lights up when a Christmas movie is playing, the way she tries to run away when Santa is around (not a big fan of people dressed up), going shopping with Jason, and driving home through streets full of twinkling lights. I love the little things.

lets do lunch

2009-12-16T15:40:00.002-06:00

Can you believe how cute these are?! I found this randomistic website Funky Lunch while searching for some kids cookie cutters for santa to bring Aubrey. The site promises merch soon - I'll be first in line!

Charlie and Lola are my fav's! Check out the piano!

snow day

2009-12-16T14:43:00.001-06:00

Remember how exciting it was when you woke up in the morning and there was just enough snow on the ground? Yep, it was that kind of day. Curl up on the couch, watch movies, and make snowflakes with Aubrey.

25 days of giving

2009-12-15T23:34:00.001-06:00

Growing up my favorite part of the Christmas season was this banner advent calendar that my mom put up in the living room. I can't remember the design nor the figure we moved each day but I remember being toasty warm and listening to the never ending Wee Sing for Christmas tape waiting for one more day to pass until presents were under the tree.

This year I decided for forgo the snowman advent calendar/plush toy that we lost the snowflake to 4 years ago and create a new family tradition. Our little one is five and I wanted her to understand that the season is not about getting, but what we can give to others. With that in mind we created our 25 days of giving advent calendar. For 20 days we will pull a number off the wall and inside will be a $1 ($1 + 20 days = $20) and with the $20 our little one will pick out and purchase the toy requested by another little one looking forward to Christmas morning as we are. It's simple idea and a tradition that I'm excited to begin!