oh, hello friend: you are loved.

Swoon:

2013-04-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

There is just so much amazing inspiration out in the world, how do we take it all in? It's kind of inspiring in itself how much beauty there is in the world and how we can capture it through sight, photos, art, senses, etc. What do you think? :)

Roost Blog

Rae Dunn

Little by Jenny

murraymitchell.com

Shabby Chic Inspired

Erik Barthels

Heart Teacups

Jeanine Stewart

takashiiwasaki

Message Tape:

2013-04-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've had this idea for a while and tried to get it made with washi tape but I had to order some huge amount like 10,000 rolls or something. Which was kind of a lot ;) So I was super excited to get this tape printed with our designs. I figured you guys would really appreciate this because you like packaging and nifty things! Rolls of message tape are available here in the shop!

The tape is simple - you just tear at each message and place on your package/envelopes/whatever! Rolls are just $10 each and a roll will last you quite a while with hundreds of little messages per roll! (haven't actually counted how many there are but it's a lot!)

Calling all letter lovers - we've got a roll especially for you with special package sayings like: airmail, send more letters, special delivery, please deliver to, & more!

So what do you guys think? Any specific sayings you'd like to see or think would be cool? Our next designs will include occasions like birthdays and holidays! Don't miss out on getting a roll of tape for yourself here at the shop! Also available in our retail shop.

With the introduction of this new product, we thought it'd be fun to give away a roll of tape to 10 lucky winners! Simply tweet / facebook / or instagram an image from this post and come back and comment here! Be sure to tag @ohhellofriend so we can track your entries.

* this is a original idea designed and produced by by oh, hello friend. tape is printed in the usa.

Favorite TV Shows:

2013-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

So I'm a big tv-show person. I never used to be but in college Nick introduced me to 24 and Lost so I kind of blame him for getting hooked on television ;) We're always so busy so watching shows is kind of our way of relaxing. We watch a lot of shows. These are our current top shows. Homeland is my current favorite. The Game of Thrones is actually Nick's.. I like it, it's just kind of intense for me. We started watching Mad Men a while ago and thought it was so boring. But we started up again just because it's received so many awards and everything so we thought we'd try it again and it is really good! Downton of course, nothing more needs to be said about that show ;) The Walking Dead made a comeback, it started getting really boring around the farm time but we're big fans now. and Sherlock, wish they'd release more episodes in a season! and I'll always be a fan of Grey's Anatomy but Nick doesn't watch that with me. Told you we watch a lot of tv! Okay, so what shows do you watch? Any of these? Any good shows you recommend? It's interesting because I was talking to a friend and she really only watches comedy like modern family and 30 rock. We're not too big on comedy shows, weird. Hope you don't think we're weird because we watch a lot of television! So share your fave shows and guilty pleasures, I want to hear what everyone out there watches :) photo credits: homeland / mad men / breaking bad / downton abbey / the walking dead / sherlock

Happy Friday:

2013-04-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

I really like scissors. They're a simple desk accessory but some can be really detailed and gorgeous for such a simple item. I love collecting them and we sell quite a few different pairs at the shop... maybe a bit too many. A customer walked in and commented, "you sell a lot of scissors" haha ;)

Scissors have been around for quite some time, the history of them is pretty cool actually. What about you - what sort of things are in your collection?

Well it's Friday and the first week of April is already over. Crazy. When did we even reach April so quickly? This weekend we're going to be catching up at the shop since we've been gone for over a week! Toronto was so fun but there is really nothing like being at home and we're glad to be home. Have a great weekend friends!

collection / peach:

2013-04-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else loving peach right now? Peach paired with mint and yellow (of course) is the ultimate for me. Actually, a lady came in the shop wearing all these colors the other day: her pants were mint, her shirt was peach and her sweater was yellow - she was the coolest! Hope you enjoy today's round up of peach finds!

via style me pretty

via confetti system

via grey likes weddings and martha stewart

peach party via cococrazy.com

PEACH Leather Change Purse via Gift Shop Brooklyn

via quotepix.com

via nifty thrifty dry goods

Lost Print via Vapor Qualquer

cake via martha stewart weddings

via gather and hunt

colorblocked peach stool via jumbled

via family style food

Peach and Gold Dot Dish via up in the air somewhere

Beach photography via Raceytay

Lovely Wear:

2013-04-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

These mustard pants from Target were an instant buy. I really like this pairing of dusty mint and mustard. It's been sort of cold in the morning but warms up so I just throw on a scarf in the morning. I love scarves too though, I'd wear them year round if it didn't get so hot in the summer.

My shoes are by Swedish Hasbeens, I was introduced to this brand by Ruby. I had never heard of them before! I can't actually afford them and don't own any pairs besides these, which I scored these at the flea market for only $25 bucks! They were pretty worn but I was pretty excited I found some in my size! (Tip: Sometimes I watch Ebay for less expensive options)

Pants: Target Blouse: Forever 21 Bracelets/Scarf: Available at our shop! Purse/Watch: Thrifted Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens

Swoon:

2013-04-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello April! Thought I'd start the month off with a round up of photos I'm swooning over :) I'm excited for April, it's my Grandmother's birthday and my family will be headed to Sacramento to celebrate her with all our relatives! (my grandma had 7 kids and there are a whole lot of cousins so it's always a fun time getting together) I feel like having little things to look forward to is really encouraging and inspiring to get through each day - because you know there is always something coming up.
Thanks for all your comments over the past few days - We're taking you guys up on some of your Toronto suggestions and it was so encouraging to read all your notes from Friday's post. Thank you friends, i am so fortunate to have such amazing and supportive "blog friends" ;) Hope you enjoy today's swoooooon <3
ps: i know some of you have been asking about monthly desktop calendars, hope to be getting back to designing those soon! there don't seem to be enough hours in the day to do everything you want to do!
Klinkvort

Babble.com

Stitch & Hammer Studio

Patterson Maker

Katt Frank

Cossack Traitor

Zyanya Lorenzo

Rebecca Sower

radostina

Frenchy Fancy

Anna Gett

the story of Easter:

2013-03-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today marks a very special day, Good Friday. Nick and i were talking about how the story of Jesus sometimes can become so watered-down and basic - like those felt-board stories you were taught in Sunday school. sidenote: i loved putting the little felt characters (flannelgraphs, thanks Shannon!) on the board though - anyone know what i'm talking about? ;) Sometimes the story about how Jesus came, died, and rose from the dead starts sounding like a fairytale or some kind of tall tale. (someone rising from the dead? ok, if that happened today, i know that'd be crazy. i can see if you're skeptical) But when i remember this is true, this really happened, and there are so many accounts recorded that acknowledge Jesus did exist, it boggles my mind and i am overcome with emotions. To think Jesus was once on this earth - people saw Him, they were healed by Him, they were loved by Him and He died for you and me, i am humbled and brought to my knees in gratitude for the One who wants our hearts. and our hearts are the least we can give for our God who loved us enough to save us though we are so undeserving of it.

If you're open, curious, or just wondering what this day is all about for believers of Jesus and would like to read about what this Good Friday is all about, one account recorded can be found in Matthew, chapter 26 & 27.

Nick and i are in Toronto but have tried to be intentional on reflecting during this Holy week. Actually, a lot of businesses are closed here for Good Friday and there's something really cool about that - respecting this day.

Whether you believe this or not, thanks for reading. i do believe the audience i have through this blog is a blessing from the Lord and i can't not share the Good News with you! Though you may be turned off or not continue to read this blog after posts like this, i can't be ashamed! But my hope & prayer is that you wouldn't be upset, but that you may be encouraged. my intention is not to offend but i have seen, witnessed, and experienced such great love - i want all of you to know this love. agape. a love unlike any other. a love we can't fully comprehend. this very love is what sent Jesus to pay the ultimate price, His life. Today we reflect on what Jesus came to do years ago. it was a dark day in heaven and on earth the day Jesus died. but darkness is always overcome by the light. Happy Good Friday dear friends. Can't wait to celebrate with you on Sunday.

photo by Hillsong United. found via Ardent Overflow.

Toronto:

2013-03-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

Today we're headed to Toronto for One of a Kind show going from Wednesday 3/27 to Sunday 3/31! We're staying a couple extra days afterward to explore so just wondering if you have any recommendations for places to eat/see :) I've been to Canada long ago when I visited some of my old roommates from when I went to school here. It was really lovely, I'm excited to go back. If you live in the area, hope you can make it to the show!
PS: I have 8 free passes if anyone in Toronto wants a pass to the show and wants to come to the show. Just leave your email address in the comments and I'll email you! PSS: Our shop in Downtown Fullerton will still be open so stop by anytime :) Our hours are Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-6:00. We'll be closed this Sunday for Easter!
Photos from: old city prints, urban dream photos , Rachael Nicole Photography, Mr City Printing, Charlene Precious

Book of Notes Giveaway:

2013-03-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

I thought it'd be fun to do a little giveaway for a book of notes! In the 5 years I've had this blog, I have never done a giveaway for a book of notes, although I've thought about doing one for a while! So today you have a chance to win a book of notes, made by me! This book of notes will be filled with lots of little surprises, don't want to give too much away. There will be 2 lucky winners and we'll also give away a book of notes kits as well to 2 more winners. You can choose if you'd like to receive your book of notes filled out or blank, so you can fill it out and send it on to someone else. (it'll still come with all the little gifts) To enter, simply leave a comment with why you love notes .. either sending or receiving notes. Giveaway ends on April 1st. For an extra chance to win, post a photo on instagram and be sure to tag @ohhellofriend + include hashtag #ohfbookofnotes :)

I didn't want to give too much away but the book will be filled with lots of your favorite oh hello friend surprises :)

Happy Friday:

2013-03-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

These are a few recent yellow items I've accumulated from my visits to the flea markets and antique/thrift shops. I just can't help it, I love this color! You guys know my crazy love for yellow. I was at a thrift store with my brother and I saw this yellow cup. My brother said to me, "Do you really like this item or do you like it just because it's yellow?" Hmm... Then the other day I found myself starting at a yellow dumpster thinking it was cool and then thought, wait, it's a trash can. I think I may be really attracted to anything with this color. Still, these recently found items are just extra cool because they are yellow! It just wouldn't be the same if they were... brown. Unless brown is your favorite color. Is brown anyone's favorite color? I don't think I've ever met anyone whose favorite color is brown ;)

Well it's been a great week, how about you? Shop life is lots of fun. It surprisingly goes by really fast, I guess since we're working in between customers. If you haven't visited our shop yet, hope you can stop by sometime! We're actually headed to Canada next week for one of a kind show, crazy! The shop will still be open and left in good hands. ps: large wall decals are available at our online shop!

collection / moon:

2013-03-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Okay. I've been on a space/celestial kick lately.... I did a couple constellation posts a while back. and I thought I had to do a post dedicated solely to the moon because the moon is pretty amazing. Well, both the sun and the moon. and the whole earth/planet/rotation thing ;) Hope you enjoy today's round up.

the moon art print via Heather Landis

Astronomical Antique Print Reproduction via missquitecontrary, $30

Moon Calendar via rendij

by artist fredrik akumvia anthology

via manolescent

tin moon globe via bellalulu

moon ring via gemagenta

la lune. moon prints via TheCuratorsPrints and mercimerci

moon dominos via mattermatters.com

via Mark Deibert

moon bed crib apartment therapy

When The Moon Hits Your Eye via ell lovely

moon tote via bright beige

moon photograph necklace via Charm Topia

vintage moon photographs via antiqueprintstore

moon print via fieldguided

necklace via meghann sommer

moon cutting board …?! my favorite find, would love this! via fine little day shop

four favorites:

2013-03-20T06:00:00.002-07:00

fabulous: bamboo lynna cutout oxfords from zooshoo, $25
font: Hand Gothic from myfonts.com, $28
free: leftover labels from oh happy day
fun: little printer from berg cloud, $199

Home Tour:

2013-03-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, our home (where we're currently living) was featured on a beautiful mess the other week! So fun, I love Elsie & Emma's blog! I realized I've never really shared any part of my home that I've lived in for the past few years! It was a mess only a couple years ago. Nick & I were tired of living in junk and clutter so we sold everything, tore up the carpet, got hardwood floors and got a bunch of new (well, technically old) furniture and really made the place our own. So hope you enjoy our first real home tour! All photos were taken by Jennifer Young / i art u!

Vintage pull down map is from Lunch Lady Vintage. Blanket on the couch is from good knits. Pillows from ebay. Large rug from anthropologie. Small rug is from Novica. Shoes from Sol'N'Fraise. Most everything else is thrifted from local flea markets ;)

One of my all time favorite finds is this yellow scooter from the antique market. I asked the price, pretty much sure I wouldn't be able to afford it, and the lady said $90 bucks! I couldn't believe it. Nick was like, "what are we going to do with it?" but I was like, for $90, you can't really not buy something like this! She just wanted to get rid of it. He ended up thinking it was pretty cool ;)

Yea so I pretty much have a C&P Pilot Press that is just sitting and looking pretty.. It prints a little janky so I'm going to have a friend look at it to see if we can get it going for a possible letterpress class at the shop!

These last items are very special to me and I didn't realize I had things from both my Grandfather's. On the left is a photo of my grandfather and his siblings from my dad's side. It's pretty cool, he's in the middle on the bike, looking like the big leader. Such a long time ago! On the right are some bowls from my Grandfather's house on my mom's side. We took a family trip to China 2008 and were able to see where both my grandma & grandpa grew up, it was amazing. I don't know if my Grandfather actually used these (they may have been from a different family after he lived there) but it's still really special to have.
Hope you enjoyed our home tour! :) Well, it's more like our townhome tour. Our real house, the one we bought last year, yea, we're not living there yet. It's taken such a long time and there have been delays and everything. But we hope to be in soon. The other day, Nick and I were listing things we're excited about. He said, "I'm excited to take a swim in our pool" and "I can't wait to sit next to the fireplace relaxing in our new living room". I said, "I'm excited to cook in our new kitchen" ;) Well, when we move in it will have all been worth the wait, we just know it. <3

Lovely Wear:

2013-03-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

My hair is getting really long. I think it's time for a haircut. The weather in Orange County has been kind of random. Really cold and then really warm, it can't decide. I wish we got a little more rain because it seems like it hardly rains here, heh. I've been wearing pants, blouses, sweaters, and scarves a lot lately. I do love the rain but if it's gonna be cold but not rain, I'd rather just have it be warm.... I kind of can't wait to be back in skirts and dresses ;) Horse Blouse: Ebay. Similar one here. Watch & Purse: Vintage Bracelet: Handmade, got at Renegade Austin last year! Pants & Shoes: Crossroads Trading Co

Happy Friday:

2013-03-15T06:00:00.001-07:00

What is it about maps that is so cool? I'm quite terrible with reading a map and really bad with directions ;) But maps/globe anythings is a weakness for me. These are a few finds in our collection. Perpetual calendar, a mini & large book atlas, a map clipboard and globe, and one of my favorites - a map tray gifted from a sweet friend. So what sort of things do you collect?
No big weekend plans for us! The Found Rentals vintage sale is on my list - it's going on today & tomorrow so be sure to stop by! You know that's sure to be a legit sale, Jeni has the best treasures, some of my favorite items in our home are from her previous sales. and if you go to the sale, be sure to stop by our shop afterward, we're both in Fullerton ;) Have a fabulousssss weekend friends, thanks for reading this week <3

Google Reader News:

2013-03-14T11:41:00.001-07:00

Some of you may already know about this as it's caused quite a controversy but I just found out that google is no longer going to support Google Reader.

I'm a little confused. I'm a big fan of google and all they do. I love gmail. drive. maps. blogger. (obviously) I used to use igoogle but they announced last year they're getting rid of that too. They're really innovative. Google Glasses. Fiber. Google's self driving car. So cool!

So I don't understand the deal with dropping reader. Maybe it's a social experiment to see how people react which so far isn't good, haha ;) Their stocks are dropping. Petitions are popping up, people are going nuts. It's definitely causing a frenzy.

Anyway, there's an article about it here if you want to read about it. It seems like it all comes down to popularity? Sure, just a few hundred thousand people use it but I guess that's not enough..? Or maybe the bottom line is money. I don't know.

I just was curious how many of you this will affect? How many of you use goole reader on a daily basis? I'm not sure what alternatives there are out there. Google Plus? I'm still not really quite sure what Google Plus is, heh. Wall Street Journal posted some alternatives to reader so you can check that out! Would love to hear your thoughts about this! Feel free to discuss it in the comments!

four favorites:

2013-03-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

fabulous: wash tape frames from trendenser.se
font: Matchmaker from myfonts.com, $30
free: anchor gift tags & wrapping paper from hey look
fun: diy wooden houses from julep

collection / raindrops:

2013-03-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

We've been getting a few scattered showers but for the most part it's been sunny and getting warmer here in Orange County! Some of you may know my deep love for the rain. I also think the raindrop shape is so cute. Here's a round up of fun raindrop related images!

rain wall stickers via ferm-living

raindrop collage via erin dollar

ma + chr via automatism

vintage rain shoes via The Ville Vintage

Rain cloud pillow PDF via kikoiPatterns

rain cloud party inspiration via on to baby

rain stamp set via sonstnochwas

rain print via my nest

Yellow raindrop tote via Let's Die Friends

raindrop garland via 1PixiePlace

more rain party inspiration via lisa storms

i'm so bummed these aren't for sale anymore but still had to include these sweet raindrop tea towels via door sixteen

via james gulliver hancock

rain magnets via snug studio

Morning or Night person?

2013-03-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Images: Evesand / Wider Awake

I was thinking the other day about how I am most productive in the morning. Like, I really do my best work when I get an early start to the day. I've been waking up around 6:30ish and it just keeps getting earlier. The other day I found myself up and awake at 5:30! Crazy. I have never been able to sleep in and I don't like sleeping in. Poor Nick. He loves sleeping in.

The other day I called my brother at 10:30 am and he was still in bed! That would drive me crazy. haha. But everyone is different. My brother just stays up super late and works, sometimes until 2-3am. I can't remember the last time I stayed up that late! I'm usually in bed by 10. He's more of a "night owl" and says I'm weird for getting up so early. So what about you? Are you a day/morning person or a night time person? I don't really meet a lot of morning people, but I am sure there are some out there! :)

12 gifts:

2013-03-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Over the holidays, someone approached me to do a series of little gifts for her girlfriend, who reads the blog. I thought it was so thoughtful and fun so I gathered some oh, hello friend best sellers and wrapped them up into 12 gifts. I love wrapping so why turn down an opportunity to wrap up gifts and spread some cheer? :)

Here are all the gifts that were included.
All wrapped up!

I've never had a request like this before, it was really fun. She just gave me a budget and I just stayed within that! Thanks Helen & Laura!
Anyway, I love gifts! giving and receiving ;) I especially like wrapping up gifts! My mom is a big gift giver, it's definitely one of her love languages. What about you? I am sure if you read this blog you most likely share in my love of gifts and/or packaging... :)

Happy Friday:

2013-03-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

This isn't the usual Happy Friday photos I post but we saw Silver Linings Playbook this week and it's totally still on my mind. Haven't seen a good movie in a while and this one was really good! Has anyone seen the movie? What'd you think? It was hilarious! really sweet and heartwarming. I really want to read the book now, has anyone read it?

I really liked Jennifer Lawrence from The Hunger Games but I wasn't that big of a fan of Bradley Cooper. After seeing the movie though I'm sold on BC, he was really cute! ;) oh and someone tweeted me that he apparently also speaks french. swooooon! Anyone else think it's crazy Jennifer Lawrence is only 23 years old?! Yea, crazy. Anyway, enough movie talk. Hope you don't think I'm weird for doing a full post about a random movie. But seriously, go see the movie if you haven't seen it yet and are looking for something to do this weekend ;)
Well we are at another weekend. This year is already flying by! Do you have any exciting weekend plans? Our weekends are now filled with working at the shop - it's a lot of fun though. We are going to a birthday party for a sweet friend so that will be fun to celebrate! By the way, our hours are 11-6 on Saturday and 12-5 on Sunday so stop by if you find some free time :) Have a great weekend friends! <3

hello diy / wish bracelets:

2013-03-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is a really quick & easy DIY project, and makes a sweet gift for friends :)

Supplies: - Alphabet stamps
- Drawstring cloth bags
- Cord (mine is from here)
- Beads (I used Czech Glass from here)
- Scissors
- Gift Tags

First I measured about 8" for the bracelet. This can be adjusted based on the wrist size and always cut down if too much is cut.

String your beads in the center and tie a knot at each end of the beads.

Switch up colors or whatever!

Next, stamp your bag with whatever you'd like it to say. I stamped "wish".

Take a gift tag and write a little note explaining the bracelet. I wrote "Make a wish. Tie on your bracelet. When it falls off, your wish is granted" All done! :)

four favorites:

2013-02-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

fabulous: hot air balloon centerpiece via www.bridalguide.com
font: Amour from myfonts.com, $29 free: hand drawn wreaths from besotted blog
fun: cat face shoes from ebay, $23.99

collection / scallop:

2013-02-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is about scallops but I simply adore them. I think they're so sweet. I stumbled upon this DIY ipad cover below and that started the whole search. Hope you enjoy today's collection friends! :)

via mollie makes

brass scalloped necklace via SilkPurseSowsEar

diy scallop backdrop via ruffled

via j. jill

via the party studio

dig scallop tote bag via frolic

a couple scallop skirts DIY via burdastyle and nette

gorgeous scalloped fabric via schumacher

cute outfit inspiration via eat sleep wear

scalloped cake stands, so cute! via olive manna
ps: if you're local, we stock these in our shop so stop by!

a scalloped dresser?! amazing! via yatzer.com

scallop rug via urban outfitters

scalloped iphone case via anthropology

polka dot scalloped shorts! (2 of my fave things!) via pynknylon