Getting to Know You

Getting to Know You Sundays

1. Would you rather bungee jump or sky dive?
No way Jose! Though, if I absolutely HAVE to, I would sky dive. I've heard bungee jumping can really snap your back.
2. When using a public restroom to you squat over the seat or sit?
It depends on just HOW dirty the said bathroom is. I've seen some pretty skeevy ones at concerts before, and it's almost like I'd rather hold it. Oh, the joys of drinking too much beer at a show... dilemmas, dilemmas...
3. Favorite flower?
I love ANYTHING bright and colorful.

4. Pedicure or manicure? Both, but I love getting my nails done. I don't feel "put together" unless they are done.
5. How many siblings do you have? Just 1 lonely brother.
6. Do you pee in the shower? (gasp!) Usually not...
7. Bikini, tankini, or one piece? I have always worn a bikini--even when I was little. There may have been times I should've covered up more (!), but I just rock the bikini anyway.
8. Where do you hate to shop at, but go there anyway? WALMART. It's evil. The people are gross. I can't handle the long lines. Though, if something is *really* on sale... then I go for it. I generally just stick to my Super Target. It's amazing how much of a difference there is at Target.

Photo Tag!

Marie at Wishful Thinking tagged me in this photo meme, and I have to admit it's pretty cute.

Here are the rules:

• Open your 1st Photo Folder
• Scroll to the 10th photo
• Post the photo (no cheating) and the story behind it
• Tag 5 or more people

Ready for my picture?

Ta-Da! You're probably wondering who the heck is this bald guy on the mic. Does this picture help you identify him?
Anyone? I have to admit that I wasn't really familiar with him until a year or so ago when the boy showed me his comedy sketches on YouTube. Gallagher is known for smashing produce at his shows and getting the audience all icky. I was lucky to be in the front row for his show when it came through my city last November (not sure why that photo folder was first, but who knows!). We wore trash bags (see below) and I was covered in condiments and fruit by the time the show was over. There was a point where I went on stage and wore boxers as a top, but I can't remember what joke he was making. He made fun of my name being spelled with a "K" but again -- fuzzy memory of this night! :)

Trash bags = neccessity.

Wearing boxers as a shirt. It's apparently hysterical, but I don't remember.

And, yes, food EVERYWHERE.

I know you didn't ask for a novel, but that picture couldn't just stand alone. There was a story to tell here. ;)

I tag:

Jennifer at Starving, Insatiable
Confessions of a Law School Dropout
Magically Ordinary
Sara at Running from the Law
Neely's Nothings

Can't wait to learn a little about you from your random photos. :) Happy Weekend!

I admit, I have an addiction to colorful jewelry...

Brandie at Free Sample Freak posted about how ChunkyBling.com is providing bloggers a *free* Swarovski Crystal Ring. You pick the color and shipping is included too! Being that I’m a huge jewelry fiend (in fact, I just splurged at Bealls on some hot pink accessories… seriously, hot pink, what is wrong with me), I knew I had to take advantage of this offer.

There is this great jewelry website called ChunkyBling.com that specializes in beaded interchangeable watches and various other chunky jewelry. From bracelets, rings and interchangeable charm necklaces, this site is full of cute ideas to make your outfit “pop.” What’s unique about this site is the online jewelry parties that you could sign up for. You have the chance to earn free jewelry while learning about their products.Some of my favorite pieces are the charm clusters necklaces and the watches. I love the colors in the Box of Crayons charm and watch band!

Five Question Friday

1. Do you sing karaoke? If so, what is your go to song? Let's just say that it takes a few drinks and a few friends to get me up on the karaoke stage. I've been known to sing Bon Jovi, Queen (Bohemian Rhapsody of course!) and I once tried Salt n' Pepa and failed miserably. Who knew it would be that hard to read a monitor!?

2. What is your favorite coffee drink? I love coffee with any kind of chocolate or creamer... though I am trying to cut back. My favorite coffee drinks are loaded with sugar and calories and not exactly the best way to get through a diet.

3. If you could choose your own name, what would it be? I kind of that my name is Krystal--and I like it even more since it's spelled just a *little* different.

4. Were you ever bullied? There was this one time in junior high...

5. How often do you eat fast food? I used to eat it regularly, but I've been cutting back. I do take lunch breaks at work and try to eat "healthy" even if it's a Wendy's. I downloaded the Eat This, Not That app for my iPhone and it definitely helps you count your calories--even in thedrive thru!

Follow Fridays!

It's another Friday and I'm ready to check out some new blogs! As promised, once I reach 100 followers I am giving away a book by my *favorite* lady that comes out next week. You'll love it. I promise!

I officially have four eyes now

I had been "blind" since I was like 10--squinting at the chalkboard in class and hiding the little notes that were sent home to my mom saying that I was, in fact, nearsighted. I had dreaded the idea of wearing glasses. No one "cool" wore them and I wasn't going to be the next person in class to get picked on.

I was 13 when I finally decided "Ok! I'm blind!" I had the hardest time getting used to wearing contacts (yes, contacts, I refused frames!). They made my eyes itch, sting, and burn. As I matured, I got the hang of them. They became comfortable and necessary. In fact, they became SO comfortable that most days I would leave them in. I would swim in them, sleep in them and most of the time forget to take them out. A few months ago I realized that my eyes had started to "feel" different. I was having difficulty wearing them for extended periods of time and I noticed that my eyes were either always red or not open all the way.

The eye doctor discovered that I had calcium deposits on my eyelids (which apparently can be common) and I needed some crazy expensive eye drops and NO MORE CONTACTS. Seriously? I felt, as vain as this sounds, just down right strange looking in glasses. I have gotten used to wearing my glasses now, but I still feel pretty weird. I don't think I look like myself--even though the change is minor.

As the eye drops started to heal my eyes, I realized that I don't really want to return to contacts. Glasses have made my life easier and more comfortable. Now that summer is approaching, I'm going to have to invest in some prescription frames. Lucky for me, Bright Eyes Family Vision Care is having this suh-weeet (!!) contest for Coach frames. Bright Eyes is a vision center in Westchase located in Tampa, Florida. Bright Eyes has really gotten the hang of this whole "social media" thing. They are active on Twitter, Facebook and even have a blog. So, in a sense, this is pretty much me pleading for some amazing Coach frames so I can be stylish on the beach while still being able to see. C'Mon, Doc! Pick me!

See contest here: Win Coach Frames!
Find Bright Eyes online: Website | Twitter | Blog | Facebook

The Search for God and Guinness: A Biography of the Beer That Changed the World Review

I received my first book through the Book Sneeze program about a month ago, and I finally finished what I’d like to say was an interesting look at history, religion and booze.

The Search for God and Guinness: A Biography of the Beer That Changed the World is a book that I normally wouldn’t have bought in a store for myself. The summary made this book sound a little too historical and a little too religious. Yet, I trudged through this book just like any other and found some pretty interesting themes.

Stephen Mansfield tells the story of Arthur Guinness’ faith and blends it with his creation of the Guinness Empire. Philanthropy, entrepreneurship and religion guided the Guinness family to success. By introducing the reader to the history of beer through our modern lives to delving into a biography of the Guinness family, Mansfield does a good job at blending beer and religion—believe it or not. In today’s society, most people do not usually tie together thoughts of enjoying a brew while listening to gospel, so the author treads this line carefully. He explains how the Guinness’ and future owners used their money from the beer brewing success to create better work environments for employees, implement new Sunday Schools and assist Dublin’s poor. Though, Mansfield does boldly declare that “Beer is not simply a means of drunkenness nor is it merely a lubricant to grease the skids to sin. Beer, well respected and rightly consumed, can be a gift from God.” Now, before you take this out of context, you should know that Mansfield himself is a highly religious man who has a strong educational background in history, philosophy and religion.

Some Guinness Facts taken from the book:

• More than ten million glasses of Guinness are consumed each day worldwide.
• Arthur Guinness founded the first Sunday schools in Ireland.
• A Guinness worker in the 1920s enjoyed full medical/dental care, massage services, subsidized meals, concerts, lectures and entertainment and (my favorite) a guaranteed two pints of Guinness a day.
• Guinness is brewed in 49 countries.

I am disclosing that Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest and objective review. All opinions and evaluations are my own. Learn more about BookSneeze here.

Today's Contest (s): Waterford Crystal Ring Holder & a Blog Anniverary Prize Pack

The Stonekings are giving away a pretty cute Waterford Crystal Ring Holder. Be sure to check out the contest here and enter. Their wedding photos should be enough to hold your interest. How gorgeous! They had a destination wedding in Maui (!!!) and the colors in the pictures are just stunning. I live in Florida so I'm used to "paradise," but nothing like a Hawaiian sunset!


Just Add Walter is celebrating a one year "blogoversary" and has a few prize packs up for grabs. Check out the goodies here.

Top 2 Tuesdays

Another meme to get me through the day!

This one is Top Two Tuesday-- a quick look at two of your favorite...somethings! This week it's Top Two Television Shows...

I'm currently diggin':

Modern Family-- It's just such a cute show. How can you NOT like it?! Al Bundy reincarnated with a hot Colombian wife and chubby child... oh it's too good. I love how they balance normalcy with dysfunction and it's a show my guy can actually sit through with me (these are very rare and far between since I will wholeheartedly admit that I only like trashy tv).





Desperate Housewives (Yes, I still Hulu the heck out of this show once a month or so!)-- I've a ton of episodes here and there, but I still like the characters enough to play "catch up" every now and again. Susan is still ridiculous, I still feel bad for Lynette, and Bree is as always just too much of a mess. I do wonder how long they'll be able to keep this show running...

Movie Quote Mondays

Confessions of a Law School Dropout posted this on her blog today, and this is just one of those days where I feel like participating in anything and everything. =)

Movie: Lost in Translation
Character: Charlotte & Bob
Quote:

Charlotte: I just don't know what I'm supposed to be.
Bob: You'll figure that out. The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.

Why: I first saw this movie forever ago when I was working on my undergraduate degree in Orlando. This movie was slightly depressing but completely hopeful at the same time. I've always remembered this quote and it has served as a reminder that I'm still young. I don't have to be perfect. I don't have to make the right decisions all the time (though I certainly do try). I don't know what career I want or what life I want to lead. These are things that I'm learning with time...

UPrinting Giveaway Winner

Congrats to ApachesPrincess who won 250 stickers/labels in my first giveaway! I have contacted her via email and she will have 48 hours to accept the prize.

Thanks everyone. I anticipate a new giveaway coming when I reach 100 followers... =)

(& I'll give you a hint... it will be a very amazing book that comes out next month by a pretty hysterical alcohol-lovin' lady)

Friend Makin' Mondays

I found this via Natalie at The Adventures of Paul & Natalie, and I decided to join in. Each week Amber posts a question and you answer it. It's really quite simple (but so cute!). See this week's here.

This week: What did you do this weekend? Confess it.

Friday: I headed home from work and cleaned. Really, I did. I cooked dinner and I passed out by 10 p.m. I'm really quite lame nowadays.
Saturday: I slept in (much needed!) and cleaned some more (We have three dogs. It gets messy fast!). I headed to Tampa to have dinner at the mall with some wonderful ladies and then out for a drink at a new bar. It was a pretty relaxing (although chilly) night.
Sunday: I was EXHAUSTED. I don't know why. Perhaps last week was so jam-packed that I decided to catch up on sleep this week. I woke up and read the newspaper, clipped some coupons, wrote out my shopping list, and headed to CVS & Target. I got a ton of great deals and am inspired to cook at home all week. I have some great meals in the works. =) I even got a new red Swiffer. I watched some ice dancing on the Olympics, and again, was asleep relatively early.

I promise that I'm not 90 years old or lame. I just have been feeling kind of blah lately. It also seems like my weekdays are more fun than my weekends (if that's even possible). Perhaps next week I will have something more exciting to share.

formspring.me

What TV show makes you laugh the loudest?

Seinfeld always and forever. My life has become an extended episode of Seinfeld. From napping under my desk and "always being busy at work" like George to never crying at serious stuff like Elaine, it's just my absolute favorite... and I still probably watch about an hour or so of Seinfeld re-runs a week!

Ask me anything

Friday Follow =)

It's another week, another Friday Follow. My followers are slowly going up! Anyway, this week has been long (and cold) and I can't wait for the weekend. I hope to find some new & interesting blogs to read!

- Don't forget to enter my giveaway for 250 stickers/labels from UPrinting. Contest ends this Sunday!

I'm a "beautiful blogger," thanks for the award!

My lovely friend Crystal from Thrifty & Frugal Living bestowed this "beautiful blogger" award on me, and I'm ever so grateful. :) I've known her for nearly a decade (!), and we have remained in touch through the internet with our love of blogging and freebies.

Here are rules to accepting the nomination:
1. Thank the person who nominated you
2. Copy the award and paste it on your blog
3. Link to the person who nominated you for the award
4. List 7 interesting things about yourself
5. Nominate 7 beautiful bloggers

7 interesting things about myself:

1. Since pitchers and catchers are reporting, I'll start this off by saying that the only sport that really interests me is baseball. I think my love of beer and boys started this off a few years ago, and I used to go to many, many games. I was at the majority of the play off games when the Rays went to the World Series (best game ever: game 7 of the ALCS against the Red Sox! So much fun!), and I just really enjoy watching a game with a drink and good friends! Spring training is by far my favorite afternoon activity, and I can't wait to catch some games. Lucky for me I started dating a baseball geek two years ago, and we have had some good times involving baseball. :)
2. I can sleep through anything. I've fallen asleep in movie theaters, bars, clubs, car rides, on the floor, in a backseat -- anywhere and everywhere. When I'm that tired, I'm done. Lights out. See you in the morning.
3. I drive a car that has no air conditioning... in Florida... and I'm still making payments on it! How unfair! (Though it should be paid off in a month--finally).
4. I love, love, love bright colors. Some days I say my favorite color is green, other days it can be yellow or orange or blue, and occasionally I like to spice it up with some red. I think my love of colors has turned me into a Vera Bradley fanatic. I just love bags with a bright pattern.
5. I always have to be wearing earrings. I feel so "ugly" without some cute hoops. Usually the aforementioned cute hoops are a bright color. Today they are red.
6. I am a total beach junkie. I live ten minutes away from a very nice beach on the Gulf of Mexico. I spend much of my spring, summer and fall weekends at the beach--even if I don't set foot on the sand! There are tons of restaurants, bars and live music everywhere "in season." I feel very blessed to live where I live. Now, if only it would warm up a little...
7. I have a thing for glitter. And animal prints. And animals prints with glitter. My current favorite shoes are a cheapie pair of glittery zebra flats (and yes, this is my second pair. I wore out the first ones!).

7 Beautiful Bloggers:
Holly @ My Sweet Old Etc.
The Boob Nazi
Becca's Backyard
Marie @ Wishful Thinking
Jennifer @ Unedited
Maxine Reads
Simple Travels


*Don't forget to enter to win 250 sticker/labels from UPrinting | My First Giveaway

*And, feel free to vote for my puppy! You can vote once a day!

My First Giveaway: 250 custom stickers from UPrinting *Closed*

I am a sucker for printing products. As you know, I love paper, and UPrinting's blog sponsorship program seemed like the perfect way to not only give away something to my super cool blogger friends but also to learn about a printing company that makes some pretty useful stuff.

UPrinting has agreed to give me 250 Stickers/Labels for One (1) lucky winner.

* Sizes: 2” x 3.5”, 2” x 4”, or 3” x 3”
* Paper: 70lb Label Matte
* Specifications: Full color front, blank back; 6 Business Day printing
* Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
* Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only

Stickers are a great way to promote your blog or your business or for various wedding projects. Use them as address labels, event stickers, envelope seals and whatever else your creative little mind can think up. UPrinting has ways to upload your own design or you may use one of their templates if you're experiencing a creative block. I would personally get some cute address labels, because my boyfriend is one of the very few who still sends checks out for bills.

View the products:

• Custom Stickers
  
• Custom Labels

To enter:

• Visit Uprinting.com and simply tell me how you would use the 250 stickers/labels for one entry.
• Bonus Entry: Follow me via Google Friend Connect and leave a comment telling me you're a new follower for one entry (or leave a comment saying you're already a follower!).
  

*Remember to leave your email in the comments if it is not visible in your profile. This giveaway will end at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on February 21st, 2010.

*I will use random.org to pick the winning comment number and contact the winner. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, I will choose another winner. This giveaway is currently open to participants in the US. Good Luck!

(Please note that UPrinting.com is one of my sponsors and I will also be receiving 250 printed stickers for hosting this giveaway.)

Valentine's Day Revisited

It was a long and wonderful weekend. Sunday I woke up and made breakfast and broke out the new champagne glasses for mimosas. We had a busy day ahead and we were off to the water for a special memorial for a friend's birthday. He unfortunately passed last year and he would have been 29 on Valentine's Day.

We went down to a waterfront street (where the accident happened) and brought his favorite color balloons. It was a gorgeous day and at 12:34 p.m. we let the balloons go--each carrying a message to him in the sky. It was really touching and we all miss him every day.

The rest of the day involved good drinks, good food (The Columbia in Ybor City for dinner) and good music.

Here is the card I got Scott -- a message in a bottle with a quote from The Princess Bride. Total cheese.

Flogging Molly at The Ritz.



The biggest (and best!) card Scott has ever given me.
XOXO

Hope everyone had a happy hearts day.

Vote for my pup pretty please :)

I know that I have some new followers who probably could care less about my puppy. It would be amazing if you would vote for him... right now! You can vote once a day per email address. Help him make the cover of our local newspaper. And, you have to admit, he is pretty damn adorable.



About Kamikaze: We knew we wanted a puppy forever, but we couldn't see to find the "right" one. We once went to 4 animal shelters in one day and came up empty handed. We fostered a dog for a day, and we thought he was going to be "The One" -- but the adoption agency thought differently. One night last month I had noticed The Humane Society of Tampa had updated their site and there were puppies! Many, many puppies. I sent Scott up there and he was waiting outside when the door opened. He fell in love with Kamikaze (supposedly a Chow . Akita mix) instantly (at the time his name was Buscher) and now we have the world's cutest dog. We didn't know what to name him (possibly suggestions were Buddy, Hemmingway), but we found out that Helen Keller had thefirst Akita in America and hers was named Kamikaze. It seems like a good fit.

Anyway, vote for my dog and I'll bake you cupcakes.

Get Free Sister Hazel MP3s!

Okay, I'm a huge Sister Hazel fan. Today I noticed two different posts that featured different freebies from Sister Hazel.

1. To get into the Valentine's Day spirit, Sister Hazel themselves are offering up the most romantic song ever--"This Kind Of Love." To get this song: Go to http://www.ilike.com/artist/Sister+Hazel and on the homepage on "Featured Songs" you will see "This Kind Of Love." Click the song and the track will start playing - it will open a box below it where you can choose "Send" enter in the address and dedicate the song to your loved one or crush. Click "FREE MP3" directly across from the song title you originally clicked - this will immediately start a download! Visit their site for the full story.

2. One of my favorite blogs, Fantabulously Frugal, discovered that Amazon has Sister Hazel's new 20 in '10 album available for free *today* only! Get it here: 20 In 10: Digital Collection

Another Friday Follow!

It's that time again! Thank goodness it's Friday and here is week four that I've been participating in the Friday Follow. I appreciate all the new blogs I have discovered and have found some great places to discuss everything from coupons to clothes. With all the new followers, I actually have a giveaway coming soon (I never thought I would be the type of blog to host giveaways, but I'm excited!). I hope you all stick around for my random musings and maybe you'll even learn something. ;) Have a great weekend everyone and STAY WARM! Even in Florida this winter weather has been quite awful.

Valentine's Day Playlist Ideas

I admit that I'm completely cheesy and am still a fan of making mix CDs (and no, I'm not 16). I have a ridiculously large collection of MP3s (but nothing really new, I swear I listen to music that is 5 years old at all times) so it's pretty simple for me to whip up some sort of meaningful mix of 16 or so songs. Here are some of my favorite songs that are helping me get into the Valentine's Day spirit (because I'm not really feeling it this year! I'll save that story for another blog but this awful weather is putting a damper on any and all Florida activities):

• Mishka // Stay by my Side: I just discovered this guy even though he is old news. He's very chill and I'm mildly obsessed.
• 
  
• Michael Buble // Save the Last Dance for Me
• Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls // Baby Love (Remember she tried to put out a solo CD that never really went anywhere? This song is cute though)
• Alicia Keys // Like You'll Never See me Again
• Sugar, Sugar // The Archies (This is like my favorite song ever and it's old and lame but it's just such a happy song!)
• The Ataris // Looking Back on Today (Again, I only listen to sings that are clearly a decade old)
• Badfinger // No Matter What (Can you tell I like the Now & Then soundtrack?)
• Blue October // Calling You
• Cake // Love You Madly
• The Cure // Friday, I'm in Love
• Huey Lewis & the News // Stuck With You (and guess who gets to see them in concert for the 4th time?! This girl! I'm lame, I know)
• Jason Mraz // I'm Yours (Cliche, but I have good memories to this song!)
• John Legend // P.D.A.
• Justin Timberlake (Don't hate!) // Let's Take a Ride
• Marie Digby // Say It Again
• Michael Franti & Spearhead // Say Hey I Love you (I would listen to this song on repeat for days if I could)
• New Found Glory // Hold My Hand
• Norah Jones // Come Away With Me (My grandfather was the one who introduced me to Norah's music, how hip of him)
• Sister Hazel // All For You, One Love, Swan Dive, All About the Love (Can you tell what my favorite band is?)
• SWV // Weak (This song was the jam back in the day!)
• 112 // Only You, Anywhere (Another old school group that shouldn't have stopped!)

Restaurant.com deal & buying flowers for yourself

Can you buy yourself flowers? Restaurant.com is having an 80% off sale and each purchase gets a $15 credit toward FTD. Can I legitimately buy myself flowers? Or, should I forward the gift certificate to the boyfriend who should get the subtle hint? I don't think it's a big deal, but it is Valentine's Day... and I'm not sure that I've ever heard of a taken woman buying herself flowers for the big holiday of love.

Ebates has 15% cash back on all Restaurant.com orders, so I made sure to get a few certificates to some of our favorite places. For $2 you get a great discount on some good food. :)

Shoe Porn -- Heels.com Coupon

So if I felt like spending too much on crazy hot pink and leopard print shoes, these would be the ones I would buy. I don't know why I love them so much. I have been eying them for a little bit now. They look completely fun and ridiculous. I have a mild obsession with hot pink (I did rent a pink limo for my 25th birthday!) and since I'm in a shopping mood (when I'm pissed -- I shop!) these little babies might be in my hands by the end of the week. They're Betsy Johnson and I found them here.

Bonus: Heels.com is having a 20% off sale with the coupon code WeHeartHeels.

Edit: A close friend said these are certainly stripper shoes. Confirm/deny?

The biggest gummy bear... ever?

I love the website Perpetual Kid. They always have fun and unique gift ideas or random things for your office desk. I can't believe their latest addition--a 5 pound gummy bear. A gummy bear that is 1,000 times larger than your normal gummy treat. A gummy bear that has... 12,600 calories! Holy hell! How can anyone actually eat 5 pounds of gelatin!? To indulge in this $29.95 monstrosity, visit their website here.

Friday Follow: Week #3

This is my third week of participating in the "Friday Follow," and I must say how many interesting blogs I have found! From couponing to crafting, I have certainly made blog buddies with some fascinating writers. Here's your chance to participate:

Friday Fill-In #162

1. I know that I should be working, but it's still too early to function.
2. January felt like the longest month (because it was so cold and miserable out -- didn't get anything accomplished!).
3. You can't help but laugh at yourself some days.
4. Hello thesis; bring it on!
5. Where have you looked to vacation next? (We are working on a trip to the Keys)
6. Zombieland is now available (to rent/own and I'm waiting patiently to see it!) .
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having a typical fun Friday night with the boy, tomorrow my plans include cleaning/working out/seeing a friend and Sunday, I want to have some drinks and watch the Super Bowl!

Want to participate? Check out Friday Fill-In #162.

formspring.me

If you could go on a road trip with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and where would you go?

This might sound completely cheesy... but I would want to go on a road trip with Scotty--a cross country road trip! I think it would be way more fun being able to stop and drive wherever you wanted. I enjoy vacations, but I like having that "control" of going wherever and seeing whatever. I enjoyed our cruise last year, but it would've been nice to have a little more freedom! :D

Ask me anything

Okay, I admit it... I love paper

I have an obsession with nice paper products. Books, cards, calendars, envelopes... I just ADORE nice paper with pretty printing. My boyfriend will be the first to tell you that a handwritten card or note is more important to me than the gift that came along with it. I used to be a "creative writing" major (along with pre-law but enough about my major switching) so I think that's why I appreciate kind words over stuff.

My favorite place to find paper products when I'm out and about are also coincidentally my favorite stores-- TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods. I believe they are all owned by the same company, so it's no surprise that their inventory can be similar. They usually have adorable (and cheap!) stationary from various companies, but my favorite is Galison. You definitely have to check out some of their coupon organizers and card sets!

I can't even go to Vera Bradley's website without being tempted to stock up on pencils, note pads, and planners! Their 2010 agendas are on sale for $12.50 and they have such adorable colors still available. The picture above is of their new spring print (sittin' in a tree) and I think it's my new favorite.

This entire entry was prompted by the cute cards that I found on CardsInk. I had never heard of this site before, but it has an interesting premise. Users submit card designs and if the website selects the design, the artist will get $100. What I loved most was some of the unique designs (certainly not things you would find in your local Hallmark!). It can be challenging to find a card that is "special" without downright making it yourself. The B Keeps Us Honest is actually hosting a giveaway for five of these unique cards on her blog. Check it out here.

In past Valentine's Days I have found myself trying to be creative (last year I purchased a photo card from Snapfish), but this year I definitely went "all out." This year's Valentine's Day card is by far the *best* thing that I have ever made/picked out/ordered. I will keep it a surprise until after the day, but I can't help that I enjoy writing sweet words on this day of romance!

I hope you all also share a love of paper and please forward me your favorite stationary sites!

Today's Contest (s)

Here are two fellow blogger's contests going on that you might be interested in:

- To celebrate having 50 followers, Sara from Running from the Law is giving away a random collection of books. If you know me, you would know that I have a tendency to seek out books of
various topics to pass the time at work. Check out her giveaway here and hurry! It ends tomorrow.

- Natalie is giving away a Daisy Doodle Beads watch. These watches are actually beaded bracelets in funky colors--totally my style! Visit the contest here.

- Not only is the only of this blog planning a fab wedding, she's also holding a contest now to give you all the necessities for a wonderful wine party! Check out Laura's giveaway here.