Anyone setting sail, hitting the road, jet setting, spreading your wings, traveling near or far during these fine summer months? Whatever sort of traveling you may do, make sure you do it in style! Our “it’s time for vacation in summatime” travel-wants are looking a little like this….

“Where I want to be” graphic tee by Madewell. Yes, I will take a road trip any day!

These shades from Anthropologie.

This J. Crew tote.

This Kate Spade bangle captures my sentiments exactly.

Happy travels!

You know the feeling you get the week before Christmas when you go snooping around the presents under the tree? Well, I have the privilege of bringing you a similar sensation today! As it is leading up to the release date for our 2011 Summer Issue and there are some serious gems to behold within, I want to help you cheat just a little with this sneak peek!

Austin Gros, a native of the South who now resides in Nashville, TN, has a knack for creativity. Musician turned wedding photographer, Austin has an interesting story for sure! He shares a taste of his insight and story below…

I first realized that I loved photography after quitting something I was passionate about – which is an interesting way to discover that. I was in a band, going to school, living in Nashville & was moving to New York for a semester to study. I had to leave my band, but decided that I’d buy a digital SLR to continue to “exercise” the creative parts of my brain. Not really knowing what I was doing, I shot an insane amount during the four months I lived there & really fell in love with it. NYC was an incredible place to fall in love with photography, as there was an unlimited amount of interesting, unique & beautiful things to photograph.

Photography didn’t really become something I thought of as being a career possibility until I started assisting a Nashville photographer named Tec Petaja in the summer of 2009. He shoots a combination of commercial & wedding work, but I was working with him on a few different weddings. The light-bulb “clicked” in my head that this was something I could make an actual living doing – and also that wedding photography wasn’t cheesy. Tec shoots weddings like editorial or fine-art work & his stuff is absolutely beautiful. This was one of the few times I can remember art & commerce (in the sense of making a living, supporting oneself) working together. I learned an insane amount from Tec & am so fortunate to have worked with him – definitely the reason that I’m able to do this now.

A wedding is arguably the most important day of two people’s lives (up until that point in their lives). Being responsible for capturing that is both a responsibility & a privilege. They might not remember how the cake tasted or what the band played or how crazy their Aunt Brenda danced with their co-worker, but they’ll have their wedding photos to look at & share with their family, friends, kids & grandkids. I’m also really drawn to the photojournalistic aspect of it & capturing each wedding as uniquely as possible, bringing out the individuality of the people whom the wedding is celebrating.

I think the biggest challenge is finding a unique style. Early on, I wanted my photos to look like ten different photographers with ten very different styles. I’m still trying to carve out a look & feel that is unique. There are tons of photographers who I admire, but I think I’m at more of a place of respecting & appreciating their work for it’s uniqueness, rather than trying to copy it.

Take a look at his…..Website|Blog | Twitter

This weekend, I would love to be spotted with this draped over my shoulder….

with this tucked neatly inside….. (oh, I just love giraffes!)

with this displayed on my finger….

Thanks, Mrs. Spade, for dressing me this weekend!

The months of May and June seem to be a time of change for many be it a wedding, a birth, a graduation, you name it. Change means turning the concluding page of a really good chapter to then, with a thrill and a hope, find the first page of the next. While it is so exciting to begin that something new, we must allow ourselves to reminisce; allow ourselves a case of nostalgia, if you will. For the grad, newly wed, or whomever you may know facing change at the moment, help them commemorate that last chapter before moving onto the next with this sweet gift made my Nostalgia, organic soaps and toiletries. So precious!

Enjoy the long weekend, dears

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See if this Strawberry Lemonade Popsicle doesn’t cure any hot summer day sweet tooth!

Shall we celebrate “hump day” with a sale or two?! Two of my faves are having major sales….so much goodness at one time!

Kate Spade

Anthropologie

Treat yourself today!

Please pardon the delay in the posting! We have been busy discovering all the best ways to celebrate graduation as it is that exciting time of year! Whether you know someone graduating or you are graduating yourself, it’s a time to celebrate. And, of course, we like to celebrate in style! Take a look at these adorable graduation party dessert ideas….

Find this precious and delicious cupcake recipe here!

Look at this tasty army of graduation treats!

This is too cute and yummy!

A “bright future” party idea!

Our hats are off to all you grads out there. Happy graduation and cheers to new beginnings!

The love for my beautiful home state and sweet Southern people continues. The tornado that raged through the South may have come and gone quickly but the effects will remain for far too long. Shelter for the South is a group effort to pool together the generosity and resources of able people to come to the aid of those we love. There are more than 700 displaced people and hundreds of people remain unaccounted for. As “south-a-nahs” we are known for the undeniable accent, hospitality, charm and, most importantly today…community. Let’s show the world the true essence of community as we support one another in this time of need.

Thank you for creating and sharing this, Laken!!

• How did your interest in this art form/business begin? My aunt is also an artist who paints with watercolor pencils, and she began a similar business a few years ago. When she showed me how easy it was to transfer artwork to stationery, I started churning out the designs and never looked back! At first I only sold notecards to customers via my etsy shop, but when my friends started getting engaged, they asked me to make their wedding thank you notes, bridal shower invitations and wedding maps for hotel guest bags and invitation suites. When I started offering wedding related products to the etsy community, my business really took off.

• What are your top sources of inspiration? I am constantly in awe of other bloggers and artists that I find on the Web; there are so many talented, wonderful and inspirational people out there! I am also regularly inspired by my clients. Some of my favorite designs have come from the creative minds of my customers– people are always coming to me with fabulous ideas for an invitation or a piece of art. A great design is usually born after brainstorming with a client, so I try to keep my mind open to every idea, no matter how off-the-wall it may seem!

• What are your 3 favorite blogs? My Google reader is stuffed with over 125 art and design blogs, but currently my favorites are Oh So Beautiful Paper, Mrs. Lilien and Centsational Girl.

• Tell us about wedding season! The majority of my paper goods are wedding related, so the months of March – August are super busy for me! Some days I wake up early in the morning and don’t leave my office until late at night, but I would never complain. Working for clients on projects I love is so much better than sitting in a cubicle from 9 – 5, choosing ad layout A, B or C for xyz company in the corporate world. Instead, every day for me is a new, exciting challenge. There is truly nothing more rewarding than seeing your ideas come to life — and getting paid for it, too!

• What is the best way to promote your store and how do you stay educated on those tactics? Social media works wonders when trying to easily and inexpensively promote your small business. Facebook, Twitter and my blog allow me to easily share my recent projects and ideas to friends, family and clients. I have yet to participate in an outdoor arts festival, but that is on my list of things to do this year!