12 CARDS FOR A VALENTINE WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR!

I love Valentine's Day. Honestly it's probably because it's so close to my birthday. I know all the other kids out there who grew up with their birthday near a holiday can understand...you don't really have a choice but to embrace it.

Here are 12 awesome cards for Valentine's Day that offer up a bit of wit or humor!

All images are via the shops below- click the name of the card to purchase!

I would climb a moderately size mountain for you // by: postlovedesigns

You keep my feet warm // by: sadshop

Brie mine // by: beckagriffin

You're one in a melon // by: nicerpaper

To my significant otter // by: nicerpaper

Their They're There // by: bettieconfetti 

I love you, even when I'm really, really hungry // by: doodlelove

You've Caged my heart // by: turtlessoup

I think you're super hot // by: smoochiepaper

Couples that fart together stay together // by: hellafreshdesigns

I've fallen for you & I can't get up //  by: diamonddonatello 

Let's makeout // by: aviatepress

Which of these cards would your Valentine love?

I think "brie mine" miiight be my favorite.

xo, lp

*for more valentine's goodness, go HERE*

FIVE THINGS TO BE BUYING FROM ETSY RIGHT NOW

I'll keep it short and sweet, this is what you need to be getting off Etsy right now:

1. This awesome abstract art from DURIDO ...for under $20! 

2. This colorblock pouch from littlebrightstudio for $35:

3.  This gorgeous print from emmyrickard for $32 (just bought some art from her shop yesterday!)

4. This colorblock ring dish from weshopamano for $12:

5. These gorgeous rainbow tags from mooseart for $12 (i need these for an #everythinginrainboworder post!!) 

Which of these gorgeous items would you grab for yourself?

Those gift tags SO have my name on 'em.

xo, lp

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let's be friends! find me on instagram here --> @lpodlich

A LOVELY GIVEAWAY with THE FIRST SNOW!

You guys. YOU GUYS! This giveaway- ugh. I can't even. It's so good. It's good enough that I want to come up with a second persona and enter this thing myself. Le Sigh. 

The last time I did a giveaway with the amazing Darah of the First Snow was about 6 months ago- and it got such an overwhelming response that I just had to ask her to do another one. If you've never seen her shop you must- it includes not only the most stunning art prints out there, but also every gorgeous paper goods you could possibly need for your wedding/engagement. I won't go on and on- but you MUST go check it out.

Her stuff is so good that Lauren Conrad featured one of her card sets the other day. Yeah. Believe me now?

Before we get into the giveaway, here are a few of my current favorites from her shop:

This: love the imperfect chalkboard looking background and the hand painted florals....

This: I love this one so much I put it on my birthday wishlist. Yup.

This: could there be a sweeter quote? oh, Aubrey.

So you want to get to the giveaway, right? I don't blame you!

Just in time for Valentine's- you can win this STUNNING print from The First Snow:

I know, it's stunning! Like I said, if I could enter to win one, I'd do it myself!

So how do you enter? Just follow the instructions of the Rafflecopter giveaway below- make sure to do the 2 mandatory entries or else you will not be eligible to win!

Giveaway runs 1/30-2/6

Available for USA Only.

GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo, lp

** Can't wait to see if you'll be lucky enough to win? Purchase from The First Snow now! 

new favorites: the stationary boutique

Sometimes when I do posts featuring Etsy shops I go on and on about how amazing they are- but this new shop I've found needs very little upsell. The gorgeous images speak for themselves!

The Stationary Boutique is a shop filled with every paper good your heart could desire, almost exclusively in white, black, gold, and blush. Stationary (duh), gold foil prints, calendars, business cards- it's all there and it's all impeccably done. 

Before I go on: No, I wasn't paid or perked for this post...but you all shall benefit from this by the discount code at the bottom of the post. Because Jennifer is awesome. And generous. Boom.

Here are a few of my favorite products:

1.  Postcard calendar- that when you're done with the month- the top half comes off and is a postcard. Yeah. Genius! I seriously need to buy one of these.

2. Polka dot business card stamp: Why keep reordering business cards when you can have a stamp personalized for you that not only looks gorgeous, but is also only $30. WHAT!

3. Circle Dot Address Stamp: Okay I know I said this was a paper shop, but it also has paper accessories...and this one is so. freaking. neat. I love the personal feel of a stamped return address rather than a sticker.

4. Gold Foil Cards: In addition to the handful of gold foil prints, Jennifer also has THE most adorable gold foil cards (perfect for v-day!).

5. Confetti Stationary: For all you snail mail fanatics: HOW CUTE IS THIS SET? Love.

6. Love Stripes Mini Cards: I don't think I even need to put in a plug for these ones. Perfection.

Okay, Okay, I know you're ready for the discount so you can spend all your Christmas money on cute new paper goods, so here it is: Through Jan 15th, get 20% off your ENTIRE order using code BBB20!

Yep. 20% off EVERYTHING.

Tell me loves, which item from The Stationary Boutique do YOU love?

Feel free to send me notes on all the stationary you buy...!

xo, lp

*again, i wasn't paid for this post. i just happened upon jennifer's shop and when i told her i was featuring the shop- she offered the discount to all of you. enjoy, friends!

**all images are from her shop. please give credit if pinning!

ETSY GUIDE TO HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Gift guides are fun. I love making them. I love looking at them.

I decided that my first gift guide of the season had to items that were off of Etsy, because supporting small shops is a great way to feel good in the holidays, am I right?

These are 9 shops that have gifts for all the different ladies on your list, go check them out and #shopsmall!

1. Pen & Paint: This shop is perfect for the sentimental & sweet girl- gorgeous prints and cards in bright colors, and meaningful sayings/quotes.

2. Sincerely Me, PJD: This shop is perfect for the preppy lady- a shop dedicated to monogram necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more!

3. First Snow: This shop is perfect for the ultra-girly-girl- prints and stationary with florals and cursive and class.

4. Loollipop: This shop is perfect for your crafy gal- washi tape & paper straws in every color and print under the sun!

5. Thyme is Honey: This shop is perfect for the organization nut- daily journals for your most Type-A friend.

6. Michelle Dwight Designs: This shop is perfect for the bright & bold girl- lots of quirky pillows & coasters in pink & gold. (oops. accidental rhyme).

7. Rouge and Whimsy: This shop is perfect for the eclectic fashionista- clutches and bags with leather & fabric with pops of bold prints & colors.

8. LucyLovesThis: This UK shop is perfect for the foodie- gastronomy tea towels and prints- the USA one is fab!

9. Shade on Shape:  This shop is perfect for the feminine lady- pastels, golds, greys, and natural wood vases & candle holders. Simple, elegant items!

What Etsy shop do you love finding gifts at?

Share the name or link in comments, I'd love to check them out!

xo, lp

YOUR CHOICE GIVEAWAY (back by popular demand!)

So back in November I held a Monogram Necklace giveaway with Sincerely, Me PJD... and MAN - the feedback on it... looks like I'm not the only one who likes personalized jewelry!!

If you weren't around the blog in November, allow me to introduce you to Emma's shop! She has a great grouping of personalized jewelry that is probably the most fairly priced out there. PLUS she always offers free shipping! Impressive, right?

Well, Emma likes y'all so much that she's back again to give you the choice between two necklaces. In case you're so freaking excited you can't read, I'll just show you the necklaces you can choose from:

I mean, who doesn't love a classic Carrie necklace? Not only is it perfectly feminine and delicate- but it goes with just about everything. Now, if having your name front and center in a big way isn't you're thing- you can snag the simple silver bar necklace with your name or just a little monogram. I've been wearing it almost daily since Emma sent it to me!

So here's the deal. Enter below in the Rafflecopter system below- and remember you can tweet daily for more entries! Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
OH WAIT! There's more my friends. Emma has made a permanent coupon code for you guys. Just use BEAUTYBEARD10 for 10% off  anything in the shop (plus always free shipping)! So if you don't need anything right now- bookmark this post and come back to it when you need a gift for a birthday, bridal shower, or just yourself!!


xo, lp

GALLERY WALL HOW-TO

So here's what's up:

If you follow this blog closely, you know I'm the most impatient crafter EVER. 

I don't like waiting for paint to dry. I don't like measuring perfect lines. 

I have had a random collection of frames for 7 months. Yes. SEVEN MONTHS. I've been meaning to make a gallery wall grouping, but am so damn impatient that I didn't want to take the time to measure/hang/etc the proper way. Thus, we've had a blank wall and a big ol' box full of frames kicking around. 

I want to run around fistpumping because I FINALLY got the grouping done. I might still add to it, but at least we don't have a naked wall anymore!

Here's how I (finally) did it, after checking out countless magazines/blogs:

Step 1: Lay out your frames on the floor and move 'em around until you like the look.

Step 2: Using old newspapers, measure pieces the size of your frames:

(do one for each!)

Step 3: Mark where your nail will need to be on the newspaper. Don't act like you haven't eyeballed hanging something before and it ends up being 2 inches lower or high than you anticipated...

Step 4: Hang those up with some painter's tape...

Step 5:...and put your nails in where the dots you marked!

 Step 6: Rip those papers away and hang your pretty art up! 

(And for the love of god, use a level. I promise I did after I took these pictures. Must. Fix. Crooked. Frames.)

Look how lovely it all is! 

 Please note: YES, there are a ton of different color frames. I kind of like it. I kind of don't. I have white, black, and gold spray paint ready juuuuust in case. 

I love gallery walls because every time I walk by a different print/picture catches my eye. Lately it's been my favorite custom "Choose Joy" print from Pen  & Paint.

This grouping includes prints from favorite shops, paintings by my sister & myself, cards from friends & family, gifts from loved ones. Thanks to any of you who see your stuff up there :) 

What art do you have in your home that you love?

I'm always looking to add & change art- so share shop links in the comments section!

xo, lp

CITY LOVE

I know you all will like this post, because you all seem to dig Etsy about as much as I do.

Whenever I find a great shop I have to share it, and this one is completely awesome. To be fair, I didn't find it on my own...Young House Love led me to it...but still! 

No more babbling- here it is: Albie Designs!

Kim is one talented artist, and her shop is full of lovely prints- my favorites of which are her takes on awesome cities around the world. Kim's prints round up the best monuments and moments of each town with bright color and the perfect amount of detail.

Here are a few USA cities I've been to that she's captured so well:

Adorable, right?

And no, I'm not gettin' paid or perked or anything fancy like that - as always this is just me sharing an awesome shop! Wouldn't these prints be a great gift for a friend who recently moved to a new city? Or a wedding gift for a city the couple met/live in? 

So stop reading this before I start babbling again and go show Albie Designs some love! Tell Kim I say hi while you're at it :)

Which city would you add to your art collection?

I can't pick just one. I think I need Minneapolis, St. Paul, AND Richmond!

xo, lp

YES THIS POST IS LOVELY. AND FULL OF BAD PUNS.

** Update: I realize I never mentioned in this post that this is not a sponsored post. I reached out to these shops on my own, and they were kind enough to offer the discounts! Purely my own, un-bought opinions!! 

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Hi. This post is lovely. There. That's the only pun I'll use.

Let me start this post by addressing two groups of people.

1. To the people who love Valentine's Day: 

This post is full of quirky, creative, gorgeous cards to give for the holiday. Enjoy the pretty cards, a few discount codes, and the fact you're supporting local artists.

2.  To the people who loathe Valentine's Day: 

This post is full of cards you can give at any time to anyone you love. Stop freaking out. You can buy them now and give most of them at any time. 

Whew. Glad we got that out of the way. Let's begin.

I think there is something so special about getting valentines from smaller shops. Rather than giving a Hallmark card that literally THOUSANDS of people across the country get, you have something special and unique. On top of that, all of these cards equally double as sweet art you could frame. Really. Grab a 4x6 at IKEA and you are good to go. 

So this time around, let's buy cards for our boyfriends, girlfriends, moms, sisters, grandmas that are thoughtful, beautiful, and support smaller artists, shall we?

Allow me to share with you my favorite love-themed cards on Etsy. Some of these amazing shops have offered discount codes for all- so be sure to stop by and show them some love!

Shop 1:

It was seriously hard picking just 4 from this shop to feature.

Simple heart cards for the not over-the top lovey-dovey people in your life.

Big LOVE cards for the very over the top lovey-dovey people in your life.

Manly blue/black/texture cards for the manly man in your life.

AND Shannon is offering 15% through Feb 6th -just use code BATB15 at checkout!

Shop 2:

This shop is full of Eco-Friendly cards that I promise you'll love!

How awesome is the "you're my lobster" one? Any other FRIENDS fans out there?

All the illustrations in Kristan Lynn's shop are simple, sweet, and even quirky. Check it out!

Shop 3:

You all know I love kraft paper, right?

Bubby and Bean's cards caught my eye right away. I am completely obsessed with the XOXOXOXO card. If the brown kraft paper look isn't your jam like me, this shop has tons of other styles too! 

If any of you feel like sending me a valentine this year, feel free to send any single one of these:

Shop 4: 

I'm going to try not to go into a long diatribe about how much I love this shop. Gah. 

Reese and Jon are so dang talented- I majorly want their artistic skills. They have cards, calendars, brooches...and...crap I'm babbling. They have a card for anyone you can think of. I love the "You are the salt to my pretzel" and the foxes in love. Even if you aren't looking for a V-day cards, check out the shop and snag a few for future celebrations. 

Jon & Reese are offering 10% off all orders through 2/28 with the code HSWBB10. 

So there you have it. 4 amazing, talented, artsy shops to love and support.

Which of these 4 shops is your favorite?

Clearly you know I can't pick. They're all too good!

xo, lp

Pssst- those discount codes are good for a while, use 'em up team!

LAJ DAILY PAGE NOTEBOOK

Oh hey there friends. 

I'm here to talk about holding yourself accountable. 

I know some of you are thinking: WOMP WOMP.

WAIT! Before you leave! Give it a chance- this isn't a sappy motivational/fitfluential/blahblah post. I promise. 

I am lucky because I have a blogger friend that became a real-life friend, Dani- who not only runs a fashion blog, but is also a Social Media Manager and an Etsy shop owner. Through her little shop Life's A Journal, she sells Daily Notepad Pages (and blogger pads!). You go to her shop and have a few simple options of pretty pads that will simplify your life. 

 This is what the pages look like:

They're the size of letter paper, so although there's a lot on it, there is PLENTY of space to write. It's like all the gadgets/planners you could have rolled into one. Meal tracker, event tracker, fitness tracker, to do list, to buy list, and even a place to write goals for the day. 

Now, I'm not stupid, I know this kind of thing isn't for everyone- but I promise it is really effective. I've been  tracking the amount of water I drink everyday, and there is something creepily satisfying about crossing off each of those water glasses whenever I drink one. On top of that I've been keeping track of meals, and their calorie totals- just as a way to check out what I'm putting into my body each day- not even as a weight loss tool! I definitely don't use every section each day- as you can see below:

I know setting goals for yourself may sound corny- but honestly, since I started using these pads and writing different goals each day- I've really been sticking to them. I feel like while this is an awesome gift for a friend or family member- it's also one of those gifts that you should get yourself. I love buying presents for people- but sometimes it's necessary to spend a little money on yourself, especially when it's for a product like this.

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Dani kind of kicks butt, and is offering everyone 15% off Life's A Journal products  with the code ORGANIZE2013 until January 1st! Yeah. THAT long. So you can get it now for a Christmas gift for someone- or a New Year's resolution tool for yourself! 

How do you hold yourself accountable?

If you don't have a way yet, try these!

xo, lp

* NO I was NOT paid to write this, nor would I if I didn't actually use this (which I do daily, ask my coworkers). Dani did give me the pad- but that's because we're actual friends...unless she was bribing me...Dani....were you...!? Kidding. But seriously. Go get yo'self a pad people, hold yourself accountable!

AN ETSY SHOP TO LOVE

Do you pretty people follow me on Instagram?

If so, you already saw this picture a few weeks back of an awesome WI print:

That guy is from an awesome Etsy shop called B&A Prints.

I am on Etsy way too much for my own good, and whenever I find a good shop I have to share...as you may remember from this post...or this one !

I found B&A Prints when I was looking for some new state art to add to the apartment, and I couldn't  help but share their awesome prints (and kind of amazing prices). How much, you ask? For an awesome state print like my WI one- it's only $12.50. YEAH. $12.50. What's even better is you can get them in any color:

Oh, and these "eye chart" prints? $9.50. Please tell me where else you can find quirky fun prints for a price like that!

 When I contacted Ben and Ashley to tell them how kick butt their shop was (and to ask permission to use photos from their shop in a feature post) they sent me that WI print. What was even sweeter was they altered the print to have the town I currently live in included! Without me even asking! 

SO. If you're looking for a lovely holiday gift for someone, check out B&A Prints. I can promise Ben & Ashley are insanely nice, and the quality of the prints they make is top notch.

 (AND $12.50? COME ON. You can get one of these for everyone you dang know and still be under budget!) 

Some fun ideas:

* Art from whatever state you went to college in for college/sorority friends

* Gift for your significant other of state where you met/live

* A print of a state of where you're from for your parents/siblings

Find B&A Prints....

On Etsy HERE

On Facebook HERE

On Twitter HERE

Have anyone on your list that would love one of these prints?

Which one would you get them? I'm loving the "eye chart" ones!

xo, lp

*** all photos are from B&A Prints on Etsy ***

pssssssst: NO, B&A prints did not ask me to write this post. I contacted them telling them I was going to feature them, asked permission for photos, and went on my merry way. They were nice enough to send me a print just because. Yeah. Not every day you meet shopowners that nice!

FAVORITE ETSY SHOPS, PART 2

A few months back I shared a few of my favorite Etsy shops, and you all had such great feedback about it that I thought I'd do another! I'm a huge fan of Etsy, and I do a great majority of my gift shopping there. Nothing like something special you haven't seen out in big box stores to surprise someone, right? Lately on here I've been mentioning gift giving, not just for the holidays- but as "just because" gifts. Those are the best ones! So sit back and enjoy....

** oh, and before I forget, NO this isn't a sponsored post. I didn't receive anything for talking about these shops, I just happen to like them a lot. **

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Karly is the lovely lady behind ThreeBeesDesigns. Although she has a wide array of art in her shop, by far my favorites are the digital watercolor prints, like the ones below. I recently bought the ampersand and the world map for a gallery wall in our apartment. Cannot wait for them to arrive! The best part is, since they're digitally altered, you can get most prints in an array of gorgeous colors!

(all images via ThreeBeesDesigns)

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Hi. Did any of you know about Knot & Bow already? If so, WHY HAVE YOU NOT SHARED THIS WITH ME?! Knot & Bow is the perfect shop to add the extra special touch to any gift you give, with stylish stickers, twine, and tags. There are even a few gift items in there, like these me & you pencils. How sweet are they?

(all photos via Knot & Bow)

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You all know I'm always a fan of a great jewelry shop, and my recent find is Mon Cadeau. I was searching for an initial ring, and came across this lovely shop filled with tiny, delicate personalized jewelry. I'm not normally a big heart jewelry person, but even the heart jewelry is tasteful and simple enough that I'd get it. (Oh, and how adorable is that hedgehog necklace?)

(photos via Mon Cadeau)

Which of these Etsy shops will you be checking out?

Have any recommendations for ones I should check out?

xo, lp