New Year...New You?

I don't know what it is, but the thought of a new year always leaves me feeling a bit bittersweet.

In 24 hours, I'll be preparing to say farewell to the year 2009 - A year that was filled with weddings (including my little sister's and my own), my first trips to Mexico and NYC, a job change, and the creation of our business, Interprintations.

As I look into 2010, I see a clean slate and a good excuse to set lofty goals for myself.

#1 - Redo the office (or at least the furniture!) so that I have a better organized, more efficient work space.

#2 - Sign up for sewing classes at Joann Fabrics. I have my sister to keep me on track for this one! She will be accompanying me on this fun little journey, which will make it twice as fun. =)

#3 - Acquaint myself with our new Nikon 3000, and learn new photography and lighting tricks. (The better pictures I can take, the better you'll be able to see our new products!)

#4 - Get back into a weekday workout regimen (Exercise TV on-demand is the best idea. ever. Jillian Michaels kicks my butt into to gear. For free!)

#5 - Assemble my portfolios - complete with samples of recent wedding and other stationery orders.

#6 - List at least 5 items on Etsy by the early spring - First on that list are the oh-so-popular damask monogram note cards. (What a great idea for your bridesmaids and gift book attendants!)

I'll be posting this list prominently above my desk, so I can reflect on my progress. While I'm sad to see 2009 go, this list reminds me of what I have to look forward to in 2010.

Cheers to a new year and {hopefully} an improved me! =)

What are you leaving behind in 2009? Have you set any resolutions for 2010?

'Tis the Season for Giving

We are truly blessed in my household, and we try our hardest not to take it for granted. We always try to give back where we can.

With all of the charitable organizations out there, it can be hard to decide where to make a yearly holiday donation. Like most of you, I am a big fan of giving spare change to the bell ringers. We also arranged to set up a box at work for Gleaners Food Bank, where associates could donate their Christmas turkey (an annual holiday gift from our employer). It was heartwarming to see so many people in the giving spirit, and we filled the box full. What a wonderful, warm-and-fuzzy feeling!

Ultimately, I also try not to forget about the little ones during the holiday season. (I'm not referring to the children....I know Santa has them covered!) I'm talking about the hundreds of abandoned animals at your local shelter.

This is a particularly rough time for local animal shelters and humane societies. With the recession, people are finding themselves unable to care for the family pet - thus overwhelming the local shelters with helpless, homeless animals.

One of my favorite local animal rescue facilities is Cats Haven. I am particularly fond of this rescue center because they have a no-kill policy. They will do whatever it takes to find a home for these precious creatures. They also have great resources on their website, as well as a cute blog updating you on the center's happenings. They make the donation process an easy one - with just a few clicks, you can make a donation through the security of PayPal.

Cats Haven also has products you can purchase, such as calendars, jewelry, hoodies, and more! What's even better is that all profits are filtered back into the center. You can buy a gift, and know that you're also helping these adorable felines get a second chance at life.

What is your favorite holiday charity?

Curiously Tasty Treats

Ever thought of putting pistachio, orange and toffee flavors all in the same cookie recipe?

Yeah....neither have I, but apparently they say it's delicious!

Greencastle resident Stacia O'Neal's Pistachio Orange Cream Sandwich took the top prize at the Indy Star's 2009 Holiday Cookie Contest. She beat out 170 other entries with her tricky, but apparently unforgettably tasty, combo.

(photo courtesy of www.indystar.com)

After reading the article in today's paper, I had to check out all of the fun recipes entered into this year's contest (the winning cookie let my curiosity get the best of me). I found one that I'm dying to try, it's for Strawberry Cream Cheese Thumbprints. My mouth is watering just thinking about them. Yum! =)

And with a quick look out the window and listening to the extended forecast....it looks like I'll be spending plenty of time indoors to easily fit some baking into my weekend schedule. =)

What's your favorite holiday recipe that you can't wait to make? Are you trying any new recipes this year?

A Noteworthy Gift Idea

Our featured item for this holiday season is the monogrammed damask note card set. These charming 6-card box sets are a great way make your gift-giving a bit more personal!

Each set consists of 6 cards with personalized monograms & matching colored envelopes, and are packaged in a clear stationery box. They are available in deep purple (featured above), gamma green and razzle berry, and are only $4.00 each (+ s/h). For other colors, please email interprintations@gmail.com for availability.

Whether you're looking for a stocking stuffer idea, gifts for your girlfriends, or just a little something for yourself....be sure to add these personalized cards to your list!

A Winter Affair + New Gift Ideas

Has it really been 2 weeks since our last post?! I promise to make it up by posting many stationery treats in the coming days. =)

After an amazing {and much needed} extended holiday weekend, we've spent the last 2 days getting back into the swing of things. We have plenty of projects on our plate to keep us busy through the end of 2009. {no complaints though, because we love being busy!}

One of our most recent projects is for a winter bride, who has requested custom programs and matching menus for her January affair. Her style is more traditional, so we went with a Victorian flourish motif throughout both pieces. Check it out!

We're also working on 12-piece notecard gift sets, complete with custom monograms. We will soon be posting pictures and listing these pretty little packages on our website. {Holiday Tip: these make great stocking stuffers!} So be sure to check back soon!