Back To School: The Working Woman's Edition

Just in time for back-to-school season, I've gotten a bit of a promotion at work. So far, this promotion involves lots of important papers with information I'll need to refer to many times over the course of the next few months.

I must say, the two handiest tools I've incorporated into my routine are two tools I already owned. In the name of sharing a good thing, I'd like to introduce you to:

Moleskine 12 Months Monthly Notebook

A bit skeptical of the whole Moleskine scene, I put off test-driving this planner for as long as I could. But, following one too many one-month stands with weekly {and daily!} planners, I met my match in the month-at-a-glance variety. I realized I'm someone who needs always to see the bigger picture when it comes to planning and visualizing. I'm sold on this middle size, too -- not a pocket planner {too tough to write in}, and not a full-on notebook {makes me feel like I'm carrying a rollbook}, my Moleskine of choice measures in at 5 x 8.25 ... just right! A note to the wise: If you wait until November or December to make this purchase, you'll be sorely disappointed. Moleskine plannerse sell out fast and early!

Russell + Hazel Mini Binder

Originally selected as a potential planner {see above for information regarding one-month stands}, this fierce hot pink number finally revealed she never wanted to be a datebook. Turns out, when stocked with mini sheet protectors {wherein I store said important papers}, she happily transforms into the perfect handbook for the specifics of my promotion and title change.

Hurray for form and function, and back-to-school not-shopping!

Take It From The Top

Happy Sunday, friends.

While thrifting the other day, I found this oblong flower frog and realized it was perfect for holding up my ilee letterpress calendar {which, previously, would fall from my table multiple times daily}. The tips are super sharp {ouch!}, so this might find its way out of reach to avoid accidental finger punctures.

When I was a young girl, I dreaded Mondays. As early as Saturday night, I'd start up with the dread, certain that Monday was right around the corner. Strange, but here, at twenty-six years old, I'm a Monday person. I love Mondays. I love a new week, and look forward to it with a lot of hopefulness and ambition. I'd like to think this means I'm doing something right with my life, as it is these days ...


P.S. Oh, boy, am I getting jazzed up to tell you about my project. But, not yet! I promise, it's almost ready ...

Monday

Amused myself with a new toy this weekend ... it's a ton of fun coming up with short phrases for stamping. Digging the red and turquoise combination all over again.

Still not used to the opportunity of the early morning -- feeling continually charmed by how many more hours there are in a day when the day begins at 6:15 a.m.

A cupboard rearrange? Maybe. A microwave shelf is being built for me, which will open up a window sill for succulents and oddities {will post photos of said oddities later}. Am truly hankering for something exactly like this -- though, as I've said -- my cupboard doesn't afford me the space, unless I do away with my pedestal eating table ...

Tell me something: What does your morning ritual look like? I'm curious.

Sputnik

I never thought I'd find another utilitarian cork piece for the desktop, but look! I sure did. This beauty looks a bit like a satellite, if you ask me. I've got such a soft spot for cork {get it?} because I remember the kitchen floor of my childhood being made of cork tiles, and details from my childhood always tug on my heartstrings.

{Cork pencil holder from Bjitalia -- they have two!}

Leaves

I know it's officially summer and we're thrilled with it, but I have a confession: I'm more of an autumn gal than anything else and, while I'm delighted by my freckled shoulders, bare feet in grass, and the smell of sunscreen on Mr. Original, I adore the moment when the leaves go amber and pumpkin, and I can resume my quest for the best hot chocolate in town. Here's a little autumn indulgence for those of you who are like me.

Look here, here, here, here, and here.


{Poplar Print by MWilson}

Well, All Right!

I LOVE this idea from found paper co. because -- you guessed it! -- it involves repurposing a vintage object. How fun and graphic to use a folding ruler as a display piece for postcards and paper bits. Pretty genius, if you ask me.

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Just a reminder:

So, don't forget to enter my surprise giveaway
by leaving a note in Thursday's comment section!

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P.S. The title of this post is something Mr. Original sometimes says {though he hasn't in a while ... Mr. Original, will you please say it again some time soon?} when I'm insistent on something -- as in, "Mr. Original, come here and kiss me!" His response? "Well, all right!"

Something Else I Never Knew Existed

If this cork cube isn't the most practical and stylish thing I've ever seen, then I don't know what is. One of you is going to buy it, I know {because remember, I can't buy anything; that's to remind myself}, and when you do, I'd love it if you left a comment here, just so I can find out how incredibly practical and stylish it is in person. Could you do that for me? Thanks.

{Vintage Cork Cube from Red Eye Vintage}