National Stationery Show (and a little catch-up)

Folks. It has been a hot minute since I've been on the 'ol blog. My username-password did not fly off my fingertips when logging into Blogger like it did just a few months ago. Something I wish were not so, but something I am ever-grateful to say is because I am SWAMPED with orders. To which I say: Praise. The. Lord.

Since the first day of December, I literally cannot see my table top. It's covered in beautiful, colorful stacks of wedding invitations, save the dates, crisp envelopes and party goodies. What a glorious problem to have. 

Just six months ago, I remember asking myself if this little business would ever "take off". And, what does that mean anyway? Is this even worth it? Do people even like paper? And then God showed up. I have now made double my 2012 yearly profits in less than two months. Speechless.

With this clear message and confidence, I am now growing like never before. So, before I share my next big plan, let me say this: THANK YOU! Thank you to each and every one of you who have purchased from, featured, "ooohed" and "ahhed" and loved on me since I began this adventure. Every single one of you matter. I'm so excited to share more with you!

Now. I was invited in 2010 to one of the most sought-after opportunities in the paper business - The National Stationery Show - but quickly realized that my little hobby paled in comparison to some of the most talented designers I have ever seen. Not to mention I was lacking a few dollars. So, I tucked my tail and started saving, creating, building contacts, and planning. I am beyond thrilled to actually be attending the show in May in New York!

After all the budgeting and contracts, I am finally to the fun part - decorating my booth! I'm going with a light, airy, modern and fresh theme, much like my blog and website. Take a peek at my beginning plans and let me know what you think!

Cheers, friends!

MT

On Repeat // Cicada Rhythm

Hi, friends! I've been MIA these past few days due to an UNBELIEVABLE EXPLOSION of card orders. I mean, whoa. More to come on that soon. 2013 has definitely started out with the most incredible blessings, I can't even imagine what is next.

I did take a break from addressing envelopes on Wednesday night to catch a show downtown with some dear friends. Jon and I are bluegrass lovers. There is just something about a banjo, y'all. Today, I'm sharing one of our new finds - Cicada Rhythm. I promise you'll love them, too.

Band: Cicada Rhythm

Genre: Folk/Bluegrass

Album: 4-song digital album available here 

Them: David Kirslis (guitar) and Andrea DeMarcus (bass)

Hails From: Georgia (woo!)

Why They Rock: They "imitate and modernize folk music to a rejuvenating degree"

Favorite Jam: Wait 'Til Mornin'

First of all, how cute are they? Second of all, LISTEN TO THEM. 

Andrea is earthy and raw and David has an Old Crow vibe. 

I hope you'll take a listen and add them to your weekend playlist. I'm off to celebrate a bride-to-be this weekend in North Carolina and get some quality time away from the computer. 

I'll be back next week with lots of excitement. After several requests for an updated home tour of our house after my holiday home tour series, I am finally posting our little place! I also have some exciting Puddleduck news and an opportunity to give to the most deserving people I know. Stay tuned!

Happy weekend to you!

MT

Five Plans (not resolutions) for 2013

Happy New Year! How tired are you of hearing that? I cannot begin to express my excitement for a new start this year. There is just something about a fresh new page in my planner with a new year and completely blank space. Space for new goals and big plans. I refuse to make resolutions anymore. I feel like they're always so big and scary and you either "pass" or "fail". There's the teacher in me. I'd rather have plans for things I'd like to improve on and grow in. That way, no matter the progress I make, it's progress.

In no particular order, here are 2013's plans:

1. Eat Smarter.                                                                                     via

I am not an unhealthy eater by any means. I don't crave cake or candy or fried food - except the occasional chicken nugget from Chick-Fil-A. But, I want to pay more attention to where my food comes from. I want to take better advantage of our local farmer's market and use local, seasonal ingredients rather than quick, convenient ones.

2. Make Lunch.                                                                                          via

I'm rather lazy about planning lunch for work. When I cook more than necessary one night, I have leftovers for lunch the next day, which I love. However, this is an unreliable lunch option, as I don't cook every night. I want to put more thought and effort into healthy lunch options outside of a turkey sandwich or Campbell's soup.

3. Put the Clothes Away.                                 via

Y'all. There is nothing I hate more than a dryer full of clean clothes that are cold and wrinkled and begging to be hung up. But, there is also nothing I love more than walking into my closet when all shirts are clean, ironed and hung up (in color order, of course). I love being able to actually plan an outfit rather than pull out a hopefully-matching top and bottom from a pile on the back of a bar stool. This will undoubtedly be a struggle.

4. Take Time.                                               via

My days are jam packed. Like, JAM packed. From 7am until 11pm I am either teaching, driving, grocerying, erranding, planning, creating, cleaning, cooking, blogging, packing or shipping. And yawning. There is not an unfilled minute in my day. Not a second where I sit and think and breath and drink tea. This has got to change. I know that a happy life is not so unless it is healthy and balanced. My sweet life is filled with to the brim so many beautiful people and opportunities, but I need to make sure I'm taking time to reflect on those things, even if it's 15 minutes on the sofa with my Bible before bed.

5. Be Brave.                                                   via 

This is the toughie. 99% of the time, I have real confidence in my abilities as a designer. I know that I am creative, passionate and professional. But, that 1% can invalidate me in a split second. I'm learning that good things aren't easy. Great opportunities don't come wrapped in pretty packages with all the steps laid out before me. Growth is hard. It takes courage and and faith in myself that I don't always have. This year, I want to focus on doing those hard things, praying for courage and having the bravery to step out and do things instead of just dreaming about them.

I hope you'll join me in making plans, not resolutions this year. Pick something (or some things) to work on and just try. Even if you don't "meet" your goal, you've made progress. Which is really what matters, no?

Cheers to a healthy, happy 2013!
MT

Happiest New Year!

We are headed to the mountains today with dear friends to ring in 2013. I'm super excited to don a flirty dress for dinner in Asheville and sip wine by the fire as our husbands play twangy music on the porch. Before we head out, though, I'll leave you with a re-cap of Puddleduck's 2012.

As I reflect on the past year, I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude for (and in awe of!) the growth my little paper company has experienced in just 12 months. Puddleduck has been goin' strong since 2005, but this is the first year I have truly poured everything - I mean everything - into it and let me tell you, it has paid off. BIG time. There is not a moment in the day that I am not creating, even if it's just in my head. Learning to build a brand and market myself has been a huge hurdle this year and I finally feel like I am making a mark.

I have had the chance to work with the most incredible people this year. Stylish clients, fabulous photographers, incredible interior designers, and some insanely talented bloggers. To those of you who contributed to my 2012, I honestly cannot thank you enough. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for supporting my love of paper and design.

Here's a little recap of our biggest year yet:

I am just ecstatic about the new things 2013 will bring our (and your!) way. I have big plans for more wedding paper designs, graphic prints, calendars, and gifts. Part of our growth is in attending the National Stationery Show in New York City in May. Y'all. I cannot express my excitement about this. I was invited two years ago and was unable to attend. But. I'm so there for 2013 and thrilled to make new connections and spread my little paper adventure across the country.

So, before I start getting teary-eyed about paper and people who support me, I'm going to go pack for our getaway.

Cheers to 2013! The best is yet to come, friends.
MT

Own & Love // Christmas Cash

As promised, here are a few of my latest favorites, purchased with the always-perfect holiday gift - moolah. I am not a huge fan of battling the holiday crowds at malls and big-name stores before Christmas, so I tend to save my money and cozy up on the sofa the day after Christmas to score some serious online deals. And score, I did.

1 // I found this adorable dress on ASOS for a steal! Dubbed the "skater dress", I was a bit worried about the skirt - no one wants to look like an ice skater - but, it's perfect. 

And, the bright shade of blue breaks up all the black and navy I have going on in my closet. 

2 // I snagged these vintage roper boots on Etsy - my favorite Christmas purchase by far!

 Check out Rabbit House Vintage for a spectacular collection of vintage goodies. 

Good customer service wins me over big time. RHV is fantastic.

3 // Essie does it again, y'all. I love this shade of dark green called Power Clutch. The exact color of a Christmas tree, it leaves a little holiday hanging around even after the garland is put away.

4 // I couldn't resist these gold tights from Target (where else?). 

They will be perfect to brighten up a little black dress with ankle boots, don't you think?

5 // I have been hunting the perfect army green top for almost a year. 

Everything I've seen is either too dressy or too casual. Then! I thrifted the perfect one last week!

It's long enough to be a tunic, but in a silk blend, still chic. 

This similar cotton one is from Urban Outfitters. 

Where are your must-shop online stores?

MT

A+ Presents

Hello, again! I hope you all had a joyful and relaxing holiday! After the hustle of the Christmas card season, I took my own advice and slowed down for a few days. Which meant my little typing fingers got a break. I'm rested and inspired - eager to be back with you to share some very exciting things for 2013. (Which, twenty THIRTEEN?? Whew!)

Our holiday was chock-full of friends, family, fires and green bean casserole (mmmm). Today, I thought I'd share some of my favorite Christmas gifts from some of our favorite people.

1 // A graphic hand-woven scarf from a village in Mexico. My in-laws are awesome!

2 // Voluspa wins, no candle smells better.

3 // My husband is a rockin' Santa. I am in love with these Nava boots.

4 // Mamma stuffed our stockings with Laura Mercier goodies. I love this shade of gloss, Bear Baby.

5 // Yes that's a shotgun shell. My parents are taking us skeet shooting next month!

6 // This eye pencil in Smoke is perfect for a NYE smoky eye.

7 // Working with paper dries my hands out badly. I'm a huge fan of L'Occitane and Mamma/Santa knows it. This Shea Butter Hand Lotion in the perfect little travel size is great for on-the-go. 

8 // My feet are always cold. So, whether paired with my favorite sweats or tall boots, 

these Eddie Bauer boot socks are a win. (And, now they're on sale!)

not pictured // Eric Clapton concert tickets! That calls for another "eeeeee!!", right? Very excited.

I loved having Instagram to keep up with all my favorite ladies' new goodies this year. What were your favorite gifts this holiday? 

I'll be back tomorrow with some of my favorite clothes purchases made with my Christmas cash!

Cheers!

MT

slow down

In the wake of Friday's events, I spent the weekend with such a heavy heart. I was unplugged all weekend - not by choice, but by a soaked iPhone, which is a different story - but it was so freeing. No text messages, no emails, no Facebook, no Instagram. As much as I love being connected, I was reminded this weekend that it's not necessary, and I was lucky enough to spend three days with three people who are.

But, like always, Monday rolled around and I picked up speed. Here and there, this and that, hurrying and crossing things off my list (err, moving them to the next day's list). I do that. I go and go and hurry and stress and do and make and never stop. I posted last week about making things happen, and though I whole-heartedly believe this is the way to be successful, I also believe a little dash of the opposite of 'making things happen' is sometimes critical to sanity.

So. Cue the fuzzy blanket and hot tea. Turn off your phone and read - a real book. Or, God forbid, close your eyes for a moment.

I'm guilty of feeling guilty for slowing down. And I shouldn't. It's necessary to grow and appreciate and learn and remember what matters.

Happy (slow) Tuesday to you!
MT