Hey Little Birdie | Shopping Blog

Simple.  Sleek.  Modern Appeal.  Love this Genuine Leather iPad Case from FelTu: Fashion for Technology Users.

So… maybe I am on a typography kick lately. I hope you all are not sick of it. Although because I have just self-diagnosed myself, I might now be able to move on. Isn’t that what they say… acceptance is the first step to recovery? By the way, who are they? And how did they get so profound? Maybe I will balk at their revelation and stick with my typography obsession. You know, just for spite. Growing up, I was the baby in my family and have a tendency towards bratty behavior. Just ask my sister; she can expound numerous stories of support for this statement.

Where was I? Oh yes, typography. Well, looking at this, can you blame me? They are amazing. Apartment Therapy clued me in on Jessica Hische of Daily Drop Cap, who designs a beautiful letter each day available for use on your blog for free. Which… now that I know about that… maybe I will be decorating my blog posts more frequently. But if you are looking for a unique letter to don your walls, consider these letterpress print versions. The “L” for my Lyla is perfect, but then contrast the feel of it with the “O” for our surname and you can see the variety. Awe-some. Just take a look…

Have you heard of Music Philosophy? It was started by a designer out of London who describes this project as “a weekly graphic/typographic interpretation of philosophical song quotes”.

And describes himself like this

Hi. My name is Mico. I am a designer. I like music and typography. So I combined them on this Project because I had nothing better to do.

Well… thank goodness for too much time… because the result is amazing song quotes in entertaining typographical form. You can download your favorite for your newest iPhone wallpaper, or you can purchase a poster on his etsy site, or you can buy a tshirt here. My personal fave is the one shown above… The Moldy Peaches lyrics, recently used in the movie Juno. Which would you choose?

And if you want to submit a song quote to Mico to create, you can email it to him… but you will have to let us know too.

So I think I’ve fallen in love with the store Paper Source, and since they aren’t in Arizona (fingers crossed that maybe someday they will be), I have to explore their options strictly online. But don’t worry, I have already started shopping. Some of my favs are…

…These 2 calendars…

The first one can be re-used as a file folder or pillow box. Thanks to the templates printed on the back. The second has quotes, which I am always a sucker for.

Sticker Frames

Floral Garland Kit

…And some of the best wrapping paper I’ve ever seen… which could totally be used in traditional or non-traditional ways, including lining simple white frames or a tray you picked up at your last thrift store excursion.

Happy Shopping!

Love party planning and DIY? Then why aren’t we best friends? Those rank extremely high on my Nicky’s favorites list (slightly behind espresso and cupcakes but you know how it is with priorities!) Anyway, now that we have that established, get ready to jump up and shout for a new website, Hip Hip Hooray!

I got the scoop from a blogger I admire, Jordan Ferney (she is a contributor to the new site) and I have already bookmarked it as a must read. I like that they are focusing on creativity and style when it comes to childrens’ parties because lets be honest… there is a lot of cheeseballness (new word) out there. Plus, they keep affordability in mind which is always welcome! There are only a few posts since they are just starting out, but trust me- you will already like what you see. I cannot wait for more party planning inspiration to drop in the coming months!

I don’t feel very creative today. Do you ever have days like that? I feel totally unmotivated and slightly incoherent. So, that should make for a fun blog post, right? Anyway, when I do feel inventive again, I intend to purchase this.

I mean, I love typography and graphic elements in any form, i.e. decorating, gift wrapping, anything. (See, I could come up with more than two examples if today held any more imagination for me.) Maybe you could help me out, what would you do with such an amazing collection? Inspire me… please.

Oh, and totally check out everything at Three Potato Four. They are incredible!

With every post I write, I feel like you all get to know me a little bit more. But, I’m sure your insatiable need to know more is never quite quenched. I totally understand. And in response to you, today I am going to share with you several of my favorite blogs out there on the world wide web. This list will include a little bit of everything. But what better way to see what inspires me, moves me, and fills me on a regular basis.

So, in an effort towards full transparency, here you go…

1. Young House Love – This married duo started a blog for their friends and family who were interested in the remodeling/redecorating projects they undertook on their 50’s ranch house once moving from Manhattan to Virginia. Needless to say, they are a DIY-er’s inspiration. They learn all the tricks of the trade and share them in easy step by step instructions. And their decorating sense is seemingly effortless.

2. Creature Comforts – This site seeks to inspire in so many different ways each and every day. Whether it is her Chic for Cheap feature on Tuesdays or DIY crafty tutorials, the creativity is endless and affecting. If you can’t get enough of Ez, also check out her personal blog Carrying On or her etsy site Wren and Chickadee.

3. Pop Candy – Well, this is a little different, but equally cool. I’ve been reading this blog for years, and thus can personally account for Whitney Matheson’s unmainstream approach to pop-culture news. Being a part of the motholith that is USA Today has not censored her unique voice to shine light on what the major entertainment outlets often don’t see or at least don’t show us.

4. Pleated Poppy – This is Lindsey’s blog. We are on a first name basis… or at least I am with her. That’s the way I feel about her. As she shares, you connect and soon feel she could be a part of your circle of friends. This incredible mom is bursting with talent and craftiness (in a non-old-woman-sense), and yet she doesn’t intimidate you with it. She’s authetic and self-professed as imperfect. My kind of girl! To check out her goods (I mean products), go here.

5. Vol. 25 – I haven’t been following this blog for as long as the others, but it has quickly captured my heart. Jessica has a love of quotes (me too!) and is extremely gifted with graphics and overlays (me, not so much). Too bad, we were almost long-lost friends. Her love of family and life inspires me to grab on and hold tight all that I cherish. Oh, and her creativity is without limits. Check out her etsy site as well.

So there you have it. A small sampling of the blogs I can’t wait to read each and every day. And I am always looking for more… so what are some of yours? I can’t wait to add even more to my ever-growing Google Reader.

My husband is a budding photographer. And so, you would think when I started obsessing over this camera way back in February, he would have been all about it for me, right? Like he would have ordered it on the spot for my birthday or our anniversary or just cuz I’m cute, but… geez, sometimes it’s like he doesn’t know me at all.

All kidding aside… isn’t this new school version of a polaroid incredible? How fun would it be for your next BBQ with friends or a Girls’ Night In or just an afternoon at the park with the kids? All those moments when on the spot prints will add to the fun of the event.

Maybe this subtle hint will help my photog husband find his credit card. I promise to take pictures of him with this gem!

I don’t know why but I am crushing on faux bois (that’s fake wood en francais) designs lately. Maybe it’s the lack of greenery in the Phoenix desert this time of year or maybe the 112 temps are getting to my head, but whatever it is I want to take faux bois on a date and buy it a nice steak dinner. I’ve spotted gorgeous faux bois pottery on my beloved Martha Show, pretty faux bois fabrics in boutiques and even faux bois sterling silver jewelry. The funnest (yes I said funnest. not most fun. I don’t care if it is not technically a word. It should be. I like it)  application of woodgrain I have stumbled upon is this laptop decal on etsy.

I think it would make my macbook smile. I am torn between the pink and green versions. But I would probably default to green so my husband wouldn’t be too ashamed to use it if needed. Only $12 too, yippee!

Faux bois bonus for your furbaby: these darling collars on etsy. Cuteness!

Do you like books? Do you like t-shirts? Do you wish that the two would join forces to create something completely incredible? Well, voila. Close your eyes… picture Vanna White arms waving back and forth in a displaying fashion… while a soft-spoken person whispers “ta-da” in your ear… wait, that last part sounds creepy. Sorry.

Out of Print features unique and often out of print book covers for some of our culture’s greatest literary works of art. Not to mention every time you purchase a shirt, a book is sent to a community in need in Africa. Nice.

Check them out.