Exhausted

*Image by staszykov

I had my first ever real water polo scrimmage today. It felt good, I almost knew what was going on. I learned a bunch and am sprawled on my couch entering grades. Monday is coming way too soon.

Swimmer

*Images via Lonny

Two sisters, two identical apartments, two large paintings. These paintings represent each sister's style well. They remind me of my very own swimmer painting courtesy of my little brother. I would like to purchase and display more large pieces of art. I'm still looking for a way to display a large watercolor painting in my house. Framing seemed like the most obvious option but even at a 60% discount the price was more than I could stomach. I'm looking into some self-framing ideas, but am still not set. I can't wait for the day when I can stand back and admire my brother's handiwork. Until then, I'll keep searching for ideas and solutions. Any suggestions?

Fast food

*Image by buckaroo kid

Yesterday after a long, hard day we looked at our bare cupboards and decided to eat out. Trevor had to study for a test and I just wanted to veg out and deflate my brain for a while. We trekked on over to a local burger joint (read: fast food) and after ordering noticed some live music. I kid you not, a three piece mariachi band was serenading people eating their burgers and fries. Is this another only in Texas moment? Have you ever had a musical serenade in a completely unexpected place?

Ye-Haw!

*Image & card by Letterpress Delicacies

Texans do have a good eye for letterpress. Consider the card above as exhibit A. I was browsing etsy for local crafty folk and came across a letterpress printer in Austin. I knew I would be able to find something great in Austin (my city crush) now I've got to keep looking in San Antonio. I can't wait to get my hands on a few of these great cards - love them.

Cropped

*Image via Anthropologie

Oooh spring! I am looking forward to breaking out the cropped pants and shorts and sandals. Cropped for work means a nice 4 inches of ankle showing. Thank goodness for cute skirts and the plenty I have stocked up in my closet. The weather is making me excited to start integrating the fun parts of my closet back into my outfit. I know that integrating some new dresses will be in order this spring. I dig this cropped jean outfit too, this is an outfit I could create out of my own closet.

p.s. Sunday was a balmy 75+ degrees but the stupid groundhog was right - winter is not over. We had unexpected sleet (almost snow) for 5 minutes on Tuesday and everyone freaked out.

Chewed

*Image & shoes by Jeffrey Monteiro

I had a cute pair of shoes like these. Perfect with skirts, great for the spring weather that is greeting us in San Antonio little by little. Had means that I now only have one shoe. The other was chewed up and partially swallowed by my bully. Totally a bully when you eat someone's cute shoes. He has no idea. Not that I need another reason to buy a pair of shoes.

Notebook

*Notebooks by Scout Books via sfgirlbybay

Today I'll be taking notes in my trusty Moleskine that is perfectly plain. I love a clean slate, but my eyes boggled when I saw these great designs and the potential to customize. I would love to pull this notebook out of my purse and jot fun notes to myself, make lists and keep track of my life. Oh paper...

Cut

*Image & print by Eva Juliet

I'm trying to decide if I am ready for some hair change. A friend took a risk and got bangs, am I that brave? I am going to do something when I'm back in Seattle, the question is what? I have been wearing my hair up half of the time because I desperately need some style right now. I have blah bland hair. Good thing I trust my hairdresser. Any ideas? Any suggestions?

Tease

*Image by Michael J. Lewis

The show had some crazy and eclectic hair. The opening models all walked out to Madonna and I was sad that my favorite Madge-loving hair dresser was thousands of miles away. If you are in the Seattle area and are in need of a fantastic cut, color, makeup or hairstyle Chandra is the woman for the job. I am holding out until March when I am back in town for my next cut. I haven't found anyone to trim my tresses in town yet, but I know it is about time. I did see some interesting things and know that finding a good salon won't be too hard.

Fashion

*Image by Kate Spade via Mrs. Lilien

Tonight I am headed to a fashion show to benefit a local women's shelter. I am excited and a little anxious. I'm totally a jeans & t-shirt gal when it comes to my own fashion get-ups. I know it will be fun to play dress up, but I am always intimidated when it comes to these types of events. What the heck do you wear to a fashion show? I'll probably rock some lipstick and the biggest hair I can manage. I can create a fashionable alter-ego for the evening. I might rock the faux-hawk.

Off

*Image & card via Ragamuffin Press

I'm finally getting the hang of being a hostess in San Antonio. Not too shabby. I'm getting to know my new city a little better and can at least recommend several fun things to do including, of course, the obligatory visit to the Alamo. Having visitors is a good reason to explore, even if it does mean we get to visit our new favorite Bar-B-Que joint. Hopefully new things to do and places to see will keep popping up. It will surely keep me busy, especially if I have more friends in town to entertain!

Wedding Post

*Image by Cheryl Jones

I am a wedding graduate featured on A Practical Wedding! Meg has a great blog that is focused on tips for maintaining sanity and real advice for brides and wives alike. I feel honored to be featured on a blog that was my inspiration while I was planning. It is fitting that my blogging anniversary is so closely followed by a post about my wedding on a blog that inspired me to keep my own electronic file of inspiration. I feel kind of famous knowing that so many people read her blog, and special knowing that I could pass along any good advice. Any burning questions? I'd love to answer.

Husband

*Image & card by Vandalia Street Press

Happy Birthday to my husband! Although he is the cake baker in the family, I will find a way to spoil him and make him feel special. I think a nice foot rub might be in order, something he won't do for himself. Happy birthday Trevor - love, v.

Bad bad bad

*Image by Julie Tenibaum via Kate Spade

I've been awful and awfully busy. I thought I would have time to post something awesome for Valentine's day. Nope. Having friends in town has been so much fun that I haven't found a minute to reflect and write. I promise that more is in store this week, including possibly something fun for you in the mail.

Kisses

*Image & card via SweetDee

My Valentines are all in the mail, hopefully they survive the post office travels to the Pacific Northwest (well, most of them anyway). I have a lovely breakfast planned for tomorrow that includes my specialty - Belgian waffles, with fresh whipped cream and blackberries. Add a side of bacon and anyone will know you love them. I have a few friends coming to visit and unfortunately they fly in tonight. I say unfortunately because they should have been here Thursday night. The Dallas airport, where their connecting flight to SA originated, was closed due to bad weather. Lucky for all of us, I have a teacher work day on Monday (read: no students) so I'm taking it off to hang out with my pals. That is a good show of love, don't you think? I can't wait.

Pill

*Image & card via Pancake & Franks

The design team at Pancake & Franks have a keen eye for detail and a sly sense of humor. They have also cleverly letterpressed some items that make you smirk or scratch your head. The beauty of everyday items. The simplicity of the image leaves a lasting impact. The impact of this card is pretty saucy, perfect for the holiday of love. Have a fun, safe, flirtatious weekend!

Ninja

*Image via Two Piglets

I'm dating myself, but I don't lie when I say this card is rad. I have it hanging in my classroom, still safely sheathed in protective plastic (safe from kid fingers). Impaled by love? Ninja throwing hearts? Again, rad. Not much else to say.

Girl Scout

*Image via Egg Press

When I was in Girl Scouts we used to sing a song about being chased up a tree by a bear in underwear. I wonder if any of the folks at Egg Press were ever Girl Scouts? Yet another card from these folks that get me grinning. I can't think of anyone else in my life who might appreciate a bear card, an underwear-clad bear card, more than my father. It could be the hunter, it could be the humor, it could be the underpants. Who knew that I would be blogging about cards for the men in my life?

Text

*Image via Bella Muse

In the age of technology this seems witty and appropriate. How many people will send their Valentines text messages instead of even calling, let alone writing? I'm inspired to finish packaging and addressing envelopes for my Valentines so that they can all smile and know that I'm thinking of them from miles and miles away. I will make sure to write. Are you inspired?

Bingo!

*Card by Snow & Graham via Luxe Paperie

If any paper product could remind me of my husband, this is definitely it. Ever since he got his own garage the man has been crazy for tools and building and other hands-on activities. He has run with this new hobby. This would be a great card to show him that I appreciate his handiness.

Doily

*Image & card via Bird and Banner

A few years ago I used doilies, my aforementioned turquoise typewriter, and foil harts to create James Brown themed valentines. I like this approach to doilies too, the idea of giving a heart is always a cute addition to a Valentine. I like paper better than a chalky taste in my mouth any day.

Stitches

*Image & card via d.sharp

My favorite detail about this photo are the heart-shaped buttons. Little details like this catch my eye. Currently, I'm run down with an awful cold. Thank goodness for lotion-infused tissues and a husband who expects me to smell like menthol and who makes me lunch. If I wasn't all stuffed up and snotty I might leave a nice little card for Trevor to thank him. Little details make my stuffed up days better. Do you write cards to your significant other?

Blah

*Image & card by greengirlpress

Some people are not into Valentine's day. Luckily, there are cards for them too. I also get a good kick out of calling the holiday of love VD. Kids these days aren't savvy to the old slang and therefore are easily left out. It makes me laugh that they think we don't get it. Are you a fan of Valentine's day or are you waiting for the season of love to end?

Naughty

*Image & card via Egg Press

This card makes me laugh out loud. Naked paper dolls?! There is also a G-rated clothed version but, this is by far my favorite. What a great way to wrap up the week. Today I've only got students for 1/2 of the day. I'm taking advantage of our staff development to organize another happy hour/astronomy club meeting. I've got some more fun cards in store for you this coming week. I'm also going to be busy cleaning house because I'm hosting guests next week. Lucky teachers in Seattle get a mid-winter break. I'm jealous, but glad to be hosting visitors.

Sucker

*Image and card via Hello Lucky

Imagining an octopus in love is a bit puzzling, but the sentiment in the card makes me smile. These creative cards are one of the reasons I love Valentine's day. I'm still looking for the perfect card for Trevor and this is a contender. The rest of my valentines will be getting a custom card made by yours truly. I'll share parts later - I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise for everyone who will be getting mail from me next week.

Robotic

*Image and card by We Heart Paper

Of course, I'll readily admit what a big dork I am. Robots are not just for dorks and nerds, they are also perfect for showing affection. Not having found my own San Antonio paper haven, the internet is the perfect place for all of my letterpress love. I have a nice stash of cards just waiting for the perfect occasion to be sent. What is the best part of receiving a letter in the mail?

Anatomy

*Image and print via Roll and Tumble Press

This poster makes me smile because I can picture it someday hanging in my husband's office. A physician-appropriate testament of love. The original intentions of this blog were to catalog inspiration before our wedding. I can't believe we've been married now for seven whole months. After May I kept blogging because it was something to look forward to. I especially appreciate finding inspiring images online and using this as a catalog. Where do you find your daily inspiration? Any resources you would like to share?

Love

*Image and card by Spring Olive

Today is my first day in the 14 Days of Love count down. One year ago on Valentine's day I started this blog. Over the next two weeks I'll be featuring Valentine's cards that inspire me and will strive to learn a little about the readers of this blog. Currently, this functions as a place of inspiration for me, a creative outlet, and a method of communication with friends and family who are far away. I would love to learn more about you and why you read. What do you like about reading this blog? Don't be shy!