Holiday Cards are Here!

Yep, you heard that right!  The Invite Loft is producing its very first holiday greeting card series!  Now is the perfect time to be thinking about those holiday cards (and shopping and decorating and menus - oh the fun!).  Designing this years' cards proved to be so much fun, I decided to share them with all of our readers!  Read here for more info or email me at jlynn.stratman@gmail.com to order.

Here's an online preview of the designs in the series...happy holiday planning!

Weekend Snapshot: Pumpkin Coffee

As you can probably imagine, not much needs to be said for the beauty and deliciousness of Pumpkin Spice coffee by Dunkin' Donuts.  Unlike some, I tend to only gravitate towards pumpkin-flavored edibles and beverages in the fall and winter seasons.  All year, last year's pumpkin leftovers sit patiently on my shelves, awaiting the first falling leaves and cardigan days.

Thankfully, the cold front has arrived.  Although we're far from winter coats and fuzzy gloves, a few storms have brought relief to the Midwest, and with it came out the falling leaves and cardigan.  A perfect moment is celebrated in that navy blue cardigan with a full cup of Dunkin' Donuts Pumpkin Spice coffee, staring out the window at the slightly golden leaves.  Happy Sunday.

Weekend Snapshot: Labor Day

Happy Labor Day weekend!  This weekend brings just another reason to celebrate with family and friends.  As you're packing the picnic basket, jumping in the car for a day trip, or just lounging around the living room, take a brief second to relish in the moment of togetherness.  

Enjoy friends and family time this weekend!  It truly is the ultimate luxury.

Early Morning Etiquette Lesson

Happy Wedding Wednesday!  What better way to start the day than taking a friend to the airport for a gorgeous Colorado wedding??  (Not much, I'd say!)  Waking up early can be dreadful, but thankfully the aroma of coffee and cinnamon rolls welcomed me with their impeccable scent this morning.

No worries, the cinnamon rolls weren't only for myself.  My guest was the primary excuse behind my early waking and baking.  (I should coin that term.)  Anyway, upon offering the cinnamon rolls, the first response received was, "No, thanks, I'm ok."  Upon urging, he gave in and ate one.  Leaving me with seven.  Oi.

This led me to recall an article I read recently that expanded upon the correct way to use, "Thank you."  As a human in 2012, our natural response is "No, thank YOU."  Then again, many people on the receiving end of this line would take offense to that response and consider it a one-up from the opposing person.  Instead, the response should have been, "You're welcome," which both acknowledges the original "Thank you," and avoids the appearance of competition that came with the one-up response.  

So next time you offer something and you're presented with the standard response of, "Thank you," try following up with the original and classic response of "You're welcome."  Works every time. ;)

Weekend Snapshot: Intentional Purchases

Over the last couple years, window shopping has become somewhat of an escape for me.  Some people curl up with a good book, I browse the displays at the mall.  Rarely do I walk out with a purchase; however, I always walk out with fresh inspiration and new motivation to continue working.

Needless to say, this weekend included a shopping trip with the intention of a REAL purchase.  A dress, specifically.  Luckily, the endeavor ended with an amazing steal from Nordstrom Rack (my new go-to store for dresses and shoes).  Now, for that jewelry...

Happy Sunday!