DIY: Travel Stationery Portfolio

Letters. There's something so special about opening the mailbox and finding a handwritten note in a colorful envelope with your name on it! I adore receiving letters, but I enjoy being the one behind the writing. When I'm traveling for a few days, I like to take some stationery with me — you never know when something newsy is going to happen! Here's a quick DIY for a Stationery Portfolio.

Supplies:

- 4 greeting card size envelopes

- Markers

- Assorted stationery

- Assorted envelopes

- Postage stamps

- Assorted stickers

To make the portfolio, moisten the glue on the flap of one envelope, and place another envelope over it — lining up the bottom of one envelope with the crease of the flap on the envelope with the glue. Do this three times, so all your envelopes are attached.

 Decorate your envelope pockets and stuff them with stationery goodies!

Fold up your portfolio (one right envelope, one left envelope, then close it like a book) and decorate the front if you'd like. I made this as a little "Welcome Summer" gift for my friend, Beverly — another avid mail lover! To finish it off, I tied it with a ribbon and inserted a pen under the bow.

This method also makes a handy coupon organizer for your purse, using smaller envelopes. 

Happy crafting and happy weekend!

♥Courtney

Fun in Annapolis

 

A few months ago, Courtney and I went to Annapolis, Maryland and got to explore for a few hours before heading to the Texas State vs. Navy football game (Go Navy!). I had been to Annapolis a few times before, but never really got to wander around and explore, so this was a really fun experience.

We started our day going to - you guessed it - Starbucks. It's like a magnetic force that always seems to pull us in.

Starbucks at the Maryland Inn of Annapolis - Photo from http://www.historicinnsofannapolis.com/annapolis-starbucks.aspx

 

This was the coziest Starbucks we had ever seen!  Even cooler? This particular Starbucks, in the basement of the Maryland Inn, used to be a jazz club, which you can certainly see by the black and white photos hanging around and the jazz music playing.
 

After our quick coffee break, we went to check out the rest of Main Street. There are a lot of fun gift shops and places to eat, not to mention a beautiful view of the Chesapeake Bay - we were very fortunate for the beautiful day.

I can't wait to go back and explore some more shops! There was so much to see - clothing stores, places to eat, gift shops - so fun!
 

For lunch we got sandwiches at My Favorite Muffin. I guess was super hungry because I didn't even think to take a picture! There were plenty of desserts to choose from, though! Just look at those sweets from Kilwins!

We are definitely planning on going back, and now that Spring weather is finally here, it'll probably be sooner than later!

♥Sara

Coffee Shop Saturdays

One of my favorite Saturday things is grabbing a leisurely cup of coffee and a treat at my favorite coffee place. Add good company and that makes the day a thousand times better!

There was a new star in the bakery case today: Ladies and Gents, allow me to introduce the Strawberries & Cream cupcake! WHOAH. The flavor was perfect — not overly sweet and artificial. New favorite? Yes. Definitely, yes.

❤ Courtney

Half Price Burgers??!

 

Every now and then, Courtney and I visit Red Brick Station, on the Avenue at White Marsh, for what we call "Awesome Burger Night." Okay, so I just made that up, but it really is kind of awesome. Every Monday, from 4pm-close, you can get a really good (not a wimpy fast food) burger for 1/2 price. And they really are good!

It's nice to be able to meet after work to catch up and get a little blog planning done, not to mention people-watch (have I mentioned I love people-watching?), if you can get a window seat.

 

 

Last time we went I got the Mushroom & Swiss burger, which was delicious, but this time I decided to try the Veggie burger. A veggies and grains burger, topped with mushrooms, roasted garlic (WHOLE cloves!), and provolone cheese. Uh... YUM! I think next time, I have to try the turkey burger! Variety is good, right?

 

 

We even had a friend join us, but all he wanted was a fry (which was also really delicious).

It's the simple things in life I enjoy. Cheap burgers with the bestie is definitely one of those things! I'm already craving another...

♥Sara

Ten Question with Courtney, Part 2

1. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas! It's the climax of the year! It's sparkly and full of cookies!

2. Heels or flats?
Heels!

3. If you could interview anyone, past or present, who would you interview?
Probably Lana Turner. She's my favorite actress, the ultimate 1940's beauty (in my book), and would have so many stories about her fellow Hollywood actors!

4. Favorite color?
This is tough. I like to wear black, but I like to accessorize it with pops of bold color: aqua, magenta, deep greens.

5. Favorite class in school?
American History, WWII in particular. I know, shocking, right? ;)

6. What's something people might be surprised to know about you?
I've tried and tried — I can't come up with an answer for this one!

7. What makes you happy?
People being genuinely kind, letters in the mail, coffee with a friend, spontaneous picnics, new impractical shoes, walking in a quiet and unknown small town, discovering a new-to-me classic movie, original post office boxes, laughing.

8. Favorite movie snack?
Snowcaps or Raisinets.

9. What store can you NOT leave empty handed?
Wegman's! There are too many yummy things to resist buying!

10. Guilty pleasures?
A jumbo bowl of ice cream topped with 1/4 cup of sprinkles and a banana, eaten out of my elephantine cappuccino mug. But I don't feel guilty about it in the least. ;)

Sara's May Wishlist

1. Belle Isle Park Chevron Blouse in Mint - This blouse from Francesca's is perfect for spring! The bright color and the fun chevron print is perfect with dark wash jeans or black shorts and wedges. It's a bold statement, but still a simple enough print to feel comfortable.

2. Hibiscus Tea Time Bag - I spotted this bag on ModCloth.com and fell in love! Available in May, this bright pink bag will really liven up any outfit. And it looks very spacious - great for a day out. And what a cute name!

3. Smarty Glance Earrings - Another ModCloth find! Aren't these adorable??? I'm a sucker for mustaches, but the glasses are just too cute! And I love the pastel colors, they add a cute girly touch!

4. Boatneck Top - I. Love. Target. I picked up this black boatneck top on a whim and instantly fell in love with it. Super comfy and sleek, with a zipper in the back, this top can be dressed up or down.

5. Marisa Garden Lace Shorts - These lace shorts are beautiful! I happen to like the black, but the violet and light blue are nice as well! They're great for spring and summer, and the lace adds such a pretty touch!

What are some of your must-haves this spring?

♥Sara

Lunching: Noodles & Co.

Grabbing lunch with Sara is one of my favorite things! We have our favorite places, our favorite dishes, and, yes, our favorite tables.

Noodles & Co. is one of those frequented favorites. I loveee grabbing a bowl of Bangkok Curry, dousing it in sriracha, and attacking it with chop sticks. There's satisfaction is being able to eat your noodles with chop sticks — not gonna hide it.

You can easily do Noodles & Co. on a budget. My typical order is a small Bangkok Curry. I skip adding a protein — it's chock-full of veggies and very satisfying on its own. This costs me under $5.00. If I have the extra, I splurge and add shrimp for an $8.00 lunch.

❤ Courtney