Paper Bags

Hip Hip Hooray! Have I told you how much I loooove kraft paper? If not, I'm telling you now. I used #10 kraft envelopes for my own Save The Dates last year. And I'm always trying to convince my clients to use kraft paper for their invitations and envelopes. Paper Source (one of my favorite stores ever) announced their new "Paper Bag" collection today. I'm so excited! Check it out at a store near you.

Puppy Love

This is Murphy, our "puppy"! He's a black lab with a little bullmastiff mixed in. He's 11 years old and the sweetest dog ever. He has grown quite the white "beard" over the last few years. I'm not sure that he enjoyed the impromptu photo shoot I initiated this weekend, but isn't he cute?

Envelope Liners

My productive weekend included lining these Paper Source envelopes! The envelope liner kit from PS was very helpful and easy to use. Don't you think the green paper looks great against the purple and red envelopes? More on these when I debut Sarah and Pat's Save The Date design...

Wedding Outtakes

I was sifting through my wedding photos last week, and came across these gems. Regardless of the hiccups we encountered along the way, our wedding day was tons of fun. We threw a good party! Isn't that what it's all about anyway...celebrating with friends and family? Dinner, dancing + drinks! Here are a few photos that don't require any explanation. Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words...

Pretty Stuff

I was sifting through my Sitemeter last week and came across The Pretty Purveyor as a referring site. I was pleasantly surprised to discover such a great blog. A big thank you to Jennifer at TPP for linking to Keg Design. The Pretty Purveyor has been added to my daily read list, and it is definitely worth checking out. There is lots of pretty stuff! Here are some of my favorites:

Mac BookBook. I WANT ONE! PP's posting here.

Whiskey Stones; A perfect groomsmens gift! PP's posting here.

Hanger Tea; Why didn't I think of this?! PP's posting here.

Belated Valentine

This has officially been the looongest week ever. Thank goodness it's Friday! On a happy note, I received a belated Valentine in the mail a few days ago. Thanks, Mom! It brightened up my day, and made me remember why I love snail mail so much. My Mom included the note below and had to apply some "DIY" work to the greeting card. I absolutely love the stamp, which I will be purchasing here. It would look amazing on Sarah & Pat's save the dates or invitations!

Vintage Save The Dates

I've been busy designing lately! These vintage-inspired Save The Dates were created for Kim and Jeff who are tying the knot this August. I just completed their final design and the beautiful tea-length cards are getting printed this week. I can't wait to see 'em! I will photograph and share soon...

Celtic Save The Dates

Engagement Portrait by George Street Photography

Here are a few Celtic-inspired Save The Date designs I mocked up for Sarah and Pat. The couple is having an Irish themed wedding in Chicago this fall. I also created these monograms for them. Sarah and Pat have chosen their final design and it is getting printed next week. I will share soon...

Southwestern Wedding Inspiration

I'm trying to catch up on my blogging this week... I'm taking inspiration from my trip to Scottsdale, and sharing some southwest-inspired wedding ideas. Please feel free to add to the list. If you recently had a "southwest" wedding, I'd absolutely love to feature some of your photos on Keg Design. Send images to kelly@kegdesign.com. Thanks!

Turquoise Studded Sandals

Tribal Style Beaded Purse $30 (Etsy)

Hairy Cowboy Pocket Games $7.99 per dozen - for the kids!; Sterling & Turquoise Ring $126 (Etsy)

Campfire Inspiration; Native American Beaded Purse - $495 (Etsy)

Cactus Candy Singles $0.75 - Unique Wedding Favors!

Groom's Cactus Cake - $75

Southwest Seasoning - Customized Wedding Favors; Cowboy Hat & Boot Picks - $4.99 per 72 pieces

Southwest Wedding Bands

Slice Margarita Glasses - Crate & Barrel

Mighty Moccasins

I didn't do much shopping in Arizona, but I did happen to pick up this cute pair of Minnetonka moccasins. I've been seeing moccasins more and more in the magazines these days. And they seem to be a staple at Urban Outfitters. I really wanted to buy this style, but knew that the suede softsoles would get ruined instantly. I'll definitely be breaking these babies out in the spring...

Getaway to Scottsdale, AZ

The hubby and I had an amazing getaway to Scottsdale last weekend. We celebrated Valentine's Day and took advantage of no work on President's Day. We golfed, we sunbathed and I got to enjoy a wonderful massage at the spa. It was such a nice escape from the cold, dreary winter we're enduring in Chicago. It seems like the entire country is under a cold spell (even Florida!)... I think Arizona was one of the very few places that was warm, sunny and nearly 80 degrees! I was bummed to come home, but every trip has to end. I can't tell you how many times I said to myself..."Why don't we live here?" I'm sure there are a ton of reasons not to live in AZ, one being the fact that is HOT (125 degrees) in the summer...another being how freakin awesome Chicago is June-October! Here are a few photos I took:

One of the many amazing sunsets!

Cactus Close-Up

Main Street Old Town - Scottsdale, AZ

We stayed at Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. We found a great deal on Lastminute.com. I would HIGHLY recommend the resort to anyone looking for a wonderful place to stay in AZ or even a honeymoon. The grounds were beautiful, the service was top-notch, the food was delicious and the spa was to die for! Here are a few picturesque shots from the resort's website. You know when a website over promises with their words and pictures? This was not the case. These photos are NOT embellished or overly retouched...Camelback REALLY was this beautiful! They have a sister resort in Tucson...Starr Pass Tuscon Resort & Spa. I've heard great things about it too!

Resort Entrance & BLT Restaurant (which was amazing, BTW!)

Camelback Spa Pool

What font are you?

What font are you? According to Pentagram's "font test", I am Pistilli Roman. It's a pretty font, but not one that I am too familar with or use often. The "test" is easy and quick, and the results are fun to listen to. Take it here, and let me know what font you are...

Pistilli Roman; Circa 1950's

Personally, I think this is more my style...

Lettres Ornées; Circa 1820's