[ simplesong ]

excited about this :: hello cupcake

The cupcake trend has finally made its way to DC.  Another cupcake shop has opened + I'm very excited about this ...
Hello Cupcake, near Dupont Circle, opens today.  YUM. Seriously, I really do love cupcakes.

kathleen lewis

Love the simplicity + use of color of the packaging of Kathleen Lewis products ...
I think its that light aqua color [combined with white] that I really like  Its similar to the color I used for some recent work.

[via dieline]

county fair

We went to our local county fair last weekend ...

We loved it -- but I think for different reasons.  Husb + little one enjoyed the demolition derby + the animals.  Me?  That delicious deep fried oreo cookie.  I've always wanted to try it. And it didn't disappoint.  Yay for county fairs!

Happy Friday!  And thanks everyone for all the great Philly recommendations. 

imke klee

I so love the work of photographer/stylist Imke Klee ...
Being a ballet/dance fan, I love the ballet-themed photography....well, actually, I love all her work.  More lovely photos on her flickr.

[thanks Chelsea for introducing us to her]

wanting this now

I saw this on Kirtsy the other day + have been thinking about it ever since ...
French toast casserole.  Doesn't it look divine?  I love breakfast food + I love bread pudding.  This seems like the perfect combo.  I think I'll be making this next weekend. Find the recipe here.

deutsche optik

I came across Deutsche Opitk a while ago - a new + vintage military army surplus store.  Surprisingly there are quite a few things I like on their site ...

You can find just about anything on their site, much of which is reasonably priced.  I especially like that vintage swiss dialer in the middle/left. 

operation nice

Have you heard of Operation Nice?  If not, you should go check it out. It puts a smile on my face + really is one of the nicest things I've seen in a long time ...

Those postcards on the left?  Mel designed those + is sending them out for free [send her your info + she'll send you one!].  And the notecards on the right?  She leaves them around her hometown, Philadelphia, with various nice notes.  How nice is that?

Mel is as nice as she sounds.  I sent her some of my nice notecards [thought that would be nice:] a few weeks ago + she turned around + offered it as a giveaway to her readers.  SO nice.  [and me being completely absent-minded I totally forgot to tell you guys about her giveaway]. 

2009 calendars

The 2009 calendars are slowly starting to roll out + I know I'm going to have a very hard time deciding which ones I want for myself + for gifts...

Here are two I'm totally loving.  The top is a super simple but super lovely one from Sugar Paper + the bottom from Cat Seto -- I love, love the wood holder.  I did learn my lesson last year + won't be making the same mistake of waiting too long.

ain't life grand

Loving the bright, bold + fun illustrations by designer Christopher Gray...
[via the serif]

philly recommendations?

We're headed to Philadelphia this weekend.  Husb is cycling in the LiveStrong Challenge [100-miles!] for the second time.  Little one + I are going to cheer him on ...

I don't suspect we'll have much down time.  But in case we do, does anyone have recommendations for places to visit in Philly?  I can usually make time for a cute shop and/or bakery [especially if cupcakes are involved :].

[photos via Flickr Livestrong pool]