March Around The Web

I hope you all have had a wonderful March! I couldn't think of a better representation of my favorite things on the internet this past month than Libby VanderPloeg's "Lift Each Other Up" illustration for International Women's Day (which was March 8th). I am very proud to work with and have so many talented & driven women friends who inspire me daily. Take a look at Libby's website to see more of her wonderful illustrations! 

March Around The Web: Libby VanderPloeg | Letters Are Lovely

Other tidbits from this month include:

Personally, my favorite moments from March were spent in Portland with my family, and outside enjoying the warmer Spring weather. I can't wait to see what April will bring!

Mint, Gold, and Neutrals for Spring

I've rounded up a few items on my wish list this Spring. I included a few local KC artists, as well as some other items I would love to purchase. Enjoy!

Letters Are Lovely | Mint, Gold, and Neutrals for Spring

Ring Dish in Mint—Suite One Studio
Open Hearted T-Shirt—Jess Lively for Spirit+Style
Marbled Canvas Cross Body—Maker Goods
60 MM Sequins—Oh Happy Day!
Praise Hands Pin—Pintrill
Celestial Coaster Set—Anthropologie
Create Pillow—Hibrid for 5 Points
Productivity Planner—Intelligent Change

Portland, Oregon

Hello from Portland! I spur of the moment bought a plane ticket to join my family on their Spring Break trip. My first trip to the city has been wonderful, here is a recap from some of my favorite places we visited over a long weekend:

Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland

  • CARIOCA BOWLS — I've been wanting to try one of these bowls forever, and it definitely lived up to the hype. So delicious! I would love to make one at home.

  • Drive to MOUNT HOOD — Beautiful views & lots of snow!)

  • Dinner at HUBERS CAFE with family friends

  • VooDoo DOUGHNUTS — Also worth visiting, quirky and delicious.

  • The PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN — Stunning! We got very lucky with our weather, and I can imagine it would be even more spectacular when everything is in full bloom.

  • The PITTOCK MANSION — Great view of the city.

  • DIVISION ST. FOOD TRUCKS // MENAGERIE SHOP — There are so many different food truck locations in the city it was hard to decide where to sop, but the ones at Division St. were wonderful. I tried Smakken Waffles. Lots of options, and a very cute seating area in the middle. Also visit Menagerie, it's a lovely little shop.

  • Drivee to CANNON BEACH — One of my favorite parts of the trip. You could easily spend more time in the park around the beach.

Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland

  • MULTNOMAH FALLS — Breathtaking waterfall, only about 30 minutes from the city.

  • PAADEE — Lunch stop for some Thai Food

  • ARTEMISIA COLLAGE WITH NATURE — Lovely store filled with plants and terrariums.

  • INK & PEAT — Home and lifestyle shop we stopped by.

  • WITCHES CASTLE — Forest Park is beautiful for hiking.

  • For our last meal we enjoyed French food at PETITE PROVENCE and we couldn't help but brave the one for SALT & STRAW for dessert. Worth it! (I tried the Salted Caramel Cupcake, Honey Lavender, Lemon Amaretto Sour Sherbet & Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper. I choose the last two in a waffle cone!)

Until next time, Portland! 

The Bloom Academy

Last Tuesday my mom and I attended our very first Bloom Academy workshop in KC! We learned how to create beautiful flower arrangements using floral from, and I couldn't be more obsessed with the vase. The ladies from The Hair Parlour were also there hosting a braid bar. We had such a great time, I can't wait to attend another workshop in the future! (Just Keep Going Print featured below by Ampersand Design Studio)

Letters Are Lovely | The Bloom Academy
Letters Are Lovely | The Bloom Academy
Letters Are Lovely | The Bloom Academy
Letters Are Lovely | The Bloom Academy
Letters Are Lovely | The Bloom Academy

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?

I just finished reading Seth Godin's book Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? I don't remember the last time I took so many notes while reading, and I wanted to be sure to document my main takeaways. It won't surprise me at all if I end up re-reading this book in the future. 

Artists are indispensable linchpins. Art is scarce; scarcity creates value. Gifts make tribes stronger. Organizations will always strive to replace replaceable elements with cheaper substitutes. But generous artists aren't easily replaceable. So artists are different.
—Seth Godin, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? 

In this book Seth defines artists as linchpins, but this isn't a limiting factor for he believes that anyone can be an artist. Linchpins make things happen (build and most importantly ship), they are generous, they provide emotional labor, and they see the world as it actually is. One of my favorite sections talked about how being surprised is a result of doing your job properly. He urges you to not ever believe you have it all figured out, and that you don't necessarily need to wait for someone else to tell you what to do next. You do not need to ask permission to do your job better. 

Letters Are Lovely | Linchpin by Seth Godin

It is difficult to summarize all the tidbits Seth shares in this book. I will say it has helped me rethink how I approach my job, and I truly recommend it to anyone who wishes to become indispensable at work.

Every successful organization is built around people. People who do art. People who interact with other people. Men and women who don't merely shuffle money, but interact, give gifts, and connect...The result of this art, these risks, the gifts, and the humanity coming together is both wonderful and ironic. The result of getting back in touch with our pre-commercial selves will actually create a post-commercial world that feeds us, enriches us, and gives us the stability we've been seeking for so long. 
—Seth Godin, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?