I spotted this fantastic wallpaper line from Minakani (via French blog Le Journal du Lievre) earlier this morning and am completely smitten with their work.

I love the use of over-sized motifs and deeply saturated colors. What a great way to dress up a boring wall in your home. Check out their site for details on order and some great in-use photos of their designs. Enjoy! xo Ez

Untitled illustration by Inga Birgisdottir on flickr.

Hello lovelies! I hope you are enjoying a wonderful first day of September. My daughter is back in school now (woohoo) and throughout the year I will be surprising her with little love notes in her backpack or lunch box.  It's something so simple but it feels like such a nice way to let her know how special she is.

These two designs (apple and award) are the first that I put together and I want to share them with you so that you too can pass them on to the loved ones in your life. Of course your someone special doesn't have to be a kid...you could surprise your significant other, co-worker, child's teacher, or even leave one somewhere with a sweet note for a stranger to find. I designed these to be small enough to fit inside the credit card slot of a wallet. Perfect for clipping and giving on the go!

• Download Free Printable Apple & Award Mini Notes

For best results print onto heavy-weight paper. File prints 8 notes to a page with 4 of each design in two colors.

Other uses:

• Gift tags — punch a hole at the top and string with twine.
• Decorative labels / stickers — print onto sticker paper or use glue to adhere to desired surface (these would be really cute for closing up gift bags at a party).
• Address label - the apple design would work well as a mailing label for an envelope or package.
• Scrapbooking
• Garland — punch a hole at the top of each note and tie it onto some pretty ribbon. String above a table or doorway and enjoy!
• Bookplate — Print onto sticker paper and then use a fine tip permanent marker to write your name inside the design. Stick inside your favorite books before loaning them out.

I hope you will enjoy these! Please feel free to share the love on your blog. Sharing is caring. For non-commercial use only.  xo Ez

Psst...need some more sweetness? Additional apple-themed downloads can be found right here.

Hello lovelies! I just wanted to pop in and share my excitement over having my little studio space included in the new September issue of N.E.E.T. Magazine (available now). There are so many great things to discover in Stephanie's publication, so head over and start check it out for yourself right here.  Enjoy!  xo Ez

How cute is this sweet little Custom Cat Tote by Caitlin Alexander. Choose the cats and accessories of your choice and she'll screenprint them onto a bag just for you (all this for only $20). Perfect for hauling around heavy books, workout gear, or your paper bag lunch. Also available as a t-shirt. See them both here. xo Ez

Magpie by Jennifer Busking + FLICKR

Hello lovelies.  I seem to have gotten behind on my Chic for Cheap posts, so today I'm excited to be taking on a challenge by reader Jessica who has just had a career change and needs some ideas for dressing for her new profession as a elementary school art teacher.  Here's the challenge in her own words:

"After a long career change and job search, I just got a new job as an art teacher for an elementary school in Manhattan. I am beyond excited, but having trouble figuring out what to wear! The students wear uniforms and teachers are encouraged to dress professionally (no jeans or sneakers). Office clothes sound terrible to me, especially if I have to bend down 100 times a day to talk to kids, or work with paint and other art materials. I love Anthropologie-like clothes and aprons, but can't afford an entire work wardrobe from there. Oh, and I am very tall and with a curvy figure. Can you help me?"

I can definitely see the challenge in dressing for this job position, but the great part is that as an art teacher it seems that you have some leeway to be creative and have a bit of fun with what you'll wear. Of course anything you pick will need to be classroom and kid-friendly...so the key pieces that come to my mind are:
Cozy but delicate cardigans (ideal for keeping warm in a cold classroom).
Statement earrings (something pretty and with a bit of color to add whimsy to your outfit).
Embellished tops (look for sophisticated details such as glass beads, sweet ruffles, or a single bow).
Figure-flattering pants (look for pants that give you room to move and interact with your students - machine-washable varieties are going to most forgiving in a classroom environment).
Pretty flats (since you're tall and will be on your feet all day, there's no use in torturing yourself with a pair of heels when a pretty pair of flats will do the trick just fine).

Some other ideas:

Pair a pretty dress with a classic blazer and scarf for a look that is feminine and professional. Jewelry doesn't have to cost a fortune — these pretty earrings are only $4. Play around with what you have in your closet currently and see what pieces you need to complete your own perfect Chic for Cheap look!

Congrats on your job Jessica! Have a fantastic school year. xo Ez

• V-Neck Cardigan in Wild Berry - Anne Taylor LOFT | $49.50
• Smoky Gems Earrings - Banana Republic | $35.00
• Wide-leg Trousers - Old Navy | $32.50
• Bohemian Getaway Tunic - Ruche | $32.99
• Zig Zag Railway Top - Ruche | $29.99
• Ribbon-Trim Ballet Flats in Pewter - Gap | $19.50
• Snake Print Ballet Flats - Charlotte Russe | $19.50
• Brazler Flats - Aldo | $22.49

A special tip for teachers: Anne Taylor LOFT has a special program with 15% off for teachers. Find details here.

Today I received an email from George Vlagos, the visionary behind Oak Street Bootmakers and really fell in love with his site and the clear attention to detail and quality in his line of men's shoes and shoe accessories. All Oak Street Bootmakers' products are crafted by artisan's here in the United States and are designed for a lifetime of wear. See all the styles available on the Oak Street Bootmakers website.  xo Ez

Image credits: 1. Grays, 2. pin 10a, 3. Theme 52 - Food, 4. Easter Egg Gift Card

I came across the Fryd + Design blog last week when I spotted a link over on Lolalina (another fabulous blog not to be missed). I was immediately drawn into the gorgeous world of author Jeanette and the simple ways that she infuses her home and life with beauty and joy. You can literally feel the love she has for her family and home radiating out of the screen in each post. I truly can't get enough. Hop on over for a visit and feel your cares begin to melt away.  Don't forget to visit her shop while your at it.  xo Ez

All images ©Fryd + Design - Posted here with permission.