Carrie and the City

Yes, that's the G-rated name for the show and movie in our house! I don't know about you but I have been counting down the days until I can go see the movie. The occasion is so momentous that I actually went to the movie theater to see it. As anyone with kids can attest this is a true rarity, except the times that I have gone to see something animated of course!

Being such a huge fan I was beyond thrilled to learn that Carrie's friend, Stanford Blatch (Willie Garson) is a fan of Hampton Paper Designs. I mean really, does life get much better than this? Maybe a scene in which Carrie is writing a note to Mr. Big on her personalized Hampton Paper Correspondence Card.... hey a girl can dream!

In anticipation of the movie, there are contests galore going on here in Washington, DC. A favorite of mine is which girl are you...Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda or Samantha? I thought it would be great fun to poll my closest friends to find out who they thought they were most like (and whether or not I agreed). In case you haven't already guessed I am Charlotte all the way. If you need proof look just beyond the Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry to the last movie when Charlotte brought her own food to Mexico. Did you think that was far fetched? A few years ago on a work trip to Mexico I did the exact same thing. Yes, for 5 days and nights I ate and only things that came out of my own suitcase-- water, saltines and graham crackers.

After claiming the spot of Charlotte, I polled my friend and have included their response for fun!

Friend 1

I am not nearly as stylish as Carrie (but then again who is?) but like single Carrie I live in a tiny house in order to indulge my obsession with $800.00 shoes!

Friend 2

These days I act like Miranda, cranky and overworked and but alas I am unwilling to go red.I have Carrie's nose and name but that is where the similarities end. The days of resembling Samantha are long gone. If I buy this new house west of DC it will be the equivalent of Miranda moving to Brooklyn. The right house in a location I never thought I would be living.

Friend 3

Love it girls, I think I will be Candace Bushnell if its ok with you all. I like the idea of thinking it all up and writing about it but never actually having to do it.

Friend 4

Hmmm all the good ones are taken. Only in my dreams could I be Samantha and I am not even sure I would make it out of the gate.

If you havent seen the movie yet - Enjoy and let me know if you know where I can find Carrie's white dress in the opening scene.

Dress the Part!

One of my dream jobs when I was younger was to be an editor at Glamour Magazine- the one who recommends the hottest new products. Of course this was in addition to working on B-Way at Bloomingdale's in NYC and owning my own stationery company! It is after this trip down memory lane that I realized I MUST share some of my favorite fashion finds for spring.

I struggled to find a way to incorporate it in a way that would gain the seal of approval from my Social Media Guy (aka SMG) Everyone has a social media guy right? LOL. He has recommended I use my blog to "share the story behind my company and my vision" and right now my vision is obscured by my obsession with these fabulous key pieces!

Sooo after spending quite some time on it (yes, it was that important that I have been pondering for weeks) I have finally come up with a way to properly incorporate it - drum roll please - You have to "dress the part".

It's imperative to project the image of a confident woman. When you take pride in your appearance, you feel confident and are more likely to be successful in all aspects of your life. First impressions matter so without further ado, here are so of my picks for this spring to help enhance you existing wardrobe and make you feel like a million bucks!( Disclaimer: these are not necessarily the best choice for a business meeting)

Top 5 Picks for Spring

1. Ralph Lauren Denim Shirt -worn in and tapered - it's the best on the market

2. Michael Kors White Tissue Scarf -yes they finally have more in stock

3. Alice and Olivia White Ruffled Short Sleeve Shirt -fabulous and avail at Saks

4. J. Crew White Denim Matchstick Pants -they look great rolled up with heels

5. Stuart Weitzman Alex Espadrilles - they go with almost everything

My Wish List

1. Tiffany Somerset Bangle - Silver

2. Cartier Mimi Rings

3. Chanel Clogs with flowers

4. Birkin Bag

What are you "must have's" for spring? Please share with us!

Happy Mother's Day from Hampton Paper Designs!

Mother's Day reminds me of many great "moms" including my own, my 2 grandmothers and of course, my great-grand mother Marie Bendel whom we affectionally called "Mimi".

Mimi lived in Monroe, Louisiana and had a huge Magnolia tree in her back yard. When we would visit, my sister, Meri, and I would look forward to going with her to pick Magnolia flowers. With a few beautiful blossoms in hand we would go inside to a room she had filled with vases (know as the vase room!) and carefully select one. I remember we spent so much time deliberating on which vase to choose!

This is a favorite memory of mine. I bet you can probably see where this is going.... Mimi was the inspiration for the Magnolia image.

Lucy's intpretation is breathtaking, the colors spectacular and I smile everytime I see it.

My gift to the mom's this Mother's day is to share best advice I ever received from my mom. "Don't wait for it to go on sale, they won't have your size." Doesn't that just say it all?

Enjoy your special day and stay tuned.... I will share the best advice from my dad on Father's day!

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3-7

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3-7

Hello Parents! As you may, or may not, know next week is National Teacher Appreciation Week. ( I only know because of a "Super Mom" in my son's class!) If you are like me and fall into the "not" category there is no need to panic- Hampton Paper can help! Teachers have enough mugs and magnets. Why not WOW them with one of our stylish notepads in acyclic? Its 150 sheets personalized with the teacher's name or the always popular "From the Desk of _____" The green apple is a best seller and is sure to brighten any one's day!

Also if you are looking to score some extra points let me pass along an idea from the "Super Mom" in Thomas's class. She sent an email to all the kids parents with the following request:

Monday - Bring in a flower from your garden or buy one

Tuesday - Draw a picture or write your favorite joke

Wednesday - Bring in something chocolate - its Mrs. Cole's favorite treat

Thursday - Wear something blue - Its Mrs. Cole's favorite color

Friday - Write a note thanking Mrs. Cole for being a great teacher

Such a fantastic idea and sure to bring a smile - share it with your friends. Here at HPD we want to give a big hand and a heartfelt "Thank You" to all the wonderful teachers out there.

PS - Special shout out to my favorite teacher from 5th grade, Mr. O'Neil - Queensbury Middle School. Queensbury, NY.

Can Glitter Be Stressful?

Can Glitter Be Stressful?

You bet it can! For me, it was the search for the perfect colors for the Hampton Paper 2011 Calendar we create exclusively for The Elegant Setting in Southampton. I seek perfection (hence the name of my autobiography Perfectville) so it took many hours (yes hours) to choose just the right shades for the calendar. This calendar features many images that were custom painted specifically for it so you can understand why it was absolutely crucial that the glitter be the perfect (yes, the P- word again) compliment to such carefully selected images.

Okay, so maybe everyone cant relate to glitter stress but I would venture to guess that all of you have something you stress over. I have found that running a business brings unique challenges on a daily basis and some of those feel insurmountable until I conquer them and think "that wasn't so bad". The end product is always better, and usually more wonderful than my original concept. When I look back I wonder why a particular situation was so stressful in the first place. I need something to remind me of that and keep things in perspective the next time I am agonizing over glitter, card stock, colors, layout... I could go on and on but I'll stop here. I am ecstatic to announce that after many late nights and numerous revisions the calendar is finally (you guessed it) perfect!

Recycle Reminder Design...Just in Time for Earth Day!

This new green recycle image is a great reminder we can all do something to help the environment. Just today, looking around my house, I spied some leftover slate from a landscape project that could be donated. I reached out to ReStore with Habitat for Humanity. Not only will they pick up the items from your home, they will sell them with all proceeds benefiting Habitat. It's a win-win for everyone! Google ReStore with Habitat to find a location near you.

Full Circle...

Sometimes in life, things come full circle and yesterday for me was one of those days. For those of you that have known me for a long time (ie people who know me as "Krissy") know that I was a HUGE fan of 90210 back in the day. I spent a lot of time with the 90210 gang when the series originally aired and also many Saturday and Sunday mornings in years that followed when the re-runs were aired.

Jennie Garth, aka Kelly Taylor, ordered some Santa gift stickers from Hampton Paper in December to use for the gifts for her 3 children, Luca, Lola and Fiona. Jennie wrote to us recently and noted

"These Santa stickers are awesome. They are a lot more fun for the kids and keep Santa's hands from cramping!"

What a thrill it is for Jennie to be a fan of Hampton Paper Designs since I have been a fan or hers for so many years!