Shopping guide: [paper goods}

(1)

Wall Calendar by Kate Spade

For the most discerning lady to receive... and for the most budget minded giver.

(Kate Spade, $18)

(2)

2010 Desktop Calendar - Chairs

For all you mid-century fans or furniture buffs. It's simple and sophisticated.

(Etsy, Story by Mia, $20)

(3)

Perpetual Calendar

I love things that are versatile... this calendar will last you all the rest of your days. The numbers were photographed in Paris (oh la la!) and there is even a how to video on how to set the calendar up. Oui, for me!

(Little Brown Pen, $49.95)

(4)

Polaroid Note Cards

I always love to have note cards around because they are perfect for a birthday, an anniversary or just a quick note to a friend. These are fun... and with 20 notecards included, they make a versatile and fun gift. They could even be fun to frame too... hmmm.

(Urban Outfitters, $14.95)

(5)

"Keep Calm" Poster

If you have a niece, nephew, cousin, brother or aunt four times removed that doesn't have one of these posters yet... well, pick one up for them! These posters are fun, quirky and come in every color. Truly a gift for any person! And no, I don't think they are over-used. Who doesn't need this reminder?

(Etsy, Pressureless, $20, 16 x 20)

shopping guide: {season's greetings}

One of my favorite "tasks" of the holiday season is choosing a Christmas card to send out to friends and families (the photo shoot... trying to get all four of us to smile or at least look at the camera, that is another story!) Here are some gorgeous cards that will be sure to put smiles on the faces of your recipients... if they at least don't include the most perfect smiles of your family!

(1)

"Merry Christmas" Card 5 x 7, Etsy, TypeTypeType

(10 cards/envelopes, $20)

***EDITED TO ADD***

Shoppers from THE GOOD LIFE FOR LESS wanting Christmas cards can save 20% on 10+ cards by putting "I love the Good Life" in message to seller. Merry Christmas!

(2)

"Modern Bloom" Custom Christmas Card, Etsy, Announcing You

(High Res Digital Image, $15)

(3)

Kaleidiscope Snowflakes Folded Card, Tiny Prints

(10 cards/envelopes, $28.90)

(4)

"Believe" Christmas Collage, Pear Tree Greetings

(24 cards/envelopes, $22.99)

stylish stationary

sending anything via post these days is oh so stylish. not only do you look good for spending the extra cents on a stamp, but the recipient is perfectly pleased to open something hand addressed to themself. it just feels good and seems so polite. in many cases it can be a keepsake as well. i personally have a little box at home labled "correspondence" that gets filled up with love notes from my husband and little cards (thank you or otherwise) that i receive from girlfriends and my mom.

there are so many online services these days that offer personalized stationary, special occasion cards, invitations and announcements. but let's separate the "boys" from the "men" if you will here and highlight one particular company that is doing it best.

tiny prints is an innovative online company that has a variety of personalized stationary for every occasion. i just used this company for my own christmas cards. and, well, if i do say so myself, i got plenty o' compliments. this my friends is the good life for less.

let me explain. the site is oh so navigable - seriously easy. the print quality (if you use pictures) can not be matched by most "photo card" sites. and lastly the selection is so hip and fun - you will get cool points without even trying.

i will say this is not the cheapest online service - but that's not what it is about friends. it's about making your money work harder for you and saving you time, which to me has so much more value.

here's some of my favorites...

so go ahead... live the good life for less.