Good Morning friends!
I'm so excited to sit down with you today for our weekly meet-up.
I mean who doesn't love a little coffee, cocoa and conversation...right?

I think you are going to love today's "Let's Talk Tuesday" (LTT) questions I've picked to answer so let's get right to it...

QUESTION #1

Where do you get all the fonts for your art prints? Thanks! Monika W.

As a designer and someone who loves to do hand-lettering and doodling, I use a combination of my own hand-lettered fonts as well as fonts I've purchased. Anytime a person uses a font to create something for resale, a "Commercial Use" or "Extended License" for each font must be purchased. (which is why I try to use my own lettering a lot of the time - fonts can get expensive).

Although a lot of my fonts have been purchased from www.myfonts.com, you guys are going to go nuts over the new place I've been using for the last six months or so...Creative Market!!

They have a wonderful selection of modern calligraphy fonts and LOTS of other fun stuff over there!!   I LOVE it over there and I know you will too. It's easy to become addicted.

My most recent font purchase was Ink Bandits. I used it to help create this NEW "Our Story is My Favorite Love Story Art Print in the shoppe!

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QUESTION #2

Q: Hi Jessica! Have you ever or would you consider "mentoring" someone who wanted to start a blog? Or maybe a LTT question with a shorter answer would be: Do you have a list of 5 tips for someone to get them started? I have wanted to for probably 5 years and just haven't done it for whatever reason and just need that little push. Thank you, Andrea B.

A: Wow! This question totally made me blush. First, I've never thought about mentoring someone who wanted to start a blog because honestly, I've never been asked...so I'm completely flattered by your interest. That's not to say I haven't been asked a variety of questions through the years by friends, family and others who are curious about blogging and how it all works exactly. I'm certainly no expert but with seven years of blogging under my belt, I'm happy to share what I've learned and what has worked best for me.

So...here are my SIMPLE blogging tips for starting a blog:

BE TRUE TO YOU
First answer this question: "Why do you want to start a blog?"
Your answer will help guide you on your blog journey.
Next, figure out what YOU love. What makes YOU happy? What warms YOUR heart? These are the things you should write about. These are the things your blog should be built on. These are the things that will fuel your passion as you begin your blog and these are the also the things that will continue to keep you motivated on your blogging journey.

LESS IS MORE
Keep your blog and the process of starting one simple - especially in the beginning. I've been using the Blogger platform forever. It's simple and it's FREE. Try out a free blogging platform to make sure you love it before committing to a monthly or annual fee. Here's a roundup of "The 10 Best FREE Blogging Platforms"

INSPIRATION 
Take some time to really look at the blogs you follow and read to figure out the things about each one you love. Is it the layout, simple design, color palette, content, photography? More than likely, you'll notice a pattern of elements you are drawn to that will help you define your own style. Use the inspiration to guide you as you design your own blog.

PRETTY PHOTOS
Imagery is what draws people in; Your words and content are what keeps them there.
Posting photos is a BIG part of blogging. You do NOT have to be a professional photographer or hire a professional photographer or have a fancy professional camera. For awhile there, I was posting photos from my iPhone because I got lazy and the process was a lot more simple compared to using my old DSLR. Just know that large, high quality, photos are essential.

If your photography skills leave you feeling intimidated or discouraged, you may want to try:

PHOTO EDITING APPS to help enhance your pictures before loading them onto your blog.
My favorite is Pic Tap Go because it's SO super easy and I've just recently played around with A Color Story.

PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS for inspiration and learning the basics.
Here are a couple of suggestions:
1. A Beautiful Mess Photo Idea Book - I have this one and it's great for visual inspiration.
2. Picture Perfect Social Media: A Handbook for Styling Perfect Photos for Posting, Blogging and Sharing - I don't have this one but it sounds super helpful.

Check out these Photography tips and tools from Melissa over at Design, Eat, Repeat.  (again, the phone cameras these days provide great quality photos for posting on the web so don't get hung up on the equipment). I just thought you might find it interesting.

Last but not least, my final "simple" tip for starting a blog is...

JUMP
If you've been thinking about starting a blog for a long time, it's time to stop "thinking" about it.
Jump in and try it! Whether you love it or leave it, at least you will actually know either way because you took a chance. Don't overthink it. Just do it. Jump!!

And that's it for today my friends!
I hope you are inspired and feel like you've just sat down with your best girlfriend for some quick trade secrets. *wink*

Keep sending in your questions...I'll keep on answering them!!

DIFFERENT WAYS TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS
1. Email me directly: pnpflowersinc AT gmail DOT com
2. Leave a question on my Instagram feed anytime.
3. Leave it as a comment here on the blog.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Battling a headcold over here people. My left ear is completely clogged. Ugh!
BUT...our master bedroom got painted this weekend - thanks to J's help.
Want a tiny peek? Check out my Instagram Feed!
Here is the BEFORE  and a teeny tiny peek at the AFTER.

LET'S TALK TUESDAY | No. 3 :: Bedding, Blogging + Bakery Envy

Good morning everyone!
Have you thawed out from the cold temperatures that have had us all wanting to stay bundled up in pajamas for the past two weeks? Give me another mug of S'mores Hot Cocoa from the Hot Cocoa Bar!! Seriously!!

To be honest, I'm in a big hurry this morning with a few different work + life projects going on so I'm going to keep our "meet up" this week super short.

I've picked a couple of super simple questions to answer today AND...I have a couple of fun things to share with you too!!

QUESTION #1

Q:  Can I just say I'm jealous of the bedding you keep sharing on Instagram. Anything from Anthropologie makes my heart skip a beat but the photos you keep sharing are really making me want to go out and buy it too. It looks super soft and cozy. Did you buy the whole set? (duvet, shams, etc.) And when do I get to see the full set up in your bedroom? I'm just dying to get a peek. - Samantha A.

A: Oh my goodness you guys. Yes. The new bedding I purchased from Anthropologie back in July is soooo dreamy. I fell in love with it at first glance when I saw the beautiful, oversized flowers sewn onto it. 

It's called the Georgina Collection and it's gorgeous. I love it. I do have to tell you, I was expecting it to be softer than it is. It has a crepe-paper like feel to it. (not sure how else to describe it). It's soft on the underside though and because it's a duvet cover, when it's stuffed with a down comforter...it's so billowy and soft. Of the four color options available, I ended up choosing the creamy white (because duh...that's my favorite color and I'm not even sure why I was debating going with the white in the first place). I don't ever buy "sets" because I like to mix and match and make things my own. However, that being said, everything was so beautiful, I just couldn't resist. I got the Georgina Duvet, Georgina Bed Skirt,  Georgina Shams and the Georgina Euro Shams. No regrets! 

And yes, I'll be posting the full set up once I finish painting my master bedroom. (I've got one wall done)! Woo Hoo! And you guys!!! I LOVE the color I decided to just go with.

QUESTION #2

Q:  I've been following your blog for quite some time and I was wondering how long you've been blogging for? No real reason other than I'm just curious to know. - Jenn M.

A: Well...in blogger years, I would be considered ancient for sure. I started my blog in 2009. In fact, when I looked through my archives to see when my very first post was to be able to answer this question accurately, would you believe TODAY marks exactly SEVEN YEARS!! Yep! My very first post was January 26th 2009 - my Ella Pie was only 2 months old. (insert tears).  Don't you think that's so ironic and coincidental that I'm answering that specific question TODAY, of all days. (I really had no idea until I looked it up this morning).

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Okay, so before I let you go, I just want to share a couple of favorite finds from the past week.
You know...just like girlfriends would share with each other!

A COLOR STORY APP
I've been playing around with this new FREE photo editing app created by A Beautiful Mess. 
I'm liking it so far and I think you might enjoy it too - especially those of you who post on Instagram frequently. It's free. (There are plenty of extra filters and add-on options to purchase though). CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS ON THE APP.

WHITE ON THE WALL
My new favorite Instagram feed (and website) filled with beautiful vintage furniture projects by a sweet lady named Karen. Best part is she sells a lot of her beautiful vintage pieces and is just 20 miles west of Orlando in Minneola - making her about 35 minutes from me! #cuetheconfetti You'll love her stuff! Here's one of my most recent favorites that I wanted to snatch up!

MAGNOLIA FLOUR + THE STORY OF JOANNA GAINES
Okay, so this isn't something I discovered last week but it's something I just HAVE to share with all of my Fixer Upper fanatics that don't already know or haven't already seen The Gathering Testimony: Joanna Gaines' video or the announcement about the NEW Magnolia Flour (bakery) - coming in 2016! And if that's not enough for you...read this fun "11 Fun Facts you Never Knew About Them" by Glamour.  (my personal favorites are that (1) Joanna has NO interior design background and (2) they do not own a television and haven't for 12 years)! I could SO totally do that - except I'd have to come to your house to get my Fixer Upper fix. *wink* Anyone else seriously contemplating a move to Waco?

That's it for this week my friends!
Feeling warm fuzzies having been able to meet up with you today!
Until our next "Let's Talk Tuesday" make sure you get your questions in!

DIFFERENT WAYS TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS
1. Email me directly: pnpflowersinc AT gmail DOT com
2. Leave a question on my Instagram feed anytime.
3. Leave it as a comment here on the blog.

Love you guys!
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I wasn't sure whether to love her or hate her when I found out about the Joanna Gaines' new bakery opening up. Seriously? Could she not be any more perfect? She's already living so many of the dreams I'd love to be living...but for her to continue to add to that list of dreams...especially in the form of baking...well...I was feeling the feelings, if you know what I mean. And then I watched The Gathering Testimony video and all of the "feeling the feelings" I was feeling disappeared. *wink*

SHARE | Blog Fête :: The One-Day Conference + Event

If you live in Central Florida or any nearby surrounding areas, you are definitely going to be interested in what I'm sharing with you today!!

And for those of you who don't fall into that category...I apologize in advance for any feelings of jealousy this post may conjure up!

There's a FUN, Orlando-based annual event that's coming up on Saturday, September 19th!!
It's a one-day conference filled to the hilt with inspiration for creatives, bloggers, shop owners, event planners, entrepreneurs and the creative at heart.

The day will start off with delicious coffee + macarons and will then be followed by 10 expert-lead round table discussions, an inspiring keynote speaker + presentation by Brandi Schaffran-Webb, wedding photographer of Alexis June Weddings, a catered lunch, craft hour, complimentary headshots, a fabulous dinner party to end the day and a fantastic swag bag filled with things to inspire!!

This intimate blogging conference held at East End Market is something designed to light your fire, educate and provide you with the opportunity to connect with others!! There are only 25 tickets available each year making it super exclusive and personal compared to a typical conference with 400+ attendees. As a mom, I LOVE that it's a one-day event so that I can have a day to myself without the hassle of planning, (or guilt), that comes from leaving my family for 3-4 days.

I'm really excited about the PROFESSIONAL COMPLIMENTARY HEADSHOTS each attendee will receive - that alone is worth the entire ticket price. 

I'm also super pumped about the CRAFT HOUR with Sarah Khandjian where we will be making motivational banners together!!

photo source: Urban Outfitters

There's going to be a swag bag filled with things to inspire...
like these beautiful gold-foiled Motto Journals from one of the event sponsors, my absolutely favorite inspirational company on the planet...Compendium!!

Attendees will also be receiving a COMPLIMENTARY MANI tucked in their swag bags from Marilyn Monroe Spas.

Then there's the dinner portion of the event...which is something I've actually been working on behind-the-scenes to help pull together!  It's going to be a wonderful way to end an amazing day!!

Again, if you are local, you should SO come to this!!
I know there are a few tickets left to snag and you can grab one for $50 off the ticket price by using the promo code: BuildingMyEmpire

Head to the Blog Fête website to find out more about the event sponsors, the team that helps put this all together, more specifics about the event itself and to purchase one of the last remaining Blog Fête tickets.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I could totally use a new headshot...
I better get to working on my fitness and get my hair done - *wink*

ME | It's About Time for an About Page

I decided it was high-time to finally create an "About Page" for this blog.
You'd think I would've done it sooner at some point over the last 5 years…but I think for me...timing is everything. Let me explain...

You might assume the About Page was created for "you"…the readers of this blog.
After all, the information I'm sharing over there is very enlightening and obviously a great deal of insight about ME; the bits and pieces of my personality and the person behind this blog that you may have never known.

Honestly though, writing the Pen N' Paper Flowers About Page was for "me".
In an effort to get back to the essence of "who" I am and "why" I started this blog…
it was necessary for me to go through the process of actually writing down what makes me tick….what inspires me…where my roots are…and the many things I love. I want my blog to be a direct reflection of my life…my authentic life. Authentic content is what works for me in this blogging world we live in. I realize it's not for everyone…but it's so necessary for me.

I've always been the type that can't really promote something I don't believe in and since I never actually defined out loud what Pen N' Paper Flowers is all about…I struggled with the direction to take this blog. I didn't really have direction. Which is okay sometimes…I'm down for being spontaneous but for the long-term vision of this blog…I needed something to hang onto.

So…my About Page has now become my map. The map I can reference when:
I'm prepping post ideas
I'm approached by a brand
I'm asked to participate in a project
I'm considering a collaboration
I start to feel like I'm getting off course
and so much more...

Writing it was very therapeutic to say the least.
I started out just writing down anything and everything I could think of that I felt defined who I am. There were things I'd forgotten about and things I didn't really want to reveal. I tiptoed around some of the hard stuff and left some things open for interpretation. I kept reminding myself that this was just an "About Page"…not a book. But I really wanted to leave you feeling like you knew me on a much more personal level without completely sharing my entire life story with you in one VERY LONG POST. I think I was able to do that. You be the judge! (even though the post is still long I think it's an easy read).

The thing of it is…I HAD to do an About Page.
You see…there have been many times over the course of starting my blog that it's taken on a life of it's own. I found myself lost in the content on occasion…posting just to post but not really "feeling" the content.  I don't want to be that blogger. I've never wanted to be that blogger.

I LOVE blogging. I started blogging because I'm passionate about writing and sharing.
I'm passionate about inspiring others and I'm so completely passionate about journaling and documenting my life and my every day. Not for me actually...but for my children. They don't really get it now but I know one day they will and I also know they'll appreciate it.

Blogging is a form of expression for me…and it's an extension of who I am; A person who absolutely LOVES to be creative and someone who just wants to make my house a home and to keep my family first through my enthusiasm for making, baking and photo-taking!! That's it.

Blogging provides me with the opportunity to record my life in a way that will hopefully inspire others too. I really can't think of a more magical combination than that.

I'll be personally referencing "My Map" often because it was really written with the intent to help keep me focused on what matters most.

With that said, you may or may not notice a shift in the content I share on the blog. I've been slowly creeping towards the change for some time and look forward to keeping things authentic and real around here.

After all…when you love what you are doing and doing what you love…
People sense it.
People feel it.
People feed off of it.
People connect with it.
That's what I want for me…
and that's what I want for YOU!

Now…enough from me today…you've still got the new About Page to go check out!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I have to be honest and tell you...I wrote and re-wrote and erased then put back, simplified then unsimplified, read and re-read, post-poned and 2nd guessed myself the entire way through it. But at the end of the day…I think I kept it real and that's what I was going for.