Dear beloved readers,

As you know, I took the month of July off of blogging, as I knew it was going to be a very busy month at work.  I had hoped that during this time, I would “blog ahead” some posts, such as the décor posts or my book reviews.

That didn’t happen. 

The truth is, I really love my job. 

I wave at the building when I’m not there – seriously! 

I love my boss.  I MISS her when she’s not there.

I love what I do.  I am stimulated intellectually, creatively, you name it. 

And because of that, I have not had any urge to blog. 

That doesn’t mean that I don’t love you guys anymore – quite the opposite!  It just means that I need some time away, some undefined time, until I feel like blogging again.

I have a lot to say – it’s not a content issue at all.

It’s more about me focusing my energy on my career right now.  I have finally found the perfect match:  the right job AND the right company.

I am also stepping down from the Ohio Blogging Association.  I started it when I was unemployed.  I just don’t have the energy for that anymore either.  I’m so proud of what the team has done.  Huge shout-outs to Alicia, Rachel, and Katie.  I have told them that I’ll support them from the sidelines.

I do post frequently on my Facebook page, which is here.  I almost always carry my status updates from my personal page over to that.  I hope you’ll follow me there to keep up.

Also, I will still Tweet, @purtyinorange.

This isn’t goodbye, as I’m sure I’ll be back here and there.  It’s just to say:

Thank you.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you for caring.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for commenting.

Thank you for sharing your world with me.

Thank you for allowing me to share mine with you.

Love,

Hi all,

This month is going to be killer at work, and I know I won’t have any time to blog. So I’m taking the month of July off. 

1.  There won’t be a July Challenge of the Month.  We’ll resume those in August.  The winner of June’s Challenge of the Month is Miss Laura of Absolut(ly) Fit!  Go Laura!  This is her second win this year.

2.  If you would like to guest post, just email me at angela[at]prettyinorange[dot]com. 

3.  This is the first real break I’ve taken in the 5 years I’ve been blogging.  I think I deserve it

I’ll see you guys in August.  It’s really not that far away at all!

Love to all of you!

1.  MAGNificEnT4U

Memorable new and vintage magnets.

2.  Coffee Shop

Another Etsy shop from the Keep Calm Shop.  Vintage.

3.  Lett’er Express It

Vinyl letters.

4.  Burley Girl Designs

Banners, cupcake toppers, party supplies.

5.  Mary and Jane

Handmade jewelry.

1.  The Estate Sale

Items from the website, The Estate of Things.

2.  Shop Shrew

Artisan Jewelry Design.

3.  The Wheatfield.

Country-inspired art.

4.  The Old Red Hen.

Vintage rustic cottage charm.

5. Sweet Perversions.

Stationery and art prints.

1. Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum

What it is:
An illuminating serum fortified with Amazonian clay.

What it does:
Ideal for all skin types, this natural skin brightener is infused with Amazonian clay, vitamins, and tea extract to moisturize and replenish the skin. This healing clay completely neutralizes any negative skin condition so that you are left with a healthy, radiant complexion.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
Oily skin? Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place. Dry skin? This nourishing clay hydrates skin naturally to restore moisture so your makeup wears better, longer and truer.

What I think:

Mmmmm, I love this stuff.  I use it as a base.  I have read reviews that say it may only work for lighter skin tones, and I definitely qualify with my pale Irish glow in the dark skin (except when I tan in the summer time.)  I love it.  I think it really makes my skin look perfect.

2. Drew Shoes.

Everyone loves the ease and comfort of Drew Bloom II shoes, which feature clean lines and a simple Velcro® brand closure. Designed with our proprietary Plus Fitting System®, Drew Bloom II shoes feature two removable insoles that provide for double the added depth and the perfect fit – you can even insert your own orthotics. Layers of lightweight materials pamper and protect the foot while a polyurethane rocker bottom matches the natural walking motion for incredible all-day comfort and support. Add in a soft, foam-padded collar and the result is one of the most comfortable and stylish women’s therapeutic shoes in the industry.

What I think:

Good LORD, these things are comfy.

Most of the world pronates.  I supinate, meaning I walk on the outsides of my feet. These shoes take care of that and are just lovely to my footsies.  And Drew has lots of cute shoes made for folks like me.

How about you?  Anything new in your life that makes your skirt fly up?

1.  Katie Blair Designs.

Stationery and art.

2.  beepart

Vinyl wall decals, laptop decals.

3.  JuJubaju

Personalized Bridesmaids Gifts, Cosmetic bags, Clutches.

4.  Alli Coate

Fabric illustrations.

5.  Crazy Fox Studio

Unique jewelry and accessories.

If you’ve been around here for more than two minutes, you know that I have an obsession with a love for handbags.  I can’t believe it took me so long to find a blog devoted entirely to purses.  I also can’t believe I didn’t think of it first.

The Purse Blog

Speaking of handbags, I bought myself two new ones for my new job. 

Both are B. Makowsky. 

I bought it in bone, too.  The price was originally$268/per purse, but I found them at TJ Maxx for $150/each.

Of course, I thought that there just HAVE to be more blogs about purses.  Right?

I found:

1. Purseuing
2. Bag Bliss
3. The Bag Lady

How about you?  Do you know of any blogs devoted to handbags?

1.  Grace Hester Designs

Prints and Paper Goods

2.  74 Lime Lane.

Photography and paper.

3. Little Paper Dog.

PDF Printable paper good and hand printed art.

4.  Amy Marcella.

Original illustrations on paper and textiles.

5. IS Photography.

Fine Art Photography and Jewelry.

1.  Three by Sea.

Printed goods and designs.

2.  Gallardo Works

Fine Paper Goodness

3.  Starry Blue Sky

Photographs and fine art.

4.  SLG Designs

Prints

5.  Aliette

Original artwork, prints, and art jewelry.

Yes, I am that person who loves to walk around in Staples or Office Max and drool.  

I buy stationery, even though I never mail anything. 

I dream of an office like the one Daniel had on Ugly Betty.

Although, to be fair, I would rather just sit in a big comfy chair with my feet up.

Anyway, here are some of my favorite off the beaten path office supply sites.

1.  See Jane Work.  This was recently sent to me by The Asian Pear.  And now I am salivating over all of the pretties.  I would like one of everything, please.

2.   Erin Condren.  Found her through a shopping website.  Love her designs.

3.  Uncommon Goods.  I have loved this website for a long time and they never cease to amaze me.

How about you?  What office supplies do you love?