12.11.2012

2012 GIFT GUIDE: INDIE

Today's gift guide is by my friend, Brit, who I've featured on the blog a few times now. Being a small business owner and artist herself, she has a great eye for indie shops and handmade gifts. If you like to support small businesses, check out her choices for the best indie holiday finds.
indie gift guide (via Holly Would)


12.10.2012

FREE PRINTABLE HOLIDAY TREAT BAGS

I always like to include a little add-on with my Christmas presents. Last year, I did the classic mason jar cookie mix add-on, but this year I think I want to make something that you can eat now. So, I decided to make cookies and put them in little bags. First, I made this design on my computer. You can download your own using the link at the bottom of the post.
free printable holiday treat bags (via Holly Would)

free printable holiday treat bags (via Holly Would)


I purchased my kraft bags here, and you can download the design to make your own treat bags here.

Then, just print the design right onto the bag, fill the bags with treats, and decorate! 

Note: Make sure to slide your printer bar over to the 5 x 7 spot (see second picture above) and choose 5 x 7 in the print settings box before you print. You may have to print one at a time to avoid a paper jam.

12.06.2012

2012 GIFT GUIDE: THE ATHLETE

Today's gift guide is by one of my college roommates, Logan, who ran track and cross country in school and is still an avid runner now. Her metabolism was always so cranked up from all the exercise that she could eat anything she wanted and never gain a pound. I would have hated her for it, but she's impossible to hate (don't you hate that?). Anyway, here are her choices for gifting the athlete or fitness fanatic in your life:

gift guide for the athlete (via Holly Would)
1. 6-Pack of No-Show Athletic Socks ($18) | 2. Women's Seamless Racer Bra ($16.99) | 3. Lulu Lemon Make a Break Jacket ($148) | 4. Nike Running Reversible Headband ($16) | 5. Nalgene On the Fly Water Bottle ($12.99) | 6. Pro Combat Core Long Sleeve Shirt ($25) | 7. Chapstick Variety Pack ($6.98) | 8. Ouchless Hair Elastics ($4.79) | 9. PUMA Duffle Bag ($70) | 10. Under Armour 3-Pack Braided Mini Headbands ($19.99) | 11. iTunes Gift Card (price varies) | 12. Colorblock Leggings ($40) | 13. Asics Run Mittens ($21.95) | 14. Timex Ironman 30-Lap Watch ($60) | 15. Women's Gel Blur 33 Running Shoes ($90)

12.05.2012

ME IN THE "I DRIVE YOUR TRUCK" VIDEO

Hey guys! I just wanted to share this music video that I was fortunate enough to be a part of about a year ago. The song is "I Drive Your Truck" by Lee Brice. This video is super moving and it was so cool to see it being made. My part is at the end, but I definitely recommend watching the whole thing! :)

12.04.2012

2012 GIFT GUIDE: THE GENTLEMAN

Today's post is by my friend, John Stack. In college, while most "bros" were playing video games and drinking Bud Lights, John was playing vintage records and drinking a dry martini. He's the ultimate dapper dude, and that's why I chose him to give me his top picks for today's gentlemen's gift guide.

gift guide for the gentleman (via Holly Would)
1. Aqua Terra Mid Size Chronometer ($ varies) | 2. Greenwood Wool Jacket ($445) | 3. Johnnie Walker Black Label ($62) | 4. Bleu De Chanel ($62) | 5. Bluetooth AM/FM Radio ($259.99) | 6. Spa Miami Beach Trip (contact for pricing) | 7. The Great Gatspy ($13.05) |  8. Sandalwood Shaving Kit ($115) | 9. Walkover Derby Shoes ($255) | 10. Estate Framed Duffle ($298) | 11. Classic Grey Wool Tie ($59.50) | 12. Leek, Serrated Knife ($74.95) | 13. V7 Stone Motorcycle (price varies)

11.29.2012

2012 GIFT GUIDE: THE 9-5 GIRL

Today's gift guide is by my friend from college, Kimberly. She works in a financial management office as an executive assistant. In school she always nailed the "stylish, but professional" look, and here are her picks for the people in your life who do the same.

9-5 girl gift guide (via Holly Would)

11.27.2012

2012 GIFT GUIDE: THE FOODIE

Today's gift guide is by my sister-in-law, Ashley, who is passionate about food and dang good at making it. Her expertise made bringing food to family get-togethers a little intimidating at first, but now it's fun to have someone to laugh with about my epic fails in the kitchen (over a plate of something amazing that she made!). Here are her choices for the foodie in your life:
foodie gift guide (via Holly Would)

1. Kitchen Cabinet Mount ($49.99) | 2. Home Beer-Tap System ($250) | 3. Even Dough Bands ($8.95) | 4. Bench Scrape by Rachel Ray ($13.43) | 5. Warm or Cool Face Mugs ($35/set of 2) | 6. Soup and Sandwich Ceramic Tray Duo ($30) | 7. Molecular Gastronomy Kit - Cuisine ($60) | 8. 56-blade Meat Tenderizer ($29.99) | 9. Fresh Valley Canisters ($89.95/set of 3) | 10. Grease Separator ($15.95) | 11. Batman Apron ($19.99) | 12. Electric Coffee Grinder ($120) | 13. Pie Drip Catcher ($14.95)




11.22.2012

2012 GIFT GUIDE: THE TECHIE

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you're half way into a food coma right now and that you're enjoying time with your family and friends! Tomorrow is Black Friday, which means lots of shopping, especially for highly sought after technology and electronics, which makes today the perfect day to post a gift guide!

Today's guide is for the technology obsessed people in your life, and it is brought to you by my friend Drew, who is the most tech-savvy dude I know. I have included his helpful commentary along with his choices below in case you (like me) don't know what a lot of this stuff is. Thanks, Drew!

techie gift guide (via Holly Would)

1Canon EOS Rebel T3i ($599) Great camera for anyone interested in seriously getting into photography, plus it shoots full 1080p HD video | 2. iGrill Grilling/Cooking BBQ Thermometer ($79) Connects to your phone via bluetooth. Pretty much the coolest cooking accessory ever | 3. Wii U ($300-$350) | Nintendo's new console. Will probably be impossible to find for a few months. | 4. Lytro Light Field Camera ($399) A digital camera with no focusing, you just snap pictures and dynamically change the focus afterwards. Incredibly cool. | 5. iPad fourth generation ($499) Probably the best tablet all around, with the biggest app selection. | 6. Call of Duty Black Ops 2 ($60) There were three huge gaming releases in November, and you can't really go wrong with any of them. | 7. Assassin's Creed 3 ($60) | 8. Halo 4 ($60) | 9. Turtle Beach X42 Gaming Headset ($160) Fantastic sound quality, extremely reasonable price. | 10. Kindle Fire HD 8.9" ($299-$269) Great, affordable Android tablet | 11. Star Wars: The Complete Saga blu ray ($69.99) It's Star Wars. In HD. | 12. Makerbot Replicator ($1,749-$1,999) The "I really love my significant other" option. 3d printers are amazing.

11.20.2012

2012 GIFT GUIDE: THE FASHIONISTA

For the next five weeks, I'll be featuring 2 gift guides per week to help you with your Christmas shopping. The first gift guide is for "the fashionista" and the picks are by my college friend (whose closet I borrowed from frequently), Thakshila (AKA Tucky), who went to Parsons in New York City after undergrad and is passionate about all things vogue. Check out her choices below! 

gift guide for the fashionista (via Holly Would)

1. Tres Chic Wallpaper ($9/square ft) | 2. Mimosa Mini Candle ($28) | 3. Stripe Sweater ($390) | 4. Alice McCall Amelie Dress ($677.22) | 5. Brown Leopard Print Glove ($9) | 6. A Fragile Mind Art ($20) | 7. Sequined Clutch ($59.90) | 8. Antler Button Stud Earrings ($70) | 9. Sweet Lips Lip Scrub ($9.95) | 10. Etta Gold Captoe Pumps ($248) | 11. Never Sleep Sweatshirt ($40) | 12. Space Foil Print Leggings | 13. Nars Blush ($28) | 14. Viktor & Rolf Perfume ($105) | 15. Grace Coddington Memoir ($19.02)

11.19.2012

FREE MASON JAR LABELS DOWNLOAD

free mason jar labels download (via Holly Would)

Today I want to share a project that I did for the Drifter & the Gypsy blog - free printable mason jar labels! These are great for gifts and so easy to put together - just print, cut, and place inside of a mason jar! Click HERE to download the labels (below). 

free mason jar labels download (via Holly Would)

free mason jar labels download (via Holly Would)


free mason jar labels download (via Holly Would)


11.15.2012

HOSTESS GIFT IDEA

With all of the holiday parties coming up, sometimes it's hard to figure out what to bring for the hostess. How about one of these adorable wine stoppers from BHLDN? I'm in love with the little bow!

hostess gift idea (via Holly Would)

shop: 1 | 2 | 3

11.13.2012

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Things have been so busy lately and I'm working on the set of Nashville today, so I'll just leave you with a little inspiration:

shrimp salad circus printable via holly would


free printable via Shrimp Salad Circus

Check out some more inspiring words on my Pinterest board!

Have a good day!

11.08.2012

CHRISTMAS GIFT PACKAGING IDEAS

Can you believe it's November already? That means it's time to start getting your Christmas gifts ready! I think it's so much fun figuring out what to get everyone and to me it's even more fun wrapping up all the presents! Here are some of my favorite Christmas packaging ideas from around the web and Pinterest - Do you have any creative packaging ideas for the holidays?

Christmas gift packaging ideas (via Holly Would)

Sources (from top-bottom, left-right)
1 | 2 | 3 | 45 | 6 | 7 | 8

11.02.2012

LINK LOVE / 35

These foiled dot napkins have my name all over them:
via Holly Would

via Holly Would

I'm making this delicious pumpkiny treat this weekend:
via Holly Would

Came across these 2 modern farmhouses this week and it made me want to live in one. Like, now.
via Holly Would
via Design*Sponge

& because it's November and we can officially start getting excited about Christmas, this festive room is so cute:
via Holly Would

Have a great weekend!

10.31.2012

ME ON "NASHVILLE" EP 104

Hey guys! Just wanted to share this video from the recent episode of "Nashville" on ABC (Have you seen it?? It's so good!). I was an extra that day but you can actually see me a lot during the performance, standing behind / beside Eric Close, who plays Teddy. Check out the video below:

10.29.2012

CALENDAR GIVEAWAY WINNER

The winner of the calendar giveaway is Jessica Christie! Thanks to everyone who participated, and look forward to more giveaways in the future! 


10.26.2012

HWP WALL CALENDAR GIVEAWAY!


It'll be time to change calendars before you know it! Calendars make great gifts for the holidays too so I'm giving away 2 of my new, large 11" x 17" year-at-a-glance calendars (one for you, one for a friend). You can frame them, tack them to the wall, tape them up with washi tape - whatever you want. 

How to enter: 
Just leave a comment below with the number of the 2 calendars you would like (ex. 1 and 2) or you can enter the same number twice.

*For an extra entry, like HWP on Facebook and leave a comment on the post about the giveaway too!

I'll announce the winner on Monday morning. Good luck! :)

One entry and bonus entry per person. Winner picked at random.

*UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation!

10.25.2012

WORKING FROM HOME / OWNING A BUSINESS

I've been working from home, running my stationery business for almost six months now and I thought it might be a good time to talk about what I've learned so far. I think a lot of people have a certain idea about what it means to work from home and own your own business that isn't completely accurate. I wanted to give you a bit of information about it in case it is something you have considered.

the good and the bad about working from home / owning a business (via Holly Would)
One major plus? Setting up an adorable home office! (via Chic Sprinkles)
THE GOOD

Control: When you own your own business, you are in charge. You can take on clients that you want to take on and turn down clients that aren't a good fit. You decide if you want to expand the business, slow down the growth, change your logo, change your website, change your business direction; it's all in your hands. This is good for control freaks (which I tend to be) or people who always dreaded group projects in school (also me). 

Motivation: When you work for yourself, work becomes so much more important to you. Incoming work directly affects your pay. You want your work to be good because it reflects badly on you as a person and a brand if it isn't. Because of this, you also appreciate work so much more. Sometimes working for a corporation doesn't inspire much motivation, as Peter Gibbons explains because you don't feel that what happens to the company directly affects you so you just do what you have to do to get by and go home (but I realize this isn't the case for everyone).

Flexibility: Not a morning person? You can sleep in and work late into the night if you want. Need to take the dog to the vet today? You don't have to worry about telling anyone. Hate wearing heels and dress suits? Wearing makeup? Showering? You get the idea (though I do recommend showering...). When you work from home, you can work in whatever makes you feel most comfortable and productive. All that matters is that you get the work done.

THE BAD

Stress: With having all of the control comes having all of the pressure. If a customer or client is unhappy, there's no one to pass the blame onto: it's on you. If a deadline has to be met, you've got to get it done no matter what. On top of that, you've got to know the in's and out's of every part of the business. You know that commercial where the business owner has to take his computer to the IT department, and the IT guy is the same guy as the business owner, just dressed differently? And then he goes and checks with finance, and it's him again in a different outfit? When you own a business by yourself, you have to wear many hats. Just because you started a photography business because you enjoy photography, for example, doesn't mean you'll be taking pictures all the time. Actually it means you will cherish the moments that you get to just take pictures but the rest of the time is spent doing finances, marketing, IT, customer service, etc. In other words, it's not just fun.

You can't turn it off: One of the main reasons that it's not for everyone is that some people want to completely leave work when they leave the office (makes sense), but when you own your own business, the work is always there. Sure, you can watch TV at night, but that pile of work isn't going to get any smaller. It's quite literally like having your desk and computer at work be with you all the time because chances are if you work from home, your office is always staring you in the face. There's always more work you could be doing and this makes it hard to relax. The flexibility that I mentioned before is true, but the work still has to get done one way or another.

The "respect" factor: To me, this is probably the biggest negative about working from home and owning a business in a creative field. A lot of people do not take it seriously. In my case, people often think that I'm sitting at home playing on the computer making pretty little cards all day and they say "wow that must be nice". While that is partly true, and I feel so blessed to be able to do something that I have a passion for, there is so much more to it than that (as I previously mentioned) and a lot of people don't consider that part. Expect people to think that you have all the time in the world to go shopping, hang out, or even take a trip just because you have a flexible schedule. Worse than that, expect people to say rude things without realizing it. I have seriously had people say varieties of the following things to me:

(After explaining what I do) "So what do you do all day while Wes is at work?" 
"Now that Holly isn't working..."
"So I know you have your little business, but what do you do with all your time?"

I don't want to get on a soapbox about my work ethic, but I have had a lot of jobs. I've worked in retail, office environments, administration, customer service, corporate offices, restaurants...and I have honestly never worked as hard as I work now. I also make more money now than I made at my previous post college jobs, but some people think that I'm just doing a fun hobby, Real Housewives style, and living off of Wes' income. I know it sounds like I'm ranting, but the point I'm trying to get across is that if you want to do something like what I do in a creative industry, you have to develop a thick skin and realize that some people just aren't going to get it, and that's okay. You have to be happy on your own and lose the need to impress people or get their respect.

THE MAIN IDEA


It's not for everyone: While people like me thrive on the excitement of work and being inspired, some people just want their job to be their job and that's okay! There's nothing wrong with having your job be the thing that makes you money and then having fun when you go home at night or on the weekends. In fact, it's much easier and more secure. I really think that you have to have a certain kind of passionate personality to own your own business. When I was in 2nd grade, I made my own magazines and sold them to kindergartners for 50 cents each. In fourth grade I sold friendship bracelets. From 5th-8th grade I had a babysitting business with a friend of mine that kept me really busy (we put promotional magnets in people's mailboxes and everything). My point is, I think some people just are born with that desire to be their own boss and some people aren't and there's no right or wrong way to be.

I love what I do and I've never been happier. I feel so blessed every day that I get to do something that I'm passionate about. I also feel now that I'm on a career path that can grow into whatever I want it to be. The stress that comes along with it also means that I'm never bored and I love the control and flexibility that I have at work. 

Have you ever thought about starting your own business or working from home? If so, I hope that you found this helpful. Feel free to post any questions below and I'll try my best to answer from the little bit of experience I have! 

and an inappropriate but hilarious cartoon by the oatmeal


10.23.2012

SLOUCHY FALL SWEATERS

My favorite outfit to wear this time of the year is an oversized sweater with skinny jeans or leggings and boots. So stylish, so effortless, so comfy! Here are my favorite sweaters so far this season:

slouchy sweaters for fall (via Holly Would)

Shopping Links:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

10.22.2012

DIY DIAMOND RUG

Today I'm excited to share a DIY project that I made for the Drifter and the Gypsy blog. Check out the photos below and go to the post to see the full tutorial!

DIY Diamond Rug by Holly Would

DIY Diamond Rug by Holly Would

DIY Diamond Rug by Holly Would

10.21.2012

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA: INSTAGRAM BOOK

What a great gift idea! Turn your Instagram photos into a book. You can order your own Instagram book from Artifact Uprising here.

Instagram Book by Artifact Uprising (via Holly Would)

Instagram Book by Artifact Uprising (via Holly Would)
photos via Artifact Uprising

10.20.2012

DIY HEART SWADDLING BLANKET

Dying over this adorable DIY swaddling blanket from the Delia Creates blog. What a sweet (and inexpensive) baby shower gift this would be - holy cuteness! Check out her post for the tutorial.

DIY swaddling blanket by Delia Creates (via HollyWould)
swaddling blanket by Delia Creates

10.19.2012

LINK LOVE / 34

16 ways I blew my marriage - a great read by a single dad


How to add old house character to a new house - the only bad thing about a new house is that stark feel


Cats that look like pin-up girls - this blog is the best thing to ever happen:

Obsessed with the idea of a coffee bar in the kitchen:


My washi tape obsession pairs well with this tape picture frame idea:



Have a great weekend!

10.18.2012

SLATE GRAY KITCHEN INSPIRATION

Last week, during our trip to Ohio, we helped my parents paint their kitchen. I wish I had a "before" picture to show you, but my mom had already gotten so much done by the time we got there so all I have are "during" pictures. Before this point though, they had wallpaper. Lots of wallpaper. It was bad. My poor mom and sister had the fun job of taking all of that down, and then when we got there, we painted!

via Holly Would
my mom hard at work

via Holly Would
Wes on the ladder
 We decided to do all white walls with a slate gray accent wall. My parents have dark gray countertops and this accent wall really brought them out and made the room more interesting and modern. I love how it turned out!
slate gray kitchens via Holly Would
The freshly painted walls and very few decorations as of now!
The next question my mom had was, "Which colors will look good with slate gray?" so I did a little research to help find complementing colors for the curtains and other decorations. Here are 4 slate gray kitchens with color palette inspiration at the bottom. 

slate gray kitchens via Holly Would

10.17.2012

AUTUMN IN OHIO

Last week, Wes and I went home to Ohio to visit family and friends. Up there, the leaves were already orange and it definitely felt like fall. We had a wonderful time, and I thought I would share some photos from the trip...

via Holly Would blog
playing in the leaves at my parents' house
via Holly Would blog
Wes' mom made an amazing pie from this recipe!
via Holly Would blog
My dad and uncle at my cousin's country wedding - love the quilts at the reception.
via Holly Would blog
You know you're in the middle of nowhere, Ohio when you see horse and buggy crossing!
via Holly Would blog
We rode on the back of my dad's pickup truck through the country, which Chester loved.
via Holly Would blog
& I got to see lots of college friends during homecoming festivities.
via Holly Would blog

It was such a great trip home, and it was so nice to unplug for a while and be outside every day. Plus, I am now in full fledged fall mode (like I wasn't already?) and I can't wait to try to make that apple pie. :) Talk to you soon!

10.15.2012

DIY CANVAS TRICK OR TREAT BAG + FREE DOWNLOAD

DIY canvas trick or treat bag with free download (via Hollywould)
Click HERE to download this "trick or treat" file, shown above, and follow this tutorial that I did a few months ago to make your own canvas trick or treat bag for any cool kid in your life!

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