Hello again friends! Gosh, it feels like it’s been forever! Only three months away from blogland and I felt myself going a little crazy. I’m happy to report that I am finally feeling much better. I still struggle with some pain from time-to-time but overall I am encoraged by my progress.

I want to say a big thanks to all that sent me notes and good wishes. I can’t tell you how nice it was knowing I had so many people caring for me and thinking positive thoughts. I think it helped to take some time off from blogging and realy focus on getting better. Thank you agian for your support and patience.

I wanted to pop in again and apologize for my erratic and unpredictable posting lately. My back issues have not improved much and and after weeks of physical therapy and countless doctor appointments I was able to meet with a specialist. Unfortunately, my herniated disk is quite sever and a portion even managed to detach itself and could potentially cause even more nerve damage.

With the recommendation from my physical therapist, specialist and surgeons I am having surgery to alleviate the pain and remove the herniation. I go in for surgery this morning and am actually looking forward to waking up and feeling pain free! It’s been over six months since this all began so I am thrilled to be on the mend soon.

From what I understand, the surgery is quite common and the recovery is pretty quick. I’m not sure what to expect in the next week or so but wanted to give you all a heads up if I disappear for a few days. I hope to be back here soon and looking forward to being on a more normal schedule.

Thanks again to all of you for your support and understanding. My best to you all and see you soon! xoxo

Wow, this year is going by quickly, it’s hard to believe it’s already April! On that note, I’d like to welcome our newest sponsor, Pinky Swear Designs, to Twig & Thistle!

Pinky Swear Designs began when Lauren and Alina both realized they couldn’t find personalized jewelry that they loved. Each have design backgrounds and have loved using their combined experiences and talents to make something really personal and special for their customers. Every single piece they make is “from scratch” and they put a lot of love and thought into the pieces.

I love the charming handcrafted quality to each of their pieces and any of them would make for a perfect mother’s day gift! Please take a moment to check out what they have to offer as well as the rest of our sponsors. For more Pinky Swear, check out their blog too!

Sweet Letterpress Cards from Duet Letterpress

Hi lovelies! I had such a nice relaxing vacation and hopefully you’re all enjoying the summer as well. I’m excited to get back into the swing of things but before I do I wanted to give a big, BIG thanks to my friend Tara Lee for stepping in last week while I was away.

She did a tremendous job guest posting and I’d say she’s got a future in blogging if she so chooses! I can’t get over the 1st Birthday Party that she created for Taylor and the Lost in ffffound board she put together was stunning! Also check out her post on the new J. Crew Bridal collection if you missed it.

Thanks again Tara! Kisses xoxo

I just wanted to quickly wish my husband a very happy birthday today!!! He’s the sweetest man I’ve ever known and I am so fortunate to have met and married him. Please join me in sending my cutie pie bountiful birthday wishes! I love you Joseph and Happy Birthday! xoxo

Back in a bit with a new Well Branded, stay tuned!

I adore these delightfully simple and ethereal images of an early garden. Sárah Goldschadt managed to make the simplest new beginnings into a beautifully optimistic and inspiring scene.

See more of Sárah’s photos on Flikr and be sure to stop by her fantastic blog – it’s a new personal favorite!

I’m signing off early this week for the long holiday weekend but before I do I wanted to thank all our sponsors and welcome our newest one, Bonbon Charms. Bonbon Charms specializes in custom handcrafted jewelry by Erica Clements of Eugene, Oregon. Her collection includes charms for necklaces, bracelets and custom pieces. Be sure sure to check out her shop for all the lovely goodies!

Also, last week I had the pleasure of being interviewed on the Fossil Life and Style Blog. Who knew Fossil had a blog?! I’d missed it somehow and was incredibly delighted and honored that they wanted to include me in their 3 Questions series.

I had a blast answering their questions and you can read my responses here. If you’ve ever wondered how Twig & Thistle got started you can find out how it all began here. I hope you’ll stop on over and see what other creative stuff they have posted. This tutorial, on how to cover pencils in paper for example, is brilliant! Have a great long weekend everyone and I’ll see you back here Tuesday!

Smart Pretty and Awkward is an advice blog and our newest  sponsor! Updated daily with pieces of advice from the witty Molly Ford for how to be smarter, prettier, and (less) awkward. It’s incredibly charming and insightful and definitely worth reading each day for a bit of motivation. Enjoy!

Erin of The Vintage Pearl makes some of the most beautiful handmade and customized sterling silver jewelry and gifts. Her creations would be perfect for a special Mother’s Day gift. Order by April 20th for Mother’s Day delivery!

TapeSwell offers some of the most adorable packaging tape around! With tons of patterns to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect tape to dress up the simplest of packages – make even the box a gift!

Garnish specializes in “packaging life’s moments”. Perfect for special occasions or just because, Garnish has everything you’ll need to make your gift or event memorable. They recently added my favorite wooden cutlery which are perfect for parties and picnics.

Kitty Caller The best $o.99 you’ll ever spend! Kittens that meow when you dial – adorable!

Congratulations ladies, I’ll be in touch with you both soon.

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I’d also like to say a big thank you to all our Twig & Thistle sponsors. They help keep the blog running and allow me to do what I do here. Show them some love and check out what these fine merchants have to offer. …Also, if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor send me a note and I can fill you in on all the details.

Garnish Your place for all things packaging and inspiration.

Hello! Lucky One of my favorite letterpress companies of all time! Plus, don’t miss Euince’s wedding in Martha Stewart Weddings Spring issue and see more behind the scenes photos on the Hello! Lucky blog.

Tape Swell An unending supply of adorable tape. Be sure to check out their three newest patterns in the ad to the left!

The Vintage Pearl Beautiful handmade and customized jewelry

Kitty Caller The best $o.99 you’ll ever spend! Kittens that meow when you dial – adorable!

I’m happy to announce a new sponsor today, please welcome Hello! Lucky, makers of wonderful letterpress cards and stationary. I’ve been a fan of theirs since, well, just about forever! As a matter of fact, my second post on Twig & Thistle featured them as one of my top 5 letterpress design sites. Also, be sure to check out their adorable selection of Valentine’s Day cards, above are two of my favorites; they’ve got something for everyone – the romantic, the new couple, or the crush.

Just wanted to take a brief moment and say Happy Anniversary to my beloved Husband. This was the happiest day of my life and I adore you beyond words. xoxo

Hi all, no post today, I spent last night getting caught up on Etsy 0rders. I’ll be back Monday but in the meantime spend a few hours at thecutest.info. I’m telling you, it’s awesome! Have a great weekend!

Congratulations to Sarah for winning the Twig & Thistle blogversary giveaway, I’ll be in touch shortly! I couldn’t possibly select a winner on my own from the plethora of amazing responses so Sarah was randomly selected with the help of a random number generator. Thanks to all that participated, it was incredibly inspiring to read each and every resolution. You all have motivated me to no end and I sincerely wish you all a fantastic year! xoxo