Over here at Smudge Ink we LOVE Valentine's Day. You get to stuff yourself with sweets, give and receive fun stationery, and of course, celebrate the most important person/people in your life. We couldn't think of a better way to spend our Valentine's Day than baking some brownies and cookies and venturing out to some of our favorite local customers to make a special delivery. 
(image: special packages for some of our favorite customers!)
My first stop was the amazing, so-much-to-see, so-fun-you-can't-stop-browsing, Black Ink. Susan has worked with us for years, and she and her awesome staff let me interrupt their afternoon activities to talk treats and snow and peruse their fantastic collection of Valentine's Day cards. Then I headed up the street to another retailer of ours, Harvard Bookstore. If you didn't already know, I'm a complete bookworm, and Harvard Bookstore's staff recommendations are some of the best.
(image: Boston General Store display)
The Boston General Store is our new favorite place in Brookline for beautiful gifts and everyday wares. Plus, we love seeing our cards in April's (yes, another April!) beautiful vintage displays. I swoon over these bags and if anyone is looking to start an herb garden, look no further! We're so excited for April's second storefront in Dedham!
(image: Danielle, owner of Neatly Nested, sharing her baked goodies with customers)
In the meantime, Sabrina headed over to Southie's Neatly Nested, where you can outfit your home with a wonderful assortment of pillows, rugs, candles, prints and more! Danielle has been a huge supporter of Smudge Ink since she opened her shop's doors. As a interior designer and painter herself, she promotes many local creatives and makers, and that makes us happy!
(image: cards racks at Brookline Booksmith)
True confession: I saved Brookline Booksmith for last because I always need some serious browsing time when I visit (which is, to be honest, at least twice a week). Kerri graciously took some time to chat with me and I tried not to gush too much about my love for the store, and not just because I like to spot our cards in their perfectly curated gift section.
All in all, making these hand deliveries to say thanks for being awesome is a major perk of the job. But really having such fantastic retailers is what makes us love what we do. I wish we could visit all of our customers in person but rest assured we love you whether you are one neighborhood over, several states away, or even across the pond!