avie designs

A PRACTICAL WEDDING BOOK TOUR

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am actually bursting with excitement! Meg from A Practical Wedding wrote a book called A Practical Wedding. Okay, so that is pretty big news in itself but not really for me since I'm already married.

The big exciting news is that she is on a book tour that will be in Atlanta tomorrow night. I think that Meg's blog is just about my favorite one to actually sit down and read and nod my head in agreement and pound my fist with anger. I think her writing is current and her contributors (the APW community) are better than sliced bread. So I am beyond excited to meet her in person tomorrow night.

If you happen to live in the Atlanta area and want to go to, you can RSVP on the facebook page and get all of the details. OR you can pick up a copy of the book to support her in her endeavors.

CUSTOM WORK WITH SIMPLY PUT PAPER & GIFT

2012-01-31T13:11:00.000-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of creating this amazing laser cut invitation for a 50th birthday weekend in New York City. The design was created by myself and the client. We cut the invitation out of peacock paper, used white envelopes lined with glossy white paper and had the addresses done in amazing calligraphy provided by Ginna Dunlap Emmet. When we saw the finished product come together, there were some squeals of excitement.

I created these with the help of my friends at Simply Put Paper & Gift. They have to be favorite retailer to do custom work with. The girls there are so friendly and helpful to not only me but the customer too. They will bend over backwards to make sure their clients get exactly what they want. Here are a few shots of their adorable store located right here in Atlanta. You can find them at 1170 Howell Mill Road, Suite 104, Atlanta, Ga 30318.

EASY WAY TO GET 20% OFF

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wanna know a little secret? Come a little closer, I'll need to whisper it.

You can get 20% off your entire order at Avie Designs by doing one tiny little thing. Do you want to know what it is? Okay, I'll tell you. All you have to do is sign up to receive my email updates. Really easy right?

Look to the right column on this page and you'll see the "receive a 20% off coupon by:" icon. Below that is the email list sign up.

Okay, so maybe you want to know what all this entails. When you sign up, you will receive your first coupon via email immediately. You can use that 20% coupon on your entire first order. Then, you will receive emails periodically (once a month or so) when I have a new product available, a sale is going on or when I want to give you another discount. I promise that I won't send you stuff everyday and if you decide that it isn't worth it to you, then just unsubscribe. It couldn't be easier!

BEST CHOCOLATE MOUSSE OF YOUR LIFE IN UNDER 5 MINUTES

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

I had you at "Best Chocolate Mousse of Your Life" didn't I? I haven't tried this yet but I can't wait. I am throwing a wedding shower for a dear friend next week and I have big plans to make this for the party. I have a few other tricks up my sleeve for it too.

Anyway, you can get the full recipe from Cafe Fernando which is my new favorite food blog.

DIY CELL PHONE HOLDER

2012-01-26T11:08:00.001-05:00

I have been so into Pinterest lately. If you haven't gotten on board yet, run and hop on! The most exciting things I have been finding on there have been rockin' DIY projects. I just had to share this one with you. In fact, this may become a regular post feature.

Ashley from Make it and Love it created this stylish holder for her cell phone while it's charging. This woman is a genius. She made this with things she already had around the house. I can't wait to make one to take with me when I travel. It's kind of a cute Valentine's Day gift too. Practical, pretty and handmade to boot.

INVITATIONS ON SALE!

2012-01-25T11:05:00.000-05:00

I have just started a sale on some of my invitation suites. Each piece is only $1! That means you can get an invitation suite including: Invitation, rsvp card and thank you note for only $3!

These suites are perfect for casual weddings, showers of all kinds and parties. Of course, if you only need some thank you notes, you can just pick up some of those.

Check out the shop to see all of our sale items!

NEW YEAR'S CARDS FROM URBANIC

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

I received one of these adorable cards from Urbanic the other day. You can hear the inspiration behind it and sign up to get one sent to you on their blog.

VALENTINE'S DAY CARDS IN THE SHOP!

2012-01-16T15:01:00.000-05:00

Brand spanking new Valentine's Days Card Sets are now in the shop!

NEW YEAR'S CARDS

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

I like to send New Year's cards to my retailers that I have worked with in the past year. It's my little way of saying thank you. It's so crazy during the holidays that I don't have time to send them then and I feel like the stores are so crazy as well. New Year's just seems like the perfect in between holiday to use.

So here are the cards I designed this year. If you saw the gift tags I designed, you'll know that I started there. And then just added a countdown liner and address labels. I'm thinking about adding them to my holiday collection for next winter. I think these are a bright and spunky way to ring in the new year.

THREE BEAN CHILI

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

So winter has finally arrived and that always means soup, stew and chili for me. This recipe makes enough for an army or for two people to eat all week. Pair it with homemade cornbread and you've got a meal. You can also top it with all sorts of things but I like mine simple. I also soak my own beans but canned beans are just fine too.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1.5 cup frozen veggie crumbles (optional)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeno, minced

2 chipotles in adobo, minced

2 dried bay leaves

1 box tomato puree (I use Pomi)

1 box chopped tomatoes (I use Pomi)

1.5 cup kidney beans or 1 can

1.5 cup cannelini beans or 1 can

1.5 cup black beans or 1 can

2-3 cup veggie stock or water or bean stock

1 cup frozen corn

chili powder, cumin, cayenne to taste

honey to taste

salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. If you are soaking your own beans, soak the night before and boil a few hours before beginning the chili, each bean with have it's own boiling time. Reserve the bean stock.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Saute the onion and green pepper until softened. Add the veggie crumbles and cook another 5 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeno and chipotles. Cook for another minute.

3. Mix in the bay leaves, tomato puree, crushed tomatoes and beans.

4. Add as much stock as needed to create the consistency you desire. I like my chili a little thinner, so I add a lot of stock. Stir in the frozen corn.

5. Add the spices. I add 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin and 1 tablespoon of cayenne. Then I add a few healthy pinches of salt and pepper along with about 2 tablespoons of honey.

6. Let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust the spices accordingly. This is where you can make it as mild or as spicy as you like. Leave out the jalapeno & cayenne if you don't like spicy at all.

7. Once you have the spices to your liking, let the chili simmer for another 20 minutes. Then serve & enjoy.

**Image via Gastronomy**

PAPEL PICADO IN SUNSHINE

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

This post could have been titled "THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT" as well. As a designer, I usually think that I know what is best for my designs. I love my Papel Picado save the dates in the beet paper. That is how they were originally designed. When a customer comes along and chooses another option, I get a little panicky. I hope it will look okay and that the customer will be happy.

I was so thrilled and surprised with the way these came out for a customer. I LOVE the sunshine paper with this design and pairing it with the gravel envelope makes it so fresh and hip. So thanks to my customers for letting me know that my way isn't the only way.

HOLIDAY PICS & ANIMATED GIFS

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

L'ATELIER DES COUSINES

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

In honor of my cousin that is moving to Spain for a short time, I am sharing these lovely pillows by L'Atelier des Cousines. I hope these pillows leave you dreaming of Spain, I know I am.

12 RESOLUTIONS FOR 2012

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

I don't usually make resolutions because when I do, I never keep them so what's the point. But this year, I'm going to try it again. I have put together 12 for 2012.

1. FINISH MY DINING ROOM: I just need to decide what to put on the walls and I'm done.

2. TRAVEL SOMEPLACE NEW: This is a constant goal and I hope by writing it down, I will make it happen.

3. BE A STRATEGIC BUSINESS OWNER: I am constantly striving to be more strategic with my business rather than making decisions based on what feels right.

4. WORKOUT: This is another constant goal. I want to get outside and walk a lot more this year. It helps get my creative juices flowing.

5. LEARN HOW TO USE TIME MACHINE: I bought a hard drive for that specific purpose but have never figured out how to set it up.

6. SKETCH MORE: I never been a huge sketcher but I want to create the habit of sketching every day or so to keep the creativity flowing.

7. READ MORE BOOKS: I love books and for some reason I let other things take priority over reading.

8. PLAN A FAMILY TRIP TO PUERTO RICO: My family has been talking about going this summer to where my grandmother used to live to scatter her ashes and I plan to make it a reality.

9. FINISH MY QUILT: I don't feel like I can start other large projects until I have finished the ones I am currently working on so I am giving myself til the end of the year to complete the quilt I am currently working on.

10. DEVELOP NEW PRODUCTS: I have a bunch of ideas for new products this year and I can't wait to get started on them.

11. EAT MY FRUITS & VEGGIES: Another constant goal, just keep on eating right.

12. VOLUNTEER: This is something else I love to do and I just never get around to actually doing it.

Are you a resolution person? What are your 2012 resolutions?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

NEW YEAR'S GIFT GUIDE & FREE DOWNLOAD

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

So we've all been there, you have a friend that you don't buy a Christmas/Hannukah gift for but you go to their place for New Year's Eve. And you want to get them something but everyone is bringing booze. Here are a few ideas:

1. An instant camera is great for taking fun pics that night and sending them home with guests. If you go the vintage route as shown in the picture, just make sure to round up some film from ebay too.

2 & 3. A flask set or flask. This is a great idea if you will be hitting the town that night (please take a cab) so they can have their own secret stash. It's so much fun to be sneaky.

4. A decanter is great for bringing to the host so that they have something pretty to put their liquor in.

Dressing up your hostess gifts is so simple with my free download. Just go here to download the tags, print them on thick paper, cut them out, punch your holes and add to any gift. And I won't judge you if you slap them on a bottle of champagne and be done with it.

I hope you all have a happy & safe New Year's Eve.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

EDU BARBA COLLAGES & PRINTS

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

I instantly fell in love with the prints by Edu Barba from Spain. I am still trying to figure out what to do with a wall in my living room and I think these four would look great all hung together on a wall. They're currently running a special, if you buy 2 large prints, you get a calendar for free!

CUSTOM LASER CUT HOLIDAY CARDS

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

These are custom holiday cards created for a customer. She loved my Papel Picado Wedding Invitations and wanted a holiday card that was similar. She ended up going with the Save the Date design and size and we swapped out the birds for some modern snowflakes. She had her heart set on this eggplant paper that I don't carry but she found and we were able to use. Then I designed a tangerine liner based on the dot pattern from the snowflakes and we finished them off with my mist colored envelopes.

As a designer, I tend to think that I have all the answers but sometimes a customer has a idea that sounds strange and ends up being lovely. I wasn't sure about the eggplant paper at first, but I really think it works with the tangerine and the mist in such a fun way.

HAPPY HANNUKAH

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the first night of Hannukah so I thought I would share this sentiment with you. Growing up, my Stepfather was Jewish. My mom was raised Catholic so the compromise that was reached involved alternating holidays. So we celebrated Hannukah every other year.

It was so interesting celebrating both holidays. I don't have a favorite between the two as I am not particularly religious. Christmas was like a burst of energy that was over before you knew what happened. And Hannukah was a slow, ongoing ritual of lighting the candles and opening one gift each night. It was so much fun to alternate and get to switch it up every year. Happy Hannukah.

HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

I do not much like shopping, but I love giving gifts and mostly I love wrapping them. I took this idea from Martha and made it my own. The paper is some I've had for years in the back of my closet. I decided to dig it out and finally use it. I printed out the letters my recipients names start with onto card stock and cut them out using an xacto knife and cutting mat. Then I used some string I had on hand to tie them on. I doubled up the string, wrapped it around both ways and then separated the two strands for the effect. Lastly, I taped the loose string to the back of the letters because I decided I didn't like them dangling.

I can't wait until my family sees them!

CUSTOM WEDDING INVITATIONS: COLIN & CHRISTINA

2011-12-12T12:51:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share a custom Wedding project I worked on. The bride came to me wanting something in blue and floral to fit her December wedding taking place in a Botanical Garden. We came up with this blue floral invitation suite that included: Invitations, rsvp cards, accommodations/map card, programs and thank you notes. I also included a pic of the cute bride and groom because I think it's fun.

If you are interested in custom design, please contact me for a quote and further information. Stay tuned, I have a lovely custom laser cut holiday card coming up soon!

FREE DOWNLOAD-HOLIDAY GIFT TAGS

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's getting to be that time of the year when the gifts have to be wrapped. I know a lot of you don't like wrapping. I happen to LOVE it. My mom always matches all the gifts under the tree with all the decorations in the house. She picks a few colors and sticks to them. So of course, I do the same. I wanted to help those of you that love to wrap as well as those of you that don't so I created some free downloadable gift tags.

All you have to do is go here for the red/green set and here for the blue/silver set. Once there, you can download and print the tag sets. I recommend printing them out on cardstock and cutting along the black lines with an xacto knife and ruler. Then just use a regular hole punch to put the hole wherever you like and write your tos and froms on the back.

Also stay tuned because I have had requests for new year's tags as well and they are in the works!

MADE IN THE USA GIFT GUIDE: UNDER $25

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

HOLIDAY CARD DEADLINE

2011-12-08T13:16:00.001-05:00

MADE IN THE USA GIFT GUIDE: FOR MOM

2011-12-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

MADE IN THE USA GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE LITTLE ONES

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

MADE IN THE USA GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

MADE IN THE USA GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE COOK

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

MADE IN THE USA GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE MAN OF THE HOUSE

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

MADE IN THE USA GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE HOME

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

MADE IN THE USA GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE FASHIONISTA

2011-11-29T09:30:00.000-05:00

CYBER MONDAY SALE!

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

URBAN HIKING ON THE BELTLINE

2011-11-14T16:07:00.005-05:00

Do you have that one crazy friend that always talks you into doing things you wouldn't normally do? I do and I'm so glad that she does because I might just stay home all the time and work. On Saturday, she convinced us to walk 19 miles along the future path of the Beltline. It took forever and we were in pain when we completed it but it was worth it. They have a great project called Art on the Beltline and that is what most of the pictures are of but the best part is that some of what you see isn't commissioned art, it's good ole fashioned graffiti.

I won't lie, I was in some pain on Sunday especially since I had a bachelorette party to go to that night too. But isn't that what Sundays are for? Laying around?

STUDIO KAHN

2011-11-14T12:29:00.003-05:00

I am working on a Holiday Gift Guide that I will share with you after Thanksgiving and I keep coming across amazing products that just don't fit in the guide. This too cool salt and pepper shaker is one of them. I'd probably be to scared to break it but I'm a scaredy cat. You can buy them here.

HOLLY SUZANNE

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is a logo that I created for a friend and customer. She creates amazing art and is transitioning to selling them wholesale so we did a whole package with business cards, postcards and stickers for her upcoming trade show. Check her work out here.

PS: I do custom design even though I don't really advertise it so give me a shout out is you need a logo, letterhead or anything else designed and I get you a quote.

PESTO TRAPANESE

2011-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you have a great fall weekend planned. I got talked into walking 19 miles tomorrow by my friend that is always talking me into doing crazy things. So I guess I better load up on some pasta tonight. Lately I have been getting a lot of yummy recipes from my Epicurious App. It lets you sort through their thousands of recipes and keep your favorites. And this has become a fast favorite and it's done in no time.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup slivered almonds
1 large handful fresh basil leaves
1 to 2 large garlic cloves
Several sprinkles of sea salt
6 ripe plum tomatoes
Handful of grated Parmesean (about 1/2 cup)
A generous splash of olive oil (about 1/3 cup)
1 pound spaghetti

Directions:

1. Bring a pot of water to boil. Boil spaghetti. Save a cupful of the starchy pasta water.

2. Prepare the pesto while the water is boiling and the pasta cooking. Sauté the almonds in a little olive oil until tan and you start to smell them.

3.Put basil, garlic, and salt in food processor and chop. Put aside.

4.Put in almonds and pulse until size of orzo.

5. Put tomatoes, almonds, basil garlic, cheese, and olive oil back in food processor and whir briefly. Add some fresh-ground coarse pepper.

6. Put pasta in with pesto and mix quickly. Add a little pasta water if necessary. Serve lukewarm or at room temperature.

**Image via The Sweet Kitchen**

JOURNALS ON MINTED

2011-11-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

Did you know that Minted now sells journals? They are customizable with your name or picture and you can choose blank or lined pages inside. Each design is available in a few colors and they make great holiday gifts. This is the one I designed for them, it's great for all the creative people in your life.

POSTER INSPIRED

2011-11-09T11:39:00.003-05:00

I love all of the Pixar movies so when I came across these minimalist posters representing some of my favorite movies, I was sold. By Poster Inspired, I also pinned them.

THE ZAKKA

2011-11-03T14:03:00.003-05:00

I think these coins purses and clutches by The Zakka are so cute. The bright, geometric pattern makes them so hip too. They're not bad price-wise, I might put these on my holiday list for either my sister or one of my girlfriends.

WEEKEND

2011-11-01T09:51:00.002-05:00

I hope you all had a beautiful holiday weekend. I know some parts of the country got snow and for that I am truly sorry. I spent the weekend in Tennessee for my family's annual cabin in the mountains weekend. The weather was very brisk but as you can see from the pictures, absolutely beautiful. It's always nice to catch up with cousins and just get away from regular life. I hope you all have a great Tuesday!

BLOODY HALLOWEEN INVITE

2011-10-20T13:16:00.002-05:00

I don't usually post about stationery other than mine but this invitation is so great I had to. By Biplane Press, found on the front page of Etsy.

HOLIDAY CARDS

2011-10-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Look, I know you don't want to hear this, or maybe you do but the truth is that the Holiday Season is upon us. Here is a sneak peak at my holiday collection for 2011. I hope you enjoy them and I hope this inspires you to get going on taking those pictures. I don't have one yet but I've been planning it so that counts right?

Check these out in the shop!

HAVE S'MORE

2011-10-17T08:40:00.002-05:00

Did you have a nice fall weekend? We did, we went to Nashville for the wedding of a college friend. It was at an observatory up on a hill and it was a perfect cool October night. It was so fun to get together with old college friends that we hardly see anymore. I can't lie, I was sad to see us all part ways again.

P.S. They gave out smores as the favor, how cute is that? Image via Pinterest, don't you just love Pinterest?

ON GOSSAMER WINGS

2011-10-11T08:12:00.006-05:00

I spotted these amazing wings on the front page of etsy today. They are handmade and hand glittered by On Gossamer Wings. I can think of lots of fun uses for these including a great butterfly costume for Halloween. How cute would a flower girl look in those white ones and a white tutu?

ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

2011-10-10T10:01:00.002-05:00

I hope you had a wonderful weekend, mine was jam packed. I took a quick trip up to Knoxville with my little brother to watch football and made it back on time yesterday to march with some friends in the Atlanta Pride Parade in downtown.

I have watched the parade many times but this was the first year I had the privilege of actually being in it. It is so overwhelming and fun. You kind of feel like a celebrity with everyone cheering and waving at you. It is something that I would love to be able to do every year, it's such a fun parade and festival. The whole downtown area just explodes with rainbow colors, loud music and lots and lots of dancing.

These are my favorite shots from the day. I wish I had gotten some of the incredible crowds that were there but it was so overwhelming when we go to that point, we were just trying to entertain. I even included some montages of my favorite costumes of the day, they are the best part.

MUSHROOM TURNOVERS

2011-10-07T11:03:00.003-05:00

I tried to make something like these the other night by making it up as I went along. I really should have just followed this recipe by Robin Miller from the Food Network.

Ingredients:

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
olive oil
2 shallots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups wild mushroom mix, chopped
4 tablespoons grated Romano cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Saute the shallots in oil until soft and add the garlic. Saute for another 30 seconds before adding the mushrooms.

2. Saute the mushrooms until soft and the liquid has been released. Let cool.

3. Unroll puff pastry on a flat surface. Roll pastry into a 14-inch square. Using a pizza cutter or a knife, cut pastry into 12 squares.

4. Top each square with mushrooms (about 1 heaping teaspoon each) and 1 teaspoon grated cheese. Wet 2 edges of each square with wet fingers and then fold over making a triangle. Press the edges together with a fork.

5. Place turnovers on a large baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until puffed up and golden brown.

**photo from Food Network**

HALLOWEEN 2011

2011-10-06T13:16:00.004-05:00

As I was perusing etsy, it seems like Black Swan may be a very popular costume this year. I'm thinking you could get the effect with a black leotard, a black tutu and some great make up. But if that's too much work for you, you could just buy this one by Deconstructress.

PS: If the blog looks a little wonky today it's only because I'm messing with it.

NEWLYWED STYLE

2011-10-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

A very lovely customer created a Wedding Card Box using my wrapping paper. She was kind enough to post the entire how to on her blog and share it with me on my facebook page. So hop over and check it out. Thanks Cassie!

RIGG ART

2011-10-04T08:49:00.003-05:00

Michelle Rigg (found via Hello Lucky) is an artist that is currently working on stitched wedding portraits on canvas. They're really cool, you should check them out. But while I was perusing her blog, I found this amazing little side project. She painted a small wall in her home with chalkboard paint and has been trying to do a new drawing every week. Chalkboard paint is everywhere right now and she does it right.

FLUX 2011

2011-10-03T10:01:00.003-05:00

What did you all do this lovely fall weekend? I hope it was as fun as mine. On Friday night, we went to Flux which I can only describe as the most wonderful art project I've ever seen, but the website does a much better job:

Flux Projects supports artists in creating innovative temporary public art throughout Atlanta. The organization produces new platforms for artistic experimentation that engage a broad audience in their daily lives, beyond the walls of traditional arts venues. We challenge artists to make exceptional, surprising work that inspires Atlanta and fosters an awareness of the richness and diversity of the city's creative culture.

Other than that, we watched football and relaxed. It's starting to get chilly here in the south which is always a big shock to me every year. Happy Fall!

PAPEL PICADO INVITATIONS ARE IN THE SHOP

2011-09-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Nole over at Oh So Beautiful Paper for letting the cat out of the bag. You can now order laser cut papel picado wedding invitations and save the dates. These are of course based on my personal marriage announcements. I have gotten many emails about ordering them since then and I have finally made it possible. You can get more information by contacting me or checking them out in my shop.

EVERYTHING IS JAKE

2011-09-28T08:53:00.002-05:00

Not only do I love Hawaii and the natural wonders depocited in these posters, but I love these poster designs. By Everything is Jake. They're reasonably priced at $18.

MINIFANFAN

2011-09-27T12:44:00.002-05:00

This washi tape keyboard by MiniFanFan is the cutest thing I've ever seen.

Oh, and their drawings are pretty wonderful too!

CHAIRS: FINISHED!

2011-09-21T11:02:00.000-05:00

Remember these chairs I found for my new dining room table? Wel1 I finally finished them. Here is the final result:

I spray painted them a dark gray and recovered the seats with a rich ikat fabric that I ordered online. And here they are in my new dining room. It's almost finished, I'm still working on the wall on the left side of the picture. I'm thinking of putting 1 large thing there instead of the 2 smaller ones. What do you think?

CELADON HOME GUEST BOOK ART

2011-09-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

I just came across this beautiful and unique guest book that is then turned into art for your home. They are by Celadon Home (thank you front page of etsy) and they will send out a little kit for you to have your guests sign the hearts and then you send them back and the hearts get turned into art. Genius!

They even make this rad photo heart art out of engagement pics that you can give as a gift to a friend getting married.

KATE'S PAPER GOODS

2011-09-19T07:50:00.002-05:00

These Floral Chalkboard Tags by Kate's Paper Goods are working with all the trends right now. They are so bright and extremely practical as well. All you have to do is wipe them down and you can use them again. She even does custom colors for weddings.

ROASTED TOMATOES WITH PASTA

2011-09-16T17:36:00.000-05:00

This is a great end of summer recipe. It is so simple and yet so incredibly delicious. And it's really 2-3 recipes for the price of one.

Ingredients:

For the tomatoes:
2 large tomatoes
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

For the pasta:
1 pound fresh pasta
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese
1 tablespoon capers (optional)
red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slices your tomatoes in quarter inch slices. Arrange them on a baking sheet or baking pan. Whisk together the oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and garlic. Pour evenly over your tomatoes.

2. Roast the tomatoes for about 30 minutes until they look like the ones pictured.

3. While the tomatoes are roasting, make the pasta. Cook the pasta to the packages instructions.

4. Meanwhile, in a large non-stick skillet, saute the garlic in all of the olive oil. Add red pepper flakes and capers (if using) at this point. Saute for just a few minutes. Don't burn your garlic.

5. Once your pasta is cooked, add it to your oil and garlic. Evenly coat the pasta and add your cheese, salt and pepper to taste. Toss the pasta until evenly incorporated.

6. Serve the pasta with 2 tomatoes placed gently on top of each serving. Enjoy.

Notes: This pasta is wonderful without the tomatoes too. The roasted tomatoes make a great and healthy burger (or veggie burger) topping in place of ketchup.

**Image via Thibeault's Table**

LINDA MONFORT

2011-09-13T13:00:00.000-05:00

I am so inspired by the bright, abstract paintings by Linda Monfort. Thank you Etsy for making her your featured seller so that I could find her lovely paintings. They're affordable too!

IN REMEMBERANCE

2011-09-11T17:21:00.003-05:00

Last year I shared my 9/11 story. You can read it here. It was simultaneously uneventful and life changing. At 20, I had never experienced a national tragedy. I didn't know that those types of terrible things could happen to our country. In a way I grew up that day and today, a decade later, I find myself missing the innocence of youth. Because once the bubble is shattered, you can never go back. But the sum of our life experiences, those personal and those shared, are what make us into the people we are. And I wouldn't trade them for anything because we are stronger for it all. Growth is gained from the things that scar us.

I hope you had a lovely weekend of remembrance. We had absolutely perfect weather here, much like I remember having 10 years ago. And we did the most American thing I can think of, we watched a lot of football.

**Images found on Creature Comforts**

STUFFED POBLANOS

2011-09-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

My husband LOVES chile rellenos at the mexican restaurant. He has become somewhat of a connoisseur. So we wanted to try something similar but without all the cheese and frying. I was going to improvise and then I found this recipe on Ezra Pound Cake. It looked good and simple and I had all the ingredients. I love it when that happens. It is actually a Martha Stewart originally and I think she did a pretty good job with this one.

Ingredients:

1 large can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes in puree (I used Pomi crushed tomatoes)
1 jalapeno, ribs and seeds removed, minced
2 small onions, diced
3 garlic cloves (2 whole, 1 minced)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 can (19 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained (we boiled our own)
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
1 teaspoon ground cumin
4 large poblano chiles

1.Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a blender, combine tomatoes in puree, jalapeno, half the onions, and 2 whole garlic cloves; puree. Season with salt. Pour sauce into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; set aside.

2. Roast your poblanos. Martha didn't recommend this but it adds flavor and cuts down on your cooking time in the oven. Cut then in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and ribs. Leave the stems

3. In a medium bowl, combine beans, cornmeal, 1/2 cup cheese, remaining onions, minced garlic, cumin, and 3/4 cup water; season with salt and pepper. (The mixture might look watery and not so appetizing. Forge ahead!)

4. Stuff poblano halves with bean mixture; place on top of sauce in baking dish. Sprinkle poblanos with remaining 1/2 cup cheese; cover dish with aluminum foil.

5. Bake poblanos until the onions are tender, about 30 minutes. Uncover, and continue to cook until sauce is thickened slightly and cheese is browned, 10 to 15 minutes more, rotating after 6 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes.

**Image via Ezra Pound Cake**

THANKS URBANIC!

2011-08-31T12:58:00.003-05:00

Check my bows out over on Parcel Post and at Urbanic. I just sent an order to them and Audrey was kind enough to write about my handfolded bows are her ever stylish blog. I am feeling like I'm in pretty good company right now. thanks!

SORRY FOR THE ABSENCE

2011-08-29T09:22:00.002-05:00

That was me last week, laying in bed/couch watching MadMen on Netflix. I had quite the stomach bug but I feel better now. I think the worst part about being sick is the slow recovery. I would start to feel better and expect the whole thing to be over the next day but it was slow going. Laying on the couch watching tv sounds like fun until you do it for a few days in a row. Anyways I'm back now and I hope you all had a better week than I did.

2012 CALENDAR IN THE SHOP!

2011-08-22T08:17:00.002-05:00

The calendars are now in the shop! You can get yours here and here for $18.

PATATAS BRAVAS

2011-08-19T07:11:00.003-05:00

I found this recipe in the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of VegNews Magazine. I just tried it for the first time the other night and these potatoes are SO yummy. We paired it with empanadas and a creamy dipping sauce and it was dinner. If you are tired of plain old roasted potatoes, you have to try these.

Ingredients:

1.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced (peeled if you like)
3 teaspoons Spanish Paprika, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
3 tablespoons mayonnaise (I used vegenaise)
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cube your potatoes. Toss the potatoes with 1/2 the olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet or pan. Roast until tender and brown, turning once. About 40 minutes. (the original recipe calls for 20 minutes but mine took longer)

2. Make your sauce while the potatoes are roasting. Heat the rest of the oil in a saucepan. Add onion and saute until tender. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, cayenne and remaining paprika.

3. Remove sauce from the heat and stir in mayonnaise and hot sauce. Toss your potatoes with the sauce, top with parsley and serve warm.

**Image via CookingChannel**

FREE CARDS FROM MINTED

2011-08-18T08:06:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Weddingbee. You should really check it out if you haven't yet. It's written by a collection of ever changing real brides about their wedding planning and experiences. Anywho, they were announcing that Minted is giving away 25 business cards to anyone who registers here. And Minted had chosen one of my business cards designs to advertise this promo. It's always fun to see your design pop up when you are expecting it. Isn't it so cute as a save the date? You can also get it as a traditional business card or calling card. You can see all of my designs available at Minted here. And don't forget to head over and get your free cards!

In addition Weddingbee is also offering their own giveaway with Minted. One reader has the chance to win $100 to spend at Minted. All you have to do is comment on this post. Good Luck!

CHAIRS: FOUND!

2011-08-17T14:22:00.002-05:00

So after I posted about my chair search I had to take my car in because I had run over a nail and needed a tire patched. One of the best furniture thrift stores in Atlanta is very close to the dealership so I stopped by to see if they had any stools. And guess what? They did.

So these stools are not perfect and they need a little work but they were only $50/for 4! The other stools we were looking at were $200/4 and those were the cheapest we could find. We're going to paint them and cover the seats. I don't know what color yet but I'm thinking dark.

Do you have any ideas?

VINTAGE FINDS BY COMOD CLASSICS

2011-08-16T07:57:00.004-05:00

I recently purchased a dining room table. Before that, our dining room was a sitting area. Little did I know that fining a table is the easy part and finding chairs is a pain. I have been looking for vintage or vintage inspired chairs for the past month or so but they can be so expensive. I'm still on the hunt and that hunt lead me to these lovely vintage finds by CoMod Classics. Their stuff is a little out of my price range, but they are oh so pretty. I just adore their vintage inspired clocks.

Once I find suitable chairs I'll be happy to share the little dining room I've been working on. Almost all the art has been hung on the walls and we've eaten dinner there practically every night since the table arrived. It's a big improvement over tv trays and watching tv while we eat. It feels so grown up.

LIVING WALLS CONFERENCE 2011

2011-08-15T09:59:00.004-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We went to the opening of the Living Walls Conference and it was amazing. Here is the purpose of the project from the website:

The idea behind Living Walls is to put the work of a very small subset of the population (street artists, graffiti writers, etc), people who actually interact with space, and people who spend their time in discourse about public space all under the same roof. Our intentions are simply to broadcast to the attendees a wide spectrum of ideas about public space, hoping that everyone leaves the event looking at the city, its walls, and how we interact with space differently.

The art was so great and so was the turn out. It makes me so happy to see people supporting the local art scene. It was hosted by The Goat Farm which is actually a goat farm in the city. But it is also a maze of decaying brick buildings that are mostly artist studios now. Events are held there and there is the most romantic coffee shop on the premises where someone is surely writing the next great novel.

pics by my phone.

VEGGIE SANDWICH

2011-08-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have never been a big fan of your basic sandwich, meat, cheese and tomato never did it for me. Once I began to limit my meat consumption, I started to crave sandwiches. I think that they are so simple and ubiquitous that I felt a little left out by not eating them. Now you can get a veggie sandwich just about anywhere some good and some very very bad. I have had lovely and delicious veggie sandwiches but more often I get an oily, soggy mess of a sandwich that has little flavor or one with raw veggies that is like a salad and offers little sustenance. So I made my own and it turned out great.

Ingredients: for 2 sandwiches

4 slices sourdough bread
2 portobello mushroom caps
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
pinch of oregano
salt & pepper
1 red pepper
sliced havarti
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (I used vegenaise)
1 teaspoon capers
siracha to taste
1 tomato

Directions:

1. Combine the olive oil, vinegar, oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slice the portobello caps into .5 inch thick slices. Place the slices side by side in an oven safe dish and pour the vinaigrette over the mushrooms. Place under the broiler for 5-7 minutes. Turn the mushrooms over and broil for another 5-7 minutes until they are cooked.

2. While the mushrooms are cooking, roast the red pepper. My husband always does this part so here is a step by step guide to doing it yourself. Feel free to use jarred peppers, I just love the fresh taste of roasting my own. Slice the roasted pepper.

3. Combine the mayonnaise and capers, making sure to squish the capers to release their flavor. Add siracha, salt and pepper to taste. If you don't like spice, leave out the siracha.

4. Slice the tomatoes and cheese. Toast the bread.

5. Assemble the sandwich. Spread one piece of bread with the mayonnaise mixture. On the other piece of bread, place a layer of mushrooms, then roasted red pepper, then tomatoes and lastly cheese. Put this piece of bread under the broiler to melt the cheese and then enjoy!

**Image via Whole Foods**

2012 DESK CALENDAR

2011-08-10T09:14:00.002-05:00

MARRIAGE EQUALITY PRINTS

2011-08-08T06:19:00.003-05:00

I am loving these prints created from her original watercolors by my friend Ashley of Fine Day Press. She describes her inspiration for creating these best. In her own words:

"This print was inspired by the landmark decision to legalize gay marriage in the great state of New York, with hopes that the rest of the country - if they haven't already - will follow suit. 10% of the profits of this print will be donated to Human Rights Campaign (www.hrc.org). "

ROASTED BEETS

2011-08-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure I hadn't ever had beets until a year or so ago. But they were offered up in a few veggie plates I ordered and each time I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I really like them. I still had no aspirations to cook them myself because I had no idea how. But then one night I was watching Oliver's Twist on Netflix, a seriously good cooking show, and he roasted beets. It was so easy, I made the decision to try it myself. And now I'm passing them on to you. They are so sweet and yummy and pretty darn good for you too.

Ingredients:

4 large beets
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Take the stems off your beets, I just tore them off. Wash them, cut off the ends and peel them with a vegetable peeler. Cut them into bite size pieces. Make sure you deal with beets on a plastic surface. They can dye any wood surface red.

2. In a baking dish with a lid (you can also use tin foil), mix the beets with the rest of the ingredients.

3. Cover and bake the beets for 45 minutes to an hour until they are fork tender. Enjoy!

Notes: Beets are a great with goat cheese sprinkled on top.

**Image via Daily Fill**

THANK YOU NOTES IN THE SHOP

2011-08-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

I just added these sweet little thank you notes to my shop. I only have a limited quality so pick some up while you can! $10/10 notes

PARKER'S FLOUR PATCH

2011-08-01T10:49:00.003-05:00

How amazing are these fondant creations by Jenny over at Parker's Flour Patch. She makes these incredible fondant toppers and decorations so all you have to do is bake a cake or cupcakes and use these little works of art to jazz them up. So easy for you and yet so impressive.

She even has some back to school designs, which are perfect since the kids around here go back in the next week. That also means that my husband will be going back to work tomorrow too. Where did the summer go?

JUICE

2011-07-29T17:36:00.003-05:00

I broke out my juicer this week in an attempt to detox from my trip to New Orleans and prepping for the trade show prior to that. Just like most people, when I get busy and stressed, I eat poorly and don't take care of myself as I should. I just made this juice and its so good!

Ingredients:

3 large carrots
1 cup spinach
3 stalks celery
1 nub of peeled ginger
1 green apple

Directions:

1. Wash all the veggies and fruit.

2.Trim the tops of the carrots and peel them.

3. De-stem the spinach.

4. Peel the ginger.

5. Core but do not peel the apple.

6. Juice all ingredients together with a juicer.

It's a great way to beat the heat and the ginger gives it a little kick!

**Image via Eat Weeds**

NOLA

2011-07-28T09:46:00.007-05:00

As promised, here are a few shots of our time in New Orleans. It rained most of the time we were there and while that made it difficult to take as many pictures as I would have liked, it kept it from being unbearably hot, just super humid.

Our friends and their dogs were lovely hosts and it was just the break that we needed. We ate, we drank, we toured the city and caught up with our very dear friends. Now that we realize how close it really is, we're already planning our return trip. I hear Mardi Gras is a good time to go . . . (especially when you have a free place to stay and locals to guide through the madness.)

DIY TABLECLOTH

2011-07-27T12:34:00.002-05:00

I made is back from New Orleans yesterday rested and a little in need of a detox. There is so much yummy food and drink in that city that I'm glad to be back at work. Pictures coming soon.

I just love this project by Hank & Hunt that I spotted on The Sweetest Occasion. (head there for all the steps) I even think you could freehand this one and it would be so fun for any type of party.

ATLANTA GIFT SHOW

2011-07-20T07:15:00.003-05:00

I just finished dismantling my booth last night, so the show is officially over and I am hopefully done with trade shows for the year. I don't know how people do 10+ a year. Doing 2 in one year nearly sent me over the edge.

I did enjoy the Atlanta Show, I got to share a booth with my good buddies from NSS and we had a great time together. I learned a lot and got some great new ideas.

I know that I've been a bad little blogger and I promise to be better because I have SO many fun goodies to show you. But right now, I'm packing my bags and heading to New Orleans for a much needed vacation. I"ll be back next week with fun stuff to share.

THATS TODAY!

2011-07-15T05:43:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to pop in to let you know that I'm exhibiting at the Atlanta Gift Show through Tuesday. Here are a few phone pics of set up. I'll be back with some good shots. Wish me luck!

UNITED THREAD

2011-07-08T06:29:00.002-05:00

I just pinned this lovely print by United Thread.

I'm heading out of town for a family weekend. Even though I'm taking work with me, I hope I can squeeze in a little R&R in preparation for my next trade sho which starts in 1 week. Yikes!

AVIE DESIGNS GIVEAWAY

2011-07-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Head over to Beryl Lynn for a chance to win some goodies from my shop! Your have until the 8th to enter. She's also giving away lots of other fun stuff too!

WOOD CLUTCHES

2011-07-06T00:32:00.002-05:00

I hope you all had a lovely holiday weekend. I did a lot of work and played a little. Our fireworks were rained out and rescheduled for September. But we had a nice day with friends and food by the pool when it wasn't storming.

I just love these clutches by Nada Sawaya out of New York. I spotted them on Poppytalk.

ON FATHERHOOD

2011-06-28T11:28:00.002-05:00

Cup of Jo, one of my favorite blogs, had a lovely little post about being a first time father. Joanna and her husband had a their first baby about a year ago and he goes through his thoughts on fatherhood before and after actually becoming a father. It's fascinating.

Can I apologize again for staying away so long? I am terribly busy preparing for yet another trade show and am just trying to make it through the days right now. I promise to try to check in more often and I really can't wait to show you all the wonderful things I've been working on.

MY WEEKEND

2011-06-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

For father's day, we went to Tennessee to visit with family. Here are a few shots from the weekend. My sister in law's family has a farm so we got some good shots there. How pretty are donkeys?

I don't think farm living is for me but it sure is beautiful up there.

MY DADDY

2011-06-21T08:35:00.003-05:00

Okay, yes, I am 2 days and subsequently 2 dollars short on this one but my excuse is that I was visiting my dad for Father's Day in Tennessee.

I am my Dad's only child and since my parent's have been divorced since about as long as I can remember, I went to visit him on the weekends. I got to be an only child every weekend and whenever we went on vacation together. I'm not sure if that is why we are so much alike or if it's biology, but we are.

My Daddy, (yes I am a 30 year old woman with a husband, a house and a company and I still say "daddy" and I suppose I always will) and I have the same temperament, the same outlook on life and we order the same thing at restaurants. (we did it this weekend)

He taught me the rules of football and to love the excitement, rivalry and traditions of the game. He taught me about photography and capturing a moment. He showed the beauty and grace of Hawaii. He got me hooked on the mystery that was Lost. He is constantly teaching me about things my iphone can do. He taught me how to take care of a car. He makes the most delicious, mouthwatering desserts you have ever tasted. His bing cherry pie is my current favorite. He loves to give thoughtful gifts.

My Daddy is one of those people that is genuinely happy for other people when they are happy and doing something they love. He taught me that happiness is largely a choice you make when you get up in the morning and he chooses happiness every day. He chooses to continue to try new things and sees change as a positive thing.

He is one of those people that everyone likes. I've never met anyone that didn't have great things to say about him, he has that affect on people. (it probably doesn't hurt that he often comes bearing dessert.)

Hope you had a great Father's Day to all the dads out there!

STELLA CAKE

2011-06-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

I did try a recipe for this week but it was not a complete success. I thought about giving it to you anyways with the changes that I'm going to try next time but that wouldn't really be right, sending you to make something that I'm not sure is good. But I guess that's what I'm doing anyways. I spotted this recipe on Apollinas and it was inspired by a Stella McCartney dress. It looks amazing and sounds like it tastes pretty darn good too. Dad's like cakes, even if they look like this right?

Citrus Cake with Lemon Curd Filling and Orange Lemon Icing

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pans2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the pans
grated zest of 2 oranges
grated zest of two lemons
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup whole milk
Blood oranges*, regular oranges, lemons, limes and mint for to arrange on top of the cake

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Butter two 8″, 9″ or 10″ round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment, butter again, and dust with flour, tapping out the excess. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

2. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in the grated zest of the oranges and lemons. Beat in the vanilla, then the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

3. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in 3 additions and the milk in 2 additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined (don’t over mix).

4. Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, leveling the top of each with a large spoon or rubber spatula. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes for 8-inch pans, 22 to 25 minutes for 9-inch pans and 20 to 22 minutes for a 10 inch pan. Cool the cakes in the pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.

Transfer one of the cooled cakes to a plate and spread with the lemon curd. Top with the remaining cake and refrigerate to set, 30 minutes. Spread the top and sides with the frosting.

Lemon Curd Filling (adapted from RealSimple)

Ingredients

4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
pinch kosher salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Directions:

1. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest and juice, and salt. Add the butter. Set the bowl over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture has thickened to the consistency of mayonnaise, 12 to 15 minutes.

2. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Place a piece of parchment or wax paper directly on the surface of the lemon curd and refrigerate until completely cool, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Fresh Orange Lemon Frosting

Ingredients

2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 pound confectioners’ sugar (about 3 3/4 cups), sifted
pinch kosher salt

Directions:

1. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and lemon zest on high until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the orange juice. Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add the sugar, then the salt, and beat until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Ice the cake!

*I went to three different stores in order to find blood oranges… since the cakes were already made and I needed to decorate it… I just bought regular oranges and improvised with red food coloring. I’m sorry! I had to do it… I had no idea how unobtainable blood oranges could be!

**Images and recipe via Apollinas**

GUEST BLOGGER SERIES

2011-06-16T07:13:00.002-05:00

My last (sniff, sniff) guest post is up on Indie Fixx! It has been so fun blogging about one large topic. I had been wanting to do this series for a while and am so thankful for Jen for being such a great and considerate host. I can't wait to think up my next series . . .

12 BOOKS & ?? MONTHS::UPDATE

2011-06-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed that the updates have been few and far between lately. I hadn't been reading in the months leading up to the National Stationery Show. I was barely sleeping so there was no time to read.

But I finally picked up Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stout at the library. I'm about halfway through the novel of short stories featuring the same people of a small Maine town and last night I read a passage that made me cry it was so lovely.

It's a pretty quick read so I'll have the post-book wrap up fairly soon and hopefully onto the next book before work takes over.

THE JOY OF COLOR

2011-06-13T09:15:00.003-05:00

The lovely watercolors of summer veggies are brightening my Monday, so I thought I'd share them with you so they can brighten yours too. By Yeal Berger out of Tel Aviv, Israel.

I have a big deadline this week that I'm working towards and then I promise I'll get some pics up of all the shiny new stuff I've been working on. Have a good one!

"THE BEST PANCAKES I'VE EVER HAD"

2011-06-10T07:55:00.003-05:00

That is how my husband described these pancakes as we were eating them. I've had a lot of pancakes in my day and I'm not sure I can commit to that statement. I seem to remember some banana pancakes that I had in Hawaii being pretty darn good, or was it the fact that I ate them in Hawaii? Anyways, these do happen to be vegan pancakes but they are SO good. I got the recipe from Veganomicon and adjusted it a tiny bit.

Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/4 cup soy milk
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 cup fresh blueberries
butter or oil to grease the pan

Directions:

1. Sift the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, combine all the wet ingredients. Add the wet to dry and mix until just incorporated. (the less mixing the better when making pancakes or they will be tough) Fold in the blueberries.

3. Grease a non-stick pan and heat to medium high heat. Cook pancakes until brown on the bottom and bubbles form on top, about 4 minutes. Resist the urge to flip them before you get bubbles on the top. Patience is key.

4. Flip with a spatula and cook until the other side is brown.

5. Top with additional blueberries, powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Notes: I had to add more flour than the original recipe called for because the batter was too thin. I think this flavor combo is so great that if you wanted to make this easy on yourself (even though these were pretty darn simple) you could just add lemon zest and blueberries to good ole' Bisquick too. But because of the cornmeal, these come out a little more spongy than fluffy but I think that's what makes them so good.

**Image via Positively Beauty**

CHECKING IN

2011-06-08T07:58:00.002-05:00

I just popping in with a kitty photo today. I've been super busy working on post National Stationery Show follow up, shipping orders and getting ready for my next trade show which is next month here in Atlanta.

I am working on some fun stuff to show you guys. I just have to get the photos taken. But my kitty loving on our Friedrich Nietzsche doll was too cute not to share.

VOTE ON MINTED AND WIN!

2011-06-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Voting just opening for the Minted Holiday Card Challenge. These are the 2 of my submissions that made it through the first round to the voting round. So go to Minted and vote for these to be sold (and any other designs you like) and I can win big prizes. But so can you! This time around, if you vote for at least 50 designs, you are automatically entered to win $500 towards a Minted purchase. 10 additional winners will be picked to win a Minted T-shirt. It's a win-win for everyone.

But you have to vote by 5pm PST today, that's when the contest closes.

SCANDAL!

2011-06-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

I had no idea when I posted about Tru.Che the other day that she was part of a rather popular internet scandal. She claims that Urban Outfitters copied her idea for a jewelry design and now sell it in their stores. You can read her original post about it here.

And you can read Megan Auman's take on it here.

I just wanted to say a little something on the issue. I have posted about this in the past. And largely my stance is the same but I have had my own run in with plagiarism lately and felt the personal sting.

I still believe that copiers will never have the long term success that innovative, creative people will, but I also believe that you should do everything that is within your right to protect your intellectual property. I was lucky, the people that used my design were fairly small time and had made no money off the design by the time I requested that they remove it from their product offering. I think it is much more egregious to be copied by a major corporation that has the resources to promote, produce and sell the design in a way that the smaller company cannot.

In short, if UO did copy Tru.Che's idea, I think it's just wrong. Megan Auman may have a legal bone to pick about it, but just because something is legal does not make it right.

SAVANNAH

2011-06-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

I took a mini-break to Savannah last week with my husband. He had just gotten out of school for the summer and I had returned from The National Stationery Show in one piece and we needed a break. I have to say that the worst part about working from home is that you can always work and I tend to stress when I'm not working. So getting out of town is essential to relaxing.

We spent 2 nights in Savannah and it was super-hot. 97 each day and not a cloud in sight. We had some good food. I highly recommend Goose Feathers for breakfast, Zunzi's for lunch, Ruan Thai Restaurant for dinner and The Distillery for good beer selection. We also got the coldest beer I've ever had at Six Pence Pub.

We stayed at The Inn at Ellis Square which we got a great deal on but was pretty standard and old. The location couldn't have been better though. We toured The Mercer-Williams House and saw the exiting exhibit at the Telfair Art Museum for free.

It was just the little getaway that we needed.

GUEST BLOGGER SERIES

2011-06-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

My next to last guest post for Indie Fixx went live yesterday. Next time I'll be talking about post-show follow up which is what I'm up to these days.

FATHER'S DAY!

2011-05-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

Father's Day cards are now in the shop!

TRU.CHE

2011-05-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

I think these necklaces by Tru.Che are so lovely and simple. I've chosen a few places I love and shared them here. I also think it would be so cute to wear the heart earrings with your state or country necklace.

RICOTTA & LEMON PASTA

2011-05-27T08:18:00.003-05:00

When I was in NYC for the show, we didn't really have time for many activities other than eating dinner. Which, as you may know, is a huge activity in New York. We met up with a friend of mine from college and he promised to take us to the best Cuban restaurant in the world. Apparently this place no longer exists so we moved on to plan B. We went to Chelsea Market and found a tiny restaurant there where I had one of the best pastas of my life. Luckily for me, it was so simple that recreating it at home was a breeze.

Ingredients:

fresh fettuccine
1 cup ricotta cheese
olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
the zest from one lemon
the juice from one lemon
1 cup peas
1/4 cup chopped, fresh mint
salt and pepper to taste
red pepper flakes to taste

Directions:

1. Boil your pasta. While it's boiling, saute your garlic in olive oil.

2. Add your lemon zest to your garlic and oil along with the red pepper flakes.

3. Once the pasta is cooked, add all other ingredients to the pan with the garlic and toss until incorporated. You can add a little of the starchy cooking water to turn the ricotta into more of a cream sauce or you can leave it out.

4. That's it, it's so simple and so good.

Notes: The original restaurant pasta also had pancetta as an ingredient but I asked for it to left out. So definitely add pancetta if you like, I'm sure it's super yummy.

**Image via Once Upon a Plate**