my lunch

This is what I whipped up for lunch today, and it was tasty enough that I thought it was worth sharing.

ingredients

• 1 can Wild Planet Skipjack Tuna (I like this brand + variety because this brand uses cans with BPA-free lining and skipjack tuna has no mercury)
• 1 stalk of celery, finely diced
• 1/2 apple, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons soy-free Veganaise
• 2 teaspoons German mustard
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste
• baby spinach
• 1/2 avocado, chopped.
• 1/4 cooked quinoa

Mix together tuna through salt and pepper to make tuna salad. Arrange some baby spinach on a plate, top with quinoa, place tuna salad on top of that, and toss avocado on top.

And, it's Friday! This weekend is supposed to be hotter and more humid than I like, but luckily John helps me tremendously by getting out there with me on some runs. We will spend Easter with our grandma (John's grandma).

Hope you have a lovely spring, Easter weekend!

white + wood

a collection of some white + wood interiors that I just absolutely love...

:: 1 :: 2 :: 3 :: 4 :: 5 :: 6 :: 7 :: 8 :: 9 ::

Who isn't on Pinterest these days? I pinned all these beautiful rooms and spaces on Pinterest. Do you follow along with me on there?

everyday palette :: pink peacock feathers :: 43

{image source}

animals of tweek studio

On my baby's nursery inspiration board, I had included Ursa Bear from Tweek Studio ... my sweet mom purchased the Ursa Bear for me/baby off of my baby registry. It came earlier this week, and Ursa is beautiful!

I love the whole "zoo"of animals for Tweek Studios including their fitting names.

These solid Beech wood animals are absolutely gorgeous and I feel like they are the kind of toys that a child would keep forever, and perhaps even pass down to their children.

Tweek Studio's animals are available on their website and they also sell some awesome solid wood robots as well.

logo design :: sleeping beauty ranch

Back in January, I shared a little bit about my process of designing a logo. I just wrapped up another logo design project and I thought I would share it as well.

My client contacted me to design a logo for her wedding and events business/property. She and her husband have a beautiful property in Animas Valley near Durango, Colorado which can be reserved for weddings and events. She had a great website but was not happy with the logo that was on it as a "placeholder". So she contacted me to design a logo for use on her website, as well as for use in other marketing materials.

The feel of the logo needed to fit Colorado, mountains, rustic, etc. but she also wanted it to feel modern. It needed to be appropriate for not only the wedding side of the business, but also for the corporate event side of the business.

Here are some of the initial designs that we tossed around.

Interestingly, the logo took on a decidedly western feel, and most of the concepts had a rustic, yet modern feel.

We refined the logo to this design, which is now installed on her website along with a new favicon.

Along with a neutral color, we also added some woodgrain. The logo has a transparent background so that despite the woodgrain, it still maintains its transparency to the images that rotate on the home page behind the navigation bar on the left.

The logo has two versions for use outside of the website; a white/transparent background version and a dark background version. Depending on the application of the logo, one or the other can be used.

I love the way this logo turned out. I would love to design some business cards around these beauties now! I am thinking kraft paper could be absolutely beautiful...

floor plans

Sometimes I think I may have missed my calling as an architect ... as a kid I loved to draw house floor plans, designing countless homes and apartments with furniture placed inside. So, when I came across these floor plans by Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde, I was smitten. Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde has drawn, in beautiful detail, the floor plans to some of TV's most recognizable homes and apartments.

{images from Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde's DeviantArt page :: found via The Jealous Curator}

I have put Dexter's apartment, the Three's Company apartment, the FRIENDS' apartments, and Carrie Bradshaw's apartment above. But to really appreciate them you must see them in detail. Some of the other notables are the Golden Girls' home, Frasier's apartment, and Sienfeld's apartment.

Check out Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde's work here.

custom design :: garden baby shower invitation

I was going to wait to share these later this week, but I just could not wait ... I have some more custom baby shower invitations to share with you. As I mentioned last week, it has been baby shower invitation season. In addition to my own shower invitations, I have worked on several other custom designs including these and these that I shared.

I have another fun design to share today ... a design I am calling "garden baby"... this design was inspired by the style of illustration I had done for some other designs, namely these holiday cards, these holiday cards, and this wedding shower invitation. My client loved the whimsical style of those foliage and floral cards and wanted a spring-y, baby shower version. I had actually been wanting to pursue a design like that for a while anyways so it was perfect timing.

When there is a design or style I have already completed, it is a great way for clients to commission a custom design, but save a little money on  design time. Modifying an existing design or style saves a significant amount of time over starting from scratch. This design was a little more involved, because many flower elements of the illustration were all new but some were used from previous illustrations, and just having such a clear direction to begin with saves a lot of time.

We tried several colorways for the invitations, and my client ended up choosing the pink, yellow, orange (top) version with white background and pink envelopes. However, out of the other color combinations we tried, I also loved the gray, blue, and yellow colorway (bottom) so I kept it around as an option now that I am offering these for customization and purchase in my Etsy shop.

I am just smitten with this design {not to toot my own horn}, and I think it would translate beautifully into bridal shower invitations, birthday invitations, wedding invitations, birth announcements, etc... So, hopefully I will expand this design into one or more of those occasions as well {I am sincerely hoping someone gives me a reason to soon!}.

Visit my Etsy shop to customize and purchase these invitations.

almond pulp granola

Makin' almond milk makes a lot of almond pulp ... and along with the almond crackers I shared the recipe for last week, I wanted to find more uses for my pulp.

John loves granola, so I went in search of a granola recipe where I could use my pulp. I came upon this recipe and modified it to our liking.

ingredients:

• ⅔ cup almond pulp, lightly packed {reserved from making almond milk}
• ¼ cup + a little more slivered almonds
• ¼ cup + a little more chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons coconut, shredded and unsweetened
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 3 tablespoons honey
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• little less than ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

method: 

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Spread the almond pulp on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes to dry out the almond pulp a little. Keep parchment lined cookie sheet handy.

Turn up the oven temperature to 325 degrees.

In a bowl mix the pre-baked almond pulp, almonds, walnuts, coconut, salt, and cinnamon.

In another bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, honey, and vanilla.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add more nuts if the mixture seems too wet; conversely, add a little more coconut oil and honey in very small amounts if it seems too dry.

Spread mixture on parchment lined cookie sheet (same one as earlier). Bake for 15 minutes. Toss and turn granola. Continue to bake, checking in 10 to 15 increments, until golden brown and crunchy. Watch closely as to not burn your granola.

Transfer to a plate to cool.

We enjoy this granola over organic greek yogurt for a snack or over ice cream for dessert. I store my granola in an uncovered bowl on the counter; here in Florida, if I put it in a container it gets moist {damn humidity!}. If you live in a drier climate, you may want to store it in an airtight container.

designer resumes

A do or a don't? That's a good question. In the design/art world I have read that it is acceptable, even encouraged, to put your personal touch on your resume. But what about for other industries? My inclination is to think that it depends; it depends which industry we are talking about.

There is so much information out there about writing a good resume, the importance of a good resume, how to make your resume stand out, etc. It is actually quite overwhelming, and, I think, a lot of pressure to make your resume "great". It is quite daunting, but starting with the basics {what every resume should have} and then putting a personal stylistic touch on it certainly doesn't seem like a bad idea.

I personally like the idea. A few months ago, I spruced up my own resume. I updated the information on it, but also gave it a deluxe design treatment. I had a friend inquire about my services to do the same for hers; I am totally game for that project. For fun, {because what else does a graphic designer do for fun other than make designs for herself + explore designs floating in her head?} I vamped up John's resume, too.

As you can see the two designs {my resume and John's} are decidedly different, dictated by the very different kind of work John and I do. I think both accomplish the same job as a simple black and white resume, but perhaps they do a little more, too. Mine is a little more colorful, whereas John's incorporates grays instead of just B&W. I included a photo on John's to try that out {another element that makes me wonder - is that a do or a don't?}. Furthermore, both keep in mind all that stuff from "resume 101", such as:

• include name, contact information, objective, education, skills, and experience
• keep things simple, readable, scannable, and to one page

I think it is also important, when writing your resume, to keep the following in mind, which comprises my knowledge on that whole "writing a good resume" bit:

• don't use a Microsoft Word template; maybe don't even use Word ... even if you are going to go the tricked out route like me, maybe still layout your resume in InDesign or Illustrator 
• don't lie {uh, duh}
• use proper grammer, spelling, punctuation, etc. {this is a duh like above}
• keep things relevant and tailor your resume to the particular position you are applying for ... that means editing the "objective" for each position you apply for, as well as re-ordering your skill set to match up which skills would be most prized for a particular position
• don't do cheap photocopies and if possible print it up or have it printed up on nice paper
• don't reinvent the wheel ... keep things in a predictable format; I am doubting a prospective employer will take time to decipher the organization and layout of your resume
• give some thought to the cover letter, tailoring it to the position you are applying for {there's a whole other can of worms - writing a good cover letter...}

What are your thoughts on this resume stuff? 

custom design :: baby shower invitation

It must be baby shower season! Inquiries, orders, and custom orders on baby shower invitations have been at an all time high for me lately {some evidence here and here for starters}. I have another to share today and more in the pipeline to share soon.

This design was a custom design I just finished up. I love the bright, cheery colors - golden yellow-orange, poppy orange, and bright sky blue.

For the envelope, I did a custom return address stamp and red ink to match the color palette. The hostess planned to hand-letter the address on the envelopes in white paint pen {don't yet have a photo of that to share}.

Check out more of my baby shower invitation and baby announcements here.

true boyfriend jeans

I have to admit, I thought the boyfriend jeans trend was on the way out. But, I keep seeing the trend pop up in fashion magazines and being mentioned as one of "the looks" for spring. Fine with me, I liked the trend, so I am perfectly fine with being proven wrong.

I liked the look when I wasn't pregnant, and I feel like this is a look that might work for me while I am pregnant, too. Indeed, I tried on some AG maternity jeans in the boyfriend style, and I liked them. But, I don;t want to buy too many maternity jeans ... I only plan on being pregnant this once and designer jeans are just as expensive as regular jeans. So, I thought I would go a little more authentic and get a real-life, true pair of boyfriend jeans ... as in buy a pair of men's jeans.

I have always loved Nudie Jeans, and have a pair of their women's jeans. So, when I got an email last week about a collection of Selvage replicas that Nudie was doing I was all over it. I settled on the Nudie Lab Tim 29 pair, and they are winging their way to me from Sweden as we speak. And, here is what I plan to wear with them...

One of my wardrobe staples is the James Perse Daily Tank. It is the perfect amount of stretch, holds its shape, and comes in tons of colors. Black is, of course, my favorite - are you surprised? And, this tank fits so kick ass even now when I am 6 1/2 months pregnant; it remains a wardrobe staple. {You can see me wearing this tank when I wasn't pregnant here ... actually those are my Nudie women's jeans, as well.}

As you know, I am a scarf lover ... I am not a big accessorize-r other than a couple pieces of understated jewelry {wedding band + gold necklace} and scarves. Scarves just make so much sense anywhere - if it is cold of course, but also in warmer climes where it is hot outside but chilly from A/C inside. I just discovered Block Shop Textiles recently, and I LOVE their hand-dyed Indian scarves. My first inclination was to go for a red/coral one {omg love the red + arrows!}, but this blue herringbone one caught my eye and I don't have a blue scarf yet {I swear!}.

I will most likely pair this look with my trusty Tkees or Sam Edelman's. After the price tag on the jeans and the scarf, my budget is blown for getting some new sandals. But, I thought something a little off the beaten path like these Steve Madden Jovile sandals would look cute.

If I weren't pregnant, I might pair a cute belt with this look ... I like this Linea Pelle Nico Stud belt. But, that'll will have to wait because belts aren't much of an option when this is happening {no waist!}.

And, lastly, my last accessory of choice - sunglasses.

Nudie Lab Tim 29 :: James Perse Daily Tank :: Block Shop Textiles Blue Herringbone Scarf :: Steve Madden Jovile sandals :: Linea Pelle Nico Stud belt :: Ray Ban Tortoise Shell Wayfarers

For all of you in colder climates, I am sure you are very ready for the Spring weather to make its appearance so you can put away your boots and bring out your sandals. Although Florida's winter weather was basically like summer and I missed having a true winter, I do love warm weather clothes!

What will you be wearing this Spring?

custom design :: oh hello baby shower invitation

Look familiar? Remember the March 2013 digital desktop calendar I designed for the monthly collab I am doing with Blog a la Cart? Well, someone loved this calendar design so much she had me turn it into baby shower invitations!

I changed up the typefaces from the calendar and added a little heart illustration.  The result is a baby shower invitation that doesn't feel too baby-ish ... in fact, I think this design would work well for lots of occasions - bridal shower, birthday party, save the dates...

As usual I had some fun with the envelopes! I did wrap around labels similar in concept to the ones I did on my shower invitation.

This design is now also up for customization and purchase in my Etsy shop!

almond milk + almond crackers

I had been meaning to for quite a long time, and last week I finally did it. I made my own almond milk. It was easier than I expected; easier in the sense that it really didn't take a lot of time and didn't make a big mess. Once you have the supplies (ingredients + you need a nut milk bag) and you do the tiny bit of prep work (soak almonds overnight in the fridge), the rest is easy.

{image courtesy of Oh She Glows}

I followed this recipe from Oh She Glows, made a slightly larger batch, and tweaked things to my taste ... so here is what I used:

• 1.5 cups organic almonds (soaked overnight and then rinsed and drained)
• 5.25 cups filtered water
• 5 pitted Medjool dates, roughly chopped
• 1.5 vanilla beans, chopped

I placed all the ingredients in my Vitamix and blended for about a minute. Then holding the nut milk bag over a large bowl, I poured the mixture in. Because I made a larger batch, I had to half of the mixture first and then the second. I squeezed the milk out of the bag and it ended up in the bowl. I rinsed my Vitamix, poured the milk into the Vitamix and then transferred it to a container (this step just made it easier to pour into my container). 

Some of the "special" equipment or ingredients you may need:

• nut milk bag
• vanilla beans - these are expensive at Whole Foods and most grocery stores, so I recommend buying from a spice store or in bulk; I ordered some from Spicely sold through amazon.com 
• jar for storing milk in the fridge - I love this Bormioli Rocco one (like the one pictured above) that I got from the Container Store, but you can also get a set of 12 on amazon.com

{image courtesy of Edible Perspective}

So, then you are left with the almond pulp after making the milk and there are many uses for it ... you will see that Oh She Glows recommends a few in her post. However, I came across this post on Edible Perspective with a recipe for almond pulp crackers. I decided to make them with my pulp... my first batch I followed Edible Perspective's recipe and wasn't thrilled with the results. So I tweaked a few things and here is the recipe that I came up with that I love:

•  about 3/4 to 1 cup almond pulp
• 1.5 ripe bananas, mashed well with a fork
• 2-3 tablespoons roasted, creamy almond butter
• salt to taste

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Then, spread the "dough" out on to a parchment lined baking sheet - spread it as thin as possible. Score the dough to make a grid of about 1"x1" squares. Bake at 300 degrees for about one hour flipping every 15 to 20 minutes.

My crackers didn't dehydrate fully, so not all of them are crunchy. They are delicious nonetheless with some homemade almond milk and sliced banana. YUM!

custom design :: burnett wedding announcements

I finished these wedding announcements for my dear friends Kristin and Chris just about a week ago. After getting married in a very private ceremony {we are talking just them} in December, they wanted to send out announcements to their family and friends. With a Colorado, cabin, mountain theme, Kristin and Chris are announcing their wedding to the world and sharing a few candid and romantic photos on the announcement, as well.

On the back of the announcement, Kristin and Chris had a letter to their family and friends to share more details about their special day.

Kristin came to me with a rough idea of wanting to incorporate photos from their wedding day and including elements that would evoke the place of their nuptials - the family cabin in the Colorado mountains. To accomplish this feel, I used some hand-lettered looking typefaces.  I also worked in a subtle woodgrain pattern for the background. The snowflakes and mountain-scape hint at  the snowy day in mountains as well. The color palette was dictated by Kristin's flowers, which we absolutely gorgeous winter whites, grays, and purples {flowers were by Verda Fleur in Durango, Colorado}.

In addition to the announcement, Kristin and Chris needed a small, accompanying invitation for the celebration they are having back east this spring. The announcement will arrive to family and friends back east with the invitation tucked inside ... for their Colorado friends and "family" just an announcement will go out for now, and an eventual invitation will be mailed when the Colorado celebration has been planned.

The announcement and invitation were both digitally printed

It was such a pleasure to work on this wedding announcement + invitation suite for Kristin and Chris. I was so excited to capture their special day for them in this small way for them to share their wedding day with the world!

australian reno

{photos courtesy of Australian Home & Garden}

I was blown away by this beautiful renovation of a home in Australia as featured in Australian Home & Garden. The focus is on indoor-outdoor spaces, and I especially love how this is accomplished in the kitchen. Also in the kitchen, I am loving the Carrara marble {and of course the Eames chairs, too}. I love the warm wood floors and stark white walls throughout, too. You'll also notice the porcelain tiles on the wall that look like limestone - gorgeous!

the classics :: a round-up

{visit my Pinterest board for image sources}

It is no secret ... my favorites are jeans and a tee {here's my version} ... so it is only fitting that I have a Pinterest board dedicated to images of ladies wearing this uniform well. It is humbly comprised of only these photos so far, but you can bet I will pin more to it!

everyday palette :: emily green watercolors :: 42

{image emily green via freut cake blog}

welcome to march :: blog a la cart collab

Just like for January and February, I am collaborating with Ashley over at Blog a la Cart to bring a digital desktop calendar to her readers every month in 2013 ... since today is March 1st, the new calendar is up on her blog. Hope you like it!

Head over to Blog a la cart to download the new desktop calendar!