Beautiful Pictures to Come

I have been absent a camera for about 6 months. It's strange...when I was in high school I didn't leave home without it. It was sort of like a cell phone.

And then the cell phone came...and I didn't have enough room.

Until now.

Jim and I just splurged and got a Leica D-LUX 3. It's a beautiful camera that takes amazing photos. The photos look more like photos from an SLR than a point and shoot.

Jim was in a band last year and the photographer used this camera for the entire shoot. The pictures turned out amazing.

Here's to capturing more memories (beautifully)!

Finding a Theme

A good friend of mine has asked me to help her with "everything paper" for her wedding.
When I got married, that was my favorite part. From the invitations, to the save the date, to the menus and the programs - I loved it! Now that I'm trying my hand at design, I want to build up my portfolio. What a perfect way!
My advice for her was to pick a 'theme' to guide us through since all the elements of the wedding haven't been decided on. I had a monogram on my invitations that was used several more time at the wedding. I think it gives a great sense of balance.
That isn't to say that you can't go all over the board when working with your stationery! My save the date cards were VERY funky, but my invitations were traditional.
Here are a few monograms I was working on to help her not only find a theme, but for us to find the Style of the wedding.

What do you think? Have any favorites?

Corn on the Mind

When Jim and I went to New York this past December, we were lucky enough to have a local take us around - our friend Joel. Our trip had some 'touristy' activities, but it was mostly comprised of meeting Joel's interesting music friends from NYU, shopping, finding cool bars and finding amazing restaurants. One of the restaurants that Joel took us to was Cafe Habana.

I was expecting a large restaurant with classic mexican food. Oh no. I was wrong. And I was so happy that I was!

We waited in the FREEZING cold for 45 minutes until we were finally sat in this cramped little Cuban-Mexican, loud restaurant. Our table was tiny and the four of us were constantly trying to find room for all our plates and drinks. It started off with a bang.

Joel explained that they were known for their corn on the cob. Who's known for their corn on the cob? And how can you make corn on the cob that interested?

It was amazing.

I have been dreaming of that corn on the cob since that fateful night on Price Street....until I found the cuban-style recipe on Martha Stewart's Blueprint Blog.

For the recipe visit Martha Stewart. I can't wait to make it this weekend!

Barrett Johnson

I'm a huge music lover. From working in the radio industry, to having a musician hubby...I'm surrounded.

I have also become hard to please.

An old friend from high school has recently found a comfy place in my heart. His music is beautiful, mellow...and always interesting to listen to. He's a mix between Ryan Adams and Jeff Buckley. He's really good.

He sent me his CD in the mail today and I can't stop listening to it. Take a listen to Barrett Johnson and support a really good local artist.

You won't be disappointed.

Myles of Style

Our kitchen is in desperate need of some designer love. I think I'm out of my league trying to design that space. I'm into colors, furniture and lighting...but not square-footage and inches. It's too detailed...with much too much to lose!
I was on HGTV the other day and noticed that Myles of Style was casting for their new season. I thought, why not.
And you know....they just came out to the house today to do a camera interview with us. We picked a week in July for them to come for the remodel and taping. So we'll see if we make it! It sounds really positive!
Wish us luck!

First Job!

So, I have been working on things I can do on the side....maybe turn it into a full time job when I get prego. Well, I have been learning Illustrator and I really have been enjoying it. Since I come from the business mind, I thought working graphic design for business cards and letterhead would be a good place for me to start.

Well, I had my first job and I'm really happy with the way it turned out! And so is my client!

Check it out. (The size of the jpg didn't really translate...both images are business card size and the blue goes all the way to the edge)





Thoughts? Suggestions? Criticism?

Work Space

After Jim moved his studio out of the house, we found ourselves with an extra room. Imagine that!?
We were originally thinking to turn the back bedroom (the room that has been acting as the studio) into our shared office and keep the guest bedroom the same.
After much discussion, we realized that it would make the most sense to turn the guest room into the shared office. Jim wanted both a piano and a desk, and it just wouldn't fit in the studio room.
We finally have finished the office makeover and I LOVE it. It's a great space to focus on work....plus Jim can play me beautiful tunes on the piano!
Here are a couple "after" snapshots!

Curb Appeal

I have really been wanting to change up the front of our house. We have the worst looking stucco that covers our house. It's super thick. I would love to add siding to the house and extend the roof to highlight the porch more.
This house is by my parents house in Newport Beach. I love the way they kept the cottage feel, but upgrading everything to look beachy.
So cute!