Perennials

Swingin' back around, I know my posts have been sporadic- hope some of you still stop in every now and then.  I returned from that mini-vacation about 2 weeks back and knew my Etsy orders would be high priority (or rather taking over life).  I'm getting them complete and have been working for some very sweet clients so work life is full to the brim!

Since its been a while since I've waved hello, I wanted to share one of my very favorite outdoor fabric collections, Perennials.  I've used these fabrics lots for client's projects (in my interior design side of work) and they are great alternatives for indoor use as well, especially with children and pets.  They are less resistant to fade and a bit more durable for those well-lived in spaces.  I've always adored their colors and patterns- check out their site to see all the options.  Every few months when the rep would plan on visiting our design studio, I would get so excited to see the new prints and thrilled once I  actually had them in hand to review.

I'm a sucker for their advertising and have always loved the way they showcase their collections.........
my new fave, the Road Trippin' collection:

All photos via Perennials

Do you not LOVE?  Next time you're thinking of sprucing up your space, or are in need of outdoor material for cushions, check them out instead of going straight toward a standard canvas or Sunbrella fabric.  You will love the quality and color options- no doubt.  I have a small pillow on my indoor sofa using their fabrics and I adore the variation it gives to our space.  I'll have to snap a photo to share on the next blog.

Happy beginning of Summer!

Bright Return

We're back in town from vacation and trying to adjust back into our normal schedules.  Going back to work was tough yesterday, although my lovely co-worker brought me the most gorgeous bright pink Peonies......love.

I don't think I've shared our new ("old") bistro outdoor chairs- so here's a snap of the beautiful blooms on top of one of our chairs.

personal photo

Hope you're having a great week!

A Little of This......and That

Now that I've just gotten back to the blog, I'll be taking a mini break to do a little of this:

Poolside lounging

Pedicures

(I was thinking of some outlandish color, but knowing me I'll get there and choose French tip)

Design planning for my Sis

all photos via Pinterest

Vacations are few and far between, yet D and I are welcoming this mini break.

Most likely I won't look as fabulous as any of these photos while doing my activities, but hey- all the same to me when I can get some time away!  It will be our first vacation this year- bring it!

Random Thingy-ma-jigs

I've been up to some random things lately- here are just a few:

Enjoying my new iPhone cover and deciding it's really time to

get the office organized (look at that junk)!

Going on awesome bike rides with D.

Taking in the gorgeous view while cruisin' around on our bikes.

Hoping that I'll be able to learn at least one project out of the

new book I picked up.  I don't know how to knit yet (only crochet), so I'm

feeling intimidated.

How have you kicked off your Summer?

Sweet Return

Hi All!  Comin' back to the blogging world, it's been a while as last month was really quite a month.  There were some good times, some stressful times, some tired times- glad to be in June and kickin' off the Summer.

I was pinning away last night (mostly food recipes) when a little light popped on inside my over-tired head.  I decided- "hey, what's the point of pinning things just to stare at them?"- I should start implementing these things:  DIY projects, baking recipes, using tips/tricks for organizing, etc.  I told D to scroll through all the food recipes I had saved to date and pick one, I would then cook or bake it the next day.  Fast forward to today and what did he choose.......................

Reese's Peanut Butter Bars

photo via Bakerlady

I found the recipe via Pinterest- came from Bakerlady's Blog (I think she found the recipe somewhere else, yet I followed her instructions because I like her style).  She brought her laptop into the kitchen to read the recipe from (which is what I did), and she also would rather microwave the chocolate chips rather than heat them over a stove top to slowly melt- uuuuummm, yes.  Shortcuts please.  Since I dubbed her my baking bud, I followed her recipe and took photos along the way in case any of you may want to try it: 

Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars

(from Let’s Dish, but followed from Bakerlady's Blog)

Ingredients

1 cup butter melted (2 sticks)

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (use the boxed kind, or grind them in a food processor. Tiny granules.  I put the whole grahams in a Ziploc bag and let my husband go at it with the rolling pin).

2 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)

1 cup + 4 tablespoons peanut butter

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until well blended. Press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch pan. In a metal bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave, melt the chocolate chips with the peanut butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Spread over the peanut butter layer. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.

My Rating: Easy and OH SO DELICIOUS!

I gathered the ingredients first, choosing unsalted butter and natural PB with no hydrogenated oils, if it's possible to make anything somewhat healthier, I'll give it a whirl.

I then mixed together the ingredients for the base level:

Powdered sugar, peanut butter, and butter.

Then firmly press the mixture into an ungreased pan:

I then proceeded with the chocolate mixture for the top layer, melting the chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave for about 75 seconds, then stir together until fully melted into a soft mixture.  Then pour and spread onto top of the base layer (if you have an awesome husband, he'll help you out).

Done, ready to stick in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour:

Once chilled, time to cut and serve.

Hope you'll try it, it is so darn scrumptious!

Staying Neutral

To say this month has been a 'blaaaah month' wouldn't be completely true- there have been awesome moments tucked within all the craziness and stress.  I've disappeared a bit to deal with none other than LIFE, but promise to be back when the mayhem boils over.

Neutral isn't a bad thing.  Staying neutral in many situations can actually keep you quite sane :)

photo via

Tuvalu - Hopping on the Train

So I'm probably the last person on Earth to hop onto the Tuvalu boat, why have I never been aware of this online shop before?  We'll it's on my radar now and I thought I'd share a few faves:

awesome finds!

Organization

I'm looking to get organized, very soon.  Needs to be very soon.  The office is bothering me, so if it's not soon, I may have a mini freak out.  I'm in search of a few bins, baskets, or containers to put on a low shelf to store some fabric and such, although I haven't been able to find anything I'm in love with.  I'm thinking a fabric covered bin, but not corny or busy looking.  Something simple.  Any thoughts, where do you shop for storage?

Loving this office photo I found via Pinterest- Love.

via Courtney Hill Interiors

Happy Early Cinco de Mayo!!!

Hola everyone!  Getting ready for a Cinco de Mayo celebration tomorrow?  We'll be having a little lunch tomorrow, hopefully with spicy food and a brightly colored set table.  Being in Southern Cal so close to the border, I have to admit we may have the best Mexican food versus anywhere else in the U.S.  Anyone who knows me can validate that I could eat a bean and cheese burrito everyday of my life and be content- and maybe some chips and guac too!  Anyhow, if you're celebrating this weekend, hope it's awesome!

I must share the most gorgeous pillows via Lindsay Rodriguez on Etsy.  She just recently launched her Etsy shop and is beginning by introducing her Sugar Skull Collection- l.o.v.e. the pops of color in her pieces.  I must say, these pillows are made with attention to detail and you know you're getting the best when it's designed by an actual artist.  Linds and I go back almost 10 years (holy heck), she's my college BFF and a rad one at that.  We went through the design program together, both obtaining our degrees in interior design and moving on to work in the career world we call professional (or we can call it crazy, nuts, and stressful too).  I'm absolutely thrilled for her that she's sharing her talents via Etsy and now you have a chance to grab up a piece of it!

Modern Skull

Los Santos

La Charra

Day of the Dead Wedding March

I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek at these pillows earlier this week and they are just as bright and lovely in person.  Lindsay and her graphic designer husband (can there not be a better pair out there when it comes to design?) have teamed up to bring amazing color combinations and one-of-a-kind designs.  No one pillow is alike- but I'm sure if you ask nicely, she may be able to create a pair for you!

Check out her shop here for all the loveliness, and check back often as she'll be launching additional collections: I'll tell you a little secret- I saw her projected patterns for upcoming collections which included chevron, florals, ikat, and more!  It's a definite must add to "favorite" shop on Etsy.  Enjoy.

Statement

Let's face it, these are gorgeous (but not the price).  At 31" high, they are over sized and make a statement.  The cost would run up my bank statement and leave an impressioning statement on my face.  I'll admire them from afar.

via

Hollie's Maternity Shoot- by Erin Elizabeth Photography

Hi All!  Super special photos I have the pleasure of sharing today!  The lovely Hollie (whom you may recall from this post ) is expecting her first baby and had graciously allowed me to share her stunning maternity shoot with you.

Little background:  Hollie and I go back a little ways, maybe almost 2 years?!!  See, Hollie was one of my very first Etsy clients and I just love her to pieces.  We instantly hit it off when it came to design, we both love the color aqua, the beach, this girl is amazing.  At a time when I was trying to figure things out as far as business goes, she had wonderful ideas and items she wanted for her beach side Cancun wedding and together they resulted in lovely details.  The bouquet tags I now sell in my shop originated for Hollie's initial request, at the time I didn't even know what they were.  Holls- you're awesome.

Currently:  Hollie and her husband Aaron are expecting their first baby, she's due this Summer and it's going to be a surprise!  I cannot believe it, they have far more patience than I ever would to wait to find out if they'll be having a boy or girl.  I'm in suspense, as I absolutely can't wait to make her something for the little munchkin.  She recently had her baby shower (yours truly designed her invite), and also had the most gorgeous photo session with her hubby.  Honestly, this gorgeous lady has always had style, I wouldn't expect anything less for her maternity shoot- loving the jewelry Holls.

She worked with her awesome photographer: Erin Elizabeth Photography

And her Shower invite I designed for her:

Congrats again Holls, hugs to you two and I'll be waiting for baby to arrive so that I can make he/she something special! 

Grey Round Up

How's your week shaping up this far?  This past weekend flew by like crazy, but I did manage to finally get a new phone (my old one bit the dust and decided not to type 1/3 of the letters any longer)- therefore text was a no-go.  Now, officially a proud owner of a new iphone 4S, I'm super stoked to learn all these new fun details and apps that come along with my new toy.  *excited*  Anyone have any fun tips/tricks/or must have apps you'd like to share?

I've been noticing a lot of grey items lately being saved in my Etsy faves, thought I'd share a few.  Do you spell it grey or gray?  I prefer the"e" rather than "a".

Aloe soap via Elegant Rose Boutique

Tea Towel via Madder Root

Stoneware via Vitrified Studio

Waxed Pouch via Treesizeverse

Typography vua Bubby and Bean

By the way, did you know Starbucks brought back the Mocha Coconut Frappuccino?  It's officially launching back into stores tomorrow, however our local shop knows us way too well and made Hubby and me one this morning, I must say, so far it has MADE my morning.  The small things in lif, huh!