stuff you'll love ♥

Silkscreened Engagement Party Invitations

2012-02-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

can I be a gushing bride for just one second? Now that these are officially arriving in my guests' mailboxes, I can share our silkscreened engagement party invitations! I wanted something that was totally "us" and I think this cameo-inspired tattoo style totally did it. swoon!

Due to the trickiness of silkscreening small fonts, I ran the insides and back through our printer to ensure the details would be crisp and perfect.

This is a 3-color silkscreened illustration on cream archival cardstock with brown paper envelopes. Although this certainly doesn't dictate any final wedding schemes, I really adore this palette and how the shiny gold ink sits with the pop of blues. And yes, those are our real profiles - even Boogers and General Tso!

I couldn't help but add this sweet little note on the back so that my guests understood how special these invitations are! Printed by heart and hand in our very own home studio.

I've officially got wedding fever! Any excuse to design special things and use pretty inks...and, of course - get a fancy new party dress ♥

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Giveaway: Brooklyn Bakery iPhone Back (PLUS 25% discount!)

2012-02-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

UPDATED 2/10: THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS Heather Belle !

Check out new Brooklyn Bakery collection - seriously stunning! I love adding a little glitz and glamour to everyday life, and this week you've got a chance to win your very own Lime Snake Print iPhone back courtesy of Brooklyn Bakery!

To enter, you must be a follower of this blog and:

- Visit their shop and comment which item is your favorite!
- For a second entry, LIKE Brooklyn Bakery on Facebook
- For a third entry, tweet "Enter to win + add a little glam to your #iphone with @BrooklynBakery via @MissMakesALot ! http://ow.ly/8U2T9 "

(be sure to leave a comment for each and a lucky winner will be chosen on Friday 2/10/2012)

Plus, Stuff You'll Love readers can enjoy an extra 25% off the new BB collection! Use code CHERYL25 and get your shop on! xo

party inspiration

2012-02-02T14:18:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to travel back to my hometown in Massachusetts next month to celebrate our engagement with my dearest loved ones! I've been Pinning lots of party ideas - don't you just love the atmosphere in that first photo? Swoon!

Since there is a cross-country flight involved, I've decided to keep it simple - focusing on pretty yummies we can make once I arrive (special thanks to my sister in advance for her amazing culinary skills!). I simply adore Emma's party displays shared over at FoodComa - perfect example of how a few simple details and a good color story can tie it all together.

The only major decision I've made is to have some sort of elaborate cupcake display! Since I am a huge fan of fancy cupcakes, I bought this book to help me on flavor and frostings - I might have to prepare by practicing a few batches to get it just right :)

All images in first collage via my Party Love Pinterest board. Emma's photos via Food Coma.

(early) Valentine gift idea: funny pet prints on Fab.com

2012-01-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist this Boston Terrier print on Fab.com this week - its original art, on sale, dog-themed and just awesome. There's a great collection of these funny pet prints on mega-sale right now.... just don't tell Pete, this one is his Valentine's Day gift ;) What can I say? I love to buy presents, especially so long ahead of the holiday that when it finally rolls around i have forgotten and its a nice surprise for us both.

If you need an invite to Fab.com - click here! Designer goodies at upwards of 70% off? Bring it on.

the new caprese salad for vegans: daikon and lotus root

2012-01-24T10:55:00.000-08:00

have i mentioned how obsessed I am with new (to me) vegetables? so much so that I am willing to share sub-par photography while my old, beat-up SLR soon becomes a distant memory and I continue to save my pennies for a brand new one. I couldn't let this snack wait - I used my little old point-and-shoot (good for bars, not good for blogging). Here's my spin on the traditional salad caprese!

Instead of big hunks of mozzarella (which I don't really miss), i sauteed lotus root and daikon with a splash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of brown sugar. I know it doesn't look absolutely amazing- but trust me, it is! sweet and tangy with a little crunch!

To give it the full italian-salad treatment, I set on a bed of organic spinach greens and topped with cherry tomatoes and basil. Who's missing the cheese now?!

thawing out

2012-01-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

please excuse my absence - we've been enjoying a few snow days here in Seattle. As an east-coaster I find it amazing that the entire city has shut itself down - but when in Rome.....

This has been my view for the past few days - lots of cuddly blankets, self-indulgent TV and good snacks. I promise to be around again once we get back to real life..... but for now I unplugged, staying warm and dry with no plans to shovel anytime soon :)

Happy Herbivore's Vegan Chickpea Tenders with Spaghetti Squash and Daiya

2012-01-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

if you think i've only eating and crafting lately... you might be right. its far too cold for outfit posts these days so for now please enjoy a little glimpse of what's been cooking in my kitchen. Making meals used to really intimidate me, but since going vegan I am excited and eager to try anything new.

I've been drooling over a few new cookbooks (Merry Christmas to me!), and one of my favorites is Lindsey Nixon's Everyday Happy Herbivore. I fell in love with her first book (Happy Herbivore) and this one is just as creative, tasty, easy and cheap as the first.

Enter: Chickpea Tenders. A mix of Vital Wheat Gluten, chickpeas and spices - these little guys are really delish. They're also easy on the wallet because unlike homemade seitan, the use of chickpeas helps to stretch your VWG flour - that stuff ain't cheap!

I might have overcooked them, but who doesn't love a crunchy little nugget? Served with my most favorite spaghetti squash, sauce and a sprinkle of Daiya - a little plate of warm comfort food on a otherwise frigid night. This works for carb-a-holics like me who can eat their weight in pasta - scarfing down a whole squash is pretty much guilt-free!

My only modification to the Chickpea Tenders recipe next time will be to double it! The book notes that leftovers are great but it was so yummy we ate the whole batch (4 patties = 2 each). I usually don't opt for seconds at dinner, but I needed something to go with all of the squash "noodles"! (They yield a lot)

You can read more about the Happy Herbivore here. I promise to write a "How/Why/When Post on Going Vegan" because I am inspired by it every day and I've never felt better :)

*also, please let me apologize again for the photo quality here - my SLR is dying a slow, painful death and I am saving my pennies for a brand spankin' new one. Until then lets just all pretend these point-and-shoot shots are not making your eyes bleed.

pretty and easy sweatshirt DIY

2012-01-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

I've been pinning lots of pretty casual tops with beautiful applique work - hearts and fawns and silhouettes of lace, velvet and silk do wonders for a simple, casual look.... with a sassy little top you can instantly feel put-together and chic. The tops at J.Crew are expensive (and alas, even sold out) so I took to my craft supply and created my own!

Find a top (mine is a soft, thrifted sweatshirt) you want to spice up and let's go! 1) Cut a heart (or other shape) Here, I am using pretty black lace to add texture. 2) Pin that heart on the front 3) lay flat to assure the positioning is just right 4) Carefully sew around the edges using a zig-zag stitch!

Voila! Instant chic - try other shapes and textures of fabrics - on sweatshirts, tank tops, even the backs of old blazers. Suddenly I'm thinking that everything I own would look cuter with a heart on it ;)

fresh start

2012-01-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for the next year is to experiment in the kitchen - 2011 made me quite the plant-based cook and I hope to explore more of the wide world of vegetables. Given all of the sugar and champagne consumed over the holidays, I've been amping up my veggie intake lately.

First up, fresh spring rolls! These are seriously my favorite and are so versatile, I just use whatever veggies I have lying around - here I rolled up some udon noodles with shredded jimica, thai basil, crushed peanuts and romaine lettuce. Squeeze some fresh lime on those babies and you've got yourself a little mouthful of heaven!

Another goal for the year was to make my own sushi - I'm only a few days into 2012 and already checking goals of my list! I stocked up on mango, avocado, sticky rice and nori to have myself a little party.

I've also been experimenting with new vegetables - here is lotus root! Isn't it beautiful? What a pretty pattern inside. It's a little like a soft potato - but a little sweet and really delicious when lightly steamed.

I made a beautiful stir fry adding the lotus root to soba noodles and bok choy - garnished with some sesame seeds and I'm already feeling back on track!

is there anything you are looking forward to experimenting with this year?

thank you, 2011

2012-01-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

I can't let the new year creep in without paying homage to what can only be described as the best year of my life. Let me pour you a virtual glass of bubbly and recap some of 2011's most memorable moments.

After what seemed like a lifetime of saving, planning and packing - we made our dreams come true and drove across the country from New Jersey to Seattle. When we arrived it felt like paradise.

Just a few weeks later we celebrated Easter with a trip to the Woodland Park Zoo.

We found our favorite waffle place.

and explored our new favorite parks.

we saw our very own art on display...

and vacationed in far away in Costa Rica

then adventured closer to home on San Juan island.

We made some great friends, created beautiful things, built a life I could have only dreamed of (oh right, and got engaged!) so thank you 2011 - for the adventure, the laughs, the time that has forever changed my life for the better. Cheers to a great year!

an announcement

2011-12-28T15:16:00.000-08:00

hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I was given the best gift of all..its big and sparkly and I will wear it forever :)

so, things will be quiet 'round here for the next few days while we take it all in and enjoy each other and the idea of being together forever and ever! Plus, as you can see from the photo above, I have lots of reading (and pinning) to do...Cheers! ♥ ♥

happy holidays 3,000 miles from home

2011-12-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for city lights, fancy shop windows and snowflakes falling! Except this year - for the very first time in my 28 years - I am on the opposite side of the country! Seattle is wonderful - just no snow, Rockefeller Center or Macy's displays....

Its a different feeling, and we are doing our best to create new traditions, but a little piece of my heart will always be on the east coast for the holidays....

Cheers to being merry and bright..... wherever you are.

recycle to wrap

2011-12-20T16:03:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to say it - you are crazy if you purchase wrapping paper! You know, the kind in a roll with snowmen dancing on it that you grabbed for $3 and turns out its only enough to cover a shirt box or two. It gets torn off then tossed away - might as well save your cash and get creative!

This is the third year in a row I've successfully wrapped all my gifts using recycled materials (last year's Cereal Box Gift bags were a hit!) My camera is on the fritz so I've compiled a few ideas to get you thinking about new and creative ways to present your gifts this year.

First up: wrapping! I am partial to brown paper bags but I adore the newspaper and sheet music looks here.

when it comes to name tags, you could go easy with a festive sharpie, some paint, or cut-out monogram letters (use magazine pages!). For a little added fun, here are two of my other favorite ideas for actually tagging your gifts.

Pretty it up! this is the most fun - use yarn, fabric scraps, ribbon - you'd be surprised at how many options you'll find around the house. I adore that newspaper bow - its free, easy, and looks pretty chic.

Convinced yet? I promise once you recycle your wrapping you'll never look back. I've been known to keep (read: hoard) supplies all year and break them out to pimp my packages!

Tell me - what's the craziest material you've used to wrap? I'd love to hear some fresh ideas :)

All images on my Pinterest board, Holiday Love

dream holiday party outfit

2011-12-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

Dress // shoes // clutch // earrings // ring // bracelet

This year my holiday party list includes a "wear the ugliest Christmas sweater you can find" theme - but in my next next life I may have a super fancy holiday gala to attend - I'd get my hair done and a fancy manicure, strap on those adorable pumps and grab my red glitter clutch to dance the night away.

I still plan on dancing the night away this year.... just in an argyle sweater covered in reindeers. Which means a) more cookie eating b) crazier dance moves c) no blisters.

get 50% off Kate Bosworth's JewelMint!

2011-12-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to share this with you! JewelMint is a new boutique of baubles and sparkles by Kate Bosworth - I'd say a little bohemian, a little edgy - overall pretty fabulous. These are some pieces I've had my eye on.

When I want to add some edge to a tshirt and jeans:

Perfect touches to add to a breezy maxi dress:

Ultra girly, most days I would rock that pretty little ring or delicate earrings.

Kind of amazing, right?

Click here to take the Style Quiz and every month new pieces are added to your showroom - its so fun to see the selections curated just for your style. I've loved each one so far!

Each piece is only $29.99 but you fabulous Stuff You'll Love readers can enter SEATTLE117 at checkout for 50% off your first month of JewelMint, courtesy of the Seattle MBA Team!

Happy Holidays.... now go get your sparkle on!

local favorite: The Pretty Parlor

2011-12-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon the most magical vintage shop/boutique in Capitol Hill - The Pretty Parlor is full of playful frocks, sparkly things and fancy stockings. I love the tutu's and petticoats hanging from the ceiling! Le Swoon!

If you should find yourself in the neighborhood, head a few doors down to Arabica Lounge coffee shop to drool over their industrial chic decor and even more amazing chai tea.

I found these gems while shopping local - the kind of gifts that keep on giving! Are you done your shopping? I put my first round of gifts in the mail today...eek, almost done :)

things on my wish list

2011-12-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

I am a pretty easy gal to shop for - just put a bow on some fuzzy socks, sweet treats, or something boston-terrier related and I am happy. Here are a few things on my holiday wish list....

1. Ampersand Print via Fab.com
2. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
3. Kitchen tools from Sur La Table
4. Leopard print Sperrys !

5. Pantone Christmas Ornaments

6. Mighty Bats Tshirt from All-Mighty

what are you wishing for?

make your own holiday stocking DIY

2011-12-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

tis the season for magical holiday crafting! This weekend I made some stockings - each one took me about 30 minutes so grab your scissors and fancy trimmings and lets get sewing.

you will need: stocking pattern (I used this one), pretty fabric and sparkly things, scissors/pins/thread

first, tape together pattern and cut a front and back to your stocking (contrasting fabrics is cool!)

Now, sew some fancy things onto the front. Here, I am using vintage lace and pearl appliques.

Then you might want to add a sparkly band across the top. I sticked it to the right sides of both front and back panels. Now, just fold together and sew the wrong sides together.... Turn inside out and ta-da! You have a truly unique stocking for everyone in your family!

I was so excited to use my fabric stash I made a bunch of different ones - maybe I'll use these instead of gift bags and fill them with treats for friends & family!

weekend stuff

2011-12-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

this sweet little weekend was full of city walks / christmas cards /

sequins / sewing / pancakes (with tempeh bacon!)

Work on Display: Ghost Gallery

2011-12-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

Pete and I have a series of small paintings and prints on display at Ghost Gallery in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.

I created 5 mixed media collages with paint and wallpaper, then each one was hand-printed with silkscreen ink. Pete's work (not shown) is a series of antique framed prints on wallpaper. Which one is your favorite?

The Petite Works Holiday Show up through until January - if you are the area, go check it out! The gallery is also full of great handmade items, artisan jewelry, and local wine.... perfect way to shop local :)

recap

2011-11-28T12:21:00.000-08:00

my sister and i posing with our dueling desserts - Gingerbread Cake vs. Pumpkin Brownie Pie (we all won)

Black Friday in Capitol Hill visiting our favorite local boutiques.

we were lucky enough to get a sneak peak of the Pacific Northwest Ballet's The Nutcracker. It was so full of sparkles and feathers and real ballerinas - I was in heaven.

Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday weekend! Back to reality today - bring on the Christmas projects, holiday music, wrapping paper and yes, even the cold. Its the most wonderful time of the year :)

thankful

2011-11-23T06:52:00.000-08:00

i'm going to take a brief holiday hiatus sans-computer and enjoy some family, food, laughter and wine by the fire. it really doesn't get much better than that, does it?

in the meantime, enjoy these beautifully colorful photographs from the weekend farmer's market - many of these gorgeous goodies will be making their way onto my plate this week.

its stormy and rainy outside my window - but inside my home is so full of love and warmth, I treasure every moment.

stuff i love: Brooklyn Bakery

2011-11-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

fabulous accessory alert! I have been rocking my Brooklyn Bakery cuff with everything from my work attire to weekend casual looks and everything in between - I love the little pop of color and the flecks of gold peaking through the pretty floral pattern.

I first discovered Brooklyn Bakery via Fab.com - since then more than a few items have made their way onto my holiday wish list - some items below are my favorite:

1: Cream Oversized Steel Cake Watch
2: Caramel Cream Leather Belt
3: Three Silver Necklace (perfect for holiday parties!)
4: Limited Edition Brown Paisley Corn Purse
5: Purple Paisley Wrap Bracelet

I love the high quality of all their leather goods.... and that timepiece? total swoon! You can check out the Brooklyn Bakery shop here, follow them, and read their fabulous blog here. I promise not to judge if you decide to pick up a few "gifts" for yourself!

little things

2011-11-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

i have been enjoying small pleasures lately:

books + green tea // fireplace season //

hand-printing stationary // chilly morning cuddles

make room for friends

2011-11-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

things have been quiet here, my friends - lots of time and care is being spent on new ornaments, plushies, accessories and more! I can't wait to share all of the warm and fuzzies.... so in the meantime, enjoy 15% off everything in the shop with the code GIVETHANKS - as we reflect in real life on our gratitude for health, happiness, family, and friends. (I feel blessed.)

Also - be sure to check out the fabulous Flowers in May today for a sweet little Q&A with yours truly!

a mantra

2011-11-04T15:39:00.001-07:00

my hot yoga instructor said something during practice last night that really resonated with me.

Almost 60 of us stood together in a 100-degree room, seemingly torturing ourselves with rigorous twists and balancing, dripping with sweat and hearts pounding, each breath audible and brows furrowed with determination. Just when I thought I couldn't last a moment longer, she told us to lock eyes with ourselves in the mirror - find your gaze and then "change your face, change the moment."

a powerful statement, right? the concept of taking a nanosecond to adjust your facial expression that can completely change the moment in time. The idea of one little smile and it's tremendous effect on your own attitude, those around you, and the energy in between.

Suddenly, none of us were taking ourselves so seriously - we lightened up, felt more free, let our bodies play - pushed them to their limit in that hot, hot heat - but with smiles on our faces, it didn't seem so bad.

I've been thinking about it all week - and how that mantra is applicable off the yoga mat. Imagine changing your face to change a moment in your daily life, and maybe someone else's..... a little smile goes a long way.

inspiration: Covet Garden Magazine

2011-11-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a little visual inspiration to brighten up a rainy day - and lucky for me, the new issue of Covet Garden arrived in my inbox just in time to cure the its-seemingly-always-grey-lately blues (welcome to Seattle, right?)

I adore Covet Garden for its clean design, immaculate typography, breathtaking portrayal of gorgeous living spaces - and also for their mantra:

" Covet Garden is for folks who are curious about real spaces. We take a peek into the homes and lives of some of the city’s most interesting people—spaces that have not been styled by interior decorators. Covet Garden is inspirational, not aspirational. "

I was particularly drawn to the amazing space featured in the most recent issue - paired with a beautiful love story, treasured artwork and carefully chosen vintage pieces is enough to melt my heart (and give me serious living room envy). Cheers to another fabulous issue, Covet Garden - I am officially in love and inspired.You can check out the latest issue here, follow them, and also visit their beautiful blog.

vegan pumpkin pancakes

2011-11-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

How about some pumpkin spice pancakes to welcome November with open arms? I love this time of year for the bright foliage, chilly mornings, hot apple cider..and of course all things pumpkin!

I referenced my favorite plant-based cookbook for the pancake base and added some seasonal ingredients - super easy, delicious, and satisfying. Topped with walnuts and honeycrisp apple chunks and you've got yourself a little plate of heaven!

VEGAN PUMPKIN SPICE PANCAKES
(adapted from The Happy Herbivore)

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp baking powder
scant ¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 cup almond milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
¼ cup pureed pumpkin

Mix everything together and get those pancakes flippin' on a griddle! (if your batter is too wet = add flour / too dry = add more milk or pumpkin) I found them so tasty I didn't even need maple syrup. Enjoy!

'tis the season

2011-10-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

its no secret that I adore seasonal festivities - so carving pumpkins is pretty much #1 on my weekend activities list these days - enter some fabulous friends' carving party and I was the first one to crack open a pumpkin ale and cheers to the magic of late-October. (psst, I am even wearing a Halloween Hello Kitty apron by Baby Got Bibs)

special thanks to Anastasia for pointing me in the direction of these carving stencils. I picked vampire Hello Kitty and it came out great!

(which came first, the apron or the stencil? You'll never know....)

weekend stuff

2011-10-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

what a lovely little autumn weekend full of stuff i love:

foliage / rainy mornings / vegan breakfast at my favorite place /

banjo shopping / snail mail from this pretty lady / fresh juice pick-me-up

this octopus is a gentleman

2011-10-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

just added this guy to the shop - might be my most favorite pillow yet!

shop update!

2011-10-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

Kitties! Owls! Chiuahuas on pillows!

Click here to check out some awesome new stuff you'll love in the shop.

winner!

2011-10-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

...the winner of 250 fabulous, personalized stickers from UPrinting.com is the lovely Rachel of Little Girl, Shiny World! I will be passing on your info to the wonderful people at UPrinting.com who will contact you to claim your prize. Hooray!Thanks to all who entered - stay tuned for more yummy autumn recipes, DIYs, and fun giveaways too! Have a great day xo

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts

2011-10-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

I apologize in advance if you can't stop eating these - when I spotted this recipe for Pumpkin Donuts on one of my favorite healthy eating blogs, Oh She Glows, I pretty much became obsessed with the idea of filling my kitchen with the sweet smell of pumpkin and cinnamon.

You can see the recipe here - I followed it exactly (note it makes 12 mini donuts, but since I only had a 6-donut pan I put the rest in my mini muffin tin to make munchkins!)

how cute are they?! and delicious! warm right from the oven or the next morning with coffee .... I am a little embarrassed to admit how quickly this whole batch disappeared....

what are you waiting for? go make these. now!

Giveaway: Personalized Stickers from UPrinting.com !

2011-10-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

I have a confession: I love stickers! Ever since I was young I've loved everything about them - and today I have a fabulous giveaway of custom stickers from UPrinting.com - one of the fabulous printing companies that caters to small biz owners like me... Their quality products have really taken my business promo stuff to the next level, today you can enter to win some of your own!

One lucky winner will receive 250 Personalized Stickers! (2x3.5, 70lb. matte/Front Only Printed).

Just leave a comment here telling me where you'd stick 'em and a winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Thursday, October 14th. Be sure to include your email address!

This contest is open to US residents 18 years and older - good luck!

disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting no monetary compensation was given and I will receive stickers for hosting.

what i wore: Hello, Fall (and bangs!)

2011-10-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

I've been longing for something tweed to work into my autumn wardrobe - enter this vintage Pendleton blazer: crisp and warm with a dash of mustard yellow.... I'm officially in love.

you might have noticed I also chopped off some hair - with the change of seasons I also crave a change in style, so these new chunky bangs paired with a new red lipstick make happy to welcome the falling leaves and cool October breeze.

outfit details:

blazer, silk blouse: Vintage, thrifted

jeans: H&M

sunnies: F21

cameo brooch, gold ring, clutch: vintage, my grandmother's

booties: H&M (thrifted)
------------------------------------------

I'm curious - how does your style change with the seasons? I always find myself switching it up with the seasons, and Autumn might be my absolute favorite!

hand printed posters

2011-10-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

fresh off the press! I am in love with this run of 15 limited edition, 4-color posters for Seattle pop-indie band The Waifs of the Wharf.. each one has been hand-printed on railroad archival paper.

This was our first run of large-scale posters (12x18) and I can't wait to experiment with more designs! I love the loose registration and texture of overlapping ink - so different than our more precise method of printing tshirts.

what would you like to see on posters? I already have a few ideas (bikes! kittens! cupcakes!) so I'd love to hear your dream poster......

new stuff: animal friends

2011-10-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

cheers to another fabulous weekend at the Fremont Market! Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth to check out our fun new stuff! New this week, these little owlies were hand-drawn, hand-printed, and sewn up with crazy combos of beautiful new and vintage fabric.

....by far our most popular design - kitty with headphones made his debut printed on soft denim with stitched and ric-rac headphones!

seriously, how cute are they? we love them and hope you do too! As the outdoor market season winds down here in Seattle, we'll be making appearances at lots of indoor fairs too, so stay tuned!

* these cuties make a great gift - if you'd like to buy your own special animal friend, contact me at : stuffyoulllove (at) gmail (dot) com

new series: 10 minute posters

2011-09-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

welcome to the 10-minute poster series:

where I give myself 10 minutes of sporadic creative freedom

to create a stream-of-conscious style poster.

this one is called Squirrels in Outer Space.

new stuff (for Fall)

2011-09-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

one of a kind wallet with hand printed bird

i just added a few lovely things to the shop - a few vintage treasures hand printed with some pretty little birds and a sweet little octopus. We're gearing up to release a full line of accessories and apparel for Fall, I love them so much and I hope you do too!

hand printed octopus on vintage camel checkbook

which one is your favorite?!

oh my gorge

2011-09-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

did i ever tell you about the time i won tickets to see Zac Brown Band at The Gorge?

that's right, friends - VIP! Now ya'll know I'm not really into country music - but as I sat back in my padded seat and enjoyed a $12 can of Rolling Rock, I fell a little in love with the twang of heartfelt lyrics and some intense violin.... lesson learned: even when live music isn't in your "usual" genre, you can't argue with really talented musicians - they were amazing!

Have you ever surprised yourself and enjoyed a show (or album) you thought you never would? I try not to limit myself too much when it comes to music - you just never know!

PS: Washington's own The Gorge is my new most favorite venue.....I can't wait to enjoy sunshine and good music next summer! The breath-taking view almost made up for the ridiculously overpriced beers.

what i wore: specs and stripes

2011-09-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

did you know that i used to be legally blind? I had corrective eye surgery in 2008 and it was a miracle - I could see! But slowly my eyes began to stop being so precise - and I missed my glasses. Funny, I wore big thick plastic glasses for years before they became so hipster chic, I wish someone would have told me in high school so I wouldn't have tortured my eyeballs with contacts for like 18 hours a day.

I decided to give it a go again and got these new frames from Coastal Contacts. (glasses wearers - check them out, amazing deals! FREE glasses. I am serious!)

Wearing glasses again felt like meeting up with an old friend! Suddenly, my face feels naked with out them.

more importantly they really help me on the computer all day - designing often needs precision and these babies get me there! I totally recommend Coastal Contacts (they did not pay me to say that!) - the selection of frames is awesome (designer!) and they are super cheap. (I actually got TWO pairs of glasses since they were running a FREE glasses deal, so I'll share those later this week!)

outfit details:

shirt: vintage, thrifted

skirt: Gap (last year)

heels: Nine West

specs: LOVE via Coastal Contacts

bracelet: fair-trade boutique in Red Bank, NJ

Feather earrings: self-made

handprinted fanny pack

2011-09-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

I know this is almost too amazing to believe, but I scored a vintage soft black leather fanny pack.

.....and then we hand-printed a mustache on it.

Click here to check it out! Snag it before I decide to keep it for myself :)

Today's Deal: $10 for $20 at Whole Foods

2011-09-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

Just a friendly PSA to let you know that today's LivingSocial is pretty stellar - for just $10 you get $20 to spend at Whole Foods! I just hit up the salad bar this weekend and it blew my mind (per usual). If there's anything I love more than good food, its a good deal!

my breakfast: banana with homemade granola!

get on it! Luckily it's a nationwide thang so we can all enjoy! (click here to snag it)

hits the spot

2011-09-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

last night we enjoyed a wonderful sunset dinner at a fancy vegan place in Capitol Hill (Grouponed, of course). I adored the open air seating on a warm summer night..but really fell in love with the cucumber and orange slices floating in our ice water!

I've never tried this combo before and it was so refreshing! The perfect mix of cool with a hint of citrus - definitely something I'll be recreating at home :)

leftover magic

2011-09-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

sometimes having next to no groceries at the end of the week is kind of liberating - there's no fear in combining every last, wilted veggie in a bowl with some cold couscous and calling it dinner. Top if off with a sad, single tofu wonton - not exactly gourmet but totally hit the spot! (and pretty impressive, given all that's left in the fridge now is some sriracha and a swig of almond milk).

time for groceries. for real this time.

dirty hair trick

2011-09-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

(this post's title is not a reference to my new rap song, although if it was i'm pretty sure it would be in the style of Lil Wayne)

here's the thing - i don't really like to "do" my hair. i like effortless styling and minimal time involved. i also don't like to wash it every day, so my weekend trick? Put a turban on it!

Lucky for me, these easy, breezy headwraps are totally in style and distract from my messy locks.... here are a few headwraps 'round the internets that I'm coveting, if you'd like to join the dirty hair party (you should).

1//Red Velvet Velvet Turban ($32)

2//Midnight Twist Turban from LunaSolis on Etsy ($22)

3//Sosostris Headband at Anthropologie ($28)

4// Headband Above the Rest at ModCloth ($14.99)

what i wore: too cool for school

2011-09-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

in a perfect world i would be wearing this to my first day of school today. instead i have to remember that i have long since been out of school (loved it), and also had to wear a uniform most of my life (hated it). So, here's what I would wear if my dreams came true and I could go back to school every day.

I feel its important to note that this top was hand-printed by yours truly and kicks off the beginning of our Fall clothing line - after a year of printing basic tshirts, I've decided to add a line of vintage silk blouses with handsewn accents. (get a load of the back - its my favorite part of the whole garment!)

i felt so pretty and comfortable all day! This was meant to go on the FOR SALE rack - but I can't part with it. They'll be more beauties like this crafted soon, I can't wait to share!

outfit details:

shirt: handprinted with handsewn accents!

shorts: vintage Donna Karan, thrifted

belt: vintage, thrifted

oxfords: vintage, thrifted

earrings: handmade by me!

diana, diana

2011-09-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

here are my favorite shots from a roll of recent film. I like to keep my DianaMini loaded at all times and randomly snap, snap snap.... it makes for a surprising/interesting/random set of images!

(camera/film: diana mini / 35mm // 800iso)

you can see more shots with my DianaMini here, here, and here.

kind of a big deal (to me)

2011-09-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

last night while enjoying some seasonal specials at our favorite raw/vegan joint, I spotted my very first ad in print here on the west coast! Sure, I knew it was running this week - but it was still such a rad surprise to flip through the pages of the coolest local newspaper and spot something I had designed from start to finish!

I created this 1/2 pager for one of our non-profit clients..if you're local to Seattle, pick up The Stranger this week to check it out!

weekly //stuff i love

2011-09-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

happy friday! here's a few things i've been loving this week:

//coconut water: i'm trying to quit soda and this is a good afternoon pick-me-up

//mid week trips to the record store: we've been groovin' to lots of new vinyl lately...

//raw lunches: this energizing plate of colorful goodness leaves me fueled all afternoon

//GROUPON! I am addicted! I've gotten a few great deals lately to some local restaurants I never would have found without my dear Groupon. Plus, I love (almost) free beer and food. win!

//FAB.com: I can't get enough of the great stuff on Fab this week (click here if you need an invite!)

.....What is making your week fabulous? I am so excited for the long weekend!

photography friday: vacation shots

2011-09-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

i totally forgot to share these shots from my trip to costa rica. i had my little gold lomo in tow all week and i actually prefer them to my digital shots. I am falling back in love with film with every roll....

(shot with my little gold lomo // 35mm // 400iso)

a great escape

2011-08-31T15:36:00.000-07:00

this weekend we ventured out of the city and headed to the glorious San Juan Islands - oh how I love the state of Washington! Check out this scenery.... it was the most perfect little getaway.

this magical place was just named #3 on National Geographic's 2011 World Travel Destinations - I feel so lucky to live just a short drive and ferry ride from the oasis of clear water, lush green trees and bounty of wildlife - here I am spotting pods of orca whales breeching in the distance! It was amazing.

Next time we'll have to visit the alpaca farm, the lavender fields, rent a moped and cruise the island...but this time around all we wanted to do was lay around and soak up the sun!

Do you have any local escapes? Even short little getaways can be so fulfilling and make you feel a million miles away.....

pantone postcards

2011-08-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

a while back i had gifted my friend Amy a handmade headpiece for her wedding. (Amy and I quickly became good friends in college - a fellow designer, Amy loves white space, typography, and nerdy industry merch just as much as I do!)

.... to my surprise, my sweet friend said thank you with some surprise snail-mail that totally made my day - my very own set of Pantone Postcards! (She also included The Seven Year Pen by Seltzergoods.) yay!

The Pantone cards are so cool, all boxed neatly in their little case - almost too pretty to send out! (Who would be the lucky one to get "Pirate Black"?) I love them all! Thank you Amy, you still know me so well ♥

organized

2011-08-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

we finally took some time to clean up around our home studio... i even organized the paints by color!

there are a bunch of pretty new inks I can't wait to use! we're working on some great new stuff :)

oh hey! It feels so good to get organized, doesn't it?

Hey, Taco - You're Cute

2011-08-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

i made these mini-soft tacos on the fly for a bright and refreshing weekend lunch.

tofu + red cabbage + broccoli slaw + almonds + chickpeas = little wraps of heaven!

what i wore: red, white & blue

2011-08-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

i'm about a month and a half late with this patriotic ensemble, but its proof that the classic trio of colors works all summer long. (or, just better late than never, right?)

i've had this two-tone vintage leather belt for a while and finally found a way to work it! I love it paired with this skirt of the same colors. Speaking of my skirt - have you noticed I've been into this silhouette lately? (seen here and with shorts here, and here). I just adore the modest length and high waist - no alterations needed!

outfit details:
red silk top: vintage, thrifted
polka dot pencil skirt: vintage, thrifted
belt: vintage, thrifted
shoes: Nine West
gold cuff: gift
ring, earrings: H&M
-----------------------

homemade (vegan) ranch dressing

2011-08-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

as promised i am back with a quick and easy vegan. ranch. dressing. (even if vegan ain't your thang, you'll love this. i promise! its super low fat and oh-so-tasty)

while I normally opt for dressings of the vinaigrette variety, I can't help but switch things up every now and then. I was jonesin' for my old favorite dipping/pouring ranchy friend....and with a little research and a handful of spices, I created my own based on what I had in the fridge.

-----------------------------------
V E G A N R A N C H D R E S S I N G
(inspired by both Chocolate Covered Katie's and Veganomican)

- 1 block of tofu (i used organic sprouted)
- splash(es) of white vinegar (based on how thick or watery you dig it)
- spices! I used salt/pepper/italian seasoning
- fresh dill
- dash of nutritional yeast
- squirt of fresh lemon juice

// whirl it around in your food processor or blender (I use the Ninja!)
// adjust seasonings as needed - its totally forgiving so get creative!
-----------------------------------

doesn't it look just like the real thing? i was so impressed with myself! I poured it on some grilled polenta and eggplant with Maple Salted Baby Carrots (from Appetite for Reduction)

I loved reading your comments on my last post - after this, I will definitely never go back to store-bought dressings again! Enjoy ♥

sun shining on my toast

2011-08-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

a dear friend here in Seattle gifted me the most wonderful blackberry balsamic jam and it tastes so bright and so fresh - I can never use any old Smucker's again (not like I really did).

isn't homemade anything just always better? Jams, sauces, dips and dressings - i'd love to hear what homemade goodies you love (and will never purchase again).

My new favorite is homemade salad dressings - I'll be sharing an easy (and healthy) ranch recipe later this weekend!

getting dirty (its ok)

2011-08-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

on the very last evening in beautiful costa rica, my family and i had some portraits taken by a sweet local photographer, right on the beach. After a long day in the sun, we dolled ourselves up in our finest resort wear and headed to the water for some sunset action - we did some traditional shots, but my favorite images came at the very end - the boys headed to the bar while my mom, sister, and I were told to play in the sand and waves.

wait, we just showered? Dinner was in an hour. i had makeup on for the first time in 8 days. My mom had blown her hair dry, and my sister had on her prettiest black dress.

"belly down in the sand," the photographer told us, pointing to the crashing waves.

timid at first, we tried to pose gently in the sand - until our giggles pushed our cares out the window - we forgot about our pretty dresses, last pair of clean underwear, the hair, the makeup - just rolled around in that dark sand to enjoy every moment - because before we knew it the sun was setting and we jumped for joy, because we got ourselves dirty and have the memories to prove it.

moral of the story: don't be afraid to get a little dirty, on the beach or in real life. sure, it may feel uncomfortable and unconventional, but at the end of the day you'll remember how you splashed and laughed - and not that you had to go commando at dinner (that really was my last pair of underwear).

Mama Pea's Thai Veggie "Burger"

2011-08-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

Do you read Peas & Thank You? Well, you should - even if you aren't into deliciously non-meat eats and sweets, and witty jokes are more your thing (she is all kinds of funny!) i, of course, love a double dose of easy dairy/meat-free cooking with a side of humor, so its quickly become one of my most favorite blogs. (and i read a LOT of 'em)

So, when the queen pea, Mama Pea appeared on Seattle's own Good Day, you think I'd be sure to catch it, right? She sweetly reminded us. I totally remembered at dinner the night before. and then, the morning came - and, well... luckily Mama Pea shared the the details and video of her appearance right on that blog of hers I adore so much. Moms get it, huh? (if you hit snooze too, check out the video here)

Could you believe I actually had all of the ingredients on hand to make these sweet little exotic beauties? They're really simple, and you know its a good time when rolled oats, broccoli slaw, and chickpeas all show up to the party. I cooked them on my new griddle pan for the sexy grill marks - these are totally my new favorite bean burger patty non-meat thing to top greens. (and I thought I was loyal to my black bean burgers!) There might be a scoop of peanut butter in these that will blow your mind.

so, thanks Mama Pea for sharing your food, your wit, and your life with readers like me. my belly and boyfriend thank you too!

now, go read Peas & Thank You! She grills watermelon, for heaven's sake!

3 reasons i'm happy to be home

2011-08-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

1// coming home to a bright (and clean!) kitchen.

2// reunited with my beloved kale! (i am SO over dinner buffets.)

3// hanging little momentos of our getaway all around the house.

back to reality

2011-08-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

happy friday, friends! I am back from a glorious family vacation in the tropics of Costa Rica - I can't wait to share all of my adventures and good times! but for now I am detoxing from one too many breakfast buffets and fruity drinks.....

Hope you have a fabulous Friday! I need a nap. Preferably on the beach.

what i wore: ain't easy being green

2011-08-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

Rerunning the shorts-with-tights trend (first seen here) because I'm quickly learning summer in Seattle requires rethinking my seasonal basics to accommodate for the unpredictable weather! This morning it was drizzly and later it was hot - so I let the mane air-dry and added nude fishnets to keep me legs warm (but also cool - weird, right?) Well, I survived, and this is what I wore...

----------------------------------------------
outfit details:
silk top: vintage
linen shorts: vintage
tights: ?
belt: vintage
bracelet: boutique in California, circa 2003
ring: (a favorite!) Lucky Brand
oxfords: F21
leather bow hairclip: self-made

----------------------------------------------

*Also, please excuse any weird formatting issues- Blogger and I are in a fight! I'll give him the cold shoulder for an hour or so until he decides to apologize, bring me flowers, and rub my feet :)

mini Diana test roll (part 3)

2011-08-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

black bean, quinoa and mango

2011-08-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

summer in seattle is very different than my summers on the east coast - first, its not hot! its not humid! the lack of heat-exhausting is refreshing - and also leaves me hungry for something other than fruit and lemonade (which I've previously lived on during the dog days of a Boston summer). This salad is hearty, fresh, and satisfying - while still light and flavorful.

I made this up, so clean out your produce drawers and make your own! I used:

red quinoa, cooked per package instructions

black beans (soaked and cooked - not canned)

2 mangoes

1 tomato

cilantro + parsley

fresh squeeze of lemon juice

its really delish over greens and i also may have scooped (or shoveled) some up with blue corn tortilla chips. versatile and vibrant... what more could want in a summer salad?

mini Diana test roll (part 2)

2011-08-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

what i wore: psychadelic and groovy

2011-08-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

how do to mix vintage into my everyday ensembles? like this!

it helps that I am in a creative position, which allows me to get a little funky with my daily attire - i like to pair unique pieces with more modern closet staples - the result quirky yet professional. quirkfessional. yeah, i dig it.

someone once told me, designers must first design themselves, and those words are a mantra i've never forgotten.

----------------------------

outfit details:

dress: vintage (handmade!), thrifted

black cardigan: a closet staple (read=old)

belt: and new old favorite

leggings: American Apparel

heels: Urban Outfitters
earrings: Lucky Brand

sunnies: F21

bracelet, ring: H&M (years ago)
sunflower: a gift from my love :)

-----------------------------

cornmeal crusted tofu

2011-08-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

don't like tofu? well this will change your mind...its crunchy and spicy and delicious, with a schmear of garlic rosemary white bean dip-turned-spread. a pretty amazing saturday lunch!

This recipe was adapted from Veganomican by Isa Chandra Moskowitz - the newest cookbook in my vegan library. I will admit its not my favorite cookbook, as a lot of the recipes call for a crazy list of ingredients, but this tofu used pantry staples so I whipped it up over the weekend and we enjoyed it over greens and chick peas! I used lots of chili powder and some extra fine cornmeal to really enjoy that *crunch*!

I bet this would turn any tofu-phobe into a true believer! (it might help that its fried!) Imagine some tomato sauce and vegan cheese on top?! mmmmmmm......if you'll excuse me, i think i have more tofu to fry.

mini Diana test roll (part 1)

2011-08-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

this weekend was jam packed with new restaurants, hikes in the park, and vending at the Fremont Market! I also got a roll of film developed - these were shot with my DianaMini and 800 speed film - I normally opt for 200 or 400iso film - so to my delight this roll yielded some surprisingly awesome shots.

I'll be sharing more from this roll all week! In the meantime I will be busy packing for an upcoming family vacation which cannot come soon enough. Have a fabulous Monday ♥

friday // i'm in love

2011-07-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

you know the feeling - you've logged a 40+ hour work week and its friday night and all you want is some relaxation and good food - maybe even a little dessert. Enter our most favorite date: dinner and dessert in Seattle's University District.

First, we start with some fresh ginger lemonade and good raw eats at Chaco Canyon - this place is casual yet intimate, and the summertime specials proved delightful.

pete gets the green curry bowl every time! its so delicious he can't stray...

i am a little more adventurous because everything i've ever ordered is always fabulous, i know anything is a sure-fire win. This time I opted for raw falafel collard green wrap with cashew cheese and watermelon slices - it was divine.

No trip to the U-District is complete without a trip inside Red Light Vintage, always full of amazing treasures...i scored a vintage frock and pete got a tshirt.

Onto dessert! We usually go with a great soy-yogurt place but decided to try Full Tilt - with both dairy and vegan ice cream options, this sweet little shoppe hit the spot.

I got the special Mayan Chocolate with walnuts - spicy, creamy, and totally dairy free :)

Pete went hardcore and classic with cookies and cream, sprinkles, in a fresh waffle cone.

sweet and colorful.......totally the most perfect friday night.

what i wore: grandmotherly chic

2011-07-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

your Gram (and my Yiayia) would tell me i look pretty neat today.

outfit details:
floral silk blouse: vintage, thrifted

pleated shorts: vintage, Donna Karan, thrifted

leather tote: vintage, thrifted

oxfords: F21

tights: We Love Colors

belt: found at the bottom of my closet

wooden ring: H&M

silver ring: onegarnetgirl // Etsy

watch: La Mer Collection

earrings: clip ons, vintage

sunnies: F21 (last year)

--------------------------------

you'll love, its fab(ulous)

2011-07-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

oh, how i love thee, Fab.com! Your daily emails of super cheap, fun, beautiful home decor and jewelry leaves me weak in the knees. Those Sans./Serif. mugs are perfect for a type geek like me, and that fabulous bag is made from recycled firehoses! I love.

Click here if you need an invite - I can't help but share a good sale..... and this stuff is, like 80% off. so go nuts....... I kind of did ;)

[clockwise from top left: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 ]

peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough dip (shh, its healthy!)

2011-07-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

i've eaten my fair share of spoonfuls of raw cookie dough - and paid for it later. this isn't exactly my own concoction (i've seen it 'round the internets for a while), but its totally customizable and hits that sweet, cookie craving.

its soo easy! if i told you it was actually a hummus, you might be a little turned off at the idea of sweet chocolate chips and toasted coconut, but i will admit chickpeas are the key ingredient! just whirl them in your food processor with agave and/or maple syrup, peanut butter, chocolate chips (i used carob).. oh the possibilities are endless!

i like to serve with fresh granny smith apple slices (which turned brown in approx. 10 seconds but were still a nice compliment). I've also dipped graham crackers in here. and spread it on toast. and bananas. and... well, you get the idea. you should probably just grab a spoon.

lomo this, pinning that

2011-07-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

greetings to a few new followers - the blogging world never ceases to amaze me at the seemingly limitless new talent, beauty, and kindness you can come across every single day. cheers to sharing ideas and life and what we love. here are two new things i've been loving lately.

i have been all up in Lomography.com lately - what fun community of international toy-camera lovers - I am in awe of some collections! you should check it out here - and if you are a member (free to sign up!), join me and lets be friends or follow and play and share.

speaking of visual inspiration, i have also been loving me some Pinterest too! Its been seriously inspiring- I'm seeing lots of colors, patterns and ideas that are keeping my eyes and creative brain alive. i also love that i can bookmark images and keep them organized - its like a scattered brain full of images and links all in one place. love! You can follow me here - I'd love to see what you're pinning too :)

((leave your email in the comments if you need an invite so you can join the pinning party!))

what i wore: polka stripes

2011-07-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

i've got a soft spot for polka dots - and you know how sometimes you just know something will be your new favorite thing? This is it. and it only cost $2.50. Cheap thrills.

-------------------------------------
outfit details:
dress: vintage, thrifted
shoes: vintage, thrifted
belt: Old Navy
sunnies: F21, last year

-------------------------------------

weekend indulgences

2011-07-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

sometimes you just need a summer weekend full of cupcakes, beer, fried tofu, and fresh flowers ♥

get geometric

2011-07-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

i am seriously in love with this little collection of earrings - i worked so hard to create them with love and each has their own unique touch.....they sparkle, they sway - perfect midsummer touch.

Right now they ship for free with code: MIDSUMMER!

Check them out here.... I'd love to know which pair is your favorite!

the week in cell pics

2011-07-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

notice i didn't say "iphone pics". i am not that cool yet - i own a lot of gadgets, just not the gadget. le sigh...... so, here is my week according to my not-an-iphone device:

// salad rich in the healthy fats of my beloved avocado and cashews
//  little Boogers loves our new reclining chair
//  i bought an obnoxious hat for an upcoming tropical vacation
//  sugar high from Cupcake Royale
//  making salt & vinegar kale chips!
//  larger-than-life Matisse print i found at our local thrift store

Happy Friday! we have lots of fun things planned for the weekend - a little work, a little play.. and a super top secret project I will be sharing soon!

stuff i eat

2011-07-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

a few people (hi, mom) have been curious as to what i eat ever since going vegan. (as mentioned before and probably deserves a much longer, deeper post - i am more plant-based than vegan, because sometimes i just want a cupcake... so, what?) Thus, behold - my idea of a fabulous dinner.

salad: takes up 1/2 the plate, at every meal. i like to eat greens with everything! this particular salad has chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red cabbage, spinach, yellow peppers and a homemade pesto-chili-vinegar dressing. (which froze, so thats why it looks like there are crystals atop my tomatoes!)

rice: I used to take out 3 cups of white rice at a time! these days i'm just so-so on rice, but pete likes it so when i do make it, its brown - this particular batch has some kale, artichokes, and rosemary. i also like mangoes in there too! Once you start adding your own jazz to rice, you will NEVER BUY BOXED PILAF AGAIN! (seriously, don't)

tofu: oh, how i love thee! tofu gets a bad wrap but if its prepared right it can be totally delicious. this tofu has been pressed (a MUST!) and marinated in some fresh orange juice/zest, soy sauce, agave, and chili powder. Then baked for 10 minutes until the marinade reduces and gets all glaze-like. Top with some sesame seeds and you've got a little slice of heaven!

i am also a big fan of asian and vietnamese-inspired dishes. we eat a lot of rice noodles with greens in spicy broth. SO. GOOD! Here i've added kale and broccoli.

and of course, i love me some baked goods! this is the banana bread from the Happy Herbivore cookbook.....no eggs, no oil - just the good stuff.

i think i will share more meals and recipes on here.. cool? since kicking the animal products in December, I've felt refreshed, full of energy, fully satisfied (and never guilty!) I love eating a plate full of color! Now, i just have to ward of hunger for the extra 3 minutes it takes to photograph my plate!

new stuff: for baby

2011-07-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

these new organic onesies and baby t's are so soft! we've been playing with color (neon!) and fun, bad-ass illustrations for sailor babies, owl babies, and even a little octopus-baby! i'm excited to keep at it and create a full-blown baby/toddler line - kids need cool tshirts too!

what i wore: i got the blues

2011-07-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

actually, i'm not sad at all. i felt pretty fantastic in this get-up. I love the modest length of the skirt and its pop of vibrant color - I don't own anything else like it and knew it would quickly become a year-round favorite - I styled it a little on the wild side to set the tone for a fabulous, creatively-energetic Monday. (and that it was).

------------------------------

outfit details:

cardigan: Lucky Brand

black silk cami: vintage, thrifted

skirt: vintage, thrifted

necklace: Buffalo Exchange

t-strap heels: Old Navy
------------------------------

stuff from the weekend

2011-07-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

fresh picked flowers // displaying my instax // raw chickpeas // a playful BT // homemade spring rolls

diana mini: a lost roll

2011-07-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

if you follow me on twitter, you might have caught that i resurrected my Diana Mini this weekend- since my little gold lomo has been getting all the attention, I figured it was time she came out to play. To my delight, there was a roll in there waiting to be rewound and developed! I know the first one (above) is me in NYC last fall, so it was nice to be surprised with prints from life back on the east coast.

The Diana is a bit less forgiving than the Fisheye, but I love the square format and double exposures. I just loaded her up with another roll! Any tips?

new stuff: triangle eardrops

2011-07-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

i worked so hard to create these triangle drop earrings - they're chic, minimal yet make a bold statement with a little edge. i love how they all look together! They did pretty well at Sunday's Market in Fremont - but I'm wondering if I should photograph a few pairs and toss them in the shop? decisions, decisions.....

what i wore: sunday at the market

2011-07-12T14:14:00.002-07:00

Sundays at the Market are fun - but also lots of work. I need something thats both sassy and functional- there's lots of bending down and reaching up and maintaining our booth's overall fabulous factor. this dress was a winner! not too low cut, not to short - just sassy enough and paired with a jean jacket (my new favorite thing) made for the most perfect ensemble.

outfit details:

Vintage Dress: Redlight, University District

Jean Jacket: Gap, thrifted

Feather Extensions: Etsy

Shoes: vintage, thrifted

Bracelet, ring: from my personal collection

new: stuffed animals

2011-07-11T10:21:00.001-07:00

here's a little peak at some new stuffed animal friends i created and debuted at Fremont's Sunday Market yesterday - they are hand-pulled illustrations on vintage fabric, adorned with some vintage trimmings..how cute are they?!

(from left to right/top row: General Tso pillow [sold] / kitty with headphones / owl with glasses / kitty with headphones and pom poms, bottom row: hipster chiuhuahua pillow, owl with glasses, hipster chihuahua stuffed animal, pug pillow)

I will be sharing lots of new things we've been creating - cheers to a fabulous week!

big vegan cupcakes & little vegan cupcakes

2011-07-06T09:54:00.001-07:00

these cupcakes are pretty amazing - I tested the recipe earlier in the weekend and it was so delicious that I made a batch of mini-cupcakes just one day later! Don't be scared by the "vegan" label - baked goods can be just as delicious and decadent without eggs or milk!

I used this recipe, and they turned out just beautifully - a little denser than your average cupcake but still got raving reviews!

Feeling festive, I added some blueberries to the minis so they'd complete a festive color scheme of red, white and blue. I used the tofu frosting recipe from one of my favorite vegan cookbooks, The Happy Herbivore. (If you are thinking about going vegan or just want some clean, low-fat recipes that are easy standbys - get this book! its amazing)

waves and hiking and sunshine, oh my!

2011-07-05T14:18:00.001-07:00

talk about a perfect weekend! sunshine, good friends, yummy food, cold beer, festive fireworks, long walks, instax shoots, sparking waves, vegan cupcakes and the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement.......

scenes (and slugs) from our favorite park

2011-07-01T10:10:00.001-07:00

one of the (many) reasons i've fallen in love with Seattle is the abundance of gorgeous state parks - perfect for a little hike after a long day's work (read: sitting in front of the computer) We've got a gem of a park close to our neighborhood and have made an evening ritual of walking, talking, and enjoying the view. the dogs are loving the habit, and I am too.

there are some crazy trees - these two are my favorite, with roots and trunks growing right out of the ground. nature is totally amazing, right? we're in awe of something new almost every time.

lately the ground has been moist and there have been tons of slugs!! they are so gross yet so intriguing - we've got to watch our steps because they are everywhere...

on the way home, General likes to stick his head out of the window so the wind blows is ears back - you can't tell from this photo but it seriously makes him the happiest dog on earth!

a video you'll love

2011-06-29T07:36:00.001-07:00

i am pretty awkward on film but experimenting with the FlipCam is FUN! i got it for christmas and now that I live 3,000 miles away from home, there's no better time to start using it to share moments like this.

This is our booth at Fremont's Sunday Market - our silkscreened stuff was so well received we're doing it again this coming weekend!

Our shop is now open and stocked with a few special things, I hope you love! (Chihuahua tote bag, anyone?) Have a great Wednesday!

PS: did you notice my new header? what do you think? :)

bright and new

2011-06-28T07:11:00.001-07:00

you'll be noticing some changes around here soon - including the materials in which i've been working. isn't it fun to switch things up?!

I've been painting again, and it feels glorious! Check out some new mixed media canvas paintings that have been silkscreened by hand - these are a true collaboration in our studio and I couldn't be more pleased with the first series of 4 little works of art!

You can read more details about them here. I hope you like them as much as I do!

a weekend breakfast

2011-06-27T09:05:00.001-07:00

remember that time i got this vegan cookbook? well, i've been cooking veg ever since. as a former cheese addict, i am officially off the wagon (but more on that later). So, as East-Coasters turned Seattleites, one of the things we missed the most was New Jersey's plethora of greasy breakfast diners. Waking up one Sunday morning to an empty fridge and craving a down-home breakfast extravaganza, we headed out in search of a comparable meal to satisfy our hunger and newfound health. I dont eat eggs anymore, but Pete does - so i was hoping for a place that would please us both. A little research led us to a local spot a few miles away...

Enter: Silence-Heart Nest in Fremont.. the perfect blend of hearty and healthy deliciousness.

we started with a fresh cayenne-pepper lemonade...that'll wake you up!

i got the tofu scramble - i usually don't cook tofu like this, and it was YUMMY! fresh spinach and peppers with sprout-bread and homefries... a little plate of heaven.

pete got the portabello and goat-cheese omelette which also got a raving review.

...aaand, because we couldn't resist: spelt-and-sesame waffle to split (with Earth Balance and house maple syrup). It doesn't get any better than this!

we totally give Silence-Heart Nest a whopping 5-star review: great service, fabulous food, and only 15-minute wait for our table (which allowed for a warm Sunday morning stroll).. a little research paid off and we found a gem that we will definitely be visiting again soon (maybe for lunch?)

stuff i love (lately)

2011-06-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

[seeds! i will be sprinkling these around the yard and waiting for the magic to happen]

[cheap and easy makeovers! i put this vintage wallpaper on top of my desk for an instant makeover]

[not-your-average pesto! when i saw that Lauren had made this yummy pesto, I grabbed some local leeks and made it happen.. since then i've been smearin' it on crackers, veggies, apple slices and toast. YUM-O!] **update: i took this photo 2 days ago and the pesto is gone!

[this guy! Boogers runs around like a maniac after a hot bath & blow dry! this is mid-sprint]

Seattle's Fremont Fair

2011-06-19T13:51:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we ventured to Seattle's Fremont neighborhood to check out Fremont Fair and celebrate the summer solstice....

it doesn't get much better than indulging in a funnel cake while watching mini-steamboats pass you by...

yea, it was cold and a little wet - but that didn't stop everyone from dancing in the streets, enjoying good (/bad for you) food, and showing up in their most colorful get-ups...

we didn't make it for the infamous bike parade, but the art vendors were still out in full force.. i loved these reclaimed childrens' books-turned blank journals!

but i think we loved the funnel cake even more!

hope you are having a wonderful weekend! (Seattle locals: Fremont Fair is still happening today through 6pm and it looks like the clouds have given way to some brightness, so enjoy!)

we love belltown

2011-06-05T13:43:00.001-07:00

wow! what a beautiful saturday yesterday at the Punk Rock Flea Market! BIG thanks to Josh & team for putting together a magical day of local art, music, and food - it was so much fun and the weather was a dream come true.

since our merch is an ever-changing variety of stuff (you'll love.. .get it?), we used some new display tricks this time around - that vintage wooden milk crate on its side was the perfect showcase for my handsewn headbands (which, by the way - looked amazing on some of you)

we had some new 8x10 canvases - for those who asked (and are curious), we would absolutely love to create custom pieces for your homes or as gifts (email us at stuffyoulllove@gmail.com).

these are my favorite - lavender eyebags with silkscreened lashes! I adore and kind of obsess over my own eyebags (i own more than a few and travel with them everywhere), so what started as a funny little inside joke with Pete & I turned into a real hit - it seems other people love them too!

all of the hard work on our secret project these past few weeks has been revealed - our new collection of hand-printed pillowcases has officially debuted! I cut and sewed these magical prints together then we hand-printed each one. They are perfect if you'd like to add a little humor and color to your space (we'd also love to do some custom pet portraits - email us if you are interested). Yesterday's prints included Steampunk Octopus (complete with top hat) and, of course our beloved, bowtie-clad Boston Terrier (inspired by our own General Tso). Thank you for welcoming our new stuff with open arms! ♥ ♥

more film please

2011-05-20T14:23:00.001-07:00

i've been scarce 'round the internets lately, enjoying lazy mornings and produce stands then beachy walks and the warm, late-evening sun. its been so glorious, i've only been toting around my little gold lomo, and when i finally get the film developed i am reminded of how much i adore its shots.

i've got lots of new tricks up my sleeve but in the meantime, please enjoy a few from the latest roll.

new traditions/wild animals

2011-04-25T10:44:00.001-07:00

first holiday 3,000 miles away from home, Easter was something a little different this year - sleeping late, a morning hike, a sweet treat, and a visit to the Woodland Park Zoo made for a wonderful little holiday Sunday!

Who woulda thought there was such an amazing zoo right smack in the middle of our new neighborhood? The collection of exotic animals had me as giddy as a 5-year old.

I am sort of 50/50 when it comes to zoos - I love checking out amazing species, but part of me feels bad they are confined to such small areas when they should be running free in the wild! But, this particular zoo does a lot for research and conservation, so I felt better knowing my admission dollars were probably helping the cause. Plus, their environments were kind of awesome, and all the animals looked pretty happy :)

There you have it - our first little non-traditional holiday tradition! I hope you had a lovely day celebrating (or not), and I'm looking forward to a beautiful week........

i will always love real film

2011-04-21T18:50:00.002-07:00

i seriously adore my little gold lomo camera. i had felt guilty about forking out the cash for it at the time (holiday season and i was just laid off), but a roll like this makes it worth every penny. these are few shots of a roll of 36 i took along our cross country voyage.

i think its the surprise and anticipation that really has my heart - i keep it fully loaded in my bag and just randomly *snap* *snap* away, which makes for a really fun outcome at the end. i literally danced my way into the drugstore to pick it up, i was so excited!

ill share more shots later this week...... ♥

local views

2011-04-18T10:48:00.001-07:00

we are completely in awe of our new surroundings - mountains, coastline, trees, and all the fresh air you can breathe in.. it is just the kind of refreshment we needed.

still temporarily living in a little furnished bungalow, i am anxious to get into our "real" place and begin the chore of unpacking and the joy of decorating! i am on the hunt for a big wood desk and some lamps to DIY.. a new space is the perfect blank canvas to get your mind racing with lots of ideas and inspiration.... stay tuned ♥