Copper Top

The Orrock Family

2012-01-03T13:25:00.001-07:00

Mini Food

2012-01-03T11:39:00.001-07:00

I'm obsessed with this book my friend Michelle gave me for Christmas. Who doesn't love mini food? I've got the party bug again...

Glass Etched Drinking Glasses

2012-01-01T10:43:00.008-07:00

When the whole family gets together, my mother likes to keep track of individual glass owners by labeling each glass with name tags and rubber bands. For mother's Christmas gift this year, I decided to give her an updated version of her labeling system. With my Silhouette digital cutter, vinyl and glass etching cream, I etched everyone's names down the side of simple drinking glasses. I also added their initials near the lip for when certain beverages like milk make seeing the name down the side more difficult. I wrapped them in a storage bin that mother can keep in the pantry and simply pull out when we have family gatherings. It was fun to see everyone using their glasses throughout the holidays.

2012

2012-01-01T02:10:00.007-07:00

This New Year's eve I...

roasted s'mores

enjoyed a Celtic music jam session

learned an Irish jig & French line dance

gained some much needed perspective

toasted in the new year with memories of '11 and hopes for a better '12

2

2011-12-29T21:28:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet nephew, McKay.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

New Year's Party in a Box

2011-12-20T13:24:00.008-07:00

I have several newlywed friends so I decided to make them each a New Year's Party in a Box for two as a Christmas gift. I used the new Countdown New Year's cutting dies from Lifestyle Crafts, which I am so in love with. When I was working on this product release, I knew these shapes were going to be a hit with my fellow party planners out there. I hope you like them as much as I do!

I bought a square box in kraft and then die cut the "Happy New Year" using the Celebrate cutting die alphabet then pasted it on the top. Connect the letters with brads or twine.

I layered the bottom with metallic gold shred then added the following items on top:

-mini bottles of sparkling cider from my local market

-his and hers party hats from the Party Hat & Happy New Year cutting dies.

-two gray & white striped straws held together with the drink labels cutting die

-two drink picks cut out of tissue paper with the fringe piece of the Party Hat die

-two packs of confetti made from the Confetti cutting die & placed in mini clear envelopes.

It was so fun and quick to make. I hope my newlywed pals will ring in the new year with this little box of goodies. I made one for myself....now to find someone for when the clock strikes 12...

Fabric Floral Headboard

2011-12-20T11:14:00.005-07:00

This is my room. It used to be the playroom for 2 little girls-hence the bright aqua and the black chalkboard walls. My stuff actually works well in this room. The other night I had a bit of time so I made this flower garland using scraps of fabric and ribbon. I got the idea from MS and my friend Jana who made something similar for her wedding. Next on my list: buy lampshades.

Parachute

2011-12-17T18:32:00.008-07:00

While in Florida, I snapped these pics of McKay playing with his parachute. I love the colors!

DIY Baker's Twine

2011-12-16T13:34:00.005-07:00

I've seen this diy baker's twine tutorial making the rounds on Pinterest, and since I get excited about saving a buck whenever possible, I thought I'd give it a try.

I decided I didn't need a zillion yards of baker's twine, so I wrapped them around paper spools, boxed them up in this cute Bakery Box from Lifesytle Crafts and gave them out as gifts for Christmas to my crafty friends.

Hue & Hum Christmas Concert

2011-12-15T10:19:00.004-07:00

Are you looking for festive activities this holiday season? Come hear Hue & Hum sing and strum the night away at their first ever Christmas concert. I leave the next day for my Southern Christmas, so come, enjoy the music and hang out with me.

When: Tuesday, December 20, 2011. 7-10:30pm

Where: The Maxfield's, 5025 Casto Pines Cove

Why: Because, who doesn't love Christmas music and cool people?

Utah's Studio 5

2011-12-14T20:07:00.006-07:00

Today I had a short segment on Studio 5 to present some fun holiday gifts and a $500 shopping spree from Lifestyle Crafts. It was really fun and the station hosts and crew were a breeze to work with! Next stop...Martha Stewart.

Rudolph

2011-12-12T09:23:00.007-07:00

Here are a few pics from the Maxfield's annual White Elephant Christmas party. Brittney is a superb cook so the food was, of course, delicious. I'm still thinking about the horchata.

I was the lucky recipient of these Rudolph boxers with matching antlers, both made out of velour. Thank you, Aaron, for taking them off my hands.

We wrapped up the evening by playing a music trivia game, which was one of the White Elephant gifts. Not only was the game made in 1984, but I was also playing with a group of musicians...needless to say I did not contribute very much to my team.

Thanks, Stu & B, for a fun night!

feliz navidad

2011-12-09T13:04:00.006-07:00

Just working on some decor for the Maxfield's annual Christmas party (actually my intern is. I'm sad it's her last day. Who will do my die cutting for me?).

The Christmas Story

2011-12-08T13:51:00.003-07:00

This is tender. The star and sheep made me laugh.

It's not too late....

2011-12-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

to letterpress your Christmas cards! My work has made it super easy to send out affordable letterpress cards this Christmas. You simply choose from 5 card designs, enter your family name and we will send you the letterpress printing plate in the mail. Add an order of paper and ink and you are well on your way to unique and pretty Christmas cards.

So, with these 5 designs...

you can make these pretty Christmas cards!

Here's me in the middle of some letterpress action. By the time I had finished watching Elf, I had 50 letterpressed Christmas cards.

Win an Instax Camera, Holga Lens & Film

2011-12-07T16:26:00.003-07:00

Click HERE to find out how.

adoption

2011-12-07T15:54:00.004-07:00

This is Julie. She is the marketing manager at my work. She and her husband, Landon, are looking for a little babe to adopt. I haven't know Julie for very long, but what I can say for certain is that she is probably one of the most cheerful and positive people I've met. In addition to that, she's dang smart and hard working. Check out their adoption blog and get to know this great couple! If you have any leads, send them her way. They would be grateful.

Magic

2011-12-06T22:26:00.001-07:00

Before my little stint in Jacksonville, I stopped by Orlando to spend the weekend with my friends Shannon and Carie. We had a jam packed weekend at Disney World, managing to visit all the parks and go to Mickey's No So Spooky Halloween party.

Epcot was holding it's annual Food and Wine Festival. Each country had a kiosk with the most amazing food! My personal favorite was the baked cheese, pistachios and honey from Greece. Opa!

Shannon was quote the celebrity dressed up as Waldo for Mickey's Halloween Party. We had Disney workers asking to take pictures with her.

Sunday afternoon we drove to Cocoa beach, where Shannon met her new boyfriend, Spike and we painted out fingernails.

We topped of this amazing trip with a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. It was just wonderful!

gettin' festive

2011-12-05T20:08:00.006-07:00

Tonight I've been finishing up Christmas presents and adding a little Christmas cheer to the house. My friend, Laura Miller and I had a little Christmas craft exchange and I got these cute pennants. She made it using one of the pennant kits you can find on Diary of a Quilter. The kitschy deer head is from Lifestyle Crafts...only .99 for the pdf. I love it on my striped wall!

Princess Religion

2011-12-04T16:22:00.006-07:00

This weekend I went to the opening reception for my dear friend, Emily Fox's new exhibit, Princess Religion. The whole message is just wonderful. Emily has very poetic insight in a variety of topics, especially womens' issues. In addition to browsing the paintings, we made collages using an assortment of materials provided. We had such a great night!

Congratulations, Emily!

The exhibit goes through January 7 and is located at the Sweet Branch, Salt Lake City Library(455 F Street).

If you look ever-so closely to this picture, you just might see a photo of me. Thanks, Emily, for letting me be in the exhibit! I will pose in that green dress anytime for the sake of art.

Hue & Hum Christmas

2011-12-03T08:42:00.006-07:00

What happens when a painter and a musician get together in the recording studio? Tada! A super cool Christmas album. My wonderful friends Hue & Hum (aka Caitlin and Robbie) are two of the most talented people I know. Last night I got my hands on this beauty, and have had it on repeat since. The arrangements and harmonies are clever and the album cover is the type of creative stuff Caitlin is always pumping out. In fact, below is a little music video showing a sneak peak of how Caitlin created the album art. It's set to their adapted version of Angels We Have Heard on High. Aren't their voices lovely?

Get your own copy at Hue's Esty shop, here. Wouldn't these make great stocking stuffer?

christmas printables

2011-12-02T15:18:00.004-07:00

Yay! More printable from Lifestyle Crafts. I love the kitschy deer head-which is currently hanging up in my office at work. The photobooth props are definitely coming to GA with me...can't wait to see the parents as Santa and Rudolph.

nothin' but an $8 tee and a tube of ink

2011-11-30T15:05:00.001-07:00

I have this Target v tee in just about every color they offer. I'm like my grandmother and mother in that way-when I find something that I like and it fits, I snatch up every color available. I was feeling a bit bored with the gray so I thought I should add a design element to liven it up.

I drew this arrow/chevron pattern in Illustrator and cut it out in vinyl on my Silhouette digital cutter. I do have a Print Gocco screen printer, but it wasn't big enough for this particular design, so I used my cut out vinyl as stencil.

With a stippling brush, I dabbed red screen printing ink on the shirt. I did 2-ish coats and then let it dry overnight.

I ran it through the wash to remove any excess ink. I like the way it turned out. Sorta boy-ish/rockstar-ish. I'm neither one of those, but I'm wearing it anyway.

Thank you slightly tilted iphone for making me look skinnier than I really am.

A Wish for Eliza

2011-11-29T19:35:00.007-07:00

One of McKay's favorite movies is Tangled. Since I spend the last six weeks with him I estimate I watched that movie....oh, maybe 500 times. We sent off this wish lantern to celebrate baby Eliza joining our family. The whole time it was floating into the night that one song from Tangled played over and over and over in my head.

I think I will have wish lanterns at my wedding.

three little indians

2011-11-29T18:59:00.007-07:00

I used my feather headband cutting die from Lifestyle Crafts to make head wear for the kids this Thanksgiving. It took all of 10 minutes.

I sure miss my babies.

thanksgiving printables

2011-11-16T13:36:00.007-07:00

Over at lifestyle crafts, we are offering $.99 pdf downloads of all the details, embellishments, and decor you need to complete your Thanksgiving feast. The cool thing is they coordinate with our cutting dies, so it makes cutting all these shapes out easy and they look professional. If you don't own any of your cutting dies (you are missing out), then you can also use good 'ole scissors. The cute banner below is FREE, so check it out. Happy Thanksgiving!

working mom & an ipad 2!

2011-11-16T13:17:00.006-07:00

its quite the challenge staying on top of work projects while trying to calm a crying 1 week old and entertain a 2 year old (i've learned to type quickly with one hand). i have two weeks left here in florida helping sister with the kiddos, then i'm back to my single life....no babies, just work. to show how much i appreciate all you working mums out there, i'm telling you about an ipad giveaway (i wish i could say i'm giving away an ipad, but i'm not that rich)!

my company, lifestyle crafts, is giving away an ipad simply by "liking" us in facebook. easy. so hop on over by clicking here and enter to win.

first photoshoot

2011-11-11T12:07:00.004-07:00

Eliza Naomi 11.7.11

2011-11-08T20:25:00.007-07:00

Baby girl finally decided to join us down here. She's a cutie.

longest baby fingers...ever

McKay sure loves his baby sister.

my company is giving away a FREE camera....really.

2011-11-04T06:58:00.005-06:00

I love working where I do because I love making things. If there's something creative I see on a blog or Pinterest, I know I can find the supplies I need to make it at Lifestyle Crafts. We want to help you realize your creative potential with our "i made this" campaign.

To kick off all the creative fun, we are giving away a Canon 60D Camera and Jo Totes Camera bag. All you have do to is create an account at lifestylecrafts.com. Simple, really, for something so awesome.

Good luck!

little bitty bridal shower

2011-10-06T08:16:00.004-06:00

my BF, Jennifer's bridal shower was a few weeks ago. we had so much fun! here's a few shots from the little bitty day.

iSad

2011-10-05T22:46:00.008-06:00

rough day. phew. i seriously wanted to be put out of my misery today.

thanks to a patient sister (and you two readers) i vented my frustration and avoided any erratic behavior. then i felt guilty for being gloomy since, in the grand scheme of things, today was not a big deal. i mean, for one, steve jobs died today. i feel very sad for his family. death is hard.

so, i pulled myself up by my bootstraps (rain boots to be exact), threw on some sweats and took a walk in the rain. count your blessings and talk to God...it helps you not hate everything.

Printables by Lifestyle Crafts

2011-10-04T13:32:00.004-06:00

we've ventured into the printables arena here at Lifestyle Crafts. check out our new line of .99 designs, perfect for your upcoming Halloween party. as a fun little bonus, we are offering one download for free. click here to check it out.

savannah

2011-10-02T11:17:00.000-06:00

i went home for a week. my bf, becca came with me. we hit up all the sites and sounds of north georgia, then headed down south with mother and sisters to explore charming savannah.

despite our carrying old school baptist fans, we were a sweaty mess.

the line to get into mrs. wilk's boarding house. don't waste your time at paula deen's lady and sons.

tybee island.

the crab shack: where you can eat crab legs then feed alligators all in one evening.

p.s. anyone know where i can find this watch?

love for redheads

2011-09-28T14:15:00.005-06:00

i felt like working on my portfolio and branding so, i changed up the 'ole blog. new name, new design, new pic. this redhead theme has come at just the right time with the recent news that red hair and blue eyes are on the decline and the largest sperm bank in the world is turning away redheads. sad. who wouldn't want a little redheaded kid?

i also created a website where you can see all the products i've created over the years. lauragiddens.com. check it out and let me know what you think.

silver girl

2011-09-28T14:01:00.003-06:00

caitlin over at hue & hum is giving away three prints of her new piece called "Silver Girl". isn't this painting lovely? it's inspired by the new Fictionist song, called "Silver Girl", which was inspired by Stuart's wife, Britt and by Simon and Garfunkel's "bridge over troubled water". phew, all sorts of inspiration happening with this Silver Girl.

yes!

2011-09-09T09:48:00.001-06:00

It makes me happy when great things happen for good, hard-working people.

Rhett says it best

2011-09-07T08:22:00.001-06:00

source

for shannon...

2011-08-09T22:31:00.003-06:00

and all my pals out there just living life.

Martha + L Letterpress

2011-07-07T23:23:00.003-06:00

Check this out...the L Letterpress in Martha Stewart Weddings! I'm happy.

Ira Glass

2011-06-26T16:15:00.004-06:00

I spent an evening with Ira Glass at Kingsbury Hall. The show was absolutely brilliant...and we all received a pair of Ira's Glasses, which I proudly wore.

3 Down

2011-05-24T20:44:00.007-06:00

After a trip to the National Stationary Show in NYC I landed in Georgia for my little sister's wedding. She was married in the Atlanta Temple and the reception was in my parents' backyard. All the lights were so magical.

thoughts & emos

2011-05-12T12:14:00.000-06:00

I'm flying to NYC tomorrow for the National Stationary Show. Levain Bakery, here I come!

From there I go to GA for my sister's wedding reception. She got married last weekend.

If you haven't voted for Fictionist yet, today is your last day!!!!!

Lately I've been thinking about this passage from The Bell Jar.

I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story. From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned and winked. One fig was a husband and a happy home and children, and another fig was a famous poet and another fig was a brilliant professor, and another fig was Ee Gee, the amazing editor, and another fig was Europe and Africa and South America, and another fig was Constantin and Socrates and Attila and a pack of other lovers with queer names and offbeat professions, and another fig was an Olympic lady crew champion, and beyond and above these figs were many more figs I couldn't quite make out. I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet. ~Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar, Chapter 7

are you sick these posts yet?

2011-04-30T09:48:00.003-06:00

I can hardly believe Fictionist is on to round 3 (ok, well I can b/c they are unreal talented and hard working, but it all seems too good to be true!)!! They are one of only 4 bands left in the competition. If they make it to round 4 they will go head-to-head with one other band at the Bannaroo music festival. Exciting stuff, huh?

Will you please vote again? Just rate them 5 stars. EasyPeasy. Also, check out their new song, recently recorded in NYC, Mouth of the Flame. Great vocals, Stu and I' loving the guitar at the end.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Thanks, people!

New Mexicans

2011-04-29T09:12:00.014-06:00

I went on another road trip with some friends. This time to the great Southwest. Our male travel comps, Carson and Grant, are very well versed in Native American history and ruins, so it was like having personal tour guides with us the whole time.

The reason this whole trip came to be was because we had the chance to visit ole Johnny Hernandez who lives in an abandoned hotel packed full of antiques. JV's grandparents got to know him while serving a mission in NM. I'm not sure that he ever really understood who we were, yet he warmly welcomed us into his home. It was certainly a very unique experience.

The boys were drooling over Johnny's antique gun collection.

The Man, Johnny Hernandez

This pic makes me laugh.

An Easter Egg hunt in Santa Fe....that sneaky Archbishop.

Carson was named after Kit Carson. Very fitting for a guy who's about to go track elephants in the Congo with Pygmies for 3 months. When he's a famous explorer seomday, this will be proof that I knew him way back when.

This is Bob. He told us stores about the Southwest and made us star wands and horses out of willow branches. Then he gave us bound sage for burning, which we were glad we had thrown out before we got pulled over in Monticello (sorry Carson) :)

After this pic was taken all 4 of us leaned over the edge and screamed into the Rio Grand Gorge. Reminded me of this scene from Garden State...minus the making out at the end.

Four Corners: NM, AZ, UT, CO

Hovenweep

Mesa Verde

If I saw Jesus, i'd probably feel inclined to pop a wheelie, too.

He's always watching...

Moisturized is my favorite kind.

This whole situation is alarming.

A Lemonade Affair

2011-03-20T23:06:00.007-06:00

We've lived in the Lemonade House for a whole year, so threw a little shindig to celebrate our anniversary. We didn't want to put in too much time and money, so pulled out a bunch of yellow decor and party supplies I already had, threw up a piece of fabric for a photobooth and stopped by our local Costco the rest.

homemade burrata

2011-03-15T09:04:00.000-06:00

I had a delicious baby beet salad over Burrata cheese at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant in LA. Burrata is basically a soft mozzarella and cream mixture of goodness inside a solid mozzarella exterior. I would love to try Sunday Suppers's step-by-step guide to making your own Burrata.

Sunny Weekend

2011-03-14T09:46:00.002-06:00

I had a great weekend (despite the game on Sat. boo). I reconnected with old friends and met new ones. Church was eventful (met Maxwell from Jamaica who said I had a "nice face") and the weather was perfect. I'm continuing my sunny weekend with this song. Thanks, Willie.

Steel Magnolia

2011-03-11T05:18:00.000-07:00

Loving this photo today.

source

I'm making a list

2011-03-10T11:30:00.004-07:00

The warm weather and sunshine has inspired me to make a list of fun spring and summer activities. I would love to hear what food, outdoor and cultural adventures my fellow UT residents love to do this time of year. Just leave me a comment and I'll add it to my list. Thanks!

Mardi Gras

2011-03-09T21:04:00.002-07:00

Us Southerns (and honorary Southerners) hit up the Bayou last night to celebrate Mardi Gras. Live music, Cajun cuisine, beads and hilarious company made for a memorable evening.

Snow from the Lemonade House

2011-03-07T19:15:00.003-07:00

that time SoyJoy sponsored our road trip

2011-03-05T21:38:00.019-07:00

(first, let me apologize for the weird formatting...hating blogger today)

JV and I went on a road trip last weekend with our friends Brody and Grant. Best road trip ever. It's true.

First stop, Las Vegas, where we met celebrities (Jennifer Tilly. You know, from Bride of Chucky?), hit up the midnight gambler's special ($2.45 for a full breakfast? Yes, please) and tried our hand at Roulette (lost everything. Not my fault. I called red).

Next we stopped in Hollywood to take a gander around the Oscars.

We walked the red carpet,

had interviews with the press,

and waved to our fans.

Thanks to SoyJoy we had plenty of snacks to keep our energy up and great pink backpacks which we proudly sported around LA.

After a fascinating/alarming tour of the Scientology Celebrity Center we headed to Studio City where Grant's sister and bro-in-law let us crash for the night.

JV says if I ever go missing, this will be the pic she chooses to go on TV. This is why we're BFs.

Once again, Grant's sister and brother-in-law were so kind and hooked us up with Disneyland and California Adventure tickets.

We love this guy.

Dole Whip!

BFs Becca and Carolyn met us at Disneyland for the World of Color water show. I was so lucky to have all of my favorite people with me at Disneyland.

Thanks, guys, for the invite. When's the next trip?

Disney Bound

2011-02-24T14:16:00.004-07:00

I'm going to California....again. I just couldn't pass up a Disneyland trip with some friends. I know Epcot is only at Disney World, but I wanted to post this 1983 map cover. Groovy colors and design.

so true

2011-02-19T20:39:00.002-07:00

this makes me feel better about the state of my studio.

Put Fictionist on the Cover of the Rolling Stone

2011-02-15T00:10:00.013-07:00

Okay, people, here's another post dedicated to my friends, Fictionist. And, man, is it a goodie. Fictionist is one of 16 bands in the nation competing to be on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, receive a record contract from Atlantic records, and play on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Jimmy Fallon himself announced the band on his show last night (watch here: http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/rolling-stone-band-contest-2-14-11/1293301).

They need your votes. Here's how you can help:

1) Visit this site: http://www.rollingstone.com/choosethecover/artists/fictionist
2) Rate the band with 5 stars
3) "Like" the band via your Facebook account
4) Cross your fingers :)

Here's their latest photoshoot by the talented Matt Clayton.

And if you would be so kind as to spread the word, they'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

Oh, and be sure to watch their latest music video.

my men

2011-02-14T09:17:00.008-07:00

i skyped with my two favorite valentines today.

tommy.

mckay.

Elle's Valentine Party

2011-02-13T19:19:00.001-07:00

Michelle planned the sweetest little Valentine's party for her daughter and some of her friends. The kids had a great time playing games, decorating cookies, and of course, exchanging valentine's.

Michelle used several products from Lifestyle Crafts for details and favors.

Free Valentine Download

2011-02-11T11:52:00.007-07:00

these are the valentines i made this year. i'm offering the "Be My Valentine" card as a free download over at the Lifestyle Crafts blog. in that post you will also find the list of supplies i used and instructions.

have a LOVEly Valentine's Day!

xo

LL

Lemonade Love

2011-02-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

Beau or no beau, we here at the Lemonade house love Valentine's Day. Thanks to Lifestyle Crafts we had all the tools to make heart-felt notes for the ones we love.

And thanks to JV's haiku skills, her mother is getting the best Valentine ever.

LC love

2011-02-10T14:42:00.009-07:00

Many of my co-workers are more than just friends 'till 5. We have a great 'ole time in and outside our little office. Kylie, our marketing specialist, made me a V-Day mix full of super cool, folksy love-ish songs. Using the L Letterpress, she made a square card to go along with the CD. For a step-by-step guide to create your own letterpressed valentines hop on over the the Lifestyle Crafts blog.

This is the little note Ky included:

Working with you is really great. Being friends is even better. Thanks for all the carpools, stories and profanities in the office.

Kylie, I have no idea what profanities you could possibly be referring to.

valentine art

2011-02-08T12:52:00.003-07:00

for valentine's day caitlin is offering these lovely pieces in a "pay what you want" format. hop on over to her blog a simply donate an amount that you deem appropriate and receive your own print. great idea, huh?

another monday

2011-02-07T15:26:00.005-07:00

two things i am enjoying today:

1. firefly "save the date" announcement

2. this song (thanks Nicki)

one thing i am not enjoying today: busting my lip with a highlighter.

i'm an idiot.

CHA Photos

2011-02-03T23:46:00.005-07:00

This post is mainly for my family who wonder what a trade show actually looks like. Well, here it is. The only thing missing from these photos are the dozen crop in styles parked in and around our booth.

There I am on the left meeting with dear Sam and his wife Lucy. He works his magic on the manufacturing side for us. He brought me Tim Tams and chocolate from Australia confirming to me once again that American chocolate is gross.

2011

2011-02-02T23:52:00.002-07:00

a very pretty 2011 calendar that's free to download. i'm hanging it in my new office.

McKay's 1st Birthday Party

2011-02-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

McKay's 1st birthday party was inspired by his favorite book, Over in the Meadow. My sister planned a very cute party that was perfect for a 1 year old.

CHA in LA

2011-01-28T21:58:00.003-07:00

Trade shows are an exhausting business. I'm currently in LA with the LC hoping our new products are received well. This is a photo I styled using some of our new cutting dies. The talented Kylie shot this lovely photo on my front porch in the rain/snow. Oh the things we do for our jobs!

hue & hum

2011-01-27T20:16:00.006-07:00

Meet the talented Caitlin (Hue) and Robbie (Hum). They are some of my favorites and quite possibly two of the most talented and kind people I have had the pleasure to get to know. They are what I wish I could be: brilliantly artistic, naturally musical, clever, and oh-so stylish. You should read their blog. It's a feast for the eyes and ears. Oh, and did I mention they have the cutest little puppy named Albus? He has red hair like me. We're pals.

Did you know Caitlin does commissions? In fact I'm having her paint a piece like this for my house. Check out her series about progression. It warms my heart.

Robbie is part of the sickeningly talented band, Fictionist. I love their artistic style, thoughtful lyrics, innovation and live performances. It's refreshing to experience a piece of pure talent among the contrived silliness flooding main stream entertainment. Here's their latest song, Pain of Desire, which has been on repeat on my itunes and in my head for a few days now. Check 'em out. They're gonna be big.

all-in-one card stamp

2011-01-26T22:51:00.001-07:00

want.

McKay Love

2011-01-26T09:58:00.008-07:00

McKay calls me La La. He loves me because I spoil him with sweets and toys.

(Can I just point out how WT this photo is? Fast food, a QT cup, chips and toilet paper.
Sheesh...)

We Skype several times a week, usually while he's eating dinner.

Baby Tommy

2011-01-17T22:41:00.005-07:00

my sister-in-law, kelly, is having her baby tomorrow. little tommy is on his way!

Family Photos 2010

2011-01-03T23:02:00.018-07:00

thank goodness for tripods and camera remote controls.

London New Year

2011-01-03T19:37:00.002-07:00

This is an email I received from my friend Rafeek whom I met in London back in June.

I couldn't have said it any better.

"May this new year explore every joy of life&may ur resolutions 4 the days ahead stay firm,turning all your dreams into reality&all ur efforts into great achievments.

Happy new year to you & your loved ones."

McKay is 1

2011-01-01T10:18:00.013-07:00

M turned 1 on Dec 29. We did an impromptu photo shoot in the woods on our property with an antique cotton picking basket, a rocking chair, and some balloons left over from his birthday party.

Tommy G.

2010-12-31T20:04:00.011-07:00

While home for Christmas, my sisters, mother and I threw our sister-in-law a baby shower. Tommy G is due to arrive the end of January. So excited to have another nephew.

Christmas in Dixie

2010-12-29T19:54:00.003-07:00

snowy sabbath

2010-12-20T23:20:00.003-07:00

cat and i walking home from church a few weeks ago.

winter in utah has arrived.

gingerbread extravaganza...

2010-12-19T22:47:00.004-07:00

hosted by sara and amy.

amy is a baker.

an amazing one.

it was a delicious evening.

structural issues.

tada!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-19T22:26:00.006-07:00

from the Lemonade House.

le bebe

2010-12-14T21:42:00.007-07:00

jv hosted the most charming french-themed baby shower at the lemonade house on saturday. i loved all the details and had a blast snapping these photos.

everything went off without a hitch...except getting locked out of our house. no keys + a shivering 9 month pregnant woman called for immediate action. i broke into our basement and shimmied through a little window. not without removing my brand new boots and killing a few spiders first. pretty sure i my hair picked up some spider webs and spider guts a long the way.

and in case any robbers reading this are getting any ideas, the basement window is now extra dead bolted.

S,M & T

2010-11-13T12:31:00.008-07:00

My first shoot with these guys was about a year ago. It's fun to see how much T has grown up.

Marie + Ian Wedding

2010-11-09T16:00:00.007-07:00

Jennifer and I spend last weekend up to our elbows in wedding goodness. our dear friend Marie asked us to do the flowers and decor for her wedding. she has fabulous taste so we happily jumped on board. it was so darn exhausting, but it turned out absolutely lovely.

Halloween at the Lemonade House

2010-11-09T11:39:00.019-07:00

in july JV and i set out to host the best Halloween party ever. we knew our 1904 Lemonade house would be the perfect venue for spooking our guests. we schemed and planned and schemed some more.

we mailed telegrams to our guests informing them of the event.

and sure enough, they came a'flocking like moths to a flame.

our butler, Briggs, welcome them in.

We fed them hors d'oeuvres to fill their bellies and to dull their senses.

And when they were good and ready, they were welcomed into the dining room,
which was alit solely by candlelight.

We drew them to the place adorned with their head.

And, after an appetizer of squash soup and a pallet cleanser,

they settled into a long discussion about McKinley's assassination,
Roosevelt's campaign, and that new-fangled gadget, the x-ray.

Briggs, Price, and Dixon attended to their every need,

making sure the roast chicken, cornbread dressing, carrots and french
green beans were served exactly to their liking.

For the gluttons in the group, chocolate-cherry bundt cake,
pumpkin cheesecake and homemade graham crackers were served.

So when they left the dining hall and were outside,

they hardly knew that they were completely surrounded by ghosts.

Do visit us sometime.

The Lemonade House loves visitors.

photos courtesy of Erin Hallmark

pewter items courtesy of Old Town Imports
text courtesy of Jennifer Vance

1904 Halloween

2010-11-04T13:54:00.002-06:00

more spooky details to come.

supermodel baby

2010-11-04T11:32:00.005-06:00

i love these photos of my mckay!

B, M, & I

2010-10-15T21:41:00.006-06:00

mmmm....cake

2010-10-14T15:49:00.004-06:00

i bought this lemon curd filled cake today to celebrate my co-worker's birthday. and, since we're a craft company we couldn't let the moment pass without adding our own special touch. the banner is die cut & letterpressed (currently, we don't carry the banner shape in our line. *wink*).

our talented Kylie snapped this amazing photo.

recent travels: holga edition

2010-09-01T15:46:00.010-06:00

atlantic ocean, florida

crystal cove, california

madrid, spain

dartmouth, england

mckay, florida

the national gallery, london

london

on the steps of st. paul, london

st paul's cathedral, london

trafalgar square, london

london

britt & stu, london

times square, nyc

camille, kensington gardens, london

robbie & caitlin, kensington gardens, london

county devon, uk

neuvo watches

2010-08-22T22:37:00.002-06:00

i haven't worn a watch in years, but i would love one of these. reasonably priced, too.

camping quilt

2010-08-22T22:19:00.003-06:00

i love this idea. i think my nephew and my cousins kids should have one. i haven't been able to find a pattern and don't think i'm clever enough to figure it out. any takers?

laura + bret + ?

2010-08-18T21:29:00.006-06:00

my friends laura and bret are having a baby boy in a couple of weeks. we shot these photos at a park in downtown SLC. i think laura looks so beautiful! they're moving to brazil after the baby is old enough to travel, so i guess i better start saving my pennies for a visit.

these two had me cracking up! they have the best personalities and do and say the funniest things.

"the lean". how bret mesmerized laura in the first place.

jazz hands. thank you high school drill team.

my favorite.
bret rocking laura's purse and smelling her hair.

foreshadowing?

S&B: Cabin Edition

2010-08-09T23:03:00.004-06:00

i'm part of a "Stitch and Bitch" craft group that meets about once a month. we've all become really great friends. this past weekend we went to a cabin in the mountains near Fairview. it was so gorgeous and peaceful and rejuvenating. here are a few of my favorite shots.

cake bunting

2010-08-04T16:54:00.001-06:00

cute idea from kiki la ru.

party planning

2010-08-04T14:51:00.008-06:00

i'm planning a couple of parties right now and have come across some great nick nacks i want to snatch up for all the details.

striped paper bags from minimega (via i suwannee)

berry containers and mini condiment bottles from Garnish (via Heather)

I am looking for black glassine bags. Anyone know of a source?

jana + eric

2010-08-02T10:51:00.009-06:00

these are my friends jana and eric. they are getting married. jana used to do a little modeling and eric plays guitar in a band. he's pretty much a rockstar. could they be any more good looking and photogenic?

paper book wreath

2010-08-02T10:44:00.002-06:00

i need an inexpensive something for the walls in my dining room. jennifer and i are going to try making a paper wreath out of old book pages.

unique shiny

2010-07-12T15:47:00.003-06:00

i found some really pretty items from unique shiny on etsy. i love all the linen fabrics.

pink staches

2010-07-12T10:43:00.003-06:00

i came to work to find these sitting on my desk with a sweet note from one of my former co-workers. she knows that i love this sort of clever/silly stuff. thanks andrea!