The Nature

So, I know that there is nature in LA, people go there to hike and get in touch with themselves, but I just don't get there to much. And I have really wanted to go day hiking in the northwest, so I could see a different, greener, more dense type of forest and- wow- I was not disappointed. We went to Multnomah Falls, just across the Columbia River from Washington. I mean, really, all I kept saying to my friend was "wow, this is like a movie..."- it was surreal and beautiful- see for yourself... (yeah, in that picture below with the dime, look closely- those little white things are mushrooms! crazy!)

Portland Days

I try to get away every November to do something fun and relaxing that isn't 100% related to work...just for a little break. A couple weeks ago, I went back to Portland to stay with my friend Jill...It was great, as always! I love going there- a little rain, some clouds, also some sun... some hail, too! We went all over town, to some shops (see Ink & Peat below) and, of course, lots of food- yum. This year, we had two goals- first was to use some of Jill's home-grown veggies to make pumpkin muffins and an amazing gratin with yams and Swiss Chard. The second goal was to see "The Nature"- that is a whole separate post, because it was so beautiful and amazing. I had a great time and love love love the Northwest- thanks Jill, as always, for making it great.

Idyllwild

We went up to a cabin in Idyllwild with a group from church a couple weeks ago. It was amazingly beautiful- so much of the beauty of autumn. The cabin we stayed was also just perfect for the weekend- it had so many original items from years ago that I had to take some pictures...

tiny prints holidays

For the last year or so, we have been happily working with tiny prints on everyday baby announcements, wedding invites and now Holiday cards! If you are looking for great quality & prices, tp is the way to go....check out some of our designs here. (p.s.: If we know you personally, there is a chance that your name may show up on a sample design image, now and then!)

b(re)aking all the rules

so, I don't think it's wrong, or even particularly weird.....but I made chocolate chip cookies with almonds today, not raisins (which I am not crazy about anyway) or the usual walnuts....
I am not sure if it is common and I am just unaware (which wouldn't surprise me), but it is great! A little more crunchy than soft, and also a little saltier (using dry-roasted almonds- be careful with them....)

New sofa pillows!

We have been wanting some new pillows for our sofa for awhile. Finally, the man came around to the idea and so we looked for a bit.....until we found these great pillow covers from kalla design. Hitomi is in Japan and her hand-screening of these designs is amazing....we are so glad to have them! We love knowing where they came from and who made them, a little history while we nap!

studio shots

Here are some shots I took last week, around the studio. We are busy bees trying to get all the Holiday goods out and start on the new spring stuff (so hard to think about when it is just finally starting to feel like Fall!)....

A sweet escape

We just got back a few days ago from an amazing trip to Costa Rica. It was super beautiful and relaxing- we had a wonderful time! And since we went with friends who visit there every summer, we had some great hosts! And their daughter and our son had a super great time....It is an amazing country, with beautiful natural features, warm people and great iguanas! If you get the chance to go, take it- you will love it!

new eyeglasses

Coming soon to a face near you! Well, near me anyway....It is way past time to have some updated glasses- lenses and frames....I just kept putting it off. Finally, I had to go for it. Found these on Ebay and there is this great new feature called "Make an Offer." Basically, you can send the seller your price (a la Priceline) and they will let you know if it is accepted. Anyhoo, these were a steal of a deal!!!! Hooray! (below are the runners-up...all lovely!)