I did it you guys.

The blog is now on Tumblr.

Of course you can also check out my website. Yes. Do that.

9*9*11

More exciting mail! I love things that com in the mail. Sometimes I order things from Amazon, just to have something show up at my doorstep.

This time it's an invitation I designed for Daniella and Dan, who are getting married in New Orleans. So how perfect is it that they found these super cute Jazz stamps!?!

I picked out these button and string envelopes. I think they add a little interaction and playfulness to the invites.

The graphics were designed around the wedding theme: vintage circus. These were printed using thermography (which adds a nice raised effect) in a warm, shimmery gold.

The Dantastic couple wanted to keep these eco-friendly, so rather than have a separate RSVP card and envelope to send back, I designed a 'ticket' (with perforations so that it actually tears off) that asks guests to RSVP and find more information on their website.

I'm just so pleased this sweet couple wanted me to help with their invites! Stay tuned, I also designed a guestbook print for them that I'll post soon!

9*7*11

I'm experimenting with a new blog. Will you pretty please go check it out and let me know what you think?

Thanks.

You're the best.

Click here for new blog!

9*6*11

Favorite parts about backpacking Goat Rocks this last weekend: coming across a giant frozen lake, some 500 feet from blooming wildflowers; ALL the wildflowers; fantastic company; having just enough room in my pack for a bladder of wine and s'mores; and the beautiful, not-to-hot sun.

9*1*11

Cory and I and a couple friends are going to disappear into the woods for a few days. I'm excited to disconnect from cell phones and computers and get some really fresh air.

Why don't you try making Joy the Baker's Peach Cobbler for One?

I liked it, but didn't love it. But it definitely has love potential. I think it just needs something... more oats perhaps? Less sugar? I don't know, maybe you can help me figure it out!

Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend!

8*31*11

It's kinda been one of those weeks. We were having some nice, hot August weather, when suddenly, this week, it took a turn for the worst. As did everyone's attitudes (including my own, I'll admit).

It's not that it's that bad. It's really not. And I remind myself that in order to have amazing days, it's mandatory that you have a few not-so-amazing days as well. That's just how it works.

So I thought today I would take a moment to dwell on a place that always makes me happy: my backyard.

First, I just love the glow of these lights. I think I like them even more at dawn than at dusk. We've been keeping them on at night to keep the moths attracted to the lights outside.

Tissue flowers hang from my birthday. How long will they last?

These tall plants, almost as tall as me, that look like weeds take up a large pocket of real estate next to my planter boxes. They're just starting to bloom, and I'm excited to see how beautiful it looks with all those purple flowers.

My very favorite part of this space: a furry, blue-eyed companion that follows me around, occasionally, giving me a gentle reminder that she needs her belly rubbed.

Our hydrangeas are purple because they're beneath our acidic oak tree. It makes my heart sing.

8*27*11

For my birthday earlier this month I received a gift card to Powell's City of Books from a couple super sweet bride and groom clients/friends of mine. I was thrilled. I ran right out and got Super Natural Every Day, the newest book from Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks.

The book (and her blog) has all sorts of healthy vegetarian recipes that are not only unique, but easy enough to make them on any weeknight. The black-peppered tempeh and cauliflower recipe has quickly become a favorite.

And it looks like the little quinoa cakes are going to quickly become one too! I made a little avocado sauce to serve with them, which was super tasty. I could also see serving it with sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or a fresh salsa. Really, the possibilities are endless.

Dude, that avocado matches my floors.

Quinoa cake and avocado bliss.

Little Quinoa Patties

from Heidi Swanson

• 2 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1 yellow or white onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan or gruyere cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup whole grain bread crumbs, plus more if needed
• water, if needed
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or clarified butter

Combine quinoa, eggs and salt in a medium bowl.

Stir in chives, onion, cheese, and garlic.

Add the bread crumbs, stir, and let sit for a few minutes to absorb.

At this point you should have a mixture you can easily form into 12 1-inch thick patties.

If it needs to to be firmer, add bread crumbs; if moister, add water or more egg.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over med-high heat.

Add patties, cover, and cook for 7-10 minutes, until the bottoms are deeply browned.

Flip the patties and cook for an additional 7 minutes, or until golden.

*I made all the patties, and cooked 4 for dinner, then put the remaining patties in the freezer, separated by parchment paper. I just put them straight into the frying pan frozen, and they cooked up really nicely for lunch!

Avocado Cream Sauce

• 1 ripe avocado, halved and pit and skin removed
• juice from 1/2 lime
• 1/2 garlic clove, chopped
• 1/2 cup soy milk (or more, if needed)
• salt & pepper

Put avocado, lime juice, and garlic and soy milk in a food processor.

Puree, adding more soy milk if necessary, to the consistency of sour cream.

Add salt and peper to taste.