7*20*11

It was a fun weekend, having Cory's mom and sister in town. We even managed to make it to VooDoo, to stuff our faces with donuts (after a long night of drinking, of course).

7*15*11

Verelle's life, according to her iPhone:

I took my sister to her first Timbers soccer game last week. We played Club America (from Mexico City), and I'm pretty sure there were more CA fans than Timbers fans, which was kind of neat to see. We lost (again), but they're not in our league, so it was just a friendly game anyways.

We attended our 4th wedding this year: Michelle and Brian Mahan! They got married just outside of Hood River at a giant cabin / lodge with absolutely stunning views of Mount Hood.

I popped into Freddy's on my way to work the other morning and saw this parked outside. I think their motorized scooter / cargo trailer / baby trailer / dog combination put my poor bike to shame.

Last night Cory's mom and sister got into town, so I made a couple pizzas. This one's got spinach, corn, red onion and brie.

This morning I moved to a new desk at the Webtrends office. It's a coworkers last day, and she brought sunflowers for everyone. So sweet! And I can't complain about the window behind my monitor and great views. I can see Departure at the top of The Nines from here. Think there's any way they can zip-line a cocktail straight to my desk?

Happy Friday!

7*13*11

I am my own most difficult client. I think it's one of those things where when you are really close to something, it makes it harder to see. I find myself having to take a step back and really examine myself, which isn't always easy.

On the bright side, I am feeling a large wave of excitement and creativity! Which is great because I have a LOT to get done in the next couple weeks!

7*11*11

I feel like a crazy person right now. I haven't had a day off in over a week, nor do I have one scheduled (indefinitely). I'm trying to launch the rebranding of my freelancing business (new identity and website is in the works, can't wait to share it soon!!!). We just went to our fourth wedding of the year last night (so much wine. so much dancing. so much fun!). And Cory's family is coming to visit next weekend (which I am super duper excited about :)!

I've been a little busy.

But, somehow I managed to sew myself a dress! It is my very first piece of clothing. I think it turned out pretty well! I kept it really really simple because I didn't want to overwhelm myself. But after getting a few compliments on it, I will definitely be making this pattern again, either in a different fabric for myself, or as a gift for a friend.

7*8*11

I've found a super fun website for color inspiration: design seeds. It takes these beautiful photos, and translates them to color palettes. I've been using this website to get ideas for the color palette that I will use in my own identity.

I know I want to use a lavender color. Here are some of my favorite palettes that incorporate it.

Do you have a favorite?

7*6*11

It is so summer. It is so awesome.

Summer. Awesome. Ice cream. What?!?

There's this new app for iphone: IceCreamSpot Pro. It finds ice cream shops near your location!

With or without this groovy app, I've got a couple on my bucket list to check out this summer.

The first one is Ruby Jewel on Mississippi Ave. I've tried their ice cream sandwiches, and they are to die for! This place seems to be the holy grail of ice cream in Portland.

Next, I want to get the full Fifty Licks experience. They're a food cart located on Belmont St, but occasionally they travel around to different events. You may remember that I tried their Caramelized Apple at Eat Mobile food cart festival. It was heavenly, and ever since I've been craving a full scoop!

Then there's the even newer food cart Salt & Straw on Alberta. This cart is "farm-to-cone", meaning they source from local vendors, and has flavors like Pear with Blue Cheese, and Brown Ale with Bacon. Let's go there. Right. Now.

7*3*11

Recently I helped with the invitations of Jayme and Chris. These invites are sweet and simple. Just the info, with an email to RSVP to, all to be hand-delivered by the bride and groom themselves. Each one was handmade by the bride and friends, and each one is unique.

I just love that so many brides are choosing to go the eco-friendly route of not using separate RSVP cards, or all the extra envelope packaging.

Cheers to Jayme and Chris!