Truly Smitten

C'est tres Mignon, indeed!

2012-01-24T06:59:00.000-08:00

I've been following my lovely fellow blog friend, Rachel over at Elephantine for a long while and of course anyone who is familiar with her blog, she always has the most cutest finds. I particularly enjoy her beautiful photos and videos of her baked goods. A while back she mentioned how she was working on another project and I couldn't wait to find out what it was! I'm sure everyone was anxiously waiting to see what it could be...and holy granola! The wait was definitely worth it. Rachel launched a very well (and beautifully) curated online shop which carries kitchen and pantry goods as well as adorable table wares and packaging. Everything about her new shop, Mignon Kitchen Co is just gosh darn super cute. From the simple, fresh look of her website to the adorable logo - I just LOVE it all. Check out Mignon Kitchen Co right here!

That girl never ceases to inspire me!

All photos by Rachel Ball of Elephantine

Snow day...

2012-01-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

Yep...there is some abundant amount of snow coming down on Chicago right now. It's kept me trapped inside the house all day. However, I did brave this crazy snow storm and walked over to Dunkin Donuts for some coffee. I don't recommend doing this at all unless you want to accidentally slip and scald yourself with some freaking hot coffee.

Lesson learned. Stay INSIDE where it's nice and toasty and just make your own darn coffee at home.

After warming up a bit and drinking whatever was left of my coffee, I noticed how pretty and fluffy the snow was falling outside and decided to take some snap shots.

Stay warm this weekend, friends!

During the afternoon...

During the evening...

2012-01-10T13:44:00.000-08:00

HELP.

I can't stop eating!
Self-discipline? What's that?!

I shaved my freakishly hairy legs last night so I can bust out the running shorts and pound away a few miles at the gym....but....never made it to the gym this morning. However, I did muster up strength to walk 2 miles to eat a hearty, fat laden breakfast meal. And right after that heavy, fat laden meal, I got a glazed donut. Soooooo sexy.

Why can't I stop eating?
Motivation? Where are you??!

2012-01-06T19:53:00.000-08:00

Ooooh! The MOST adorable and clever birthday card made for a hubbie! LOVE.

Found on Christine Wisnieski

On turning 31

2012-01-05T14:50:00.000-08:00

I turned 31 yesterday. I was preparing for that depressed feeling I get every morning of my birthday but it never came! Instead, I laid there in bed thinking how grateful I am for all the blessings in my life and just being in good health. My 'twenty-something' birthdays were all about celebrating me, me and yes, me. But now it's more important to share as many small and big moments with your family and loved ones. And to never take this awesome gift of Life for granted - no matter where you are in life, just be glad. After seeing how much my cousin struggled with her husband's battle with leukemia, it made me realize to cherish literally everything in my life. And thank the good Lord, because he found a perfect match for bone marrow transplant and is doing incredibly well! But I digress... Something about being in your thirties just feels different. I can't put my finger on it, but I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin. I feel more in love with my husband than ever. I feel ready to be a mom. I feel more settled. I feel more support from my family. I feel more connected with my lovely friends. I just feel....happier!

(yes, I do think he's got the best legs in town...I'm not kidding! I want our future daughter to have his legs)

And life wouldn't be the same without this cute man I'm married to =). He is my everything. Jeez, if I am feeling this much overwhelming love for him, I can't even imagine what or how it would feel like when we have a baby! (no, I am not preggers). I spent the day relaxing at a spa, getting a facial, which I ended up with having a bright red nose from having been squeezed so darn hard, and then had dinner at one of our favorite comfort food places, Bob Chinns. And oh my lawd, I couldn't have been more pleased with what he got me: a diamond band that matches my original wedding band =). Sorry, he would SO KILL me for posting this, but I love it so much I wanted to share =).

(yay to stackable rings! middle one is the bday gift, bottom is my original wedding band)

Any of you feel the same way as I do as a woman in your thirties?

goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T09:35:00.001-08:00

2011-12-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas just came and went this year! No snow, no sub-zero temperatures (it was actually sunny and in the 40s on Christmas day), and the Mr was post-call Christmas day and pretty much slept the whole day. This year was just a lukewarm Christmas. But I'm hoping that the rest of you had a fabulous one! However, there were a few wonderful highlights about this holiday season such as receiving a goody package from a darling friend, Sally from Shim and Sons, learning a few recipes from Charlene's brunch, and making new friends this month. One hilarious person in particular whom I got to meet last night, Donna from CoffeeMochi. Oh and check out her monthly New Year resolution monthly challenges...I'm very inspired by this and feel the need to do something similar - a good change up for the upcoming 2012. Thanks Charlene for the introduction and for picking a very fabulously yummy place (The Paris Club) for us to meet at!

Star of the holiday dinner party

2011-12-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I hosted a holiday potluck/white elephant get together at my place that pretty much went until almost 3 o'clock in the morning! Lots of laughs and interesting conversation topics were shared that night. So for dinner, I made this incredibly delicious and super moist pork rib roast with apples and much to my joy, this dish was a huge success with the ladies! This dinner kept us going well into the night! It's too good to not share...so here it is - enjoy =). Oh yes...crass six ladies plus countless bottles of wine can make one memorable night. The next day, my husband asked me what the ladies talked about until 3am and all I could say was that if I told him, he wouldn't look at us the same way.
(Please excuse our massive food portion - we can't help ourselves.)

Oh yes, and during dinner, we were laughing so hard and hitting the table over the Shit Girls Say video on you tube. Have you seen this? LOL!

And before I forget...here's the recipe for the pork roast. Get ready to drool =)

Bone-in Pork Roast with Apples and Gremolata: (Recipe from Everyday Food Magazine)

Serves 8 / Total time: 2 hour + Resting

Ingredients:

- 1 pork rib roast with 8 ribs, chine bone removed and ribs frenched (4 to 4 1/2 pounds)

- course salt and pepper

- 4 gala or fuji apples,halved (I used fuji - sweeter)

- 3/4 cup dry white wine, such as chardonnay (I used 1 cup)

- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves

- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Let pork sit at room temp for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Season pork with salt and pepper and 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary. In a large roasting pan, arrange apples, cut side down, in two rows in center of pan. Place pork, fat side up, on top of apples. Add wine and 1 cup of water to pan. Roast until pork is golden and an instant read thermometer inserted into center (avoiding bones) reads 145 degrees, 1 to 1 1/4 hours (I did 1.5 hours). Transfer pork and apples to a platter. Loosely tent pork with foil and let rest for 30 minutes.

2. Make gremolata: In a small bowl, stir together parsley, rosemary, lemon zest and juice, and olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cut roast into chops and serve with apples and gremolata.

New York in all it's glory...

2011-12-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

On my recent trip to New York, I wanted to photograph this beautiful city from a street perspective. On all my previous trips to New York, there was so much to take in visually that I didn't pay attention to even the little details that makes this city so amazing. Thanks to my handy iPhone, I was able to document everything and anything that caught my eye (which was practically everything). Gosh, I'm a bit mad for NY's architecture.

Happy Friday, everyone!

And a little something to remember New York by =)... is it strange that I just got myself a xmas gift?

It's that time of the year!

2011-12-09T10:28:00.001-08:00

It feels like it was just yesterday that the Mr and I moved back to Chicago and it was hot as heck! And now here we are sending out and receiving holiday cards in the mail...time does fly a bit too fast. For this year, I designed a more simple and elegant holiday cards and just got these babies hot off the press last week! I love, LOVE the look of gold foil stamping with letterpress and I kind of had a hard time mailing these out yesterday. I hope the recipients enjoy them as much as I do =). Happy Friday!!

Design by Truly Smitten / Printed by AccuColor Plus, Inc

Irresistible branding design

2011-12-01T05:56:00.001-08:00

Doesn't this just make your jaw drop? I am crazy about everything Oscar & Emma and Stitch Design Co creates! I'm a bit jealous....

Photos via Oscar & Emma / Stitch Design Co

The beautiful desert

2011-11-30T06:49:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone had a yummy Thanksgiving! My husband and I spent ours in Arizona with his side of the fam. During our stay there, we got to hike 4 miles off-path through Sabino Canyon and let me tell ya, the desert is BEAUTIFUL! I never, ever really thought much of the desert except that it's just dry and boring. I was very, very wrong to think that. We rewarded ourselves with some juicy In N Out burgers and pretty much ate our way through that week. Here's a few photos I wanted to share with you all. I am really missing their warm weather right now...

A gem in the city

2011-11-18T20:38:00.001-08:00

For a long while (and I mean LONG), I have always loved visiting (in my opinion) Chicago's best paper boutique shop, Greer Chicago. I remember stepping foot into this gorgeous shop when I was an art student and even before Truly Smitten was launched. I remember thinking to myself how inspired and rejuvenated I felt whenever I browsed through Chandra's carefully selected collection of paper goods. I haven't stepped into her store in a while until today, and my oh my, I died a little and went to paper heaven when I saw all my favorite stationery designers spread out before my hungry eyes! It was definitely tempting to buy one of everything.

Over the semi-brief period when I was in Iowa, I was able to befriend and keep in touch Chandra via Twitter (thank goodness for twitter and online friends!) and always imagined her to be this hilarious, super sweet woman. Well today, we got to meet for the first time and we chatted for a while and let me say this: she is just the most knock-your-socks-off sweetest, loveliest woman! And on top of everything else, she has a superb eye for picking out great design and her shop is truly a well-curated place of art. I must go bug her some more =).

Greer Chicago always makes me drool.

The fabulous Chandra Greer and I

This is Donovan. Loved chatting with her! She also runs 16 Sparrows. If you went to the Renegade Craft Fair, you definitely have seen her lovely work.

Couldn't resist buying these! I'm a huge fan of Rifle Paper Co. Who isn't?

I'm always so happy to meet fellow women in paper industry, stationers, designers and bloggers. I know I always get ridiculously giddy chatting about our love and appreciation for lovely papered goods over dessert and coffee (that combo is irresistible). If you are a paper lover in Chicago, let's meet! =).

I'm leaving out of town for a week and spending Thanksgiving in sunny Arizona and my posting will probably be very minimal until I get back. Until then, I wish you all a wonderful and delicious Thanksgiving!

xoxo-

Sarah

2011-11-16T17:36:00.001-08:00

Loving my new jade locket from JCrew along with this super cute pinecone stationery note it came with.

And in other exciting news, the lovely Miss B from Besotted Blog is getting married tomorrow and asked to contribute a few sentences of marriage advice for her and her new hubby-to-be! It was interesting and fun reading what others had to say about making marriage work. Check it out here. Congrats again to Miss B!

Catching up...

2011-11-15T13:53:00.001-08:00

Hey guys!

I know I've been terrible about blogging lately. More like, ever since I moved back to Chicago, it's been so hard to just sit my butt down and write. What have I been doing you ask? Aside from being busy with work related projects, I feel like most of my time has been whittled away meeting up with friends and non-stop eating. I eat and eat and eat. I have packed on my last year's winter weight in just a span of 3-4 months. Whenever my husband texts me from work, asking me what I'm doing. I text him back that I'm having breakfast with so and so and lunch with so and so....and so on. I'm ALWAYS eating. Ugh...after Thanksgiving, I am planning on going a long-term mostly plant based diet. I never thought I'd be saying this, but I'm SO sick of eating all the time. Any good long-term healthy diet suggestions that you've tried and actually stuck to?

Anyway, another good excuse I have for being away from my blog for so long is that I've been planning and working on re-branding and giving Truly Smitten a much, MUCH needed facelift. A new blog and website along with a brand spanking new Truly Smitten collection will be on it's way hopefully by early 2012!

On another note, my lovely friend and owner of Vale of Enna, Grace invited me to join a "tuesday work day" group along with Charlene from Sweet Chic Events, Veronica from Hinojosa Photography and Zenia (didn't get to meet her today). It's like a fabulous pow-wow work day with talented wedding vendor friends! It was such a great way to talk business, share ideas and advice and actually get work done (yay! finished my holiday card design) and not to mention, make a new friend or two =). Thanks, Grace!

Today's (and my first) Tuesday Wedding Vendor Work day @ The Wormhole in Wicker Park.

Oh and here's a lil something you guys can chuckle about. Here's a typical phone conversation with my mom whenever I speak english with her. This was earlier this morning on my way to meet up with the girls at the cafe:

Me: "Hi Mom, did you call earlier?"
Mom: "Yeah, what are you doing?"
Me: "I'm going to go do some work at a cafe"
Mom: "WHAT? you are working at a cafe???"
Me: "No, I'm going to do some work at a cafe"
Mom: "Since when are you a waitress at a cafe???!"
Me: "What? No! I'm doing MY work at a cafe!"
Mom: "oooh ok. I get it. You are WORKING at a cafe!"
Me: "No. Forget it."

Friday is here...

2011-11-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

The perfect carry all bag

2011-10-27T23:16:00.000-07:00

I've had my eye on this gorgeous buttery leather saddle cross body bag for a while (originally the navy) now but decided to wait. Well, it must have been my lucky day because I snagged this bag in 'Cognac' for $100 off today from Nordstrom. I'm glad that I went with the 'Cognac' since it matches better with my casual outfits. I love how this saddle bag can hold a TON of my junk!

2011-10-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

This shiny black glass bead necklace caught my eye today at JCrew. It spices up my boring turtleneck sweaters =).

And we are still lacking a studio/office desk at our new place. Until we find the near perfect one for the office, this is my temporary work area. Sitting on my dog's plush sheepskin rug hasn't been too bad for my bum...I think this could work!

I miss her fiercely...

2011-10-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

This is probably a wierd combo but it works for me. I was craving something sweet and refreshing yet sweet and salty at the same time. So why not mix up Moose Munch with Holiday grapes? Ever have one of those strange cravings?

I'm also really missing my sweet little Olivia. I wish we could have had more days together in Chicago and you make Uncle Nick and Auntie Sarah want a sweet little girl, just like you.

Our last dinner together, Olivia wanted to have a conversation with me by writing on the dinner table with crayons. Then I started to draw a princess (bc she LOVES anything princess) and you should have seen the look on her face while I was drawing her. It was a total priceless expression! Little girls are just so much more fun, me thinks =).

See you at Thanksgiving, Princess Olivia! =)

Besotted Brand

2011-10-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

Have you seen all the adorable goodies galore at Besotted Brand's new shop? Everything is just so absolutely darn pretty! A little while ago, I received this surprise package from Miss B and you can imagine just how far my jaw dropped when I opened to see this inside....yeah, I practically shrieked our place down.

2011-10-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to be me consistent with my blogging these days but it's been so dang hard! I have a new website/blog in the works and that's been tying me up. I can't wait to show it to you once it's all completed! But in the meantime, the fantastic Chicago-based Melissa behind The Faux Martha, is a new food blog that I've had the pleasure to discover! I've spent hours on it when I first stumbled upon it and I am so sure that you will too! Her pizza recipe is first on my list to try out (never made a pizza before and scared to). Her food photos are gorgeous and always leaves me drooling too. Beware, don't go there on an empty stomach =).

2011-10-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

Chicago has been on a summer weather streak this week! Loving it! Watch, after this gorgeous summery days wind down, we'll be hit with a major snow storm. Gotta love Chicago's bi-polar weather.

Sorry for being so absent on this blog. It has been non-stop hectic here with projects, hosting out-of-town guests, a baby shower, and more out-of-town guests. Will be back shortly!

A stroll on the beach.

2011-09-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

Oh my poor feet...not because I've been on my feet all day...but because I haven't been putting them to use these past few days. I love walking. Everywhere. Hopefully I'll get a chance to do a good amount of that this weekend with friends. This is how I like to distract myself in the middle of a design project. Happy Friday folks!

A day with Vale of Enna

2011-09-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm really, really excited about today's post because it's something I've been meaning and wanting to do and finally got a chance to spend a full day at my awesomely talented friend's floral design studio, Vale of Enna. I've been such a huge fan of her work ever since I met her and it's no wonder that she was swamped with 4 weddings this past weekend! I gladly got to help her out arranging boutonnieres, corsages, lined centerpieces with tea leaves and foam, got to package, got to wire and ribbon and of course, got to do a lot of chatter and photo taking =). Overall, it had been a really fun day for me and I just absolutely LOVED hanging around with Grace and Kathy at their spacious studio! Thank you!!! Can I volunteer again, pretty please? More like, can I come bother you anytime?

Starting the day with some good ol' DD's coffee and bagels =)

I absolutely ADORE these yellow crespedias (correct me if I got the name wrong)

The talented creative brains behind it all, Grace. I want to live here.

Grace's assistant, Kathy is showing me how to wire and ribbon individual flowers for the boutonniere.

My ultimate favorite flower, the ranunculus! These were my wedding flowers, also created by Grace.

Le Sigh.....

Individual flowers wired and readied to be used for boutonnieres and corsages

Grace making bridesmaid bouquets

Grace showing us how to arrange the boutonnieres.

Her sample

My first creation! Not bad =), Although it looked nothing like Grace's sample =(

Grace's assistant, Kathy and I

Ms. Grace and I. Felt so happy being here surrounded by all these pretty flowers =)

I got to tie pretty silver ribbons on these beauties...hopefully they stayed on... Aren't these bouquets just magnificent?

Boutonnieres/Corsages packaged and ready to be delivered.

Lunch time!! Mmm yummy korean food!

When you are hungry, there is seriously nothing that hits the spot better than spicy cup ramen noodle...especially this brand.

Thanks for letting me help out! I got to learn something new and I'll be back - LOL!

This is my last post for the week. Starting my weekend early since my sister-in-law and her husband is coming to visit us for the week and weekend. The fat pants are coming out this week =). Have a great rest of the week and weekend!

A twins shower invite

2011-09-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Just got these mailed out this morning! I am hosting a baby shower for my friend, Cindy, who is expecting twin girls. I designed the invitation so that it has a tad bit more of a surprise element for the recipients when these arrive in their mailbox...kind of like a gift within a gift =). Cindy is decorating her twin girls' nursery with chevron pattern and thought that would also be a perfect theme to use for the invitation and party as well.

Fall is here!

2011-09-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

I am LOVING this crisp cool weather! PLEASE STAY! Don't go back into the ridiculous 90 degree temp again....Wish it was just like this throughout winter =). Anyway, I can definitely feel that Fall is in the air and can't take my eyes off from a few of these Fall wardrobe essentials. I'm loving all this earth tone...especially the oranges and camel hues.

What girl wouldn't love a chunky soft sweater like this...with some extra wrist bling..love!

Those long orange gloves are so pretty!

Yes, I really want those leopard print heels.

Cute pleated trousers from Zara (by the way, did you know that you can start shopping online at Zara?)

First three photos via Habitually Chic and last photo via Zara.

Hot chocolate anyone?

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

Just got the latest issue (#57) of Donna Hay Magazine and thumbed through quickly and found this page....ah...ice skating, playing in the snow and sharing a steaming cup of hot chocolate with friends...I am ACTUALLY looking forward to the fall/winter! Anyone else getting a bit sick of this 90+ humid degree weather as I am?

Happy Labor Day weekend, folks!!

Some snapshots of our final summer evenings....

Study of a pastry shop

2011-08-26T05:49:00.000-07:00

There's so many delightful eateries on my street (getting an early start on my winter weight gain - lol!). One of my favorite place that my husband and I frequent often is Alliance Bakery. Not only do the have fabulous stuffed cupcakes and colorful macarons, but what catches my eye the most is their vintage interior. So glad that throughout the years they kept the original ceiling molds and their retro bubble light signage! If any of you decide to visit this shop, try their salted caramel chocolate cupcake and strawberry lemon cupcake - you won't be sorry =)

By the way, my Michael Kors watch was feeling a bit lonely so I added this to my wrist! A lovely rose gold Marc Jacobs chain bracelet (15% off sale at Bloomies - for some reason I'm not seeing the rose gold online)! Compliments the silver nicely, don't ya think?

Happy Friday!!!

My very first watch (ever).

2011-08-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

Three of my girlfriends were over for dinner last weekend and they were all wearing Michael Kor's gorgeous chunky gold watches (which looked uber chic on them) and have been eyeing one ever since. I've seen the gold watch worn by many women lately....and just as I expected, when I went to go try on the gold one, I couldn't pull it off. On my left hand, I wear a silver Lagos 'caviar' bracelet and my engagement/wedding rings so I opted for the silver Michael Kor's Chronograph watch with the mother of pearl face....and I LOVE it! Now all I have to do is just get used to checking the time on my watch instead of my phone =(.

Burnt Toast

2011-08-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you step away from the stove in order to check facebook.
Yes, I toast my bread on a hot pan rather than a toaster. I think it tastes better this way. My lovely friend, Sara gave me two jars of homemade fruit preserves that are just freagin' out of this world! Best preserves ever! It did a great job masking the burnt toast taste =).

On a different note....is it sad that I think about what to make/eat for dinner the first thing I wake up in the morning?

2011-08-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

random sketch of a girl and listening to wax tailor...there needs to be more rainy productive days =)

it's raining like cats and dogs...

2011-08-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

It's lightening and pouring outside and I'm starting to hear the dull thunder noise rolling in. It's one of those therapeutic days where you can just snuggle in bed with a book, plate of milk and cookies (in my case, take out pizza and ice cold can of d. coke) and just veg.

Ok. The thunder is getting louder. I'm really hungry. Contemplating whether I should go out in this rain and get some pizza or not. Or.....I could make quinoa salad. But I'm just not in the mood to be healthy right now. I mean, the whole point of this rainy day is to just veg out, right?

On another note...here are some photos I took with my new iphone! This thing is seriously addicting. Last night, my husband and I went out for dinner and we BARELY looked at each other the whole time! Ok, I think we need to establish some rules...

Why yes, I finished this cake by myself in course of two days. Don't judge me.

Love his little hiney!

Dinner at Del Seoul - korean kalbi tacos

Molly's Cupcakes - they have these nifty little swing chairs.

Thank you for going STRAIGHT to my ass.

A chilly and rainy day. YAY!

The most comfy stylish sandals

2011-08-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Just recently invested in a pair of the most comfy wedge sandals by Cynthia Vincent. Wish I got these in the beginning of summer...oh well, better late than never!

The most delicious summer cake

2011-08-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

The Mr. and I have been frequenting one of our many local farmer's market here in the city. This past weekend, we stopped by our favorite floral booth and picked up a bundle of very fragrant tuberose which is currently doing a VERY good job keeping our place smelling lovely. Also picked up some thai basil, organic fresh laid eggs and doughnut peaches! These peaches are out of the world delicious! Super sweet, juicy and refreshing - never tasted anything this sweet. Also got some raspberries, blackberries and blueberries to try out this 'Triple Berry Danish Cake' last night...this is officially my go-to summer cake. Why don't you guys give it a whirl? I promise it won't disappoint =).

Recipe for Triple Berry Danish Cake here.

it's good to unwind and do nothing...

2011-08-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

Ever since we moved back, we feel like there's been non-stop movement, mingling and catching up with people. So one day, after my husband finished his board exam, we decided to go to one of the smaller, less crowded beach near Hyde Park and just soak up the sun with snacks and magazine. It was just what we needed. And of course, we couldn't truly end the hot scorching day without treating ourselves with something cold and yummy! Miko's on Damen will be our frequent stop for the remainder of summer.

Happy Friday, everyone! Can't believe how fast the weeks go by...I don't want summer to end =(

Antique Market

2011-08-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

Someone's junk just became my treasure! Over the past weekend, my girlfriends and I hopped on over to the Randolph Street Market. It's an antique/vintage market that happens a couple of times a year during the summer/fall months in West Loop. If you are in Chicago, it's definitely a place to visit - only if you are into this kind of stuff like I am. I was so happy to walk out of there with a few awesome vintage accessories! Can't wait for the next one in Sept!

My new (old) goodies from the vintage flea market: A pearl and green enamel turtle brooch, a circa 1970 owl brooch, a coin looking type necklace, and cocktail ring.

Recent Work: Baptism Invite

2011-08-03T05:43:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a good week so far! Just wanted to share with you a baptism invitation and welcome back card I designed for a client. The design and pattern of the invitation was actually inspired and recreated from my client's adorable daughter's dress she wore on Father's day. She liked the pattern so much that she decided to carry it over to the baptism invite - which I thought was a very neat idea. I want that onesie outfit for myself!

Here is the baby's onsie outfit pattern that we recreated for invite set:

Invite Card:

Reception Card:

Welcome Back Invite Card:

Envelope:

Sunflowers for sunny days

2011-07-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

The Mr. brought home these happy little sunflowers after work last night! I LOVE when he randomly brings home flowers for me. Not only do I get cheery every time I look at them, but they are adding a nice splash of color to our living room. I'm off to do a little birthday shopping for a dear friend and hope you all have a wonderful, wonderful sunny weekend!

Recent purchases

2011-07-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

Recently purchased two fun pieces to add to my wardrobe! The Mr. and I have a party to go to this weekend and trying to decide which one to wear: the bright coral silk dress or the dark billowy print top with leggings?

Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!

Club Monaco - Baily Dress

H&M top

2011-07-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

It's too damn hot to run outside. It was over 80 degrees even at 6:30 this morning and now it's over 90. Yesterday hit 106. What is with this streak of insanely hot weather we're having? I think today will just be a cleaning day for me and planning out what to cook for tonight's dinner for a few girlfriends.

Going to attempt my first lamb dish tonight via Kiss My Spatula.

Dash + Albert Rug

2011-07-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

Yay! I think my long-ass search for an area rug is finally over! I wanted a thick wool rug with some kind of geometric pattern and in neutral color without having to donate a kidney for it. One of my readers was super sweet enough to point me in the direction of Dash and Albert and voila! My eye zoned in on their Circle Fret tufted wool rug. Luckily, we live in a neighborhood where there are shops galore and one of them carried samples of their rugs to take home. So here's me, trying out the rug in our living room and giving it two thumbs up.

2011-07-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

I am loving this gorgeous script typography on the pretty porcelain! I'd love to serve tea to my guests with these.

Found here.

Recent work

2011-07-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone!
It's a beautiful, beautiful day and I just had the most wonderful, upbeat 4 mile run this morning! I love seeing how people all around me seems to be a million times happier on a Friday =).

Here is a recent wedding invitation I did for a resident physician couple. The bride wanted to keep things classic, minimal and she wanted to keep the french blue as the focal point. Love working with super laid back brides!

need a lil' something...

2011-07-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

In our new apartment, we have a small nook area in the entryway. It is screaming for some sort of a small, narrow table piece. Because the area is a bit small, I've been searching for a console table that won't take up a lot of space physically and visually...and came across this one! I've always wanted some type of clear, lucite type table and for the nook, this would be perfect! With some oversized artwork hanging on the wall above it...what do you think of it?

Or something that's white and minimal like this one but thinking this is too wide.

Images via Crate and Barrel and La Dolce Vita

Also, my hunt for rug continues. If anyone has any great rug stores or online resources, please share! I'm all ears! =)

And...we're back!

2011-07-12T05:58:00.000-07:00

We're finally settled into our new place in Chicago and it's just been a really busy week and a half for us. The moment we got here, we've been exploring our neighborhood, trying new eateries, going to the beach, and just really enjoying the summer - it sort of feels like we're on vacation...and any moment I'll wake up and find myself in Iowa again. It feels so great to be back home! Photo updates below and more to come!

For 4th of July weekend, we took a day trip down to the quaint and cozy beachtown (New Buffalo, Michigan) where my husband originally proposed.

Then lunch at Pierre Anne Creperie - I freagin' love this place!

Beach isn't the same without ice cream....

Back home and enjoying fireworks from our balcony.

On husband's first overnight call, had a few friends over for home-cooked italian fare: brie, prosciutto, fig, arugula crostini, caprese salad, and spaghetti alla carbonara and blackberry-nectarine crisp for dessert.

My sister and I found a cupcake truck! We had the mint chocolate chip cupcake and hands down, it's one of the best damn good cupcakes I ever put in my mouth! Then my best friend came down and joined me for some neopolitan pizza at Crust...can't believe we finished off two pizzas, then gelatos afterward...all just down 2 blocks from us. All so, so delicious!

Spending a quiet morning with the husband before starting the day. I love mornings like this.

Moving break...

2011-06-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Finally got everything packed up and we are ready for the move bright and early tomorrow morning. We won't be having any internet access for a bit so today will be my last post for a week or so.
Iowa, it's been a good three years....well first year, horrible, second year was much better and this last year was even better =).

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend! Next time I post, it will be from our new home - Chicago!

xoxo,
Sarah

Must Haves!

2011-06-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

I can't freagin' believe how freagin' talented Jessica Hische is. Seriously. I mean seriously, girl.
I think out of all the typeface she designed, this one by far is my favorite! Something about this makes me want to open up a parisian bistro, or a wedding boutiqe...or makes me want to go bake...brioche.

Her "Brioche" typeface that I must, MUST absolutely add to my collection!

(Just 3 more days to go for the big move!)

And......I am SUPER excited about the fantastic and lovely Grace Bonney's new book! Pre-order your copy asap! (Gosh, that is one sweet book cover design).

The Mr's graduation

2011-06-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday (yesterday) was quite an awesome and memorable day for my husband and I. After eight long combined years of medical school and residency training (this was 8 out of 10 yrs we've been together...LOADS of fun =/ ha!), I got to see him and his fellow colleagues graduate from University of Iowa's Anesthesia program. It's still so surreal that residency is FINALLY over....I remember moving to Iowa three years ago like it was yesterday. How time flies without you even realizing. I have to say, being married to a resident and going through residency had many challenges but it was totally worth it. We made it - we REALLY made it together. During hard times, my husband would say to me, "Together, we can get through anything"...and we definitely came out of this much stronger as a married couple. Anyone who is married to a fellow resident will very most likely agree with me how hard it can be. Now, I'm really looking forward to starting the next new phase of our lives together in Chicago...and beyond =). Just 4 more days!!!!

I'm so gosh darn proud of my husband!

Isn't he so handsome? =)

The graduating class of 2011

The ceremony was held at Kinnick's Football stadium

Nick receiving his residency graduation certificate

HOORAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! =D

Yummy deliciousness and watching slideshow on the football stadium's jumbotron =)

All the residents got a custom initial embroidered jacket as a gift. I'm really loving this gift and so does the Mr. =)

Time to say farewell and best of luck!

2011-06-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

Taking a packing break.

Sharing an impromptu pizza dinner with girlfriends this week (picnic style) in our very empty apartment in Chicago! Just 5 more days!

Friday Treasure

2011-06-16T22:02:00.000-07:00

As I was packing and going through our book collection, I completely forgot that I am the owner of this beautiful and very antique 158 year old copy of Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. Yes, you read that right. The book is 158 yrs old. Published back in 1853 in London. I bought this book years ago at a book sale in Chicago. I bought it from a man who had absolutely no idea how valuable this book could be and sold it to me for $20 bucks. The binding could use a bit of a fixing but otherwise, it's just so gorgeous! I'm planning on doing a rare book appraisal once we get to Chicago. I am super curious about the history of this book....all I know is that someone with the name of 'Page' had it in his/her possession back in 1854. I wonder how it got from London to here....

Love finding treasures like this. Any rare treasures you collect or somehow landed in your home?

Food Files: Grilled Tuna Steak with Mango Chutney

2011-06-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

I had the most nicest man help me pick out 2 ripe mangos at the store today. He was stocking up on some organic mangos in the produce area. I stood there for a while trying to sort through all these hard, unripe mangos. I must have looked absolutely lost because the man asked if I needed help with something. I told him that I am making mango chutney for dinner and that I'm a bit worried I won't be able to find good mangoes for tonight. He told me (in his beautiful, soothing accented voice) not to worry. As he's sorting through the bin searching for two perfectly ripe mangos for me, he's sharing stories with me of his childhood glory days back in his country and how a lot of those hot summer days involved plucking a fresh, ripe, juicy mango and devouring it...skin and all. We talked for ten more minutes, then I thanked him heartily for my two perfect mangos and told him that I will think of him as I cook dinner tonight. And boy did my mango chutney turn out sweet and delicious! Thank you Mr. Mango!

A little secret he shared with me....he said always go for the dented and bruised ones...those poor neglected ones will not disappoint! =).

Yep, this is my happy face below.

And dinner is served! Bon Appetit!

9 to 5 Chic

2011-06-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

I have a girl/fashion crush on this beautiful, trendy girl! I am loving this outfit AND her fabulous blog!
Check it out here.

My adorable boy and happy weekend!

2011-06-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

I may be one totally biased doxie mama, but just look at this face.....doesn't he make you want to give him unlimited beggin' strip treats and kisses? Please excuse his eye goop. Have a wonderful Friday, everyone!

On another note, I am highly entertaining myself with these adorable Japanese washi tapes from Cute Tape. This is motivating me to write more letters, wrap packages and even tape grocery list on the fridge with it.

Food Files: Beef Kabobs with Grapefruit and Pear Salad

2011-06-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

For the past month, I would ask my husband, "what do you feel like for dinner?" and lately, he's been responding "LET'S GRILL". Don't get me wrong, I LOVE grilled food but I was kind of getting sick of the usual grilled steaks, burgers and hot dogs...plus I'm in a super healthy mode. So I told my husband that for this night, I will take over the grill (he says grilling is a "man" thing but I think I can do it better...sshhh don't tell him that). Anyway, here's what was served for dinner: boneless beef rib kabobs with tomatoes, baby portabella, onions and red pepper. Served with arugula salad with grapefruits and pears with grapefruit vinaigrette. My husband gave me two thumbs up on my grilling job =). I wanted to eat a couple more skewers but I stopped myself at one. Learning self-control here =/

A few pretties for June

2011-06-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

A few beauties that remind me of the start of summer...gorgeous flowers in full bloom, weddings and of course, who can't resist a delicious looking cake? Most of all, I'm just really glad that June is here =).

Images via Pinterest

Food Files: Lemon + Herb Roasted Whole Chicken

2011-05-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

It's just been raining a whole lot here. I think the rain followed me from Chicago because it rained practically the whole month I was there. Now it's here. Ugh. But the rain is here to stay and for some reason, I felt inspired to roast a whole chicken for dinner. This dish was the perfect comfort meal to share with my husband on a rainy, chilly evening. And by the way, he normally HATES brussel sprouts but I was amazed he cleaned them all out.

How To:

- Preheat the oven to 365 degrees.

- Stuff a small whole chicken with halved lemons (I used 1 whole lemon) and sprigs of thyme, rosemary and bay leaves.

- Also stuff sprigs of thyme, rosemary and bay leaves inside the skin of the chest. Drizzle and rub with olive oil, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. I also chopped up some left over thyme and rosemary and sprinkled it on top.

- Add sliced or whole brussel sprouts and cherry or grape tomatoes and lemon slices. Then a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper.

- Roast the chicken for an hour. Turn off oven, I then brine the top with its juices and also squeeze a few of the roasted lemon over the chicken and veggies. Then I let it sit in the oven for about 10 more minutes.

- Take chicken out of oven, brine with juices again over chicken, and squeeze more of the roasted lemon over it. I let it sit out for a good 15-20 minutes before serving.

Ming Makes Cupcakes

2011-05-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

If you are a cupcake fanatic like me, you will absolutely adore Ming Makes Cupcakes! I am also very appreciative of her short and sweet simple recipe cards and the gorgeous photos...I'm all for simple image/recipe cataloging. As much as I would love to get started on a handful of these cupcake recipes today, I'm trying to cut off sugar and carbs for a while (trying to lose 7-10lbs this summer from massive winter weight gain) but at least I can drool over these visual yummy delights.

Recent work: Indian Ceremony Invites

2011-05-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hiya! Remember the sneak peek of the recent Hindu/Christian wedding ceremony I posted here? Well here's the rest of the colorful suite! Enjoy =)

On another note, has anyone else been getting some crazy, psycho storms by where you live? We had to take cover in our basement because a tornado touched down close to us =(. I seriously can't wait to move to Chicago even more.

Design by Truly Smitten and printing by Thomas-Printers

Friday lunch

2011-05-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

So glad Friday has finally arrived! My husband and I have been on a health food kick this week and hope to continue eating this way for a very long while =). For lunch, I prepared grilled chicken souvlaki on whole wheat pita bread with plain yogurt cucumber dill dressing. And for the side, juicy mangoes and cucumber slices. Who says healthy food can't taste this good?

Here's the recipe for Chicken Souvlaki:

Ingredients

4 pieces flat bread or pitas
2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
3/4 cup crumbled Feta
1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 small cucumber, diced
1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh dill

-----

Heat oven to 200° F. Wrap the bread in foil and place in oven.

In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, Feta, and olives.

In a large bowl, combine the oregano, thyme, pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the vinegar, and the lemon juice. Slowly add 4 tablespoons of the oil in a steady stream, whisking constantly until incorporated. Pour 2 1/2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette over the tomato mixture, toss, and set aside. Add the chicken to the remaining vinaigrette, toss, and set aside.

Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer the chicken but not the liquid to the skillet and heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, dill, and the remaining vinegar. Spread the bread with some of the yogurt sauce and top with the chicken. Add the tomato salad and fold.

-----

Our lil' Riley wishes all our readers a Happy Friday!

Definitely chic and easy

2011-05-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

This easy to make bracelet looks totally chic for summer wear! Time to go rummaging through my Dad's tool box. Found here.

2011-05-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hello pretty robin...I can't wait until your pretty tiffany blue eggs hatch! Such a gorgeous day out!

(Although, I think there may have been an accident...sad).

I have a long list of "to-do" to scratch off today such as picking out plants for our new patio and figuring out paint swatches for our walls. Just six more weeks until the big move!!! Hope you all get to enjoy the beautiful weather.

calling card design

2011-05-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Here's another recent hot off the letterpress business card I did for a photography client. She's been such a fun client to work with...even sent me a wonderful cd mix to put me in a more creative mood! Thanks, Michelle! You've been wonderful =)

oh my word...

2011-05-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I'm sitting out NSS this year and even sadder that I get to miss out on all the new goodies and meeting my blog friends =(.

I was SO looking forward to checking out many of my favorites' new lines but this one by Rifle Paper Co REALLY caught my eye....I am absolutely adoring this sneak peek! Love Anna's work!

Happy NSS week, everyone! at least I get to live vicariously through all the other gals who got to go =)

2011-05-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

wishing I had a beautiful lush green yard like this so I can host many romantic summer dinners...

Happy Friday

2011-05-05T21:46:00.000-07:00

Between my full-time job, commuting back and forth 1.5-2 hours each way, and apartment hunting, it has been a difficult few weeks and couldn't find the time nor energy to write on my blog lately =(. I'm just hoping that the next month and a half will fly by so that my husband and I can be reunited in the city and I don't have to put up with this awful, AWFUL traffic-jammed commute! It's HORRIBLE! I think Chicago traffic has got to be worse than LA's.

In the meantime, here's a sneak peek of a beautiful and ornate hindu/christian wedding invitation suite I designed for my most recent client. This is just one out of the 4 cards...letterpressed and offset printed on Crane's Lettra (awesome printing done by Thomas-Printers). More to come! I loved how it all turned out! The bride totally knew what she wanted and was extremely helpful in helping me get this design down.

Have a gorgeous weekend!!!!!

recent work

2011-04-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun little identity/branding set I designed for a wonderful photographer. Letterpressed on Lettra's #220. Loving the plush, thick paper!

Royal Wedding Procession

2011-04-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

How gorgeous is this processional map print and tote bag of William and Kate's royal wedding? See more lovely creations by The House That Lars Built. Can't wait to see their wedding!!

Found via This Is Glamorous

unless someone like you...

2011-04-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Recently discovered the fabulous work of Unless Someone Like You through Minted. Then discovered even MORE recently that the creative talent behind these adorable invitations is my co-worker! How neat is that? =). Check out more of her work here and here!

Truly Smitten on Hey Gorgeous

2011-04-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's finally friday! I hope you all have something fabulous and fun planned for this weekend!
In the meantime, feel free to check out an interview I did for Rhi's "The Expert Files" over at Hey Gorgeous. Not only is this girl amazingly sweet, Rhi has a keen and tasteful eye for pretty details and her blog is always full of great wedding advices and inspirations!

Happy Friday =)

Midori Japan

2011-04-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

Feast your eyes on these gorgeous kraft envelope sets, travel journals and sticker labels by Midori Japan. Can I just get a million of each please??!. I can't seem to get enough of Japanese paper products - it's clean, minimal and so perfect. Also LOVE how they offer their website in English too! YAY! Wouldn't it be so nice to send out letters in their kraft envelopes?

to the love of my life...

2011-04-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to us!
Can't believe it's been 3 years already and I'm sad that we'll be spending this day apart =(.

Feels like these photos were from last night rather than 3 years ago...

All wedding florals by Vale of Enna

campbell's to the rescue

2011-04-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

Before moving to Chicago this weekend, I made a simple but delicious dinner to share with my husband. I was so busy the last few days that I didn't have time to go groceries or plan meals. Luckily, I had a can of Campbell's cream of mushroom and chicken and a box of pasta along with a few extra ingredients (smoked bacon, asparagus and tomatoes) and presto! Dinner is served. I also had some drummettes and wings which I coated in bbq and hot sauce and roasted them in the oven. I should stock up on more cans of campbell's just incase I run into another last minute dinner emergency. They really are lifesavers!

I hope that my husband will attempt to cook more on his own rather than buying fast / junk food while I'm here in Chicago. Ugh, I swear, I feel like I left a little toddler at home.

Friday love: Tokketok

2011-04-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Joke Vande Gaer is one of the friendliest (and quite lovely) ladies whom I got to befriend via the blogosphere. I find her blog super addicting and her letterpress cards and hand crafted paper goods simply amazing! She can turn a simple tissue paper into something more useful and beautiful! Here's a few below but you can get an eyeful here.

Happy Friday folks!

I'm MOVING back to Chicago tomorrow - YAY!
Husband is sad and not-so-yay for him =(.

Katie Daisy

2011-04-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

Katie Daisy's gorgeous watercolor and acrylic paintings are like a visual feast that just doesn't stop! Not only are the phrases and sayings cheerful, but her attention to detail and colors are stunning! Would love to have one huge wall dedicated just to her paintings.

Many changes...

2011-04-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm SOOOO sorry for the lack of posting these past few weeks...I have several good explanations! I swear!

Hmmm...where to begin?

Let's see, first, I'm moving to Chicago this weekend and leaving my poor ol' husband to fend for himself for the next 3 months while he finishes up residency in Iowa. Why am I moving, you ask? I will be starting my new job at Paper Source as their senior designer! And no, that does not mean I'm folding Truly Smitten. I'll be running Truly Smitten on a part-time basis and will be accepting only a few projects at a time. I love TS and my blog too much to give it up, so don't worry, I'll keep it coming =).

Another reason for my absence....apartment hunting! Driving back and forth between Iowa and Chicago is not fun and my wallet is hurting from all that gas expense. Holy crap! When did rental market become so saturated and over priced?!? Hopefully we'll find our ideal place and can't wait for the hubs to join me at end of June. Definitely looking forward to the next phase of our life though!

In the midst of all these changes and moving, I could definitely use a free hug (and a tropical vacay) right about now =).

A book to add to my shelf

2011-03-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

I must add this book to my book collection! Remember I posted earlier of the photo with the girl in green cardigan? She's the legendary former face of Chanel's Ines de la Fressange's daughter! No wonder she possesses that confident "I'm Important" look. But anyhoo, I have to admit, if this book can make me coordinate my outfits better so I can look somewhat half as good as her daughter (and I really should throw away this box of pastry), then I'm sold!

Nutella makes everything better

2011-03-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a pleasant weekend!
I spent a good portion of this weekend cooking and baking and just relaxing with the hubs and our two doxies. I'm quite proud of myself that I managed to bake this nutella cupcake from Tartelette and also this buttermilk fried chicken from Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc cookbook (with green bean and potato mustard vinaigrette salad). I'm actually looking forward to my cold chicken left over and dessert for lunch =).

Sprouted Kitchen

2011-03-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

I'm always reminding myself that I need/MUST cook healthier meals on a daily basis. Sometimes - scratch that - most of the time, the thought of making healthy food leaves me feeling a bit uninspired...until I discovered Sprouted Kitchen. I spent a good 2 hours scouring through this gorgeous and delicious food blog and even got my husband perusing it with me. The stunning food photos alone left me feeling so inspired and ready to hit the grocery. Definitely check out the wife and husband duo from Sprouted Kitchen - it will make you want to clean out your fridge and hit the farmer's market =).

Even our little Riley started licking his chops (he spent the entire 2 hours in bed reading this blog with mommy).

Catching up

2011-03-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

The week is already half over and I feel like I'm still catching up from last weekend. I apologize for the spotty post lately and for the lack of creativity here. I noticed that I have been posting more about personal events in my life rather than art and design. There has been so much activity in my days that I just haven't had time to sit down and go on a visual hunt for things to post....so I do hope that you'll bear with me during this time =). To be quite honest, I'm starting to feel that turning this blog into a more personal one feels more natural.

In the mean time, let me catch you up with some photos from this weekend:

Korean bbq spread is the ULTIMATE comfort food for me...especially spicy hot soup! Nothing beats this.

Indian food is my next choice of comfort food =)...Tastes even better when eating with friends.

Meeting new adorable babies - hello!

Coming home to reality and catching up on work and email - not fun as stuffing face =(. However, I did receive the sweetest note from Grace of Grace Edmands Calligraphy!

And finally, here is my drugged up little Hershey... He's on strict cage rest for the next 4 weeks and has to constantly be medicated with 2 types of pain killer and muscle relaxant...my poor little doxie! Good news is, he won't require surgery and can recover with medication and physical therapy.

And so there you have it folks! A photo catch up of what I've been up to...there's more but I will spare you the details - hee!

Get well soon!

2011-03-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

I'm utterly heartbroken right now. My handsome, sweet, funny, and active little doxie injured his back last night and had to rush him to the ER. After doing some spinal and reflex physical examination on him, the vet said with strict cage rest he should recover, but seeing him suffering just breaks my heart! Today he tried walking a bit by himself but his hind legs are extremely weak and wobbly...kind of walks like he's drunk and it pains me to see him like this because he's SUCH a happy and playful boy =(. Please get well soon....mommy and daddy loves you very, very much!

Truly Smitten on Martha Stewart's The Bride's Guide

2011-03-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

Feel so honored and happy to have Truly Smitten's work and mini-interview featured on Martha Stewart's Bride's Guide! What a great way to wrap up my week =).

PS - I hope you will join us for a day of Silence tomorrow in honor of Japan.

my new toy!

2011-03-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

I've been pining for the 50mm f/1.4 lens for years and finally grew the balls to just purchase it yesterday. I couldn't even have the patience for the standard shipping so I coughed up a few more and did it for next day delivery. Man, this lens does NOT disappoint! Worth every penny! Such a great day out and it would be an absolute waste to not use this as a practice shooting day =).

2011-03-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

In the midst of all the chaos and sadness going on in Japan, I found such great comfort and gladness that so many, many amazing bloggers out there are helping out in any way they could....just seeing so much support and love is truly astounding....and I'm glad that I could help out in a very small way as well. A HUGE bear hug and thanks to the ladies of Ever Ours and Utterly Engaged for organizing For Japan With Love!! This Friday, all the participants will be having a day of "Silence"...a day of no post but just quiet reflection and respect. I hope that you will find time to visit For Japan With Love and help out in any way you can....every little bit helps =).

the girl with the little mermaid balloon

2011-03-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, my husband and I went to our good friend's dohl (first birthday party - which I will post more photos later) and there he became totally smitten with this incredibly cute little girl circling around the room with her balloon little mermaid. My husband is a total natural when it comes to kids and has a way of communicating with them...he does this silly baby/kid talk voice thing...which I can't/won't do. It went something like this:

Nick: (in his most creepiest, child-luring voice...JUST KIDDING!!) "wow! look at that balloon! is Ariel your favorite princess?"

Little girl: (with bewildered round eyes...yet smiling): "............"

Nick: "can I see Ariel?"

Little girl: (eyes twinkling and smile fades): "..............."

Nick: "who made that balloon for you? can you make me one too?"

Little girl runs away from him as he bent down to inspect the balloon thingy.

Nick to me: "she is so cute!"

Me: "obviously she didn't think the same of you..."

2011-03-08T13:40:00.000-08:00

Taking a few days off, folks! Need some time to catch up on work and some much needed brain rest. Will be back next week =).

Photo taken back in 2008 in the countryside of France

Identity project

2011-03-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

Remember the watercolor flower logo I designed for my client? Well, here's the rest of her completed and approved branding =).

Business card layout:

Notecard layout:

definitely have your cake and eat it too.

2011-03-06T22:05:00.000-08:00

My days would be infinitely sweeter if I could just have a slice (or three) of Sweetapolita's gorgeous cakes....

2011-03-03T22:33:00.000-08:00

I should be working on other projects but for the past few hours, I've been experimenting with creating animated photo gifs. I saw some lovely animated photo gifs on From Me to You's blog during NY Fashion Week and couldn't rest until I figured it out (her photos are ridiculously gorgeous!). And I did...using photoshop =). Now I really need a tripod...

On another note, my sister is coming to visit me for the weekend and we are planning to watch 'Beastly' - lol! I know this movie is SO out of our age range but I'm curious on how they did a modern take on 'Beauty and the Beast'. Plus that boy is hot! I feel like such a cradle snatcher.

Happy Friday!

mexican night

2011-03-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

Home cooked dinner with friends.
Chicken enchiladas, refried beans with chihuahua cheese, and beet, jicama, cilantro salad in lime dressing.

2011-02-28T18:43:00.002-08:00

Loving this button/hankerchief wedding invitation suite by Bird and Banner! They sure know how to add the most unique twist to everything they create. Those buttons are awesome!

the loft that wasn't meant to be

2011-02-28T13:06:00.000-08:00

What started out as checking out an open house "just for fun", it turned out to be more of a "holy shit!!! is this for real?!" experience. We immediately fell in love with this gorgeous loft in the north part of the city and in a span of 2 hours, we were sitting down in their office going over numbers and mulling over interest rates. We neglected to listen to that small nagging voice in the back of our heads questioning us, "are you suuure, this is the right thing?" and to which we thought back, "YES! we'd be crazy not to buy this place!", I mean c'mon, let's just let the photos speak for itself (photos don't even do it justice compared to spending 2 hours in this space). However, we ran this over with our very wise in-laws and they pretty much snapped us out of it - thank God! If it weren't for them, this would have been a very impulsive decision and it's only the FIRST place we saw. I keep looking at these photos over and over and over and over again imagining how I'd decorate and furnish it, and all the dinner get-togethers we'd host. It just wasn't meant to be...well not at this point anyway. This experience kind of left me scared....if we were this easily pulled in, can you imagine the next gorgeous home we come across? How scary is it that we can't trust ourselves to make the practical and smart decision? Hahaha, we are far from being the wise adult. We were so incredibly heart-broken (especially me) that we had to let this place go but there will be more opportunities in the future. And thank god for parents, it's so cliché, but mommies do know best.

Ever come close to making a wildly impulsive decision? LOL! And if so, did it ever turn out to be the right decision?

my very own name stamp

2011-02-23T18:41:00.000-08:00

For the longest time, I've always wanted to have my own "do-jang" stamp. A do-jang is a customized name stamp that has your name either in korean or traditional chinese character and is engraved into a slab of marble stone (it's the red stamp part - black cat not included =) ). In the old days, instead of signing your name, families would use their do-jang and stamp it in letters and documents. It's sort of like the family crest or the wax and seal type thing. It's totally old school yet unique and I FINALLY get to have my own! A dear friend of mine who recently moved to Korea got me a custom do-jang! Sarah chose to go with korean characters, selected the font style and stone. Can't wait to start using it on everything. Thanks Sarah! Oh and if you are a true foodie, you must check out her blog, Seoul In The City.

And it comes with it's own case too! freakin' awesome =)

a few identity projects

2011-02-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

Here's a few identity projects I've been working on for these lovely clients. I've been having a bit of fun with watercolor for the first one below.

2011-02-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

bridget: "believe me, next time, I won't fuck it up, Mum.
mum: "language, darling"
bridget: "sorry...next time, I won't fuck it up, Mother."

----

These lines from Bridget Jones' Diary 2 never fail to crack me up! Since today is a gloriously gloomy, rainy day, I thought I'd post it on here to make some of you crack a smile as well =).

Happy bloody Monday.

Hello Mr. Darcy

2011-02-14T19:37:00.000-08:00

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single (and married) woman in possession of good taste must be in want of a Mr. Darcy for herself...well at least in this gorgeous cross-stitched form. I swear I'm seeing the very hunky Colin Firth taking a dunk in his well-stocked pond when I see this portrait. Uh oh, it's really disturbing how I can watch and read Pride and Prejudice over and over again. Hope I'm not the only girl that pops in her BBC's P&P like, all the damn time.

Gah! We can't forget our lovely Elizabeth and dashing Captain Wentworth either!

Check out more of the very talented Naomi's etsy shop here. I'm so glad I came across her work - her cross stitch embroideries and paper cuts are so freakin' fabulous!

happy valentine's

2011-02-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

For my husband. He definitely floats my boat =)

And a little valentine's gift to myself which I got for a steal (70% off)! Soft pink metallic flats, be still my fluttering heart! It has such a lovely subtle pink sheen to it. Wearin' this baby out tonight =).

(Whenever I buy flats, I can already hear my mother's voice in my head saying "you really need to stop wearing flat shoes - they make your calves thicker and your feet flatter...you should start wearing grown up shoes with high heels so that your calves could look trimmer." Love you too, Mom.)

Happy Valentine's to you all! How will you be spending your super sweet day?

I'll take one of these.

2011-02-10T21:29:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking that instead of receiving flowers and chocolates (btw, my thighs are really hating my guts right now) for this Valentine's Day, what I'd REALLY like would be this gorgeous Lion necklace by EmersonMade! Check out more of her stunning gold coin necklaces here. I will seriously take this over chocolate. I suppose dropping not so subtle hints on my blog is useless since my husband never reads my blog. Haha!

Hello purty necklace. Lardy thighs be gone!
Speaking of lardy thighs, ass, and tummy rolls, any of you ladies and gents read "Clean" by Dr. Alejandro Junger? It's a detox book (Gwyneth Paltrow swears by this book) which I just finished and I am beyond convinced that I need to start this 3 week cleanse/detox program. I have never in my entire life felt this unhealthy, gassy and bloated (sorry folks). I have this coming Monday circled in thick-ass red marker as my start date. I think it will help me stick with it if I somewhat document it here. No more eating bags of cheese puffs in my car!
Whoa...how did it get from pretty gold necklaces to detox? I don't know. It's late and I'm going to bed.

Happy Friday!!!! xoxo - Sarah

2011-02-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

Loving all the outfits on these ladies. So effortlessly chic and fabulous. I miss dressing up during summer months. And if I never quit my bag of cheese puffs and ice cream cake, I will never be able to fit back into my summer wardrobe. You know it's really bad when you are sneaking off to buy bags of cheese puffs and scarfing them down in your car so that your husband doesn't catch you =/.

Anyway, let's look at some beautiful skinny ladies and their outfits. My motivation for giving up late night cheese puffs!

She's SUCH a bitch but she is quite gorgeous and has extraordinary taste...and I hate her.

Loving these dress/cardi outfits (and those red flats!)

Ok, goodbye junkfood. Hello pretty clothes!

photos via pinterest

Mast Brothers

2011-02-07T09:24:00.000-08:00

So, I know these chocolates have been all the rage lately, and I can see why. Us being in Iowa City, I never thought that I'd get my hands on one of these gorgeously wrapped and in demand chocolates, but when I was at a gourmet grocery store the other day, right by the cash register, their pretty florentine paper wrapping caught my eye and had to do a double take. I asked the cashier how in the world they have them in IOWA of all places? And the guy told me that the Mast Brothers are actually from Iowa City and grew up here! And thus, the brothers have agreed to sell their chocolates at this fine and humble establishment. I didn't even look at the price tag and picked out 4 to buy. The total amount due had me saying "WHAT?!? for CHOCOLATES?!" but had to remember that these are fine American crafted chocolates. I ripped open the Fleur De Sel one and mmmmmmm....savored the yummy taste of salty dark chocolate melting over my tongue. However, my husband couldn't enjoy them as I did. He couldn't get over that I paid almost $40 bucks for them. That's ok, because I'm not sharing.

But damn, aren't these florentine wrapping so purty?? I'd probably buy them anyway even if they tasted like poop because I'm a sucker for pretty packaging. Who isn't? =)

Happy Friday!

2011-02-04T06:02:00.000-08:00

I think after this brutal blizzard we had a few days ago, we deserve to have a relaxing, snow-free weekend. But I wouldn't be surprised if we get more snow. Ugh. However, these ADORABLE, hilarious finger illustrations definitely brought a smile to my face =).

Found here