Whip It. Whip It Real Good.

So, I've been making a lot of homemade hot fudge lately. Probably more times than I should. Okay, way more times than I should (sorry, Weight Watchers!). But when I get out my whisk - I just can't help but "whip it - and whip it real good."

This design is a shout out to my favorite kitchen utensil. Holla ah 'cha gurl.

World's Easiest Microwave Hot Fudge Sauce
1/4 cup Light Corn Syrup
1/4 cup Sugar
3 T Unsweetened Cocoa
1 T Water
1 T butter or Margarine

Combine all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes. Get out your whisk - and whip it (or stir it) real good. Then VOILA! 3/4 cup of Hot Fudge Sauce for you to indulge in over your ice cream!!

You are welcome.

Pattern // Oh Deer!

I am a tad bit obsessed with the triangle pattern that I created for my Turquoise Penguin header.

So, why not put a pattern fill inside of a deer silhouette? Seems logical right? Ehhh, maybe not.

I think this is going to look good framed (maybe even a red fancy frame!) - what do you think?

Hand-lettering // Bless Your Heart

For Christmas I asked santa/mom/dad/whomever was listening for a Wacom Bamboo splash tablet because I've really been drawn to hand-lettering lately. And I thought, what the hell, I'll try my hand at it. Literally.

I'm not gonna lie, I've really enjoyed using my tablet. I actually don't even use a mouse anymore. I'm a believer in tablets. I'm kicking myself because I let my fear of tablets keep me from one this long!

Anywho - you don't care about that.

One of my favorite songs is "Only Prettier" by Miranda Lambert. Because why?

Well I’ve been saved by the grace of Southern charm
I got a mouth like a sailor and yours is more like a Hallmark card
And if you wanna pick a fight
Well I’m gonna have to say goodnight
I don’t have to be hateful, I can just say bless your heart.

That's right - I can just say, Bless Your Heart.

P.S. I love Miranda Lambert. P.S.S. I love The Pistol Annie's.

Valentine Memory // A Bushel and A Peck

Do you have a saying that makes you feel deep down to the bone loved?

One that sends you back to a memory that you have stored in your brain that you pull out only for special occasions.

I do.

My mamaw used to sing this to me at night, during the day or just flat out tell me that she loves me a bushel and a peck. If you asked me to sing the rest of the song - I couldn't. But the words, "I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck" are tattooed on my brain. I can feel the love as I type.

So, why don't you tell your Valentine, loved one, best friend or stranger, "I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck." I guarantee you'll get a smile back. And in the end, a genuine smile can be the best "change" the giver can receive.

 

Windy City Save the Dates

For these Save The Dates, Alex, a long-time friend of the family came to me wanting a STD (ha, I just laughed out loud) that they could print out themselves. The pictures that they sent me were easy to work with - they are such a beautiful couple. Congrats Alex & Jackie!

Which one is your favorite??

Green Leaf Cafe // Logo Exploration

Sometimes things fall thru - so something better can fall into place. 

The client I was working with designing these logos had a ton on his plate already - so, his idea of Green Leaf Cafe slipped through the cracks (for the time being, at least). But, I thought I'd brush some of the dust off and show you some of my logo ideation.

I was happy with how these turned out and I could already picture the branding for the entire cafe. Which still makes me a little giddy. But, you know what my mom tells me, "you can't win 'em all." And in this case - these pretty logos never made their appearance in the world - but, I think they at least deserve to say hello on my blog!

Do you have a favorite? 

Modern Vintage // Logo Design

You know those people that you just really love working with? I mean, the type of people that you just get. That work - really doesn't feel like work.

That's Modern Vintage.

Jess and I started out as co-workers and turned into friends (I blame it on our Montreal, Canada trip). Great friends. I ran and trained my first and fourth half marathon with Jess. Seriously, if you can stand to spend grueling hours running together - I feel like you can do anything together!

Anyways, this post is long overdue.

Jess asked me awhile back to design the logo for her and Becca's sweet little business venture, Modern Vintage. And seriously - working for them has been a dream. They are two amazing women - and even more amazing wedding planners.

So - check out their logo and when you're done go check out their website!

Cheers To 30 Years!

Previously I posted about a surprise birthday party for my Grandpa Barry. Well, exactly 1 day before that we had my brother's surprise party too! My family sure does love a good reason to order a Donut Bank cake. I mean, seriously - they have the best icing on the planet. Sometimes my whole hand accidentally hopes to run into the cake. Okay, Okay - maybe not my WHOLE hand. But pointer finger, yes, definitely. (I'm not even mad)

For my brother's birthday we decided to go with a "Cheers To 30 Year's" theme. For one, he like his beer. For two, my family always loves to have something to 'cheers' about!

front:

back:

Happy Birthday, Brother!! Proof that you can't help but have a big ol' grin when you're holding onto a Donut Bank cake.

 I'm just glad he shared.

 

I'm sensing a birthday theme on the blog lately. Who's next?!

Sweet Baby Andi

This birth announcement was extra special for me. Primarily because it was for my second cousin who lives in Texas. Let me shout this out: long distance family - sucks. Codi and her sister, Britany used to come to visit for a couple weeks out of the summer back when we were kids. We always had a fun time getting into some kind of fun - whether it was at Aunt Alice Faye's or Aunt Susie's. I can't really exactly remember the last time we saw each other - but I'm sure if was one of those fun summers that we were inseparable. Let me shout this out: Thank God for technology. Through Facebook I've watched Codi get married to an awesome guy and have a beautiful baby. Seriously. Thank you, Mark Zuckerburg.

Since I wasn't able to make it to any of Codi's baby showers, I decided that I would offer to design her birth announcement for gorgeous little Andi. It actually worked out much better than I could've imagined because I got to visit with Codi in the meantime.

So, if you're sitting on your seat with anticipation to see the sweet little babe's birth announcement. Here she is. Welcome to the world, Andi Lynn. May your future be as beautiful as you are!