glimpses from the road

Rama and I went on a quick road trip to the Bay Area just the two of us, and it was so very dreamy. We lazed around the hotel, eating dinner in the room, taking long baths, and sleeping in past 7. 

On Saturday, I met a few friends at the Ferry Building then wandered the city all by myself. I filled up my basket with tiny treasures at Daiso and treated myself to macarons at Miette. It was the ultimate luxury to follow my whims and wishes with no kids in tow. 

Rama and I took the scenic route home on Sunday and enjoyed a lovely brunch in Big Sur. We listened to books on tape and re-told the stories of our lives. I'd be lying if I said I didn't come home completely exhausted, but it was totally worth it. 

letter to maira : 1 year

Dear Maira,

A couple of weeks ago, I had to pick up your Lolo & Lola from the airport. It was pretty late, so I grabbed a cup of coffee and blasted the stereo on my way home. I used to do that sort of thing a lot: Go out alone, stay up late, and indulge in my favorite things. As I drove up the empty highway back toward our house, my mind flashed back to my days as a young single girl, before I had you, before I had Henry, before I met your Papa.

I had no idea back then what my life would be like. I just knew what I wanted. I wanted a job I enjoyed. I wanted a husband who understood me. I wanted a home we could call our own. And I wanted children—specifically two. I wanted a son, and I wanted you: My very own daughter.

I have said it before, and I'll say it again: When you were born, a dream of mine came true. And now, a year later, I am still pinching myself.

Your big brother is a pretty wonderful guy, and I have to admit that I wasn't sure we could have another kid just as cool. But we got lucky twice! You are amazing, Maira, and it has been so much fun getting to know you.



You are radiant and healthy.

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summer totes

When I think summertime, I think of mornings at the farmer's market, picnics at the park, and afternoon naps on the beach. No matter how I spend my sunshine days, I like to stuff my bag with everything under the sun—and then some. That way, I am ready for any adventure that should come my way.  

Just like clockwork, I crave a new bag each season. There are so many good ones out there right now, but here are my faves. In my daydreams, I buy the Orla Kiely bag, but in reality I'll probably make do with a new canvas Baggu (if I even buy a new bag at all).

1. Linen & Leather Tote by Pokeo ($58) /  2. Boardwalk Tote by J.Crew ($49.99) / 3. Colorblock Mathilda Bag by Orla Kiely ($399.75) / 4. Ban.do Heart Tote ($20)

5. Staggered Chevrons Tote at Anthropologie ($98) / 6. Large Basket Tote by Zara ($29.90) / 7. Polka Dot Bag by Hansel from Basel ($32) / 8. Baggu Duck Bag ($24)

splendidly summer

I have been in denial about summer, I think. Probably because it means that half the year is past, that my baby girl will soon be 1 and my baby boy will be 3, that neither of them are really even babies anymore, that it is swimsuit season, and I am hardly ready for any of it. On the bright and delicious side, though, summer means ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream. 

It's the perfect time to get out the ice cream maker and crack open my prized copy of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home. I have loved Jeni Britton Bauer's superb ice cream ever since tasting her salty caramel. I became a convert of her recipes after making her lemon frozen yogurt (try it), and I am absolutely smitten with her beautifully designed and illustrated book.  

There are over 100 recipes, and I think I want to make at least half of them. On my to-do list for the summer: Roasted Strawbery and Buttermilk Ice Cream, Backyard Mint Ice Cream, Watermelon Lemonade Sorbet, and Salty Caramel Ice Cream, of course. My stomach growled just typing that out. I'm serious.

project peeks

This spring was busy, busy, busy. I was so lucky to work on some fun branding projects for businesses and blogs, and I'm finally able to show you what I cooked up. Below is the logo I created for interior design firm Harding Castle. Designers Katy Nickel and Carolyn Stone wanted a logo that was at once classic and modern. I also designed the duo's website, which is being built as we speak.

And below are two logo designs I created for up-and-coming blogs, A Rose Called Gilly and In Jackie's Shoes. LaTrelle of A Rose Called Gilly wanted a fresh, citrus palette and crisp, modern type. Alexandra of In Jackie's Shoes sought something simple but chic. I am happy with the way both turned out, and so were they! I also designed both blogs, and my new brilliant pal Zoe did the Wordpress development.