Holiday Photo Cards from Minted.com

Oh, hello blog. Isn't it amazing how quickly the months start passing by? It seems like it was just my birthday and I said I would start blogging regularly...... and then....... life happens. More on the life happenings at a later time.

Right NOW, let's talk about the holidays.

I'm usually a strict NO CHRISTMAS stuff until December 1st, but doing holiday card photo shoots  have me eating candy canes and secretly listening to Christmas music on the radio.

Minted asked me to check out their holiday card line and I would love to show you my favorites.

On the left are photos of the great cards from Minted and on the right are photos from recent shoots that I think would look great with the cards. I'm really excited to see which cards my clients choose. I can't wait to start finding holiday cards in my mailbox!

I love their clean, crisp modern designs that make sure your photo is the star of the card.

Vist http://www.minted.com/holiday-photo-cards to choose your cards.

Send me one!

Choice One
Choice Two
Choice Three
Choice Four


{although I have ordered and loved minted.com's products on my own, this is a sponsored post. all opinions are mine. mint.com has graciously offered to exchange product for writing about their holiday card line.}

Happy National Coming Out Day

Happy National Coming out day to all of my wonderful friends; those who show bravery by being their true selves in a world that is not always accepting & those who show integrity by accepting nothing less than equality and love for all.

Refreshing Beverage?

It has been HOT in Long Beach.

I feel ridiculous saying that having spent four years in Phoenix, but we have no air conditioning in my house. When the temperatures get over 85, we bake. Refreshing adult beverages are all we have to get us through August and the Strawberry Spritzer is bubbly, summery and delicious without being too sweet.

Carol made jam last week and had some delightful leftover strawberry juice/syrup. She says to make some of your own, put a pint of strawberries, a sprinkle of sugar and a half cup of water on the stove. Bring to a boil, then allow to simmer for 30 minutes or so. Strain the juice into a jar.

Pour your favorite champagne over ice and add a splash of the strawberry juice.

Garnish with a mermaid.

Sit in front of the fan. Dream of foggy January days.

Merci

Since my 30th birthday party I've been procrastinating on writing my Thank You notes, as usual {so rude, right?!}

Finding these darling notes has helped motivate me to write mine. Enjoy!

1. Sugar Paper LA
2. Rifle Paper Co.
3. Native Bear
4. Daily Sip Studios

What's your favorite?

Music Monday- The Pierces

A couple of months ago I attended the Coldplay concert at the Hollywood Bowl. It was an incredible night with great seats, friends and wine. Coldplay was amazing, of course, but my biggest surprise was how much I loved their first opening act, The Pierces. The Alabama born sisters had me totally entranced. I loved their style, stage presence and music. Below is a small playlist that is 'Pierces' heavy, but also has a couple of songs that mix well with their style. Click here to listen.

*Photo credit: Chris Floyd via THIS Pinterest account.

Ciao!

Between the dreamy cover of Jaimee's summer reading suggestion and Stephanie's instagram post of her travels in Positano, my mind has been on the Mediterranean this week. This Friday Fashion post sums up just about everything you need for a day strolling the streets of coastal Italy.

sources
1. Inspiration for this post. Jess Walter's Beautiful Ruins. Buy it at your local bookstore! Here's mine.
2. ASOS {on sale. holler.}
3. Impossible Project vintage Polaroid for snapping photos of the Italian beau you're sure to meet.
4. Michael Kors
5. Cleobella Mexicana Clutch
6. Splendid Shoes 
7. Ray-Ban

Summer Eating and Entertaining

I am a bad 'during the week' cook.  I usually just pick up a rotisserie chicken, some vegetables and a bottle of wine on my way home from work. Weekends are a different story; I love to cook and spend lots of time finding new recipes that are complex and rewarding. However, with August heat and no air conditioning, who wants to be near a stove all day? 'Not I,' said the girl who does not handle any temperature over 75 degrees well. 

The last few times I've had guests over I've kept the menu very simple. Items I can prep (without heat) and then leave in the oven while I sit on the patio enjoying a glass of cool wine and the ocean breeze. My favorites have been roasting asparagus (just toss in olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then put in the oven) and hasselblad potatoes, courtesy of pinterest. It's actually the first and only recipe idea I've used from the site. Serve with grilled steak, chicken or fish and a light salad and you are set. 

For setting the table, I've loved using old mason jars and wrapping them with twine, burlap, raffia and butcher string. Put a big bunch of babies breath in one or two of the jars to give the table a breezy touch of summer. 

Enjoy!