adventure is out there

"Adventure is Out There" - Spreadshirt design

When I sat down to create this newest Spreadshirt design, I wanted the theme to feel uplifting. As always, I have a lot going on and coming up at my little yoga studio, so staying creative and on-my-toes is always on my mind. I recently watched Disney Pixar's movie, "UP" and it remains one of my all-time favorites. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it and if you have, you'll know that this quote is a big part of the movie. 

I'm loving my newest font, Lavendaria, as shown in "adventure." It comes in 3 weights with beautiful flow and the best part? It's free!

I hope you like this design! You can check it out and use it as well as others out at my Spreadshirt shop here and if you have any suggestions, I'm always looking for new inspiring quotes to design. Thanks for looking!

baking goddess : logo concept

This was a really fun logo concept for a vegan cupcake and baked goods company. I like to have my design freedom, but sometimes it's fun doing concepts for clients who are set on a very specific idea. I always give my spin on it, but I like a challenge! This client was based in Maui and was really into Hindu goddesses, fresh ingredients, mandalas and hand-drawn, homemade-looking logos. Here's what I came up with:

Though I did not win this contest, I'm glad to have such a fun piece for my portfolio and I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for more contests like this!

mini yoga road trip

Since my sister has moved back home (where she belongs) from Philadelphia, my husband and I were feeling much overdue for a nice autumnal road-trip. Conveniently, we were invited to visit some awesome relatives and their amazing city, Annapolis, Maryland.

Though I might not be much of a world-traveler, I would venture to say that Annapolis will always be one of my favorite cities. It's history, water and cozy small-town feel make it an ideal area to visit and explore. And in the spirit of exploration, I'm always on the look-out to try a new yoga studio, especially one with a view like this!

View from the back of the studio - 411 Ferry Point Drive

Beautiful Annapolis sunset over the South River - Credit Annapolis Yoga Facebook Page

Annapolis Yoga Facebook page is always posting waterfront photos like this that make me swoon. Through their page, I came across a private studio that is run in a similar fashion to my own. With "12 students maximum to allow for personal attention," this home run studio at 411 Ferry Point Road boasted sweeping views of the South River. 

Here is the current schedule:
Saturdays
9:30AM Yoga on the South River with Lara Bontempo (This was the class I attended, subbed by Barry Brooks)

Mondays
9:30AM Weekly Yoga Miniretreat with Barry Brooks
6:00PM Sunset Yoga with Aimee Seal

Wednesdays
6:30PM Sunset Yoga with Lara Bontempo

Ferry Point Drive private yoga studio - tucked amongst trees in a cul-de-sac

I probably only recently missed the cut-off point to enjoy an outdoor class, but the indoor atmosphere certainly wasn't lacking! Just look at it!

View of the indoor studio, facing out to the South River

Instructor: Barry Brooks guided a beautiful class. Barry is in the process of receiving his 200 hour RYT, but you would never know it if judging by his knowledge and comfortable guidance. I always love a class that provides physical adjustment, so it was nice to receive some personal attention and soothing adjustments for my asanas.

Class: This 75 minute vinyasa class was very gentle and calming. We warmed up slowly and mindfully before moving into a relaxing flow. I enjoyed a few interesting variations on the usual Sun Salutations as well as some new foot massage techniques. Barry used Indu Lotion for savasana that put me into a total blissful stupor. I might have to get some for my little studio! :) It's always great to feel inspired or learn something new.

Atmosphere: If you've read much of this blog, you'll know that I'm a total sucker for old houses and I wasn't prepared for this delightful bungalow. Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this charming old cottage had character to spare. With original hardwood floors, antiques and a spiral staircase leading to a loft, the interior designer in me swooned. 

Awesome spiral staircase heading up to a small loft

Great Room/Studio looking toward the kitchen area...check out the awesome old piano!

The Great Room where class was held opened up to nothing but the sky and the water. The location was amazing and really allowed me to connect with nature.

View from inside, looking down the hill to the water...wow.

View from the kitchen area looking out to the dock.

If you get a chance, take a weekend trip to Annapolis before December and take a waterfront class. (It's only about 4 hours from Pittsburgh, so it's a nice weekend getaway.)

What an amazing and welcoming class for my first Annapolis yoga experience. I only wish we had more time to linger in the area and enjoy more studios. Please let me know if you run across any charming studios in your travels...I always welcome guest-posts! Namaste!

creativity grows where monotony sits...

As a fellow-blogger, fashionista, graphic designer and blossoming yogi, who better to write Wholehearter's first guest post than my inspiring friend, Lianna? She has some wonderful thoughts on shifting your focus and finding creativity in the most unlikely places. As an inspiration for your art, craft or daily life, enjoy her post!

It's that time again.  It snuck up on you, didn't it?  Just like a hungry zombie…doesn't it always? Time to clean the house, time to wash the clothes, time to mow grass, time to organize the garage (hopefully not all at once, though).  Oh, how we dread these moments…a perfectly good day that we have to watch swirl slowly and begrudgingly down the drain…harumph! >:-(  But wait, these normally arduous tasks can be used to your advantage.  You may not fully realize it, but these monotonous moments can be and lead to some of the most creative aspects of your day! 

Think about it.  Inspiration for whatever creative project you're working on doesn't flow directly to your mind when you sit down to create it (and if you're not working on a creative project, keep reading, this post might just help you find that creative project longing for your attention).  Inspiration is the key to any creative force.  And if you, like me, are a creator on a daily basis, finding inspiration doesn't always come easy.  So I give you this mission, should you choose to accept it.  While you're working hard dusting your wall art, separating your brights, pulling weeds on a bright, hot sunny day, or going through that old box of books, grab your inspiration while it's practically slapping you in the face! 

Look at that wall art you're dusting…you see it everyday, but do you actually take the time to look at it?  See that tiny couple walking at a mountain's pace around that 18th century village square…what a story they could tell!  What about those brights you're separating…those plum pants and that red striped tee make the perfect color combination for the ice cream shop logo you're working on!  You're drenched in sweat as you sit in the boiling sun pulling dirt and grass from the ground.  But listen, do you hear that bee buzzing in your ear, the birds chirping in an almost harmony, that faint bass beat of a passing car with it's stereo blaring, and your neighbor's radio (or I guess iPod, nowadays) slowly churning out that oldies tune you haven't heard in years, as they wash their car.  Listen close, this tune's kinda catchy!  Oh the garage, what a feat…and oh what forgotten treasures are hidden here, too!   While looking through the box of old books from your grandma, you come across a vintage cook book that has become new again with age…it's so funny how that works.  That recipe for almond flavored icing might just be the perfect touch to your "Fluff and Stuff" vanilla cake!

And while this practice can be effective for a lot of your chores, there are certain chores where direct inspiration might not come to you…for instance, while cleaning the toilet… and that's probably for the best.   So when you might not be able to draw this direct inspiration, let your imagination run wild!  Of course, be sure to pay attention to what your doing, but feel free to let your mind wander into distant lands, for creativity has no bounds!  This is a little different than chores, but every morning, during my usual "getting ready" routine, my mind is always buzzing with wording for wedding invitations and all the possibilities for the vintage-inspired aspect of my invitation designs! 

So keep in mind, when you have those dreaded chores to lumber through, this time your spending might not be such a waste because creativity can grow where monotony sits!  

Wonderful food-for-thought where you least expect any productive thoughts. Keep this positive attitude in mind for your next monotonous task! If you want some more of Lianna's inspiration, please be sure to check out her adorable Etsy page here, full of custom vintage cards and invitations. Thanks, Lianna! :)

pretty peacock invite

Designing invitations isn't something I choose to do very often, but when a friend asked me to create a bridal shower invite with a peacock theme, how could I say no!? Especially since there were essentially no restrictions, I knew it would be a fun little project.

Peacock sketch - pen/paper

Unlike other invites, I knew what I wanted to do right away. I sketched up a peacocks, scanned it in and got to work coloring it in Photoshop. I used a brush with a rough edge for a sketchy look and did each color on a separate layer to play with. My peacock-loving client knew that she wanted to go with a fun, yet sophisticated look with lots of blues, greens and some feather-flair, so this is what we ended up with:

It turned out to be the perfect opportunity for some bright colors, a peacock sketch and a very bridal-shower-esque font I've been dying to use, Sudestada. The body text font is Cochin, one of my favorite go-to serif fonts.

Now here's hoping it suited the bride-to-be! :)

5 places for unique frugal finds

Whether your house looks like an IKEA catalog, an episode of "This Old House," or a barn, there are always a variety of options available for getting creative with thrifty furniture and accessories if you know where to look. I have a few favorite places to scout for unique vintage pieces that have a history. But even if you're looking for something new, you can still avoid a the mall or a furniture store.

Check out these local places first:

Vintage coffee tin - $1 at local thrift shop

1.  Thrift Shops: Thrift shops are everywhere nowadays. So much so, that you might not even realize how many are in your area until you look it up and discover new ones. Some thrift stores have more reliably awesome inventory than others, so take some time to look around. You can also always call and ask if you're looking for something specific. 

2.  ReStores: This is the place to be if you're looking for super-affordable antiques and they also often get in brand-new things from Lowes. (At least the ReStore near me.) An affiliation of Habitat for Humanity, they seem to regularly get a lot of inventory from old houses and they have everything from furniture to remodeling materials. Even if you don't have one in your neighborhood, it might be worth a little drive to check it out. Keep in mind though, these places are run by volunteers, so they often don't have many hours during the week. This results in a mad-rush on the weekend and things get picked over quickly. If you ever have a chance to scoot in during the week before everyone else, you might really get lucky! 

Fun elephant planter - $5 at L&L Fleatique

3.  Craigslist: Craigslist is nice because you can search based on keyword, area, and/or price, day or night. It might save some hassle if you can't get to the stores and things are usually "priced to sell." Just be cautious when planning your pick-up since there is some Stranger Danger.  :o

Cute old green chair - FREE from a curb! :-)

4.  Yard/Estate Sales: These  ones are actually a challenge for me. I tend to see the signs and get really excited, but then either forget to go on the date or attempt to go and can't actually find it. Community garage sales are usually better advertised, easy to find and are a goldmine for savings. People really want to get rid of that stuff, so if you get there early, you might just find a great deal.

5.  The Curb: I drive through an area of beautiful old Victorian and Colonial houses on my way to work. Every week now, I keep my eyes peeled and my fingers crossed on their garbage day. It might sound trashy (pun-intended), but I've seen some gorgeous pieces of furniture that I've either been too bashful to snag, could have never loaded alone, or someone else was already in the process of taking! I've missed enough opportunities now to get over any shame. Afterall, if the owner wasn't too lazy to donate these things, it would literally be the same stuff I'm PURCHASING from these other places!

When you're looking for something specific like a lamp or a piece of furniture, look for a shape you like. Don't pass up something because of a bad finish, ugly knobs or other things that can be easily changed with a can of spray paint or a bit of elbow grease. Sometimes those things have the most potential for a great project! It's fun to browse, get creative and then make it your own. (Check out this fun lantern project)

One man's trash really is another man's treasure! Happy hunting!

home sweet work

Have you ever thought of your workplace as cozy? Yes, I know, for some occupations, that might be a stretch. If you're on the road working from your car, working in retail or with food, you might not have as much of an opportunity to create a personalized and welcoming space for yourself.

But if you do work in an office or have some sort of station to call your own each day, the quality of this area can play a big role in your mood and productivity. While you may not be able to control some factors such as wall color, furniture or feng shui, you can usually control the amount of clutter, cleanliness, lighting and personal flair. All of which can either encourage or discourage productivity.

My own little diorama.

I'm blessed to work in a an office that was already pretty homey well before I came along. Each of us has our own little area that we lovingly refer to as our dioramas. Opening on one side to huge windows and high ceilings, our dioramas don't look or feel like cubicles.

View of 3 dioramas.

But regardless of your staring point, there might be something you can do to improve your space. Here are some simple ideas for making your office feel a little less officey:

• Keep it clean and functional. Whether your office is in your car, at a desk or from your home, buy some organizers if needed and make an effort to keep things where they should be.

Clean and clutter-free workspace. Don't forget to actually clean your desk, mouse and keyboard often with a disinfectant; otherwise, they can literally harbor more germs than a public restroom!

• Have a space for snacks. You might be mocked for having a snack locker, cupboard or drawer, but guess where co-workers come crying when they're in need? Who doesn't want tea or chocolate on a bad day? Knowing that I have a backup for a forgotten lunch or healthy snacks available throughout my busy day is comforting and helps keep me focused and on task.

My lovely snack locker at work.

• Add personal flair. Once you get settled in to your office, it's easy to overlook bringing in decorations or things from home. If you don't have anything other than the necessities, try adding a few photos, plants or nick-knacks that make you smile and boost your mood.

Little things from home like a favorite mug can make a huge difference in your mood.

• Dress comfortably. While staying within the requirements of your dress-code, consider more loose-fitting clothes, comfortable shoes and breathable fabrics. No one has to know if you're wearing luxurious fluffy socks, but you'll thank yourself later. I also like to keep a few backup things in my locker like a spare sweatshirt and an extra pair of socks for a soggy-footed rainy day.
• Bring an adorable dog with you. I know, I know. I'm spoiled and animals are definitely not possible for many offices. If you work in an environment where it might be a possibility every once in a while or if you've never asked, what are you waiting for?

If you can't bring a dog to work, consider a fish. They're cool too.

 Next time you're in your office, take a look around. If you absolutely cannot improve what you've got, maybe it's time to work on changing your mindset. Make the best of it because either way, you'll surely be spending a lot of time there! :P