no tricks, just treats

If candy is not your thing, it might be worth trying some of these sweet Halloween treats instead. I especially love those little meringue ghosties!

1. meringue ghosts | sweet + savory
2. halloween rice krispie treats | the stay at home chef
3. jack-o-lantern hand pies | so much food
4. creepy witch finger cookies | simply so good
5. brownie dirt pudding | my baking addiction
6. halloween bark | delicious little bites

this summer in photos

This seemingly endless summer gave me ample opportunity to spend time with friends and family, get started on my Christmas card collection, and challenge myself to walk an increasing number of laps around the park. Unlike last year, I had no major plans for the summer, but it was enjoyable all the same.

fun fact: the Star of India is the world’s oldest active sailing ship | my youngest nephew's first football game | outfit of the summer | the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever made | sleepy baby Leo | the aforementioned park | a charming puzzle by Charles Wysocki | I spy an adorable woodland creature

what's new

color my life

"rose hill" by margaret jeane

(wedding) celebration inspiration

table | invitation | stars | couple

ceremony | couple | lights | table | cake | invitation

"knotted" wedding collection

I'm excited to share my new and (hopefully) improved "Knotted" engagement party invitation. This was one of the first invitations I ever created, and it became one of my best sellers after being featured in the Minted Spring 2014 catalog! The changes to the design are subtle; I just wanted to modernize the type a bit. Then, I expanded the collection to include a coordinating engagement announcement, wedding invitation suite, gift wrap, envelope seal, and more. Not to mention, there are 3 additional colorways (for a total of 6), and a set of borderless cards that should pair nicely with the die-cut shapes that Minted currently offers. I hope you like it!

View the entire "Knotted" collection here.

a midweek road trip

Last week's road trip meant time well spent with my family, soaking up the sun in LA and Orange County. Our day started at the bustling Santa Monica Pier, then we headed to Downtown Disney to do some shopping, and eventually we made our way to Irvine Spectrum Center for dinner. It was a whirlwind (as usual), and I didn't take too many photos to share here or on social media. Instead, I just tried to stay present and savor the experience. My favorite memories from the trip are: playing the license plate game to stave off the boredom of being stuck in traffic, collecting rocks and shells along the shoreline with my sister, and leaving my nephew in the dust during our Asphalt 9: Legends face-off at the arcade!

a sun-soaked day at the pier | you couldn't miss the giant Aladdin Lego display just overhead | items collected along the seashore | a neon sign at Hello Kitty Cafe (the sign actually says "hot donuts")