natalie + dan

congratulations to natalie and dan! this week marks the 6 month countdown 'til their big day. can you tell by the photos above what a fun couple these two are? their smiles radiate the affection they have for one another...a precursor to the day they have planned for this summer.  a historical santa barbara monument, an ocean front venue, tied in with some very creative touches: their wedding is sure to be a quintessential santa barbara celebration.  view more of their beautiful photos above, shot in my favorite city of san francisco, at treasure photography. and stay tuned for the wedding photos in july!

"brown paper packages tied up with string"

this holiday season, i was inspired to create a gift box for those merriment-friends that have inspired me in 2009 and whom i'm wishing a successful 2010. i've always been a fan of using brown paper and recycled packages, tied up with sting...which usually makes me sing the tune from sound of music for the rest of the day. this year i was inclined to actually give, a few of my "favorite things." when making this gift yourself, the contents can be your own personal favorites. i find homemade treats are a thoughtful, eco-friendly and cost effective approach. my favorites are chocolate! here are a few photos of the goodies i included in my gift box. i have to say they were happily received.

jessica foster truffles - in my holiday package were pomegranate (for the season) and ancho-chile cumin, a perfect compliment to the mexican hot chocolate (below). these bite-size bits of handmade goodness are made here in santa barbara, by jessica herself and are as gourmet as chocolate gets! see jessica's website for other delicious flavors.

hot cookie.com chocolate chip cookies - another locally made treat. i personally can't get enough of chocolate chip cookies, they're my ultimate dessert and even better when someone else makes them for you and you just enjoy!

ibarra hot chocolate - a version of mexican hot chocolate and a family favorite that is perfect on a cold winter night. with a little cayenne, you'll give it an added kick!

 

indulgence the home spa gift certificate - we all need to toast to ourselves, especially after a long year. indulgence provides the luxury of spa treatments in the comfort of your home! a thank you to carol of indulgence, who generously donated the gift certificates. a great way to motivate us to take the time.

i wish everyone a very happy holiday. may your 2010 be filled with health, prosperity, love and merriment.

leigh + dave

i feel so lucky to have a career that allows me to meet kind people. kind people, that are in love no less! meet leigh and dave. a perfect example of the employment benefit i am so thankful for. leigh and dave met in santa barbara while both in grad school at ucsb. their friendship became a little more when fate would have it, that after graduation, they both took jobs in the same city, san francisco! the engagement photos above were taken by the talented photographer shelly vinson. the photos she so perfectly captured, highlight leigh and dave's personality and leave us waiting in anticipation for their special day at the four seasons biltmore, august 2010 - stay tuned! see the rest of leigh and dave's photos on shelly's site: http://www.shellyvinson.com/