eudora!

Look at what just arrived in the mail! Eudora Welty as Photographer, edited by Welty scholar Pearl Amelia McHaney, is hot off the University Press of Mississippi. For me, having grown up in the South, it would be difficult to recall high school and college courses without Welty on the syllabus. In particular, my very first college class at Washington and Lee had Prof. Heather Ross Miller at the helm. We had class in a room normally used for music and learned all about Flannery O’Connor, William Faulkner, Welty and a host of other southern authors while surrounded by pianos, guitars and clarinets resting on stands. Thinking about that class always reminds me that stories can be told in so many ways – whether via prose, musical notes, an artist's canvas or in this case, photography. The photos collected in this new book are fantastic – full of light and patterns – and can almost be seen as tangible extensions of Welty’s novels and short stories. The people and places she captured seem to have a literary quality all their own. It's wonderful.

paris, je t'aime

Just some random photos from my trip to Paris a while ago. Went to an art exhibit opening last week that featured a wonderful collection of American and European artists - everyone from Kandinsky to Degas to Gauguin to Redon. In particular, the Impressionist works definitely reminded me of my last visit to the Musée d'Orsay. Since I may not get back there for a while, this was an excellent chance right here in North Carolina to have a little artsy staycation and view masterworks from many well-known artists. If you are in or around Charlotte between now and June, you must stop in and take a look at the exhibit at the Mint Museum of Art. Even better, the collection is traveling from the New Orleans Museum of Art and the fees that the museum generates from this exhibition benefit its Katrina Recovery Fund.

And, speaking of Paris, proposals for a new master plan for the city were unveiled last week - you can read about them in the NY Times.

little treats

Can I just tell you how much I love sea salt caramels? Alas, I gave up sweets for Lent, so I have resorted to just writing about them. But, these particular sweets are most delicious - packed with the perfect sweet and salty flavor combination. And, some of the best I've tried are from Little Flower Candy Co. If you are a lucky Californian, you can stop in their Pasadena shop, or you can order online and have them delivered anywhere! They also have square-shaped, homemade marshmallows in lots of different flavors. Really a nice extra something to enjoy with hot chocolate or your morning coffee. Photo credits: Little Flower Candy Co.

the bachelorette

I designed these bachelorette party invites recently. The layout includes phrases and words sent in by the bridesmaids about the bride-to-be: "gracious, funny, warm . . . daring, mischievious . . ." It turned out beautifully - fun and personalized without being too "cute." I love how the fresh green and deep, rich navy text just melted right into the cottony paper.

map genius

What a great idea! Ork Posters has these colorful neighborhood maps for most major North American cities. Wish they had one for where I live, but until then, I am perfectly content to admire these. I love the clean, crisp design and the fresh colors. Thanks to Decker for the inspiration!

Image Credits: Ork Posters

i heart austin

Went to Austin, Tex. last weekend to hang out with some friends. We had so much fun and I was able to snap some great photos. Austin is always perfectly warm and bright - definitely a good break from the depths of winter in the east. The escape didn't last long though - we flew home to a whirling snow storm! Pictures from top: enjoyed afternoon cocktails at Doc's; I liked the windowpanes in this Florist Shop; margaritas and sunset high above Lake Travis at the Oasis; Hotel San Jose courtyard entrance at night; the Allens Boots sign; and cheerful chairs and delicious homemade brunch at my friend Caroline's house.

in print

Oh, I am crazy-nuts about antique prints! They are perfect for hanging in small spaces that need some color, or group lots and lots of them together in different frames to cover the empty place above the sofa. (My friend, L.C., just did exactly that, and it makes her apartment look like a page from domino magazine. Btw, domino, you will be missed!)

Anyway, I came across Panteek on a recent online search. With more than 30 years in the antique business, they know their stuff. Best of all, the prices are fair and the selection is incredible. The images above are from Panteek.com and most of these are still available for purchase. Check it - top to bottom: Orvis Lake Flies -1892, Munting - Aloe Vera, Bodmer - Native American, Curtis - Asiatic Globe-flower, and Jefferys - Queen Elizabeth.

i'm minted!

Exciting news! minted has added a few of my designs to their stellar for-sale collection of save-the-dates, thank-you cards and menu designs. Any of these can be turned into any kind of announcement or invitation, even wedding invites. Check these out: cards from top to bottom: Barbados Menu, Bibliotheque Save-the-Date and Bright Autumn Berry Thank-You Card. (Photo Credits: minted.com)

P.S. BIG happy birthday shout-out to my sister, Laura!

pretty winter

The other day, I was telling a friend that I am really sick of winter. But then, I rediscovered these photos I took at the beach about a month ago. The first one is with a flash and the second is without - same scene. The other two are from one of my daytime beach walks. I was surprised to find this colorful orangey-red plant on the dunes. It was like a little leafy sunset. See, even winter can be pretty! But, I'll admit to still longing for warmer weather. Spring, get here soon!

fiesta forever!

Here's a little peek at one of my latest projects. I designed these fun red and black cactus flower invites for an upcoming engagement party in Texas. The theme was Mexican Fiesta and the hostesses wanted to do something special and custom-made just for the bride and groom. I love the finished product, wrapped up with some classic red and white striped baker's twine.