tallu-lah's tale

Vino Collection

2011-07-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

We have launched our new Vino Greeting Card Collection!
Here is a sneak peak below at our press release
We hope you enjoy them!

In contrast to the ubiquitous clinking wine glasses and shades of cabernet that dominate wine-themed designs, Tallu-lah’s Vino Greeting Cards offer fun graphics and fresh colors. Created to appeal to wine lovers (and isn’t that just about everybody?), the half case of new designs are hand-drawn and meticulously letterpressed. Witty messages such as “Champagne pairs well with: a bubble bath for 2” and “I love you more than wine” grace the front, while insides are blank for your personal tasting notes to the recipient. Retailing for $5.95 each, the cards offer greetings for several occasions, including birthday, love, thank you, wedding, and engagement.

“I create designs based on what I enjoy in my life,” said Vino Greeting Card creator, Danielle Spinetta, Founder and Design Director of Tallu-lah. Ms. Spinetta runs her successful greeting card company while living part-time surrounded by world-class wines in Napa Valley, California. Being a get-it-done-with-style kind of person, she decided it was time to pour all those great wines into some great design.

Will Vino Greeting Cards receive a 100-point rating in Robert Parker, Jr.’s Wine Advocate? They should—they are bold and spicy and have a long, sincere finish. These cards pair perfectly with wine for a wedding gift, engagement gift, hostess gift, corporate gift basket, or a personal message to a fellow wine lover.

You can see and buy the collection here. You can see it here too!

Tote Your Stuff at Urbanic's Summer Social

2011-07-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some more great pics from Urbanic's Summer Social where our totes were a part of the fun! Read all about it here.

Tallu-lah's Totes at Urbanic

2011-06-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

Check out our totes on 100 Layer Cake's blog today. Our totes were a fun giveaway at Urbanic's Summer Social. Thanks to all who attended such a fun event!

Oh Happy Day Goes to Paris!

2011-06-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, I said Paris! Can you imagine winning a trip to Paris - what a dream come true! Great food, amazing wine and wonderful shopping...take me away! I hope I win. Go here to see if you can win too!

Decorate with BHLDN

2011-05-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

BHLDN now is carrying a line of wonderful items you can decorate with on your big day. I have always loved these numbers, I used them for my wedding as table numbers by backing them with card stock...enjoy all they have to offer here.

Rubie Green

2011-03-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of Michele of Rubie Green's style. Check out more of her likes on her blog.

Thank You Easter Bunny!

2011-03-13T20:22:00.001-07:00

Here comes the Easter Bunny!
Celebrate Easter with Tallu-lah for Tinyprints. Go here to see more Easter designs on Tinyprints and get 15% off any order till 3/15. Use code: TP15off. Happy Shopping!

Delicious Friday!

2011-03-11T10:05:00.000-08:00

I'm doing a 3 week cleanse...no chocolate and no wine is the most difficult part of the cleanse for me. All I want to eat is this beautiful piece of chocolate cake that I found over here.

Vote For Tallu-lah in the Trendy Awards!

2011-03-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

Tallu-lah is hoping to be a winner this year in the Trendy's. Help us out by voting for our cute as pie Mother's Day "greeting card" submission here.
And vote here for our "wedding" submission - our "Happily Ever After" card.

Luck Of The Irish

2011-03-04T18:38:00.000-08:00

St. Patrick's Day cards are now selling on Tinyprints - check out how cute Tallu-lah's are...

Over The "Big" Top

2011-02-25T15:31:00.000-08:00

Have you read about this wedding yet with the super awesome umbrella dance floor? Check out my thoughts about it here. Read the full article on 100 Layer Cake.

Cupid's Arrow

2011-02-10T16:32:00.001-08:00

Learn how to make these cute cupid's arrows for your yummy brownie heart bites (or any treat for Valentine's Day) here.

Sunny California

2011-02-02T17:29:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons I moved to sunny California....so I don't have to deal with snow storms like this one in Chicago. Read about it here.

Valentines from Tiny Prints!

2011-01-29T17:48:00.000-08:00

Check out some of our new designs for Valentine's Day on Tinyprints!

New Cards for 2011

2011-01-29T15:30:00.000-08:00

We are really excited to reveal some of our new cards for 2011 -
hope you are excited about them too!

Mustard Season

2011-01-29T13:52:00.000-08:00

Mustard season in Napa Valley! Beautiful!

Cupcakes & Wine!

2011-01-28T16:42:00.001-08:00

Who doesn't love wine, cupcakes and a great design sense! Check out Enjoy Cupcakes to see what they are up to.

Dogpatch

2011-01-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

Sending a little inspiration your way of what I saw today while strolling around the Dogpatch...

At West End

2011-01-25T19:51:00.000-08:00

I have found great little things for my home at At West End. All orders ship for only $5!

B H L D N

2011-01-21T17:09:00.000-08:00

Urban Outfitter's new wedding concept - B H L D N...unveiling on February 14, 2011.

XO

2011-01-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

Send someone you luv letterpress vintage wood type from Monki Vintage for Valentine's Day!

Big Table Farm

2011-01-20T09:41:00.000-08:00

I just spent a few days in Willamette Valley, Oregon wining and dining....I visited Big Table Farm where a husband and wife collaborate on wine and letterpress. Two of my favorite things brought together...

National Stationery Show 2010

2010-05-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well, this is how and where it all begins at the National Stationery Show, The Javits Center, NYC. The before....

Velcro, Velcro, Velcro - if you need it hung - just Velcro it!

Our 2010 tote!

Preparing our treat jars for our shoppers.

Tada! The finished project - come visit us at Booth 1937.

Me and my #1 employee - my mom (sorry Dad & Denise!)

National Stationery Show - Here I Come!

2010-05-12T23:28:00.001-07:00

A little sneak peek of my booth signage this year....see you at the show!

Mom's are the Best!

2010-05-04T21:41:00.001-07:00

Get in your order by Thursday for your Mom here.

I Get Around...

2010-05-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

We're excited about our 2010 totes! We will be giving them out for free at The National Stationery Show in NYC, May 16-19.
Come visit us at booth 1937 - tell us you read about the totes on our blog - and we'll give you one free, while supplies last.

Free Coffee!

2010-04-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Free Coffee 4.15.10 = Save A Tree. Watch the film here.

Hat's Off To You

2010-04-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

The smart looking accessory for groomsmen....see it on Ruffled.

I Like My Wine Light in Body

2010-03-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

Wonderful idea for wine lovers from Pottery Barn.

Succulent Love

2010-02-11T22:34:00.000-08:00

I still have my "fall/holiday" wreath on my front door. It is time for new decor.

I have been madly in love with succulents for some time now. Kelly has a creative little business working with these lovelies called succulent love. I just heart her designs. My new obsession is a succulent wreath like this one.

And of course who doesn't want to make believe they are Flora Grub and make one of these.

Now you can buy a kit to make it by going here or here. I'm gonna start this project in March.

XOXO

2010-02-10T18:00:00.001-08:00

Valentine mini love note from Tallu-lah for Tiny Prints.
Succulent from Succulentlove.

Valentine's on Tiny Prints

2010-01-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

It's the time of year for love! Check out Tallu-lah's new designs on Tiny Prints for Valentine's Day!

2010

2009-12-31T09:27:00.000-08:00

Today, the last day of 2009 is here. Open a bottle and let it flow!
I have not written in quite some time due to a personal situation going on in my life. I think 2010 will be good for me. A new start at life....I hope to get back to writing. Thank you for visiting this year and please visit often in 2010....

Happy Day!

2009-11-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

I kinda had to break a smile today when I received my coffee from the barista. It always makes me smile when I get a design in my foam - seems like the barista knew I needed a hug....so with that, I put on a smile and went to the San Francisco Flower Mart to design centerpieces for an event in December.
The mart was filled with workers making fall wreaths....and all men might I add!
I decided not to be crafty this year and just buy a wreath, I don't have the time to get creative these days....My wreath below- love it - can't wait to hang it MY front door.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Long Time No See...

2009-11-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

I have taken a break from blogging. Sorry to anyone who has been wondering where I am. I have been spending most of time away in Napa since it is so beautiful this time of year....
I hope to be back writing soon....

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

I was never a fan of spiders until I moved into my place 3 years ago. Apparently, my yard is their favorite place to spin their webs and bask in the sun in August, September and October. I decided to let them stay. I have a new found appreciation of how hard they work spinning their webs...Watching them in action is the best part.
Happy Halloween! For edible spiders check out these tasty treats you can make!

Getting Ready For ON 3RD!

2009-10-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for ON 3RD! Read all about it here.

Ikea

2009-10-21T08:05:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things to check-out when I visit Ikea is their fabric department. They always have great designs. I recently used their fabric to wrap my gifts and my cover my table.
Here are some of my favorites from my last visit.

All-Set IS all-set!

2009-10-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Congatulations Heather on the launch of your website - All-Set! Photos on her website are by my man.

Save-The-Dates

2009-10-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

If you are planning a spring wedding - now is the time to shop for your save-the-dates. Check out our new designs here.

Pretty Packages

2009-10-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Fall inspired little packages of Poco Dolce candies wrapped in Ikea fabric and tied off with a mini succulent stem.
Happy Friday!

ON 3RD

2009-10-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

At my day job, we are working on an event called ON 3RD. One of my favorite things about the event are the invites. (of course!)
The invite was designed by Tom Scott Design and letterpress printed by Dependable Letterpress. Great job guys! If you want to receive an invite - read about it here.

Wait till I show you what the inside looks like....stay tuned!

Tallu-lah on Style Unveiled!

2009-10-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

We were recently blogged about on San Francisco's Style Unveiled. Thank you for the wonderful post! You can read entire post here.

Happy Friday!

2009-10-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hope you get some foamy love from your barista this weekend! (above: love from my local cafe, Cibo in Sausalito)

Visting Columbus Ohio

2009-10-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend I visited Columbus Ohio - here are my favorite things to do in the Short North area...

Eat Jenis ice cream...They have such interesting flavors - make sure to allow for plenty of time here since the line is always around the block.

Creative marketing posters hang in the shop giving it a real local vibe.
On Paper is a cute little card shop that carries Tallu-lah cards. {thank you}
Lots of fun little boutiques line the block.

Interestingly creative approach to selling wedding dresses -Big Rock Little Rooster.

From the owners of Rigsby's Kitchen {my favorite restaurant in Columbus} comes Tasi Cafe.

There were alot of businesses using clip boards and chalk boards to communicate to customers.

One Year Is Here

2009-09-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

I am celebrating my one year wedding anniversary this weekend. I put together a gift for my husband that represents "paper". Being a paper girl I couldn't do the norm, so I spent hours (of course) putting something together from the heart...I hope he likes it.

I have been thinking about our wedding weekend. So many people made the trip to San Francisco to celebrate with us. Thank you everyone who celebrated with us on site or in spirit, you truly made it a special day for the both of us!

If you are married, what did you give/get as "paper" for your one year anniversary?

Designs Down Under

2009-09-23T08:07:00.001-07:00

I love the designs of Samantha Robinson's handmade porcelain. Based out of Australia, she is far away...but hopefully she ships to the USA. My favorites are her vases and coffee cups. How can you chose just one? There are so many wonderful designs, plus mixing and matching them is the best part of the look.

Seasonal Appetizers

2009-09-22T15:48:00.001-07:00

My favorite appetizers to create for guests this time of the year include tomatoes and figs. These two above are easy and always a crowd pleaser!
Pic 1- Grilled figs with blue cheese and mint
Pic 2 - Toasted Ciabatta bread with Mozzarella Burrata, tomatoes and basil (from my garden)
Bon Appetite!

Hema Website

2009-09-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

I recently was sent the link to Hema's website by a friend. Hema is a department store located in Amsterdam.
Take a look at Hema's “product page”. You can't order anything and it's in Dutch….don't click on any of the items in the picture, just wait and see what happens.
This company has a unique sense of humor and a great computer programmer!

Mystery Fruit

2009-09-21T16:58:00.000-07:00

I found this fruit growing on the other side of my fence in my backyard. Anyone have any idea what kind of fruit it is?

Happy Friday!

2009-09-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

Picnic size carrot cake by Miette. Doesn't it look too pretty to eat?

Halloween Invites on Tinyprints!

2009-09-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

Can you believe summer is over and the holidays are starting to roll in?
First up, Halloween.
New Halloween party invites are now available on Tinyprints,
designed by Tallu-lah.
So fun for an adult or child's party!

Do you think there will be just as many parties this year due to the economy?

What do you think some of the most popular costumes will be?

Ice Cream Social

2009-09-13T09:13:00.001-07:00

I've created an ice cream social before, but never like this! It truly inspired me to throw another one.
I love the attention to detail, so beautifully orchestrated. I know how time consuming the details are - it was worth every minute - great job Amy!
How many hours do you think this project took?

BarBersQ

2009-09-11T08:14:00.001-07:00

During my visit to Napa a few weeks ago I tried out BarBersQ. Several locals told us to check it out. It's not fancy, it is in a strip mall, but you'll love the food. So we did.

I love the creative outdoor logo - just a Q.

Inside the decor is casual with some great black and white photos lining the walls.

BarBersQ is a modern, casual dining experience you can’t help but fall in love with. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, BarBersQ features American Heritage fare including authentic Memphis style barbeque and welcoming attentive service....and of course they serve wine!

We ordered the pulled pork sandwich (and asked if we could have it made into 2 sliders for easy sharing) No problem!

Another great thing about Q - they cater! Try them for your next party!

Happy Friday!

2009-09-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

Enjoying my little tomatoes this weekend from my home garden!
Enjoy your long weekend.

Pacific Weddings

2009-09-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

Our Rustic Romance wedding invitation was featured on Pacific Weddings blog - Love Notes - thanks for mentioning us!

Flour & Water

2009-09-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to Flour & Water for dinner. I had heard good things about the restaurant, so I was excited about trying something new. Reservations were not available so we went early. (I called a week ahead of time for a 6:30 pm dinner reservation - and no luck!)

They creatively use their logo throughout your meal as you can see in the pics.

The tuna conserve appetizer

The squash blossom appetizer

Pomodoro pizza
We also had pasta that got eaten before I could take a pic!

Dessert was a sort of Pots de Creme with sea salt and coffee mousse (in my own words).

Absolutely delicious - we all agreed!

Wine Country Travels

2009-08-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

Read all about my wine country travels here.

Happy Weekend!

2009-08-28T12:58:00.001-07:00

Get out there this weekend and enjoy tomatoes - they are in season and so delicious!

The French Laundry

2009-08-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

I went to dinner at The French Laundry last night - stay tuned for the full story of our dinner and trip to the Napa Valley. (yes that is us in the kitchen with the chefs and our waiter!)

My favorite bag lady!

2009-08-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

I love these bags from the oh-so-talented Christy Schwathe. Her company, hu.made, which she founded out of Costilla, NM makes bags, wristbands, shirts, and (I've heard through the grapevine) is perfecting some unisex hat prototypes...can't wait to see 'em!

Her bags come in all shapes and sizes - from handy wallet sized folds to clutches to messenger bags. She makes them all herself, and they are generally made from recycled material. So cute!

Check her entire collection out here. (p.s. she is having a sale right now - go look!)

Kiss Me

2009-08-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Kelly over at Succulent Love sent me this pic - two fun locations in San Francisco - Swensens ice cream and Flora Grubb gardens. I love the idea of taking a pic with your loved-one at a location that expresses your lifestyle.

Sunday In The City

2009-08-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

We decided to cross the bridge this weekend and eat dinner in the city -SF that is. So like most summer days the fog was blowing in making it questionable if we should continue our ride. We did and we were happy we did!

We headed over to NOPA - if you know anything about this restaurant - it is very difficult to get a reservation! If you just wing it, finding a seat at the bar or communal table is a full time job while drinking one of their fabulous drinks.
So, we thought - Sunday 6 pm - can't be that busy right? Well we were right. We got the last 2 seats at the bar and plopped down for drinks and dinner.
One of the best parts of our dinner was the bar staff (above). They are so passionate about their drinks, food and customer service - you can feel their energy while you hang at the bar.

If you haven't been there yet - I recommend it - but make reservations or wing it EARLY.

Spencer-On-The-Go

2009-08-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

I recently tried out Spencer On The Go since I have always been a big fan of their San Francisco based restaurant - Chez Spencer.

Many restaurateurs are taking their food to the streets in SF. Spencer On The Go works out of this old taco truck parked on 7th and Folsom. You can pick up quick French food at the truck and then dine across the street at wine bar Terrior. Great partnering idea!

My food review:
Thumbs up to the white shrimp with curry and thumbs down on the heirloom tomato salad.

InStyle Magazine blog

2009-08-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to Jeanine Edwards at InStyle magazine's blog for blogging about our new Husband and Wife cards! Read about it here.

Sneak Peak

2009-08-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

My husband and I had a photo shoot in our backyard on Sunday. Here is a pic of the "behind the scenes" of All Set's designs for her new website launching next month...looking forward to it!

Quick Trip to DC

2009-08-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

I recently visited DC for a business trip for my other job. While there, I just happen to be reading this month's Dwell and read about Casey and David's new deli and digs- Taylor - so we just had to check it.
Pic of Taylor's good looking storefront. (Casey and David live upstairs)

David was nice enough to take a break from ringing the register and smile for a pic with me.

A great looking light fixture hangs over the back communal table.

They also have an outside patio to enjoy your lunch.
Sandwiches were good, but no one can't beat my Italian grandmother's chicken cutlet from New York.
Best of luck with the new place...

Loved this storefront filled with birds.

We stopped by the famous Cakelove, but didn't have the need for a cupcake at 10 a.m. after a red-eye flight.
We ate dinner at Proof. Great food and wine! Thanks Paul for the recommendation.

We ate lunch at Oyamels...try their tableside guacamole with homemade chips.
Dulles Airport had these trams that drove you to connecting gates...they look like Star Wars vehicles...don't you think?

Dynamo Donuts

2009-08-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

Today I visited Dynamo Donuts to bring some sweet treats to the office at my day job. Read about it here.

Humphry Slocombe

2009-07-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

I recently visited Jake Godby at his 7 month old ice cream shop in San Francisco - read about it here.

Vertical Garden

2009-07-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

I recently visited Flora Grubb in San Francisco to get some ideas to decorate my backyard. The highlight of the visit (and for everyone) is her vertical garden. I want one!
Check out her other great projects here on her blog.

Other great finds I snapped pics of while I visited...

Hamburgers

2009-07-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

Old school fast food in Chester, California - love the retro signage.

Thank You- Martha Stewart Pop-Up Wedding

2009-07-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

I really think a hand written thank you goes a long way in our electronic world.

I received this thank you from Leah & Michael who were the bride and groom at Martha Stewart's Pop-Up Wedding. They thanked me for the gifts Tallu-lah sent them. It was so kind of them to write me and it made my day to see their return address. (they live in my home town of Staten Island, New York!)
Best wishes!

Retro Hula Girl Sodas

2009-07-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

I am still in Hawaii (working) and I came across Waialua Soda Works. I don't drink soda (ok maybe once a month) but I am drinking this!

Waialua Soda Works, Inc. brings back the “experience” of drinking soda by using natural, high quality ingredients to create a refreshing and lightly carbonated gourmet soda. Down to the glass bottle, Waialua Soda Works is a source for the nostalgic soda connoisseur, and those who prefer to savor a purer beverage.

The products feature local ingredients such as Maui Brand natural white cane sugar, Big Island vanilla, and honey from Kauai. Waialua Soda Works is owned and operated from a warehouse in the historic town of Waialua, located on the famous North Shore of Oahu.

If Life Gives You Lemons...

2009-07-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I am working from Hawaii this week (on site at an event). Due to the time difference I have been up since 4:45 am so now I am searching for new summer drink idea for an upcoming event. I love mixing an old time favorite with a new twist. I found this fun blueberry lemonade idea on short stories blog via Oh Joy. Not only are blueberries so good for you, bu they look great in this lemonade. Wondering if I can sneak some vodka in it?
Cheers!

4th of July

2009-07-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

We have a 4th of July party every year at our place for our friends who decide not to go away for the weekend. I was particularly excited about it this year since we have a new deck and furniture to go with it!
Also, with some free time on my hands I decided to do a few extra event planning details.

My new favorite obsession is the oilcloth fabric I got a Mendels on Haight Street in San Francisco.

Our lemonade decanter is from Roost based here in Sausalito, California. Love their home furnishings.

These straw tags and sparkler cards are from Twig and Thistle.
Thank you for posting them, they were a great festive touch!

These Pop Pop's were enjoyed by everyone...fun in a box for only 20 cents each!

This popcorn holder was from our wedding - it is now coming in handy for parties!

Our new and improved deck!

We had our very own live music! Dave thanks so much for entertaining - your so talented.

Happy Birthday Caroline!
The sun setting in our backyard while all the boats get in position to watch the fireworks.
The sparklers were a big hit with no casualties or arrests.
Fireworks over the bay - Happy 4th of July!

Tallu-lah on Martha Stewart!

2009-07-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the girls at The Wedding Library for including Tallu-lah in the gifts for the Brides and Grooms at the Martha Stewart Pop-Up Wedding last week. From Tallu-lah the happy couples received; wedding cards, a canvas peacock tote and a hooray flag. (to wave on their big day!) Congratulations!

Tallu-lah in Classic Bride!

2009-07-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to Sarah over at Classic Bride for including Tallu-lah in your inspiration boards!

Inspired!

2009-07-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

I recently saw the fun creations of Kelly over at Succulent Love. She just started her business out of her love for succulents from her wedding. So now I am hooked. I have succulents growing in my yard, but now I had to have a few more lovelies.

So, I got cute little lovelies at the Flower Market in SF, brought them home and put on my apron...

Here are the 6 I picked out...

These are the modern planters I am putting them in...

The finished product - ready for the 4th of July!
Thanks Kelly for the fun idea!

Visiting Seattle - Day 3

2009-06-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

We left Olympia and headed back to Seattle to see all the tourist at - Pikes Place Market. (just to check it out) It reminded me of San Francisco's Fisherman's Warf but better since it also had a farmer's market. - The best part were the peonies that were in season everywhere - so beautiful!

Had to take a pic of this restaurant - the spelling was close to the spelling of my new last name!

We relaxed with locals and tourists in the alleyway at The Tasting Room for a relaxing flight of wine.

The Watson Kennedy store's visual merchandising was so well orchestrated - it made me want to take everything home with me.

We had a drink and snack at Quinns. Great for humans of all ages.

We ended our night at Spinasse - we were so hungry we ate before we took a pic of our dinner! Delicious italian food - fun for large groups to sit at the communal tables (we sat at the bar).

Exhausted...we headed back to our hotel room to get a good night's sleep for Day 4.

Visiting Seattle - Day 2

2009-06-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

Day 2 we visited the town of Olympia. It was fun to kick back and visit relatives.

We went to the Olympia Farmer's Market.

Ate yummy food.

Cherries were in season at the market. I love this handmade cherries sign.

I tried these Bee Bees ... interesting.
Leah was a fan of the baked goods.

I was a fan of these wreaths - would love one for my front door...but couldn't fit it in my suitcase.

We took a break and went coffee tasting right around the corner from the farmer's market.

It was beautiful to see all the produce and flowers that were in season. Leah had some fresh picked fennel from her garden.
Sara and Michale have adopted chickens in their backyard...a great way to get fresh eggs if you can keep up with them!
Peonies werre everywhere in Seattle. These in the photo are from my mother-in-law's garden. So beautiful I wished I could take them on the plane home.

We ended our visit with a wonderful dinner and a relaxing breakfast with everyone - thanks for a fun visit - now off to Seattle for the rest of my trip -Day 3

Summer Grill'n

2009-06-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

Summer is here on our new deck - our favorite easy meal- steak tacos, summer salad and corn on the grill. YUM!

2009-06-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

A salute to all dads from my refrigerator...compliments of Kikkerland chalkboard via Paper Source.

Visiting Seattle - Day 1

2009-06-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

I recently visited Seattle and have some fun tales to tell.

We ate at Anchovies & Olives for dinner - the website has no menu and no reservations, so we just showed up. Not something we usually feel comfortable doing.
Since it was late - we had no wait! (unlike most SF restaurants, but we were in Seattle now.)

The menu was all fish - not something we usually go for. I got the Fluke - it was fantastic!

We stayed at Hotel 1000 - I got a kick out of the bath tub - the water came out of the ceiling!

Father's Day Cards

2009-06-15T20:41:00.001-07:00

Father's Day is Sunday - still time to buy Father's Day Cards from Tallu-lah - you can buy them here.

Fresh Off The Vine

2009-06-14T17:20:00.001-07:00

I am a big fan of eating food from the garden instead of the supermarket. Check out these great big lemons growing on the trees in our backyard. Scott gave them to me since there were too many for him. (well I asked for some)
Thanks Scott I promise we will enjoy them!

New Cards

2009-06-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 of my new cards that were unveiled at the National Stationery Show this year. Thanks buyers for purchasing them for your stores!

You can purchase them here.

Theo Chocolate

2009-06-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of Theo Chocolate.

I visited Theo Chocolate on my recent trip to Seattle. If you visit, go on the tour.

Read more about Theo Chocolate here.

Happy Birthday Gramps!

2009-06-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

When I see or think of a tomato growing in the garden my grandpa always comes to mind. He religiously grew vegetables in his backyard when he was with us.

As a kid I can always remember having fresh tomatoes, basil and other fine treats from grandpa's garden. Ask anyone in my family, they would love to eat a garden tomato any time of the day. But when he grew too old to garden, how come no one took over?

So, thinking about him and his passing just last year, (and my landlord Elizabeth, another avid gardener) I decided to plant a few things this year in their memory. Tomatoes and lemons are my first training wheels. Doesn't that tomato look great so far? I have to say - I haven't done much - others have planted, caged and watered them for me when I have been too busy with my hectic life.
Maybe they know I don't have a green thumb...
Fashionable Grandpa in a "Delano Hotel" hat from Miami.
Happy Birthday Gramps...

Paper Crave blogs about Tallu-lah!

2009-06-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks papercrave for blogging about us! Read the post below or go here to see it so much prettier!

Tallu-lah Cards

June 2nd, 2009

I’m really enjoying the line from a new to me letterpress shop called Tallu-lah Cards. The line was started by Danielle Spinetta-Piche and originally focused on cards for your wedding day, but since launching the line Danielle has expanded to include letterpressed greeting cards for all sorts of occasions.

I’m loving the classic illustrative and calligraphic elements, and Tallu-lah’s line of cards for your wedding day includes greeting cards for ring bearers, mothers-in-law, bridesmaids, grandparents, flower girls, and ushers.

You can purchase selections from the line at Tallu-lah’s Etsy shop.

images from Tallu-lah

Check out Zipper

2009-06-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

I discovered Zipper, a unique boutique in Sonoma.

One of my favorite treats for sale were these cake toppers - modern, hip, and great for any couple combination! (they look edible - but they are not!)

Happy Birthday Denise

2009-05-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

It is my sister's birthday today. I did not send her a birthday card...I own a stationery company how could I not send a card? It happens.
So, I am sending this card below to her via my blog. Maybe I can start a new trend. (It is one of our new cards from the NSS.)

Cover:

Inside:
Denise,
Happy Birthday. I hope you enjoyed your gift certificate. (actually I know your did) It was great seeing you last week - have a great birthday!!
Love,
Danielle

New Poster Prints

2009-05-31T11:20:00.001-07:00

Our new poster prints debuted at the National Stationery Show this month - I am looking forward to seeing them in stores in June.

Say Cheese

2009-05-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

I've gotta have this camera - don't you love it? Read more about it here

That's All Folks!

2009-05-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

Well another NSS is in the past - it was another great one for row 1900- thanks neighbors for being so neighborly!

Thanks Charoltte for stopping by!

Thanks Mom for being my partner in crime.

Congrats Jacki on your winnings!

National Stationery Show - Ready to Sell!

2009-05-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

After taking the red eye and having a combined 18 hours of help, our National Stationery Show booth is finally ready for business! Come visit us at booth 1937 and receive a free tote while supplies last!

Here is our booth before...

A work in progress...displaying our cards, totes, wall prints and press.

Lunch break...

2:30 p.m. - we are done!

New Designs on Tiny Prints

2009-05-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

Having a summer party? Check out our new designs on Tiny Prints!

Stationery Show here we come!

2009-05-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

We are getting together the last items for the National Stationery Show this week - everything has shipped. I am most excited about our new booth design this year - here is a sneak peak of some of the accents!

BEFORE

DURINGALMOST DONE

FUN FABRIC THAT I AM ATTACHING ANTIQUE YELLOW VELVET RIBBON TO AS A TRIM!

Bella Circus

2009-04-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

I visited Bella Winery yesterday. My friend Caroline and I am part of their "Friends of Bella" wine club. The winery has several parties a year and each one is always fantastic. Lynne at Bella did it again - this time she created a Bella Circus Soiree. I loved her retro spin on the "Big Top". She never misses a detail!

New Designs from Tallu-lah

2009-04-10T23:50:00.000-07:00

A new wedding design from Tallu-lah on WPD

Taylors in Napa

2009-04-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

Taylors Automatic Refresher - the name says it all. YUM!