Chocolate Therapy #121

From the graphic novel, Lost at Sea by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Tuesday Typeface....Wool....

 I have been obsessed with the technique of felting for some years now...

 Luckily for us all...

Jordan Ferney, that wonderful genius behind the blog Oh Happy Day, has a DIY tutorial 

for this amazing felt alphabet....

Hold onto your hats new mamas..
this is a perfect project for these cold wintery days..

Those new babies will absolutely LOVE  them!

a little glitter to start your week....

You have heard me wax eloquently about her at least a half a dozen times...

Yes... she still is the coolest of cool...

But

now I have the ultimate proof that everything she does turns to GOLD...

The lovliest of Lovelies, Miss Sarah Loomis Crawford of Lil Hoot has yet AGAIN had Ashly's Mermaid Bridal Shower grace the pages of a publication..

This time in print...

First it was Wedding Chicks

Next it was Classic Bride

and now..

Bliss Celebrations Magazine

(page 54-55)

Now some may say...that's great..but many weddings getting published a few times on other sites or publications..

But guess what people..this isn't a wedding it's a bridal shower......

and folks..I have YET to see that happen.. 

So bask away my sweet Lovely...

YOU deserve it!!

Honestly..and truthfully..

 I am convinced she is an alien from another planet..

because..

who even looks this good after 8 years of marriage and 4 year old twin girls...

6/23/05  Corrina Raznikov                       10/06/12   White Loft Studio

I know..right?!

I might just have to start calling her E.T. 

and really start checking her hands for that glowing golden finger..

I mean it makes total sense...

Last time they got it all wrong in sending

a slimy bug-eyed little man..

 why not send a gorgeous beautiful woman to throw everyone off track...

But I know who she is... 

That is why I choose to stick to her like glue..

I was lucky enough to work with her on 4 other projects last year

(yet to be unveiled) 

and this year...

well this year..

I believe to be the finest one yet...

But

you'll just have to wait and see

what this GOLDEN girl has up her sleeve..


Mermaid Bridal Shower Credits
event styling: lil hoot  photography: white loft studio
invitation/paper goods/styling: chocolate creative design  flowers: petal floral design
macaroons: c.crowell confections  cookies: sugar on top
holla sign: oh dier  mermaids sign:  by the seashore decor
linens: la tavola  fondant peony: sugar and stripes co.

Happy Weekend!!!

Image via Valia Lind Photography

Happy Weekend Everyone!!

I have MY snowsuit ready...do YOU?

We have another round of snow coming our way this weekend because apparently in Connecticut, it snows every 3 days....

What this means is...

huddling by the fire, playing games and making homemade treats!

 Why not snow??!!

Mother Nature has her work cut out for her..

Not only is it the last weekend of February

BUT

we only have 26 more days till SPRING!!

Bring it on Lady!!

Speaking of treats...

 I am loving these Martha Stewart Cheesecakes...

 BUT

before Martha knew anything about baking...

My Mom had the cheesecake down pat..

Honestly..

I think my brother still gets weak in the knees and salivates like a pup when the word cheesecake is mentioned..

I was lucky enough to have her make some for The Winter Wedding Shoot I designed a few years ago...

 Image by Anna Sawin Photography

Styling: Chocolate Creative Design

Even better..

She gave us the recipe...

But

shhhh..it's a secret...

It is the perfect weekend to get snowed in as I certainly have plenty on my plate...

There is..

a new golden delicious blog to design...

a delicate ocean inspired photographer to rebrand...

an Island Farm wedding invitation to create...

and

I just got word today...

a locally famous Goose to look delicious enough to eat...

Be Safe, Make some Cheesecakes and Have Great Weekend!!

Chocolate Therapy #120

Image by  Black and Typeshop on Etsy

Tuesday Typeface....Crochet....

Crochet Alphabet by LaLaLa Toys

a little glitter to start the week....

President Kennedy wore them while sailing...

I wore them throughout Elementary School...

Sperry Top-Sider has become an American Icon...

with that being said..

I really can't get myself to wear their boat shoes without feeling like a 10 year old girl..

BUT
Thankfully for me,
 they have added some ladylike fashions to the mix...

Like..

The Palm Beach

The Summerlin

The Harborside

and the

 

CVO Laceless

in case the Tall-One wants to take me sailing this summer...

Happy Weekend!!

Selina Gomez

Happy Weekend Everyone!!

Even though Valentine's Day is over....

I'm still thinking February is the month of LOVE..

Spending the entire last weekend in my snowsuit in my 42 degree house...
(and the 3rd time in 2 years we have lost power for more than 3 days)

could have taken me to the darkest of dark...
BUT
Learning how to play Pokemon, romping and giggling in the snow with the Monster and snuggling under 3 down comforters with all 4 of my boys made me realize that it was LOVE that had gotten me through it all...

So here's to looking at the bright side of life, not letting the turkeys get you down and finding more LOVE in one's life whether it be a person, a place, a job or a pet!

Another snowfall is about to arrive tonight..
but
I have my snow pants ready, the Pokemon cards are shuffled and my boys to keep me warm..

Be Safe, Make a Snow Woman and Have a Great Long Weekend!!

Cooler than Peppermint....

The Saturday Evening Post

Ahh the Valentine's Day card....

So much angst and love rolled up into one little piece of paper..

But..

it's one of my favorites to design..

Last year, the Monster and I created our "Hooked on You" Valentine...

This year...

I wanted to go big....

Really really big....

I mean..we're talking origami dragons that breath fire and light up...

We had to go big as next year The Monster hits middle school and I'm not sure that they really "do" valentines anymore...

So I was ready..

I had the perfect client who LOVES to think big..

But guess what..

 The kid pooped out on me...

No dragons..no breathing fire...

just Heart-Shaped York Peppermint Patties  Mom..

Ok..I get it..

you are definitely my child..

chocolate and mint..

I can work with that.. 

  

So...

all it took was... 

 paper, plastic bags, a stapler, a picture of the Monster, heart shaped York Peppermint Patties

and

of course some letters sculpted from snow...

to create this

 (sorry the Monster is not giving the finger...just has man hands and is hard to grip small things)

Aha..a smile..Mom did good...

But we haven't forgotten about you guys...

 The Monster wanted to make sure you got one too!!

I mean..you guys are way cooler than peppermint!

The older and wiser I get...Valentine's Day gets less scary...
I'm not that little girl anymore who anxiously awaits "the card".
I'm not that young lady anymore dreaming of the piece of jewelry.

I am however, the woman who appreciates the words "I love you", the valentine song and dance number that awakens me in the wee hours of the morning, the snuggle before I get out of bed, the single rose from each of my boys, the calling of a beloved auntie to tell her we love her, the cold wet nose of a pup, scrumptious fish tacos from Milagros take-out and a cold Stella shared with my husband...

So whether it's a person, place, thing

or even...

a brother with a waggily tail...

I hope you ALL find and feel love on this gorgeously blue-skied snow laden Valentine's Day!

all images by Chocolate Creative Design

Dueling Designers Part Treize

Wilhelmina Cooper for Vogue 1962


LOVE must be in the air this month..
The lovely and talented Miss Amy Graver poked me last week and reminded me that it's been a very very long time since the Dueling Designers had made an appearance...
You know what...she was absolutely right!
The last one was way back in June of 2011!! 

So in honor of THE day of LOVE, Valentine's Day..

We picked

The Fabulous Miss Amy Graver picked a gorgeous palette of warm and cool fuschias mixed with a sophisticated black!

Can that cake look ANY more delicious?!!

For me, being able to work with pink was a dream....

since I just so happen to be surrounded by men...

I simply chose a palette which started at red, moved to fuschia, softened to the lightest of pinks and finally grounded by grey.

So put on those shades...

because these Dueling Designers are gonna brighten your day and warm your heart

on this perfectly perfect

Day of Hearts!!

Elements Design

Row one: Balloons; Black and Fuschia bow dress; Poster

Row two: Fuschia gelato; Fuschia costume, Sisters
Row three: My Favorite; Pink Peonies; Pink Champagne; Chocolate Rose Flavored Cupcakes

Chocolate Creative Design

Row One: Stone Angel, Dior Ladies, Postage Stamp Rug

Row Two: Heart Lollipops, Heart Eye, Fuschia Entry

Row Three: Flowers, Heart Knocker, Issa/Spring 2013

Chocolate Therapy #119

Image by Shawna Grapentin on Etsy

Tuesday Typeface....Meow...

Leopard and Hearts...

Shazam!!

Cookies by Y and C Sweets Company

Year of the Snake...

 

Horiyoshi the Third Snake Scarf at Net-A-Porter

I'm sure you've already heard...

This past Sunday marked the start of the Chinese New Year.

Last year it was the Dragon...

This year it's the

Snake...

The Black Snake to be precise...

Now, I am not a HUGE snake fan...

In fact, if I never ever see one again,

I would be more than perfectly content in my life..

 But

I am hoping this Snake will bring us lots of luck, joy, creativity, health and love this year.

Speaking of snakes...

I am entranced with these FABULOUS lovelies from

Jimmy Choo

Since when does snake print need to be too snakey?

Why not be colorful..

Why not in MY favorite colors?

Well lucky for you and

the Lovely Miss Sarah Crawford,

whose branding I have just finished...

(trust me you'll get it at the unveil)

I have found such items..

So bring it on Snake..

I'm not afraid of you!!

 

1.Playful Promises Bandeau Bikini with Snake Ring at Asos

2. Golden Snake Placemat at Zara Home

3.Mark Mothersbaugh Seba Snakes on Melon Wallpaper at Designer Wallcoverings and Fabrics

4. Kenneth Jay Lane Snake Ring at Asos

5.Miralles by Also at Piperlime

6. Lauren Ralph Lauren Metallic Snake iphone Case at Dillards

7. Largo Travel Accessories in Peacock at Z Gallerie

1.Diane Von Furstenberg Tonda Hexagon Patchwork Clutch at Neiman Marcus

2.Colorblocked Snake Chain Necklace at Forever 21

3.Rachel Roy Snake-Print Cape Dress at Neiman Marcus (on sale!)

4.Snake Chain Wallpaper at Dwell Studio

5.Leighton Flat by Sam Edelman at Piperlime

6. Jonathan Adler Brasilia Snake Pillow

7.Leather Password Book at Mr. Boddington

1. Cream Snake Coin Purse at Dorothy Perkins

2. Cocobelle Snake Ankle Wrap Sandal at Piperlime

3.Grand Game Wallpaper at Anthropologie

4. Sabine Wrap Bangle at Piperlime

5.Stella Snake Print Jean Legging at Express

6. Naky Table Mat at Zara Home

7.Snake skin hard case for iphone at Mini in The Box