Kotori {life. inspired.}

SOLD!

2012-04-17T11:12:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a bit since I've had time to blog, but I have a really good excuse... We just sold our house. I know, crazy because I didn't even have time to post that we were selling it... 3 offers in the first 10 days. Then we were in the inspection phase {which can be really scary when you own a 50 year old house} but we passed with flying colors. It's like the stars have aligned to make sure that our move it going to happen.

So I'm just now finding the time to sit and actually soak in the fact that we will be moving in the next 2 months.

Where are we moving? Good question! I think I'll save that for another blog post... here's a hint... it's a couple states away... house shopping takes place in 2 weeks so I'm sure I'll post more pictures then!

2012-03-20T13:03:00.000-05:00

So... a couple of weeks ago, this is what Kate looked like:

Want to see her without the bandages? {you might not}

Poor baby fell off her bike going downhill and totally road rashed her face, got a huge fat lip and is lucky that she didn't knock out some teeth. I took these pictures a few hours after it happened but didn't want to post them in fear that her sweet face wouldn't heal.

But it did, and is that girl resilient! Not only did her face heal, but her pride did too. So much so, that she conquered her fear of getting back on the bike... AND took off her training wheels to boot:

{just a short little 1 minute video of my brave girl}

What a brave girl my Katbird is. You make your mommy proud.

Jack's 9th Bike Party

2012-03-05T12:59:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend we celebrated Jack's 9th birthday with a bike birthday party... just a few friends, an obstacle course and lots of laughs...

It's so hard to believe that my sweet boy is 9 already. My how time flies when we're having fun.... and what fun we have had for the past 9 years with you Jackbird. You are sweetest, kindest boy who can make us laugh until our sides hurt. You are such a joy to be around... just the kind of person I hope to be myself. iloveyouso.

Here's a few details... the invitation to the bike rodeo was made using a bike bell & simple cardstock.... the party started out by having all the boys decorate their bike for a parade through the neighborhood. Then we made our way to the school parking lot where we had a timed obstacle course (including a section where they had to dress in a tutu and crawl through a tunnel - I think the tutu was the biggest hit) followed by chocolate cupcakes. So much fun and so simple {my favorite kind of party!}.

2012-03-01T13:58:00.000-06:00

Lately I've been obsessing over chevron prints... the idea of doing a focal wall with a chevron pattern has been bouncing around my head lately. Until I have time to break out some paint, these little finds will have to do...

Chevron Bangles • Chevron Clutch • Embroidered Chevron Necklace on Wood • Yellow Chevron Dress

Color Love: Red & Turquoise

2012-02-13T08:02:00.000-06:00

I love the combo of turquoise with a pop of red...

image originally from here

All You Need is Love

2012-02-09T13:02:00.000-06:00

Is it true? I think so... but expressing your love can be hard to do and even a little campy at times. But with these finds from etsy, telling that someone how you feel is a little bit easier:

Valentine's Ring • Custom Chalk Board • Shut Up & Kiss Me Poster • How Sweet Pillows

DIY Custom Mongrams

2012-02-03T05:06:00.000-06:00

I love monograms, or really anything really that screams personalization...funny... you'd think I owned a company that creates personalized photo jewelry...

So, when I found this set of custom monogram creators on weddingchick.com, I thought they'd be perfect for Valentine's day. Or really any day for that matter. Here's just a few I created for myself:

Heart & Arrow Monogram • Birds & Banner Monogram • Circle Love Monogram • Formal Crest Monogram

I think my favorite is the heart where it says 'super in love' I think if I'd met John in the 8th grade I might have written that myself on my Trapper Keeper. :)

Dog Days

2012-01-27T06:08:00.000-06:00

Ummm... I don't know if you can tell, but we are pretty smitten with a new little Kotori mascot, Lucy. She certainly makes life at the studio a lot more fun, especially when everyone has to stop every few minutes to dole out some serious belly rubs.

Being a dog is like living the high life... and if you need more proof, just check out this collection of finds from etsy:

Handmade Collars • Cherry Dog Bed • Mod Raised Dog Bowls • Custom Etched Treat Jars

While, we've gotten our sweet girl those cool dog bowls, we've yet to take the plunge on the $600 dog bed. {i think we'll have to sell a lot more jewelry if we want to swing that}

The Perfect Weekend

2012-01-20T17:12:00.000-06:00

After getting back around 1:30am on Wednesday morning from Imaging in New Orleans, I'm pretty beat. We had a great time - but I'm wiped out. The kids were so happy to see us first thing in the morning when they woke up Wednesday it almost made me not feel so bad for being away...

The keyword for this weekend is low key. Think movies in bed, lazy mornings and a long hike with my 3 favorite people {and Lucy, of course}.

Hope your weekend is perfect too.

Lucy

2012-01-11T20:23:00.000-06:00

You know how sometimes when someone asks you about your favorite gift, and you find it hard to pick just one? Well, we don't have that problem this year. The best gift arrived at our house Christmas Eve. Meet Lucy...

How did she arrive a day early?

Santa sent a special text message telling us he'd hidden some clues to follow to find our mystery gift

We ran all over town finding clues in places you'd never guess... like underneath a swing at the playground...

...and behind park benches. But the final clue sent us back home

where we were greeted with puppy kisses from Lucy.

His face says it all. Love.

Quick Christmas Recap

2012-01-07T19:52:00.000-06:00

The holidays are always a crazy time for us - it's our busiest time of year for Kotori but it's always the busiest time for family. No matter how crazy it gets, though, it's always one of my favorite times of year.

Here's a quick little recap of our holiday...

images from top left: waiting to see what Santa left Christmas morning * Kate was so proud of her homemade gift for John and I * Carriage ride to look at lights with Grandma & Grandpa * Our singing angel was pleased to perform with her preschool class

Where've You Been?

2012-01-05T17:27:00.000-06:00

Sooo... it's been a while since I did a little blogging, I know. But I do have a very good excuse. We migrated our entire site - store and all to our new server. That's the good news. The bad news? Wow. So much work!

When we migrated the blog over, all our pictures disappeared. Yes. ALL. {Don't you just love technology? Me either.} I've been working hard to get all the pictures reuploaded - all 3 years worth. Yep, it has been a busy few weeks working out the kinks of the new site, getting the blog images redone and, oh yeah, getting ready for our tradeshow booth at Imaging! Can you say exhausted? I'm too tired to say exhausted.

Back soon with pics of the holidays!

Foodie Friday: Peppermint Meringue Cookies

2011-12-09T07:08:00.002-06:00

I love baking at this time of year... it's a busy time for work, but the act of taking time to slow down and make treats in the kitchen with the kids is always a great way for me to escape for a bit. I have to admit, I tend to get into a 'holiday treat' rut just a bit. I have a few holiday favorites {read: Reindeer Chow & Fudge} that I make EVERY year, but I know they are good. And, truth be told, I look forward to eating them each year!
But when I saw the picture of Peppermint Meringue Cookies on the cover of Bon Appetit I just had to try them... Super easy AND I already had all the ingredients on hand. {any recipe that doesn't call for a trip to the grocery store is deemed 5 star in my book}

Peppermint Meringue Cookies

3 Large Egg Whites, room temperature
1/8 tsp Kosher salt
1/3 C Sugar
1/2 C Powdered Sugar
1/8 tsp Peppermint Extract

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper, or silpat. Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites and salt on medium speed until white and foamy (1 minute). With mixer running, gradually add granulated sugar in 3 additions, beating for 2 minutes between each addition. Beat until firm peaks form, about 2 minutes longer. Add powdered sugar and peppermint, beat to blend (about 1 minute).

Dot 12 drops of red food coloring over the surface of the meringue; do not stir. Spoon meringue into a plastic freezer bag, and cut off 1/2" of one corner. Twist top, pipe 1" rounds onto prepared baking sheet. Bake meringues for 2.5 hours and allow to cool completely.

These will have that crisp exterior, but will completely melt in your mouth!

My New Mantra

2011-12-08T05:31:00.004-06:00

It's a crazy busy time of year... orders are flying in and there's lots of holiday activities with the kids, so I've come up with a new matra:

I think I'll print this out to remind me when I'm working until 1am...

DIY: How to Make Your Own Ornament Wreath

2011-12-01T12:22:00.001-06:00

A couple years ago I was inspired by some wreaths they had hanging in Starbucks... I know, who looks at Starbucks for holiday decorations? Apparently me. I thought they were fun and a little whimsical with the different textures, so I tucked away the idea in my head until I had time to make one myself.... and here it is:

I think it turned out pretty well, and the best part? It cost my less than $5 to make. Want to try?

{Full Disclaimer Here: I am going to use the word 'balls' a lot in this tutorial. I mean A LOT. I can't use the word balls without giggling... so you can imaging how much fun I had typing these directions.}

Step One:

You will need to head to your favorite Dollar Tree and grab yourself some balls. {giggling} They usually have packages of ornament balls & get some of those practice golf balls too. While you are there get some yarn & a wire wreath form. Get your glue gun heated up.

Step Two:

You'll want to hot glue that top thingy (I'm sure it has an official name... but I don't know it) to the Christmas balls because you don't want your balls to fall and hit the floor.{more giggling} Gluing that cap on will help secure them.

Step Three:

Next you'll want to ball up some aluminum foil and cover that with yarn (using the foil helps give you a good start so you are winding yarn like an old lady for hours on end). Do the same thing with the golf balls - that way you have yarn balls in 2 different sizes. Make plenty.

Step Four:

Now you are going to start stinging your Christmas balls onto the wire frame. Make sure to alternate colors... but be careful not to create a pattern - this isn't preschool.

Step Five:

Take your trusty glue gun and glue those balls together where they touch. {giggling} Fill in the empty spaces by gluing on some of the yarn balls - cluster some together if you'd like, but spread them evenly around the wreath.

And You're Done!

Now stop giggling and run to Dollar Tree to get your supplies!

Collegiate Style {for grown ups}

2011-11-01T16:42:00.001-05:00

The other day I was thumbing through my much loved Southern Living Magazine when I came across an ad for Meesh & Mia. I immediately thought of my friend Erin, who is a ~~rabid~~ highly spirited TCU fan.... a great way to blend her cool sense of style and her enduring love for her alma mater - this line would be perfect for her:

This is a MUCH better way to show your school spirit than dragging yourself to games in beer soaked sorority t-shirts from 20 years ago. Agreed?

What Can You Do...

2011-10-31T16:47:00.001-05:00

What can you do with an old sheet, a vampire cape from 2 years ago, snakes from the Dollar Store and a jar of red paint?

Make Halloween costumes!

{the Headless Horseman & Medusa off to trick or treat}

Foodie Friday: Open Faced Veggie Sandwich

2011-10-28T01:06:00.001-05:00

How do I know if I like someone? Well, for me, I start thinking about what I'd serve if I had the chance to have them to dinner {see... everything in my world revolves around food.}.

My friend Lori, who is practically vegan, is one of those people. I can't wait to have her in town so I can have her over for dinner, but I'm a practicing carnivore and could never figure out what I could make {other than salad or a pasta} that would be delicious and fit her diet... But once I tried this sandwich, which I can easily modify for her, I knew I had a winner. It's so ridiculously good that John and I have been eating it almost weekly. So good.

Open Faced Veggie Sandwich
Slice of Sourdough Bread (use whatever you have on hand)
Caramelized Onions

Chopped Roasted Red Peppers (just use the jarred ones... I won't tell)

Spinach

Garlic, chopped

Goat Cheese

Avocado

Mushrooms, chopped (make sure to remove the gills if you use portabellos)

Roma Tomatoes, chopped

Cheddar Cheese

Egg

Yes, this is one of those recipes where you don't measure a thing.... just throw it together. Start with a batch of caramelized onions - I always make a ton bc then I just keep them on hand to throw into dishes throughout the week. I have a tutorial here... it's easy I promise.

After you've made your onions, coat your pan with olive oil and saute the tomatoes & mushrooms in garlic until they begin to soften. Then add in the roasted red peppers, cararmelized onions & spinach. Stir to combine and just let it sit on the heat for a bit.

In the meantime, take your slice of bread and place it on a foil lined cookie sheet under the broiler to toast it slightly, remove and then spread on some goat cheese & avocado. By then, your veggie mix is nice and soft & gooey. Pile some of that goodness on top and then sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Pop that under the broiler just long enough to melt that cheddar.
While your cheese is melting, fry up an egg in a skillet coated with olive oil. When that's done just top your sandwich with that egg and you are good to go. Best eaten with a knife and fork, but it's so good you may just want to shove the whole thing in your mouth with your hands.

* Technically can I call this post Foodie Friday even though it's been about a month of Fridays since I last posted a recipe? It's my blog, and I say yes. So there.

Orange You Glad?

2011-10-24T11:06:00.001-05:00

I know... terrible post title, but I really couldn't help it as we are in full 5 year old 'knock knock joke' mode around here. And the classic 'orange you glad joke' is in heavy rotation. I'm not too sure how many more times I can fake laugh at it to be honest.
But I digress... right now I feel like everything is orange paired with black cats & creepy yard art since Halloween is right around the corner. I, myself, had a hard time falling for the color but once I did, orange started popping up everywhere in my house. And there's no reason why you too can't fall in love too. Especially when orange can look like this:

{1. Tech Candy iPhone Case 2. Labyrinth Pillow by Dwell 3. Metro Living Tiles fabric by Robert Kauffman 4. Superior Slotted Spoon by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio}

Am I right? Step away from the candy corn and look at orange in a whole new way...

Artists Tour

2011-10-19T15:02:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend, we took the kids to an art studio tour here in Dallas... I thought we would spend the day on Saturday taking a peek at some creative spaces and getting inspired by what other artists create. And inspired we were.
I loved getting to see how different artists work and dream about my ideal studio space. What I didn't bargain for was how much my 2 kids loved going on the tour. What a fabulous surprise it was when they asked if we could go again on Sunday. {which, of course, we were happy to oblige.}
a few snapshots of our weekend...

{box of letterpress}

{sculpture by an artist using only natural elements}

{studio inspiration board}

{bottle tree sculpture}

{work by my favorite artist, Jack, entitled the Squid & the Stingray}

What a lovely day to spend with the family... love times like this.

How to Wear a Scarf

2011-10-07T01:25:00.000-05:00

I'm one of those people who aspires to being a 'scarf wearer.' I see people rockin them and I love the way it looks, but I can only figure out 2 ways to wear them... simple European style and tossed over my shoulder. not very impressive.

Until now. My friend, Erika, forwarded me this video and I just had to share - 25 ways to wear a scarf in under 5 minutes. And, the best part is that if you click on the links at the end, you can get a full demo of each style. love it. Plus, for a diy scarf video - this has pretty high production value, which I love...

Gimme Five

2011-10-05T06:48:00.001-05:00

This is what 5 looks like... sassy and spirited, independent and smart. At least at my house, this is how five looks as of today.

Can't believe my sweet baby girl has turned five - it's always hard thinking of your kids getting older, but the funny thing is... the older they get, the more fun we seem to have. And, Katbird, is no exceptions - this girl is always happy. always. even first thing in the morning when I've stumbled to her room to wake her up from a dead sleep. Her face immediately lights up and my day begins with a bang.

I love her sass and amazing self confidence {and secretly hope some of it will rub off on me}. Happy birthday my sweet Kate. you are loved.

Hot Off the Press

2011-09-19T08:03:00.001-05:00

Guess what arrived to the studio on Friday....

Yep, the new catalog our brand new fashion line! I can't tell you how pleased I am to have this baby ready to send out! You may not realize that John and I do all our own catalog work, image shots & design so this catalog is a culmination of night after night of working until midnight... or later. The last 3 weeks have been dedicated to finalizing shoots, editing and designing this sweet thing. But I'm glad to be done with her.

So why did we design 2 separate catalogs? Well, we want you to have options - maybe you just want to sell one line or maybe you'd like to choose which catalog to share with each client... but if you want to show both:

They are made to fit together like one. See? Three different options out of 2 catalogs! We'll be sending these out with all orders for the next few months if you want to get your hands on one!

**Oh, and want to see all the pages inside? Just go here!

And the Winner is....

2011-09-15T02:54:00.001-05:00

Thanks so much to all of you for entering the giveaway... I was blown away by all the nice comments, not just about our new line but about our friends who sponsored this giveaway with us! We had
1,121 comments at midnight and used a random number generator to pick our winner:

Comment number 229 was Jennifer Wakefield! Jennifer, I'll be contacting you shortly. Congratulations!
Oh, and even if you didn't win, you still can celebrate by heading over to our web site and picking up a few of our new fashion pieces since our entire fashion line is 20% off today through next Wednesday!

Going Beyond the Fireplace Portrait

2011-09-12T01:30:00.001-05:00

I think sometimes people can get stuck in a rut when it comes to photography. You know what I mean - wanting one portrait of the family (all smiling!) above the fireplace mantel. Probably one of the most requested items on a photographers list,no?
The other day I was watching Home by Novogratz, a show I ~~am slightly obsessed with~~ enjoy watching, when I noticed how they really take the idea of art and turn it on its head... and in many cases, that art is photography. See what I mean:

{using photography as wallpaper in child's bedroom}

{collage of candid photos in the dining room}

{wall of head shots in the living area}

{huge canvas panels in a high school rec room}

No 8x10 prints here, my friends. Big, bold interiors where the focus is the photography.

**Oh, and don't forget... there's only 2 days left to enter our giveaway!