k.i.s.s.

When designing logos, often the ones that are the simplest are the most memorable and have the greatest impact.  Include too many elements in the design, and the message is often lost. Logos should be instantly recognizable to have the greatest impact on your branding and advertising campaigns.  Here are a few examples of logos via logo design love that are not only simple, but successful.

rachel | ernie

lazy post.

Three major deadlines this week!!!!  We promise to return to our regularly scheduled blog tomorrow.  :)

rachel | ernie

spring trees.

There is nothing more beautiful and inspiring than trees.  The way they change from season to season and how they never look exactly the same way again is a wonderful reminder of how we are all constantly evolving.

We hope you enjoy some of these images of my favorite trees I have planted through the years.

rachel

sketching the day away.

Working hard today sketching out ideas for two new clients.  Will blog more tomorrow! :)

When was the last time you just got out a pencil and paper and let your mind wander?

image via design sponge

rachel | ernie

green friday, green education.

It was earth day on Wednesday. No surprise we have been busy working on a project for an earth day celebration!

We were hired by the highly regarded Osborn Hill School to create an original artwork banner and come up with a slogan they can use at an earth day fair this weekend, and then hang proudly for many green celebrations to come. Thought we would share it with you! :) Teaching our children good practices today lays the foundation for a greener tomorrow.

rachel | ernie

the green generation.

Buried in two projects yesterday, we didn't get to post on earth day....a day that definitely deserves recognition.

The theme of the Earth Day Network's two-year campaign is focused on creating a green movement that will change the course of how we live our lives and think about our environment. It's about living clean and doing business sustainably. It is undeniable that there is power in numbers. If each of us changes one or two of our bad habits to make a difference in our own lives, the impact we can make on the environment is astounding.

What changes can you make this year?

ernie | rachel

positive thinking.

We love this print by Mike Monteiro.  I know a lot of us are feeling this way right now.  But we also strongly believe that there will be much happiness and success on the other end.

rachel | ernie 

toast to spring.

If you will be in the North Stonington area, you will not want to miss the NSEF Toast to Spring this Friday at the Jonathan Edwards Winery from 6 to 8pm. This event promises to be a fabulous evening in support of education!  Click here for more information. Tickets can be purchased at the door.  All ticket proceeds and 20% of all wine purchases that evening go toward funding NSEF grants.

Hope to see you there!

rachel

never stop dreaming.

This link was sent to me the other day by my dad.  I think this is just the thing to start the week off feeling like anything is possible if you want it enough.

Click here to view the video.

rachel | ernie

spring in the city.

We love NYC!  Go there any chance we get.  It is a designers paradise.  I am also a little bit of country at heart.  Magnolia trees are a sure thing to get me in the spring mood.  So this image found on simply photo was too good to pass up.  Spring weekend in the city anyone?

rachel | ernie

new beginnings.

I got it! I got it! I got it! I got it! I got it!!!!

I finally found my perfect home to start the next chapter of my life.  It is exactly what I was searching for.  An adorable contemporary cape, bright, cozy, well-loved and situated on a little over an acre, on a corner lot, in a charming cul-de-sac neighborhood.  

It felt like my house from the moment I walked in the door.  It is the perfect little place to feel inspired and this time it is all mine.  I am already decorating it in my head and can't wait until this summer when I can get in there and turn it into my dream home.

My own little nest.

rachel

effective designs.

This business card found on A Cup of Joe via Seesaw Designs is creative, effective and memorable.  Three very important elements when designing business cards.

rachel | ernie

nature's easter eggs.

I promised in an earlier post to show the natural beautiful colors of the eggs layed by my Araucana chickens. And while my children still delight in grabbing the palest of the eggs to die vibrant colors of purple, yellow, orange and blue...I still feel when displayed together this is nature's way of wishing everyone a happy Easter.

rachel

cottage inspiration.

images found on ABCDDesign by Windsor Smith

I have been looking at house after house after house after house after house. The mission is to find the perfect nest for me and my little ones.

I finally found what speaks to me. The refurbished capes have all the quaintness and charm of a New England home with the bright, cheeriness of a country cottage. Slanted ceilings in cozy upstairs bedrooms lend itself to reading nooks and tucked- in sleeping spaces. Dormers are the perfect spot for a window seat for my daughter to stare out to the backyard and dream. And the smaller spaces encourage a minimalistic approach to living that appeals to me on so many levels. (Think lack of overindulgence and simpler life philosophies)

Add my white wicker furniture to the little stone patio out back...hang my hammock from the two big trees in the yard....

The picture is coming a little more into focus.

rachel

peeps.

My daughter is obsessed with peeps. I mean literally obsessed. Not just at Easter but all year long. Her favorite thing to draw? Yup, peeps.

So in honor of my daughter's obsession with the strange confection and the upcoming holiday, enjoy today's images!

photographs via bakarella; drawing by Gracie.

rachel

blue footprints.

Read the post named "home is where the heart is" from April 2nd for the reference!

rachel

too creative to drink.

Having co-founded a boutique winery in New England, I frequently worked on label designs and creative marketing for not only wine labels, but wine membership clubs and limited release vintages as well. So when I saw this brand on lovely package, I just had to mention it. Fourth floor is a select barrel wine series produced by Tawse Winery for Toronto's exclusive hub-club for media, arts and entertainment folks. Available to members only! We love the name and the simplistic label design. Very hush hush!

Since we are chatting about creative designs and libations, we also send cheers to Arnell for their sleek, cool and unique packaging design for 1000 Acres Vodka. Not only is the design art worthy, but is a great example of how there are infinite possibilities in custom glass manufacturing.

rachel | ernie

tip toes.

image found on Le Love

All those drink sketches yesterday left us longing for summer.

Who doesn't love moments like this?

rachel | ernie

fun projects.

In the world of graphic design you have the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting projects. Elaborate, interactive websites, chic and elegant invitations, unique packaging concepts and bold images and graphics are just a few examples of how artistically different projects can be. So when it comes time every year to update a favorite beach restaurant's drink menu, out come the pencils and paper and we can tap into that summer party mentality!

Ernie always comes up with hysterical original drawings that really capture the name of each beverage and I love his ability to not take his work too seriously.

Laughing Buddha anyone?

rachel | ernie

house hunting.

House hunting again today. Can't wait until the day I can walk through the door of my new home and fill it with new life.

Happy Saturday!

rachel

green friday, green tea.

This isn't green living for the environment, this is green living for your body. We are completely addicted to green tea. And not just any green tea, but two in particular. Envy by Tazo and Organic Green with Citrus and Ginkgo by Harney & Sons. Both of these teas have the most delightful flavors, are completely organic and deliver all the health benefits of green tea. We swear you will actually feel healthier after a cup of one of these teas. (That is personal opinion...not medical fact!)

So the next time you have that deadline you are racing to meet or the creative juices just aren't flowing and you are thinking of grabbing that fourth cup of coffee.....reach for one of these green teas instead. Your mind, body and soul will thank you.

rachel | ernie

home is where the heart is.

I have been house hunting. New chapter, new home. Part of me excited, part of me sad.

8 years I have been in this house. The memories flood each room.....

Gracie was born here. I remember putting her in the bay window to sleep her first day home. The kids growth chart is the back of our basement door. Every October the kids look forward to seeing how much bigger they have gotten in the last year. Alex learning to throw a ball in the backyard at the age of 2....he is in the majors of our town league now. Little footprints in the hall - a permanent reminder of Gracie forgetting we painted our bedroom floor and once she realized, thought she could run back to her room unnoticed. Every step memorialized in my favorite blue...I refused to let the painters clean it! Years of home projects, hanging pictures just so, seasons of love put into my gardens and the joy of the different arrangements brought indoors when each plant blooms.

Holidays

parties

life moments...

I find myself going back and forth over what style of new home I want. What will be the backdrop for my future memories? Open, airy, bright cottage? Older home with history and charm? Newer home where everything works?? (Wouldn't that be a change!)

And then it comes into focus. Me, Alex and Gracie.....

rachel