New Illustrations + Library Makeover = Happiness.

We moved into our new home in December 2012 with a 1 1/2 year old and a baby due in March. In the house, we had a beautiful library/study off our bedroom that although I was very much looking forward to using as a home office/studio/reading nook we felt it best to use as an easy to access playroom. This worked out well for a little over a year, but as we entered into this past spring the clutter had become intolerable to both Nathan and I. Toys were out of control growing legs and moving all throughout the kitchen and our bedroom (stepping on box cars and miniature airplanes in the dark is the worst!!!!). And if that was not enough Nathan and I were battling over the small office area we had off the laundry room on days he worked from home which was too small to hold the both of us. We decided it was time to move the playroom upstairs to the empty bonus room above the garage (aka Nathan's mancave he never quite broke in) and create the office and library we had always intended and needed to have.

All of this to say, I looked at this as an opportunity to makeover the room and utilize some of my long lost illustration skills. Something I've struggled with for the past several years, actually ever since college, is illustrating often. And even though I practice graphic design in various outlets I somehow hardly ever do my own drawings. So I decided to whip up some simplistic illustrations to update the room.

In addition, I played a round of musical furniture/decor to update and brighten the room. I also purchased a few new inexpensive knick knacks, a new desk and desk chair and repainted the walls white in order to, once again, brighten things up.

Nathan and I were both really happy with the outcome. Wanted to share both the room and illustration work to show our progress. Enjoy!

Original design and illustration. Frames were spray painted a subtle gold to add a little
pop up against the white walls.

This is a "Before" photo of the previous playroom and the chaos we were dealing with
prior to the makeover. 

The "After" photo. The finished piece. One of my many happy places. 

Bach Porch Sprucin'

The Lotts have had a great summer thus far. A little beachin', summer fun camp, lots and lots of pool time for the kids, some good ole July Fourth Fun....no complaints. But as the summer comes to a close we've been relaxing more at the house and with that I have the itch to do some inexpensive back porch sprucing. Some new, yet small potted plants, perhaps a rug, who knows, but all my inspiration keeps coming from the loveliness that is Zeek Braverman's back yard. Yes, I'm referring to Parenthood families as if I'm a close personal friend. Anywho - if you're curious as to what I'm dreaming of....

My Dream Porch! The Back Porch Set from Parenthood.

I love absolutely everything about this porch. The coffee table, the chairs, the plants - LOVE IT ALL!

Love the pops of color and the potted plants.

One day I'm going to create a home movie screen setup. You can hold me to it!

What's there not to love about this porch?! My favorite elements are the rug and the flying pig. 

Stay tuned for a hopeful redo photo. :)

Oh the Places She'll Go....Sweet P is ONE!

I've taken a lengthy blogging hiatus, but really wanted to take some time to post about my precious little Sweet P and her 1 year mark. Our little miss sassy pants has brought us so much joy, laughter and love this past year. I never knew one child could be so content and laid back, yet so active and into everything all at once. She doesn't want to miss a thing and wants to do exactly what big brother is doing. She's quirky. She's smart. She tickles herself with her silly little humor. Oh, how we love her so!

For Payton's 1st birthday I went with the whole hot air balloon theme and as I got going with the design and decor it only seemed fitting to use elements and quotes from Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places You'll Go" - one of my favorite of his books. This party was so fun and easy to decorate! Love me some DIY crafts. Below I've included some photos from the celebration to share. Hope y'all enjoy!

DIY Birthday Hat. Original design. The yarn pom was a first for me and was so
easy to make. 

The Birthday Invitation. Original design.

Front + Inside of the invitation. Original design and photography.

Table Decor. DIY Hot Air Balloon Center Pieces. They were so fun and
easy to make!

The Party Favors! Hot Air Balloon Candy Pops. So fun! Original designed favor tags.

12 Months of Pay-Pay. A Year in Photos.

DIY Hot Air Balloons. 

Cake by Allicakes with added topper.

Miss Sadie. 

One of my favorite ladies and taters!

The Birthday Girl - Sweet P.

Our little family.

An All New JCG

We're happy to roll out this long awaited and ever so exciting news. JC Graphics has a new name, JCG Apparel, and newly redesigned website. Visit us at www.jcgapparel.com. You can also follow us on facebook, twitter or instagram. Thanks! Love y'all!

Love is in the Air. DIY Valentine Wreath

My sister and I LOVE a good wreath project. We're determined to eventually have a different and unique wreath for every holiday (including sec football season folks!) and I can honestly say - I think I'm getting close. This was our late night craft project leading up to February. Took some time, but they were really easy to make and I'm very happy with the outcome. I've included a supply list below in case you're interested in making one of your own. Enjoy! xoxo!

DIY Valentine Wreath Supply List:

• Straw or Foam Wreath form
• Burlap Ribbon
• Felt
• Ribbon
• Yarn or Embroidery Thread
• Needle
• Fabric Glue or Glue Gun

Tune in Tuesday. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

We spent a lot of time in the car today and listened to Anthology a decent part of the drive. So now I have Petty on the brain! Enjoy!



Happy Tuesday!

Hodge Podge Asian Chicken Stir-Fry.

I'm finally cooking again!! Or at least trying to. A week ago I took some time to browse the interweb and get ideas for easy, fast, semi-healthy recipes. After a ton of reading and learning a new thing or two, Monday I decided to take a peak in the pantry and fridge and see what (little) I had to work with. I was pretty pleased with the end result. So easy and delicious! You can change it up incorporating whatever meats, veggies or noodles you'd like and it will probably taste just as good. Below I've included my recipe notes. Hope everyone has a yummy Friday!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, Divided
• 1 cup Mushrooms, Sliced
• 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• ¼ cups Broccoli (or your vegetable of choice)
• ½ cups Unsalted Peanuts
• 3 Tablespoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• KC Masterpiece Honey Teriyaki Marinade
• ½ lb of Whole Grain Whole Wheat Spaghetti Noodles (or your pasta of choice)
• Salt And Pepper, to taste 

Directions

1. Marinate chicken using the KC Masterpiece Honey Teriyaki marinade at least 30 minutes. I did 6 hours. (The longer the better).
2. Cut the chicken into approx. 1 inch cubes. Set aside.
3. Cook noodles in a separate pot following directions on the package. Once cooked drain, rinse and set aside.
4. Heat a skillet on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add mushrooms and saute until soft (about 5 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside in separate bowl.
5. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and add the chicken. Brown on all sides until cooked, (about 5 minutes per side). 
6. Next add in mushrooms, garlic, broccoli and peanuts and stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Turn heat to medium low.
7. Pour soy sauce into skillet coating chicken and vegetables. Mix well and cover with lid to steam for another 30 seconds to a minute. 
8. Add in noodles and stir together until mixed well. Turn off stove and again cover with lid to steam while waiting to serve.