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Here We Go // Hawaii Recap :: Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm

laurenessl — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:40:33 +0000

There is something so motivating about a genuinely refreshing, relaxing and beautiful vacation. Travis and I got back from Hawaii yesterday morning – with both a sense of deep sadness (that it was over) and a renewed sense of determination, inspiration, and motivation (oh, and total excitement to see our dogs). Our time in Hawaii was truly wonderful – dare I say near perfect (except for 3 straight days of rain). Here, I want to share with you some highlights and recommendations for those of you that travel to the land of Aloha.

We arrived very late on the first evening, so we set out early our first full day into the Upcountry area, our first stop being Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, which was a top highlight for me of the entire trip. Hard to beat since it was our first excursion!

There are three things that I really love: succulents, lavender (bathing in it, cooking with it, plain ol’ smelling it), and Protea. Nearly two decades ago I visited Hawaii and a trek to a Protea Farm stood out vividly in my memory. It was a wish for me to visit another, and AKL Lavender just happened to have the most beautiful gardens full of Protea, succulents, lavender, pineapple, and more. It was a plant lover’s Utopia.

For only $6, we were allowed entry into the gardens, but unfortunately all of the tours were sold out for the day. I would recommend snagging a spot in one of these tours, because tour guides cut the most stunning bouquets straight from the garden for you to take home. (See above, right, a lucky couple got to take this bounty home)! But this left us free to roam the grounds, take our time, and take in the view. (Below, we picnicked at this exact spot on a Leoda’s lunch – more on that later). Now back to the plants.

I had a fantastic conversation with the founder’s son about propagating succulents, and he let me take a few leaves and buds home so I could [hopefully] propagate my own Hawaiian succulents.

Travis above on aptly named Lover’s Lane in the gardens. (Cheesy, I know). If you’re heading to Maui, definitely make a stop at AKL Lavender – it’s so worth it. Pack a picnic, take your time on the beautiful drive, and don’t forget to smell the lavender!

I’m out.

laurenessl — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:52:30 +0000

Travis and I are leaving for vacation tomorrow. Hawaii. Words cannot express my excitement. But, as a small business owner, I find it so hard to prepare for a long time away. Do any of y’all feel that way, too?

I’ll be back May 18, hopefully with a tan (as much as I can muster), and ready to get back at it. Don’t forget, calligraphy classes are open in May, June, and July!

Until then, here’s to umbrellas in my cocktails and sand in my toes! Aloha!

Get on that dance floor.

laurenessl — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:30:07 +0000

A recent little project I did for an escort card display. I thought the sentiment was so cute.

Just a note that there are still a couple of spots left in my May 22 class, June classes – and recently added July class. (This July class is a Saturday)! Find more information here about classes!

30 years

laurenessl — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:19:12 +0000

Travis hit the big 3-0 this past Tuesday and I have to say his birthday is one of my favorite days of the year. I love celebrating him, doing my best to make his day special with little surprises, and having fun! Happy Birthday, my dear Trav! I hope this year is your best yet!

A Native Texas Shoot

laurenessl — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:43:18 +0000

In its simplest form, the landscape in West Texas could not be more beautiful. I’ve fallen in love with it over the past couple of years as I’ve spent more time at my husband’s family’s ranch and in Marfa. Heather Rowland, a photographer recently transplanted from out West is now in Fort Worth and asked me to participate in a styled shoot dedicated to the landscape. I think the images are just beautiful. With help from Lindsey Zamora, who styled the shoot, this team of talent did an amazing job. I helped out with the calligraphy you see below.

A Fiesta!

laurenessl — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:25:51 +0000

February 23 marked the wedding of my close friend Lauren to her fella Clint. It was a grand time, full of color, delicious food, and dancing. I’ve been working on Lauren’s wedding for a while, starting with her save the dates, invitations, and then her event design and flowers. It was so fun to work with color! Below are some images from my pal Anna, as well as the official event photographs by Daniel Davis.

Papel picado and little flags by Ay Mujer

All images above by Anna Routh Photography, Images below by Daniel Davis

Cake balls and cake by Sugar Bee Sweets

Pies and cupcakes by Stir Crazy Baked Goods

Napa

laurenessl — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:10:22 +0000

Just one week ago I got home from a brief, yet much needed getaway with my family. My dad turned 60 at the end of February, so we whisked him away to paradise to celebrate – wine country. Needless to say, I’ve been a little sad since we got back. You can see why.

Highlights included: my giant coconut macaron at Bouchon Bakery, escargot and roasted chicken at Bouchon Bistro, perusing Oakville Grocery Co., the most beautifully merchandised market I’ve quite possibly ever seen, the intimate tasting and Cab Franc at family-owned Titus Vineyards, becoming a Sparking Rosé convert at Domaine Chandon (seriously, please try it now), Yountville, CA in general, St. Helena shopping (especially St. Helena Olive Oil Co., they’re packaging is divine), and Napa Valley Lodge, where there was a fireplace in our hotel room and champagne breakfasts every morning.

Now, is it 5:00 yet? This post has me craving some Rosé.

A cute little mini shoot

laurenessl — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:59:37 +0000

A little bit ago I participated in a sweet little mini shoot with Bows & Arrows (all of the beautiful floral and concept), Cakewalk Bake Shop (rockin’ cake) and Ben Q Photography (always fantastic images). Lots of pink, black and golds. Glam!

Showering a Friend

laurenessl — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 20:29:05 +0000

I hosted a shower for a dear friend back in January, here are a few images from the fun night! All images by Anna Routh Photography and desserts by Cakewalk Bake Shop.

Mint Green

laurenessl — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:10:03 +0000

Mint green. Kraft. White calligraphy. Vintage stamps. Jute. Birdies. A wedding suite that was really fun to put together.