only in SoCal: dogs and toddlers share the swingset

Yes, this really happened. I really did see a dog swinging on the swingset at the local park (Del Mar, Ca). That’s the pampered pooch’s master pushing him. He said the swing was part of his dog’s daily routine. I kid you not. My cousin (the adorable toddler in the photo) was not the only one confused by this. The doggie did seem amused, I must admit. 

Only in Southern California. 

map of the usa from a californian's perspective

USA map infographic by Haley Nahman 

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Twitter? I do. The tweeps over at Knock Knock shared a link to this map & it made me giggle all afternoon. I asked the illustrator, Haley Nahman, if she could tell us a little about it. She says,

“I love to doodle and play around with words, colors, and whitespace. One day, when reading an article about some unnamed mid-west state, I grew distinctly aware of the fact that I knew very little about some of my fellow states. I decided to draw the country, mapping out each state with common stereotypes in the eyes of Californians. I’m sure the map would look different from the perspective of a Colorado or New York native — but I suppose that’s why I found it funny, if not blatantly teasing our ignorance. Either way, it’s just for fun, and I promise not everyone in the state of Kansas is a serial killer.”

Haley is a senior at Cal Poly (which is on the central coast of California in San Luis Obispo, and is, apparantly, where the party is).

Just a reminder: you can click on just about any image on my blog to see it larger. 

in the press: ceremony magazine

Ahem … not to brag or anything, but we were featured FOUR TIMES in the 2011 issue of Ceremony magazine. Woot. Many thanks to Adrianne Smith, fleuriste extraordinaire, who included our invitations in two of her tabletop shoots, including the pretty robin’s egg turquoise and purple cover shoot!

antique shop

photo ©DELPHINE

A few weeks ago I went to visit my dear friend Reni’s new studio (super cute, by the way) and was completely intrigued by the unassuming antique shop located right next door (on State Street in Carlsbad, CA). The front looks a mess, just like the type of fun “junk shops” I loved to visit when I lived in New Bern, North Carolina. I spotted lots of fun treasures there — everything from vintage lamps to drawer pulls to a cool typewriter to a fun bright red 60’s suitcase. The prices were amazing, too (I was tempted to snatch up that suitcase — an American Tourister — for just $12. It was so cute I may just stage a photo shoot around it). When I walked through the shop to the backyard, I was astonished to see a sea of succulents and beautiful pots. In the side yard, by the storage shed, I snapped the photo above. It reminded me a bit of my day at the Brooklyn Flea Market last spring.

branded by delphine: bixby and ball

I'm super excited for co-owners Melissa Anderson and Betsy Bracken, co-owners of the fabulous new shop Bixby & Ball, in Solana Beach, California. The shop is all about the Coastal Lifestyle. They're celebrating the grand opening of the store this weekend, so if you're in the neighborhood (the Cedros Design District) stop by for some awesome shopping!

Here's a peek at some of the goodies I designed for them. We chose a really "East Coast" dark navy and green color combo, perfect for the tone of the store, along with a classic vintage font and a modern ampersand (that sort of reminds me of an anchor ... and has little balls on the ends, like the "Ball" in the name of the shop). I hope you like it, too.

My favorite part of their branded look is the big sign above the door (I was so excited to see it that I totally forgot to take a photo).  I'll remember to bring my camera when I visit later today, so I'll post photos of the shop next week : )

branded by delphine: sweet paper

I'm thrilled for sisters Julie O'Brien and Theresa Anderson, as they celebrate the opening of their fabulous new stationery store, Sweet Paper, in La Jolla, California.

Coming up with the logo turned out to be the easy part. One part sweet (but not saccharine), one part strong (but not tough), one part frame (but not heavy) ... established in 2010. Done.

The difficult part was agreeing on a color palette fit for a darling stationery shop a few blocks from the beach. After long discussions and lots of ideas (lilac! aqua! turquoise! navy! yellow!) we landed on beautiful melon and warm sandy grey for the color palette. I absolutely love how it turned out. I'd love to hear what you think. And I'd also love it if you would visit their store in La Jolla when you're in the neighborhood. You won't be sorry!

We letterpressed all of the business cards and stationery (of course) in beautiful melon and grey inks, and added a signature pattern to the back of the business cards. To finish off the look, all the corners were rounded. Sweet, don't you agree?

all design and photos ©Delphine

in the press: c weddings magazine

Have you seen C magazine's new wedding issue? It's soooo pretty. Hope they decide to do another issue soon.

seriously, new york?

"Fresh air now available inside." Seriously? One more reason I am glad I live in California. Bobbi snapped this photo when we were in New York City last month for Monday Morning Mimosas and NYIGF.

who's the marketing genius?

Just off camera: a series of "For Sale" signs with "Just Reduced" flags on them. Pretty sure I don't want to ever live at Hard Times Ranch. This may be one of the worst marketing plans I've ever seen. Seen near North Fork, California.

summer vacation: secret swimming hole #2

Another perfect day in the Sierras. Our family loves swimming holes. Especially "private" ones. This one may be my new favorite. Location, you ask? All I can say is it's in California off the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway.

summer vacation

We arrived at my aunt and uncle's house in the Sierras last night. Items 1, 2, 4, 5 are down already!

adorable animal art

Delphine intern Tori says: These little animal vases and sculptures are made by California artist Joanna Medicino. Each is hand thrown, so no two are the same. I love the clean and simple lines. Not to mention they are just too cute! My favorite is the hamster : ) You can see more of her work in her Etsy shop.

Delphine says: We had the pleasure of exhibiting at SFIGF across the aisle from Joanna a few years ago. And we, too, fell in love with her vases. In fact we have a few (the penguin and a modern mini bud vase) that we traded for stationery and a few shelves that we didn't want to take home with us after the show. Best trade at a show EVER!

color palette: perfect poppies

photo by delphine

I snapped this shot with my iPhone last weekend outside the local Rancho Santa Fe library. The local Garden Club does a truly spectacular job of keeping the village full of beautiful flowers. I especially love these melon colored poppies.

in like a lamb ...

With all due respect to my readers, family and friends who don't live in San Diego ... I'm loving this So. Cal weather (especially in light of the freak snowstorms in the South).

lunch table: la boulange

photos by delphine

One of my favorite spots in San Francisco: La Boulange. The exterior of the building is so inviting with its bright leaf green accents. I love that they stenciled the name onto the building with paint: they didn't have to spend a lot of money on expensive signage to create an effective storefront.