19 December 2011

All together now.

When I started the Delighted Studio blog, I thought it best to filter my posts. I tried to stay just within the design realm, and keep my personal posts and news to places like twitter or facebook. However, as time went on I had things I wanted to share, and Delighted Studio became a place for me to share stories about my family and other interests apart from my design work & projects.

I recently finished building my online portfolio, daniellemckenrick.com, and as a result I've decided to streamline. Why keep up to blogs when a lot of what I post would be duplicate material? So, I've decided to merge.
I will no longer be posting about Delighted Studio projects here, but rather on daniellemckenrick.com. You can find a link there to my Delighted Studio business page, but if you want to learn about my work & projects, daniellemckenrick.com is the place to go.

I hope this will not be confusing for anyone. And I appreciate all of your support and for each visit you make to this page. I hope you enjoy my posts on daniellemckenrick.com. Check back in the new year for more printables and DIY projects!

-Danielle

08 November 2011

Monochromatic Note cards



I can't stress enough the importance of editing. In design and in life, less is more. So when Caitlin approached me to create personalized note cards, I was thrilled that she shares my love for simplicity. Caitlin and her boyfriend, David, recently moved from Virginia to San Francisco. They've fallen in love with the city and wanted note cards to reflect their new lifestyle. Since the pair love all things outdoors--hiking, biking, concerts, etc.--the bicycle-built-for-two seemed like the perfect fit.


Working on this project inspired another design project - so stay tuned for that in the coming weeks!


13 October 2011

DS Kitchen // Cake Pops


A couple weeks ago I made some cake pops for my best friend's baby shower. She's having a little boy, and I wanted to make some cute treats to share. The ingredients are simple, you just need to give yourself enough time to complete each step and allow for the cake pops to set.

What you'll need:

1. Your choice of cake mix - I chose a simple, white cake.
2. Your choice of frosting - I went with vanilla.
3. Lollipop sticks - You can purchase these at a craft store, like Michael's.
4. Mini cupcake papers 
5. Melting chocolate - I chose baby boy blue and dark chocolate.
5. Sprinkles - this is optional. Feel free to decorate however you choose.
6. A large bowl to mix your ingredients, and later to mix cake + icing.
7. Wax paper
8. A sheet cake pan and a baking sheet.
9. Styrofoam block

Instructions:

Prepare your cake mix following the instructions on the box, and bake. Once your cake has finished baking and cooling, crumble the cake into a large mixing bowl. You want to crumble the cake into a very fine texture. I recommend slicing the top 'crust' off the top of the cake, and using only the inside of the cake. The outer crust is very hard to crumble down, and leaves chunks in your cake pop.

Next, mix in spoonfuls of icing into your bowl of crumbled cake. You're looking to create a Playdoh-like texture. There is no need to use the entire jar of icing, you need just enough to be able to roll the cake mixture into balls. These treats are very, very sweet, so I recommend that you use the icing sparingly.

Next, line your baking sheet with wax paper. Roll the cake mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. Once all your cake balls are formed, you'll need to chill them so the mixture can set. I usually keep them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.


Once your mixture has set, warm up a portion of your melting chocolate in a microwavable dish. Then take a lollipop stick, dip the end in the melting chocolate, and insert the stick about half way through each pop. Repeat the chilling process until the melted chocolate has hardened and the stick feels secure. I usually put them back in the freezer for another 15 minutes.

Once the melted chocolate has hardened enough to support the pop, you can begin melting the remaining chocolate in your microwavable dish. Then coat each cake pop with the melted chocolate, using a spoon or knife to smooth off the excess. After this step add sprinkles while the chocolate coating is still soft. When your pop is fully coated, secure the lollipop stick into the Styrofoam block. This block is really important because it will allow the chocolate to harden and maintain the shape of the cake pop. 

Place the Styrofoam block of cake pops back in the freezer for 20 minutes. When the chocolate has hardened, place each pop in a mini cupcake paper and arrange on a tray for serving.



 I wanted to personalize these pops, so I printed up some tags on sticker paper and added them on at the end. Enjoy!

10 October 2011

Steal the Look: Padma Lakshmi



photo from The Vogue Diaries
I've created a copycat look based off of Padma Lakshmi's appearance on "Extra" at The Grove in Los Angeles, CA. I saw this look posted on a blog that I love called The Vogue Diaries. This could be a great look for fall with a slight footwear change!
           Steal Her Look: Padma Lakshmi

Here are the items I chose for this look: 

09 October 2011

Engaged // Janelle + Casey



Two of my friends are getting married next summer. I had a blast celebrating their engagement last weekend at a party hosted by the bride's family. I decided to make a few note cards for Janelle + Casey because if there is one thing a newly engaged couple needs---apart from more hours in the day to plan a wedding---it's thank you notes.


Congrats, Janelle + Casey! So happy for you both!


07 October 2011

Follow Friday // Black*Eiffel



blackeiffel.blogspot.com
Welcome to an occasional Friday Series called Follow Friday. Since first impressions are very important, this series is leading off with one of the design world's heavy hitters. Introducing: Black*Eiffel, a gorgeous blog with a monopoly on great design finds. If you love clean lines, this blog interface alone is worth the visit.

Graphic designer Rachel Jones is the curator of this blog, exploring creative design and lifestyle topics on a daily basis. She's also in the inner circle--you know, the Martha Stewart Circle--so she knows her stuff.

If you're looking for a well-rounded blog, that touches on graphic design, interior design, art, food & drink and all things lovely - I recommend subscribing. You won't regret it!

Still want proof? Let the Black*Eiffel eye candy begin:


black eiffel: grady mcferrin


black eiffel: ink + wit
black eiffel: design story


black eiffel: dancer vs. ballerina


black eiffel: elegant macaroons


06 October 2011

New Series: A Look into My Google Reader



flickr: kim klassen
If you're on twitter, you know the hash tag #ff. It stands for Follow Friday, and across the twitterverse, users share their recommendations for who you should be following. I thought I'd bring the spirit of #ff over to the blog and let you in on which blogs I follow. I'd love for you to comment below on some of your favorite blogs!

When it comes to my RSS feeds, I'd like to think of myself as an equal opportunity subscriber. I follow everything from graphic design blogs (duh), to fashion, food, home & lifestyle, humor, news & politics, satire, and a random single topic tumblr or two.

Stay tuned tomorrow for the start of my Follow Friday series. I hope you enjoy it and pick up a few new subscriptions along the way!

// Worth noting: A majority of my single topic tumblr feeds are LOST related, thanks to a certain family member of mine. Have you seen jackimals? Terrible photoshopping + random animals + Jack from LOST = a beautiful thing. //




05 October 2011

The Look For Less


This Look for Less was created Here are the items I chose to recreate this look for less:





04 October 2011

Bundle Up!



{ photo from pinterest }
Fall officially began a little over a week ago, but here in Virginia we had yet to feel a Fall-weather day. Until this past weekend. The cold weather finally crept in, and while I'm sad to say goodbye to summer, I will not miss the heat and humidity. Plus it's time to start wearing my favorite season's clothing - warm sweaters, boots and scarves! I wear lighter, more gauzy scarves in the summer, but my my favorite ones are the cozy, heavy scarves for fall/winter.

This brings me to sharing with you one of my FAVORITE fashion blogs, - Wendy's Lookbook, shared to me by my sister-in-law.  Not only is Wendy Nguyen an amazing fashion blogger, but she has a remarkable story. I love her fashion videos because you really get a sense of what a fun, kind person she is. 

Long story short, Wendy recently put out a video tutorial on 25 ways to wear a scarf. It's a great video, and I am looking forward to trying these different styles with my fall scarves!


 

{ See More from Wendy's Lookbook by visiting her channel: HERE




03 October 2011

DS Printables: Halloween Cards



DS Printables: Halloween Cards
Hello, friends! It's time for the third installment of DS Printables! Since Halloween is right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to make some Halloween cards for you to print and share with friends.

Click HERE to download a PDF of three different Halloween Cards: SPOOKY, SWEET and SCARY. I hope you enjoy!

And don't forget to "Like" Delighted Studio on Facebook so you don't miss exclusive giveaways! 


30 September 2011

Like Delighted Studio on Facebook!



Delighted Studio is officially on Facebook! It has been a long time coming, and I am so happy to finally have a page up and running. I would love your support, so stop by and "like" us.

Visit www.facebook.com/delightedstudio to like us! Here are a few great reasons why:

>> You'll stay up to date with the latest news,  projects and promotions from Delighted Studio.
>> It's a direct links to blog posts and announcements.
>> Liking us qualifies you for exclusive giveaways.
>> I'll share links to some of my favorite blogs in the design world.

Thanks guys! -Danielle

Christmas Card Giveaway



Delighted Studio is featured in a special giveaway today on on Fabulous Friday Freebies! I am teaming up with Mandy Smith Studio to give away a two part package. Mandy is offering a Family Christmas Photography Mini-Session, and I will be working with the winner to design 25 flat, Holiday photo cards with an image from the shoot.




 If you live in Columbia, SC and would love a chance to win this giveaway (valued at $140.00) be sure to visit her blog at http://fabulousfridayfreebies.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to visit Mandy Smith Studio on Facebook to see her work.


The lucky winner will get custom designed Holiday cards, like these:



Good Luck!!



11 September 2011

September 11, 2001



I remember sitting in my first period psych class during my senior year of high school, when someone ran in our classroom and told the teacher to turn on the TV. We didn't have to flip through channels to find the news. It was on every station. A plane had crashed into the World Trade Center  in New York City, and another followed shortly after we tuned in. It was an unbelievable sight.


Ten years later, I'm still as thankful as ever for those who risked their lives to help others during and after the tragedy. I will never forget.


08 September 2011

Wedding Invitations: Ally + Cliff



It's amazing how small the world can be. A month after moving from Virginia to Chicago, Ally was getting to know her new coworker, Laurie. They talked about where they grew up and where they went to college. Come to find out, Laurie's husband had a friend who sounded a lot like Ally. Cliff was from Virginia Beach. Cliff also went to James Madison University. Laurie thought the two should meet. 
A month later, 900 miles from where they should have met, Ally and Cliff had their first (double) date. They met up at a cute bar named Barcelona in Wrigley. The two have been inseparable ever since.

I am so thankful to know the bride and groom, and to have their trust in designing invitations for their special day. They are such a perfect match - the life of the party and two of the nicest people you will ever meet. Congratulations Ally and Cliff! 

FNO with Olivia Palermo



I must admit, I was not a big fan of Olivia Palermo after seeing her on a few episodes of The City. And although she lacks a friendly disposition she more than makes up for it with impeccable taste in clothing and accessories. Since tonight is Fashion's Night Out, I decided to highlight Olivia's Picks as a Guest Editor on Piperlime.com.

The girl certainly has an eye. I love it all. I know Olivia has a disposable income for fashion, so I have to give her credit for the affordable picks. 

FNO with Olivia Palermo









Here is a breakdown of the items above, all available on Piperlime:

Lace blouse
$44 - piperlime.gap.com

Jack BB Dakota blazer
$69 - piperlime.gap.com

Blank Denim skinny jeans
$78 - piperlime.gap.com

Vera Wang Lavender ballerina flat
$295 - piperlime.gap.com

BCBGeneration cross body handbag
$98 - piperlime.gap.com

Timex watch
$60 - piperlime.gap.com

Tinley Road gold ring
$22 - piperlime.gap.com

To view all of Olivia's picks, visit Piperlime.com.

02 September 2011

A Hairstyle that is On Pointe.



Lately I have been breaking the cardinal rule of Regina George and The Plastics. I have been wearing my hair up more than one day a week. Maybe it's because I am trying to grow out my hair**. It has reached that in-between point where it's better to pin it up than style it down. Or maybe it's because I secretly envy the effortless style of ballet dancers.

I'd say both are true.

I've been seeing the ballet bun as a hairstyle trend for quite a while now, and figure I'm overdue for a homage to a classic (albeit lifesaving) hairstyle.


{ images from this is glamorous; beautydept.; pinterest: whitney frylauren webb }

The folks over a The Beauty Deparment break down this 'do with a step-by-step video tutorial. Check it out:



The ballet culture and ballerina lifestyle fascinates me, and I think this is a great video from the NYC ballet about the importance of a proper fitting pointe shoe:





** Don't miss my {hair envy} board on Pinterest, where you can see my hair hopes and aspirations.


25 August 2011

Latest obsession: Pinterest!



credit: theladybird on pinterest
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the site, Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that lets you organize
and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pinboards created by other people,
and find inspiration for home decor, fashion, weddings, recipes - you name it! I have been enjoying the
eye candy on Pinterest for quite some time now,
but finally decided to join in on the fun and make my
own boards!

I must warn you, once you visit this site, you will
find it hard to walk away! You can follow me and
visit my boards here: 


Happy pinning!  xo, Danielle




27 July 2011

Adios, Arrivederci, Au Revoir!


It's time to step away from the computer{and the blog} for a few days and head to the beach. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful week! 

xox, Danielle

PS: Stay tuned for a new, summer-inspired DS Printable coming in early August!



20 July 2011

Back in 1914...

...the average weekly earnings were $10.92; the average wage per hour was 22 cents. It cost five cents to get into a movie, and eight cents for a quart of milk. In February of 1914, the first stone of the Lincoln Memorial was put into place in Washington, DC. In May, Congress establishes Mother's Day as an official National holiday.

My Grandmother, Dorothy McKenrick was born on July 20, 1914. Happy 97th birthday to a very special lady!


My Grandma shares her birthday with some significant moments in history:

July 20, 1917: In the U.S., the first military draft numbers are drawn for World War I.
July 20, 1921: Air mail service begins between New York City and San Francisco.
July 20, 1944: The United States Democratic Party nominates Franklin D. Roosevelt for a fourth term as president.
July 20, 1969: Apollo 11, with Neil A. Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, land on the moon. [Also noteworthy, LOST actor Josh Holloway (Sawyer) was born.]

14 July 2011

Housewarming Party Invitations

My client's coworkers have been after him to have a party to celebrate moving into a new house. His request was to use a phrase to reflect that, and to highlight the bushels of crabs he plans to serve. Add a simple, blue checkered table cloth print, and we're good to go:

10 July 2011

Happy birthday, Josh!



Today my big brother turns 30. Fulfilling my duty as a pesky little sister, I remember always wanting to do what he was doing, and I can't think of a time when I didn't want to be just like him. As we got older, sibling rivalries subsided, but the admiration remained. Few can say their brother is one of the funniest, smartest, and most respectable guys they know. I can. He's a great person with many successes in life, including a loving wife and beautiful baby boy.

As he celebrates his birthday today I realize how fortunate I am to have him in my life, and I am so thankful to have always known him. Happy birthday, big brother!

flickr: my jko

01 July 2011

Stars and Stripes Forever



{flickr: yvette inufio}

Lather up with sunscreen, grab your favorite beach read, fire up the grill and break out the sparklers. Happy Fourth of July, everyone! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! More importantly, party responsibly and be safe. If you're traveling, I hope the traffic is light and you get to where you're going with ease!



29 June 2011

feeling a bit pensive today...



I came across this quote and photo, and wanted to share. I don't do many of these, but I think I may start to fold them into my regular blog routine. A big thanks to all of the amazing artists and talented photographers on flickr. To see some of my favorite photos, visit: DelightedStudio on flickr.

flickr: yvette inufio

27 June 2011

Fourth of July Cakes



Headed to a Fourth of July party this weekend and unsure of what to bring? Hosting your family and friends over and want a special, festive dessert? If you answered yes to either of these, you must check out this Fourth of July Cake, from Glorious Treats, which was recently featured on The Finer Things blog.

Isn't it gorgeous? If you want the step-by-step tutorial for this cake, 
click HERE to visit Glorious Treats.

Or, if you're looking for a take-home treat for guests, Glorious Treats suggests you try making Fourth of July cupcakes in a jar from The Tomkat Studio.

For the step-by-step tutorial for this cake, click HERE to visit The Tomkat Studio.