Moving Soon?!?!

Hi Everyone!  So if you've been around here a while, you know that my husband and I just moved.  Shortly after we found out we were going to be moving, I started looking for moving announcements.  I wanted someting different, yet classic.  Something fun, yet professional.  I found Kendra of Stewart Design Studios on Etsy and knew she was the one.

The little white box is obviously where our house # went, I took it off for this post.

So who is this amazing Kendra you all are asking?  Well... I asked her the same thing.

I am...
...Kendra Stewart, owner of Stewart Design Studios.
...a designer constantly inspired by fashion, photography, art and design. 
...I run an ETSY store where you can purchase a pre-made invitation, announement or stationary or I can design something entirely new, just for you.
...the author of my own blog where I feature my portfolio of designs and photos. 
...a photographer. I love capturing life's greatest moments.
...an interior designer creating space that is realistic, beautiful and just right for you!
...fun loving Cali girl but I currently reside in Denver, Colorado.

The Technical Stuff:
I have a BA in Graphic Design and Studio Art, as well as a certificate and an AA in Interior Design.
Three years, I assisted professional photographers and fell in love with photography.
Two years, I worked at a mechanical contracting company in their AutoCAD department.
J.Crew, Nordstrom & ZGallerie fill in the time in between.

Now, Kendra isn't just a one trick pony, she doesn't just design moving annoucements.  I asked her about how starting her shop and design studio came about.

Stewart Design Studios started as Stewart Interior Design, LLC in 2009 and has expanded to have services in all types of design including Graphic Design, Advertising, Event Design, Floral Arranging, Gift Baskets, Interior Design, Photography, Styling & more.

 In every category, we are CREATING YOUR BRAND! Through us, you are able to completely customize a design and create your brand! Having a wedding and don't know where to start? Customize a complete wedding suite that consists of a Save the Date, Wedding Invitation, RSVP, Accommodations and Directions, Itineraries, Program, Menu, Table Numbers, Name Place Cards, Thank you's, Letters, Cards, etc.  Everything on your list will coordinate and be exactly what you have dreamed your wedding stationary to be.

From Weddings to businesses, parties or home, we will fulfill your design needs in every way possible. We love a good challenge. Have a design in mind? Bring it to our studio and have us bring your idea to life! Stewart Design Studios is your one-stop design shop!

When I saw my moving announcement, I legit was jaw dropped.  It was so gorgeous I couldn't even believe this was mine and I get to show it to people.  I thought it had to have taken her quite literally forever (I know it would have taken me forever to make something that stunning).  Kendra says it varies.

The time it takes me to create an announcement completely depends on the inspiration. Sometimes I will get started on a design and will sit on it for a while, sort of like a painting. I will keep coming back to it, tweaking the design, changing the colors, etc. until it is just right! Other times, I have exactly what I have in mind and can knock it out in an hour or two. It also depends on the complexity of the design, as well as graphics and detail. 

Whenever I am working with a designer, artist, shop owner, etc - I always like to ask them what their favorite project has been to make.  

Lately, my favorite projects have been completely custom wedding designs that start with a save the date and turn into an entire wedding theme project. I have been designing for this couple that are having a retro themed wedding in Texas. We started with their save the date and they had the most unique photos. It was so much fun turning their design into something exclusive. Then I designed their wedding suite which included an invitation, info card and RSVP postcard, all coordinating and so much fun! Now we are on to table names, place cards, menus, etc. The great thing about custom designing is you can design pretty much anything, and everything will match. 

By now, you all have to know where you can find this amazing woman - well, wait no longer.  

Website // Facebook // Twitter 

 Etsy // Pinterest // Instagram

And Kendra has been gracious enough to offer all of you a 5% discount on any pre-designed printable designs on her Etsy shop.  Just enter BLOGPROMO5 at checkout.

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Still Here!!

Hi all!!

I wanted to give you all an update on my life. Firstly, I apologize for not being very present lately. After the move, things got a little crazy with unpacking, job hunting, and all the madness with this house.

I am just not feeling like I have a slight grip on things.

We're moved in. The house problems are getting taken care of. I started a new job that I am absolutely loving for the most part. Husband is happy at his job. Pups love having a backyard and we just bought them a kiddie pool for those hot Vegas summer days (insert most recent house problem -water pipe in backyard is cracked and could be leaking into the house).

I truly appreciate all of you and all of your support. I've never felt so loved and supported by people I have never even met before. Y'all are the best!

Bare with me and I'll be back blogging full time here soon enough. Trust me, I have a lot to tell y'all.

And if you don't already, follow my Twitter ( @Obvi_Obsessed ) because I have time to get less than 140 characters out numerous times a day.

All My ❤ - Amber

Just Madness!!!

Pure Madness Chocolate that is!!  

I am obsessed with chocolate, so when I got the chance to eat some of the best chocolate I've had in my life - needless to say, I was ecstatic!!  

If you're looking for some "not your ordinary chocolate" - this is the chocolate for you.  They have so many different options and flavor combos its amazing!  I especially enjoyed the Smoked Almond bar they sent - ate the whole thing in 1 sitting.

This chocolate surpassed my expectations of what I was going to be tasting.  I am so thrilled they sent coupons because I'll be ordering more chocolate and introducing all my friends to this amazing find!!

**Please note that I was gifted these samples as a part of +BzzAgent, but all opinions and statements are my own**

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How's Your Pantry?

WOW!!  I just realized how long it's really been since I wrote!  As most of you know, my husband and I recently relocated to Las Vegas.  I've been so crazy busy looking for a job and getting our new home in order that I asked my girl Dana from This Silly Girls Life to help me out.  

This is a perfectly fitting post for what is going on in my life right now and hopefully you all can relate with this as well.  

How to Stock the Perfect Pantry for New Home-Buyers and Couples

    So, you've finally found the space of your dreams! Congratulations! Now comes the hard part, packing, moving, UN-packing, blah blah blah, just typing about it gives me anxiety! Now all you want to have is a nice and comforting homemade meal but you don't have the essentials of a well-stocked pantry! Never fear, you have come to the right place! I will tell you all the "ingredients" you need for the perfect pantry. Not only will this help you new home-buyers out there but this is a great first stop read for newly weds, college students or just living on your own for the first time. We've all been there and didn't know where to start, but stocking up on these staples will have you cooking in no time!

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    Now, if you don't know what a pantry is, here is a run-down for you. A pantry is an area in your kitchen designated for non-perishable items (foods that don't go bad fast). I will list all the basics needed, some you might not even think you need so you won't have to go running to the store every time you want to try out a new recipe!

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Baking items. All-purpose flour. Baking Soda. Baking Powder. Bread Crumbs (I prefer Panko style for ALL recipes. They have a much lighter and crunchy texture). Cornstarch. Sugar.

Spices. Salt (I prefer kosher salt, iodized salt can be over-powering in flavor and often you will end up putting more in your dishes than necessary.) Whole black peppercorns. (Simplest way to buy this for a new pantry is in a container with grinder attached.) Garlic powder. Onion Powder. Paprika. Bay leaves. Seasoned Salt. Dried Oregano.

Canned Goods. This is more to your preference but you should always have a few canned vegetables on hand. This is just in case you forgot to buy some fresh veggies at the store and need a quick side. My favorites are cut green beans with no salt added. Corn. Pinto beans with no salt added. Tomato sauce. Again, this is to your preference. 

Liquids. Vegetable oil. Olive oil. (Yes, you need two separate oils. Vegetable oil is good for searing meats or veggies, pan frying items or deep frying. Where olive oil is perfect for homemade simple salad dressings, adding flavor to sauteed items or as a finishing touch on top of a dish.) White vinegar. Vanilla extract. White wine. Red wine. Chicken stock or vegetable stock to your dietary needs, ALWAYS get low sodium. Cooking spray like Pam or another brand (essential when baking goods or making casseroles).

Pasta. Any kind you wish. But, always having a type of pasta on hand will guarantee a simple meal that is fast, easy and delicious. 

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    This is how I stock my pantry and keep it in rotation. As soon as I run out of one ingredient I put it on my grocery shopping list and get it on my next trip. If you don't do this (I've learned from experience!) you'll be making a yummy gravy and are ready to thicken it with a little cornstarch and you'll have none! Disaster. 

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    Do you have any additional tips you'd like to share or any questions on anything mentioned? Leave it in the comments below and I'll be happy to answer them for you! Thanks so much for reading and I hope you have fun cooking in your new place!

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Love Letter to LA

Dear City of Angels,

First and foremost, I want to say thank you. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for always being there for me. Thank you for keeping me busy (almost too busy to be honest). Thank you for the experience you've given me and the person that you've molded me into.

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You've introduced me to people I never in a million years thought I would meet. You've shown me things that I never thought I'd see. You've taken me places I never thought I'd go. You've given me opportunities that I never thought I'd have.

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We've gone through a lot together. I got engaged in San Diego. I've seen the Lakers, Clippers and Kings play at the Staples Center. I've seen Jay Z three times at Staples and Lil Wayne in Anaheim. I've seen Mac Miller at Nokia. I've gone to the Rose Bowl twice.

I will always have the most special place in my heart for you.  And I will never forget everything you've done for me, taught me and given me.  

Always yours,

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