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Inspired by the Cotswolds, England
I still remember visiting the Cotswolds, England like it was yesterday. We stayed in the most charming hotel in Lower Slaughter, called The Slaughters Country Inn (formerly Washbourne Court Hotel after the family who owned it in 1470.) We stayed in a two story, two bedroom part of the manor that couldn’t have been more delightful with a small living room, dormer windows and plush beds. The first day, we stayed in the small town and wandered through the meadows, the churchyard, and along the streams, soaking in the scene. The low stone fences, the picturesque window boxes and gardens, the sheep grazing in the pastures, it couldn’t have been…
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Travel Story – Road Trip Along the Eastern Sierras
The stark landscape along state route 395 in California and Nevada is so incredible inspirational. Here are highlights from my road trip along this route.
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Illustration News: Custom Map of Napa Valley for the ACCP Conference
I was so excited to be commissioned to create a custom map for the Association of Club Catering Professionals a few months back. They held their annual conference in Napa Valley and they wanted a fun way to represent all the locations they would be visiting during the conference. Once I created the map, they had the illustration printed on canvas bags to hand out to all conference attendees. The bag would then be used throughout the conference as the attendees went from event to event, and gathered notes and goodies at each spot. I loved getting the positive feedback from the association that map and bag were well received!…
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On Location: Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles– the city of Angeles – the place where dreams do come true – la la land… Los Angeles is just, so LA! Being born and raised in Northern California gives me a little different perspective on LA. Although I do have a bias of which half of the state is “better,” I can truly say that I really do love Los Angeles too. It has such a different attitude than Northern California. It definitely imbibes so much of what “the industry” portrays (the stars, the culture, the trendy scenes) but also has it’s own unique LA flavor in many of the lesser touristy neighborhoods such as Echo Park,…
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Culture: Food – Foodie Map of the World
As you can tell with my many Eat Drink Travel illustrations, I love to illustrated different foods of the world. Of course, I first want to be in the country trying the dish first hand, but if I have yet to visit, I still enjoy researching different recipes from around the world and exploring new flavors and cultures. To celebrate my love for international food, I created a Foodie’s Map of the World. What’s your favorite cuisine? If you are interested in commissioning or licensing an illustration, please contact me for details.
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On Location: Dream Trips – Bucket List World Map
I can’t think of a better map to dream over than a Bucket List World Map! So many places to explore and so little time… Where do you want to go? (For specific details about individual locations, be sure to read: Illustrated Bucket List vol.1 and Illustrated Bucket List vol.2) Please contact me if you are interested buying or licensing this illustration. For more information about my illustration work, see my portfolio.
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Culture: A World of Flavors – Ethiopian Berbere Spice Mix
The Ethiopian spice mix called Berbere (pronounced ber-beray) is a fiery spice blend that is a key ingredient in much of Ethiopian cuisine. It is a combination of 14 different flavorful and earthy spices. Rub this spice mix on meats, liberally season stews and add a dash to grains and lentils. Serve with the spongy flatbread, injera, for a delicious, memorable Ethiopian meal. Ethiopian Berbere Spice Mix Recipe 3/4t ground cardamom 1t ground cumin 1/4t ground cinnamon 1t ground tumeric 1/2t ground fenugreek 1/4t ground nutmeg 1/4t ground all spice 1 1/2t ground coriander 1/2t ground ginger 1/2t ground cloves 1t black pepper 1t salt 2T cayenne pepper 3T paprika…
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On Location: Road Trip – Winding Through Texas Hill Country
Discover some of the best kept secrets in the Lone Star State when you wind your way through Texas Hill Country! Saddle up in Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World, and ride through the serene landscape. After your ride, head to Medina for a slice of homemade pie in the Apple Capital of Texas. Continue your journey and seek out the German heritage of Kerrville and Fredericksburg. Next up, spot a Texas Longhorn at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park. Then make a splash in the afternoon by taking a dip in Hamilton Pool Natural Preserve. Once refreshed it’s time to reflect on your Texas adventure with a wild…
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On Location: Exploring Stateline North Lake Tahoe
Stateline North Lake Tahoe is one of my favorites spots on Earth! I’ve been vacationing summers and winters here since I was a tiny baby. I even lived at Lake Tahoe for 2 years and worked as a designer just inches from where this map depicts. Many come to visit Lake Tahoe and only visit South Shore (the more built up and commercial side of the Lake.) Although South Shore Lake Tahoe offers great attractions, the North Shore should not be missed. This side of the lake is filled with old Tahoe charm, incredible beaches, natural hot springs and even old fashioned casinos reminiscent of the 1950’s. Below is an itinerary…
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On Location: Road Trip – Cruising 395 and the Eastern Sierras
Want to explore a lunar landscape? Discover a Wild West ghost town? Dine at an authentic Basque restaurant? Roll the dice at a craps table and do this all within only a few hours drive? Head to the California/Nevada border, and hop on Interstate 395 for an unforgettable scenic road trip! Road Trip Highlights Reno/Sparks – Nicknamed the Biggest Little City in the World, Reno and the Sparks area has had it’s share of ups and downs with mining, gambling and Wild West history, but it looks as if the booming metropolitan is growing up. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, and less than an hour from major ski resorts and Lake Tahoe adventures, the Reno area has…