Love the identity and collaterals for Island Creek Oyster Bar by Oat Creative. It really stands out from the typical seafood restaurant style by pulling inspiration from old school office forms, tags and stamps while incorporating clean typography, touches of handwriting and bold colors. Can’t wait to check this place out in Boston and see all of this beauty in person!

I created these custom note cards for a giveaway over on Freckled Nest last month. I just ordered the cards and envelopes from OvernightPrints.com for Fair Ivy, the winner!

If you are interested in these note cards for your business or personal use let me know and I’ll get to work on some for you!

My sister and I recently ate at Stanley Restaurant, a cute little place in Jackson Square, New Orleans. We decided to share the Bananas Foster French Toast and the Breaux Bridge Benedict. They split the dishes for us and they were both SO amazing! I’d like to visit Chef Scott Boswell’s fine-dining counterpart, Stella! next.

I have been home in New Orleans for over two weeks and it has only been cold for one day. Even though I’m sitting here with the AC on, I can’t help to think of how to stay warm once I head back to Boston. This winter, I’d like to spend time bundled up, drinking tea and coffee and cooking lots of delicious things!

thermos // journal // slippers // throw // mug // cook book // scarf // teapot // hat

After a much needed break I am ready for 2012! The new year always sparks a sense of inspiration in me and this year instead of picking one resolution for 2012 I decided to make a 30 before 30 list of both professional and personal goals. This works out well since my birthday is on New Years Eve.

01 // create an inspiring studio space at home
02 // website/blog makeover
03 // create a better home/work balance and learn to take real days off work
04 // travel to Austin or San Francisco
05 // more tangible artwork
06 // learn to plan better for blog posts and focus on unique and meaningful content
07 // read more books
08 // create a stationery and art print line and online shop
09 // use camera in manual mode more than auto
10 // serious purge of closet and create a coherent wardrobe
11 // design and send out Christmas cards
12 // refinish living room table
13 // explore new places in Boston
14 // more DIY projects
15 // week-long camping trip
16 // visit Salem during October/Halloween
17 // guest posts and/or collaborate with other bloggers
18 // buy another lens for my camera
19 // visit Boston Harbor Islands
20 // host a fabulous dinner party
21 // create a regular exercise program
22 // update my design portfolio
23 // take a self-portrait
24 // go ice skating
25 // try a “what I wore” post – What I Wore // BBQ in January and more to come!
26 // learn Zander’s pizza recipe and work on cooking skills
27 // leave the house more (easier said than done when working from home)
28 // one date night a month
29 // throw a special bridal shower/bachelorette party for my BFF – Inspiration Board and more photos soon
30 // less online time

In the coming months I will be sharing with you my progress, along with lots of other DIY projects, photography, home decor, arts and crafts, inspired living and all things graphic design! It’s going to be a busy year but I can’t wait! ♥ Ciera

Glitz & Glam, Comedy, Lights, Family, Football, New Orleans, Food & Fun!

 My username is CieraH on Instagram if you want to follow my photo stream!

Font: strangelove

December brought a few changes my way. I am officially back to full-time freelance and because of that I am taking a long trip home to New Orleans! Also in December, I announced that the blog will now be accepting sponsors. I thought a lot about this and decided that it was time! In case you missed some posts throughout the month, here are my favorites:

1 // In My Bag
2 // Sultry & Sweet Holiday Looks
3 // Perfect Holiday Packaging
4 // Simple Afternoon Snack Recipe
5 // Maine Antiquing & A Coffee Table
6 // Homemade Gifts & Washi Tape Cards
7 // Ciera Design is Now Accepting Sponsors
8 // Christmas Brunch

I have a lot planned for January but if you have any special requests just let me know! xo Ciera

Yesterday was my parents first Christmas back in their house since hurricane Katrina so it was extra special to be back there! My dad was sick in bed the whole day so that was not ideal but overall it was a great day. And look at what an awesome job my mom did decorating and cooking!

The blog just celebrated 2 years and as it continues to grow I receive more inquiries about advertising and sponsorship opportunities. I’ve been holding off on that for a while because it’s important to me that advertising does not influence my content. I wanted to concentrate on creating unique ideas and give the blog time to develop.

Now that the blog is on a steady track and I’m back to working full-time freelance I have decided to open the blog up to sponsorship in order to dedicate more time towards creating original content. Sponsorships also help to build great relationships in the web world and allows me to share all of these new friends with you!

I have simplified my sidebar and reserved spaces just waiting to be filled with potential sponsors. If you’re interested in sponsoring please check out my advertising page and we can get started!

Photo by Zander White