Tomato Tart

A delicious summertime side dish.

What you'll need:
1 pizza crust
5 oz goat cheese
1 tbsp seasonings (I used a mixture of thyme, rosemary and Sel Magique salts)
3 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1/4"
2 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

What you do:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix the pizza crust according to the package. Roll flat and place in a pie dish or tart pan and prick the dough with a fork.
3. Bake for 15 minutes, or until crust starts to get a little fluffy.
4. While the crust is baking, slice your tomatoes about 1/4" thick. 

5. In a bowl mix the goat cheese and seasonings. Coat the pie crust with the mixture.

6. Next, layer the tomatoes, alternating colors. Drizzle with the olive oil and top with Parmesan. 

7. Bake for another 20 minutes. Let cool before serving.

Farm Wayfinding

One of many things I enjoy about working at a Zoo is designing exhibit signage. My first task was creating a comprehensive signage package for the Animal Wellness Campus, which included several large-scaled signs, infographics and wayfinding signals. In May, I was tasked with the ZooFarm which just received a major facelift in the Spring. All of the barns were repainted in bright child-friendly colors, several new animals were added and all of signage needed to be replaced. 

I had about two weeks to create the look, research the animals and photos, determine size, placement and get approval! Needless-to-say, it was quite the test. But, don't we really all work best under pressure (and crazy tight deadlines)? The ZooFarm looks brighter and prettier than ever (mainly thanks to our amazing Horticulture Department), so stop in and say hello– and meet our newest arrivals!

Vowchella: Summer of Love

The icing on the cake of designing the Fall/Winter issue of Vow Bride is creating the Launch Party Invitation. This issue I'm so extremely proud of the beautiful images, unique stories, elegant design and stunning collaboration of so many wonderful LOCAL businesses.

Wanna know what's really sad? I won't even be able to attend my own party! Flowy, showy and flower crowns is totally my jam!! But, I'll be happily jamming with one of my besties at her Portland wedding and road tripping down the West Coast so I can't be sad for too long.

Publishing books

Honeymoon by Ashley D. G. Mars | Make Your Own Book

We finally did it! Our Honeymoon book is written, designed and on it's way.

Just in time for our next big West Coast trip. Note to self, take better notes this time...

Bachelorette Party Invites

New to the design portfolio - Bachelorette Party Invites. Unfortunately I can't take credit for this adorable theme, but the designs are all mine! Best of all? I actually get to attend the party as well. Can't wait to celebrate this very special bride-to-be and see what other fun surprises the hostesses have in store.

Pimento Cheese

So far this has been the Summer of delicious homemade meals. From chicken caesar salads to Mediterranean mash up, I'm glad I added so many food items to this year's 92 Days of Summer list. My next foodie check mark was pimento cheese. I combined several different recipes I found online and am pretty stoked to add this to our dip lineup.

What you need:

8 oz. low fat cream cheese

8 oz. (one bag) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

3 tbsp. mayo

1 jar (4 oz.) diced pimentos, drained well

1/4 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp paprika

fresh cracked pepper to taste

What you do:

Mix everything in a bowl by hand and serve.