Erin & Cameron — Palm Springs, CA


I wanted to share with everyone some amazing photo’s I received from a wonderful client of mine! Erin and Camerons Palm Springs wedding looked beautiful! We worked together for many months to create some amazing mid-century modern meets desert stationery — map, programs, menu’s, seating chart, napkins — that completed the entire look of the day. I love getting the opportunity to see my work in the setting it was intended. She was so amazing to work with and such a sweet person, and really enjoyed the time we had together on this project. They are a BEAUTIFUL couple and she is absolutely GORGEOUS! I am so happy that CW Designs could play a role in such an amazing day in their lives. Thanks to her Erin for sending me the shots and to the obviously talented Daniel Neal at Daniel Neal Photography for his keen eye! Erin was nice enough to send me a list of all her vendors, so check them out as well.

Erin O Monogram Palm Springs-01.png

Mid-Century Palm Springs Wedding Monogram

Carol created this monogram for client's Erin and Cameron by taking elements of modern mid century and Art Deco design to create something totally unique. The monograms here are what they settle on.

The Map Chick Erin Cameron Palm Springs Smoke Tree Ranch

Selling?! Grab Their Attention!

The real estate market is still humming along, but agents are facing more and more competition from new agents, sell by owner, and internet-based real estate brokerage firms. Traditional agents must do more for their clients and stand out to potential buyers and sellers to justify their traditional higher fees in the age of internet. Agents must be proactive, creative, and have the right experience to attract the right clients. This is where CW Designs can help.

Over the past few years we have created more and more material for real-estate agents and property developers looking to get a competitive edge. One of the most in demand pieces are our custom maps. A custom map can highlight an agents recent sales, a hot new location with properties available, or surrounding attractions. These maps can be incorporated into all sorts of promotional material including; mailers, door-hangers, magnets, handouts for home showings, and even websites.

In addition to custom maps we also create business cards, stationery, signage, and logos. Our designs stand out and grab the readers attention. An agent that stands out is one that will stand out to potential buyers! We want agents to think outside the box because when you can sell yourself clients know you can sell their home. Check out some of the latest designs we have created for locally and around the country.

Emily & Alex's South Beach Wedding!

Getting engaged, and the subsequent journey to the big day is a very exciting time — a journey filled with parties, planning and the occasional headache. Many times, I am contacted soon after engagement by enthusiastic brides ready to hit the ground running planning their dream wedding. I love it when I am able to work with a client throughout their engagement because I know that when we’re done the wedding day will be the easy part. A little planning up front really goes a long way, and while I am not a wedding planner, the items I design are meant to bring cohesiveness, order and beauty to the wedding day. The perfect color palette, typeface, theme, and timing are all important aspects when it comes to having a smooth running wedding and reception. Check out what I was able to do for Alex and Emily!

Three Best Friends

I am so flattered when past clients refer me to friends and family, and I have been so lucky to have such awesome clients. Over the years I have developed a large part of my business through referrals, but these ladies took it to another level. Perris, Alyssa, and Rachel were married within 3 years of each other and I was blessed to work with them all because of a referral from Perris. How cool is that? They were so sweet to take a photo with their wedding maps, and it's one of my favorite photo's ever! It was so fun to work with these ladies and see the bond that they shared. I know that years later they will look at this photo fondly as well. It's just another reminder for me that CW Designs isn't just a business, it's about capturing special moments in time that can be cherished for decades to come.

The image quickly became my go to for branding to go along with my new logo.

The image quickly became my go to for branding to go along with my new logo.

Super Crockpot

I've been asked a lot recently to share a recipe that I have modified from a few different sources. Carol and the kids love it, and it would be a perfect meal for this Sunday's Super Bowl. This is definitely a cheat day meal! Let me know what you think. - Jeremy

 

Turkey Potato Corn Chowder

 
Not my photo, but it should look something like this!

Not my photo, but it should look something like this!

 



1 package of Trader Joe’s mirepoix (Carrots, Onions, Celery)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
3 slices precooked Bacon diced (optional)
1 bag of Trader Joe's frozen roasted corn
1  32oz Container Organic Chicken Broth        
1/2 cup water
3-4 large gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
 
1 pint half & half
1 cup shredded cheddar or mixed cheese

Minced fresh parsley, optional


Directions:

Separate onions and celery from mirepoix mixture. Add diced cooked bacon, carrots, potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and chill powder to Crockpot and set to low for 4-5 hours.


While Crockpot is warming, sauté onion and celery with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until onions sweat.
Add Turkey meat to mixture and brown (I always use a couple of dashes Italian seasoning here too).

Transfer turkey meat, onions, and celery to Crockpot and continue to cook on low for 4 hours (taste periodically and season accordingly) or until potatoes are cooked fully. Add 1 pint of half & half and 1 cup of cheese at the end of cook time, continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Broken Bow Get-a-Way!

Since moving to Texas Carol and I have been hyper focused on raising our family and building an even more successful business, consequently our time for travel has been confined to long weekends and day trips around North Texas and Oklahoma. Surprisingly, there are many beautiful places and interesting towns that have satisfied our hunger for travel. Crepes overlooking the Seine have been replaced by breakfast tacos overlooking Lake Travis, and the latter may be even more enjoyable out of sheer need to get away. Recently, we found another wonderful get-a-way called Broken Bow Lake, just 3 hours away in south-eastern Oklahoma near town of Hochatown. Hochatown/Broken Bow Lake is a charming blue collar area that is quickly gaining a reputation for its beautiful views, fishing, food, and local brewery. Nestled in the arms of the Hochatown and Beavers Bend State Parks, Broken Bow Lake is 14,000 acres with shores that sparkle pink from quartz formed 300 million years ago during the Pennsylvanian period. It really is a bazaar site to see. There are no homes on the lake and camping is designated in a few areas. The uninhabited shores offers a beauty not found in the normally crowded shores of most lakes, rather the local luxury cabins are located a short drive from the lake, and luckily we had a great connection.

As it turns out, we had some friends that own cabins in a gorgeous area of town hidden among the enormous pine trees that stand guard like soldiers at attention. Roughing it is not an option in these exquisitely finished homes. These fully finished "cabins" have all the modern touches while still paying homage to their surroundings. Rich woods and exposed beams bring the outside in. We had a wonderful time relaxing on the deck, grilling out, and enjoying cold beverages in the hot-tub. The kids had fun rock hunting and splashing in the clear-water stream that twists and turns around the properties.

There are plenty of places to keep the kids busy as well, but because of the remote location a map tends to help (see the one we created after our trip). Our friends liked it so much they are leaving them for their guests. A short drive away, we found a great little spot for mini-golf and paddle boating that the kids did not want to leave. There great spots for fishing, hiking, and bird watching as well. Whether you want a nice peaceful spot to finish that book, or to get out there and get your hands dirty, Broken Bow offers both.

Matching the stunning vistas and fun is the delicious food including wonderful southern fare, a family friendly pizza joint with cold beer, and a spot known for fried chicken that would be worth the drive alone, as well as a grocery store with everything you need. Broken Bow is really just the right balance of nature and convenience. A lovely get-a-way.

Next time your itching to get out of the DFW area, check out our list below of our favorite places to stay, play, and eat while in Broken Bow.