Summer Family Time

My Mom was here in August and we got to spend some fun family time together. We visited my sister, brother-in-law, nephew and niece while they were at camp.

We enjoyed some beautiful summer days, going for walks, talking and catching up. 

We celebrated Elijah's 16th birthday with some go-carting and practically had the track to ourselves. It was fun speeding around like that! 

Look at this 16 year old (I'm-so-cool) face. Can't believe he will be driving for real soon! And Emma, 11 (soon to be 12). Seriously, where do the years go? 

Birthday boy's pick for dinner. 

Family time wouldn't be complete without a trip to Charlotte Beach. We went one evening near sunset when the water was scenic and peaceful.

I can't get over how tall my nephew is - he may be headed to 6 foot+ like his dad.  

Emma decided to scooter along the pier. 

A trip around the carousel. 

Of course we had to go to LouGia's for ice cream! 3 generations of ice cream loving ladies right here. 

Like mother like daughter!
 

Three Years of Blogging

I'm taking a brief pause in this suddenly very crazy week, to celebrate three years of blogging, here at Sohl Design. I am surprised, amazed and proud that I've kept it up and that I enjoy it so much. What started out as a way to share my first furniture makeover, has turned into something more - a creative outlet, a way to share my projects, my thoughts and an on-line scrapbook. 

I would like to say thank you, to those of you who so kindly check out Sohl Design from time to time. And for commenting here, on Facebook or telling me in person that you enjoyed something I posted. Your support and encouragement means more than you know! 

I don't know exactly where the road ahead will lead me, but I plan on continuing to share it here. I hope that you'll continue checking in. 

Much love,
Sarah
A.K.A. "Sohl"

Sari & Travis' Wedding Invitation Set

I had the privilege of working with Sari and her mom Jackie, to design an elegant wedding invitation set, for Sari and Travis' August wedding. The best part is, they chose letterpress printing. This was my first time working with Pistachio Press and they did a beautiful job. Right down to the custom color lined envelopes. Really wonderful work.

I just love the feel of the impression on the cotton paper. Each piece is done by hand and the colors are spot on.

Bright coral and yellow gold with a leafy green accent inside the envelope. The bee theme reflected the favors, which were little vials of honey from the family's harvest. 

The invitations matched the floral fabric table cloths at the reception. 

Photo by expressionsstudio.com
Aren't these little baskets adorable? I designed individual guest place cards for each one. 

Photo by expressionsstudio.com
I also designed the table cards, each named for a different ballet/dance.

Photo by expressionsstudio.com
As well as a large guest seating chart with floor map. 

And one last touch - a sticker enclosure for the outer envelope.

Photo by expressionsstudio.com
Congratulations to the beautiful bride and groom, Sari and Travis! I have never seen photographs of a more beautiful "backyard" wedding. This was not your typical backyard wedding - the location, the bridal party, the decor, the guests, every single detail was carefully composed and beautifully done. Sari is a ballet dancer and instructor, and there was dancing, including many of her students. The couple even released doves. I am sure it was an amazing celebration to be part of.

Photo by expressionsstudio.com
Simply stunning. Look at that table and those chandeliers! 

Photo by expressionsstudio.com
I love the happy colors woven throughout the entire wedding. The beautiful bridal party.

Photo by expressionsstudio.com
The groomsmen - and woman - who happens to be my cousin Julie. A happy coincidence that I didn't realize until I was designing the guest cards. I had no idea my cousin (whom I haven't seen in at least 15-20 years) is friends with the groom, and was part of his side of the bridal party. How wild is that?

Photo by expressionsstudio.com
Look at this gorgeous bride - and those shoes!

Photo by expressionsstudio.com
They even incorporated the color scheme into these amazingly unique heels! How fun. 

Photo by expressionsstudio.com
I couldn't wait to see photos of this extraordinary wedding and how it all came together. Expressions Studio of Photography did an amazing job capturing everything.

Photo by expressionsstudio.com
Sari and Jackie were so wonderful to work with. I'm thrilled that I could accomplish the wedding invitation set that they were looking for and I'm so happy with how it turned out. What a beautiful wedding!

Crock Pot Applesauce

The air is crisp. The leaves are just starting to turn. Apples and pumpkins are in season. Cider and donuts never sounded so good. Happy first day of fall! The autumnal equinox has begun. 

I made a batch of crock pot applesauce last weekend to jump start the changing seasons. It smelled delicious while cooking and tasted even better. It was so easy too! 

Ingredients: 

8-10 medium apples. Variety makes it even better - I used Macintosh (of course), Pink Lady, Golden Delicious and Gala.
3 inch cinnamon stick
5 teaspoons (unpacked) light brown sugar
*optional* 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice and a small strip of lemon peel (I tasted too much lemon, so I would use less next time or omit completely) 

Directions:

1. Peel, core and chop the apples and add to crock pot. Be sure to get EVERY single sliver of peel off. There's nothing I hate more than peels in my applesauce!

2. Add brown sugar and cinnamon stick (and lemon juice and peel if using). 

3. Set crock pot on LOW and cook for 5-6 hours.  

4. Stir apples occasionally, about every 1/2 hour or hour. The apples will eventually start to cook down and become soft. 

5. Around 5 hours, remove cinnamon stick and mash apples to desired consistency. I used a potato masher until they were relatively smooth. 

6. Can and process or refrigerate up to 3 weeks.

After I enjoyed a fresh bowl (or two) of warm applesauce, I was left with one full large mason jar. This recipe is so easy and perfect for all those apples you may have lying around.

Do you have any applesauce recipes? I would love to try some others or see if there's anything I could do differently next time. Original recipe found here.

Enjoy! 

Bike Poster (for sale)

I entered the Spokes & Ink Bike and Poster festival contest for the first time this year. Local artists can design and submit bicycle themed posters to be sold the day of the festival. I thought it would be fun to give it a try. The festival has live music, games and different vendors. I was excited that I was selected. 
 

I have a number of posters leftover to sell, so if you'd like one, head over to my Etsy shop to purchase. Ok, the truth is, I didn't sell a single one at the festival. Womp womp. I'll admit, I was pretty disappointed about that. But my design was one of 44, so there were many to choose from. If you like it enough to buy one, I'll be happy to send you one - or two! This would make a fun piece of framed wall art for any cycling enthusiast or tack one up on a bulletin board.

Details: 11x17 inches. Printed on white card stock. Colors are aqua, dark pink and brown. Printed and ready to send to you!

Let the good times roll!
 

Alex & Ashley's Wedding, PA

There's a new Mrs. Ohl! Alex and Ashley were married on July 28th (which is also my SIL Laura's birthday). Their special day was the reason for our summer trip to Pennsylvania. We got to see the whole family, both at the wedding and the next day for a family picnic. We had a great time at both! 

Andrew and I, on our way to the ceremony, being driven by my in-laws, Denny and Marilyn. It was a picture perfect day with beautiful weather.

Our Aunt, Uncle and cousins (the Stevensons)

Our Ohl/Statler group (we were missing David) 

The wedding theme was dark purple/plum with green, and little crystals. Very pretty!

Nana and Aunt Ginny. I loved that at one point, everyone was on the dance floor. We had a lot of fun! 

Andrew with the groom, Alex (cousins) 

My MIL Marilyn and FIL Denny. They are such sweeties.  

Me and my sweetie. 

The photo booth photos are my favorite. These crack me up every time I look at them! Definitely some great memories.

Congratulations Alex and Ashely! We wish you a lifetime of happiness!