There are some days, when I check out Analytics, and I think, man, who are all these people reading my blog? Do they really care about shoes, and pretty plates, and Crate and Barrel furniture? Then I check out the particulars and realize that they are all visiting the Shamwow post from ages ago.
But I know that I have a small handful of regular readers; and I give the love right back to the faithful by reading and commenting on their blogs, as well. Yesterday, I was playing blog catch up, and over at Becky's I was given an award! For loving my blog! And then Marcy followed suit! Awwww... you guys... Thanks!!
So, as the rules go, I am passing it on. The envelopes, please:
Becky: I wish I could be so eloquent and British (OK, I'll never be British. But eloquent! I can strive for eloquent!). Her posts are fiercely funny and god, just so well written. And the shoes. I can't forget about the shoes...
Marcy: Another shoe lover (and shopping pal). And mom of Zoë, who is only a year older than Madeline, so I feel at times we lead parallel lives. Hysterical, parallel lives.
Elements: I heart my friends at Elements. They have a keen eye for design, and at times, their blog is my daily dose of inspiration (as the description says).
Sara: I'm a little new to Sara's blog, but she's been reading and commenting on mine, so I went and gave her blog a look see. And I'm so glad that I did, because her thoughts on parenting and working and trying to get it all done are very funny (and very true)!
Michelle: I don't live anywhere close to Louisville, KY; but after reading Michelle's blog, I often wish I did. She's always talking about some great restaurant, or bar, or really cool happening. Sometimes I wish she would move up to CT and write Consuming Fairfield (because then I might have a clue about where it's at here in town, and as an added bonus I would get to see her more often).
Justin and Mary: Justin and Mary were one of my first clients; and I am so impressed with how their business has grown over the years! Although, it's really not a surprise, take a look at their photography yourself--it's mind-blowing awesome.
Trent: I have a little secret: I love me some celebrity gossip. I love it even more the way Trent pieces it all together: it's not malicious at all, and he sprinkles tidbits about what's going on in his life, coupled with updates on his favorite TV shows. A lot of times I feel like he's a pal, just updating me on what's going on... in the fabulous life of celebrities.
OK, bloggers, now you do your part (with the exception of Marcy and Becky, without their love this post would not be possible):
1) Add the logo of the award to your blog.
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
3) Nominate at least seven other blogs.
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog.
And thanks, too, to all the anonymous readers out there. I hope you're loving the blog, too!
11.05.2008
11.04.2008
So...?
I hung out at Elements today (well, not really hung out so much as work... but they're a fun bunch, so it's like hanging out while working), which meant that I had a tricky morning: shower, do hair, look somewhat presentable (read: no child slobber on sweater), load wee ones in car, vote, drop wee ones off at sitter's, and get thee up to New Haven. Fortunately, the time gods were way on my side, because I was able to get out of the house at 7:45 this morning--Mattio and I actually left together.
We vote at our kid's elementary school, which is right up the street, and just beat the crowd. We had to wait about 5 minutes, but on our way out, the line was beginning to snake around corners and down hallways. Also on the way out, I was able to pick up some delish chocolate covered pretzels and pumpkin bread, courtesy of the 5th grade bake sale. Yum, yum.
So... slobber-free sweater, check. Delicious snacks for 3pm munchies, check. Vote, check. And now...
We wait.
We vote at our kid's elementary school, which is right up the street, and just beat the crowd. We had to wait about 5 minutes, but on our way out, the line was beginning to snake around corners and down hallways. Also on the way out, I was able to pick up some delish chocolate covered pretzels and pumpkin bread, courtesy of the 5th grade bake sale. Yum, yum.
So... slobber-free sweater, check. Delicious snacks for 3pm munchies, check. Vote, check. And now...
We wait.
11.02.2008
Your vote won't just get you a new president this year...
Got one of these?
When you vote on Tuesday, be sure to grab an "I voted!" sticker. Then head on down to Starbucks, and grab a free cup of coffee. After Starbucks, get yourself over to Krispy Kreme, where your sticker will get you a free star-shaped doughnut. And you don't need the sticker (but it's still a cool accessory) to get a free scoop over at Ben and Jerry's Tuesday night.
There are some regional specials, as well: a bar in Pensacola, FL is accepting "I voted" stickers as payment for a beer. Voters in Tulsa, OK who wear their sticker to a participating Chick-Fil-A in the area can use it as payment for their new Chick-n-Strips. I think the most bang for your vote can be found in Dallas, TX: your vote will get you the first session of tattoo removal free (and you don't even need the sticker as proof--they'll take your word).
I'm not sure of any CT area promotions like this, but I certainly don't need a free cup of coffee to motivate me to get to the voting booth this Tuesday. Actually, we vote at our kids' elementary school, where the 5th grade sponsors a bake sale each year to help fund their many activities. So my Tuesday sweets and treats will be purchased from there.
And please, don't forget to vote this Tuesday!
When you vote on Tuesday, be sure to grab an "I voted!" sticker. Then head on down to Starbucks, and grab a free cup of coffee. After Starbucks, get yourself over to Krispy Kreme, where your sticker will get you a free star-shaped doughnut. And you don't need the sticker (but it's still a cool accessory) to get a free scoop over at Ben and Jerry's Tuesday night.
There are some regional specials, as well: a bar in Pensacola, FL is accepting "I voted" stickers as payment for a beer. Voters in Tulsa, OK who wear their sticker to a participating Chick-Fil-A in the area can use it as payment for their new Chick-n-Strips. I think the most bang for your vote can be found in Dallas, TX: your vote will get you the first session of tattoo removal free (and you don't even need the sticker as proof--they'll take your word).
I'm not sure of any CT area promotions like this, but I certainly don't need a free cup of coffee to motivate me to get to the voting booth this Tuesday. Actually, we vote at our kids' elementary school, where the 5th grade sponsors a bake sale each year to help fund their many activities. So my Tuesday sweets and treats will be purchased from there.
And please, don't forget to vote this Tuesday!
10.29.2008
Yum, yum
Oh Pottery Barn... Why do you tempt me with such pretty things?
Last week I was window shopping with Marcy, and we came across this set of plates (which she confessed she already owns):
I love the graphic patterns--so pretty. AND the store we were in had them displayed with the prettiest jade plates. The black/white/jade combination was so striking. Yum, yum.
Then, I head on over to their website, and what is waiting for me on the homepage, but these beauties:
Cool baroque pattern, and they're orange? LOVE them.
Then, because I need new plates like I need a hole in the head (aside from the fact that I've just found 2 very different sets of plates that I love), I stumble across these:
It's like a gorgeous plate bonanza over at the PB! The only problem--for me, not them--is that each one of these sets requires me to buy all new place settings. I suppose the black and white would go with my eggplant/lavender scheme I've got going on now... but I bet they'd go even better with something new.
Sigh.
Last week I was window shopping with Marcy, and we came across this set of plates (which she confessed she already owns):
I love the graphic patterns--so pretty. AND the store we were in had them displayed with the prettiest jade plates. The black/white/jade combination was so striking. Yum, yum.
Then, I head on over to their website, and what is waiting for me on the homepage, but these beauties:
Cool baroque pattern, and they're orange? LOVE them.
Then, because I need new plates like I need a hole in the head (aside from the fact that I've just found 2 very different sets of plates that I love), I stumble across these:
It's like a gorgeous plate bonanza over at the PB! The only problem--for me, not them--is that each one of these sets requires me to buy all new place settings. I suppose the black and white would go with my eggplant/lavender scheme I've got going on now... but I bet they'd go even better with something new.
Sigh.
10.27.2008
Excuses, excuses
Ugh. It's been that kind of day. The kind of day, that, no matter what your workload is, you just want to take off and do some serious shoe shopping (and no, that's not everyday for me, thankyouverymuch).
Unfortunately, when you own your own business, you can't just take off (well, you can, however, there's no one else to defer the work to. So sick days, personal days, vacation days, mental health days... they all add up to more time spent catching up. Which, I've found, is not worth the headache). Since I technically have no boss to report to, I don't have to drum up any "mental health day" excuses to use upon calling out. However, today I stumbled across a list of the most ridiculous excuses for missing work (originally from Careerbuilder, via SavvySugar). Now while I have a soft spot in my heart for those who donate blood, I would imagine that donating "too much blood" is probably going to have you missing a lot more than one day of work.
Some other excuses of note:
Employee didn’t want to lose the parking space in front of his house.
Employee hit a turkey while riding a bike (This may have been the above employee, biking tow work due to aforementioned parking issues).
Employee said he had a heart attack early that morning, but that he was “all better now."
Employee contracted mono after kissing a mailroom intern at the company holiday party and suggested the company post some sort of notice to warn others who may have kissed him.
Employee swallowed too much mouthwash.
Employee’s wife burned all his clothes and he had nothing to wear to work (ummm, you SO have bigger problems than calling out of work).
Employee’s toe was injured when a soda can fell out of the refrigerator (I think this is like the episode of the Office when Michael Scott burned his foot on the George Foreman grill. That he keeps--and uses--at the end of his bed. Because he likes to wake up to the smell of fresh cooked bacon. Yeah, this is so Michael Scott).
Employee’s psychic told her to stay home (um, probably because she was going to get fired anyway? Just guessing).
Some more statics for ya:
Sigh. So I guess one day if I ever did give up the glamourous life of a freelancer, I would certainly know what NOT to say when calling out. Although, something tells me that telling the boss that "I can't come in, because the shoe sale at Nordstrom cannot be missed!" might not be much better (unless I was working for Marcy or Becky).
Unfortunately, when you own your own business, you can't just take off (well, you can, however, there's no one else to defer the work to. So sick days, personal days, vacation days, mental health days... they all add up to more time spent catching up. Which, I've found, is not worth the headache). Since I technically have no boss to report to, I don't have to drum up any "mental health day" excuses to use upon calling out. However, today I stumbled across a list of the most ridiculous excuses for missing work (originally from Careerbuilder, via SavvySugar). Now while I have a soft spot in my heart for those who donate blood, I would imagine that donating "too much blood" is probably going to have you missing a lot more than one day of work.
Some other excuses of note:
Employee didn’t want to lose the parking space in front of his house.
Employee hit a turkey while riding a bike (This may have been the above employee, biking tow work due to aforementioned parking issues).
Employee said he had a heart attack early that morning, but that he was “all better now."
Employee contracted mono after kissing a mailroom intern at the company holiday party and suggested the company post some sort of notice to warn others who may have kissed him.
Employee swallowed too much mouthwash.
Employee’s wife burned all his clothes and he had nothing to wear to work (ummm, you SO have bigger problems than calling out of work).
Employee’s toe was injured when a soda can fell out of the refrigerator (I think this is like the episode of the Office when Michael Scott burned his foot on the George Foreman grill. That he keeps--and uses--at the end of his bed. Because he likes to wake up to the smell of fresh cooked bacon. Yeah, this is so Michael Scott).
Employee’s psychic told her to stay home (um, probably because she was going to get fired anyway? Just guessing).
Some more statics for ya:
Nearly one-in-ten workers (9 percent) who played hooky admitted to calling in sick because they wanted to miss a meeting, buy some time to work on a project that was already due or avoid the wrath of a boss or colleague. Others missed work because they just needed to relax and recharge (30 percent), go to a doctor’s appointment (27 percent), catch up on sleep (22 percent), run personal errands (14 percent), catch up on housework (11 percent) or spend time with family and friends (11 percent). Another 34 percent just didn’t feel like going to work that day.
Sigh. So I guess one day if I ever did give up the glamourous life of a freelancer, I would certainly know what NOT to say when calling out. Although, something tells me that telling the boss that "I can't come in, because the shoe sale at Nordstrom cannot be missed!" might not be much better (unless I was working for Marcy or Becky).
10.24.2008
Higher Learning (or what I was doing in Hartford last night)
The AIGA is the professional association for graphic designers; and just recently, a Connecticut chapter was started. As their inaugural event, the CT AIGA hosted Sean Adams, the National AIGA president, as well as partner in AdamsMorioka, in a presentation called "Lessons in Fear."
I attended the presentation last night, and it was great. Sean Adams is a wonderful speaker; engaging, witty... the kind of guy you'd so sit down for a cup of coffee--or, say, 10 cups of coffee--with, and not just for the cool factor. I also got to hang with my fine friends from Elements (Amy's the VP of the CT chapter--Holla!)--you can read Chelsea's description of the event and see pics on their blog here.
Here's a couple of things I walked away with:
--Designers wear a lot of black. A lot (I know, who knew?).
--Even though in the back of my mind, I knew this, but it was still nice to hear: other designers don't have all the ideas--or answers for that matter--either. It's especially nice to hear that someone of Sean Adams stature sometimes gets "stuck."
--Change is not always bad; and while some change is scary, other change is good. And sometimes, that scary change, is really good change in disguise.
--Hartford could really use some street signs. And building signs, while we're at it. Hello? A whole room full of graphic designers, and yet no environmental graphics? Oh, the irony.
All kidding aside, the lecture was really inspiring and refreshing. I'm glad I took the time to go (it was either that, or work. I figured both would help my career... but something like this doesn't happen all that often, and work is always there). I'm looking forward to the next event, on November 19th, when William Drentel (co-founder of DesignObserver!) talks about "My So-Called Public Life."
Over the last 10 years at AdamsMorioka, they've made mistakes. Big design mistakes. Some were a collision of events that hit like a train wreck. Some were self-produced. All of the mistakes were motivated by fear. When is fear appropriate in design? Are we on the Love Boat, or a voyage of the damned? How do we know the difference? Where are the lifeboats?
I attended the presentation last night, and it was great. Sean Adams is a wonderful speaker; engaging, witty... the kind of guy you'd so sit down for a cup of coffee--or, say, 10 cups of coffee--with, and not just for the cool factor. I also got to hang with my fine friends from Elements (Amy's the VP of the CT chapter--Holla!)--you can read Chelsea's description of the event and see pics on their blog here.
Here's a couple of things I walked away with:
--Designers wear a lot of black. A lot (I know, who knew?).
--Even though in the back of my mind, I knew this, but it was still nice to hear: other designers don't have all the ideas--or answers for that matter--either. It's especially nice to hear that someone of Sean Adams stature sometimes gets "stuck."
--Change is not always bad; and while some change is scary, other change is good. And sometimes, that scary change, is really good change in disguise.
--Hartford could really use some street signs. And building signs, while we're at it. Hello? A whole room full of graphic designers, and yet no environmental graphics? Oh, the irony.
All kidding aside, the lecture was really inspiring and refreshing. I'm glad I took the time to go (it was either that, or work. I figured both would help my career... but something like this doesn't happen all that often, and work is always there). I'm looking forward to the next event, on November 19th, when William Drentel (co-founder of DesignObserver!) talks about "My So-Called Public Life."
10.23.2008
I'm "glowing" with excitement!
So, I've been waiting (and waiting, and waiting) to share this with the blogoshpere...
I finally got my hands on some Glow packaging!
A little background: Last winter, a woman called me up looking for a logo/packaging designer, she made these (delicious!) gluten-free cookies, and was planning on marketing them to upscale grocers. A few days later, Jill and I met, and we've been having fun ever since. From her logo, to the website I'm currently working on, I feel like every project we collaborate on, it's more fun than the last.
I have to give some love to my pals Donna and Bill, down at Silver Creative in Norwalk, they actually sourced the awesome chinese takeout-type container, and were a big help in giving me good package design advice and feedback. Bill also wrote the glow-libs.
So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Glow Gluten Free Cookies!
I finally got my hands on some Glow packaging!
A little background: Last winter, a woman called me up looking for a logo/packaging designer, she made these (delicious!) gluten-free cookies, and was planning on marketing them to upscale grocers. A few days later, Jill and I met, and we've been having fun ever since. From her logo, to the website I'm currently working on, I feel like every project we collaborate on, it's more fun than the last.
I have to give some love to my pals Donna and Bill, down at Silver Creative in Norwalk, they actually sourced the awesome chinese takeout-type container, and were a big help in giving me good package design advice and feedback. Bill also wrote the glow-libs.
So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Glow Gluten Free Cookies!
10.20.2008
I love autumn, too!
Over at Elements, they are lovin' autumn. I can't say that I blame them, I love it too--it truly is my favorite time of year (and my birthday being in October has nothing--OK, a little--to do with it!).
Yesterday Madeline and I took advantage of the gorgeous day and went up to the Cascades for a great day of hiking. Apparently half of Southern Connecticut had the same idea, because it was as crowded as I've ever seen it. We had a great time, and Madeline was quite the trooper considering she's 5.
This is how I felt after we came home, too:
The foliage was absolutely gorgeous, the air clean and fresh... I am not a nature girl--by any stretch--but I certainly felt at one with it yesterday!
Yesterday Madeline and I took advantage of the gorgeous day and went up to the Cascades for a great day of hiking. Apparently half of Southern Connecticut had the same idea, because it was as crowded as I've ever seen it. We had a great time, and Madeline was quite the trooper considering she's 5.
This is how I felt after we came home, too:
The foliage was absolutely gorgeous, the air clean and fresh... I am not a nature girl--by any stretch--but I certainly felt at one with it yesterday!
10.18.2008
Twitter is good, too
Twitter, the status-updating website, is most awesome.
It's nice to see what my pals (and my husband!) are up to, or thinking during the day (or cooking, as in the case of one of my friends. From her tweets I have decided that I so want to eat at her house all. the. time. She makes fun things for dinner like pumpkin risotto. I make boring things for dinner like grilled chicken. Again. She also bakes a lot. I learned a lot of this just via her Twitter updates--see how fun?).
I also follow Barack Obama, who is always busy with Change We Need rallies. He's also unveiling tax plans and urging folks to watch the debates. I don't follow John McCain, but judging from his Twitter home page, he does an awful lot of whining.
The most recent person--well, person might exactly not be the right word here... maybe whale. Whale would be a good word in this instance. Anyway, the most recent whale I just started following via Twitter is the Natural History Museum Whale.
Wait, what?
Yes, the whale that hangs from the ceiling of the Natural History Museum twitters. And it's full of fun, insightful wisdom that one can only imagine that a whale hanging from a ceiling could spew:
This is awesome. I am so looking forward to getting whale tweets.
It's nice to see what my pals (and my husband!) are up to, or thinking during the day (or cooking, as in the case of one of my friends. From her tweets I have decided that I so want to eat at her house all. the. time. She makes fun things for dinner like pumpkin risotto. I make boring things for dinner like grilled chicken. Again. She also bakes a lot. I learned a lot of this just via her Twitter updates--see how fun?).
I also follow Barack Obama, who is always busy with Change We Need rallies. He's also unveiling tax plans and urging folks to watch the debates. I don't follow John McCain, but judging from his Twitter home page, he does an awful lot of whining.
The most recent person--well, person might exactly not be the right word here... maybe whale. Whale would be a good word in this instance. Anyway, the most recent whale I just started following via Twitter is the Natural History Museum Whale.
Wait, what?
Yes, the whale that hangs from the ceiling of the Natural History Museum twitters. And it's full of fun, insightful wisdom that one can only imagine that a whale hanging from a ceiling could spew:
I hope none of you find out what it's like to hover over a 5 year old while he spins in circles for 5 minutes then pukes up cotton candy.
Things I have in common with the US economy-- stock traders look scared when they see me too.
Some mornings, I just don't feel like entertaining groups of children-- the yelling, the carrying on, the thrown balls of paper. Ugh
Call me cynical, but I won't be surprised when they completely ignore whales' rights in tonight's VP debate.
I'm a meme! I can totally hang with that. After all, hanging is basically all I do. That and tweeting.
This is awesome. I am so looking forward to getting whale tweets.
10.17.2008
GOOD is good
A couple of weeks ago, I was at the local Starbucks, when I noticed a little pamphlet called GOOD. It caught my eye not only because it was printed on newsprint, but because the headline was regarding carbon emissions. I picked it up, and have been doing so (and looking forward to it) each Thursday as a new issue comes out.
GOOD is produced by the people who run the website and magazine of the same name. Click on the What is Good link at the top, and you'll see the following description:
Cool.
The pamphlet is neat because each week it takes a theme and expands on it, USA Today chart style (except these charts have much more substance to them). There's no hidden message, no secret agenda (This week: It's the Economy, Stupid! A layout of how the economy works, and how it stands today. Hint: it's not so good).
The website has loads of interesting articles; everthing from reader-designed bumper stickers on voting, to the trials and tribulations of getting boys (and men) to read.
Check it out; I hope you'll agree that GOOD is good.
GOOD is produced by the people who run the website and magazine of the same name. Click on the What is Good link at the top, and you'll see the following description:
GOOD is a collaboration of individuals, businesses, and nonprofits pushing the world forward. Since 2006 we've been making a magazine, videos, and events for people who give a damn. This website is an ongoing exploration of what GOOD is and what it can be.
Cool.
The pamphlet is neat because each week it takes a theme and expands on it, USA Today chart style (except these charts have much more substance to them). There's no hidden message, no secret agenda (This week: It's the Economy, Stupid! A layout of how the economy works, and how it stands today. Hint: it's not so good).
The website has loads of interesting articles; everthing from reader-designed bumper stickers on voting, to the trials and tribulations of getting boys (and men) to read.
Check it out; I hope you'll agree that GOOD is good.
10.15.2008
Our evolving relationship with technology
My friend Michelle, a Louisville, KY-based blogger, was recently on a panel on an NPR show discussing, well... our evolving relationship with technology:
I found it interesting, because one of the other panelists said that his grandmother, of all people, had embraced Twitter as a way to stay in touch with her family. Meanwhile my mother can barely transfer music to her ipod without 12 phone calls to me.
One of the best parts was the 70+ year old caller at the end talking about how he just doesn't understand text messaging. "Why can't people just pick up the phone and call?" Hee hee. He should talk to Ashlee and her friends about that.
Listen to the show here.
OK, I'm off to watch the debates, now... actually, I'll be watching from bed, with my laptop on my lap, and watching twitter at the same time. Right next to my husband with his laptop, doing the same (except he usually tweets along with the debate, I just like to see what others are saying). Talk about embracing technology... I once knew a couple who banned laptops from their bed. We haven't gotten to that point yet, thank goodness!
With every new gadget, website, social networking interface, and smart phone, the older things they're replacing fall further from favor. Who keeps up with these tech changes, and who is sticking with the programs they used when they first started computing? Does the difference between Luddites and early adopters fall along age lines, or is it personality? Tune in this Tuesday for a conversation about our evolving relationship with all things digital - and call to tell us how you use technology.
I found it interesting, because one of the other panelists said that his grandmother, of all people, had embraced Twitter as a way to stay in touch with her family. Meanwhile my mother can barely transfer music to her ipod without 12 phone calls to me.
One of the best parts was the 70+ year old caller at the end talking about how he just doesn't understand text messaging. "Why can't people just pick up the phone and call?" Hee hee. He should talk to Ashlee and her friends about that.
Listen to the show here.
OK, I'm off to watch the debates, now... actually, I'll be watching from bed, with my laptop on my lap, and watching twitter at the same time. Right next to my husband with his laptop, doing the same (except he usually tweets along with the debate, I just like to see what others are saying). Talk about embracing technology... I once knew a couple who banned laptops from their bed. We haven't gotten to that point yet, thank goodness!
10.13.2008
Cool stuff
Last week in my travels, I came across these funky little Pantone Nesting dolls (seriously, can we appeal to my inner design geek any more?):
Over the weekend, I had a chance to explore Yar Rassadin's site a little further... and wow. The pendulum bookcase? The honeycomb lamp? Angel/devil salt/pepper shakers? Beautiful, beautiful stuff.
Over the weekend, I had a chance to explore Yar Rassadin's site a little further... and wow. The pendulum bookcase? The honeycomb lamp? Angel/devil salt/pepper shakers? Beautiful, beautiful stuff.
10.10.2008
Mmmmm, tasty...
I confess: I completely got lost in the internet tonight (I *was* planning on working. I started to, then--I'm not quite sure how--I got completely sidetracked. Completely). The bad thing about getting lost in the internet is that it uses up time that is oh-so-precious to me. The good thing? I find cool stuff like this:
These are actually wall decals, courtesy of Tasty Suite. I am completely in love with Big and Curvy Alphabet--that one will definitely be going up in my office (once I get a real one--stay tuned). I'm also loving the faux lamps, I might have to find a spot for some of those, as well.
So I think the lesson that I've learned is that every time I get lost on the internet, I find yet another way to spend money. I tell ya, if there was no such thing as online shopping, I might be a rich woman!
These are actually wall decals, courtesy of Tasty Suite. I am completely in love with Big and Curvy Alphabet--that one will definitely be going up in my office (once I get a real one--stay tuned). I'm also loving the faux lamps, I might have to find a spot for some of those, as well.
So I think the lesson that I've learned is that every time I get lost on the internet, I find yet another way to spend money. I tell ya, if there was no such thing as online shopping, I might be a rich woman!
10.09.2008
Speaking of posters...
My pal Amy from Elements emailed me this morning with a link to her latest blog entry, citing AIGA's Get Out the Vote; an invitation "to create nonpartisan posters—and YouTube submissions—that inspire the American public to participate in the electoral process and vote for a presidential candidate in the 2008 general election."
You can see some of the posters here, but there's a 6-odd minute slideshow of about 50 posters that is amazing. While the designs are diverse, the message is the same: get your butt out there and vote on November 4th!
You can see some of the posters here, but there's a 6-odd minute slideshow of about 50 posters that is amazing. While the designs are diverse, the message is the same: get your butt out there and vote on November 4th!
10.07.2008
Cool type, cool posters
I was doing some research for a cookie website today... and I came across these most awesome posters:
OK, first of all... I know. These have nothing to do with cookies. But listen, the internet is a big place, and sometimes a girl gets sidetracked. Especially when she comes across a creative use of type and maps, such as this.
According to the website, fellow graphic designer Jenny Beorkrem was searching for a poster of Chicago, and came up empty. So she did what any other poster-loving graphic designer would do: she designed her own. Thus, Ork Posters was born.
Brilliant, just brilliant.
OK, first of all... I know. These have nothing to do with cookies. But listen, the internet is a big place, and sometimes a girl gets sidetracked. Especially when she comes across a creative use of type and maps, such as this.
According to the website, fellow graphic designer Jenny Beorkrem was searching for a poster of Chicago, and came up empty. So she did what any other poster-loving graphic designer would do: she designed her own. Thus, Ork Posters was born.
Brilliant, just brilliant.
10.03.2008
I won! I won!
As recently as a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to receive an email from a Nigerian fellow looking to free an extraodinarily large sum of money up; as a result of my help, he was willing to share the wealth and pay me millions of dollars! (I know, I can't believe this scam is still going around either.)
Today, I received an email from the WebEx Corporation, actually rewarding me for being an internet user! Go on, then:
The best part about this whole thing--aside from the fact that the Internet is being referred to as the Information Superhighway (Really? This email hasn't been updated at all since 1995?)--is that it was sent to the email address I never give out.
Oh, and it was signed "Congratulations!!! And thank you for being a user of the World Wide Web." No, I'm really not making this up.
Today, I received an email from the WebEx Corporation, actually rewarding me for being an internet user! Go on, then:
So much money is generated from people like you all over the World for using the Information Superhighway (the Internet) without your being aware the enormous sum that go to the stake holders (WWITC). Without your patronage, this would not have been possible. After we conducted a research on the issue, we concluded that Internet users should be compensated (Ed. note: What kind of research, exactly, did they do to come to this conclusion?). As a result, we embarked on a worldwide lottery promotion with a sophisticated automated database to randomly select E-mail accounts that frequently surf the Internet. Consequent upon this, your E-mail address was picked for Category "A" Winners.
The best part about this whole thing--aside from the fact that the Internet is being referred to as the Information Superhighway (Really? This email hasn't been updated at all since 1995?)--is that it was sent to the email address I never give out.
Oh, and it was signed "Congratulations!!! And thank you for being a user of the World Wide Web." No, I'm really not making this up.
10.01.2008
Current addictions
RULES:
* Post at least five current addictions (with some details, please).
* Mention the person who started this meme (Being Brazen) and also the person who just tagged you - Marcy.
* Type your post with the heading “Current addictions”.
* Tag at least two people and pass on the above rules.
OK, here we go... my current addictions:
1. Shopping. I have to side with Marcy on this one... if there's one thing I'm obsessed with, it's shopping. Having just come off a major spree, it'll probably be a while before I spend again (well, that, and other reasons), but I'm happy just browsing, putting a list together for the next time. I like to shop for just about anything, although, like Marcy, I'm not big on the groceries. I love, love, love shopping for gifts for people, and of course, clothes and shoes--which brings me to my next obsession...
2. Shoes.If you've never met me, never read this blog, never talked to my husband and/or kids and mentioned shoes... than this is new to you. But anyone who's basically ever crossed my path knows that I adore shoes. I don't discriminate (too much), I love a sexy heel just as much as sneakers. I own a ton of shoes, they are stashed all over my house, and it definitely one thing I am definitely proud to be obsessed with (although my kids may think otherwise come time for college).
3. kate spade. I am such a girly girl, aren't I? Shopping, shoes, and now this. I am obsessed with kate because I think her designs are timeless. I have ks purses that are embarrassingly old, that I still happily carry around, and are still very much in style. A 10 year old ks purse, in my opinion, does not show it's age. She completely shrugs off trendy and goes for class, and that is why I'm obsessed.
4. Cape Cod potato chips and veggie dip. I can't. stop. eating this. I always keep some form of veggie dip in the house, as well as at least one bag of CC chips. One day, I was snacking on actual vegetables with my dip, and Mattio came out with the chips and tried it. My life hasn't been the same since, and I don't know whether to thank Mattio for that or not.
5. My new iMac. It's fast, it's big, and I love it. Coming from a 15" PowerBook, it'll take quite a while for the novelty of this new beast to wear off, which is just fine by me.
6. Loathing bananas. I am obsessed with bananas in the most negative way you can be. Hate isn't a strong enough word, that's how I feel about bananas. I can't stand the smell, seeing someone peel a banana makes me gag, and the thought of eating one makes me vomit. I am incredibly passionate in my hatred of this fruit. So maybe I'm a little weird, but I'm obsessed with loathing bananas.
* Post at least five current addictions (with some details, please).
* Mention the person who started this meme (Being Brazen) and also the person who just tagged you - Marcy.
* Type your post with the heading “Current addictions”.
* Tag at least two people and pass on the above rules.
OK, here we go... my current addictions:
1. Shopping. I have to side with Marcy on this one... if there's one thing I'm obsessed with, it's shopping. Having just come off a major spree, it'll probably be a while before I spend again (well, that, and other reasons), but I'm happy just browsing, putting a list together for the next time. I like to shop for just about anything, although, like Marcy, I'm not big on the groceries. I love, love, love shopping for gifts for people, and of course, clothes and shoes--which brings me to my next obsession...
2. Shoes.If you've never met me, never read this blog, never talked to my husband and/or kids and mentioned shoes... than this is new to you. But anyone who's basically ever crossed my path knows that I adore shoes. I don't discriminate (too much), I love a sexy heel just as much as sneakers. I own a ton of shoes, they are stashed all over my house, and it definitely one thing I am definitely proud to be obsessed with (although my kids may think otherwise come time for college).
3. kate spade. I am such a girly girl, aren't I? Shopping, shoes, and now this. I am obsessed with kate because I think her designs are timeless. I have ks purses that are embarrassingly old, that I still happily carry around, and are still very much in style. A 10 year old ks purse, in my opinion, does not show it's age. She completely shrugs off trendy and goes for class, and that is why I'm obsessed.
4. Cape Cod potato chips and veggie dip. I can't. stop. eating this. I always keep some form of veggie dip in the house, as well as at least one bag of CC chips. One day, I was snacking on actual vegetables with my dip, and Mattio came out with the chips and tried it. My life hasn't been the same since, and I don't know whether to thank Mattio for that or not.
5. My new iMac. It's fast, it's big, and I love it. Coming from a 15" PowerBook, it'll take quite a while for the novelty of this new beast to wear off, which is just fine by me.
6. Loathing bananas. I am obsessed with bananas in the most negative way you can be. Hate isn't a strong enough word, that's how I feel about bananas. I can't stand the smell, seeing someone peel a banana makes me gag, and the thought of eating one makes me vomit. I am incredibly passionate in my hatred of this fruit. So maybe I'm a little weird, but I'm obsessed with loathing bananas.
9.30.2008
Yum
I got an email from Coach today (fancy that!), introducing their new Op Art collection:
Hello, beautiful!
I really, really love the black/grey/orange pattern the best. The monochrome patterns aren't really doing it for me as much; but something like this scarf really stands out to me as gorgeous:
Yum, yum, indeed.
Hello, beautiful!
I really, really love the black/grey/orange pattern the best. The monochrome patterns aren't really doing it for me as much; but something like this scarf really stands out to me as gorgeous:
Yum, yum, indeed.
9.26.2008
Thanks again, Marcy!
Ugh, I've been so neglectful, and I'm so sorry! I've got lots of little things going on, a couple of big things, and major wireless issues (I actually had to--gasp!--connect my laptop to the printer/scanner WITH A CABLE. What on earth is up with that??!) that have been keeping me busy. Then I just happened to stop by Marcy's, and saw this--with my name on it, mind you--and thought... what better way to jump right back into blogging? As usual, Marcy to the rescue!
The Aging Meme
all you have to do is fill in the blanks...
At a certain age women should try not to remember that they are women of a certain age!
At a certain age men should stop combing their hair over--you're not fooling anyone, mister!
When I was a kid I thought I would rule the universe.
Now that I am older I wish I hadn't always wished to be older.
You know you are too old to rock out to Fall Out Boy when your teenager makes fun of you (What? Their songs are catchy!)
You know you are too young to have grey hairs when people look at you like you have five heads when you talk about it
When I was in high school I listened to the music of Alternative: the Cure, the Smiths, Depeche Mode, etc...
Nowadays I find I like the music of "Adult" Alternative. What's up with that name? Geez, nothing like making you feel old...
On my last birthday I was 9 months preggers.
On my next birthday I want to have the cocktail I didn't have last year!
The best birthday present I ever got was my husband--we got married a week after my birthday, so I think of it as a belated gift.
The first time I felt grown up was registering Ashlee for preschool.
The last time I felt like a kid was the last time I jumped on the trampoline.
When I read _________ it changed my life. I don't really have an answer to this one... there are many books I like, many more that I love, but I can't ever say that one of them changed my life. If it did, it couldn't have changed it that much, as I don't remember it!
Last year was a great year.
Next year I hope life continues to get better.
The Aging Meme
all you have to do is fill in the blanks...
At a certain age women should try not to remember that they are women of a certain age!
At a certain age men should stop combing their hair over--you're not fooling anyone, mister!
When I was a kid I thought I would rule the universe.
Now that I am older I wish I hadn't always wished to be older.
You know you are too old to rock out to Fall Out Boy when your teenager makes fun of you (What? Their songs are catchy!)
You know you are too young to have grey hairs when people look at you like you have five heads when you talk about it
When I was in high school I listened to the music of Alternative: the Cure, the Smiths, Depeche Mode, etc...
Nowadays I find I like the music of "Adult" Alternative. What's up with that name? Geez, nothing like making you feel old...
On my last birthday I was 9 months preggers.
On my next birthday I want to have the cocktail I didn't have last year!
The best birthday present I ever got was my husband--we got married a week after my birthday, so I think of it as a belated gift.
The first time I felt grown up was registering Ashlee for preschool.
The last time I felt like a kid was the last time I jumped on the trampoline.
When I read _________ it changed my life. I don't really have an answer to this one... there are many books I like, many more that I love, but I can't ever say that one of them changed my life. If it did, it couldn't have changed it that much, as I don't remember it!
Last year was a great year.
Next year I hope life continues to get better.
9.19.2008
Weekly wrap up
So... This is my second post today, and the second from the rather large computer set up that has taken over our bedroom (I love it. I know, I know, all this computer talk gets old... but humor me. I went from a 15" screen to a 24 in a matter of hours!).
Not much went on this week, to tell you the truth. I have a couple of small things going on:
--The Orthopedic logo sketches I'm working on for the Hospital for Special Surgery got approved. Yay! This means I can move onto implementing them in Illustrator. Once we get close to a finalized design, my logo is going to make it's debut in Zurich (yes, Switzerland!), at some big Orthopedic meeting. Exciting!
--Met with One Kid to discuss future catalog needs. Stay tuned on that...
--worked on some web updates for Tim Coffey
--worked on some new artist updates for art + interiors
--worked on some new scans for Marcy
--oh yeah, I got a bitchin' new computer!
This weekend I am beyond excited: Saturday is field trip day! Marcy, Becky and I have been planning a trip to outlets in NY for about a month now. We have a game plan, and are going to shop until we drop. Sunday is the last game EVER at Yankee Stadium. Mattio is actually lucky enough to be going (I'm trying to convince him to bring my camera--I know it's big and bulky, but for the love! Last game ever! Walking from Monument Park out to home plate! This is huge!!); I will be watching from home.
Hope you enjoy your weekend!
Not much went on this week, to tell you the truth. I have a couple of small things going on:
--The Orthopedic logo sketches I'm working on for the Hospital for Special Surgery got approved. Yay! This means I can move onto implementing them in Illustrator. Once we get close to a finalized design, my logo is going to make it's debut in Zurich (yes, Switzerland!), at some big Orthopedic meeting. Exciting!
--Met with One Kid to discuss future catalog needs. Stay tuned on that...
--worked on some web updates for Tim Coffey
--worked on some new artist updates for art + interiors
--worked on some new scans for Marcy
--oh yeah, I got a bitchin' new computer!
This weekend I am beyond excited: Saturday is field trip day! Marcy, Becky and I have been planning a trip to outlets in NY for about a month now. We have a game plan, and are going to shop until we drop. Sunday is the last game EVER at Yankee Stadium. Mattio is actually lucky enough to be going (I'm trying to convince him to bring my camera--I know it's big and bulky, but for the love! Last game ever! Walking from Monument Park out to home plate! This is huge!!); I will be watching from home.
Hope you enjoy your weekend!
Hello, handsome
This is what my desk is looking like these days... Pretty hot, no?
(I think Dwight is going to get an inferiority complex. It really does dwarf him.)
9.16.2008
Before
So I cleaned off my desk this weekend (it was pretty scary... a little like Al Gore's, but much less organization. Or space to put things, for that matter. Or the sweet 3 monitor set up. OK, my desk was just a mess). In doing so, I came across a folder I had created for inspiration. Of course, the folder was buried under so much other stuff, that the last time I was inspired was about 6 months ago.
Getting into artist mode, I realized that I need to be inspired more, find more creativity and beauty everyday. Surely I can't find one thing every day to be inspired by?
So I did it. I challenged myself to find one thing every day that inspires me. And then yesterday I went out and bought this notebook to put together my diary of inspiration:
So I will keep you posted on how it's filling up. I'm sure the "After" picture will be quite different.
Getting into artist mode, I realized that I need to be inspired more, find more creativity and beauty everyday. Surely I can't find one thing every day to be inspired by?
So I did it. I challenged myself to find one thing every day that inspires me. And then yesterday I went out and bought this notebook to put together my diary of inspiration:
So I will keep you posted on how it's filling up. I'm sure the "After" picture will be quite different.
9.15.2008
Pretty type
Yummmm... I saw this ad in yesterday's Sunday Styles. I love the swirlies in the type--so pretty.
9.13.2008
An oldie but goodie
This might be so 5 years ago, but...
The other day I was researching something (I don't even remember what it was! It had to be type-related, though), and came across John Langdon's website. His ambigram work never ceases to amaze me; check out the gallery here. I can't imagine just how long it takes him to craft each letter. For those who aren't in the know, ambigrams are words written so they can be read forwards, and turned upside down to be read backwards the exact same way.
John's work also enjoyed some time in the spotlight many years ago, when the DaVinci Code was the hot book to read. He had worked on some ambigrams for one of Dan Brown's previous books, Angels and Demons. I remember finding his website back then, and being utterly amazed. As I said above, I still think his handiwork is incredible--so cool, in fact, I think it warrants a little more time in the spotlight.
The other day I was researching something (I don't even remember what it was! It had to be type-related, though), and came across John Langdon's website. His ambigram work never ceases to amaze me; check out the gallery here. I can't imagine just how long it takes him to craft each letter. For those who aren't in the know, ambigrams are words written so they can be read forwards, and turned upside down to be read backwards the exact same way.
John's work also enjoyed some time in the spotlight many years ago, when the DaVinci Code was the hot book to read. He had worked on some ambigrams for one of Dan Brown's previous books, Angels and Demons. I remember finding his website back then, and being utterly amazed. As I said above, I still think his handiwork is incredible--so cool, in fact, I think it warrants a little more time in the spotlight.
9.09.2008
In celebration of Fashion Week...
Walking along Mulberry Street on Saturday, I came across the Malia Mills store. Two things came to mind: remember how ground-breaking Malia Mills was when she first came out? For those that don't know, in the early 90's, Malia Mills pioneered selling bikini pieces separately (a small top doesn't always mean a small bottom). The second thing I thought, was Oh my gosh, I totally love her logo!
That M is so decorative, so pretty, so fun!
This, of course, led me to think of just how much I love the Tory Burch logo as well:
It is honestly, one of my favorite logos out there. It's so graphic, and so striking; and the designer brilliantly made patterns out of it to use for bags, wallpaper, etc. And, thanks to the success of the Riva ballet flat, with the double T medallion on the toes, it's instantly recognizable.
I tried to find other graphic fashion logos, but I couldn't. I resisted putting up classic fashions symbols such as Louis Vuitton, and the Chanel double C's; only because, while I think those logos are certainly iconic (and widely recognized), I feel that the above logos are very distinct in their design.
So... anyone out there want to share? What's your favorite fashion icon (in logo terms, not Marc Jacobs)?
That M is so decorative, so pretty, so fun!
This, of course, led me to think of just how much I love the Tory Burch logo as well:
It is honestly, one of my favorite logos out there. It's so graphic, and so striking; and the designer brilliantly made patterns out of it to use for bags, wallpaper, etc. And, thanks to the success of the Riva ballet flat, with the double T medallion on the toes, it's instantly recognizable.
I tried to find other graphic fashion logos, but I couldn't. I resisted putting up classic fashions symbols such as Louis Vuitton, and the Chanel double C's; only because, while I think those logos are certainly iconic (and widely recognized), I feel that the above logos are very distinct in their design.
So... anyone out there want to share? What's your favorite fashion icon (in logo terms, not Marc Jacobs)?
9.05.2008
Can I get a Woot! Woot!
Just the other day, I thought to myself, hmmmm... it's early September, the American Graphic Design Awards should be coming out soon...
Well, cut to today, and the bulky white envelope in my mailbox...
(drumroll, please!)
I am very happy to announce that I was the recipient of 4 awards! I don't believe I've shared these on the blog yet (and actually, I wanted to save the Glow logo until the packaging printed--because I'm so WAY excited about it!--but I'm even more excited about winning the awards). Ladies and gentlemen, I present:
art + interiors, monthly favorites:
This is the monthly "e-newsletter" (for lack of better term) from my pal Cyndy. Each month, she sends out an email featuring a couple of her artists, and a quote. It's so simple, yet so graphically powerful. I enjoy sitting down with Cyndy each month as we select artwork (and a quote) for Favorites (and, of course, dish the dirt!).
Glow Gluten Free, logo:
My pal Jill was so much fun to work with. She has such a passion for her product (delicious gluten-free cookies--you'd think that was an oxymoron or something, but so not the case with her cookies). I'm even more excited to feature the packaging, once it prints!
Lush Floral Designs, website:
Zoe's flower arrangements are so breathtaking, it wasn't hard to design her site at all! You can see the site in it's entirety, here.
The Portrait House, pro bono website:
K, so Justin and Mary keep giving me these awesome projects, and I keep winning awards for them. Seriously, this is the third site of theirs that's won (so what's on tap for this year, guys? :) All kidding aside, I was so happy to help out and design the site for this charity they've started, benefitting Habitat for Humanity. Check out the site here, or the blog here.
And as Mary and Justin would say, PHantastic!
Well, cut to today, and the bulky white envelope in my mailbox...
(drumroll, please!)
I am very happy to announce that I was the recipient of 4 awards! I don't believe I've shared these on the blog yet (and actually, I wanted to save the Glow logo until the packaging printed--because I'm so WAY excited about it!--but I'm even more excited about winning the awards). Ladies and gentlemen, I present:
art + interiors, monthly favorites:
This is the monthly "e-newsletter" (for lack of better term) from my pal Cyndy. Each month, she sends out an email featuring a couple of her artists, and a quote. It's so simple, yet so graphically powerful. I enjoy sitting down with Cyndy each month as we select artwork (and a quote) for Favorites (and, of course, dish the dirt!).
Glow Gluten Free, logo:
My pal Jill was so much fun to work with. She has such a passion for her product (delicious gluten-free cookies--you'd think that was an oxymoron or something, but so not the case with her cookies). I'm even more excited to feature the packaging, once it prints!
Lush Floral Designs, website:
Zoe's flower arrangements are so breathtaking, it wasn't hard to design her site at all! You can see the site in it's entirety, here.
The Portrait House, pro bono website:
K, so Justin and Mary keep giving me these awesome projects, and I keep winning awards for them. Seriously, this is the third site of theirs that's won (so what's on tap for this year, guys? :) All kidding aside, I was so happy to help out and design the site for this charity they've started, benefitting Habitat for Humanity. Check out the site here, or the blog here.
And as Mary and Justin would say, PHantastic!
9.04.2008
Stop! And shop...
When I was a child, the Stop and Shop logo made so. much. sense to me. You stopped, and you shopped. Red light, green light. The 5 year old me thought it was brilliant--just brilliant!--to use a stop light to convey stopping and shopping (Thank God I've moved on).
Well, Stop and Shop has recently rebranded itself (with a logo designed by Interbrand), and I can't decide if I like it or not.
The designer me hates the type--the ampersand and S in shop need to stop flirting and just hook up already. The icon itself has grown on me; at first I was not a fan (looks a lot like TBS, and I'm not an incredible fan of their logo either), but seeing it animated in their new commercials, I'm starting to like it. I really like that it can be interpreted as many different things: food, fruit, a basket...
However, the logo needs to look good and be appealing as a static entity, as well as animated. Had I not seen the animation, I'm not sure I would feel the same way about it.
Brand New has a good post, as well as some interesting comments on it here. You can also see some screenshots of the animation, and see how--in my opinion anyway--it makes the icon more appealing.
Well, Stop and Shop has recently rebranded itself (with a logo designed by Interbrand), and I can't decide if I like it or not.
The designer me hates the type--the ampersand and S in shop need to stop flirting and just hook up already. The icon itself has grown on me; at first I was not a fan (looks a lot like TBS, and I'm not an incredible fan of their logo either), but seeing it animated in their new commercials, I'm starting to like it. I really like that it can be interpreted as many different things: food, fruit, a basket...
However, the logo needs to look good and be appealing as a static entity, as well as animated. Had I not seen the animation, I'm not sure I would feel the same way about it.
Brand New has a good post, as well as some interesting comments on it here. You can also see some screenshots of the animation, and see how--in my opinion anyway--it makes the icon more appealing.
9.03.2008
Introducing...
Christy Murray's new logo!
Christy is a wedding/baby/family/life photographer (whew! She wears a lot of hats!), and found me through the Portrait House website. Just about her only request for her new logo was that she liked the thought of adding something natural to it; she included the Papyrus logo as an example.
Some butterflies, birds, flowers and dragonflies later, she decided she was leaning towards the lotus. But then she had an "AHA!" moment when she went to look for the meaning behind the lotus:
...which, as she explained, was exactly what she was looking for when photographing her subjects.
Christy is an absolute doll to work with, and her photography is amazing (check out her blog here for some examples of her work)! She was very easygoing throughout her logo design process, and I can't wait to collaborate on more projects with her!
Christy is a wedding/baby/family/life photographer (whew! She wears a lot of hats!), and found me through the Portrait House website. Just about her only request for her new logo was that she liked the thought of adding something natural to it; she included the Papyrus logo as an example.
Some butterflies, birds, flowers and dragonflies later, she decided she was leaning towards the lotus. But then she had an "AHA!" moment when she went to look for the meaning behind the lotus:
"...lotus is symbolic of the true soul of an individual."
...which, as she explained, was exactly what she was looking for when photographing her subjects.
Christy is an absolute doll to work with, and her photography is amazing (check out her blog here for some examples of her work)! She was very easygoing throughout her logo design process, and I can't wait to collaborate on more projects with her!
8.30.2008
Weekly wrap up
Wow--I can't believe it's Labor Day weekend already. Wasn't it just June? This summer really flew by (for me, anyway), part because of how busy I was, and part was due to lack of vacation (major home renovations put the kebosh on that; and added to my stress--causing me to, you guessed it, need a vacation even more).
Anyway, this week I kind of laid low... not much going on, but I have lots of exciting stuff on the horizon:
--This week I received proof approval on the One Kid catalog. This is usually very, very stressful as the color has to be 100% dead-on, and usually takes several rounds of back and forth to achieve color perfection. Oh, and they usually need the catalog yesterday. This time we only had one back and forth, and the folks over at One Kid are very happy with where we're at. Now, on to printing!
--Worked on One Kid hangtags and advertisements.
--Got some new work from Marcy.
--Received design approval from Kate over at Greenwich Dance Studio. I am so excited about this site; it's not quite a departure from my normal "look", but it's definitely a little different for me.
--Put up a temp site for HB Home; it's not much, but it's keeping in tune with the site design I'm working on. Check it out here: hbhomedesign.com
--Met with my pal Tim Coffey, regarding some website changes and direct mail work.
--Finalized some business card designs for a pal who's opening up her own shop (I can't get into specifics now, but I will brag on and on about her once said shop opens). We were actually supposed to meet this week to go over the designs; however the printer at Kinkos had other ideas; we're meeting next week, instead.
--Sent my middle child, Madeline, to kindergarten. This was probably the hardest thing I did all week (although, she thought it was pretty simple. When it was time to go into the classroom--without me--for the first time, she just grabbed her friend's hand, and walked in). While it breaks my heart just a little to see my baby grow up like that, it is nice having the kids back in school. The house--during the day, at least--is much, much quieter.
This weekend we don't have a lot going on: we laid low today, picnic tomorrow, and no real plans Monday. I'm hoping to get ahead on some projects, so next week I'm not completely overwhelmed.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Anyway, this week I kind of laid low... not much going on, but I have lots of exciting stuff on the horizon:
--This week I received proof approval on the One Kid catalog. This is usually very, very stressful as the color has to be 100% dead-on, and usually takes several rounds of back and forth to achieve color perfection. Oh, and they usually need the catalog yesterday. This time we only had one back and forth, and the folks over at One Kid are very happy with where we're at. Now, on to printing!
--Worked on One Kid hangtags and advertisements.
--Got some new work from Marcy.
--Received design approval from Kate over at Greenwich Dance Studio. I am so excited about this site; it's not quite a departure from my normal "look", but it's definitely a little different for me.
--Put up a temp site for HB Home; it's not much, but it's keeping in tune with the site design I'm working on. Check it out here: hbhomedesign.com
--Met with my pal Tim Coffey, regarding some website changes and direct mail work.
--Finalized some business card designs for a pal who's opening up her own shop (I can't get into specifics now, but I will brag on and on about her once said shop opens). We were actually supposed to meet this week to go over the designs; however the printer at Kinkos had other ideas; we're meeting next week, instead.
--Sent my middle child, Madeline, to kindergarten. This was probably the hardest thing I did all week (although, she thought it was pretty simple. When it was time to go into the classroom--without me--for the first time, she just grabbed her friend's hand, and walked in). While it breaks my heart just a little to see my baby grow up like that, it is nice having the kids back in school. The house--during the day, at least--is much, much quieter.
This weekend we don't have a lot going on: we laid low today, picnic tomorrow, and no real plans Monday. I'm hoping to get ahead on some projects, so next week I'm not completely overwhelmed.
Enjoy the long weekend!
8.29.2008
Eleanor's conquest
Our baby, Eleanor, is 10 months old. As mobile 10 month old babies are wont to do, she gets into EVERYTHING. Her latest thing is trying to get into the refrigerator to grab at the wine housed in a Pellegrino bottle on the bottom shelf of the door. Mind you, there's also a jar of mayonnaise, as well as a tub of maple syrup on that shelf.
But she just heads for the wine. Every time.
Each time she hears the fridge door open, she tears into the kitchen to try and worm her way in before we shut the door. The other day, I just left the door open and caught her on camera:
Man, this stuff is heavy!
If I could just bring it to my lips...
Wait--what's that clicking sound? Oh snap! I got caught!
Let me act all innocent and cute--this works every time!
But she just heads for the wine. Every time.
Each time she hears the fridge door open, she tears into the kitchen to try and worm her way in before we shut the door. The other day, I just left the door open and caught her on camera:
The wine! She left the door open, and now it's mine! I can't believe my luck!
I'll just grab it and go...
I'll just grab it and go...
Hmmm, maybe it'll work better if I stand up and take it.
Man, this stuff is heavy!
If I could just bring it to my lips...
Wait--what's that clicking sound? Oh snap! I got caught!
Let me act all innocent and cute--this works every time!
8.28.2008
Tracie and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
I woke up this morning to the garbage men and their truck was loud and they made a ton of noise and then I went back to sleep and kind of overslept just enough to have to rush around getting myself and the kids ready for the first day of school and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
At breakfast Madeline got to have a bowl of Cheerios and Ashlee had a bowl of shredded wheat and Eleanor had half a waffle and Mattio got to eat to but I didn't get to have breakfast this morning because of the aforementioned rushing around.
I think I'll go shoe shopping.
The kids got off to school and Eleanor got off to the babysitters and Mattio got off to work and I went to Kinkos to print some stuff out all nice, but the printer there decided not to cooperate and wouldn't print my files.
I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
At home we needed a new color printer cartridge.
Fed Ex didn't come this morning with the package I was expecting.
At lunch Roly Poly put cucumbers in my wrap.
I hate cucumbers.
It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
That's what it was, because at Kinkos in Westport my file didn't print either and I made a PDF and that's when I found out that it wasn't the printer, it was the file that I had worked so hard on building and now I was going to have to spend a lot of time rebuilding it in another (printer-friendly) program.
I am having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, I told Mattio. He said some days are like that.
Even in shoe stores.
At breakfast Madeline got to have a bowl of Cheerios and Ashlee had a bowl of shredded wheat and Eleanor had half a waffle and Mattio got to eat to but I didn't get to have breakfast this morning because of the aforementioned rushing around.
I think I'll go shoe shopping.
The kids got off to school and Eleanor got off to the babysitters and Mattio got off to work and I went to Kinkos to print some stuff out all nice, but the printer there decided not to cooperate and wouldn't print my files.
I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
At home we needed a new color printer cartridge.
Fed Ex didn't come this morning with the package I was expecting.
At lunch Roly Poly put cucumbers in my wrap.
I hate cucumbers.
It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
That's what it was, because at Kinkos in Westport my file didn't print either and I made a PDF and that's when I found out that it wasn't the printer, it was the file that I had worked so hard on building and now I was going to have to spend a lot of time rebuilding it in another (printer-friendly) program.
I am having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, I told Mattio. He said some days are like that.
Even in shoe stores.
8.25.2008
Hello, coffee table
In the world's quest to make me poor, fate has gone and opened a Crate and Barrel down the road in Westport. The store actually opened just last week, so we got all kinds of happy inserts/mail/catalogs/etc. saying, "Happy happy joy! Crate and Barrel in Westport! Come visit us! We loooooooooooove you, Ms. Tracie Valentino!"
(I know, who can resist a little CB love?)
I confess: I haven't been yet (Look at me and my willpower!), however, I have a feeling that once I do go to the store, should they have this table in stock, I might just be less $900 or so. You win again, fate.
Oh, what's that? It looks like an ordinary coffee table? Oh, I might have forgotten to mention that it's not just a coffee table, it's the Alpha Coffee Table, "inspired by a Paris flea market find, then designed exclusively for us by a London graphic designer with a penchant for, and a large personal collection of, antique printers' blocks."
God, I love stuff like this (truth be told, I'd love it that much more had I found it somewhere like a Paris flea market. Shhhh, don't tell Crate and Barrel). I love all things to do with printing, the more old-school the better. So a table inspired by antique printers' blocks flies high on my radar.
(Although I think I could do without that hideous rug beneath it.)
(I know, who can resist a little CB love?)
I confess: I haven't been yet (Look at me and my willpower!), however, I have a feeling that once I do go to the store, should they have this table in stock, I might just be less $900 or so. You win again, fate.
Oh, what's that? It looks like an ordinary coffee table? Oh, I might have forgotten to mention that it's not just a coffee table, it's the Alpha Coffee Table, "inspired by a Paris flea market find, then designed exclusively for us by a London graphic designer with a penchant for, and a large personal collection of, antique printers' blocks."
God, I love stuff like this (truth be told, I'd love it that much more had I found it somewhere like a Paris flea market. Shhhh, don't tell Crate and Barrel). I love all things to do with printing, the more old-school the better. So a table inspired by antique printers' blocks flies high on my radar.
(Although I think I could do without that hideous rug beneath it.)
8.23.2008
Silly Saturday
From Mattio, via Twitter:
3 fonts walk into a bar. The bartender says, "Get out! We don't serve your type in here."
Altogether now: aaaaahhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhaaaaaaa hhhhhhhaaaaa hhhhhhhaaaaaaa!
3 fonts walk into a bar. The bartender says, "Get out! We don't serve your type in here."
Altogether now: aaaaahhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhaaaaaaa hhhhhhhaaaaa hhhhhhhaaaaaaa!
8.22.2008
Weekly wrap up
Ahhhh... this week was such a break from the madness that was the past few weeks. What's been going on? Let's get to it:
--finished up and sent the One Kid catalog to the printer (this took up a big chunk of my week). Next week I'll be stressing over colors and proofs, as well as working on ads and new hangtags.
--Christy Murray finalized her logo (unveiling next week...)
--Hospital for Special Surgery: worked on some more logo sketches.
On a personal note, back to school fever in my house has reached an all-time high, as this is the first September I am sending two kids to school. We were very busy making school supply purchases, as well as getting new clothes and shoes (Madeline, who's apple did not fall far from her mother's tree, is already after me to wear her new shoes. In her words, she "just. can't. wait.").
This weekend, after having to work the past 5 or 6, I plan on relaxing. We have a birthday party to go to tomorrow, but other than that, not much is on the agenda. Hope you all enjoy your weekend!
--finished up and sent the One Kid catalog to the printer (this took up a big chunk of my week). Next week I'll be stressing over colors and proofs, as well as working on ads and new hangtags.
--Christy Murray finalized her logo (unveiling next week...)
--Hospital for Special Surgery: worked on some more logo sketches.
On a personal note, back to school fever in my house has reached an all-time high, as this is the first September I am sending two kids to school. We were very busy making school supply purchases, as well as getting new clothes and shoes (Madeline, who's apple did not fall far from her mother's tree, is already after me to wear her new shoes. In her words, she "just. can't. wait.").
This weekend, after having to work the past 5 or 6, I plan on relaxing. We have a birthday party to go to tomorrow, but other than that, not much is on the agenda. Hope you all enjoy your weekend!
Wait, huh?
So remember how I said I was going to be blogging more? Well, this week the blog gods have been generously giving and giving; I've had each post just about gift-wrapped for me.
Case in point, this ad:
Now, one might notice this ad and think, "clever, clever... this agency was being ironic with the whole, Jessica Simpson, be smart thing." Right? I mean, surely, that was their angle... wasn't it?
But then read the copy at the bottom:
Who wrote this??! Clearly this was written circa 1978, because... who writes stuff like this? "I work out and take care of myself. But I also like a cold beer once in a while." That is straight out of, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV."
There was much hype surround Jessica Simpson's decision to be the "face" of Stampede Beer--and quite frankly, in my opinion, anyway--the ad agency could have had a lot of fun with it. Sure Stampede is getting a ton of press no matter what... but this ad could have been executed in at least 10 better ways.
Case in point, this ad:
Now, one might notice this ad and think, "clever, clever... this agency was being ironic with the whole, Jessica Simpson, be smart thing." Right? I mean, surely, that was their angle... wasn't it?
But then read the copy at the bottom:
"I work out and take care of myself. But I also like a cold beer once in a while. That's why I made the smart choice with a smart beer. Stampede Light, it's beer plus."
Who wrote this??! Clearly this was written circa 1978, because... who writes stuff like this? "I work out and take care of myself. But I also like a cold beer once in a while." That is straight out of, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV."
There was much hype surround Jessica Simpson's decision to be the "face" of Stampede Beer--and quite frankly, in my opinion, anyway--the ad agency could have had a lot of fun with it. Sure Stampede is getting a ton of press no matter what... but this ad could have been executed in at least 10 better ways.
8.21.2008
Do YOU suck at Photoshop?
My pal Tia emailed me this link, which is, by far and away, the funniest Photoshop tutorial I have ever watched.
The language is very NSFW, but by God, it is so damn funny that you almost just don't care. If you have about 20 minutes to spare, definitely watch 1-4. 5 is funny, but the first 4 are definitely the funniest.
And, by the way, you totally suck at Photoshop.
The language is very NSFW, but by God, it is so damn funny that you almost just don't care. If you have about 20 minutes to spare, definitely watch 1-4. 5 is funny, but the first 4 are definitely the funniest.
And, by the way, you totally suck at Photoshop.
8.20.2008
Happy Anniversary, 64 box!
When I was a child, there was nothing that could beat the smell of a new box of crayons. Perhaps it's the arteeest in me, but I loved just about anything Crayola (keep in mind, my childhood was during the late 70s, early 80s; back then, Crayola made crayons--maybe markers--and that's it). I loved my crayons--the way the wax would glide along the paper, the names of the colors (periwinkle! maize! burnt sienna!)--and I could spend entire afternoons arranging and rearranging the colors in the box (good God, it's a good thing I went into the arts!).
So this year marks the 50th anniversary of the 64-crayon box (with the built-in sharpener!). As part of the celebration, head on over to Crayola's website, to play the color quizzer game; essentially guess the name of the color x 64 (Which, by the by, I totally nailed--almost).
Hint, to totally rock at this game, you'd best check out the 2008 Kid's Choice colors first--I didn't, and therefore was completely unaware that someone would think up the name "awesome" as a color.
Wait, scratch that. It was probably my kid.
So this year marks the 50th anniversary of the 64-crayon box (with the built-in sharpener!). As part of the celebration, head on over to Crayola's website, to play the color quizzer game; essentially guess the name of the color x 64 (Which, by the by, I totally nailed--almost).
Hint, to totally rock at this game, you'd best check out the 2008 Kid's Choice colors first--I didn't, and therefore was completely unaware that someone would think up the name "awesome" as a color.
Wait, scratch that. It was probably my kid.
8.18.2008
Weekly wrap up
Well my goodness, I've been a little neglectful, haven't I? No weekly wrap up last week, a whole week in between posts... You'd think I was somebody important... somebody who has stuff going on!
Needless to say, it's been a tad busy here at HQ. But it's all good; I've got lots of fun stuff going on. Let's get to it:
--One Kid. What aren't I doing for them? (Just kidding guys! :) Catalog, hang tags, advertisements, posters... You name it, they need it and I design it. Catalog is going to the printer's tomorrow--yipee!
--Christy Murray. Met with her and her hubby last week to go over some logo colors. It was an awesome meeting (I pretty much floated back down to Fairfield). Just waiting to hear on the final colors she chose.
--HB Home. Working on website development.
--Saturnia. Waiting for OK on store signage.
--Greenwich Dance Studio. Had a great phone meeting last week with Kate, she's loving the site thus far and just had a couple of minor changes, so I worked on those and I'll get them to her this afternoon, if all goes well.
--Hospital for Special Surgery. I finished the Activity Guide I was working on, and started sketches for a new orthopedic logo.
Personally, I had an incredibly busy weekend: Friday night I took Ashlee and her friend Molly (see girls, I'm blogging about you!) to see Sara Bareilles, Counting Crows, and Maroon 5 up in Hartford. It was a fun show, the girls had a great time, right up until the end when I lost my phone. Ugh, what a nightmare that was. But my faith in humanity was restored first thing Saturday morning, when Tom from West Hartford called to say that he had my phone, and was even so nice as to charge it for me! Yay!
Saturday I spent the day driving around CT to get my phone. But Saturday night, I went out for drinks with my friend Steph, who found me on Facebook, and Sara, and we. Had. A. Blast. We all used to work together many moons ago, and it was so much fun remembering all of the fun, strange people we worked with/were friends with back then.
By Sunday, I was spent. But I went on, working most the day. This week I plan on finishing up some more projects, and blogging more often, I promise! Have a great week!
Needless to say, it's been a tad busy here at HQ. But it's all good; I've got lots of fun stuff going on. Let's get to it:
--One Kid. What aren't I doing for them? (Just kidding guys! :) Catalog, hang tags, advertisements, posters... You name it, they need it and I design it. Catalog is going to the printer's tomorrow--yipee!
--Christy Murray. Met with her and her hubby last week to go over some logo colors. It was an awesome meeting (I pretty much floated back down to Fairfield). Just waiting to hear on the final colors she chose.
--HB Home. Working on website development.
--Saturnia. Waiting for OK on store signage.
--Greenwich Dance Studio. Had a great phone meeting last week with Kate, she's loving the site thus far and just had a couple of minor changes, so I worked on those and I'll get them to her this afternoon, if all goes well.
--Hospital for Special Surgery. I finished the Activity Guide I was working on, and started sketches for a new orthopedic logo.
Personally, I had an incredibly busy weekend: Friday night I took Ashlee and her friend Molly (see girls, I'm blogging about you!) to see Sara Bareilles, Counting Crows, and Maroon 5 up in Hartford. It was a fun show, the girls had a great time, right up until the end when I lost my phone. Ugh, what a nightmare that was. But my faith in humanity was restored first thing Saturday morning, when Tom from West Hartford called to say that he had my phone, and was even so nice as to charge it for me! Yay!
Saturday I spent the day driving around CT to get my phone. But Saturday night, I went out for drinks with my friend Steph, who found me on Facebook, and Sara, and we. Had. A. Blast. We all used to work together many moons ago, and it was so much fun remembering all of the fun, strange people we worked with/were friends with back then.
By Sunday, I was spent. But I went on, working most the day. This week I plan on finishing up some more projects, and blogging more often, I promise! Have a great week!
Wood is Good
Perhaps it's designers embracing their inner environmentalist, but it seems to me that wood is everywhere these days.
Saturday, I was getting my hair cut, and I noticed that the Aveda men's line uses wood grain as a design element on their packaging.
At first I thought it looked a little familiar, and that I had seen it on a Method product at Target. Turns out I had, but it was for wood floor cleaner. OK, that doesn't count.
But then yesterday, I'm doing my usual Sunday afternoon work-at-Starbucks, when I have to go online to check something. As I'm at Starbucks, I'm immediately redirected to the Starbucks/T-Mobile homepage, which has uses wood grain as a background (I believe the Starbucks homepage had a wood grain background as well, but as of today it's changed).
Later on, doing some research for a business card project, I come across a card that uses wood grain as the entire back of the card. Even more research later, I found CD labels and plates. Cool!
Sidebar: Ummmm, how cool is that Delight website?
Saturday, I was getting my hair cut, and I noticed that the Aveda men's line uses wood grain as a design element on their packaging.
At first I thought it looked a little familiar, and that I had seen it on a Method product at Target. Turns out I had, but it was for wood floor cleaner. OK, that doesn't count.
But then yesterday, I'm doing my usual Sunday afternoon work-at-Starbucks, when I have to go online to check something. As I'm at Starbucks, I'm immediately redirected to the Starbucks/T-Mobile homepage, which has uses wood grain as a background (I believe the Starbucks homepage had a wood grain background as well, but as of today it's changed).
Later on, doing some research for a business card project, I come across a card that uses wood grain as the entire back of the card. Even more research later, I found CD labels and plates. Cool!
Sidebar: Ummmm, how cool is that Delight website?
8.11.2008
Whatever!
This morning, while Eleanor was finishing up breakfast, I took a look at the business section of the Times (yeah, that's right, I'm not 100% shoes and fluff--OK, I mostly am. Read on...). The front page below the fold story that caught my eye is the one titled, Show Skewers Martha Stewart, With Her Blessing.
OK, my interest is piqued.
It's seems there's going to be a whole show built around Martha's daughter Alexis, and her Sirius show partner Jennifer Koppelman Hutt, viewing 1990s-era Martha Stewart Living clips, and providing a running commentary, a la Mystery Science Theater 3000 (sidebar: I LOVE MST3K!!! When it was done right, it was, by far and away, the funniest show on television). The show will be called Whatever, Martha!, and will be on the Fine Living Channel (this is a nice piece of press for that channel, as well--I've never even heard of it).
I am kind of excited for this.
I like Alexis Stewart's Sirius show--unfortunately I don't listen to it much as it's not exactly PG; and when it's on, the passengers in my car usually are.
But I really like the fact that this show was Martha's idea (actually inspired by MST3K), and it really sounds like it could be funny. From the Times:
'Nuff said.
OK, my interest is piqued.
It's seems there's going to be a whole show built around Martha's daughter Alexis, and her Sirius show partner Jennifer Koppelman Hutt, viewing 1990s-era Martha Stewart Living clips, and providing a running commentary, a la Mystery Science Theater 3000 (sidebar: I LOVE MST3K!!! When it was done right, it was, by far and away, the funniest show on television). The show will be called Whatever, Martha!, and will be on the Fine Living Channel (this is a nice piece of press for that channel, as well--I've never even heard of it).
I am kind of excited for this.
I like Alexis Stewart's Sirius show--unfortunately I don't listen to it much as it's not exactly PG; and when it's on, the passengers in my car usually are.
But I really like the fact that this show was Martha's idea (actually inspired by MST3K), and it really sounds like it could be funny. From the Times:
"Along with their running commentaries, the two women occasionally try to complete tasks that Martha Stewart demonstrates in the old episodes. Predictably, Alexis Stewart has little trouble keeping up, while Ms. Koppelman Hutt, whose skills do not include cooking or cleaning, stumbles along as the everywoman.
“In one episode, Martha is showing people how to properly whittle a twig to roast a marshmallow,” said Ms. Koppelman Hutt. “That is screamingly funny. The woman is actually whittling a twig. I mean, who does that?”
Alexis Stewart, on the other hand, defended her mother. “We always whittled at our house,” she responded. “What’s so unusual about that?”"
'Nuff said.
8.09.2008
Getting to know me
Because it's been a while; because I had a long, late night last night, and as a result, my brain/motor skills today are sketchy at best; and because I'm feeling a little goofy… I'm taking the easy way out. As usual, thanks to Marcy. Ladies and gentlemen, the Finish the Forty Sentences Meme:
1. My uncle once owned a Cadillac. It was called the Banana car, due to the unfortunate color.
2. Never in my life have I eaten veal. And I never will, either.
3. When I was five I had a hernia operation. Because I was laid up, I missed the class trip to the circus; so my kindergarten teacher brought me back a really cool circus pencil box filled with all kinds of cool colored pencils. In my five year old artist's mind, that totally made up for missing the trip.
4. High School was long and painful.
5. I will never forget giving birth. Also long and painful. Just kidding, girls!
6. I once met this guy, who was the opposite of me in in oh-so-many ways... so we got married and had some kids. It's worked out rather nicely.
7. There's this girl I know who throws a mean mom's night out.
8. Once, at a bar I got carded. True story.
9. By noon, I'm usually hungry.
10. Last night I had a really great mom's night out at my pal Barb's.
11. If I only had those really great shoes!
12. Next time I go to church will be Christmas.
13. Terry Shiavo is the reason behind so many living wills.
14. What worries me most is my girls growing up in this world.
15. When I turn my head left, I see Ashlee.
16. When I turn my head right, I see the kitchen. Which reminds me, I'm hungry.
17.You Mattio know(s) I'm lying when I say the shoes were 90% off. Sorry baby, they never are.
18. What I miss most about the eighties is everything but the clothes and the hair. And that big hole in the ozone right above my hair.
19. If I was a character in Shakespeare, I would be... I don't know. I don't know enough Shakespeare to answer honestly.
20. By this time next year I will have thought of something to blog about :)
21. A better name for me would be Angelina Jolie. A better paycheck for me would be Angelina Jolie's, as well.
22. I have a hard time understanding mean people.
23. If I ever go back to school, I would learn another language.
24. You know I like you if I talk to you. I'm not a big fan of talking to those I dislike.
25. If I ever won an award, the first person I'd thank would be the Academy. Because naturally the award I'll be winning will be due to my acting talent.
26. Darwin, Mozart, Slim Pickens & Geraldine Ferraro started a rock band. Gerry's on the drums.
27. Take my advice, don't let Geraldine Ferraro play the drums.
28. My ideal breakfast is something I don't have to spend 3 hours at the gym working off.
29. A song I love, but do not have the theme to the Office. Actually, I would like to own it as a ringtone, and then set all my client's rings to that.
30. If you visit my hometown, you'd better stop by and visit me, as I still live here!
31. Tulips, character flaws, microchips & track stars is the name of Darwin, Mozart, Slim Picken's and Geraldine Ferraro's rock band.
32. Why won't people just play nice?
33. If you spend the night at my house you'd better claim your bed early. We don't exactly have enough to go around.
34. I'd stop my wedding for no one. I didn't stop it for terrorists and anthrax, so what makes anyone else so special? (I got married in October, 2001. The headline in the morning's news was that Tom Brokaw's office was sent some anthrax. I saw the headline and immediately blurted out, "There's no anthrax on MY wedding day!!!")
35. The world could do without war.
36. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than vote Republican.
37. My favorite blond(s)is are my girls.
38. Paper clips are more useful than beef jerky.
39. If I do anything well, it's buy shoes. I totally rock at that.
40. And by the way: I was lying about the whole lying thing, Mattio. Of course I only buy shoes that are 90% off!
1. My uncle once owned a Cadillac. It was called the Banana car, due to the unfortunate color.
2. Never in my life have I eaten veal. And I never will, either.
3. When I was five I had a hernia operation. Because I was laid up, I missed the class trip to the circus; so my kindergarten teacher brought me back a really cool circus pencil box filled with all kinds of cool colored pencils. In my five year old artist's mind, that totally made up for missing the trip.
4. High School was long and painful.
5. I will never forget giving birth. Also long and painful. Just kidding, girls!
6. I once met this guy, who was the opposite of me in in oh-so-many ways... so we got married and had some kids. It's worked out rather nicely.
7. There's this girl I know who throws a mean mom's night out.
8. Once, at a bar I got carded. True story.
9. By noon, I'm usually hungry.
10. Last night I had a really great mom's night out at my pal Barb's.
11. If I only had those really great shoes!
12. Next time I go to church will be Christmas.
13. Terry Shiavo is the reason behind so many living wills.
14. What worries me most is my girls growing up in this world.
15. When I turn my head left, I see Ashlee.
16. When I turn my head right, I see the kitchen. Which reminds me, I'm hungry.
17.
18. What I miss most about the eighties is everything but the clothes and the hair. And that big hole in the ozone right above my hair.
19. If I was a character in Shakespeare, I would be... I don't know. I don't know enough Shakespeare to answer honestly.
20. By this time next year I will have thought of something to blog about :)
21. A better name for me would be Angelina Jolie. A better paycheck for me would be Angelina Jolie's, as well.
22. I have a hard time understanding mean people.
23. If I ever go back to school, I would learn another language.
24. You know I like you if I talk to you. I'm not a big fan of talking to those I dislike.
25. If I ever won an award, the first person I'd thank would be the Academy. Because naturally the award I'll be winning will be due to my acting talent.
26. Darwin, Mozart, Slim Pickens & Geraldine Ferraro started a rock band. Gerry's on the drums.
27. Take my advice, don't let Geraldine Ferraro play the drums.
28. My ideal breakfast is something I don't have to spend 3 hours at the gym working off.
29. A song I love, but do not have the theme to the Office. Actually, I would like to own it as a ringtone, and then set all my client's rings to that.
30. If you visit my hometown, you'd better stop by and visit me, as I still live here!
31. Tulips, character flaws, microchips & track stars is the name of Darwin, Mozart, Slim Picken's and Geraldine Ferraro's rock band.
32. Why won't people just play nice?
33. If you spend the night at my house you'd better claim your bed early. We don't exactly have enough to go around.
34. I'd stop my wedding for no one. I didn't stop it for terrorists and anthrax, so what makes anyone else so special? (I got married in October, 2001. The headline in the morning's news was that Tom Brokaw's office was sent some anthrax. I saw the headline and immediately blurted out, "There's no anthrax on MY wedding day!!!")
35. The world could do without war.
36. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than vote Republican.
37. My favorite blond(s)
38. Paper clips are more useful than beef jerky.
39. If I do anything well, it's buy shoes. I totally rock at that.
40. And by the way: I was lying about the whole lying thing, Mattio. Of course I only buy shoes that are 90% off!
8.01.2008
Weekly wrap up
It's been ever so busy here at traciedesigns HQ, so let's get down to business:
--Got some (really positive--yipee!) feedback from Christy Murray re: her logo. Worked on some minor round 2 some revisions.
--Worked on a site design for my pal Josh.
--Designed some posters for One Kid.
--Mentally prepared myself for laying out the One Kid catalog (see weekly wrap up next week).
--Worked on some changes for the Hospital for Special Surgery Activity Guide.
--Had a pretty cool meeting with a potential new client: a photographer who is switching careers and becoming a stylist.
--Worked on finishing Marcy's American Indian mouseovers (I am now a walking encyclopedia on most things Native American. No, really).
--Worked on site designs for Greenwich Dance Studio.
--I spent a ridiculous amount of time on Facebook, and found 11 or so friends.
--But most importantly, I spent the equivalent of college tuition--private college, mind you--at Starbucks this week. Oh, and by the by, Ashlee has discovered the Frappaccino. So basically I'll be setting up some kind of Paypal donation site, because at the rate we're going, it won't be my shoe habit that brings us down--it'll be $4.00 glorified milkshakes.
This weekend, I've got work plans. Depending on how much I get done, Mattio and I may head on down to Yankee Stadium on Sunday for a date (long overdue!), hopefully to watch the Yanks win! Every time I go to the stadium this year--and I've been fortunate enough to go to several games--I think it's my last time, and I get a little verklempt leaving. That said, I just realized that it will be neither shoes nor coffee does us in, it will be mine and Mattio's quest to purchase some kind of stadium memorabilia (I'd take bleacher seats... ya know, if I had to).
Hope you enjoy your weekend!
--Got some (really positive--yipee!) feedback from Christy Murray re: her logo. Worked on some minor round 2 some revisions.
--Worked on a site design for my pal Josh.
--Designed some posters for One Kid.
--Mentally prepared myself for laying out the One Kid catalog (see weekly wrap up next week).
--Worked on some changes for the Hospital for Special Surgery Activity Guide.
--Had a pretty cool meeting with a potential new client: a photographer who is switching careers and becoming a stylist.
--Worked on finishing Marcy's American Indian mouseovers (I am now a walking encyclopedia on most things Native American. No, really).
--Worked on site designs for Greenwich Dance Studio.
--I spent a ridiculous amount of time on Facebook, and found 11 or so friends.
--But most importantly, I spent the equivalent of college tuition--private college, mind you--at Starbucks this week. Oh, and by the by, Ashlee has discovered the Frappaccino. So basically I'll be setting up some kind of Paypal donation site, because at the rate we're going, it won't be my shoe habit that brings us down--it'll be $4.00 glorified milkshakes.
This weekend, I've got work plans. Depending on how much I get done, Mattio and I may head on down to Yankee Stadium on Sunday for a date (long overdue!), hopefully to watch the Yanks win! Every time I go to the stadium this year--and I've been fortunate enough to go to several games--I think it's my last time, and I get a little verklempt leaving. That said, I just realized that it will be neither shoes nor coffee does us in, it will be mine and Mattio's quest to purchase some kind of stadium memorabilia (I'd take bleacher seats... ya know, if I had to).
Hope you enjoy your weekend!
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