summer of the uke

Valentines for Galapagos!

2012-02-04T12:13:00.000-06:00

The Galapagos Islands are famous for turtles, finches and all sorts of other Darwin-discovered wildlife, but have you ever thought about who takes care of the thousands of dogs and cats on the islands? Thankfully, Darwin Animal Doctors was founded in 2008 to provide much needed comprehensive veterinary care for the domestic animals of the Galapagos Islands!

I helped some of friends of Penn Vet Students for Darwin Animal Doctors to design sweet valentines cards to help raise money for their trip to the Galapagos this summer. 100% of the profits will go towards bringing veterinary care to the Galapagos Islands!

Link over to my Etsy page to buy valentines for your loved ones and help out a GREAT cause!

More on Darwin Animal Doctors: darwinanimaldoctors.org

le voyage creatif + swarovski

2012-01-26T22:54:00.002-06:00

I've been a long time admirer of the simple, beautiful necklaces by le voyage creatif. Now, between the color-dipped line and the Swarovski collection, I think it's time I made one my own.

the St. Tropez

the Monterey

I'm a sucker for Scandinavian design

(enter to win one of these beautiful necklaces!)

fresh start

2012-01-03T13:12:00.002-06:00

It's the New Year!!! I keep tacking on resolutions to the point that I think I've lost track of plenty of them. I love the spirit of the new year though when everyone is so hopeful and excited about the great things they are going to accomplish. We will do it!

New year, fresh start <3

(via)

wear & pair: NYE

2011-12-30T10:00:00.000-06:00

Wear & Pair to ring in the new year!

a. Champagne toasts (rose champagne, veuve clicquot)
b. "Cheese"-ing with friends (gold pentax SLR, vintage)
c. Last minute resolutions (letterpress coasters, etsy)
d. Festive party-hopping (balloons, geronimo!)

Jump to Styleocracy for Judy's picks.

wear & pair: cabin retreat

2011-12-23T10:00:00.003-06:00

For the second in the Wear & Pair series, Judy and I are dreaming of a woodsy, cabin retreat...

Pair
a. Perfect fit for a weekend getaway (Right Pack Wool Backpack, JanSport)
b. Catch up on correspondence (Fall Foliage Notecards, Rifle Paper Co.)
c. Nothing smells as a good as a campfire ("Campfire" Spice Tin Candle, Terrain)
d. I'll take hot chocolate in any form (Hot Chocolate Bar, Williams-Sonoma)
e. Breakfast in bed (Reclaimed Wood Tray, Terrain)
f. Music for peaceful mornings and chilly nights (Feist, Metals)
g. Lots and lots of cuddling (Wetherell Blanket, Jack Wills)

Jump to Styleocracy for Judy's Wear picks

language of flowers

2011-12-11T10:51:00.000-06:00

World, aren't these the most beautiful oven mitts you've ever seen??

lovely mitts here

I love everything over at the House that Lars Built. Scandinavian design at it again...

again and again...

2011-11-16T18:20:00.000-06:00

J. Crew is so spot on. Another beautiful catalog.

tis the season

2011-11-11T08:42:00.001-06:00

wool fishing vest

sparkle hair ties

pendelton throw

vermont syrup sampler

Stine & Eddie Bauer (via)

things I love.

2011-10-04T20:38:00.000-05:00

so happy to have a proper tote for school things

and so happy it's for a good cause

Anyone know of a long-lost, single Avett brother?

I would be eternally grateful for an introduction.

happy weekend!

2011-09-24T08:57:00.000-05:00

My friend Judy is going to be in NYC in October so I'm planning a daytrip and already I have a list of places I want to go. Right now they all involve food...

Smogasburg - Brooklyn Flea Food Market. yessss!
Laduree opened a shop in NYC! i will admit to going just for their packaging

Happy weekend! I'm ~~cramming~~ studying for my first vet school exam, but I'm going to find some time to reward myself with some brunch or shopping.

bucolic

2011-09-14T20:16:00.001-05:00

My friend surprised me with a sweet package of goodies in the mail yesterday. I was so excited when I saw that she included a copy of this James Herriot novel. A vet at work had told me about it, surprised that I had never heard of it before, and ever since then I have been trying to track down a copy. Mission accomplished with no effort! I don't have much free time to read, but I've started reading a few pages on my morning/afternoon ride on the trolley - a nice alternative to staring out into the black tunnels. The books are about a young veterinarian practicing in the English countryside which got me romanticizing about living in an English village wearing L.L. Bean Signature's new fall line -- because afterall, veterinary work is not messy at all...

Longyearbyen by Packwood

Longyearbyen - Packwood

dreaming of...

2011-09-13T13:29:00.000-05:00

(via)

wear & pair: slow morning

2011-08-14T09:00:00.001-05:00

My dear friend Judy at Styleocracy and I have decided to start a series of design posts based around a certain theme called Wear & Pair. It's a pretty simple but fun concept - Judy picks the outfit, I pick the products.

The first pairing is based around a leisurely morning - enjoy!

Pair
a. Curl up with a good magazine (Vogue Living Australia)
b. Gather your thoughts (Parc de la Pepiniere Journal, Anthropologie)
c. Plug in your iPod (Big Black and Blue, First Aid Kit)
d. Bring out the fine china (Illustrated Tidbit plate, Kate Spade)
e. Treat yourself (Pastry assortment, Dean & Deluca)

Check out Judy's Wear picks over at Styleocracy.

[As you read this, Judy and I are on our way to Disney World for a mini reunion with a few friends. I've had "M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!" running through my head for about a month now - can't wait to arrive in the most magical place on Earth!]

six impossible things

2011-08-11T12:00:00.002-05:00

Just added a new print to the shop! I'm especially excited about this one because it's one of my favorite quotes and is intended for hanging over the dining table in my new apartment (countdown: 5 days!).

When I first came across this quote, I realized how odd it is that at a certain point in our lives most of us abandon truly imaginative ideas. As kids, we are so encouraged to "use your imagination," but at some point, perhaps as sullen teenagers, we start to gate our thoughts in until we think nothing particularly extraordinary. It's all quite boring really.

Here are five ways to dust off your imagination:

1. Read Dallas Clayton's An Awesome Book. The illustrations of magic watermelon boats and musical baboons will wake the child in you. (usually available to read online seems to be undergoing publishing issues)
2. Write, draw -- fill a notebook. (Rifle Paper Co. Botanical Notebook, chronicle books)
3. Daydream. (Thought Bubble Chalkboard, etsy)
4. Volunteer to read to kids. They are imagination pros. (Charlotte's Web, Don't Let the Pigeon, amazon)
5. And of course you can't talk imagination without mentioning Walt Disney. Watch Meet the Robinson's. (Mickey Mouse Ears, disney store)

back in session

2011-08-09T13:55:00.001-05:00

No matter how old I get, the first day of school always seems to sneak up on me. Granted I still have a trip to Disney World and a big apartment move-in between me and school, but I've been doing a lot of back to school prep (the dreaded ordering of textbooks and miscellaneous supplies) so I thought this product collection was appropriate. It's certainly a lot more pleasant than textbooks and dissection kits.

1. fact: all lecture halls derive their climate from iceland. fact: all lecture halls derive their color palette from cafeteria lunches. bundle up and brighten up in this yellow jacket. (mustard pj jacket, topshop)

2. comfort + height (macalister wedge, j.crew)

3. watching the seconds tick by in class is the worst. be a much happier person with this watch, always set to quitting time (fake watch, etsy)

4. I'm a sucker for novelty tees. (new yorker tee, zara)

5. forgo the coffee for cacao infused water. 50 calories, organic and a light boost of caffeine and antioxidants. (mocha cacao, honest)

6. missing these beautiful notebooks I used when I studied abroad in Florence. (pigna nature, pigna)

7. some people will never understand that you don't want to hear how tired you look. (eye bright, benefit)

things we forget

2011-08-07T15:40:00.000-05:00

Some favorite post-its from Things We Forget.

Had such a fun and busy last couple of days with friends visiting! Spent some time in the city, got to check out my future apartment again (less than 2 weeks until move-in!) and danced it up at a friend's wedding. It's been nice having some downtime today although Princess Diaries is now coming on tv for the second time during my couch-bound recovery...probably time to be productive again.

blue

2011-07-25T21:41:00.000-05:00

It's fun to peruse Flickr from time to time. Right now I'm really loving this photo

simple, powerful. (via)

not your Grandma's floral

2011-07-21T19:22:00.004-05:00

Reading my usual blogroll today, I came across this story on interior designer Mario Buatta, self-proclaimed "Prince of Chintz"

I love that he declares chintz back in fashion (though I doubt he ever abandoned it - note floral suit above). I really have noticed a trend toward warming spaces up with kitschy elements. Just the other day, my sister was telling me that a fabric I suggested was "too Grandma-ish" ...but that was sort of the point. Those nostalgic and often stuffy designs make clean and modern rooms more playful.

Here are 6 ways to embrace kitsch in a sophisticated way (i.e. sans fifteen cats and mothball odor)

1. vintage wall hangings

2. schoolhouse paraphernalia

3. grandma's style re-imagined

4. novelty patterns

5. elegant wallpaper

6. refined needlepoint

Fair warning: There is a fine line between decorating with kitsch and recreating your grandma's sitting room. Strike the right balance by keeping additions to a minimum.

Houston "Good" List

2011-07-19T20:48:00.005-05:00

A little post in honor of my hometown (and intro to the Space City for newly-minted resident Valeria)

via

1. Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique
I will be the first one to roll my eyes if someone tells me about a new cupcake boutique because it’s become a trend to an annoying degree, but the fact that this shop opened up in 2007 and has some very cool decor excuses its expensive treats. Ideal for catching up with friends over tea and sweets.
2. Agora
Nothing really needs to be said for this Montrose staple. I visited it while I was home in May and am happy to report that little has changed post-fire remodel. Go in the afternoon and transition from coffee to beer - this is a good place to be for five hour conversations.
3. Treebeard's (at The Cloister)
A favorite lunch haunt of my dad’s, so you can rest assured it is hearty and cheap food. This location is housed in the Christ Church Cathedral - if you squint you can pretend you are dining on red beans and rice at Hogwarts.
4. Pondichieri
First went to this Indian-American cafe with my lovely friend Judy. The design of this place is amazing. I hope creative spaces like this continue to sprout in Houston. And the food...the food is incredible. Light and clever takes on classic Indian dishes. I got the Vegetable Frankie - a wonderfully spiced wrap with the best fries I have had in my life. Everything on the menu (which includes breakfast) looks delicious. When we went the place was pleasantly filled with young families and professionals on lunch breaks.
5. Texas Art Supply
Creative souls rejoice! You can find everything here.
6. Miller Outdoor Theater
Take comfort in your AC by day, but enjoy the reprieve from the blistering sun at night by lounging on the hill watching a summer performance at the Miller Outdoor Theater. Disclaimer: Houston is a mosquito haven, so go heavy on the repellent.
7. JPMorgan Chase Tower Sky Lobby
Take in a great view of the city from the 60th floor sky lobby open to the public from 8a-5p.

Places on my bucket list

St Arnold Brewery

Sample the local beer and make new friends

British Isles Market

Stock up on tea and marvel at the Royal Wedding kitsch

Benjy's

Perfect for a dressed up happy hour with friends

handwriting

2011-07-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

I read a snippet in "The Week" today discussing Indiana's decision to remove handwriting from third grade curriculum in order to focus on typing instead. I hope this isn't a trend. Handwriting is such a beautiful skill and, as the author of the quoted article argues, it is empowering

"...since everyone's writing was different, despite the uniformity of the exercises, our handwriting gave us a powerful, and very early, sense of our own individuality"

As a third grader, I may have begrudged cursive, but there is no denying that the hours of slaving over proper form resulted in the fine motor skills I have today. And once you graduate from the ruled paper there is so much room for self expression. Here is a sampling of some of my favorite handlettering.

clockwise:

(the incredible) betsy dunlap

jillian tamaki for penguin classics

How do you feel about schoolkids ditching the pen for the keyboard?

10 ways to summer vacation without going on vacation

2011-07-17T08:04:00.002-05:00

1. ice cream! (ben & jerry's)
2. laid back tunes (little joy)
3. citrus scent (dolce & gabana the one)
4. good reads (Travels with Charley, Steinbeck, lonny mag)
5. "backpack" your city (Roxy mini backpack)
6. forget the time (fake watch bracelet)
7. summer movies (crazy stupid love)
8. plein air (verbena bistro chair)
9. beach wear (lemlem gauze dress)
10. disconnect (signal blocking phonekerchief)

in the mean time, add to that vacation fund ;)

+1

2011-07-10T22:10:00.000-05:00

My friend sent me an invite to Google+ today. I'm really excited to start using it! I have been itching to delete my facebook page for a while, but there wasn't really an alternative for easy contact/photo sharing between my friends -- all scattered across the country post college. I'm pro-minimalization so the idea of having my e-mail, photos, documents and calendar streamlined with social networking is awesome. Google will soon dominate the world, huh?

p.s. Google's campaigns are always so creatively designed -- extra points!

innovative

2011-07-07T11:11:00.001-05:00

keep your correspondence under wraps, clever postcard cover (here)

cut down on wasted boxes - recycled, reusable ebay box (read more)

hydroponic gardening: a method of growing plants without soil. perfect solution for the apartment gardener.

(learn more)

warm weather

2011-07-06T14:25:00.000-05:00

via

"Marathon" - Tennis

bike riding in Alexandria

2011-07-05T09:21:00.000-05:00

pilgrimage to the mecca of marketing: QVC

2011-06-29T16:06:00.003-05:00

Confession: I watch QVC. A LOT.
That in itself is not so weird, since QVC has a huge audience. What is weird is that I have not once bought anything, nor do I have much interest in anything they're selling. I am just amazed at how these people can sell anything and everything...and trust me they sell.

Founded in 1986 by a guy who realized he could do better than the tv salesmen of the time, QVC has grown to be a multi-national selling machine with over 100 million customers in five countries. Their U.S. studios in West Chester, PA happen to be just a short drive from where I live, so last Sunday C. and I decided to tour the studios. (I forgot the memory card for my camera at home, but I did snap a few pics with my phone.)

about to meet the Great Oz of sales.

basking in the light of QVC

the live broadcast from the studio was playing everywhere.
just because you're on a tour doesn't mean you have to stop shopping!

C. with her favorite QVC host...

DAVID! he was filming in the studios while we toured.

Peering over the set.

While you're on the tour you stop in front of the producer and director's stations and get to watch them work. Right outside their areas they've set up tv monitors for those touring to watch a graph of the sales as they come in. The producer keeps an eye on these in real time and will instruct the host to talk more about the things that made sales spike. As C. said, it is a well-oiled machine. They sold 2,500 grill cleaners in 6 minutes as we watched. No joke.

Overall, it was a better tour than C. and I had ever expected. The tour guide was pretty candid and informative on QVC's marketing techniques instead of trying to sell us costume jewelry and dog coats. Also, we got to peruse the QVC store and see the quality of all their products up close. I have to admit, they aren't lying about the Q in QVC. Yes, there is a lot of kitsch, but it's solidly made. It's amazing the number of celebrities and high-end brands that are now vying for prime-time spots on QVC. Smashbox, Clinique, Dooney & Burke and Apple are a few among the many well-respected brands turning to QVC for sales these days. Like it or not, it's a new era of tv shopping.

Golden

2011-06-27T21:51:00.001-05:00

A 12 week old curly-coated retriever got me through my 12 hour shift at the hospital today! She was so stinkin' adorable and kept falling asleep on the exam table (google image search!). Living on student loans is not the best budget for accommodating a pet, but I'm not sure how long I'll make it before caving and taking a little puppy or kitty home.

Also,

"It's a golden!" has become a catchphrase in our house.

psst!...

2011-06-22T16:23:00.002-05:00

You can now get your own little gold necklace over at lullula!

Meet and Greet - blogroll

2011-06-22T12:48:00.001-05:00

Have you met chezerby before? It's the blog of two young architects fixing up their old house -- though now it is not so much an old house as it is a stunning, modern home. I just "re-discovered" it after properly organizing the blogs I subscribe to in Google reader (hooray order!). Recently, they posted a feature on their house decor which I was pleasantly surprised to find was all relatively affordable. Particuarly awesome are the prints hanging above their stairs

photo cred: chezerby

They are a part of a series of wooden block prints done by their friend Todd Smith and are available for purchase here.

I have my eye on this one

I love how such a simple concept has a dramatic visual impact. ...and $65 for a 20x20" print is a steal. Can't wait to see what sort of things my own friends will be up to once we're established in careers.

Also stumbled upon another blog, Habit of Art, where I found this video of 4 year old artist Aelita Andre at work in her studio. I recommend watching it on mute because the music is a very odd and dramatic pairing trying to make more of her process than there is, but it is really enjoyable to watch a kid be so involved in her work and so uninhibited with her technique and application of paints. I wouldn't go so far as to say she is a prodigy, but she does have a particular confidence about color and composition that is beyond her age.

I'll leave you with this beautiful post about miette, a pastry co. in San Francisco, by blushing ambition.

photo cred: blushing ambition

Between her posts about food in SF and those of oh joy! I'm ready to pack up and move!

martha

2011-06-21T10:15:00.000-05:00

Martha Stewart and I have a love/hate relationship. Often I find myself rolling my eyes at some of her "easy" project ideas like hand embroidering a tie as a father's day gift, but then she shows up on Conan and is easy-going - drinking a forty and eating a bean burrito (remember that??) - and comes up with sweet diy projects that are simple and unpretentious.

Here is one she featured on her show today. It's a clip art template to turn a simple glass into a clever vase.

download the template here

in with the new

2011-06-20T13:22:00.002-05:00

1. recycled sea glass necklace, $27.
2. st. tropez pendant, $25.
3. jersey and sea green necklace, $35.
4. turquoise sparkler bracelet, $29.

I've been on a hunt for a new "everyday" necklace for a while now. My go-to necklace has been a stone pendant I bought at a Christmas market in Florence but it is starting to feel over-worn. Since I've been trying to delegate all my extra funds to apartment necessities right now I pulled a MacGyver/MacGruber and made a necklace out of things I have accumulated for half-finished projects.

yellow cord + gold vermeil beads = more cash for furniture!

I've only been wearing it a few hours, but I think it may be a new addition to my usual rotation of outfits. It's also a good feeling to not let things sit in drawers half done.....I wonder what else is laying around...

also,
- beautiful blog by the etsy seller of the st. tropez necklace above. she is a stylist and travel concierge from norway and posts great photos on her blog from her travels.

from her trip to Utah

- looking for a summer getaway? oh happy day is giving away a trip for two to paris...for real!

via

- and the beginnings of a summer playlist....

PB&J

2011-06-12T14:10:00.001-05:00

Wise:
JE: Sugar is a little bit like adding compression on music. It has this sound or this flavor, but it takes away from other nuances. It takes out a lot of the natural stuff. You get the immediate satisfaction then you get bored. It's the same thing with music.

Funny:

MC: Are you aware that PB&J is also an acronym for a classic sandwich?

JE: That was mentioned to us. First I thought it was peanuts and butter -- like yellow butter -- and jelly. But then I realized peanut butter is one thing. For our next press photo we should arrange it like a sandwich. Obviously I'm going to be the jelly, but we have to mix Peter and Bjorn together. I don't know, maybe Bjorn could be the bread. (via)

work day

2011-05-26T10:42:00.001-05:00

Occasionally there are good things on Netflix Instant, this is one of those.

I'm working on some new additions to lullula, so it will be a Netflix sort of day.

early morning

2011-05-24T08:45:00.001-05:00

here

jcrew camp popover

here

There are roses growing everywhere in the garden! I cut a bunch yesterday to bring into the house and they smell wonderful...just wish I could figure out how to make them last longer. Today is Super Aunt Part II. My sister got stuck in Texas because of weather, so it's been me, the munchkins...and the nanny....ok so really I'm not pulling any "super" duties, but it has been busy.

Pretty bummed out that I missed Fleet Foxes in town here in PA while I was in Texas, but thrilled to find out that Bon Iver will be coming early August!

Have you listened to FF new album yet? It's wonderful.

vacation

2011-05-19T12:07:00.000-05:00

baby birch

2011-05-06T09:26:00.001-05:00

1. rugs that can double as fine art

2. a must-have for my apartment.

3. I've-probably-already-talked-about-this-but-again- WOW.

Other things:
-Our vegetable garden is growing all over itself to the point that we have to thin it out soon. Dare I say it, I no longer have a black thumb?!
-I straightened my hair yesterday. I feel like a different person when I look in the mirror. It's weird.
-Leslie Knope is the best.

sunny,windy,home

2011-05-05T11:19:00.002-05:00

Back from Colorado and so happy to have a vacation from my vacation! (I know I'm an adult when I say things like that). The trip was fun but tiring, as I spent the majority of it weighing the pros/cons of the vet school and life there. Ultimately, it came down to realizing that I am excited about going to Penn for lots of reasons and four stressful years far from my family seem so un-exciting.

[Deep sigh of relief!] I am so glad to be done with what has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life thus far (yes, I have had a blessed and simple life).

my favorite pictures of this week

my dad uploaded some old pictures.
my parents and my sister when they lived in holland.

my nephew is the biggest ham. ever.

mini-holiday in CO with my mom :)

to share,
- boys, take note. girls, swoon.

- girls, take note. smart boys, swoon.

- weird, funny and charming. i sincerely love pb&j. both kinds.

- thank you, for making me realize that food does not buy tv ads or make health claims. "food," however, does.

- happy birthday to my sweet, lovely friend judy! how great are her pictures??

"Expert" Advice: Tips for Every Museumgoer

2011-04-28T19:02:00.002-05:00

Everyone has experienced that moment when you enter an art museum and feel a sudden overwhelming feeling that you can’t possibly see everything. Or maybe that you don’t even want to see everything. Worse still is the feeling of exhaustion that is oh so common upon leaving the museum hours later. Is this what being an art aficionado has to feel like? Going to a museum shouldn’t feel like a chore. Whether you’re an art novice or someone who has been going to museums for years, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help make your next museum visit more enjoyable and rewarding.

1. Do your research.

There’s a reason that there are countless college courses dedicated to art history. Like anything else, you’ll appreciate art when you know a little bit more about what you’re looking at. Visit the website for whatever museum or gallery you plan to visit and see what special exhibits are currently on view. Most museums have permanent collections and one or more special exhibits at any given time. You don’t have to spend hours researching the artwork; simply reading the introduction by the museum is enough to give you a little background and context.

*Another great site to check is Google’s Art Project. You can tour 17 museums around the world and get an idea of what you’ll be seeing in person.

2. Pick and choose.

Depending on the size of the museum or gallery you visit, it’s probably unrealistic to say you will see every work of art on view (i.e. the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Louvre in Paris, etc.). When you research the museum, decide which exhibits or bodies of works most interest you and focus on those. There will be a few famous, must-see works at the museum, but after that choose your own path. For instance, I know to bypass the Egyptian collection at the Met (partially because I saw it on my first visit) because I’m much more interested in spending quality time with my men Vincent van Gogh and Monet.

3. Don’t sprint.

Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking around for a while, but don’t turn your museum visit into your day’s workout. A recent ARTnews article stated that on average, museumgoers only spend 17 seconds looking at an individual painting. Phil Terry, CEO of a consulting firm called Creative Good, launched Slow Art Day in 2009 as a way to encourage visitors to look at art more slowly and thoughtfully. "People usually go to a museum, see as much as they can, get exhausted, and don't return," Terry says in the article. He recommends slowing down and spending five to 10 minutes in front of each work.

4. Get to know the work.

Five minutes might seem like a lot of time to spend in front of just one work of art, but if there is something that catches your eye, give yourself time to get better acquainted with it.

Ask questions. Ask yourself how the work relates to others in the exhibit or collection. If it’s an abstract work, how do you feel when you look at it? Are the colors enjoyable or awkward? Does it remind you of a memory or emotion? Even if you’re staring at it wondering, “What in the world is this and why is it called art?” that’s OK. If you’re that confused or unsure about a work, jot down the name of it and look up more information about it later. Even if you don’t like a work aesthetically, sometimes just trying to understand where it fits in with what came before and after it is the most interesting discovery.
Take pictures. I always end up snapping at least 20 photos of artworks. They might be works by artists I’ve never heard of or less known works that I’ve never seen. Jot down the name of the artist and the work so you can look up more information about the piece when you get home. Just remember to turn off your camera’s flash and only use a pencil when taking any notes or sketches. There’s nothing like getting scolded by a museum guard to dampen your art buzz. Also, if it’s a special exhibit, photography of any kind will probably not be allowed.
Use technology. Many museums have created iPhone and iPad apps to accompany exhibits. They’re usually free and great tools for supplementary information on the pieces. Just don’t get sidetracked by your gadget and lose sight of spending time with the artwork in person.

5. Know your limits.

A lot of people don’t realize that they can leave a museum and come back later that day (just keep the ticket stub). If you have the luxury of a full day to dedicate to a museum, take a lunch break and get some fresh air. Talk to your friends about which works you’ve liked the most so far or journal about your time. In other words, give yourself time to digest everything you’ve seen. You’ll have a new burst of energy and enthusiasm when you return to the museum for that last room or exhibit you have left on your list.

6. Act like a kid.

Have you ever watched or listened to children at a museum? I don’t mean those misbehaving or throwing tantrums, but the ones that are genuinely curious and engaged. It’s one of my favorite sights. They usually ask or say the things we’re all thinking but only they can get away with. So don’t take your art viewing too seriously. Laugh at a work if you think it’s funny (or ridiculous). Get up close to a painting if you’re baffled at the artist’s technique (not too close; again, don’t want those guards scolding you). Indulge yourself with the rooms that make you happy. One of my favorite rooms at the Museum of Modern Art in New York is the modern design room, full of funky chairs, retro kitchen ware and unthinkable design inventions that are pure works of imagination.

After your museum visit, do a little additional research. Read the local art critic’s review of the works and see if you agree or disagree. Check out that artist you really liked but had never heard of. In the end, hopefully you’ll enjoy and appreciate art a little more than before and you’ll discover something new about the people and world around you.

Musee d'Orsay, Paris

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T06:54:00.000-05:00

He is risen! Hallelujah!
I hope you have a joyous and relaxing Easter!

<3 Christina

"Expert" Advice: Spending Your First Paycheck

2011-04-22T09:48:00.000-05:00

Phew, you’re finally in the black! You no longer have to pay someone else for the privilege to study, pull all nighters, and take exams, but you also no longer have your parents (or student loans) to pay your rent. After two weeks on the new job, you’re going to be excellently rewarded with what is likely to be the largest check you’ve received to date. It’s an event you should reward yourself for, but you also need to channel the smart cookie that sealed the deal during the interview that got you here.

Saving is a concept that will get you far financially, and fast. But, Americans aren’t very good at it, and it takes some self control. Here is an idea of how you may want to start off your financially independent life

1) Start a savings account.

You can start one with your bank, but online sites like INGDirect.com and SmartyPig.com (shady name but FDIC insured) have much higher interest rates, which means your money will earn a lot more money while it is sitting in one place.

2) Set up direct deposit with your employer.

Everything you earn should at least start in the bank. This way, there is no potential for you to take some cash out for that delightful Kate Spade dress you saw on your walk to Wells Fargo, check in hand. Not to worry, though, Kate Spade still has a chance to enter your life a few steps down.

3) Determine your budget.

Take your paycheck amount and figure out how much money you will earn in a month (likely you will be paid every two weeks, in which case, multiply your paycheck by two). Drop that number into a spreadsheet and subtract all of your essential fixed expenses.

*Note: If you are setting up a budget before you have your first check in hand, make sure you research the tax and benefit amounts that will be deducted automatically from your paycheck at each pay period. Your take-home monthly pay is going to be quite a bit less than your stated salary divided by 12 months.

Essential Expenses:

1) Rent/Mortgage Payment - this is going to be your largest expense

2) Utilities - try to get an estimate from your landlord or do an online search for typical rates based on the square footage. Include: electric (a/c, lights, etc.), gas, water, waste, internet, cable, and phone services

3) Food - you will probably need to gauge this expense for the first couple months and adjust as needed. Try to minimize the amount you spend eating out.

4) Car/loan/debt payments - figure out what your monthly debt obligations are, and try to *always pay off your bills in full especially when it comes to credit card payments*. Student loans tend to have very low interest rates, and therefore, if you can't afford all of your debt payments every month, this is where you should only pay the minimum. Credit cards, on the other hand, make their money off of the belief that you won't pay your bill every month. Paying the minimum amount can add upwards of 23% in interest to your balance. So, you know that cute outfit you bought on sale last week for $120? It can suddenly cost you $147.50 or more, not to mention the future troubles in store if you’re bogged down with a bad credit score.

Now, technically, once you have covered all of these definite I-won't-be-able-to-live-if-I-don't pay-them expenses, you can spend all of your leftover money on whatever you want. That brings me to my next point:

How to approach the tempting dilemma of saving vs. spending:

1) Pick a number and stick with it

To start, I would recommend deciding on a number, based on the money you have left over in your budget, that you feel comfortable with automatically siphoning off into a high-yield savings account. You can always add more money later, but you also want to make sure you are saving something from every paycheck. Maybe start with $100 and see how that goes. You can even set up an automatic withdrawal on many online savings accounts for the date your paycheck is deposited, that way you aren't tempted to spend it.

2) Retirement, not just for the arthritic.

Retirement plans are really complicated, and I won't even begin to pretend that I am an expert. However, while you may think you are too young to start investing in your retirement, just think of all the extra years you can relax if you start it early! The main point I want to make on this is: if your employer provides a retirement matching program, use it. Period. Always. And if you can afford it in your monthly budget, max it out. Retirement matching programs are essentially free future money for you, and sacrificing now will pay off big later.

[If you don't know how a matching program works, here is a very watered down example: At the university I work for, for instance, if an employee commits to putting 3% of their annual income into a 401(k) retirement account, the company will contribute an additional 4% on top of that. On a salary of $40,000, that's $1,600 put into a relatively high-yielding account for you. Every year! All you have to do is commit to adding some of your money as well. And the more money you contribute, the more money your company will, too.

Disclaimer: If you don't have the money in your budget now, don't sacrifice your basic living expenses for a retirement plan. Just start as soon as you possibly can.]

Your initial goal for a savings account should be to save enough money to sustain your essential expenses for at least three months, but the more, the better. Once you have an amount in your savings account that you feel satisfied with, keep it separated and don’t touch it until you have an emergency. Should something come up that depletes your account, start again and save until you reach a satisfactory level.

4) Above and Beyond.

After you have a nice safety net of cash, your next goal can be to add more money to your retirement plan, or start a savings account for a special trip or purchase. I recommend that as each new paycheck comes in, you put the remainder of your last paycheck into your savings accounts - it will add up quickly!

5) Hello, Kate Spade.

All of the tips I have listed above are basically a guideline for the perfect saving situation, but as we all know, our situations aren’t always perfect. To properly enjoy life, we need to spend some money, too. Sometimes our friend has a birthday dinner at a fancy restaurant downtown, sometimes we want to pay it forward and cover our coworker’s lunch tab, and sometimes the transmission in our car just gives out. When these events get in the way of your savings plan, don’t fret! You’ll get back on the saving train next month, and in the meantime, enjoy the surprise events that make life interesting. Finally, and most importantly, be sure to set aside some money to reward yourself! Whether it means buying one piece you love at the end of the month, or treating yourself to Starbucks every morning, find something to spend your money on that brings you joy. After all, it isn’t easy spending your day at a desk staring at less-than-attractive cubicle walls. You deserve to spend some of your money on something that makes your days infinitely more beautiful, and I assume it is impossible to have a bad work day in a Kate Spade dress...

work?

2011-04-20T21:23:00.002-05:00

Offices that need not bother giving sick days

Wieden + Kennedy.

Patrick Dougherty is everywhere!

(via)

Skype Paolo Alto.

Orestad High School in Copenhagen.

I would have had perfect attendance.

(via)

Urban Outfitters Navy Yard campus here in Philly.

(read more about their expansive headquarters here)

more office space:

google v. facebook

office snapshots

product

2011-04-18T20:33:00.000-05:00

"balloon" speakers

tangerine "scout" pack

rain level boots

skirt guard for your bicycle

Velorbis also sells fleets of bicycles to companies (like Ikea!) for lending to employees. A cute alternative to a company car and perfect for the city!

This weekend was a bit exhausting between work and gardening, but that means more money on my paycheck for apartment furniture and the hope of fresh veggies! After an hour of yoga tonight, I am relaxed, refreshed and ready to take care of the more enjoyable parts of my to-do list...yep I do try hard to follow my own advice ;)

"Expert" Advice: 10 Step Rehab for Procrastinators

2011-04-14T14:01:00.001-05:00

Sunday is that leisurely day you wish would last for eternity. Sadly, Monday will always show up and ruin the party, so at least be prepared to make it a good week. While you're enjoying Sunday brunch or Sunday couch-lounging, make a list of tasks to get done for the upcoming week.

- Be realistic with the number of tasks you pile on. There is nothing more defeating than getting to Friday and only having crossed off three of the forty tasks.

- Mix the necessary with the pleasurable, the things you always say you want to do but never seem to have time for like reading that book you bought 5 years ago with the best intentions of finishing.

- Don't be too specific. I've found that blocking out days with a detailed time schedule is another way of guaranteeing defeat. If time tabling is how you like to manage things, be loose and be prepared for interruptions. Even the best laid plans get upset.

I personally need a good breakfast in order to have a good day. It's not just about caloric energy, it's about mentally readying myself for the day ahead. If you're not a breakfast eater, give yourself an extra 10 minutes to enjoy your cup of coffee, watch a funny youtube video or simply go through your morning routine slower. Whenever I had a big exam in college and studied the night away, I would make sure I had enough time in the morning to get dressed properly. Feeling my best, always made me feel better about handling the day ahead of me.

When you're ready to begin, go big. Start with tackling the hardest task on your to-do list. Why put it off and let the anxiety haunt you? The rest will be downhill after you get it done.

Reality check: If the big "to-do" is so big that it will consume your entire day, break it into smaller tasks. Perhaps attempting to clean your entire house before 10 am is impractical…

Paying bills may make you want to jump off a bridge and you may rather jump into an active volcano than apply to jobs, but this is the reality of your life - you may as well try to enjoy it. Make a playlist of your favorite songs, plaster a smile on your face and do it -- that smile will be real when you are done.

Reality check: Things like applying for jobs and paying bills are some of the pesky tasks that you can never really mark off your checklist for good. Bills will always keep coming back for more and job-hunting can continue for weeks or months. So again, be realistic. Set aside a certain amount of time every day, or every week, to work on these tasks. Then be done with them until the next allotted time. Mentally check that box off rather than leave it open indefinitely.

This is a little tip I picked up in a Real Simple article. Sometimes we get so behind that we toss in the towel before lunch. Instead of calling it quits, reset at 2:00. Re-evaluate your mission for the day. Realize where your to-do list was unrealistic and pare it down.

...but don't seek it out. This is real life. You will get interrupted. Just keep your goals in mind and be disciplined enough to get back on track.

Realize that the time you spend on Facebook, reading blogs, watching youtube clips etc. directly eats away at the quality "relax" time you have post-work. The time you spend reading your friend's-friend's statuses determines how long you get to hang out with your actual friends.

Nothing seems to be a better motivator for me than having a friend ask "oh whatever happened with that ____?" Having someone concerned or curious about a task you need to complete is a sure-fire way to get it done. It's just going to get awkward when you keep having to explain the 50 million lame excuses you had for not taking care of it. Also, sometimes we need outside help to conquer a daunting task.

Sometimes you've just got to call it quits and go to bed. Clear your mind by writing down worries/things to-do and leaving them to deal with tomorrow morning. Give yourself time to go to bed relaxed and ready to start with a clean slate in the morning.

Don't forget to reward yourself. When you accomplish something, recognize your hard work! I recommend swaying around to "We Are the Champions" outside the lecture hall post-exam or in your office common area. After all, why else were speaker-phones invented?

To-Do List Motivation Playlist

"Expert" Advice Series

2011-04-13T14:21:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I came up with the idea to do a series of guest posts from friends called "Expert" Advice. The point of this series is to gather and share information that we've come upon during our own life experiences that will benefit each other.

When I introduced the project to my friends, I gave very loose guidelines because I want everyone to feel free to write about what is important to them. As a result, the topics are widely varied and there is sure to be something of interest for everyone.

A sampling of the posts to look forward to

-Spending your first paycheck

-How to look at art - a guide to museum-going

-Foodie 101

I'll be kicking the series off tomorrow with my own post:

10 Step Rehab for Procrastinators.

summer salads on the horizon

2011-04-11T11:12:00.001-05:00

We are having some of the best weather lately! We took full advantage of it this weekend and spent all of Saturday outside. In the morning, C. and I planned on scouting garage sales for furnishing the apartment we're moving into in August. We stopped over at Starbucks for espresso-motivation and drove around the area doing a little window-shopping from the car. Most of the local garage sales going on were a bust, but we did pick up this beauty which turned out to be better than we thought at first look

It's a teak sewing table that we intend on using as a tv stand. The special bonuses that no Ikea table could compete with: three spacious drawers behind the right door, fold out top (to be used when we need extra space, i.e. parties), little chair that tucks inside the left door, oh and of course the great quality and detailing.

Our plan: sand, whitewash (it's a bit too dark/heavy for our aesthetic though we are struggling with our usually purist approach to wood), replace hardware with Anthro-knobs, remove dinky backrest from the little chair and recover the stool cushion (not pictured).

This was originally going to be our weekend project...but the weather was so beautiful that we couldn't resist picking up some plants at Home Depot when we bought sanding materials. Our Saturday quickly turned from beginning a potted salad garden to clearing an area in the garden for a raised vegetable bed (one of my sister's horizon dreams). So, as most projects with C. and I end up, we took on a huge amount of work and finished in a ridiculously short amount of time. We need instant gratification.

before/after clearing the yard

I can't get over how cute the kids look in their Phillies caps!
even Napoleon (my sister's cat) wanted to enjoy the weather.

independent women. the (immense) help from the home depot guy doesn't count...

finished product! it's cedar so it smells lovely.

We'll be buying the million bags of soil/sand/peat etc. during the week and hopefully will be planting this coming weekend. I dream of fresh summer salads...

On another note, I play "1,2,3,4" by Feist for the quadruplets a lot for obvious reasons which has led me to re-discover that whole album which I never gave a proper listen to originally. It matches perfectly with this weather and I guarantee it will brighten up your Monday too!

p.s. have you seen this cute version of "1,2,3,4"?

diy

2011-04-08T15:00:00.000-05:00

A few DIY projects I have bookmarked to try

felt laptop sleeve.

Right now I have a black zip one, which is fine, but I'd like a light colored one so I can keep my laptop on my desk in a less obtrusive manner. The Scandinavian all-white palette is getting to my head! I think I can pull this design off for much less than the $109 they want, especially because I have a different color in mind.

hemp pendant light

via hooray

My friend and I are moving into an apartment in the city in August owned by my brother-in-law's parents. Since we know the landlords, we've already seen pictures and number one on our list is to replace the dated light fixture over the dining table. This one is so airy and seems quite feasible -- hopefully.

linen apron

I'm determined to have this Terrain apron, but $78 is just too much. I've also had a really adorable pink poppy fabric for years now that I've been wanting to put to good use. I think a little apron for my niece would be perfect in that bright fabric.

would love to hear about your own DIY projects!

tiny house co.

2011-04-07T11:28:00.001-05:00

After reading my post a few days ago about Parisian studio apartments, my sister introduced me to the Tumbleweed Tiny House Co. I thought Parisian studios were the height of efficiency in tiny spaces. Oh, how naive I was!

The Tiny House Co. has been designing houses since 1997 with no more than 140 sq ft. to minimize environmental impact and housekeeping. Though I'm not going to be jumping on this bandwagon, I have to admit these designs are the pinnacle of efficient living.

Here is the "Epu" model, which you can build yourself for just under $20,000

What's most appealing about these houses is that you can attach them to your car (since they are basically stylish trailers) and plop them down wherever you want. I.e.

not too shabby.

This particular model is the tiniest Tiny House Co. offers, measuring in at 65 sq. ft.

At $16k, you may be closer to a vacation home than you ever thought!

alright then spring

2011-04-05T11:32:00.002-05:00

The weather is being very sneaky here this week, Sunday was sunny but windy and made for a chilly nine innings at the Phillies game (my first one!), but yesterday was so warm that I began wondering if I really was prepared for full blown heat. Not to worry though, today has been typical April showers bringing back a refreshing bite to the air.

It's so nice to see the blooms coming back! Our yard is full of daffodils and the view from my window is dominated by our neighbor's cherry tree covered in bright pink blossoms. All these signs of spring have shifted my mind to warm weather activities: swimming, light and airy clothes, leisurely window shopping in the city etc.

Here is a little imagery to help ease you into sun-bathing weather,

"The Girl From Ipanema," Astrud Gilberto

from my trip to Cinque Terre in fall '08, so long ago now!

clockwise from top left: anthro march, j. crew april, terrain, cabo

also, really loving this line lemlem (which means to bloom)

parisian studio apartments

2011-04-01T21:48:00.004-05:00

Here is a little peek into the very efficient world of studio apartments.

(If you live in one, I applaud you ...and envy you because you also probably live in an uber-cool neighborhood of Paris or London)

kitchen/dining room/guest room

breakfast in a bubble bath is where it's at.

The size of this "kitchen" is almost inhumane.

Tiny can be beautiful - a lesson in the importance of natural light.

Now go rejoice in your own square footage!

(photos: paris-apartment-rent.com)

red frames and a microphone

2011-03-31T18:29:00.000-05:00

Ta-da! I've finally finished the project I had dreamed up a couple of months ago. Once I actually got down to it, it came together pretty nicely. It's just a bit daunting when there are so many different "units" to one piece.

As I was listing the print on etsy, my sister was helping me brainstorm search terms to tag it with, ie. watercolor, glasses etc. She suggested "Sally Jesse Raphael." While technically true to the print, the idea of someone opening his/her laptop and searching "Sally Jesse" on etsy is hilarious to me. If you are this person, I apologize. I would actually like to get to know you better because you must be quite the character.

sharing:

1. fresh packaging

2. what dreams look like

3. for tough days

plush

2011-03-30T14:29:00.000-05:00

There is nothing quite like paying your bills and still being able to transfer money into your savings account. It's sort of like falling back onto a plush down comforter, like on mattress commercials. That sweet feeling of "ah!" Even after a bit of an indulgent weekend with friends, my bank account is still significantly above the laughable amount that I initially opened it with (seriously, I think the Wachovia guy was knee-slapping in his head).

I owe this "green cushion" to my Lenten sacrifice: not purchasing clothing items. My friend has diagnosed us both with the "J.Crew complex." Perhaps you have it too! Here are the symptoms:
1. seeing an item at J.Crew and suffering a mild panic attack that the shirt you LOVE costs $$$$$$...it as afterall, only sequins sewn on cotton!
2. recovering from said attack and moving on to the "sale" section to take comfort in the red tags
3. seeing a lovely skirt that you can wear with EVERYTHING. this skirt will complete your wardrobe! this skirt will summon cartoon blue-birds to serenade you as you walk to class!!
4. your heart races...you check the price tag - REJOICE! it costs $$$$ not $$$$$!

...see where I'm going with this? My mind has totally been infected by this. Now part of this is owing to my new attempt to by quality over quantity, and there is definitely merit in that, but this clothing "fast" has made me realize that my quantity was still too high. And...perhaps my quality is a tad high for my stage of life as well. My mom definitely did not raise me on J.Crew and even Gap full-price was only saved for extra-special occasions.

I am now voluntarily submitting myself to "J.Crew complex" rehab. It's been a slow process to even get to this point, but the time is fast arriving when
1. I will have to trade my large closet for a small apt one...and not to mention drag my clothes down and up flights of steps to move them downtown.
2. I will be on negative $$$$$ income in veterinary school.

Therefore there is no time like the present to get this under control.

I just wish Jenna would stop making such adorable picks...

live simply.

2011-03-28T18:32:00.002-05:00

America and excess have gone hand in hand for a long time now and sometimes it's difficult to make a change when you are so used to living a certain way. From living in Europe (briefly) and consuming international design via blogs, magazines and far too many episodes of House Hunters International, I've noticed that abroad there is a focus on minimalism and efficiency. As a result, people seem to live simpler, fresher and more enjoyable lives and what's not appealing about that?

I'm trying to be more conscious of my choices lately in order to live more simply. I'm not completely re-working my life like composting my own trash or dumpster diving for food, but I'm making little and easy changes that are saving me money and reducing waste. Win, win!

Some of my little changes to make life simple, fresh and enjoyable:

1. reusable sandwich/snack bags, etsy.

2. reduce plastic container use, terrain.

3. so I can pretend I live in a greenhouse

4. walk vs. drive, keds.

Usually I drive to the post office to mail my etsy sales, but today I decided that it's actually very walkable and there was no point in driving my car there. I'm so glad I made that decision! Not only did I get a lot of fresh air and sunshine, but I got to take my nephew along on the walk! The kids don't get out of the house much except for doctor's appointments just because of the logistics of getting four kids ready to go between feedings and naps. It was a real treat for both Jude and I which I owe partially to my comfy Keds which encourage me to walk more often.

Oh and I have to share this, Terrain's lovely poster promoting "Dig into Spring," a weekend welcoming the warm weather with music, crafts, and other events. They are always so spot on with everything.

Spring is nearly here, hooray!

20,000 leagues under the weather

2011-03-15T20:38:00.001-05:00

No one in this house it seems can get by without being sick for more than a few days! We make for a sad group of people, trying to take care of four infants as we mope around the house. I'm hoping that the warmer weather will usher in some good health -- it's certainly long overdue!

I went down to D.C. on Saturday to visit some churches with my cousin who I am sponsoring for confirmation in the Church. We visited the Franciscan Monastery, built in the early 1900s. It is an oasis in the city. It's amazing how much land they have devoted to the monastery in the middle of compact housing. It is a nice escape and I wish I lived nearby so I could take advantage of the quiet gardens. We also walked around the National Basilica, about five minutes from the monastery. It is such an awe-inspiring church! I think it must be the most impressive church in the U.S., size-wise at least. It's humbling to pray in a space that took so much impressive and extensive work to create.

signs of spring that my grandma pointed out to me, hooray!

one of the many side chapels dedicated to Our Lady. Our Lady of Guadalupe

detail of the mosaic.

As for my 365 day project....wow I stopped almost as soon as I had started! I wish I could keep up with it better, but it seemed something was always coming up making it such a chore to sit down and draw something haphazardly and scan it to post it. I'd rather not make something I enjoy so much into a chore, so, though I hope to post more drawings than I have in the past, one a day is just too many!

rejoice

2011-03-02T11:13:00.002-06:00

it seems I've finally recovered from the flu-like virus that has swept this area in the past week. time to rejoice!

day 13

I was working a bit on this when I was sick and decided to finish it today. There is definite room for improvement, but I didn't want to dedicate too much time to it -- I already have way too many projects in mind, per usual! however, when I came across this picture of our lovely last-day-of-college-pancake-balcony-breakfast, I couldn't resist sketching my old roommates :)

judy & natey

couch-bound

2011-02-24T10:30:00.000-06:00

days 5 & 6

2011-02-22T22:07:00.000-06:00

I feel a bit like I am cheating when I do two-day posts, but yesterday was jam-packed with work and then a quad appt at the ophthalmologist (a very tricky word to spell!)

day 5
post-grad life.

and yes,
1) all that lies between philly and texas is farmland
2) drawn to scale

day 6
will be messing around a lot with sketches of my friend's glasses (she has a ridiculous collection - ridiculous used in both the absurd and awesome sense) in preparation for a project I've had in mind for a while.

interesting:
- childhood pictures re-posed years later
- banish awkward silence (great for everyday life if you're into peacocking)
- promoting good studying habits afterall it could carry a whole library...and stylishly

day 4

2011-02-20T22:10:00.001-06:00

went to King of Prussia today with C., trekked nearly the entire mall.
final score: mall 0, us 1000000.

highlights:
-found a perfect interview outfit for C. (good luck tomorrow!)
-only bought frozen yogurt (a landmark in my recovery as a self proclaimed shopaholic)
-minimal foot pain thanks to my new keds (bought a few days ago in a failed recovery as a shopaholic)

buona notte dear friends.

day 2 & 3

2011-02-19T20:40:00.001-06:00

day 2

thinking about margaritas at chili's post-work got me through the day on friday. tried the presidente margarita. it was delicious and led to typical margarita conversation = wholly satisfying.

day 3
this is me at work all day long,

generally five different people smile at me, giving me no hint as to who actually owns the dog I have just brought out. I legitimately encountered three out of the five names yesterday, the rest are not far off from actual ones I have come across in the past. it's always interesting picking up the appointment sheet and figuring out how to pronounce names like "Cesardellanot" (also 100% real). though the cat named B#%@* takes the cake.

365, day 1

2011-02-17T15:49:00.000-06:00

365 days of drawings (or more appropriately, doodles). think i can do it? we'll see...

today was the second glimpse of spring this week with temps all the way in the 60s! we took the quads for a walk in the gigantic new zealand import. it was so nice to get out of the house with them and not have to go to the doctor's office. they seemed to enjoy it too and ended up taking a little cat nap <3 we made a stop at the hardware store around the corner to buy a bike pump for the stroller wheels (i'm telling you, it's a legitimate vehicle), and ended up causing quite a scene while waiting outside. the kids attract admirers like no other. it's no surprise though, precious x 4.

the big picture

2011-02-09T22:08:00.000-06:00

aftermath of a landslide in Teresopolis, Brazil, from Jan 13

This picture has been on my mind a lot lately. I finally started a charcoal drawing of it today. It seems to be calling out to be studied. It is just so poignant.

The image comes from the Boston Globe's Big Picture. I recommend adding it to your blog roll. It's a daily dose of National Geographic worthy images and a good reminder of our global citizenship.

Here is another favorite (from Port-au-Prince):

ny, ny

2011-01-31T22:08:00.002-06:00

despana

surprise birthday treat from a friend!

bmoa

please take note of C.'s adorable grandpa at center. a true Brooklynite.

I took these for fellow art nerds. According to C.'s grandpa, the museum ran out of storage space for its extensive collection. So what do you do if you don't want to rent a facility to store your art? You turn the art storage into a public gallery. So great to get to walk through! ...but ridiculous how much art is generally hidden from public view.

pocket doors lined with paintings.

train ride home.

loved the trip, but my legs and I are glad to be back in a city that sleeps.

love is all you need

2011-01-28T12:00:00.002-06:00

an epic introduction to a not-so-epic-but-cute-and-sweet-nonetheless valentine set now available at my shop

send all your loving

xo Christina

p.s. going to the big apple for my birthday tomorrow! hooray!

girl. on canvas

2011-01-23T10:59:00.001-06:00

I see this as the beginning of my art collection. I found it for five dollars while exploring a local antique mall for the first time. It caught my eye as I was flipping through a stack of canvases. I passed it up at first, deterred by its oddness and my uncertainty of how it would be accepted by future apartment guests. I now realize that is perhaps the dumbest evaluation of a piece of art.

I kept thinking about it as a I walked around the remainder of the booths and when I brought it up again to my friend, she encouraged me to get it. I'm so glad she did because I love it. I'm not sure what it is about this piece: the colors. the painterly style. the expression of the girl. the appeal of saving this artist's work from the bargain bin? It has that je ne sais quoi.

I vow to never again base my interest in a piece of art on how I believe it will be received by others.
...though, more often than not, I'm sure my interest will be curbed by price...

citrus

2011-01-15T14:47:00.000-06:00

ate this delicious grapefruit yesterday

today i am sick.

inverse relationship between citrus consumed and functioning immune system?

listening to: basia bulat

(trying to decide what to spend my Christmas itunes money on...)

hello lullula!

2011-01-11T16:09:00.002-06:00

I'm so happy to finally introduce lullula press, a shop of prints and notecards of my original watercolor illustrations! Below are some of the prints that will be available over the next few days.

Drop by to see what I've already listed on lullula press <3

in the bag

2011-01-06T13:48:00.000-06:00

I love how Anthropologie shot the bags for the new catalog. It gives them each a unique identity, not to mention that the shots are just beautiful. You could decorate an entire house beautifully just by framing pages from Anthro catalogs!

My own bag:

Contents:
- The Doorbells of Florence - wonderful gift from C. for Christmas
- new year, new planner!
- winter survival kit: C.O. Bigelow lip balm & Curel
- $1 Goodwill sunglasses protected by a $$ V.B. case...
L.L. Bean Signature tweed bag

five new year's resolutions

2011-01-02T22:12:00.004-06:00

moustache.

2010-12-29T22:17:00.000-06:00

(whiskerworks)

Happy Feet

2010-12-26T21:11:00.003-06:00

A few months ago, I took my busted feet to the podiatrist. It had been over a year ago that I had injured my toe playing rec volleyball and I kept aggravating it every time I went for a run. The appointment was long overdue.

After consulting x-rays, Dr. M. gave me the diagnosis (along with an elaborate doodle of my misaligned toe joint on the paper lining of my chair...he's big into doodles). Anyway, ever since then Dr. M. and I have pretty much been BFFLs - every month, I am in his office for either steroid injections or orthotic fittings. On several of these occasions, he has reprimanded me for my poor choice of footwear, and, not wanting to ignore the advice of my BFFL, I have tried to change my ways. Several pairs of shoes have been tossed into the Goodwill pile and everyday I think of how proud Dr. M. would be of my choices. Somehow, in my humble opinion, I have even managed to pamper my feet in a fashionable way.

So, inspired by Dr. M., I present to you a little peace treaty between feet and fashion:

1. The green color of these wallabees makes them stand out against a sea of Wes-Anderson-wannabes. (...though admittedly, I probably belong in that group) (anth ropologie)
2. When I was younger, I despised the color gold, tucked-in shirts and high-waisted skirts. My how times have changed (sperry)
3. The sleeker alternative to the wallabee and a unique take on the oxford - double whammy! (7 for all mankind)
4. A not-too-high stacked heel, ladylike and comfortable...the envy of all stilettos (anthropologie)
5. Three words: color, ruffle, bootie. (anthropologie)
6. The one pair I actually own out of this collection. Buy them now. They are the equivalent of sticking your feet in down pillows and walking in a field of clovers. The exact equivalent. (north face)
7. Dr. M. may raise an eyebrow at these, but sometimes one must sacrifice a bit of comfort for beauty.(anthropologie)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T09:00:00.002-06:00

christmas song of the day - good grief

2010-12-24T10:00:00.003-06:00

Dear UPenn,

Bright packages under the Christmas tree are lovely and eggnog and cookies are wonderful, but all I really want for Christmas is a letter...or e-mail...even carrier pigeon from you. I've been extra good this year...and every year! Please drop me a line.

Sincerely,
Christina

the most wonderful time of the year

2010-12-23T19:46:00.001-06:00

Holly Jolly Christmas - The Format

My favorite pictures from past Christmases...

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

christmas song of the day - of course

2010-12-19T20:34:00.001-06:00

Whoops, missed a few days there!
C. and I watched Love Actually a few days ago, so I thought it was about time I posted this one. Wish I could find the Olivia Olson clip from the movie...pretty epic.

hopeful

2010-12-16T19:16:00.003-06:00

Earlier today I was feeling a little unsure about my decision to live in the northeast as I came back from a freezing run and ran my frost bitten fingers under water (they felt like they had been hit by hammers!). But now the first snow of the season is falling and sticking to the ground out my window, I'm listening to Sufjan's Songs for Christmas and I'm feeling reassured. It's been such a treat to live here under one roof with my sister, brother-in-law, best friend and adorable niece and nephews. There is a lot of love and a lot of laughter in this house and especially so during the Christmas season. We had a huge cookie baking marathon, cut down a tree, decorated the house, and have been listening to Christmas music non-stop....and it's only December 16th!

...I just stopped to admire the snow falling down. In some ways I'm grateful that I grew up without snowy winters because now when it snows I have the excitement of a little kid. It's so pretty and so uplifting for some reason.

Like I said, this is the first snow of the season here, but actually the first snow I experienced this year was in Maryland at my aunt's funeral.

My aunt, my dad's sister, died suddenly on December 4th after a battle with cancer. I was in Texas when it happened, but thankfully I made it back in time for the funeral. It was an emotionally exhausting time, but it was also a very special time of reuniting with family I hadn't seen in some time.

It began snowing right after the funeral, as her casket was being carried outside. It is a picture I will have in my memory forever. The snow softly falling as my dad stood with his sister's casket and my oldest sister and I stood watching, arm-in-arm, from inside. It was heartbreaking. It is at times like those though that my faith in Christ grows ten-fold and I am so thankful for being brought up in the Church by parents whose unwavering faith has been an incredible example. That moment watching my father was nearly unbearable, but I knew that along with his sadness there was and is hope in his heart -- the same hope that was given to us one night in Bethlehem.

Dad, Aunt Eva, Oma & Opa

christmas song of the day - sufjan again...

2010-12-16T09:00:00.001-06:00

the meaning of this song may be shrouded in mystery, but it's one of my favorites.

christmas song of the day - classic

2010-12-15T21:47:00.003-06:00

christmas song of the day - for hipsters

2010-12-14T22:14:00.002-06:00

let them eat cake

2010-12-06T13:52:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite blogs is Oh Happy Day by Jordan Ferney (designer/party planner/superwoman). Her blog is full of cute diy projects and design inspiration. My favorite posts feature her adorable dinner parties, most memorably under the Golden Gate bridge

(photo credit: oh happy day)

I absolutely love the idea of having a traditional dinner party in such an unexpected location. It's so refreshing when schema are challenged to beautiful results. I am motivated to work twice as hard now to convince Judy over at styleocracy to move to Philly so we can co-hostess parties again (...yes Judy??)

Let's get back to the point of the post though,

(photo credit: oh happy day)

caaaaaaaake!!! glorious cake.

This post is turning into a bit of a love letter to the creativity and talents of Jordan Ferney and her husband. These are just a few of the paintings in the larger series Let Them Eat Cake by Paul Ferney.

The prints are now available here and you can check out Jordan's post about the art show here.

Annnnd you're welcome for the cake craving that will stick with you for the rest of the day ;)

food for thought

2010-11-28T11:47:00.002-06:00

"It is difficult to appreciate the complexity of the brain because the numbers are so huge they go well beyond our everyday experience (unless you are a cosmologist). The average brain consists of one hundred billion (100,000,000,000) neurons. Suppose each neuron was one dollar, and you stood on a street corner trying to give dollars away to people as they passed by, as fast as you could hand them out - let's say one dollar per second. If you did this twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, without stopping, and if you had started on the day that Jesus was born, you would by the present day only have gone through about two thirds of your money. Even if you gave away hundred-dollar bills once a second, it would take you thirty-two years to pass them all out. This is a lot of neurons, but the real power and complexity of the brain (and of thought) come through their connections . . . the number of combinations possible - and hence the number of possible different thoughts or brain states each of us can have - exceeds the number of known particles in the entire known universe"

(excerpt from This Is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin)

what we have lost

2010-11-23T13:33:00.002-06:00

I spend a lot of my time blog browsing and linking off to other sites until it's difficult to remember where I even began. The ideas, projects, people etc. that I have stumbled upon during these internet tumbles have broadened both my mind and character. Sometimes I am inspired. Sometimes I am challenged. (sometimes I am just online shopping...) Regardless, the access to a global community is incredible.

A few days ago I was watching a Frontline special called Digital Nation. The documentary took a closer look at the role the virtual world plays in our daily lives. I suppose to stir up discussion, the documentary villainized technology a good deal which I always find to be a lame position. Technological innovation has improved our society in countless ways. It seems people that have this opinion generally view technology as an alien infiltrating our lives, yet technology is a human creation in response to certain problems.

However, the filmmakers brought up a point that hit close to home.

There isn't a problem with technology, but there is a problem, I think, in the way we are using it. We are living in an age of information overload. We are expected to multi-task to a point where no one seems to be particularly good at any one thing. I think this became especially noticeable to me after I graduated. I had a slew of classes under my belt and a degree in hand, but I felt (feel) completely useless to the real world. It's difficult to see my degree as more than paper. Part of this is my own fault, but part of it, I feel, is the fault of our education system. No one person is alike, therefore no two students are alike. Shouldn't degree requirements be catered to individual needs?

A professor interviewed in the documentary describes our generation as one of instant gratification. When I first heard this, I dismissed it as the opinion of a grumpy old man irritated with a generation he couldn't understand. I mean, how wonderful is it to have a question pop in your head and have the answer in under 5 seconds? I felt that our generation was instead smarter because of the ease of access to information. However, I have come to think otherwise.

The downside of being raised in this internet age is the difficulty of being able to focus our attention on one particular subject. I felt like the internet had made me well-rounded, informed on an infinite number of topics or at least capable of gaining that knowledge. However that is exactly where the problem lies. We know we can access online information whenever we want, so what motivation is there for real learning? My research into any topic is usually taken from blurbs from online articles or from scanning Wikipedia. I feel like I have lost the discipline I once had for gaining a true understanding of one topic before moving on to the next thing. Books force us to do that. You can't link off a particular topic in the text to another and another. This style of "learning" leaves you with disjointed snippets of information on a million things.

However, I stand by my original opinion that technology is an incredible tool. There is no denying its functionality in our modern life, but we are all losing something in throwing books to the wayside. Personally, I've lost the quiet time, the imagination and the intimate connection between author and reader.

What have you lost?

terrain at styer's

2010-11-09T19:59:00.005-06:00

Confession: I am design obsessed. I'm not talking casual interest, I'm talking about the majority of my dreams involving me somehow living in an amazing space. When I discovered Terrain at Styer's (from the design geniuses behind Anthropologie), my heart sighed.

...though I am left wondering if the designers peered into my subconscious for inspiration...

C. and I, along with my sister and her friend, dropped in for Sunday brunch (or intended to "drop in," though we ended up wandering around the attached store for over an hour). The food was delicious and adorably presented. I spent a good part of the meal gawking at the space and trying to snap pictures discreetly. Here are some snapshots from brunch, though if I were you I'd already be packing my bags for a trip to the outskirts of Philly. The Liberty Bell never stood a chance next to Terrain's signature Honey Tea au Lait or adorable bread "pots."

To top it off the waitresses wear these adorable linen aprons:

I may be in the market for a new job now ;)

harney & sons

2010-11-04T20:17:00.003-05:00

My best friend (now roommate!) and I spent a good number of hours in the car this week driving to D.C. for the Colbert/Stewart rally and then heading to upstate New York to visit her aunt. Fortunately, I love roadtrips = opportunity to blare Band of Horses and Dr. Dog for hours straight.

D.C. won us over this weekend. We didn't get to see much more than this at the rally

but we had a great time wandering around the city and visiting with our friend. Oh and let me add that the national mall was estimated to be flooded with a crowd of 217,000 for the rally, but it was the most pleasant crowd I have been in in my life! I'm talking "excuse me"s with even the most minor of bumps. I'm proud to be grouped with Colbert/Stewart fans.

Upstate NY was lovely. Hiking, good food, great weather! Pretty much my ideal vacation.

One of the main reasons for going on our mini-break in the Hudson River Valley was to visit Millerton, NY - the home of the Harney & Sons tea-tasting room. (Even more evidence that C. and I are old people at heart...either that or British)

Harney & Sons tea was started by John Harney (whom we met while we were there!). He started blending teas in his Connecticut basement in 1983 and now sells teas in upscale stores like Williams Sonoma and even produced a line of blended teas for the Royal Historical Society of Britain...the highest seal of approval for any tea blender, especially an American.

I was so impressed by the company's eye for design, both in the actual tasting room and of the tea tins/logo.

The teas were delicious, the gift shop impeccably curated, and the Harneys, themselves, very charismatic.
C. and I left Millerton with dreams of entrepreneurship and several tins of tea each -- you know you've hit upon something as a company when your packaging is as appealing as your product.

q&a tag

2010-10-14T22:20:00.003-05:00

elizabeth over at designs by liz tagged me in a little q&a game...

1. What musician have you recently discovered?
Stornoway, British indie folk...good for those of us left a bit weary from Mumford & Sons overplay on the radio
yeah, I'd say they're good in my book
also The Morning Benders (rec. from Rachel), grrrreat stuff

2. What is your favorite way to enjoy this beautiful time of the year?
dressed warm in tights and sweaters doing anything outside to enjoy this all too short lived season!
oh, and doing this ;)
3. What is one thing that everyone should do before graduating college?
love your friends as much as possible!  it's rare that you will be so lucky to live by all of them again

4. What literary character do you most identify with? Why?
Yossarian ;)

5. What is your favorite family tradition?
decorating the tree and cookie making at Christmas!

6. What is your favorite family recipe?
hmm, I think I will have to go with this Slovak dessert bread my dad makes at Christmas time.  Stuffed with brown sugar, walnuts and a bit of lemon zest....yummmmm!

7. How did you meet one of your best friends?
no great meeting stories, just great friendships born out of lots of good laughs <3

8. What made you happy today?
mainly two things:
1) my best friend is moving here on Saturday!
2) my niece and nephews.  seriously, they can make even the dreariest days wonderful.  (and today was so dreary weather-wise)

Passing this game along to Judy at fashionistas & philosophers
and Linda at la mode

1. must have fall accessory
2. top three fashion icons
3. favorite fashion blog, of someone you don't know personally ;)
4. any new trends you are itching to try?
5. favorite online shop
6. favorite vintage piece
7. top three cities you would fly to just for shopping
8. last but not least -- favorite 30 rock quote!

happy friday <3

orange

2010-10-12T11:09:00.002-05:00

I've never considered orange to be one of my favorite colors, but I recently realized that my love for orange has slipped by unnoticed for years. It is such a striking and unusual color that works especially well for product packaging.

1. vintage Japanese matchbox

2. Veuve Clicquot champagne

3. Antico Caffe Greco

4. Hermes

Isn't it interesting that two very high end products use orange as their signature color. Orange lends itself to bold and sophisticated design...though the wrong shade could easily turn garish.

Now I have something wonderful to share with you design/marketing freaks:

the world of Hermès - I have to warn you, you may just get lost in it

Some of my favorites:

- "I am a horse"

- The making of a leather saddle

- "Taste on a plate"

The design and content are so creative and beautiful. I am so impressed with Hermes ability to take an age old logo and tip it on its side (figuratively and literally) to make the brand modern. I love the adorable drawings!

Any oranges you love?

*Edit: Just remembered another orange I love:

He's coming back in November!!

post app plans

2010-09-22T17:47:00.003-05:00

-- apple picking and making this:

source: sweet paul mag

-- decorating the 3rd floor room adjoining my bedroom (now my art studio/living space but will eventually be my niece/nephews' playroom).

i have been scouring the ikea catalog over and over trying to find the perfect ways to utilize the space. here are some of the choices so far:

i absolutely love these rugs and am amazed at how affordable they are (hooray ikea!). the goal is to make the room have three different "zones" divided by the wall that goes through the middle (surrounding the chimney).
1) living room: couch with coffee table etc.
2) activity area: table and chairs
3) area focused around a chalkboard/magnetic wall (cool for kids and adults alike)

of course there will be tons of floor space for an open feel (and play room!) and tons of storage with the cubbies pictured, filled with these baskets:

perfect for storing toys.

my favorite feature of the room is the wall alcoves with lights for growing plants. i am a huge fan of design that connects the outside and inside worlds, so i look forward to (with my black thumb) somehow cultivating some plants there. what a great place for kids to learn about gardening :)

and just because i'm on the subject of the ikea catalog, let me share my favorite rooms:

a-mazing.

i have no more blogging endurance, i'm totally worn out from painting, so enjoy the ikea feast i have set before you!

fresh start.

2010-09-16T18:28:00.001-05:00

today was about a lot of new things

hair trim

new makeup

new art supplies

and i've begun a new "commission" for a friend. it feels nice to not be chained to test review books!

ah, sweet relief.

2010-09-15T20:35:00.000-05:00

no more studying. goodnight.

should be in bed

2010-09-14T22:09:00.000-05:00

GRE is tomorrow. why am i not in bed? i'm changing my blog template. what a great reason to jeopardize my future.

"i don't know"

2010-09-13T21:47:00.002-05:00

topshop browsing led to...

2010-09-09T21:21:00.000-05:00

wants: embellished vest, cozy winter boots, new bag

music: "on the radio" - regina spektor, for some reason this song has some sort of deep connections to fall and happiness...can't remember what event imprinted this, but i don't mind

location: apple orchard or harney & sons teashop in upstate new york (my best friend always raves about, but i've yet to go!)

special delivery

2010-09-09T09:17:00.000-05:00

was so excited to get this in the mail. so pretty, so classic.

tea time

2010-09-08T16:43:00.002-05:00

today collage

2010-09-08T14:52:00.000-05:00

oddly enough this spontaneous collection of pictures reflects the transition between summer and fall. as did the iced pumpkin latte i had today during a little outing with my sister. i'm so thankful to have a best friend and sister all in one <3

francoise hardy

2010-09-07T17:31:00.003-05:00

why don't more people know about her?

an apéritif: "mon amie la rose"

timeless.

fall fashion...pass it on

2010-08-31T19:47:00.001-05:00

my dear friend judy, of fashionistas & philosophers., just posted a list of four pieces she daydreams of for fall (fashion daydreams are sadly a commonality for all of us young, poor folk). i was inspired to do the same because i spend so much time browser shopping that i really should turn it into something productive and share.

because pictures are fun and i daydream a lot, i may not restrict myself to 4 items...

vintage equestrian satchel (etsy)
...i don't know if i'll ever buy a new bag because i'm so in love with worn ones (i plan on rewarding myself with a new vintage bag post-GRE, especially because i have had to part ways with two of my bags recently...i wore them into the ground and beyond)

sequin tank (j.crew)
...i think sequins become almost more appropriate in the cold weather because they are more unexpected -- and so cheery.

knit ankle cuff pants (j.crew)
-- side note, i have had my eye on a pair of pants like this since fall 08 when one of my classmates in florence was sporting a pair. sigh, so comfy and stylish.

watercolor folds dress (anthropologie)
...over grey ribbed tights of course

bonus:

cozy sweater with vintage pattern (piperlime)

faux fur jacket (piperlime)
......i can't help myself. cozy, faux-luxury

fall flats (j.crew)
...my feet say yummm to comfort and warmth

i should probably stop indulging...

to my fellow bloggers: i would love to see your fall choices!

different perspective

2010-08-28T20:40:00.001-05:00

was flipping through my friend's pictures from florence and loved the way she shot everything with a manual camera. everything looked so dramatic. it made me want to start taking photos again. since i can't really manage that while i have a baby sleeping on me, i thought i'd re-invent a photo i had already taken for the time being. here is the result:

edit

original

i always loved the symmetry in this photo that i captured by sheer luck. i wanted to increase the contrast of the zebra's stripes, and crop it in a bit. the sepia saturation makes the edited picture look like it was captured on an African safari in the 70s rather than a wildlife park in Texas. it's a fun little game to play with forgotten pictures, no?

i pledge to take better photos.

p.s. isn't it weird to look back at old pictures of yourself and feel totally disconnected from that person, i.e.:

i'm guessing it's the dramatic hair difference...

p.p.s. the babies' little fists are determined to rip out my long locks. i always forget to tie it back before holding them.