Art Update

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, these images might not be new to you. But here is a look at some of the very nerdy pieces I've been working on.

{Nyan Cat, David, River Tam & Sexy Zombie}

Saturated Canary & Mad Men Inspired Digi Post

I am so excited to announce that Krista of Saturated Canary has chosen one of my ideas for her newly designed digis!

I suppose it is no surprise that I was quick to suggest Mad Men. I couldn't be more obsessed with that show and the characters in it. Roger Sterling & Joan Holloway are definitely my favorites, so I was thrilled to see that this lovely stamp had very *ahem* Joan-like qualities.

I really wanted to spend a lot more time designing a sort of Mad Men inspired SMASH* page {if you are not familiar with SMASH*ing I recommend checking out Kellie Winnell's blog and Krista's post here}.

Anyways, yesterday while coaching I got hit... and I mean HIT... square in the nose with a full-on forehand tennis ball. Needless to say, the rest of my day was spent icing my swollen nose and calming the pain with lots of ibuprofen. So I'll just have to post what I had up until that point.

And really, this illustration couldn't come at a better time! This Sunday is the season premier of Mad Men and I'm already planning a big night of it. If I would have known sooner, I may have just made some premier party invites with the image!

So, without further ado, here is the Mad Men digi from Saturated Canary with a few of my own embellishments {because we all know it's not Mad Men without a good martini!}

And here is the best part of the whole post! Krista was nice enough to allow me to open up a contest for you! This Mad Men inspired digi could be yours!

Here is what you'll need to do to enter:

1) Comment on this post sometime between now and Sunday 

{I will close it after the 2-hour Mad Men premier @ 11pm EST}

2) You must be a follower 

{either through Blogger or Facebook}

Good luck! 

And thank you to Krista for this opportunity!

{Giveway Update 03/26/2012}
Winner of the Blanche Giveaway: Alina

Thank You For Your Patience!

I promise I am still alive! I really am! 

I just have been insanely busy with work, coaching, working out & keeping my life somewhat organized. The good news is, in the last 75 days I have lost 20 pounds!

20 pounds! That's huge for me as I am not back to the weight that I was my freshman year in college. I'm hoping that I will have some time in the coming week to post about my nutrition and lifestyle changes I have made to see these results.

Oh! And I also got bangs!

Anyways, expect a Things I Love Thursday this week, then hopefully a few posts in the upcoming weeks!

Thanks for your patience!

Color Board - Grey & Citron

{Top Row - Eco Highlighters, Shark Tooth Ring, Grady McFerrin Illustration, Home of Gemma Ahern;
Middle - Georgia O'Keefe & Maurice Grosser ; Bottom Row- Chalkboard Skull, Yellow on Grey by sparktography}

Just like the last color board, this board also has inspiration from the recent Ohio weather. Lately it's been cool and crisp, but bright with sunshine. It makes me very aware that spring is just around the corner.

I'm really loving the bursts of bright, cool color on a cool, dark grey. Grey and citron {as well as charcoals, blacks, and various shades of yellow} have been popping up in my wardrobe, too. I've bought some yellow accessories and a wool jacket that I cannot get enough of!

I included a lovely photo of Georgia O'Keefe on a Harley Davidson {as photographed by Maria Cabot}. Lately I've really been into reading and studying Art History again, especially about the women who shaped the art world as it is today {it also helps with they have rather intriguing personal lives with a lot of speculation}. 

Film Review /// Miss Representation

Last week I borrowed the documentary Miss Representation from KSU Stark.

I highly recommend it to all of my female readers {...and my male readers who know any females.} It is enlightening to see just how little of a presence women have in the media. Especially smart, strong women who do no use their bodies as a form of empowerment.

It made me feel a little bit guilty for supporting & enjoying some of my guilty pleasure movies & television. Jersey Shore, Keeping Up With The Kardashian's, Real Housewives, Gossip Girl, romantic comedies, shoot 'em up movies & action flicks; none of these have been particularly kind to women.

The documentary definitely made me more conscious and hopefully a little more proactive when it comes to providing young women {and even adult women} with some seriously impressive role models.

Are you aware that eighty-six percent of the purchasing power in the United States is in the hands of women? Think about it!

{And in similar news, but unrelated to the film... last nights' Grammy's really put me off because of the amount of Chris Brown recognition. I'm a little shocked and disgusted at how people seem to have forgotten, or just accept and encourage, that he had done a really horrible thing.}

To read more about the film, hear from Jennifer Siebel Newsom, or learn about how you can help....

The Little Things {Good Health}

I am a huge supporter of daily affirmations.

In fact, sometimes I make myself sick I worry so much that if I don't acknowledge something that it might go away.

I feel like this is something I can constantly improve upon, too. I know I don't share enough with my family, friends, co-workers, and students just how amazing they are and how much I appreciate them.

I think that is why I love these posts and my Things I Love Thursdays so much. It's a chance for me to share with the universe the things I value, adore, and cannot live without!

Since last Thursday I feel like I've been bombarded with bad news. Work related things have had me stressed out and it took a toll on my health. I spent part of my weekend in the hospital, having a couple tests done, making sure that I was healthy. Thankfully, I am!

And while right now my health {and the health of those around me} seems like a huge thing, it is often something I take for granted. I am in good health, and so are the people in my life, and for that I am grateful.

The Little Things {Arrested Development}

Today's Little Thing comes with the news that the entire cast and original writers have been confirmed for a new season of Arrested Development.

If you haven't watched this show, I would highly recommend checking it out. The humor is so perfect!

...and that's why you always leave a note.

Travel Story /// Las Vegas

I have been thinking a lot about travel lately. Inconsistent, cold, wet weather here in Ohio has had me dreaming of far off places. ...And the fact that my parents decided to take a family trip {without Nick & I!} to Vegas hasn't helped in the matters.

In 2009 I took one of the most memorable vacations of a lifetime. A high school acquaintance and I decided to plan a road trip across the country. I flew out and met him in Chicago, and from there we drove to Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Rapid City, & back to Chicago.

We stayed with hosts through CouchSurfing and had some of the most amazing adventures, conversations, and meals that I will never forget.

This trip was so much fun, it has Nick and I discussing the possibilities for an East Coast or a Pacific Northwest road trip. 

And, I've even started a 'Travel Lust' board on Pinterest! How much money and how long would it take to get to all of those places?

Have you ever been on a road trip before? What was the best part about it?

Photographs From The Weekend /// Nick's Birthday

I'm a little sad that the weekend is over. I needed those two days off {& could have used a few more!}

On Friday, I was relaxing with my best friend while Nick went out and celebrated his birthday with the boys. Laura and I ate Chinese food, watched Winnie the Pooh, & laughed over YouTube videos.

Saturday, Nick and I spent the day together eating good food, shopping, & seeing family. I gave him his somewhat nerdy {okay, a lot nerdy} birthday present, a Millennium Falcon print from Society6 and a Serenity t-shirt from ThinkGeek. We also picked up a googly eyed frog treat for Noelle at Moochie & Co.

I was also taking care of my parents' and my aunt's cats while they were vacationing in Las Vegas {so unfair!}

Sunday was laid-back. Started out with a cup of coffee and the Championship match of the Australian Open {Go Djokovic!} Then I was able to catch up on a lot of blog reading, artwork, & household chores!

How about you? How was your weekend?

Have A Lovely Weekend!

Hello!

My Friday was off to a rough start when I knocked myself silly getting into my car. I was rushing and didn't clear the door, so my forehead met the frame really really hard. I saw stars for a little awhile and now I have a really attractive knot on my forehead.

I am hoping that the swelling & bruising goes away before tomorrow! Like I had mentioned yesterday, this weekend is Nick's birthday and we are going out and celebrating.

Although I love to write, I often times have a difficult time eloquently expressing my feelings. Especially on the topic love. I think this is why I find myself being drawn to the lyrics of love songs. {I tell Nick that he and I have a new "song" just about every month.}

Anyways, I have always been a huge fan of Jason Mraz and this new song is so beautiful. It might have to be the new song for Nick & I!

Hope you have a lovely weekend! Enjoy!

Things I Love Thursday - January 26, 2012

It is Thursday again! I am thankful that this week is going by so quickly!

Nick and I have plans for the weekend to celebrate his birthday, so I've been anxious for Friday to get here!

Television

◦ I love Portlandia. Fred Armisen's technology spiral sketch so accurately depicts my relationship with my devices. So when I saw this illustration for Portlandia's Season 2 release, I couldn't help but fall in love!

Art & Culture

◦ I love photography {Nick & I were married in a photography gallery!} so I love these images of famous photographers and their most iconic images.

◦ These illustrations, titled "The 27 Club", depict the musicians who died at the age of 27. Who doesn't love a little Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin?

Internet

◦ The new blog design over at moxee. Breanna has done a very beautiful, simple thing and it works perfectly! {Not to mention I'm digging the "YOU ARE A GEM" card in her paper shop!}

◦ The fantastic Abby Kerr tweeted about productivity & planning and shared an incredibly useful link to WorkFlowy. It maps out a To-Do list and helps you keep tasks organized. Typically, I carry around a little notepad and write things down, but I might go totally digital with this.

{...More Little Things}

Celebrating birthdays ∙ Feeling productive ∙ The adorable photo shoot from 2008 with Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard ∙ Another successful weigh-in for The Biggest Loser challenge at work {I'm down another 1.6lbs!} ∙ Stumbling across some more really lovely bloggers ∙ Reading so many blogs about Alt Summit and deciding that I want to be there in the future ∙ A close match between Federer & Nadal at the Australian Open  ∙  Knowing tennis season is less than 2 months away

{Photos from MaggieGyllenhaal.net}

The Little Things {Smith's Minted Rose}

Today's Little Thing is one of my all-time favorite cosmetic products. I never leave home without my Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm. I love the tin & design, I love the smell, and I love how soft it makes my lips. 

I actually love this little illustration so much I am considering framing it and hanging it above my vanity!

How I Am Coping With My Pinterest Obsession

It seems that every so often I become downright obsessed with some sort of social media. I think it probably started back in the days of dial-up modems and America Online. My friends and I could spend hours chatting with complete strangers. A/S/L?

I have owned everything from an AOL screen name to a Xanga account. Chatting, blogging, vlogging, liking and poking. I have been there. Done that.

I just can’t get enough of connecting with people across the globe.

 My newest obsession? Pinterest. 

Pinterest is a virtual pinboard site that organizes and shares all of the things that you, and the rest of the world, find interesting and inspiring.

How does Pinterest work? It is incredibly easy to use. For example, while I’m on my usual blogroll and I see something I like ... a tasty recipe, an inspiring work of art, a do-it-yourself project I’d like to try, or various other things ranging from health and fitness to hunky actors ... instead of saving it to my bookmarks or various folders on my desktop, I can pin it to my boards and access it later.

You can install an app that will put a little ‘Pin It’ tab on your bookmarks bar of your browser. At the click of a button you can save the inspiring image, select how you want to categorize it, and continue surfing without having to leave the page.

Best of all, those images are linked on your Pinterest boards to the original website where you found it. Perfect for going back and finding a specific recipe or how-to instructions on DIY projects.

I can justify this obsession because, unlike with Facebook where I just unhealthy creep on people, with Pinterest I am actually using it to better my life. I have made two wreaths and other home decor objects, pieces of jewelry, and used it to inspire my hair, fashion and makeup. I think it is safe to accredit some of my recent weight loss and healthy decision making to my fitness board. And, I have made a dozen of the delicious recipes I have found there (they are so easy to pull up on my iPad and work from on the kitchen counter).

So go ahead, request an invite, start pinning, and become obsessed (but just make sure you do something with all of your fabulous finds).

Things I Love Thursday - January 19, 2012

• Two weeks ago I purchased a new, wide-angle camera lens. I love it! Look at one of the awesome photos I captured with it already!

• Being inspired to create art. I’ve been spending a lot of time with my pencils and watercolors. It makes me feel motivated and complete.
• Being inspired to blog! This is not something I get done a lot {obviously} and in the past week I have not only posted here, but to the North Canton Patch, and also my art education blog.
• I am on week two of the Biggest Loser competition at work. In my first two weeks I’m already down 6.44% of my body weight! I feel good, healthy, and energized!

{...More Little Things}

Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis ∙ Vegan pizza - lots of veggies & Daiya cheese ∙ Wearing this bracelet that I received for Christmas ∙ ...and also, this necklace ∙ Watching new episodes of New Girl ∙ …and Jersey Shore ∙ MyFitnessPal {like I had mentioned earlier, I'm trying to reach my goal weight, and this app has been incredibly helpful in tracking my nutrition and exercise} ∙ Generous & sincere compliments about my writing & teaching ∙ Critiquing Golden Globes fashion and nominees with my husband {he'd probably be a little mortified if I let you know about this} ∙ Claire Danes, Sofia Vergara, and Rooney Mara's Golden Globes 2012 dresses  ∙ Keeping really busy & pretty organized in 2012 ∙ Taking Noelle to be groomed & getting her back with a big, sparkley blue bow on her hot pink collar

The Little Things {Avocado}

A new Wednesday feature will be a small illustration called "The Little Things." A way of showing my love and appreciation for things I may overlook otherwise.

This week: Avocado. Yum.

Color Board - Winter Whites

{Top Row - Ghost Necklace; Winter Rain Original Watercolor. Middle Row - Claire White Modern Art Print; fieldguided blog. Bottom Row - element ceramic wall tile; Fleet Foxes.}


Today's color board has everything to do with the snow that has finally started to fall here in Northeast Ohio. I'm trying very hard to enjoy it as I'm more of an Autumn sort of person. But the snow really is beautiful, even if it makes getting out of bed & getting to work difficult.

Most of the board are random finds on etsy, while two of them are just inspirational wintery day pleasures. First, Anabela at fieldguided has fantastic posts, a gorgeous etsy site, and is just an all around beautiful person. Second, Fleet Foxes, a band that was introduced to me years ago on my cross-country road trip, is the perfect kind of music to get lost in over a hot cup of coffee and a cozy blanket.

And while your checking out the other items, make sure you take a longer look at Catherina's etsy site. She has stunning watercolor illustrations. I love her fawns & dogs.

Here's To A Healthy New Year /// 2012

Can you believe we are already fifteen days into the New Year? How was 2011 for everyone? My 2011 was amazing, sad, and bittersweet. But isn't that life?

Nick and I had such an amazing wedding that it's hard to think about 2011 as anything but. However, with the loss of my grandfather, and other life threatening family emergencies, it really was a rough year.

I can honestly say, though, that 2011 made me a much better & stronger person. I'm grateful for my experiences and look to 2012 with a lot hope, dreams & new goals.

With out getting too carried away {mostly because I hope to save these topics for future posts} my goals for the year are more cooking, blogging, reading and painting. So far I've kept up with them all. Nick and I have even decided to take part in the Meatless Monday campaign. 

This past week we dined on fresh, homemade Italian bread and yellow squash & zucchini chili. It was delicious!