Friday's Five Favorites, Creative Inspiration Edition

I think an essential part of creativity is taking breaks. Taking time to stop, look around, take in what life give us as inspiration. Today is my last day of work at Times for two weeks! Wha the wha?! So, here are my five things that are around this week that have me excited and inspired.

My friend/big sister Sarah was in town from San Francisco this week. And whenever big sis is in town its a real treat. The company is fabulous and the food is fantastic. This time we went to Craft. In the smorgasbord that was our dinner my favorite was the sorbet and dessert wine. Hibiscus-Lemonade, Rhubarb-Pink Peppercorn, and Mango-Honey with a light Riesling. I mean, Rhubarb-Pink Peppercorn sorbet?! Come on. Who thinks this way?

The Great Outdoors! The Hanley Family is in from Virginia and we're doing a big group picnic happy hour in the park this evening. Did I come to work with my picnic basket complete with cheese board and tea lights? Um, yes. Yes, I did. I only wish I had the time to make this.

 

I dunno, this picture. Because its amazing.

This workspace for artists and writers. Makes me wish I lived in Long Island City.

The Oracle Club, we get it. You're cool.

 

This link my dad sent me. Because somehow my mind can't comprehend next week I'll be in Ireland. So crazy. We have an rough outline what we want to do, but no set plans. I have already started planning what I'm packing, though. I want to do Ireland in a duffle. (More on that later.)

Have a lovely weekend, all!!! Enjoy!

So Let's Dance

 Queen of the End of the Night

Worked Hard for the Money  

Disco Fierce

Word Up, Emily Dickenson

 

Tutor City, NYC

The Brain ­ is wider than the Sky, ­
For, ­ put them side by side,­
The one the other will contain
With ease, ­ and You ­ beside ­

The Brain is deeper than the sea, ­
For ­ hold them, ­ Blue to Blue, ­
The one the other will absorb, ­
As Sponges, ­ Buckets ­ do
 ­
The Brain is just the weight of God, ­
For, ­ Heft them, ­ Pound for Pound ­
And they will differ, ­ if they do, ­
As Syllable from Sound ­

First and French

I mean, stop it already.
Read more about Carla 2.0 in The Times today.

Perspectives of Paris

 

Brightens my day.

When I was in college I did an internship and course in DC my junior year. One my projects I did there was looking at my surroundings and translating them into graphic patterns. I love this coffee table book about looking at what's around us and looking at it a little differently. Ok, so it is Paris...

Pastels Perhaps

I never been a fan of pastels. But today I'm wearing a sweater that my mom bought me years ago (when I used to not really ever wear color) so I decided to do a little pastel color exploration. Perhaps pastels aren't so bad?

Mourning Commutes

This is a gloomy morning. Even my fruit stand man was quipping with people. Tourists were even more disoriented than usual. And I'm tired. (read: impatient.) And I hate my outfit. (read: completely weather inappropriate). We won't even get into my hair. The pity party would be too epic for this Tuesday morning. 

But even with all these factors trying to break my stride, this song came on and the commute was a little easier to roll with. This is crazy for two reasons. One, music changes everything. I went from Sad Commuter Michele to Michele playing the role of Sad Commuter. I felt like I was in the opening scene of Joe vs Volcano and I had to laugh. The second reason, Erin literally just said the Black Keys are the best commuting music ever. Agreed. Rock on, Tuesday. That's all.

Jigglin' Bells for a Dreary Monday

It Evaporates, free download from TV Girl

Where My Head is At

So this time next week our trade show (National Stationery Show, NSS) will be in full swing. I feel like the energy this year is different than any other. Like any annual event, its great to look back and see how far we've come (with the help of so many people).

Two years ago was our launch. We didn't know if we were any good, but just the thought of actually creating this thing was exciting enough. Last year, we were still figuring out who we were and how that fit with what people wanted. Now, we know who we are and can't wait to share it. I'm really proud of our new cards, new site, our new booth. Nervous excitement will basically my state until Saturday morning. Hopefully, all the hard work and good intentions will pay off! Happy Monday all!

Mr. Wanderluster

"And he sailed off through night and day

and in and out of weeks

and almost over a year

to where the wild things are."

RIP, Maurice Sendak. His interesting obit: 1928-2012.

Food as Art

 brussel sprout dinner. (thank you, ina garten)

  spring pasta salad with basil and cherry tomatoes

 hummus, feta, arugula pita pizza bites

The other day I walked by some food display/deli window/something. I'm not sure if it was hunger, or just the fact I was paying attention, but the food looked so pretty! It got me to thinking... food by nature is so artful. Colors, shapes, pattern and repetition. So, I decided to photo log some of meals I cooked (ok, let's get real), prepped, this week. It was a fun little project, and also pretty tasty. Bon Appetito! 

Here Comes the Rain Again

It's another rainy day in the NYC. And I feel like Spring forgot what month it is. Hello. People in the South have been wearing flip-flops for months now!

I have to admit, though, the foggy view out of the office is pretty spectacular. It's like Downtown is erased by clouds. And also I'm not going to lie about the fact I'm happy it's a rainy Wed. You know I love stepping in puddles with my rain boots. So, rather than be alllll sad that its May and not sunny, I've chosen a rainy day mix that rocks the face off this midweek.

Obligatory rainy day anthem

My morning commute anthem this week

Remember when we loved her

We'll always love her 

Bright Lights, Big City

prettymaps (amsterdam) by Aaron Straup Cope

new york by Aaron Straup Cope

dallas by Aaron Straup Cope

I love these prints from 20x200. I mean, he made Dallas/Fort Worth look good.

Just Peachy

I know its Monday and not even remotely sunny here. But I kinda love listening to this song and day-dreaming about a Saturday afternoon with these goodies.


1. Laura Mercier lip gloss in naked apricot
2. Stripe Dolman Sleeve tee in neon peach combo from JCREW
3. xlarge shimmery sparkle thread by Spun by Subtle Luxury at Piperlime
4. Diane Von Fustenberg Drew Colorblock Tote
5. frozen peach margaritas from Martha Stewart

Weekend Recap: Cinco de Derby

Happy Monday! Well, the favorite weekend of the year did not disappoint. Friday night, we celebrated Emma's birthday at the Ace Hotel with a few gin and lavender drinks. They were too delightful. They were also delightful the next day as I was sweating them out at yoga, might I add. Emmmmbarrassing. Especially when you have a teacher crush.

Cinco de Derby started off with a well-accompanied brunch at La Palapa in the East Village. And while, I don't think I had an adequate amount of melted cheese, I did try grilled cactus for the first time. It was pretty delish. Totally recommend it.

The 138th Derby was so great, right?! My hopes were with Bodemeister. I really wanted that little guy to win. But, alas. At least, Mary J (who oddly enough was on my iPod as I was walking around town all morning) was ahhh-mazing, both in vocals and her hot lil red number. For real, the hats were fantastic this year: Ensembles. 

Oh, and one more thing

have a great weekend!

Friday's Five Favorites (Cinco edition!)

Yesterday was a day of tiny presents. They were everywhere! As I was walking to work, a monk handed me this amulet (above) and wished me peace. It was a small gesture, but kinda huge. I mean, in a sea of people commuting, I received this shiny little symbol of kindness. Very cool. Namaste, Mr. Monk.

Then at work, I received a package from none other than Aw-ie Fwecher. It was thank you note and a couple other goodies for the trip to Ireland. Totes made my day! And last night I even got to hear her voice. Double whammy.

So on that note, I've decided to share five things that people (thanks, Chrissy and Erin!!) have shared with me:

Steps for the Mejor de Ano mañana 

2:18 minutes of aaaahhhmazingness

A game to prep for tomorrow's festivities

A guide to documenting your weekend of awesomeness

The Alternative Julip recipe

Take Me Out to the Crowd

Tuesday started out rainy and dreary. By the afternoon time, I was out of my rain boots, the spring sun was shining, and I was on my way to Yankee stadium. Erin even had my Orioles orange scarf ready! The effort in attire paid off. In the end, there were two happy Orioles fans (and their friend) cheering as the Yankees slumped off the field. 

We enjoyed an empty train back since all the Yankee fans headed out at the bottom of the 6th. It actually was really cool to hear NY, NY play at the end (even when they lose) and feel like the only ones in the stadium.

I forget how much I love a quick 20min train ride... being outside in a ballpark, enjoying overpriced beers and a hotdog, and observing the most obnoxious fans in sports* (sorry, Annie.)

*This would actually be a tie with Philly fans.

Jam wid it you

 

 My rainy morning music has transported me from a cubicle to a hammock. Thanks, Bob.

Places to Be

Places.

So, starting off, I had a great weekend out and about!

Friday night, had some delicious ritas on the Upper East Side. Sat, headed out to Long Island City for some BFTing. (Trade show booth is coming along so well, ya'll! I can't wait to post pics.) That night I went to dinner on the West side and had Afghani food for the first time. Delicious, actually! Sunday, was relaxing... strolling around the city in the sunshine. Spent some time in Bryant Park. (So glad this wasn't going on in the hood on Sunday). I finally finished my resistance to the Hunger Games and book one is now donz-o. I moving on to read some dry humor by Nora Ephron. Loves her. And a book by Vietnamese monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. Loves it.


Speaking of things I love, five more:

Manhattan's last remaining fireboat company's house

Same architect: residence on Gramercy

Rent-a-lawn ridiculousness


A visit to our new site

A visit to the ballpark tonight!