I’m happy to announce the soft launch of my new site. I’ve merged my blog with my website and couldn’t be happier. I still have some work to do, but in the meantime, please be sure to update your RSS subscription to: http://feeds.feedburner.com/
Thanks so much for following, and cheers to a new look!
Because I have a blog, or am constantly sending/tweeting or posting blog links to Facebook & Twitter, people tend to ask me for blog recommendations — I guess I’ve become a blog-reading expert, if that’s even a thing. I’m a graphic designer & communications person at a credit union, so at the end of the day when I’ve had my fill of jpegs and have seen the words “Traditional IRA” one too many times, the blogs I tend to enjoy the most are food, craft and fashion blogs. However, because I’m kind of a nerd and genuinely do love what I do, I enjoy reading about money, design and marketing, especially when it’s done in a way that’s fun and relate-able.
So without further adieu, here are my favorite blogs RIGHT NOW (and most recent additions to my Google Reader, categories included). I hope you like them as much as I do! read more »
This past year I did A LOT of crocheting for Babushka Designs. When prototyping new products, one tends to accumulate a lot of yarn… as I did. I finally got tired of looking at the two massive mountains o’ yarn in my apartment (a yarn Twin Peaks, if you will) and decided to turn it into a nice, warm, and crazy colorful blanket.
While I was working on it, I kept thinking that it was going to be super ugly because the colors that I had so much of were not colors I’d typically use in a blanket… and it was a little difficult when I ran out of certain colors and had to substitute with similar hues. This blanket took about 3 months to complete– I worked on it mostly while watching Dance Moms and The Bachelor. Good things come out of watching bad television, right?
“How old are you now?” – my dad asks me, pretty much every year on my birthday. This year I answered, “28,” since that is technically my age (I still feel 24, just smarter), and he replied with a face that read “hot damn, ouch, oh lord help you, you’re getting old,” and then I gave him my faux mal de ojo and we chowed down on some Fresh Banana Cheesecake and everything was dandy.
Actual cheesecake, shortly before it was devoured.
I feel like 28 is going to be a great year, and apparently my Chinese horoscope agrees with this (hey fellow rats!). Here are some other things that happened this month:
1.) Casino time with Mom
San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in San Bernardino, CA
$50 in free play from your local casino? Why wouldn’t you want to go?! I did and won a nice chunk o’change. Most importantly I got to spend the day hanging with my Mom, which was the best part. The buffet was also a plus. In addition to having too much fun at the penny slots, it was great to be home visiting family and friends… and finally try that Buffalo Wild Wings place I keep seeing on the TV.
2.) Handmade Birthday Cards
“Hold on tight, spider monkey.“
Each year I receive a handmade birthday card from Cathy. Last year’s featured Lil Jon and a ilustrated version of me vomiting from drinking to many “Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots!” This year I’m being admired by one Edward Cullen. Much more pleasant, right?
3.) Hanging with Rocio
Roc and I in a great vintage furniture shop on Valencia Street
My good friend Rocio was in the Bay Area for a conference, so we got to hang out! Always great to see her. We explored the fun shops on Valencia Street and later ordered in because it was FREEZING outside.
4.) House of Prime Rib
I first learned about House of Prime Rib on No Reservations and wanted to check it out immediately… this was almost 3 years ago, so it was about time I went. I figured my birthday would be the best time to drag my friends with me — and in actuality, everyone was really stoked to go, which was awesome. It was not a disappointing experience. That salad! Those cocktails! That cute corn bread thing! I need to go again, and soon.
5.) A Gift to Myself
So, this is what I got myself for my birthday. Don’t even act like you don’t buy yourself birthday gifts. And don’t make me reference “Treat Yo Self” and force you to watch the YouTube video. (Side note: Can Parks and Rec come back now, please?) Anyway, a friend I highly respect suggested this book, so I picked up a copy and am SO HAPPY I did. It’s pretty stellar.
6.) Cathy in SF!
My good friend Cathy road-tripped up to San Francisco to celebrate her birthday (yay, fellow Pisces!). She drove up with her BF, and our friend Maggie from college drove up from San Jose to spend the day in the city. (Anteater reunion!) We all went to Alcatraz (which explains the ever-so-stylish ponchos in the photo) and it was a soggy morning… particularly for those of us who decided against wearing rain boots (ahem, me). Anyway, it made for another great memory with these ladies and I want them to come back ASAP… or move here. Moving here would be more than acceptable.
And that concludes my birthday month, 2012! Thanks to everyone who made it extra special.
Image Credit: Kelsey Garrity Riley
This last month has flown by. People aren’t lying when they tell you that time flies as you get older. I feel like, because I am constantly either inventing or finding ways to fill my evenings and weekends, I don’t ever really have time to do nothing – which is really important. But I’m not complaining, I have a pretty cool life, and I’m thankful for that. BUT, of course, down time means watching quality (and sometimes poor quality) television. YES, my roomie and I have been addicted to this season of The Bachelor, which is horrifyingly catty and bad for women… but it’s SO ADDICTIVE. Also, I’m still pissed that he didn’t give Kacie B. a rose. What’s up with that, BEN!? In quality news, I just finished Season 2, episode 5 of Downton Abbey. I love this show so much. Lady Mary, just tell Matthew you love him already. I mean, really. Don’t marry that bland millionaire.
I’m visiting home again next month to celebrate my Dad’s birthday… and I guess my birthday too, since we share the same birthday. Kinda cool, right? I’m often told it is. My Dad is pretty rad, so I’m excited to give him his gifts and celebrate his general awesomeness.
This week I was lucky to catch a fun show at Hotel Utah here in San Francisco. Tornado Rider and Lake Street Dive both performed and both were exceptionally talented. I had so much fun, and can’t wait to catch another show.
In geeky news, my friend put together a small business book club, and I’m really excited about it. Although I’m missing the first meeting, the group is full of pretty amazing people… and gives me that mushy “San Francisco is so awesome” feeling.
