203 : disneyland

So yesterday, plans changed, and no road trip was had. So it seems only natural to change the happy post... So with no San Fran or San Diego, we ended up heading to Disneyland, since the bf had never been there. We had a fabulously long day...as in almost 13 hours...and boy, did the feeties hurt. Even as an adult I love that place.

202 : hamsters

I have a weird desire to get a hamster just so I can watch it roll around on the floor in it's little ball. So when the bf and I were in Target tonight, and I saw these cute stickers, I knew I HAD to get them. And since they made me smile, the bf got them for me. The balls are actually raised plastic, so the little hamsters move around as you move the stickers. So cute.

201 : designers

I got this email from a fellow designer last night and laughed so hard I was in tears.


Why never to ask favors from the designer

Shannon (the secretary) has lost her cat and has asked David (the graphic designer) to help with a lost poster. This is their email correspondence...


From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster

Hi
 
I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me. It has to be A4 and I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon. 
This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and is black and white and about 8 months old. missing on Harper street and my phone number.
Thanks Shan.

From:David Thorne
Date:
 Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
That is shocking news.
Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.
Regards, David.

From:
 Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster

yeah ok thanks. I know you dont like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.


From:
 David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
I never said I don't like cats. Attached poster as requested.


Regards, David. 

From: Shannon Walkley
Date:
 Monday 21 June 2010 10.24am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah thats not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?


From: David Thorne
Date:
 Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
It's a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.
Regards, David.


From: Shannon Walkley
Date:
 Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Thats just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please. Thanks.


From: David Thorne
Date:
 Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
Having worked with designers for a few years now, I would have assumed you understood, despite your vague suggestions otherwise, we do not welcome constructive criticism. I don't come downstairs and tell you how to send text messages, log onto Facebook and look out of the window. I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.
Regards, David.




From: Shannon Walkley
Date:
 Monday 21 June 2010 10.59am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing missy off it? I just want it to say Lost.


From: David Thorne
Date:
 Monday 21 June 2010 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
 
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.21am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you. Thanks.


From: David Thorne
Date:
 Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww

Dear Shannon,
I don't have a cat. I once agreed to look after a friend's cat for a week but after he dropped it off at my apartment and explained the concept of kitty litter. I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date:
 Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww

Thats not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.

From: David Thorne
Date:
 Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww

I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says "I haven't seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car, do you want it?" you can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.
Regards, David.


From:
 Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Please just use the photo I gave you.

From:
 David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww 


From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.34pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

I didnt say there was a reward. I dont have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit. Thanks Shan.


From:
 David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Can you please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to make photocopies of it.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
Re: Re: Re: Awww   

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Fine. That will have to do.

200 : dogeared

Dogeared is most noted for their "Make a Wish" jewelry collection. The basic idea is simple: When you put the necklace on, you make a wish. You then leave the necklace on until it "wears off" (ie breaks) and then it's said that your wish will come true. With charms of things like hummingbirds, skulls, scissors and hearts, it's really hard not to find one you fall in love with.

I'm more of a "Reminder" collection kinda girl. No "wearing off" with these. The tiny little charms are held with either a gold dipped or sterling chain, instead of the silk string from the "Make a Wish" collection. Making them tiny little inspirations of good things to come. These two are my favorites :)

199 : popcorn

I've been craving the saltiness of microwaved popcorn lately. I'm not too sure why, since I can't even remember the last time I popped up a bag. But today, on my trip to stock up supplies for the office, I decided to get some. I know I'm behind the times here, but I love that you can now buy mini sized bags. Just the perfect size for a girl and (confession time!) her monster...

198 : foodgawker.com

I used to cook ALL the time. Now when it comes to dusting off my apron I try to make it a special thing. I scour the web trying to find the perfect recipe to make for the bf. As a visual person, I can't help but be turned off sites who's photography is seriously lacking. It really is true that you eat with your eyes first. So I was super excited to have discovered foodgawker.com. Reminiscent of notcot, the site shows thumbnails and a brief description of various recipes from various different sites.

It'll definitely be my go-to site the next time I break out the pots and pans.

197 : getty malibu

Months ago the bf and I made reservations for the Getty Malibu. Today was the day, and luckily for us, the weather was perfect. I hadn't been there for years, and the bf, being from ny, had never been there. The architecture, details, and grounds are just stunning.
I absolutely love the way water looks as it's falling.
And in true Jen fashion, a flower detail. Makes me want to do an Unearth part 2...Hmmm....

196 : mondrian's early work

I love the rawness of Piet Mondrian's early work. Don't get me wrong, I think the newer, more modern stuff is great as well. There is just something about his early pieces that just speak to me. I myself didn't even realize their amazingness until I was standing face to canvas to one at MOMA.
Seeing them makes me want to start painting again.

195 : the fall

A few years ago, during one of Monique and my many movie days, we rented The Fall. This movie is amazing. The costumes, the scenery, everything. It was filmed in over 20 countries over many years. The premise of the movie, is in a 1920's LA hospital, an injured movie stuntman meets a little girl with a broken arm, and he tells her an "epic" tale about 5 mystical heroes. As the story progresses, the distinction between his story and reality starts to blur.

I absolutely love the little girl, Alexandria. She is an amazing little actress.

194 : random emails

Today I got an email from someone who was browsing on a site I designed, and followed the link at the bottom to get to my site. It turns out she's a fellow designer, and just wanted to take the time to let me know how much she liked my work. It meant so much, and really made my day. So, if on the off chance you're reading this, Christina, I thank you.

193 : repeat

Ever since I could remember, when I'd fall in love with a song, I'd play it over and over...and over. In the past at the office, I'd try to keep my desire to click the repeat button to a minimum. Because while I understand that at the moment I can't get enough of a song, others in earshot may not feel the same way. During these past two months, one thing I've loved about being in the office solo is that I can do it without hesitation...sometimes it's good to be the boss :)

192 : ducks/geese

Back in May the bf and I took the monster for a stroll around the lake. It was such a beautiful day and I was more than a little happy to see that there were TONS of ducks hanging out by the water. There is something about ducks that just puts a smile on my face. Maybe it's their "quacks", or their little waddling bodies, or maybe it's their webbed feet. Whatever it is, they just make me happy.
And one of my monster watching the ducks because he's just so darn cute :)

191 : neutraface

Another beauty from type foundry House Industries, is Neutraface. Inspired by the architect Richard Neutra this font just screams happy. From the moment I saw the simple, beautiful letters, I've dreamed of owning this font. But with a price tag of $599 for the complete set, I think this dream may have to wait a while until it's realized.

You can even custom order house numbers...love it.

190 : what the font

Ever wonder what font is being used on a campaign? Client need the font matched, but have no clue what it is? I'm sure many of my fellow designers out there can relate. Luckily for us, What the Font comes to the rescue. A website dedicated to identifying fonts, it scans an image you upload and analyzes the sample characters to provide some options for what the font could be. Amazing.

189 : air conditioning

On these hotter than usual so cal days, it makes me appreciate the ac that much more. And lately, you know it's going to be a hot one when you step outside at 9:30 in the morning, and the sweat instantly starts forming. Sheesh.

I'm sure many of you feel the same and are stationed in your air conditioning location of choice. Me? The bf and I are heading to the movies.

188 : sangria

Today the bestie and I partook in some mid-day sangria with lunch. It was the perfect summer drink during this heat wave we've been having. It reminded me just how much I love me a good glass of the winey fruity goodness...and that I can put some of those bottles of wine in the office to good use making a pitcher....or two :)

If anyone has a good recipe, let me know.

The picture above is from chatN'chow. Their version has peach, nectarine, strawberry, raspberry and orange and sounds super delish. May just have to try this recipe first.

187 : design books

I can't go to a bookstore without browsing through the graphic design section. I love books and many of you know that I have my fair share of them. From classics such as George Nelson's "How to See" to "Stop Stealing Sheep" by Erik Speakerman. I just can't resist.

186 : gustauv klimt

The subject of today's post is an artist that many people have seen, but probably have no idea what his name is...Gustauv Klimt (1862-1918). An Austrian painter, known mainly for painting women and for his paintings during his "gold phase", Klimt created some absolutely stunning pieces of art. On screen and in print they look nice, but in person, they'll take your breath away.


The Kiss (above) is probably one his most recognized works.

185 : hot showers

I love me a good shower. Especially when they're crazy hot. I could stand under the water for so long if I let myself...but don't worry, I heart our planet, so they're kept to a reasonable time span.

184 : finishing projects

I love when projects are finalized and sent to print. Inside I do a little happy dance (after the nerves of making sure there are no changes, and everything is correct, of course). Today was one of those days that I got to put a long awaited project to bed.

What's even better...there is a good chance this will be on the shelves this back to school season. Double happiness.

183 : celebrate wellness

The bf and I had a lovely time at The Wellness Community's annual Celebrate Wellness event. I can't think of a better way to have spent a Sunday afternoon than strolling around the South Coast Botanic Gardens while eating yummy food and drinking wine.

Thanks Kristin, for an absolutely perfect Sunday afternoon.

182 : ny bagels

There are many things about New York that I miss. But one thing near the top of the list is bagels and cream cheese...specifically the plain bagel with veggie cream cheese. So freaking good. I wonder if the bf's mom will overnight me some. Hmm...

181 : bing

I know what you're thinking...I'm a traitor. Here I am blogging about how Google makes me happy, only to now mention Bing. Well people, I still love me some Google action. But since the bf and I are planning a trip to NY in September, we're looking to get the best deals on airfare. And the hands-down winner of flight amazingness is Bing. Bing checks tons of airlines airfares, lets you compare prices in all the major online travel sites (expedia, travelocity, etc) AND tells you if you should buy tickets or wait, and what confidence percentage they have in that decision.

With the WAIT icon still showing (as it has for weeks), it'll be interesting to find out when they say to buy. And I just discovered that they'll email you alerts. Dude, I'm in love.

180 : good eats


I know some people don't get it, but I love Alton Brown's geeky knowledge of everything food related on Good Eats. I mean, seriously...he dedicated an entire half hour episode to mayo?

To those of you yet to see Good Eats, it's basically a cooking show combined with Bill Nye the Science Guy. Each episode is dedicated to one item (angel food cake, ground beef, fried chicken, asparagus, honey...almost anything you can think of) and provides an indepth look at that particular item or recipe, and even includes bits of trivia. 

While the mayo episode may not have been relevant to my adventures in the kitchen, I love how he can spend an entire episode dedicated to one thing.

Currently in it's 14 season, so I'm obviously not the only food geek out there who loves this stuff...although the designer in me cringes at the sight of the logo and graphics.

179 : jimcarrey.com

Jim Carrey's official website is so amazing, I can't even put it into words. I'm so happy to have stumbled upon it this morning while browsing the internet. The time, imagination and detail that went into making this site just blows my mind. Kudos to Mr. Carrey and Media 65 on a fantastically engaging site.

178 : vintage typewriters

There is something so stunning about vintage typewriters. I'm always drawn to them in antique stores. Especially when their either particularly shinny and new, or VERY used. The thought of the metal keys hitting and inking the paper seems so foreign to our modern day computer era, but is such a lovely thought none the less...

177 : gardenias

I love the smell of certain things and gardenias are high up on the list. Ever since I can remember, I'd bury my nose in the delicate white flowers while at the nursery.  I've attempted my green (who am I kidding...there's no shred of green in it) thumb at growing them a few times, but all were epic failures. Luckily my grandma has a huge bush in her front yard where I can sneak a sniff or two.

Photo from Mid Valley Trees

176 : fireworks

This year the bf and I watched the fireworks in the field of a school with the monster. Although the people behind us talked the whole time, and the finale was a joke, it was a perfect way to end the 4th.

175 : baking cookies for the bf

Truth be told, I'm dating the Cookie Monster...well, he may not be blue and hairy (thank goodness), but he's one no less. After a particularly difficult past few days, and with some extra time on my hands today while he worked, I thought a baking adventure might be in order. Armed with Alton Brown's cookie recipe, my first 2 pans were an epic failure. 5 minutes into baking, the lovely smell of burning food filled the house (I promise I followed the recipe). So, after 2 pans of cookies in the trash, and a lower oven temp, we had absolutely amazing cookies.

If you're a cookie lover, check them out. I think they're the best ones I've tried...but please note, I needed to turn the oven down to 300.

174 : the girl with the dragon tattoo

I've been wanting to read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo for awhile now, so when Monique and I took a ditch day to go to Bottega Louie and see a movie, I was SUPER excited to see that they had made it into a movie. I was even more excited to learn, upon leaving the theater, that the second part, The Girl Who Played With Fire, comes out July 9th. No wait time in between! Hooray!

Now, I'm going to run to Borders to buy the books :)

173 : antique/thrift stores

I'm on a vintage kick lately. I've always loved me a good vintage object over a new one anyway. There's something about all that history and pride that went into it, not to mention the majority of the items, were of much better quality.

I love the hunt of finding that perfect thing. The one I keep looking at because I can't believe it's actually mine. If I didn't have work to do, I'd be driving up to LA right now. And luckily the boy is the perfect antique/thirft-store hunting buddy. Surprised? I was too.

Current obsessions: letters from old signage, original fruit crate labels, wooden type, vintage fabrics.