Wednesday, July 29

The Outside Content

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to packaging design, the cover is all that matters. I have purchased many an unnecessary item just for the pretty clothes it came in. Here area few of the traps I've fallen into and found again on Lovely Package®.
Voluspa Candles smell so heavenly that I don't really care what container they put it in.
Got one of these for a baby shower gift. Love the bag it comes in, love the fun concept.

Yes, even plastic soap containers lure me in. But I just refill with a generic brand. :)

Definitely bought this one just for the design. The cup was kind of flimsy and I drank the half litre in a couple of big gulps. But man, if that was replaced with vodka....

Everything in its place

Some inspiration for getting organized. I love how all these tools are hung in an arc around the wheel. But with five bikes, like Laura Normandin has, you better have all your ducks in a row. George's bike organization consists of a red, plastic tool box that has been beat all to hell, with stuff thrown in randomly. I know he'd love to have this neat, little work station down in the garage. {via Wren Handmade}

Charmed

Gift giving is an art that I have not quite mastered. Sometimes, I am so proud of myself for getting it right and other times I think I am just a lousy friend. But I think I'd make anyone happy if I started giving these beautiful necklaces out for presents....I especially love this bird one. Made by Jacqleen of Sea Unicorn. {via Elephantine}

{+} The Sparrow at My Windowsill » Bits of Folk Collection » 27

{+} Cotton Candy » New Romanticism Collection » $26.50

{+} Frog Prince » Vintage pearl cluster and antique ball necklace » $27


{+} Unicorn Tears » Fairytale Remnants Collection » $27

Tuesday, July 28

Take a Load Off...Anywhere

photos by Joanna Goddard

I've been told I need to learn how to relax. Well, here's how I plan on doing it soon. This travel hammock ties to any two trees anywhere you happen to be. Twenty bucks is a small price to pay for the perfect relaxation spot. Just got mine today, click here for your very own hammock to go. {via Cup of Jo}


Monday, July 27

Apollo Creed

{illustrated by Fresh Fish}

Okay, one more dog post today. That's it, I promise.

Our Yuppie Puppies

That's right, we got our dogs a professional portrait sitting. And it was absolutely worth it. Here are a few of my favorite shots. Give Ashley a ring if you want some fun photos of your buddies!

Thick as thieves.

Sophie does that head tilt when she's trying to
figure what's going on....like when Ashley was making
clicking and growling noises to get her attention.
It worked!

Miss Sophie - happy as a clam.

Apollo - regal as ever.

Both dogs were very well behaved for most
of the shoot and obediently sat for the camera.
Apollo did get skittish a few times, poor thing.

Saturday, July 25

Poptopia

If you love mystery box toys, postcards that turn into anime characters, and japanese toys in general, visit Poptopia in Westport. What a fun little store to indulge your inner child. I picked up this dining table and food set {below}. George chose a Han Solo Mighty Mugg and set of three Storm Trooper Nesting Dolls.


Designer Toys & Collectibles
4126 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City, MO 64111

Visit their on-line store here.

Friday, July 24

My Grandmother

I just wanted to share some old photos of one of my favorite people in the whole world....my grandma. In these studio shots, taken in Vietnam before the war, she looks like a 1920s movie star, classic and full of grace and style. I especially love what they're wearing, not your stereotypical pajama suits and rice paddy hats, is it?

A family photo. My dad is the little boy front and center.

This one is my favorite.

My friend said she looks like she's in a Western in this photo.

With my great aunt, her sister.

Thursday, July 23

Color + Pattern


I'm loving these textiles from The Loaded Trunk. The runner is especially nice...can't you see it as a wall hanging too?

Sit, Stay, Shoot

My dogs, Apollo and Sophie, are getting a professional portrait this weekend from Kansas City pet photographer, Ashley Entwistle of Yuppie Puppy. Here's my interview with Ashley and some of my favorite dogs from her site:

{1} How did you get started in pet photography?
Photography is something I have always loved. I got hooked my freshman year in high school and have been obsessed with every aspect of it ever since. My grandparents have me come over every year to shoot their Christmas card photo, which always includes Alice (their black and white shih tzu).

One year, while they were finishing up getting ready, I shot a few frames of Alice by herself. She looked so darling with a little red tinsel bow in her hair. One shot turned out especially nice so I printed and framed it for my grandma as her Christmas gift. She loved it! She showed it to everyone, including Alice's groomer, Teri at Empire Pets. Teri said it was great and that they have customers ask about good pet photographers all the time. She said I should really consider it.

I have always been a big animal lover and was surprised I hadn't thought to pair my two passions before. It's been 7 years since I shot that first portrait of Alice. I have met some of the greatest dogs and the most amazing people through Yuppie Puppy and truly love it.

Do you do any other kind of photography?
Yes, I do other types of photography as well. I photographed a wedding just this past weekend. I've shot all kinds of events from benefits to graduation ceremonies and many types of portraits including engagements, high school seniors, maternity, family portraits, etc. I also love to photograph children, especially babies.

{3} Do you have a favorite kind of dog, and what makes them special?
I wouldn’t say I have a favorite kind of dog - as in a particular breed, anyway. Although I’m a sucker for the BIG babies. I have a newfoundland, McKinley. But as far as my favorite “kind” of dog, I would have to say that I love the funny ones. The dogs with the unmistakable sense of humor. The tricksters. The ones who literally smile. And any dog who shamelessly kisses.

{2} What is the most memorable thing that has happened to you on a dog shoot?
Well, I do occassionally get peed on... But that’s no big deal, not really. I usually bring a spare change of clothes! The most memorable thing, though, is what happens after... My favorite part of the entire process is when I deliver the photographs.

Dogs are so much a part of the family in today’s culture and it is obvious that my clients feel so incredibly close to their companion. I can’t tell you how many teary-eyed hugs people have given me when they look at the prints. That’s the best part. And I’ve gotten a few sad phone calls, too, from clients whose dogs I’ve photographed a while back. They call to tell me when the end has come and say how much those photographs mean now.

{4} What's the most difficult aspect of dog photography?
Well, sometimes it’s hard to get the dogs to calm down enough to get good shots of them. But a little time and hugs from “the new person” (me) generally helps quite a bit! Sometimes it’s difficult to assist my clients in narrowing down their image choices as well. Some expressions that I capture are so uniquely “Sadie” or “Boscoe” that it’s just so difficult to decide which to order as prints!

(5} How did you come up with your business name?
I just kind of have always had the name Yuppie Puppy in the back of my mind. So when I decided to start this business, it fell right into place! Naming the business was actually probably the easiest part of the entire endeavor. I got lucky, I guess!

Click here to visit My Yuppy Puppy Pet Portraits and see more cuddly cuties. If you're thinking about getting your best buddy immortalized, call her now. I had to wait two months to schedule my beasties in!

Vintage Boots

I want a new pair of boots but I'm kind of cheap when it comes to clothes. Fonts and anything for work, I can buy all day long and not think twice about. But oh my stinginess does rear its head when it comes to my closet.

A compromise? Vintage shoes. I want a short pair that I can wear with skirts and dresses and flexible enough to wear all year long. Here's what I found on Etsy. Which ones do you think I should get?

Nice Package

Isn't this packaging gorgeous? Great bottle shape, beautiful handwritten label and all organic and from a monastery in Serbia. If anyone is heading that way, I'm putting in a request! Designed by Peter Gregson Studio. {via lovelypackage}

Tuesday, July 21

PHOTO BOX

This would make such a thoughtful, meaningful gift, filled with photos and trinkets that bring back memories, stories and good times. Click here to purchase this adorable camera box...and you'll find some other fun things too. {via Jars of Cute}

Blog Headers

I always find naming and designing things for myself difficult so it's great to see what other people are doing. Just click on the links to visit any of these blogs.

Gradated colors, line drawing, handwriting style font

Illustration, real objects, layering

Photography, simple font, imagery.

Illustration, hand-lettered style type

Name, illustration, colors

Period Style

Check out these beautifully detailed dresses by Kate Towers of Portland, Oregon. Like stepping into a romance novel. {via Oh Joy!}