Perfect is so... Meh.

The Oscars are this upcoming Sunday and you know what that means... the Red Carpet critique by a bunch of "perfection experts"... yea. okay.

Being a graphic artist, I like when a design turn out perfect—as deemed by a client. Or when a meal I cook receives rave reviews by my family and guests. But I'm starting to get really bored with what perfect looks like on the red carpet.

As I flip through the red carpet looks from all the award shows this year, Lena Dunham's was the only one that made me stop dead in my tracks and just smile. Maybe it's because that color yellow makes me really happy. Maybe it's because her lipstick and hair color and style accent it perfectly. But I also appreciate that she still looks like herself. No orange spray tan, no duckface, no extensions or creepy pointy finger nails, just real. And really pretty.

Peace Out.

I grew up in Upstate New York—as close to the Arctic as you can live without actually living in the Arctic—but even though my body has been conditioned to go most of the year through snow and blistery cold, this year, I just can't take it anymore.

So I signed up to receive daily updates on coastal homes in Los Angeles County. What can I say, it cheers me up. But today, I found the ONE.

See ya East Coast, here's the new digs...

Yep, that's a rooftop terrace to soak up all that gorgeous SUN!!!!

And if you get bored of laying out on the roof, you can always hit up the backyard for a change of equally warm and golden scenery... cue some fire pit action at dusk.

Alright, we're not actually moving. But if you are and you'd like more information on this house go here.

I got 10.

My Facebook feed is filled with random numbers of things being shared by people as given to them by a another friend. You've been reading these, right? I had no intentions of participating (judging, judging) until one of my oldest friends, Tara, got me after I unknowingly liked her list. Well, here I am participating—with style.

Happy, Happy Birthday Baby

Today we're celebrating the mac to my cheese, the icing on my cake, the ham in my McMuffin (er wait, that sounded dirty).

You make everything in life better. 

Happy Birthday!

Sporty (Old) Spice.

Shopping for McMuffin is easy peasy = sporty + professional + chocoholic.

dunks // ballin' // gps watch // tie one on // $ clip // ice cream

What I'm Working on Wednesday // Nonna's 90th

You're invited to check out all the design details and photos from my grandmother's 90th birthday bash! We kicked it off with a garden-themed invitation by yours truly and carried that through with seating cards, table numbers, even the centerpieces were made from lilacs and sunflowers from Rochester's Public Market.

 Pretty amazing that Nonna was able to celebrate her 90th with her 96 year old big sister.

Three children, seven grandkids, and three great-grandchildren all hoping we got Nonna's incredible genes. Baci Cari!

Monday Madness.

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Seriously putting this to practice this week. Lots of new projects and planning on crushing all of them. Watch out—here comes a hot streak!

New Year Kickoff!

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Every year, I come up with a goal I'd like to accomplish in the new year. One year I learned how to DJ, the year before that I learned how to knit. This year, I'm shooting for more dancing—in a studio or in da club. If the music is good, I'll be busting a move.

Thankful.

We were lucky enough to squeeze some playtime-and a few family photos-in with the super talented Sophie Mathewson. I admit, I tried to set up a festive backdrop for our Christmas cards shots, but my favorites ended up being the ones we never could have planned for. Take a peek.

There is so much I'm thankful for this year, especially in the wake of hurricane Sandy.

Reminder that this year, 100% of our Christmas and Holiday Card design fees will be donated to helping children and families affected by Sandy. A few cards have already been sent to the print shop and will soon be ready to hit the mailboxes!

(Examples of last year's cheerful cards here, here, here, here, and here.)

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Sharing is Caring.

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It's easy to complain about our 'powerless' situation right now. I am continually saying to myself, "Self, so many people are worse-off! You're being a big fat crybaby—shut the f up." And being the selfish person that I am, it makes me feel better when I can help someone else. If you're the same way, here's a place you can help: the good ol' American Red Cross

I am so grateful for our fabulous neighbors with generators who have let us charge up and heat up. And to Governor Malloy for extending the voter registration to today. Procrastinators of Connecticut applaud you—obviously, including me.

What-The-F@*%-A-Thon?

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If you're like me, you get a request practically daily to sponsor a cousin, friend, or frenemy who's running, biking, walking, swimming, kayaking, hiking... for some cause.

My question is, where's the dancing? Show me the DJ and the dance floor and I will sponsor you. Hell, I'll join you. Just saying.

What I'm Working on Wednesday // Organization

After reading The Busy Trap I'm trying to be more conscious of overscheduling myself and my family. And that starts with a little dose of organization. A few tweaks to your daily life can turn into a ritual. And just like that, life feels more manageable.

 

MAKE THE BED

One of the small, thoughtless things you can do in the morning is make the bed. It sets the tone for the day to be in order and looking sharp. Plus when you get home after a crazy day of running around it's nice to see that something is still in its place.

Now go make your bed!

Sayonara Summer.

Last night we enjoyed a little Summer send-off across the sound. 

Another beautiful day out there today! I hope you get to enjoy it.

Election Inspection.

I'm curious. Are you paying attention to this year's election? (Or are you watching human interest stories on Good Morning America?) Do you have your mind made up about which candidate you're going to vote for? If the answer is no, what criteria are you going to base your decision on?

My FIL dropped by yesterday and we started having this same conversation... Of the people who still have no idea who they'll vote for, what exactly will win their vote? What issues are they focusing on? It would seem like a lot of some people are more concerned with whether they can relate to a candidate over how qualified a candidate may be for the job.

Doesn't that seem crazy? Tina Fey said it best in her book, Bossypants, (and I paraphrase) "Politicians and prostitutes are the only jobs where inexperience is a virtue."

So, first of all, are you registered to vote? 
Yes!—gold star.
No, you say?—go here.

Next, do you know who the candidates are?
Yes!—you get a cookie
No?—Okay, so it's like the Academy Awards where there are "nominees", only YOU get to vote!

Now, take some time to figure out what's important to you and your fam and pay attention to what each candidate's platform is on those issues.

Hint: I suggest watching some informative shows that give the election more air time than the woman swimming from Cuba to Florida. (That includes Morning Joe. LOVE!)

Lastly, vote on November 6th. You even get a sticker!
And that's better than a gold star, or a cookie, or even a gold cookie.