Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Exploring Rhode Island

Stephen and I spent the weekend exploring Rhode Island for my birthday. We spent Saturday evening enjoying a delicious dinner in Providence at Providence Prime. Every year on my birthday I eat steak and lobster (and never feel guilty for it.)After dinner we headed to Gracie's for delicious dessert and drinks. Our waitress was exceptional, and when Stephen told her it was my birthday (he told everyone who would listen that it was my birthday) she brought us a free glass of Prosecco and then brought our desserts.
Rhubarb Marscapone Cheesecake (the reason we went to Gracie's)
Chocolate cake looks so much better under candlelight

After drinks we walked around downtown Providence, found a street festival with an awesome live band, danced our booties (and dinner and dessert and drinks) off, and finally headed back to the hotel before we fell asleep on the spot.

Nothing says "We love Jesus" like a church sign covered in glitter (downtown Providence)
Sunday morning we headed to Newport with the goal of seeing the Bellevue mansions and checking out the Cliff Walk. We had breakfast at Annie's on Bellevue, then walked up and down marvelling at the summer homes of former upper class Americans like the Vanderbilts. Thanks to the wicked heat wave, we were dog-tired and decided to skip the Cliff Walk (but we'll be back) and decided to buy a ticket and explore The Elms.

Welcome to The Elms
How great is this one shot of the Garden?
It was a great overnight trip and we are already looking forward to going back when it cools down a bit to explore the Cliff Walk. If you ever get the chance to visit Rhode Island, we highly suggest it.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Leo Fun Facts


Happy birthday Leos! To celebrate our sign I thought I'd post some fun facts about Leos. I can say for myself that most of these are true:


Fun Facts: Leo
When the mighty Lion enters the room, everyone knows it!

This dramatic, creative, and outgoing sign has the keyword "magnetism" for good reason. Fiery and self-assured, it can be almost impossible to resist the Leo's charm. Whether it's time spent with family and friends, or efforts on the job scene, a Leo is going to bring much to the table.

Friends and Family
By far the most generous of the Zodiac, Leos make loyal and giving friends. They'll go out of their way to help, even when it conflicts with their own schedule. The Leo is a strong, confident personality who has the ability to make almost everyone comfortable. Unassuming and gracious, they love to host parties and events. The Leo is rarely found alone - interacting is second nature. Close friends are chosen for their ability to keep up with the Leo's energy, along with a strong sense of dignity and a commitment to individual values. When family is involved, the mighty Lion will do whatever it takes to defend their loved ones. Loyalty for the Leo means a lifetime. They pride themselves on being there for family through thick and thin.

Career and Money
Leos are doers. "I will" is the key phrase for this sign. There's a lot of energy packed into this sign, and they're always going to be busy, regardless of whatever else is happening around them. They are ambitious, creative, and optimistic. It's not enough to just do the job for a Leo. In order to suffice, it must be done to the absolute best of their ability. Once committed to an employer, they will go all out, but the best situation for the Leo is to be their own boss.

Careers that allow for the Leo's dramatic flair, such as acting and entertaining, are ideal. Such positions give the Lion free reign. Other occupations such as management, teaching, and politics are well-suited too. Anything that puts a Leo in a leadership position will give this sign the opportunity to do what comes naturally to them.

Leos love to surround themselves with the things they fancy. Since money usually comes readily to the Leo, there's always more where that came from. "Money is meant to be spent" as far as this sign is concerned - and spend they will. Generous in spirit, a Leo will give away their last dollar to help a friend out. They're always confident that there will be more, and there usually is. There's never a lack of work for a Leo. In fact, there's generally more work available to them than they can keep up with.

Love and Sex
This fiery sign is passionate and forthright with their affections. When it comes to sex, you can expect the Leo to be adventurous, fun, and highly energetic. There is a definite line of division between sex and love for Leos. Mates are chosen for their willingness to allow the Leo to take the lead, shine brightly and be independent. They look for uninhibited lovers who aren't self-conscious. As accepting as the Leo is, a mate needs to be an intellectual equal to cut the mustard. Leos are loving, fun, and very giving to those in their personal life.


LEO TIDBITS

Health
Each sign has a part of the anatomy attached to it, making this the area of the body that is most sensitive to stimulation. The anatomical areas for Leo are the heart, sides, and upper back.

Ruling Planet
The ruling planet for Leo is the Sun. Considered the masculine principal of the horoscope, the Sun rules men in general, health, leadership, rank, authority, progress, energy, dignity, the capacity for experience, and the sense of identity.

Color
The color of choice for Leo is gold.

Gemstone
Leo's star stone is the Ruby.

Lucky Numbers
Leo's lucky numbers are 1, 4, and 6.

Compatibility
Leos are most compatible with Sagittarius and Aries.

Opposite Sign
The opposite sign of Leo is Aquarius.

The Perfect Gift
The best gift for a Leo is a status symbol item like a designer watch or a family-related collection such as a keepsake album.

Likes
The theatre, being admired, taking holidays, fun with friends, expensive things, bright colors.

Dislikes
Being ignored, facing difficult reality, not being king/queen.

House
Natural sign of the Fifth House. This house focuses on sports, children, creativity, amusements, love that you give, love affairs, speculations, romance.

Famous Leos
Barack Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Antonio Banderas, Steve Carell, Casey and Ben Affleck.

Best travel destination
Italy, France, Rumania, Peru, Chicago, Los Angeles.

Strengths
Warmth, humor, pride, joy, creativity, passion, generosity. <-- I'd add in general awesomeness.

Weaknesses <-- We're not really going to focus on these
Arrogant, stubborn, inflexible, self-centered, laziness.

Charismatic marks
Regal manner, powerful, strong, muscular.

Best environment
In the sun! Also, any place where Leo has a chance to be creative or shine in front of others.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Missing Cat

Found this funny e-mail exchange about a missing cat on A Cup of Jo (via Jezebel.) Read the entire exchange below (I promise, you'll laugh, even if you have kitties)
___________________________________________________________________________

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.
image1

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.
image2



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 our 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.

image3



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

image4



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.

image5



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

image6



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

image7



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

Can you just 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

image8



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.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Old Spice Greatness

Unless you've been under a rock for the past two weeks, you've certainly seen the Old Spice man's brilliant social media commercials. If you did live under a rock, let me help you out. Old Spice's agency, Wieden + Kennedy (of previous Nike fame) tweeted top social media advocates asking them to ask @oldspice questions. Then Old Spice man made mini commercials answering questions. Below are my favorites:

@GStephanopoulos (George Stephanopoulos)


and the greatness that are the Alyssa Milano videos:








Haley Mustafa (the daughter of actor Isaiah Mustafa, aka Old Spice man):


So which ones were your favorite?


Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Wedding Shoes

Remember how I was saying I've got weddings on the brain? I've been gathering ideas and inspiration so that when the time comes I'll have an idea of where to start.

Well, I found my muse, the one thing that will help inspire everything else.
A simple piece of artwork that makes my hear flutter. The color is spot-on for one of my colors (and purple happens to be one of my favorites) and will be such an unexpected surprise with a white dress. Talked it over with my best friend and we both agree I should get them now (these babies could be seasons old before I get to wear them!) More photos of this art can be found here. What do you think?

Monday, July 19, 2010

Subway Funday



Did you see this improv video that took place in NYC? What great entertainment for the train riders!