edit: i didn't realize i could not make more than one link per picture of text. here is the miranda july link. and in case you didnt realize the picture of text was a link to keri smith's site, here it is again.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
let's get creative.
edit: i didn't realize i could not make more than one link per picture of text. here is the miranda july link. and in case you didnt realize the picture of text was a link to keri smith's site, here it is again.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Me but new and improved
In the spirit of my procrastination, I've decided to share with everyone the resolutions I've made for the year of 09. It may be an outdated topic for a blog considering that it's been 28 days since the new year began, however, as I implied earlier, I have a procrastinate-y spirit.
My Resolutions
1. To work out regularly (ie: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays type of deal)
I've actually been doing a good job with this considering that I've learned to create a good habit by attaching it to a habit/ritual that I do everyday (or very often). As a ritual I leave work to get to my Astoria neighborhood around 6 every evening, and I've attached my gym going with this subway ride. It also helps that the gym is right there, right next to the subway station as I exit. I can't not go if its right there, I just can't.
But I don't just walk into the gym with my work clothes and New York-y boots. I pack my gym bag the night before, attaching that habit to the habit of brushing my teeth and readying myself for the manicky morning. Yes, I'd have to say this is my most successful episode of gym-going in a while. Not like that summer where I ran so much my knees turned to minced meat. It's always good to be moderate.
2. To be an active runner
Not like that summer where I ran so much my knees turned to minced meat. Definitely not.
Pacing, moderation, and knowing to give it a break is good on me and my knees. Leg lifts are good too.
3. To run a half marathon (to enforce resolution #2)
I told my roommate Stephanie of my serious-but-not-so-serious-but-if-you-want-to-do-it-too-i-think-might-start-taking-it-seriously dream of running a half marathon. She looked up a half marathon that we could train for, and she and I will push each other to run it in the summer. When spring arrives I hope to train in central park (it's 20 minutes of a train ride from where I live and I've only been there 3 times in 6 months. Why have I become this way? Wait for resolution #7)
4. To nurture my creativity (sing, dance, draw, sew, craft, scrapbook[yes, I used to make scrapbooks and they were a fun on going hobby of mine as a preteen], make t-shirts)
Stylesight is a wonderful first job outside of college land. Did I mention I can see the Empire State Building right out my window? My office used to be Tommy Hilfiger's showroom. Ralph Lauren's office is a few floors below. Could I be working in the same building that Rachel Green worked in? I'd like to think so. But anyways, I do a lot of photoshop but not a lot of brain storming. And brain storming was my thing in VCU. In college, I didn't develope a lot of skills with adobe tools, rather I explored my mind and limits to what a project could encompass. If you've seen my Mr. Suggs project, the goal of the project was just to create a timeline (one of the most open-ended project briefs ever! Thank you, Patrick Bell!).
5. Limit my addictions
When I wrote this down as one of my resolutions, I was thinking about coffee and my love-hate relationship with it. At the time I was drinking so much coffee that I could feel it in my heart. Literally. I was born with a heart murmur and consuming stimulants (ie: caffeine, sugar) is not a good idea. I've limited it down to one cup about every other day or so. I've tried making it a reward to my gym going. "If I had gone to the gym yesterday, then I can have a coffee today" is my statement in the morning sometimes. I actually forgot about that this week, so its a good thing I typed it down, able for the world to see. And perhaps for people to remind me.
Also, drinking too much alcohol is lame. I know because I fell down the escalators.
6. Live simply (minimize my materials)
I have too many things in my little room. Organization has its limits. Too bad I bought a dress for myself the other day. Damn Uniqlo and their comfortable yet fancy items.
7. Take advantage of New York
I live in New York and I believe that my pennypinching habits have inhibited me in the past from exploring places that I had wanted to explore and things I wanted to do. Or that people hadn't had the time to do things with me, or the money. In December I had a phone conversation with my college friend Laura, and we got to talking about Richmond and VCU and how we miss it. And I realized how much I had missed, not so much lovingly but literally. In Richmond, I missed out on the nightlife, restaurants, museums, and other places that were distinct place markers in the lives of VCU students living in the once capital of the Confederacy. I've never been to the Village, Edo's Squid, Panda Veg, Cafe 821, and that one spot next to Pla-za Art. Hell, I've only been to the medical campus a handful of times–mostly to pick up my old roommate Rae from work. The Richmond time has gone and passed and I must move on and learn. Well, my resolution is to take full advantage of the Big Apple regardless of crappy transportation, bitter and frigid weather, and frugality. I must acknowledge that saving money is good but you can't take it with you when you leave here. So spend a little to enjoy the little pleasures of a city life, and life itself. And I think I am. Here's a review:
Last weekend I went to a (free) James Jean exhibit (recommended by John, thanks!) with friends, had a cup cake break at Billy's which is somehow associated with Magnolia Cupcakes (but I now know are not all that great), explored the giant Macy's—for the bathroom, went shopping in Uniqlo, ate some terigold chicken (good but not as good as the korean fried chicken at..whats that place called?), drank at 3 different bars—2 in the st. marks place area and 1 in the lower east side (in short, I had fun at all of them), and finally ate at a 24 hour diner where i had soup and hot chocolate (it was cold that night, duh), and took a cab home for the first time from the city. $19 to get to Astoria all the way from Astor place—not bad. Best Saturday ever.
Plus, on Tuesday I tried out a revered hip hop dance class with my friend Tara at the Broadway Dance Center. Challenging as hell, but I know what I want now—to dance again. I'm going to another dance class on Saturday. Hope this one is easier.
I end this post with a picture of my resolutions hanging on my mirror so that I see them every morning.
My Resolutions
1. To work out regularly (ie: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays type of deal)
I've actually been doing a good job with this considering that I've learned to create a good habit by attaching it to a habit/ritual that I do everyday (or very often). As a ritual I leave work to get to my Astoria neighborhood around 6 every evening, and I've attached my gym going with this subway ride. It also helps that the gym is right there, right next to the subway station as I exit. I can't not go if its right there, I just can't.
But I don't just walk into the gym with my work clothes and New York-y boots. I pack my gym bag the night before, attaching that habit to the habit of brushing my teeth and readying myself for the manicky morning. Yes, I'd have to say this is my most successful episode of gym-going in a while. Not like that summer where I ran so much my knees turned to minced meat. It's always good to be moderate.
2. To be an active runner
Not like that summer where I ran so much my knees turned to minced meat. Definitely not.
Pacing, moderation, and knowing to give it a break is good on me and my knees. Leg lifts are good too.
3. To run a half marathon (to enforce resolution #2)
I told my roommate Stephanie of my serious-but-not-so-serious-but-if-you-want-to-do-it-too-i-think-might-start-taking-it-seriously dream of running a half marathon. She looked up a half marathon that we could train for, and she and I will push each other to run it in the summer. When spring arrives I hope to train in central park (it's 20 minutes of a train ride from where I live and I've only been there 3 times in 6 months. Why have I become this way? Wait for resolution #7)
4. To nurture my creativity (sing, dance, draw, sew, craft, scrapbook[yes, I used to make scrapbooks and they were a fun on going hobby of mine as a preteen], make t-shirts)
Stylesight is a wonderful first job outside of college land. Did I mention I can see the Empire State Building right out my window? My office used to be Tommy Hilfiger's showroom. Ralph Lauren's office is a few floors below. Could I be working in the same building that Rachel Green worked in? I'd like to think so. But anyways, I do a lot of photoshop but not a lot of brain storming. And brain storming was my thing in VCU. In college, I didn't develope a lot of skills with adobe tools, rather I explored my mind and limits to what a project could encompass. If you've seen my Mr. Suggs project, the goal of the project was just to create a timeline (one of the most open-ended project briefs ever! Thank you, Patrick Bell!).
5. Limit my addictions
When I wrote this down as one of my resolutions, I was thinking about coffee and my love-hate relationship with it. At the time I was drinking so much coffee that I could feel it in my heart. Literally. I was born with a heart murmur and consuming stimulants (ie: caffeine, sugar) is not a good idea. I've limited it down to one cup about every other day or so. I've tried making it a reward to my gym going. "If I had gone to the gym yesterday, then I can have a coffee today" is my statement in the morning sometimes. I actually forgot about that this week, so its a good thing I typed it down, able for the world to see. And perhaps for people to remind me.
Also, drinking too much alcohol is lame. I know because I fell down the escalators.
6. Live simply (minimize my materials)
I have too many things in my little room. Organization has its limits. Too bad I bought a dress for myself the other day. Damn Uniqlo and their comfortable yet fancy items.
7. Take advantage of New York
I live in New York and I believe that my pennypinching habits have inhibited me in the past from exploring places that I had wanted to explore and things I wanted to do. Or that people hadn't had the time to do things with me, or the money. In December I had a phone conversation with my college friend Laura, and we got to talking about Richmond and VCU and how we miss it. And I realized how much I had missed, not so much lovingly but literally. In Richmond, I missed out on the nightlife, restaurants, museums, and other places that were distinct place markers in the lives of VCU students living in the once capital of the Confederacy. I've never been to the Village, Edo's Squid, Panda Veg, Cafe 821, and that one spot next to Pla-za Art. Hell, I've only been to the medical campus a handful of times–mostly to pick up my old roommate Rae from work. The Richmond time has gone and passed and I must move on and learn. Well, my resolution is to take full advantage of the Big Apple regardless of crappy transportation, bitter and frigid weather, and frugality. I must acknowledge that saving money is good but you can't take it with you when you leave here. So spend a little to enjoy the little pleasures of a city life, and life itself. And I think I am. Here's a review:
Last weekend I went to a (free) James Jean exhibit (recommended by John, thanks!) with friends, had a cup cake break at Billy's which is somehow associated with Magnolia Cupcakes (but I now know are not all that great), explored the giant Macy's—for the bathroom, went shopping in Uniqlo, ate some terigold chicken (good but not as good as the korean fried chicken at..whats that place called?), drank at 3 different bars—2 in the st. marks place area and 1 in the lower east side (in short, I had fun at all of them), and finally ate at a 24 hour diner where i had soup and hot chocolate (it was cold that night, duh), and took a cab home for the first time from the city. $19 to get to Astoria all the way from Astor place—not bad. Best Saturday ever.
Plus, on Tuesday I tried out a revered hip hop dance class with my friend Tara at the Broadway Dance Center. Challenging as hell, but I know what I want now—to dance again. I'm going to another dance class on Saturday. Hope this one is easier.
I end this post with a picture of my resolutions hanging on my mirror so that I see them every morning.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The adventures of Karen!
So I've decided to update my blog a few highlights of this past weekend; one is this highest and lightest highlight of them all. Guess which!
Friday:
1. Finally got a library card and borrowed two books (Style 101–What Every Stylish Woman Should Know by the editors of In Style Magazine and Design Can Change Your Life by Extreme Makeover Home Edition's Ty Pennington), and to top it off, a recomenable dvd, Rocket Science by Jeffrey Blitz.
2. Took a tumble down a set of escalator stairs and realized how difficult it was to hold on to something stable on a moving staircase as I continued to tumble and tumble and tumble. And tumble.
Saturday:
3. Bought some bandaids.
4. Watched movies all day. Go Rocket Science and The Dark Knight!
5. Used my sewing machine for the first time in months–yet not for my own project, but to help out with Francis' hooded scarf projecct.
Sunday (today):
6. Purged my apartment of the mountain that was plastic bags growing inside the kitchen cabinets. Rite Aid's "recycle plastic bags" bin is now their new home.
7. Attempted to attend a free yoga class in Noho with Stephanie, my roommate. The teacher as absent therefore the class was canceled. Instead of working out, we went to Cafe Select and had some coffee, crescents with nutella, and chocolate bread. Yumm.
8. Called the wrong person today and had a very Seinfeld-like moment. My friend Elaine was supposed to meet us at yoga today, I call Elaine and tell her that class is canceled and get the response "what class? um okay." One hour later I realized I called the wrong Elaine after receiveing a text message from the real Elaine. Damn. I must always include last names in my phonebook from now on.
And these were the highlights.
Friday:
1. Finally got a library card and borrowed two books (Style 101–What Every Stylish Woman Should Know by the editors of In Style Magazine and Design Can Change Your Life by Extreme Makeover Home Edition's Ty Pennington), and to top it off, a recomenable dvd, Rocket Science by Jeffrey Blitz.
2. Took a tumble down a set of escalator stairs and realized how difficult it was to hold on to something stable on a moving staircase as I continued to tumble and tumble and tumble. And tumble.
Saturday:
3. Bought some bandaids.
4. Watched movies all day. Go Rocket Science and The Dark Knight!
5. Used my sewing machine for the first time in months–yet not for my own project, but to help out with Francis' hooded scarf projecct.
Sunday (today):
6. Purged my apartment of the mountain that was plastic bags growing inside the kitchen cabinets. Rite Aid's "recycle plastic bags" bin is now their new home.
7. Attempted to attend a free yoga class in Noho with Stephanie, my roommate. The teacher as absent therefore the class was canceled. Instead of working out, we went to Cafe Select and had some coffee, crescents with nutella, and chocolate bread. Yumm.
8. Called the wrong person today and had a very Seinfeld-like moment. My friend Elaine was supposed to meet us at yoga today, I call Elaine and tell her that class is canceled and get the response "what class? um okay." One hour later I realized I called the wrong Elaine after receiveing a text message from the real Elaine. Damn. I must always include last names in my phonebook from now on.
And these were the highlights.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Money on my mind
Hey folks. I've finally returned to the blogging world. While gone away though, I have the pleasure to tell you, I've been working diligently 40 hours a week at my recently acquired job at Stylesight, a fashion forecasting website specifically geared toward fashion manufacturers, stylists, designers, and those working within the fashion industry.
After receiving my first paycheck I quickly ran to one of the many furniture stores in (the mall-like) Steinway street where I live by, and purchased an awesome pillow top twin mattress which came with a box spring, bed frame, delivery, and assembly (for FREE, might I add). Horray!
The following week I went home to Va Beach for Thanksgiving, and after spending some quality time with family, friends, and my boy friend, I again went shopping. Not ordinary shopping. My day began at 5 am and I visited 2 malls consecutively, then Target, then went shopping again the next day. Black Friday weekend was a binge of materialism that I haven't experienced in a while and my super-full suitcase was accompanied by two totes filled with new clothes. I get a call from my sister on the bus ride home telling me I forgot another set of clothing. And for some reason, the Sunday of black Friday weekend I thought it would be a good idea to buy the last set of shelves that I desperately wanted for my tiny NY room. So I visited Target for the 2 seemingly-light-but-apparently-super-heavy shelves and lugged 5 blocks from the subway to my apartment...in the rain.
After my shopping sprees, and then paying my rent, and I reailzed that I've lost touch with the old Karen who scoured the free section of craigslist, made gifts from what she already had, and whole-heartedly would have celebrated Buy Nothing Day rather than gone shopping at 2 malls consecutively.
Now that I've had my shopping binge, I'm putting myself on a shopping diet. If this interests you too, make note of the following list of helpful sites I really appreciate plus some other good things:
1. The free section of Craigslist. Some good stuff, some bad stuff, all free though.
2. The Dollar Stretcher. Its an ugly website in a designers point of view, but content is full of tips and advice on a saving money. I've seen a few great articles in there.
3. Readymade and Craft Magazine blog. Work with what you've got to create something out of seemingly nothing. I'm getting back to my crafts for Christmas, I think homemade presents are much more sentimental anyways.
4. The Home Economiser's section of tips. Another ugly website with beautiful content. Lots and lots and lots of good tips.
5. Freecycle.org. An online community that gives away the stuff they dont want anymore, simply to avoid anymore contibution to landfills. Join today! It's free. Ha.
6. Love to know. Lots of good ideas on how to save up and then some on other topics.
7. Wikihow's section of Managing your Money. Is there anything that Wikipedia doesn't explain?
8. Businessweek has this good article. I just found it, but it has some good tips.
9. Kiplinger tips: "Save Money on Practically Everything."
10. The Simple Dollar : 100 Great Tips.
I think ten is good enough for now. But if you google "save money" theres just so much. I'll leave you with a cute picture.
My favorite necklace consists of a few old charms from when i was a kid.
After receiving my first paycheck I quickly ran to one of the many furniture stores in (the mall-like) Steinway street where I live by, and purchased an awesome pillow top twin mattress which came with a box spring, bed frame, delivery, and assembly (for FREE, might I add). Horray!
The following week I went home to Va Beach for Thanksgiving, and after spending some quality time with family, friends, and my boy friend, I again went shopping. Not ordinary shopping. My day began at 5 am and I visited 2 malls consecutively, then Target, then went shopping again the next day. Black Friday weekend was a binge of materialism that I haven't experienced in a while and my super-full suitcase was accompanied by two totes filled with new clothes. I get a call from my sister on the bus ride home telling me I forgot another set of clothing. And for some reason, the Sunday of black Friday weekend I thought it would be a good idea to buy the last set of shelves that I desperately wanted for my tiny NY room. So I visited Target for the 2 seemingly-light-but-apparently-super-heavy shelves and lugged 5 blocks from the subway to my apartment...in the rain.
After my shopping sprees, and then paying my rent, and I reailzed that I've lost touch with the old Karen who scoured the free section of craigslist, made gifts from what she already had, and whole-heartedly would have celebrated Buy Nothing Day rather than gone shopping at 2 malls consecutively.
Now that I've had my shopping binge, I'm putting myself on a shopping diet. If this interests you too, make note of the following list of helpful sites I really appreciate plus some other good things:
1. The free section of Craigslist. Some good stuff, some bad stuff, all free though.
2. The Dollar Stretcher. Its an ugly website in a designers point of view, but content is full of tips and advice on a saving money. I've seen a few great articles in there.
3. Readymade and Craft Magazine blog. Work with what you've got to create something out of seemingly nothing. I'm getting back to my crafts for Christmas, I think homemade presents are much more sentimental anyways.
4. The Home Economiser's section of tips. Another ugly website with beautiful content. Lots and lots and lots of good tips.
5. Freecycle.org. An online community that gives away the stuff they dont want anymore, simply to avoid anymore contibution to landfills. Join today! It's free. Ha.
6. Love to know. Lots of good ideas on how to save up and then some on other topics.
7. Wikihow's section of Managing your Money. Is there anything that Wikipedia doesn't explain?
8. Businessweek has this good article. I just found it, but it has some good tips.
9. Kiplinger tips: "Save Money on Practically Everything."
10. The Simple Dollar : 100 Great Tips.
I think ten is good enough for now. But if you google "save money" theres just so much. I'll leave you with a cute picture.
My favorite necklace consists of a few old charms from when i was a kid.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Seven Random Facts About Myself
So there's this thing going on. Sorta like a chain letter, but instead of being cursed, you just wonder what to write in order to update your blog. I read Aly's blog, and after reading a list of seven random things about her, she tags a few of her friends and readers to do the same. I usually don't do these surveys, but Aly is my friend. And I sort of want to. So let's begin:
Seven
I am 23 years old, yet I look 15.
Six
I miss my family. I feel that I never am able to spend time with them. I've lived in Richmond for 2 1/2 years prior to moving to New York and each visit just doesn't seem as fulfilled as I wish it could be. The last time I saw my father, he had wrinkles and grays that I didn't remember from the time before last I saw him. Sometimes I'm afraid that I will never see them again.
Five
Before the end of this month, I'll be cutting my hair again. Another faux hawk awaits. I've done this three times already. Growing my hair a considerable length and then chopping it all off. This ritual of mine has been the inspiration behind one of my portfolio pieces called "Hair Maintenance."
Four
My internship boss got me a ticket to the Lucie Awards and I'm excited to see some great photography and to hopefully meet some photographers.
Three
I'm progressing in the freelance game. I am the Coordinator of Advanced Design Solutions for a company called KWANT Solutions, and soon the website will be up online. Also, I just created a logo for an organic lingerie company and am on board to create their packaging, website, etc. Last, I am to begin creating a website for a writer from Montreal, who fortunately met and interviewed my favorite artist, Feist.
Two
I still need to find an inexpensive, yellow trench coat so that I can be Jubilee for Halloween.
One
I'm reacquainting myself with my sketchbook. Expect some pretty pictures in upcoming blogs. Thanks for reading to the end.
Seven
I am 23 years old, yet I look 15.
Six
I miss my family. I feel that I never am able to spend time with them. I've lived in Richmond for 2 1/2 years prior to moving to New York and each visit just doesn't seem as fulfilled as I wish it could be. The last time I saw my father, he had wrinkles and grays that I didn't remember from the time before last I saw him. Sometimes I'm afraid that I will never see them again.
Five
Before the end of this month, I'll be cutting my hair again. Another faux hawk awaits. I've done this three times already. Growing my hair a considerable length and then chopping it all off. This ritual of mine has been the inspiration behind one of my portfolio pieces called "Hair Maintenance."
Four
My internship boss got me a ticket to the Lucie Awards and I'm excited to see some great photography and to hopefully meet some photographers.
Three
I'm progressing in the freelance game. I am the Coordinator of Advanced Design Solutions for a company called KWANT Solutions, and soon the website will be up online. Also, I just created a logo for an organic lingerie company and am on board to create their packaging, website, etc. Last, I am to begin creating a website for a writer from Montreal, who fortunately met and interviewed my favorite artist, Feist.
Two
I still need to find an inexpensive, yellow trench coat so that I can be Jubilee for Halloween.
One
I'm reacquainting myself with my sketchbook. Expect some pretty pictures in upcoming blogs. Thanks for reading to the end.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Reminiscing: Sushi Picnic
Hey folks. So here's another bit of show and tell. Ahh, the sushi picnic that never occurred at Maymont Park, but rather, at my apartment due to fowl weather. I find that when you approach something with little expectation, the more delightful are the surprises that occur.
So. For this event, I planned to roll a large amount of sushi at home to bring it to the park in a cooler. After inviting a bunch of friends via facebook, and I realized that the weather was, well, going to suck. So I mass messaged and mass texted everyone that the picnic would be at my apartment instead. This fall back plan worked out even better than the first. Everyone and more were able to come over since it was closer to campus. When the sushi ran out, the people I taught, taught the others so they could roll their own—which, for them, was a funner and more enriching experience. Jason brought his karaeoke magic mic (not to be stereotypically asian by eating sushi and singing karaeoke, but it was so much fun). We all ate sushi + more food and drink that guests brought and we sang all day and all eventhing until 10. Then we all went to watch Spiderman 3. Yay!
Friday, September 12, 2008
R.I.P Nagi Noda
I just found out through Speak Up that one of my favorite artists, Nagi Noda passed away a few days ago. If you are not familiar with Nagi Noda, she was and is an inspiration to me as an artist and designer. Getting her hands on design, video, art and mixing different forms of creativity, she pushed the limits. I wish to do the same.
To see a sweet work of Nagi Noda's, check this out.
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