Beginning to Look A Lot Like...Christmas?

....As you know, I equate cold and snow with being about as desirable as smacking your forehead on an open cabinet, resulting in a bleeding head wound (not that I did that at lunchtime yesterday, or anything...).

However, there is an exception to that. A BIG one!!! I. Love. The holidays. And everything that comes with them (although once New Year's passes, I start an agonizing countdown to Memorial Day Weekend).

In an artist's world, we have to plan ahead when it comes to getting "holiday stuff" out on time. We were working on holiday displays at my design job months ago, as the seemingly endless web of production takes quite a bit of time. And as I have been thinking about my own holiday card set to sell/send out this year, I have gotten a few requests from clients for commissioned Christmas cards of their own.

This week, I brought this commission from last year:

To this:

I actually like this one better! Details like a background and some accessories make it more interesting.

The Charlie Brown tree was my client's idea, and I LOVE it! So clever. I have a version of the tree with the traditional ornament, and I definitely can put that to use. Clearly, I love all things Peanuts.


It's Friday, and you know what that means!!!

The Friday Five

1.) What I'm Reading:

My mom had just finished this book about the persecution of Japanese Americans during WWII and she decided that I must read it.


Here is a review from Garth Stein, author of one of my very favorite books, The Art of Racing in the Rain (if you haven't read it, and especially if you are a dog lover, get on it):


"Jamie Ford has written a tender and satisfying novel that is tucked into a part of Seattle history we would rather not face.  Set in a time and a place lost forever, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet gives us a glimpse of the damage that is caused by war--not the sweeping damage of the battlefield, but the cold, cruel damage to the hearts and humanity of individual people.  Especially relevant in today's world, this is a beautifully written book that will make you think.  But, more importantly, it will make you feel." 

– Garth Stein, NY Times bestselling author of THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN



My mom would have accidentally ordered "large print" from the library. At least my eyes don't have to work overly hard after staring at a computer screen all day. Oh, Kim.

In case you wanted to read an excerpt, Large Print to the rescue.

Yes. My bookmark is a Flying Dog label. Don't judge. All hail Ralph Steadman.

2.) What I'm Listening To:

Somehow, I knew the song, but this video slipped through the cracks. Thanks, baby sister, AKA my video vixen and music finder, for showing me this fabulous video. Love Temper Trap.

3.) What I'm Watching:

How to Make It in America...

(Source)

Excited to get caught up on it this weekend. I've already seen the first episode of the new season, but have waited for the rest. We have to rewatch the finale from the first season and then the first three or four episodes from this season to catch Coop up to speed. Love this show! It's an easy watch....reminds me of Entourage's early (read: good) days. Doesn't send me into an emotional rollercoaster (cough cough new fave Breaking Bad cough). Plus amazing camera work. 

And I still love Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi...he plays Domingo on the show)...even though when I saw him in concert I was about one of 12 in the place that was old enough to have a wristband for beer. Who knew?

(Sorry for dragging you to Tween Central, Coop. I see the pain in your face.)

I will drink my large beer and you will like it, Teenyboppers. And no, you can't pay me thirteen dollars to buy you a(n underage) Bud Light.

4.) What I'm Eating:

In keeping with the holiday theme...

I was so excited to receive a package from CLIF Bar in the mail yesterday! They had a Twitter giveaway a few weeks ago...they were giving away free samples to try their new Peppermint Stick bar.  

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but oh my goodness. Peppermint in an energy bar with oats and soybeans sounded a little peculiar, but I really loved this. The way that mint chocolate chip just works, so does this bar. Low in fat, and high in fiber and protein, it was great fuel before my BodyCombat class yesterday. I loved the flavor as it didn't taste "chalky" like some energy bars tend to do, and I would definitely get it again. On top of that, 1% of sales of CLIF seasonal bars will be donated to the Winter Wildlands Alliance..."With this, we hope to protect the outdoor places we play for countless seasons to come." How cool!

5.) What I'm Pinning:

I wish I could come up with costumes this cool.

Um, can you imagine having ever been small enough to fit into a pot (although...I can fit into a suitcase...#shortgirlproblems)?!


Also, these cupcakes (!!!!):

(Hey, Arizona!)


And this pink grapefruit margarita:

 I don't like overly sweet alcoholic drinks; a margarita is about as sweet as I can handle, and I am a huge fan of them (I think it runs in my blood...thanks Mom and G-Mom). Bet these add even more sour to the mix and I think I'd love 'em!




Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! 

xoxoxo




Oh yeah....and Happy 1st Birthday to this cute little critter:

My little life-changer. He will get a nice walk, lots of extra peanut butter and a new bat toy today!! :)
(And I won't make him try on his halloween costume...which his LEAST favorite part is 100% the whipped cream and cherry hat.

My little banana split.

Heh heh....I am evil.