Thursday, December 3, 2009

iPod Cozies... now available!

You do know that handmade is the way to go this Christmas, right? And every other gift-giving opportunity! Skip the big-box store and buy something from the person who made it!
Like these for example:


iPod Cozies:




Now available!
Created and hand-crafted by me. Knitted from 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. Comes in your choice of three colors: Golden Yellow, Deep Turquoise, or Heather Grey.



These iPod cozies are perfect for protecting iPhone and iPod Touch screens from scrapes and scratches. They're also great for digital cameras!


iPod Cozie for iPhone or iPod Touch: $13
iPod Cozie for iPod Nano: $11




For order info, please email me at: thatsnicedesign [at] gmail [dot] com.
(iPod not included)

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Giving thanks.

Dear nearest and dearest Holiday of mine,

Thank you for reminding me to be thankful. Thank you for being about abundance and harvest and a celebration of the gifts we have received. Thank you also for allowing me to take a day off from work to eat insane amounts of guilt-free food with friends and loved ones. You really are swell in that regard.

But hey, no-thanks-to-you for not extending through Friday all the way until Monday. Seriously. What's the deal? You do realize that Black Friday has pretty much become it's own holiday and has sorta stolen your spotlight, don't you? Are you just going to sit there and take it? Can't you extend your holiday sacredness into two days? Or better yet... all the way through Monday? You could implement the first FIVE-DAY weekend and everyone would love you even more!

No, I know... you're probably right. Keeping a 'giving-thanks' holiday like yourself contained to a one day, semi-mid-week celebration allows for us to isolate it and not just throw it into the 3-day weekend category that's been over ridden with mattress sales and one-day only car sales. You sure are a class act, Thanksgiving. Thank you for being so humble.

I just wish Black Friday would back off...

Sunday, November 22, 2009

look what I made!

The bag that I started knitting nearly two years ago is finally finished.


Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Friday, November 13, 2009

Does this look like a work trip to you?


Well, it was.

I just got back from CA where we stopped at the Huntington Library in LA, the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, and Green Gulch Farms and Cal Academy in San Francisco. These photos were taken Wednesday evening when I dipped my toes into the Pacific Ocean for the first time in my life.



I am now trying to recover from a lost voice and massive head cold.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

a New York minute

Hey crazy kids! Thanks for stopping by. If you've noticed something different about my blog, it's because I've reverted back to an original header design. This time, however, I've added the apostrophe to the title. Not having it was bothering me. This feels better and so does having the turquoise back.

Do you want know what I've been up to lately? Sleeping. I didn't know a person could sleep as much as I have in the past 24 hours. I went home from work on Friday feeling a little peakish, and fell asleep around 4:30pm. I woke up today, this morning at 8:30 am. That's 16 hours. Then, I went back to sleep and slept until 2:00pm.

I'm feeling much better. I think I was feeling ill because I was overly exhausted. My trip to NY was so good, but so tiring. 5 museums in basically 2 days is a lot to absorb. But, it was great! If you want to see pictures... pop on over here. A few colleagues and I went out to NY to do some research and to visit with staff from other museums.

I'm heading out to California on Monday morning to continue the museum research. Hopefully I can keep my energy up!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

fall colors


I took this picture on my way home from work. It makes a great screensaver.

Monday, October 12, 2009

winter(?) update??

This is ridiculous. Heat's on, slippers on, coats on....

I wish I could hibernate for winter, wouldn't that be cozy? No snowy, windy commutes... ahh the thought. Another reason why hibernating would be awesome is because the Chicago Transit Authority (public transit system) is considering a fare increase. Again! It was mere months ago when my monthly pass was increased from $75 to $86. Now, they're proposing $110. Sigh.

It's almost like the CTA is promoting hibernation...

Thursday, September 24, 2009

fall update

My last few posts have left a few of you (mostly my mom) wanting more details. I haven't done a proper update in a while and I'm afraid it's time. I've conveniently divided my life into a few categories (kinda sad). Maybe you'll find one of which interesting?

Work: is going well. Quite busy, but with the nation's unemployment rate creeping up on 10%, I'll take busy. I'm currently working on an upcoming exhibition that opens in February and right now we're at the beginning-to-middle design stage. I'm working out a plan for what the graphics will be and what those graphics will look like: color palette, images, typeface, etc. Fun stuff. The topic is Chinese Rubbings. The Field Museum has the largest collection (7,000+) of Chinese Rubbings in the western hemisphere and we're choosing a few dozen of the most impressive to display in the year-long exhibition. I'm also working on a handful of other projects like brochures, directories, guides, invitations, and signs. So many graphic design needs for this institution!

Relationship: is going well despite the long distance. JZ and I talk regularly on the phone which is always good but sometimes a challenge because our schedules don't always align. For the most part though, this is going really well. We're learning more about our individual communication styles and I'm learning how to speak more and express more verbally. (I'm usually more of a listener). Next weekend I'm heading up to MI to visit him for the weekend. Amtrak will get me there in just under 5 hours (hopefully :)

Leisure: now that I'm basically living the single life ;) I can spend my free time doing whatever pops into my head. Fall is my favorite season and I've been busy collecting interesting leaves and seeds from my neighborhood. They're currently being pressed in my dictionary while I come up with something 'artsy' (as jz would say) to do with them. With the onset of fall also comes my renewed desire to knit. A couple posts ago, I shared my recent project which I'm nearly finished with. I have to find some hardware for the handles and felt the wool, but I'm almost there! Another project that I'm engrossed in is a calendar design project. I'm designing my own. I know, it seems crazy since every fall/winter there are millions of calendars available for sale, but I like structure and creativity needed to make my own.

Health: on the mend. I got quite sick a couple weekends ago, but I don't think it was the swine flu. I think it was just a major head and chest cold. I'm still coughing, but at least I feel like a human being again.

Lila: as sweet as ever. She likes my new apartment and the extra space has made her more relaxed. Her new favorite hiding spot is under my entryway cabinet which I often have pillows propped up against. I think it makes her feel sneaky. I've also realized that having both a cat and a knitting hobby can be quite challenging. For example:



Yes, she's laying on the directions. Not helpful. I do love her though, especially when she snuggles up next to me in bed. I think she just does it to steal my body heat, but whatever. I'm a pushover.

Family: My aunt and uncle on my mom's side were in a motorcycle accident about a month ago and as you can imagine, it was not easy to hear this news. Brought us all back to July of 2003. Thankfully, my aunt and uncle were spared any internal brain injuries and their bodies are healing. My aunt received the worst from the accident (when their rear tire blew) with a cracked pelvis, crushed elbow, and a few facial fractures. She's finally returned home from the hospital and it sounds like it's going pretty well. I think about their family a lot.

Well, I know that wasn't everything, but at least it was something. I hope you're all enjoying your September!

Monday, September 21, 2009

peace one day

adidas v puma no more.
see, we can just get along.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

I'm a knitting machine!*

My current project:


























*This is what happens when I'm sick for an extended period of time

Saturday, September 12, 2009

sick

when i blow my nose, air shoots out the corner of my eye.

seriously. that's how congested I am.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

What does it mean to be pro-life?

Health-care for all or only a few? Anti-abortion or pro-choice? environmentally conscious? Social justice? Equal rights?

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

color-palette-ify

The discovery of this website made my day oh so happy.

tunes

currently listening to two new albums.

Ingrid Michaelson

David Bazan

the questioning of Bazan is balanced, a bit, by the hope in Michaelson.

life is all about balance, isn't it?

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Laborless long weekend


spotted: Lila lounging

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Stefan Kanchev

While perusing FFFFound recently, I came across graphic artist Stefan Kanchev's 'others' portfolio and was blown away by the use of shape, pattern, positive/negative space, and color... all of which blend and flow so effortlessly together.



Saturday, August 29, 2009

"Make no small plans, they have no magic to stir men's blood" – Daniel H. Burnham

For those of you in Chicago, you may be familiar with the impact Daniel H. Burnham had on the city (and the country) back in the late 18- early 1900's. Daniel Burnham was an architect and urban planner who is credited with designing America's first skyscraper in Chicago, along with several other historic buildings in the US including the FlatIron building in New York and Union Station in Washington, DC. He was also very influential in the success of the 1893 World's Colombian Exposition in Chicago, from which several Chicago institutions got their start, including The Field Museum and The Museum of Science and Industry.

But what Daniel Burnham is perhaps most famous for, is his 1909 Plan of Chicago, a book wherein he outlines plans for the development of Chicago. It was the first of it's kind designed to guide the growth of a major US city. In the book, he stresses the importance of the people and their use of the city. At the forefront: the Lake. He's quoted as saying, "The lake by right, belongs to the people." He also strongly believed that every Chicago citizen should be within walking distance of a park.


This year is the 100th anniversary of Burnham's Plan of Chicago and the city is currently celebrating The Burnham Plan Centennial.

As part of the celebration, The Field Museum is hosting a small exhibition called Burnham Memorial Design Competition. The exhibition is on display now until November 1 and consists of 19 modern day architects' designs for a Burnham Memorial to someday be built on the Museum's north terrace. The exhibition also discusses Burnham's impact on the city and contains two original artifacts from Burnham himself: a copy of the 1909 Plan of Chicago, and a large framed blueprint of Daniel's vision of the lakefront. I'm proud to say that I had a small part in the completion of the exhibition and encourage you to attend if you are in the city.

life is good.

Happy Saturday morning to you all!

I'm sitting here, at the jumbo-tron, having a cup of coffee and enjoying the cool breeze coming in my window.

Today is a good day.

To update you all on my last post.... jz is no longer at Urbana. After 2 days of classes, he got a call from the University of Michigan telling him that they've taken him off the wait list and have a spot available for him.

So... he moved to Ann Arbor the next day to start orientation there.

Crazy, but so exciting! I'm totally going to buy some UM gear.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?

Well, the inevitable has finally happened. jz has moved away to Urbana to start law school and I already miss him like crazy. It's a pretty awesome feeling to miss one person as much as I miss him right now. It's exhilarating and awful at the same time. I love him so much. If anyone has any insight on what can help a long-distance relationship, please use the comments section to share your thoughts or wish us luck. This could be a long three years.

Monday, August 10, 2009

I have a lot to report.

I survived camping in Kentucky. JZ and I had a great time and thankfully, very nice weather. Only a few raindrops during the night. Also, Mammoth Caves are pretty awesome. I recommend them.


My apartment is officially warm! Not temperature wise necessarily (more on that later), but amongst friends. I held my first apartment party at my new place this past Friday. It was a full house, but oh so

Thursday, July 23, 2009

kentucky



Oh hey, look at that. The last time I posted I was about to go on vacation. Well, now I'm back, but am about to leave for another small vacation to Mammoth Caves National Park.

It's in Kentucky.

We're camping.

In a tent.

Wish me luck.


PS: Sorry to abandon you again Lila, I promise to snuggle with you when I return.

Monday, July 6, 2009

the weekend's done, but my vacation's just begun

Doesn't that sound nice? Yeah, I think so too. I'm back to work today after one very long holiday weekend, but I'll only be here for 3 days. Then...I'm heading to Iowa for 5!!
That's right Iowa, FIVE DAYS. Can you handle it? More importantly: can my little nephew handle the onset of his crazy aunt's cheek-pinching-fingers??

He's turning ONE on Thursday :D

Thursday, July 2, 2009

new addition



Two mid-century additions to my apartment. I think they're fabulous.

A big thanks to Hope who came to Chicago to visit me last night and left again this morning :) What a quick but wonderful trip! I really enjoyed our bagel this morning.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Sunday, June 28, 2009

New place


I have successfully moved to my new apt. Hooray!
I'm still working out a few furniture arrangement issues, but this is the initial setup. That's Lila on the floor there, being dramatic as usual.


There are a lot of reflective surfaces in this apt (glass cabinets, french doors) which I love, but Lila seems to have a raw distaste for. I think she'll get used to it eventually, but for now, there are plenty of 4 am wake-ups to her scratching at her own reflection.

My dining area is being used as my office. Someday I'll get an actual table.


I love the kitchen. I think it's my favorite part (note the dishwasher :)



Awesome walk-in closet with a built in wardrobe:





Come visit sometime. I'll pull out the air mattress for ya.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

rain

I think it's fair (albeit a complete exaggeration) to say that by tomorrow morning Chicago and it's suburbs will be underwater. It has been all-stops-pulled POURING since about 1pm today. I seriously don't think this will end well... whenever it does. The rest of the week is forecasted at 110% chance of precipitation. I sooo hate commuting in the rain.

Monday, June 8, 2009

moving!

After 3 glorious years in my current studio apt, I'm moving on .... to another studio apt :)

I know, I know, I thought I'd be able to grow-up and afford a 'big girl 1 bedroom' too, but alas, I again chose location over more personal space.

Don't be fooled, however. This apt is rad. I'm talking vintage built-in cabinets with glass doors, a huge walk-in closet with built-in shelves and beautiful dark wood french doors, a bright shiny bathroom, large east facing windows with luscious dark wood trim, and, wait for it.... a dishwasher! cha-ching! A studio with vintage charm AND a dishwasher? jackpot!

I think i'll go buy some more dishes :)

I don't yet have new pictures of the place (I'm moving in later this month) but I just wanted to let ya'll know that after a month of searching for the perfect place, I think I found it :) Plus, It's cheaper AND utilities are included.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

twelfth night



this past thursday j and I went to the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre to see their production of The Twelfth Night.

it. was. amazing.

i was told that that there was a water element to the set, but i didn't really believe it 'til I saw it. there was a giant pool on the stage! no wait, the pool WAS the stage! and yes, the actors dove in and out of the water in their full Elizabethan costumes! crazy? yes. sitting in the front row? even crazier (read: splashy) :)

happy bday j.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

I'm back from Philly! And yes mom, safe and sound :)
I have gobs of pictures to share, but it might take me a couple days to get them all organized: AAM Conference, Liberty Bell, Old City Hall, Benjamin Franklin's grave, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Masonic Temple, Reading Terminal Market, Rittenhouse Square, Love Park, Battleship New Jersey .... was I really only there for 2.5 days??

Stay tuned...

In the meantime ... there's still 4 days until the MS Walk, so you still have time to donate! $1, $2, $5...every little bit helps! donate here
cheers

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

AAM Conference


Pretty excited about tomorrow. I'm flying out to Philadelphia to attend the American Association of Museums' annual conference. Not only will I be spending time with 5,000+ museum professionals from around the nation, but I'll also get to spend some time wandering around a historic city! Philly, the city of LOVE. Since I've never been there before, I've requested a list of 'must-sees' from friends and strangers. This list includes places like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Mutter Museum, Giana's Pizza and Grille, Independence Park, Christ Church and Burial Ground, and Eastern State Penitentiary. I also came across a Philly design guide courtesy of Design Sponge. I'd love to have time to check out some of those local spots, because, is it true? There are NO taxes on clothes or shoes in Philly?? Maybe I better bring an extra suitcase...

Panda Falls Down


hehe. my blog is random, I know, but this post is just a necessary sequel to this. What is it about pandas that just make them so cute?

Monday, April 27, 2009

smiles for a rainy monday


A collection of awesome images from around the web. These are making me smile today.
clockwise top left: my dream furniture; colorful maps; cat in a hat!; awesome envelopes; boredom?; spring flowers; touché

Saturday, April 25, 2009

I'm Walking!


For the first time ever, my sisters and I have formed a team and are walking in an MS Walk on May 9. Our team, Team Faith, is in honor of our mom who has been living with MS for 20+ years. It's really exciting to be a part of this. My sisters and I are still collecting donations, so if you're interested in contributing to a cure for MS, head on over to the National MS Society website, or click here to be brought directly to my donation page! I'm so excited!

Monday, April 13, 2009

I wish I would have taken more photos this past weekend but time just went too fast. It feels like I blinked and it's monday already.
Despite the quickness of the trip, Iowa was good. The drive there and back was good and the time spent with family, friends and bf was good. Really good. More details later.
Now I'm back at work with bags under my eyes. ick!

Monday, April 6, 2009


Hi friends.

- Still looking for the perfect apartment.

- I'm going to Iowa this weekend for Easter.

- Bringing my BF with me to Iowa...to meet the fam!

- Wednesday morning I'm speaking at a Chicago Semester class about vocation. my vocation.

- That event will will take place exactly 4 years after I was in the same vocational class and I'm still trying to decide if 4 years is enough time to go from being the student to being the teacher on such an issue.

- It snowed here in Chicago yesterday. can I get an ICK?!? ick.

- The Aztec World closes in just 12 days. TWELVE DAYS PEOPLE! You're running out of time!

- Recently discovered that my favorite bowling place has half price bowling on Sundays.

- tonight I bought a used copy of Walden and an old book about plants with fantastic illustrations.

- My cat likes scrabble.

Cut&Paste


coolest. design competition. ever.



Saturday, April 4, 2009

geek out about type


Tonight, I'm going to check this awesomeness out with a fellow designer.
It's like Iron Chef for designers! sweet? yeah I think so too.

Monday, March 30, 2009

bath time interrupted


mommmmmmm!

correspondence

To: AT&T
From: "Your Friend at [my address here]"


Dear AT&T,

Please stop sending me fake checks in the mail for "Up To $300".
And please stop calling me your friend.

Regards,
-s

Friday, March 27, 2009

apt apt

my anxiety for all things planned in advance has been rearing it's ugly head lately. soon I'll be faced with the decision of moving to a new apartment or renewing my current apartment's lease for another year. sigh. every spring I go through this...and every spring, out of laziness and indecisiveness, I decide to resign the lease for my current apartment at a grossly inflated price.

but I say NO MORE! three years is long enough!

tomorrow morning I have my first appointment viewing a possible new abode. I'm done with the studio! on to bigger and possibly cheaper(?) things...like a 1 bedroom. alas, the 'cheaper' aspect means staying in my current neighborhood is an unlikely thing. I'm movin' north baby! so friends, family, the next time you come visit me you may have to travel farther to get to downtown, but at least you'll have a couch to sleep on instead of a crummy 10 year old air mattress!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Unknown Legend

She used to work in a diner
Never saw a woman look finer
I used to order just to watch
her float across the floor
She grew up in a small town
Never put her roots down
Daddy always kept movin',
so she did too.

Somewhere on a desert highway
She rides a Harley-Davidson
Her long blonde hair
flyin' in the wind
She's been runnin' half her life
The chrome and steel she rides
Collidin' with
the very air she breathes
The air she breathes.

You know it ain't easy
You got to hold on
She was an unknown legend
in her time
Now she's dressin' two kids
Lookin' for a magic kiss
She gets the far-away look
in her eyes.

Somewhere on a desert highway
She rides a Harley-Davidson
Her long blonde hair
flyin' in the wind
She's been runnin' half her life
The chrome and steel she rides
Collidin' with the very
air she breathes
The air she breathes.


After watching the movie Rachel Getting Married Neil Young's song is so much sweeter.

Friday, March 20, 2009

armadillo's pillow


used book stores. mmm :)

Monday, March 16, 2009

o'berthdey

When I was little I paid no attention to St Patrick's Day. None. The only time I remember thinking about it was when I arrived to school on patty's day not wearing any green, which as you know, constitutes a pinch. Now that I'm older, I can't help but notice St Patrick's Day because it's celebrated for 2 weeks straight here in Chicago. Also, my birthday is on the 9th so for the last few years, green hats and green beer have adorned my birthday celebrations.
No, I'm not complaining :) I have amazing friends who help me celebrate in a non-Irish way....bowling!!

Friday, February 27, 2009

wknd



It's the weekend (almost). My plan is to relax and celebrate because the annual report is at the printer! woot!

I'm also going to relax and celebrate simply because it's the weekend, and I've had a hellish week.

ps: i turn 25 very soon. know what I want for my birthday? (psst here's a hint)

Friday, February 6, 2009

no room for cream

I know Becca has said it before, and it's definitely crossed my mind, especially in this economic climate. but, looks like Starbucks can no longer be my backup plan for employment. CRAP

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Never Let Me Go


I recently finished this book, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, and well, it was amazing. Fantastical and mysterious while addressing a complex issue from an insider's point of view.
I didn't know a single thing about this book when I picked it up, which made the progression all the more fascinating. More of Ishiguro's books are now on my list.

Monday, January 19, 2009

top 10 of 2008

My friend Laura challenged her friends to do this at the onset of the new year: write down your top 10 happenings of the previous year. These can be anything but try to be specific. So think back, way back to last January, February, and March and write them down. It's guaranteed to help you see the blessings in your life and is much more fun than setting resolutions for yourself.

So, here's mine. (fashionably late)

10. Netflix
9. Traveling to Munich with my sister
8. Designing and completing The Aztec World at the Field Museum
7. The adoption of my dear cat, Lila
6. Barack Obama
5. The first spring sunrise of 2008 (it happens every year, you'll know it when you see it)
4. Improving my knitting skills (among others)
3. Fantastic concerts: Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Eef Barzelay, Rue Royale, Andrew Bird, Phosphorescent, Rogue Wave, Dr. Dog (among several others)
2. July 3 fireworks! (and the whole summer, really)
1. Building a new relationship (JZ) / Welcoming new life (nephew Noam) (these tied for first)

DC

i love productive days off. laundry, cleaning, errands, freelance, cooking...blogging (finally) :) Things seem to have settled down a bit since the holidays and it's good to be able to catch up on some things that were neglected.

and hey, tomorrow is inauguration! woohoo! I won't be attending the festivities in DC, but I was able to check out the scene at the National Mall last weekend while visiting John. The Capitol's west lawn was being prepared for the millions of people who will be attending this year's swearing-in ceremony and inaugural address. I've never seen so many lawn chairs!



While in DC we also checked out a few museums: The National Gallery of Art, The National Museum of the American Indian and the Air and Space Museum. The National Gallery was my favorite on this trip (both the East and West buildings are phenomenal) but the National Museum of the American Indian was beautiful in it's own way. I felt the architecture of the actual museum out-shined the display of the artifacts. (I'm having some troubles posting more pictures, I'll try again later.)

I got some really exciting news last week from my boss. This spring I'll be attending the American Association of Museums annual conference in Philadelphia! I'm very excited about it. Museum exhibitors, designers, curators, and administrators from across North America gather for this event every year and this will by my first year attending. Lots of great minds and ideas to share and be shared. I can't wait.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009


Hey guys, Lila here. I'm just keepin' the keys warm while Sarah gets a glass of water. She hasn't blogged in a while so I thought I'd quickly say 'hi' from the both of us. I'll tell her you all miss her and that she needs to blog again soon. ciao!