Friend/Family Pride

Cartoon Bar Fight, Tin Can Alehouse, 5 January 2013
Photo by Gary Barnes

This is my dear friend (and soul sister) Kendall. We went from being in musicals in high school, to playing in rock/pop bands together/separately in 2007-2008. Though we are now separated by a couple states, we still gush over each other's music and collaborate when possible.

I just love her, and I love how we can rely on each other so much-- personally, but also musically. Right now she fronts the band Cartoon Bar Fight (pictured above).  I've been able to make it up to the bay area to play some shows with them over the last year or so. Oh, I wish it could be more. Right this second I am listening to them play live on KSJS, a radio station in San Jose, CA. I just love them. All of them. And I am so, so proud of them.

From May 16 - May 30, Cartoon Bar Fight will be doing a mini tour around the bay area. More info here.

Also, my brother took that picture of them earlier this year. I also am way proud of him. If you haven't already, check out his photography website here, or his travel web series here.

Creativity

One of my favorite artists, Sandra Juto, created this installation in a Swedish preschool. Isn't it fantastic? Maybe it's because I was raised by two very educationally-aware parents (my father is a head honcho at a local college, my mother is a preschool teacher), but I have a special place in my heart for creative learning environments.

Speaking of, remember when I recorded that little collection of lullabies? Use code "apple20" to get 20% off the digital download.

calling cards on etsy

 collettepaperie

 luckyduckletterpress

 michellebrusegaard

storybymia

pinklilypress 

Yesterday I began pondering how incredibly efficient it would be to have calling cards. There would be no more "That's 'Allison' with 2 L's," and other little things like that. Just whip out a card and you're done! 

There are a lot more on etsy.com, where I found all of these. For example, they also have calling cards for mommies (for organizing play dates and such), which is quite clever! The ones I put up here are more conservative in style, and more neutral in purpose, but if you're looking for something different, I assure you, someone on etsy is offering it.

etsy : please be still

love

+

etsy : sarah jane studios

A calendar and postcards? 

Such a good idea, via seesaw letterpress.

Good Things: Do Fun Stuff

Ryan Marshall of Pacing the Panic Room has created this sweet project to help raise funds and awareness for Smith Magenis Syndrome (SMS), a disease that his son was diagnosed with last year. Not much is known about it, but with the help of this project, hopefully progress will be made.

More info below:

Joanna Goddard's Beautiful Home

I really love Joanna Goddard's house tour she posted on her blog earlier this week. They have filled their home with items that mean something-- that pulled them in-- and had been collected over the years. And the use of paint as accent colors? I love it.

Fun fact: My childhood bedroom is filled, filled with pieces of art prints, posters, three big vintage lamps (from when my great grandma moved out of her home), a beautiful framed mirror (again, great grandma), and so many treasures that are waiting for a proper home. It will be nice when that day comes (not necessarily marriage, mind you, but being able to afford my own home to furnish).

bow ties are cool.

I love Something's Hiding in Here's 

new project, entitled FORAGE.

Because bow ties are cool, as is the Doctor:

Update: You can buy these bow ties here until they sell out!

Lemonade!

[Kate Powers]

Dear Future Husband

While recently browsing for rings online (not for this purpose, might I add), I found this lovely ring here from Bittersweets New York: The Twig Eternity Band.

Now, futurehusband, you should know that the price for this ring is far beyond what I'd hope for you to pay for my ring ($1300, woahhh)-- a simple band would suffice. But it is lovely. That is all I'm saying. Kudos to Bittersweets for actually making me swoon over an engagement ring. 'Tis a rare event, really.

I Made This For You.

Stephen and Shauna of "Something's Hiding In Here" are the cutest,
and I think their gifts to each other are adorable,
as are their vintage bikes.

Hint to Future-Husband:
Stephen knows how to treat his wife.
Hint. Hint.

Embroidery Patterns

The talented artist Sarah Jane (mentioned previously here) has now made embroidery patters of her calendar prints. You can order a pdf of any pattern for $4.25 here. So cute, and so tempting!

In my blood, and so grateful!

My Sweet Aunt Susan blogged about my cousin Kaylynne and I last week, but because I was in Idaho, I didn't see it until now! I am so flattered that she took the time to mention me. My Aunt Susan is a fantastic writer and photographer herself, and I encourage you to spend some time browsing her blog.

And, while you're at it, check out my cousin Kaylynne's t-shirt company, which I didn't even know about until now! She's so clever!

I am filled with excitement for my family! I think they're swell!

Pregnant and on a boat! Wooh!

Loving this shoot by Amelia Lyon Photography. There are so many great shots, it was hard to choose just one to throw on my blog today!

I'll be out of town for a couple of days. Be back on Friday!

Sarah Jane Studios

Part of Sarah Jane Studios' new Retro Line.
If I had children (or plans to have children in the near future, which I don't), I would buy this in a second. How snazzy would that look in a play room?

See Sarah Jane's blog here.
Find this "Take me for a walk" image on her etsy here.

On a bike, on a bike!

This was my introduction to Blue Kite Photography. And I assure you, the more I look at their work, the more I fall in love. Some photos are lifeless, but not these. I assure you. They are memories that you know are just as alive as ever.

By Blue Kite Photography. Found here.

forest and ferry engagements

These photos don't even begin to represent these gorgeous and sweet engagement photos of Julie and Andy. They are so happy. I love it!

Photos by Kristen Marie, found here.

Eisley-Lovin'

Sherri DuPree-Bemis (from the band Eisley), and Max Bemis (from the band Say Anything). This is them in their kitchen. Not only does Sherri make magic with her siblings + cousin in the band Eisley, she's also an artist (I don't think you could have a kitchen like that and not have creativity flowing through you constantly).

Check out "Ambulance" by Eisley, off of their new Fire Kite EP.

Rachel Thurston Photography

Rachel Thurston Photography. I've been a fan for quite a while. If Brittany and Paul's engagement photos don't win you over, I don't know what will.

Oh, and if you were wondering, yes, I'm coming back to the world of blogging. Though, I think you should read the disclaimer on the left. That's all.

Come back soon!