New Beginnings

UPDATE: I have moved! Please find me over here: www.virginialucashart.com

 

Hi, all --

Happy it's Friday? Gosh, I am. Tell me your fun weekend plans! I have a brunch date with a girlfriend (at one of my favorites) and I might be going to this movie with the boy. I somehow pulled something in my neck (I currently move my head like a robot - it's real cute) so I need to fix that with some good stretching at the gym. Speaking of, I had a bad case of the hiccups late last night and my neck hurt so much with  each  startling hic-cup, I totally lost my marbles and nearly passed out in laughter. And there was Patrick, video-ing the whole awkward experience on his phone. Pat-hicca-rick! He promised he'd delete it after showing his fam. (Greaaat, haha!) Other than that? I have a few errands to run and projects to work on, including getting the new site ready for its launch (can't wait!), but I also have a very important date with my couch, a fluffy pillow, and the July issue of Real Simple that arrived yesterday. A little R&R is definitely in store :)

:: LINKS ::

I am currently obsessed with this blogger's style.

refuse.

but I can't wait that long!

rare photos of celebrities. (my favorite might be Jennifer Aniston as a little girl.)

I love it, too.

if you want to be successful.

my mom & I now own matching pairs of these sandals. everyone is so right, they're as comfy as can be!

my new favorite Instagram account... :)

enjoyed this post - "what is your unique selling proposition?"

5 gifts guys secretly want for Father's Day. (don't forget - it's Sunday!) ...likin' this gift guide, too.

look how much the Superman 'S' has changed over the years.

this jewelry pouch would make an incredible gift.

oolala! i love this bikini, this one-piece, & this maxi from asos.

i leave you with this.

p.s. This is my 665th post. Which is crazy. I honestly never intended to stick with this silly hobby & outlet for so long... for anyone out there considering starting a blog, do it.  I realize that my future chapters might be a far cry from the one I'm in now and to have this to look back on? It's priceless. I have thoroughly enjoyed blogging as the little lady in the big apple and will never, ever forget what personal doors this site has opened for me. How will you find my new website? I will update this when it's live with a link to redirect you. Please check back next week. And hold on, why am I even moving to a new site, you ask? Am I leaving the city and thus, just ditching the name? No. Not yet, anyway. It is time for me to take a step forward in my personal endeavors; my new website will be the foundation and platform for my business, From the Hart.

 

Cheers to new & exciting beginnings! I hope you can follow along...

 

- little lady

Happy Weekend!

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Ohhh, 3-day weekend. You feel like such a gift. I could kiss you, I'm so happy you're here. Do any of you guys have fun plans? Going anywhere exciting?! I am staying put in the big apple & enjoying that rare peacefulness that occurs when the city empties out.  As crazy as it sounds, I'm secretly happy it's going to be cold & rainy the next two days. I will have an art utensil in hand for most of the time and won't feel as bad about staying inside. I'm also looking forward to reading during a hair appointment, attempting to be as least awkward as possible (a tough feat, ladies & gents) during a photo-shoot for my new website, sourcing packaging supplies (I heart stickers), & squeezing in a date or two with Patrick even though he'll be working most of the weekend as well. We have our living situation decision looming over our heads so I'll be praying we can sort through that. It's been trying to say the least. And fingers crossed I have a new nephew next week! My heart skips a beat every time a family member calls. Knowing my mother, she has completely rearranged her entire home and has scrubbed every nook & cranny. That's how Baba (what her grandchildren call her) "waits."

 

:: a few links for your day ::

a Moore tornado relief benefit tee.

i need to remind myself of this sometimes.

a pretty necklace.

a funny tumblr.

an awesome makeover.

can't wait!

if i had wavy hair, i'd totally try this cut.

cute sunnies.

liars. (ha!)

my love tattoos are back in stock! (the fact that nearly 16K people saved it on Wanelo made my jaw permanently drop!)

love this LWD. (little white dress)

fun placemats & napkins. (would make a great housewarming gift!)

who wants to see this incredible exhibit with me?

i leave you with this.

have a wonderful weekend!

until next time,

g

Happy Weekend

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First of all, Happy (early) Mother's Day to all those women who play that important role! I am blessed to have so many incredible mothers in my life...I adore & admire you all more than you know. Here's a special shout-out to my main mama who fills up a great deal of my heart. I am so lucky to have you!

 

What are your plans for the weekend? I will be drawing & designing for the next two days, taking breaks to workout, clean, run errands, and...go bowling. YES! We have plans to celebrate a friend's birthday at a bowling alley and I am so tickled about it!

 

a few links for your day ~

 

Again, I love Jennifer Lawrence.

pretty desk lamps. (I have #1!)

a nation of wimps.

my friend emailed me this helpful apartment hunting checklist.

how clever is this tooth fairy receipt?

Allie Brosh, both incredibly talented & hilarious, returns to blogging for the first time since 2011 with a powerful explanation of depression.

this wallpaper would look so fun in a powder room.

Patrick emailed me this article this week with a subject line of, "for my business woman." (love him.)

feeling stressed? go here and spend a couple minutes.

I would love for this guy to float to NYC.

I cannot handle the level of cuteness.

hey boys! check out Hugh & Crye - it offers a really cool fit-finder approach. 

pssst...these shoes & these shoes are identical. (except the price)

and a thought for your day, the space between Yes & No.

 

Have a happy weekend!

 

until next time,

 

g

Let's Regroup

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Hi theeerrre. I don't know about you, but this little lady needs to regroup this weekend. I feel a little all over the place. And I'm looking at a bunch of things (both certain & uncertain) on the horizon and thinking, ohhh crap. As much as I want to just faceplant in a bean bag, I know I need to regroup in order to prep (even if just mentally) for what's to come. 

 

My list currently has a number of little things that are only partially done. Don't you hate that? You bought the gift, but you need to write a note. You wrote the note, but you can't find the address. (And tissue paper. For heavens sake, I'm always looking for tissue paper.) You have the email saved in your draft folder, but you haven't finished and pressed send. You need to RSVP by yesterday. You booked the flight, but now you need a hotel. You finally got a check, but you haven't made it to the bank to deposit it. Your bathroom sink is stuck in the non-draining position and also leaking everywhere (just to make things more fun) and you need to track down your super. And then there's your purse. Your purse is a friggin' nightmare. (Anyone else?!) Fine, I'll say it. I'm just going to put it out there that you can always accurately assess my current level of sanity based on the state and/or contents of my purse.

 

On the bright side? I'm very much looking forward to a birthday party tonight, brunch with a girlfriend on Sunday, and time spent on some creative projects that keep me smilin'. Patrick & I need to go on a run, too. This weather sure makes it easy to forget your worries, doesn't it?

 

some links for your day --

 

Trying to figure out what play/musical to see in NYC? Check out the 2013 Tony nominees.

 

These Cinco de Mayo recipes sound deee-lish.

 

A two-year-old judges books by their covers.

 

Remodeling your home? Things to remember & consider.

 

When I hear Ho Hey now, this is all I can think of. (so great, right?)

 

This tumblr makes me giggle. (I, too, have one hand that is considerably smaller than the other. So there's that.)

 

I like it when The Sartorialist strays from his typical muse. I want to know this man's story.

 

Did you see this cover of Boston Magazine?

 

Patrick thinks this would happen to me. He's right.

 

Some NYC-love for a little one.

 

want!

 

Two wonderful Mother's Day gift guides --> here & here. I obviously favor the card suggestions, too! ;)

Ooo, and make sure you ask for the pretty vintage seed packet stamps at the post office!

and, the main thing.

until next time,

g

Have a Relaxing Weekend

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Hiiiii. How are you? What are you up to this weekend? I'm only working a few hours this Friday before heading out of town. I'm off to visit a girlfriend, her husband & their adorable chocolate lab! I can't wait to see them :) I have a stack of new magazines & the third season of Downtown Abbey to keep me company on my journey, too. There's something about getting away from the hustle & bustle of Manhattan that is so refreshing. Don't get me wrong...I love this city of mine that I've called home for nearly six years, but goodness she wears me out sometimes. Before I officially sign off for the weekend, here are some links for your day ~

I'm printing this and hanging it where I can read it often.

a pretty little treasure pot.

I could see myself wearing these all summer.

painting inside your home? 10 tips for a perfect paint job.

for parents & grandparents --> an app that lets you read bedtime stories together from afar.

Yum! Derby bars.

3 stores I know of are having Friends & Family sales: Tory Burch // Loeffler Randall // Saks

how awesome is this makeover?

when I'm having a bad day, I just look at my "cuties" board on Pinterest :)

this is like my adult equivalent of an alphabet activity book I need to keep in my bag. Don't mind me, you others wedged against me on the E train, I'm going to draw some letters.

the 10 worst foods to feed your children.

I want to check out these books!

A DIY project I don't think I can pass up.

Are you going to be spending a lot of time at the beach this summer? How great would this blanket be to bring along?

a good & needed reminder.

Have a relaxing weekend!

until next time,

g

Enjoy Your Weekend!

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H e l l o ! 

As you might notice, today's Friday post is coming a little later than normal. We didn't get home from a baseball game until 1:30 this morning so needless to say, I didn't feel like blogging.

If you're like me, you've spent today in a daze while watching/reading the news and thinking, is this really happening? What a night. What a week. Can we give a standing ovation to our law enforcement? ...so much gratitude. I will continue to think about & pray for those directly affected by tragic events both in Boston & Texas these past few days.

Fun plans this weekend? I'm looking forward to helping my old roommate figure out what to pack for her upcoming trip to New Zealand while we gab over coffee Sunday morning. Let's be honest...I'll probably play dress-up in all her fun clothes & accessories, too. In boarding school, I'd march upstairs with my towel still on my head, a disheveled mess in serious need of fashion help. And she always saved the day. It was the same when we lived together here in the city, but now? I live with a silly boy who doesn't notice the difference between one earring choice from the next. Hmph. Other than that, I'll be starting new projects for clients & designing some new biz cards - woohoo!

Alright, I think I need sleep. Running on empty over here as I'm half awake on the couch. I did pick up my Mother's Day cards from the print shop tonight which was exciting. By the way, they're "interactive." You'll see :) 

:: a few links for your weekend :: 

how the National Anthem should always be sung.

one of my favorite cocktails.

you are more beautiful than you think. (so powerful)

i want to travel to here.

two things that define you.

why our hand cream should have SPF.

50 beautiful sketchbook drawings.

do I need this?

i love this challenge.

this dog!

the perfect combination of lipstick + chapstick.

what hearing loss sounds like.

i leave you with a thought from Mr. Rogers.

Enjoy your weekend!

until next time,

g

Friday Links

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Happy Friday! Any exciting weekend plans? I'm kicking things off with a date with myself at the MoMA tonight. Did you know that the museum offers free admission every Friday between 4PM & 8PM? I'm excited to wander aimlessly with my sketchpad and look at all the inspiring thingz. Then? I'm heading to another date...with Patrick :) (We're seeing this movie!) I have a feeling it's going to be a good one. I'm already thankful for time I'll have with a girlfriend tomorrow afternoon as that'll break up the rest of the weekend I'll spend working on a number of projects. You gotta mix some fun into the grind!

                           Friday links                            

You don't need to know how to read French to see that these save-the-dates are the smartest idea you've ever seen.

This will give you an idea just how far away Mars is. Hard to believe!

Want to wear a long dress to a wedding, but don't want to look like you're heading to prom? Try something like this.

I love these dog carriers almost as much as I love the name of the company.

Two new songs for you: 1 & 2 (you can download them on iTunes.)

This site offers a nifty way to source bridesmaid dresses.

Let's all remember the difference between peek, peak, & pique.

Cool bags on Etsy.

words to live by.

This anchor paperweight would be such a cool housewarming gift.

Apparently, water isn't enough to wash off all the chemicals they spray on our fruits & vegetables. I want to try this from The Honest Company. (Yes, the company Jessica Alba founded!)

Ooo! I like this Jonathan Adler for J.C. Penny lamp. (hooray! we can finally afford his products.)

I leave you with this.

P.S. I received some sweet messages about my news yesterday (thank you very, very much) & I wanted to clarify that I will still blog in my new online home. Because that's what this has become, really. A tiny little home where I can share & connect & vent & reflect & (try to) inspire. I expect that as my focuses shift and life evolves, so will my online presence. If there are things you want me to try & keep the same (certain kinds of posts you like, for example) or if there are things you want me to add to the mix, please leave a comment below or email me at littleladyinthebigapple@gmail.com -- I'd truly love to hear.

Have a terrific weekend, you guys!

until next time,

g

Weekend Links

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Happy Friday, friends! I know it was a short week for me, but goodness! ...it dashed by quickly. What are your weekend plans? I'm looking forward to breakfast with a girlfriend in town from Virginia Beach and Paint Nite with two other girlfriends. We'll get to paint a picture while we're catching up over a drink (or two) at a bar. My kind of night out! ;) I need to work on a few projects and I'm also excited to watch a little basketball. I somehow went from last place (out of 89) in our bracket to a current standing in 5th...keep your fingers crossed for me! Patrick has a terrible cold :/ so here's hoping he feels better. I might enforce the remedy of Downton Abbey if he's not careful ;)

 

:: some weekend links ::

 

creativity is ---

the Easter Bunny gave me this face cream and it is a tub of love, I swear.

i want to be there. pretty please?!

Mom, this video is for you. (you need one!)

the 50 most perfectly timed photos ever.

 

this post made me want to watch some of my favorite chick flicks.

 

how sweet is the Chicago Tribune's tribute to Roger Ebert?

getting hitched? check out this new wedding registry site.

a guide on contouring & highlighting with makeup. (who knew it would make such a difference?!)

this would be the perfect addition to a bottle of wine to take as a gift to an engagement party.

 

how fun is this inspiration board? do you have one? i'm secretly hoping for a wall in a new apartment to fill :)

 

the perfect wedge for spring.

 

I AM SO EXCITED for this!

 

and finally, a reminder.

 

until next time,

 

g

Have a Spring-y Weekend!

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What's cookin', good lookin'? This week went by in a jiffy, yes? I'm not complaning :) I spy some temps in the 50s in the 10-day forecast so maybe (maybe!) spring weather is on its way. I don't know about you, but I've made a mental list of things I'm craving:

warm sunshine
picnics
sandals
a date at Shake Shack in Madison Square Park
pleasant outdoor runs
the need to wear sunglasses
ditching the coat,  finally
open windows
the sound of the air conditioner
a walk on The High Line
making a vacation out of a long weekend
clambakes
the feeling of sunkissed cheeks
rompers & sundresses
strolling through outdoor flea markets
puppies everywhere
picking up fresh flowers from the bodega
walking everywhere and not minding
blooming trees & flowers
day-trips to the beach
free kayaking in the Hudson River
the smell of coconut sunscreen
neons & pastels
Sundays in Central Park
Starbucks green iced tea
eating & drawing outside
ballpark hotdogs
city rooftop views
happy hour on The Frying Pan
froyo for dinner

Sigh... it's comin', folks, it is.

This weekend? I'm looking forward to a double date tonight (celebrations are in order!), wrapping up a few projects, and getting ready for a trip next week. The hardest part about prepping for time away is not mentally checking out too early. Here's hoping I can stay focused! In the meantime, here are some links for your day --

when my friend is eating something I want.

a cute boyfriend blazer for $50.

New York subway Easter eggs.

how animation was done in the 1930s.

let there be.

ha! this dog catches like I do.

in case you need some grey chevron straws.

how to tie your running shoes to make them fit your feet better.

the perfect little hat for your youngin's Easter basket.

we have the same pink landline phone! 'cept no one ever calls us :(

do your kids share a bathroom? check out this cute decorating idea.

a genius idea for drink labels.

i wanna try this pretty lipstick shade.

a spring cleaning checklist.

and finally, keep this in mind.

have a lovely weekend!

until next time,

g

Have a Pretty Weekend!

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I'd like to begin with a huge thank you! to those you commented and emailed about my personal documents' organizational system. You guys are the best. Here's a little summarization of the feedback --

• eWallet is a handy-dandy / user-friendly app for storing all of your passwords. You only have to remember the one password to access the app. A much better idea than writing it all down in a notebook and taking the risk of losing it.
• Rolodexes are still hip. I'm in the market if you know of a cool one. Creating an Excel sheet of business card contacts would also prove helpful!
• Saving documents under Google drive allows you to access them from wherever. Smart! 
• It's good to consider the scenario of, "if a file disappears, could you replicate it?" Copies & back-up are important.
• Don't forget to write down all the important info/phone numbers/etc. on your credit cards somewhere safe. If you lose your wallet and want to cancel your cards, you won't be able to use them as a reference. Do the same for your phone - back up the numbers, important notes you've taken, photos, etc.

Also, let's have a moment of silence for Google Reader going extinct. So sad. Slash annoying. What are you guys going to use now? If you'd like, follow me on Bloglovin' by clicking on the button in my right-hand sidebar. (pssst! Bloglovin' also allows you to import all of your blogs/websites from Google Reader!)

........

Now onto your weekend. Plans? Don't forget to wear green on Sunday ;) I have to mail off some commissioned projects (eee! packaging it all up is such an exciting part), gotta keep working on a dog drawing and start two calligraphy projects, one of which is for my on-the-way nephew's baby shower! The highlight of my weekend, though, will be seeing Patrick's sister & her husband who are coming down for a quick trip. Can't wait :)

||| link time |||

St. Patty's Day makes me want a McDonald's Shamrock shake - look, we can make our own!

curling iron maintenance.

30 books everyone should read before their 30th birthday.

i really want to try these calligraphy eggs!

marbling with nail polish.

pssst, 30% of sale items at J.Crew today.

a beautiful rose gold ring.

what a clever painting technique.

look, Patrick, we're on Pinterest :)

DIY thin mints.

how to make chalk paint.

this rug would be cute in a kitchen.

anatomy of a thank-you note.

embroidery-wrapped earrings - so pretty! i might need to spruce up my old hoops.

and finally, a good reminder for us.

until next time,

g

Have a Terrific Weekend!

 

a calligraphy doodle from earlier this week while I was waiting for ink to dry.

nothing much has changed since age 5. stillllll writing my name. over & over.

 

Well hello there, readers of the world wide web. How are you?

I've been in go!go!go! mode this week so I'm waltzing into the weekend a bit disheveled. A good disheveled, though...an inspired, excited, so-many-things-I-wanna-do disheveled. I've sent three separate projects for clients that I started at all different times to the printing studio this week, which is, like, bananas...and quite possibly one of the best feelings. To see one of them I started envisioning months ago (while spaced out riding the subway and quickly doodling my ideas on a scrap piece of paper I found in my purse) culminate into something that is ready for the stage of printing? ...it's beyond rewarding. I'm so thankful for this feeling!

 

This weekend? I have to draw a dog and file my taxes. (Well that's certainly an interesting juxtaposition.) Maybe I should submit the dog illustration to Turbo Tax to brighten their day? Ya know, like a happy addendum. (Please see section labeled other and double-click on filename woof.) I will also be starting celebrations early for somebodayyy's (coughcoughPatrickcough) birthday. Our attitudes towards birthdays couldn't be more opposite which gives me the task of making a birthday-hater, well, not. Wish me luck!

 

p.s. Don't forget to set your clocks forward an hour on Saturday night. It's a great time to check your smoke detectors, too!

:: friday links ::

6 tips for dressing professionally in bad weather. (fitting for this week, yes?)

I did, too.

Jacob Bernstein wrote a very honest & moving article about his mother in Nora Ephron's Final Act.

an interactive picture book app for the kiddos by Christoph Niemann.

how gorgeous is this container from Switzerland?

want!

I will be taking this advice in designing some new business cards for myself. (eee! )

I spy a fun hostess gift.

This made me really want to try aqua eyeliner.

How cute is rabbit hydrotherapy? Gud gale, Hi-dee, gud gale.

a go-to, wear-all-time, maxi.

ha!

an adorable (and easy!) Easter gift.

...and finally, the one you should keep.

have a terrific weekend!

until next time,

g

Happy Friday!

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Ready for the weekend? I ammm. I will be doing two things, mostly -- working on invitation & illustration projects and spending time with family members who are comin' to town! eeee!!! I can't wait see them. Anything going on for you? I feel like a lot of people are leaving for fun trips?! Do tell!

here are some links for your day ::

me right now.

the Orchid Show at the NY Botanical Garden in the Bronx opens tomorrow.

arguing with your significant other goes something like this.

how to wash & whiten your yellowed pillows.

Birchbox for your dog = BarkBox.

i want a whole wall of these animal pictures.

Tom Hanks' Broadway debut opens tonight. It was one of Nora Ephron's final works and I'm dying to see it!

wouldn't this print of the Lumineers' lyrics be sweet in a baby's room?

these espadrilles would go with everything this spring & summer.

now that you've seen & giggled over this interview of Jennifer Lawrence, check out this. (saw it linked on this blog!)

my mother sent me this image in honor of National Pig Day today. Every year at Christmas, I receive something that is pig-related. A pig ice cream scoop, pig slippers, you name it. Why? Not entirely sure, but I do make a really good pig noise :)

such a cute dress for under $35.

i'm eyeing these viv & ingrid apple earrings!

3 amazing tips for having house guests. are you going to be a guest? take this as a cheeky gift.

and finally, keep this in mind.

p.s. Guess who's going to Alt Summit Design NYC in June?!?!?! THIS GIRL! Tickets did sure sell out fast - I was refreshing my page like a maniac! Anyone else out there going? I'm so excited, I can hardly stand it.

have a fantastic weekend, you guys!

until next time,

g

Friday Link Love

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Happy Friday, you guyyys. Fun weekend plans? I will mostly be working on design projects, tackling errands/to-dos, making important lists, and cleaning/organizing the apartment after last weekend's Mickey misfortune. We started yesterday with a late-night cleaning spree in the kitchen. Yup, we're taking back our home one spray of Lysol at a time. I'm also looking forward to bootcamp, continuing Gone Girl (so good!), church, catching up with a girlfriend, & the Oscars!

 

p to the s :: some link love for your day ~

8 new punctuation marks we desperately need.

listen to this Pitch Perfect mix. 100% guaranteed to brighten your day.

do you wear glasses? this brand looks cute.

there's a new Meatball Shop in Chelsea!

this made me laugh.

the definition of style per Rachel Zoe.

the trailer for MZ Wallace's portrait project.

i would have killed Patrick.

pretty gift wrap.

these tights would make for a fun transition into spring.

i wish i had an iPad just so i could use this.

Cathy, Jenny, Sally, & Rosy are such dolls.

an Oscar ballot & bingo game. (havin' a party? make this. then be sure & invite me.)

windows of New York illustration project.

loving this bag collection.

and finally, keep this in mind.

until next time,

g

A Week of Love - Friday!

 

Did you have a good week? A happy Valentine's Day? I hope so! I truly enjoyed seeing everyone sporting the love temporary tattoos I designed. As corny as it sounds, it was nice to think that my "love" was brightening others' days.

 

And what's not to love about a Friday?! :) Fun plans for the long weekend? I am so excited for mine I can hardly stand it. Tonight, Patrick & I are going on a double-date for a friend's birthday. But not just any friend...my first roommate in NYC! She moved down south 5 years ago and is a busy little mother hen. Today is her actual birthday and she & her husband are celebrating with a trip to the city. It's been far too long since we gabbed over a cocktail in Manhattan. I can't wait :) Two other very exciting activities this weekend? A bus trip to Woodbury Commons for a full-day outlet shopping adventure with a girlfriend! (helloooo, crazy President's Day weekend deals) Little does she know my mother raised a professional shopper. I may or may not be showing up with a color-coded map and a plan of attack ;) And! Patrick & I are going out to dinner with my dad for his 63rd birthday. P's first time going to a Thai restaurant! I will also be working on some very exciting design projects and enjoying Monday off from work. Such a treat.

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, too!

...here are some links for your Friday ::

pretty mouse pads.

want!

true love.

thinking a lot about your career? ask yourself the right question.

this would make a cute gift.

what a great idea for a birthday or bridal shower.

this door.

bangs vs. no bangs.

i'm starting this book. have you read it?

it's about that time. tax-time. this blog has great free downloads to organize all your paperwork.

and lastly, remember this.

until next time,

g

 

Happy Friday!

Central Park via

i hope the city looks like this tomorrow morning :)

 

Fun weekend plans? Patrick & I will be hunkering down for the most part. Blizzards call for hot chocolate, throw blankets & movies, right? We rented Pitch Perfect last weekend which was hilarious, by the way. I will also be stomping through snow tomorrow to have a fun brunch with girlfriends :)

 

here are a few links for your Friday ::

 

a must-watch video.

guess what's back in stock (a limited supply!) by popular demand --> my "love" temporary tattoos!

finding out that Nemo has already cancelled things.

my new motto.

heart-shaped umbrella.

a gift for your favorite techie --> music balloon.

wisdom in sharing.

this maxidress makes me excited for spring.

good heavens, salted nutella puppy chow.

and incredible advice.

until next time,

g

Friday Links

Whew! It's been a busy little week over here. Aside from lots of stuff at work, taking care of a sick roommate (I think he's on the mend...fingers crossed!), dragging my butt to the gym, and wondering what on earth that noise is coming from behind the utility panel in the kitchen (methinks it's Mickey...ughhh), I have also had an influx of personal projects. And I've loved it. I had meetings with printers to discuss a wedding invitation I'm designing, I designed a stranger's real tattoo (so cool and yet so nerve-wracking!), mailed orders every day this week and most of them to people I've never met. It really is an incredible feeling. If you're not familiar with my little Etsy shop, I currently have the following for sale: stationery & "love" temporary tattoos (only 12 left!) The fact that nearly 100 shoppers on Etsy have "favorited" those tats?? Makes me do this. (update! the tattoos are sold out.)

Any fun weekend plans besides seeing which Harbaugh brother has the better Sunday? The highlight of my weekend will be seeing a friend that is in town from Virginia :) I visited a new church last weekend and really enjoyed it -- would love to make it back this weekend, too. Oh! Patrick & I have a *hot date* (at the grocery store) as well ;)

here are some links for your Friday!

I took this of Grand Central's ceiling last week.

Grand Central turns 100 at midnight. To commemorate its centennial, shops will price their goods as if it were 1913 today. Yes, that means a 6 cent loaf of bread! [sidenote: My stepdad actually gave me Grand Central Centennial earrings from Erwin Pearl's special collection for Christmas. I love GCS. And I adore the earrings.] Check out more fun facts about Grand Central and the celebration here.

I won a Super Bowl quiz last year (which means even your cross-eyed cat can win) -- check out the 2013 questions! Makes for a fun game with family & friends.

See what team these adorable puppies predicted will win. (Patrick & I totally had a "we need a golden pup NOW" moment after watching that.)

Valentine mani.

for the love.

These would make the sweetest baby shower gift.

I don't know about you but the whole iCloud thing is super confusing which is why I need this.

Ooo! J.Crew's Minnie Pant now comes in hot pink.

This guy is talented! A great rendition of R. Kelly's Ignition.

some great rules for healthy eating. let's make rule #20 applicable to this Sunday and eat these kinds of things.

A funny Valentine's Day gift & card.

Do you like rings? Do you like free things? Make sure you enter my giveaway! Takes 2 minutes. A winner will be chosen on Monday :) (thank you to those who have already entered!!!)

6 birthday gifts you can send in an envelope.

how cute are SJP's twins?

The prettiest little heart-shaped box.

and a good rule to live by.

have a great weekend, guys!

until next time,

g

Friday Links

This is me trying to inspire myself to test some new lipstick shades. There's something about winter. It's cold and dreary and dreadful and bleak and blah. I mean, I fell asleep on a crowded subway last night. It's like I'm constantly fighting sloth-mode. Also, my current wardrobe consists of black on black on black. I gotta brighten things up a bit! I think lipstick helps, don't you?

 

:: friday links ::

 

do you tell if avocados are ripe at the grocery store by squeezing them in a death grip? yeah, me too. apparently there's an easier way.

 

whenever i trip and feel embarrassed (happens quite a bit...) i watch this and feel better.

 

first there was Keek (I think of it as the video version of Instagram. honestly, Kourtney Kardashian's are the funniest) and now Twitter has released their new video platform called Vine.

 

an interesting article in the NY Times: "What Is Middle Class in Manhattan?"

 

do you & your significant other want to incorporate more fun & different dates into your life? need ideas? check out the new HowAboutWe service that'll do just that.

 

You can see Bethenny Frankel's Tribeca loft in Traditional Home.

 

this quilt is soooo out of my price range, but i still think it's incredible.

 

this would make a funny gag gift for that friend who always has to cancel plans and eat at work.

 

are you going on a tropical vacay? wana take me with you?!! pssst, here are some fun retro one-pieces.

 

my new favorite kind of jewelry? above-the-knuckle rings.

 

Volvo's new braking system in their semi-trucks is seriously impressive.

 

i leave you with this inspirational video. if you're like me, you'll be wiping your cheeks here in a few

minutes.

until next time,

g

Weekend Challenge + Links

Happy Friday! I have a little weekend challenge for you, mkay? It's to create something lovely. Whether it's artwork, a happy corner in your home, a colorful meal, or that thing you pinned ages ago that you said you'd make one day...create something and have fun with it! And if you take this little challenge, please show me what you make :)

Any fun plans for this holiday weekend? I'm spending the 3 days (hooray!) in this little city of mine. Two big things I'm looking forward to? 1.We get to see Patrick's brother whose in town from LA working this premiere. 2. I have a fun meeting to discuss designing another wedding invitation. (cue me jumping up & down!) It should be a wonderful few days.

before I sign off, here are some links for your day ::

are you a parent or do you work with kids? here's great advice on encouragement.

one smart kitty.

currently reading.

have you ever heard of this pink lake? so cool!

i want to see this musical mainly for the scene with Bruce Bogtrotter & the chocolate cake.

this made me snicker.

Valentine's Day is coming up. What's the manly go-to-gift equivalent of flowers for girls? These.

a cute case for an iPhone 5.

i could watch this video of my friend's Boston Terrier (the one I drew here) allllll day.

these are always so funny...bad lip reading NFL version.

a great post...35 things a 35-year-old has learned.

live in NYC? make sure you take advantage of the restaurant week going on. also! you can book a cooking class at Dos Caminos.

don't know what to write to your Valentine? write this. they'll love it.

and finally, a little perspective.

until next time,

g