Let's go shopping....

*Spoilers about Project Runway winner*

Oh, reality television. At one time, I really loved the Real World, America’s Next Top Model and a little Rock of Love. However, these shows bore me miserably now. There are a few reality shows that I consider high quality. Specifically the ones that are artistic competitions like Design Star and Project Runway. Project Runway has always been my favorite.

I think the reason for this is two-fold. One reason I love it, has a lot to do with the fact that when it comes to fashion I feel everyone can be a qualified judge. With art, film, or cooking there is a lot of learning that goes behind it when it comes to technique and concepts. There is a certain amount of that when it comes to clothing but overall it is more relatable. After all, we live in it everyday. When watching a cooking show, we can’t really judge because we can’t taste. Even with interior design shows it is hard to get the full sense of the space of the rooms without stepping in there. But fashion is much more immediate. So for that reason I love it. My other reason for loving the show is it so not about drama. I loved ANTM, but the girls were always so bitchy. It centered on drama as opposed to the creative process. Project Runway does have some drama but no other show goes into the creative process and editing nearly as much. It has and always will be my favorite because of this. The process of art is what is intriguing.

So while watching the show is fun, who I want to win never does. Of six seasons my favorite has won once. Though at least one of my favorites, I normally have three, makes the top three and goes to Bryant Park. That is a small win. I really wanted Carol Hannah to win this year. I really want to own some of her dresses. However, these designers charge so much. I don’t know that I can justify it. Still check out her stuff.
Cute Dresses!
Two of my favorites from the season that she did.



I think that is all I have to say for now.

Just Get Creative.....

I am a summer girl through and through. I love the color palette, the clothes, the weather, the beach, the long days. Just absolutely everything really. This is largely why I live in Florida probably. I get summer all year round. Even in the middle of winter, I can sometimes be wearing tank tops and shorts.

Despite all this, there are times I do love fall and winter. Primarily for one reason and one only, the holidays. The holidays are the best. Your family actually gets together and speaks to each other. You share meals and there is gift giving. Fun is normally had by all. Halloween precedes all this. My Halloween night was pretty lame. However, the two parties I went to previously were pretty awesome. For the first party I did something pretty simple. I was a fairy. It was fun and cheap. I put the most time and money into the second costume. My friends and I decided to do a Toy Story theme. I was going to be Jessie, the cowgirl but decided instead to be the alien. Pictures following. I strongly encourage making your costume. Go for something a little different. It is way more fun. It is also a great way to think of things in a new way.

Speaking of holidays, check out these awesome themed earrings. The Christmas tree ornaments and holly bracelet are my favorite.
Way cute Kits!





So participate in the holiday cheer. Get creative!

See the sights.....

So last week I went to Miami. I've lived in Florida for a total of 23 years of my life and last week was my first week ever visiting. Mind you, I had driven through it on my way to the keys but I don't count that because all I saw then was the interstate.

The skyline of cities never ceases to amaze me. Miami was certainly no different. We got in around nine pm or so. The city lit was soooooo gorgeous. The city was bustling and alive. We went to Miami Beach to a cute little art deco hotel. It was a bit of a hole in the wall but it was cheap and fit the bill. My friends and I were there to experience the beach, not a nice hotel room.

We went out the first night to several bars. The first was a hole in the wall and quite possibly the dingiest bar I've ever been in. We went there on a suggestion from a local since BED, a club filled with beds (and very appropriate for all us mattress salesmen) was closed. We had a drink out of politeness mostly. Then moved to a wonderful little Irish Pub where the bartender was good about not going light on the Captain. ;) After that we went to Twist. A gay bar. I never met more straight men in my life. If they really were actually straight and just not searching for a better tip. The bartender was pretty cute.......

The second day it rained. We lamented not being able to hit the beach. So instead we hung out in the hotel a bit. The rain let up but not the clouds. So we went to the outside mall and ate at the Van Dyke Cafe. A picture of our delicious food follows. lol. Then we did a bot of looking around. A store with tons of wigs was kind of awesome (shown below) There were art galleries as part of the mall. Saw some cool stuff and some crappy stuff too. Then we went for a walk on the beach and got ready for dinner. We went to this amazing Greek restaurant called Opa. It was pretty much required that you dance on the table before you get your food. I highly recommend it. Were going to go to BED but decided to go to Mango's and salsa instead. They had performers, shown below. So that was fun too.

We hit the beach the last day before we left. It was fun. Traveling is always extremely inspiring. It comes highly recommended to all of you. Pick a place and go. For your own sake.


It was super delicious fettuccine Alfredo.


In the art gallery we went in. Kind of awesome fish.


Not going to lie, the necks creep me out.


The belly dancer from Opa was awesome. She made us all dance!


The dancer from Mango's.


Good times.

What do you want to say?

What can I say? I love type and these were super cute solutions that the folks at print liberation came up with. Hope you like them. That said, I have a soap box I need to climb onto.

Art can be made for many, many reasons. It can be made primarily for financial benefits. That would include graphic design and some commissioned work. It can be made purely as aesthetic decoration. There is some art made specifically to look good in a home. Lastly it could be made with social change in mind. You can make art with the hope that it will change the world. I think that is what the folks at CompassionArt are doing. I strongly suggest you check them out.

You can make art from the heart. Either presenting something that is emotionally charged in some way or something to elicit change. I'm not saying a painting will change someone's mind. I do think that it can get them thinking. I saw a painting once that challenged my core values. So, I started thinking some things over in my life. Maybe I am the only one so greatly affected but I doubt it.

The next time you are doodling, maybe think a little bit more about what visual message you are sending out. I think the things we put out in the world are important. Not to say we can change someone's opinion but we can open discussion. Artist's can illicit change. We just have to put in the effort.

Soap box done. :) I've been wanting to paint like crazy lately, hoping I have some time to soon.