sweet LA

I took a quick trip out to Cali last weekend to visit my bro (and my kidney).  My sister flew in from Denver and we had a little family time in sweet LA.

We couldn't have asked for better weather.  I'm not sure why everyone in the world does not live in LA, because I don't remember seeing a cloud in the sky the entire time we were there.

Mmm... Sprinkles cupcakes were DELICIOUS.  I may or may not have splurged and eaten one, even though they are far from vegan.  :)

Also, the first time my feet touched the Pacific Ocean.  I know.  What can I say, I'm an East Coast gal.  I LOVED Venice Beach.

I'm not going to lie.  I'm a little disappointed to be back in the humid haze of Baltimore.  But I'm already planning my next trip to the west coast.

sensory overload

Better late than Never.  

Well, I am 28 and I've lived in the charming state of Maryland my entire life.  But for some reason, this weekend was the very first time that I visited the state fair.  

Here's my problem with the fair:  how can you trust a ride that was assembled one weekend and then disassembled the next weekend?  Come on people... it doesn't seem like the safest bet.  It's kind of like assembling your own furniture.  There always seem to be a few screws left over.  

Not to mention there weren't many food options for a vegan:  fried dough (which apparently is different from funnel cake), fried oreos, fried twinkies, french fries, hotdogs, pizza, turkey legs, and BBQ.  Umm, no thanks.

I'm not sure I will ever take part in the fair festivities again, but I did actually have a nice evening.  Gavin Degraw put on a free concert so, we just took a blanket and relaxed a bit. 

I see a billboard in the works...

I've been thinking...  

since a big chunk of my paycheck goes to buying coffee/tea 

and I am constantly walking around with a little green/white cup, 

maybe I should be getting a little compensation for my constant promotion.

What do you think Howard Schultz???  Maybe I could be the official Starbucks spokesperson???

It's just a thought. 

(I did put in a solid 4 years as a master barista)

*side note... it's officially Fall- pumpkin spice lattes are back :)*

whew... what a summer!

I've taken a little time of from the jewelry bench and the blog this summer... but I have a good reason.  My summer started off with a family surgery of sorts.  Here's a pic of my bro Zachariah and me.  He's the proud new owner of my left kidney.  Probably goes without saying, but most of my summer has been spent recuperating.  For about a month, the biggest decision I had to make was whether I was going to lay on the couch, or stay in bed all day.  

Anyway, it's been a few months now and I'm almost all healed.  Now it's time to get back to business.  I've got many new jewelry designs cooking in my head and hopefully will have some finished pieces to show soon.

Although my summer was pretty low key, I did get a chance to go see some great music.  One of the highlights was the Incubus concert I went to a few weeks ago.  

I don't think I have to mention again how I think they are one of the most talented group of guys, but they out did themselves this time.  I was blown away by the last song they performed.  Incubus has recorded a rad version of Prince's "Let's go Crazy".  To say I loved it would be a complete understatement.  I've been listening to it on repeat and dancing my booty off.  Enjoy!

operation beautiful

A couple of months ago I was strolling through Barnes and Noble (after a lousy day of work) when a lady came over to me and said, 

"I just wanted to let you know that my husband and I watched you walk in and we were just discussing how nice you looked.  I just thought you would want to know, women don't compliment each other enough."

I was a little stunned by her comment, by it completely changed my attitude that day.

I love the idea of this website "operation beautiful" where women write little inspirational notes and leave them in public places such as the gym or work.  Just like the bookstore compliment, I'm sure finding one of these little positive messages would totally make my day.

pretty words

via mixed plate.  

by kate miss

infectious dance

who knew that the slightly spastic dancer on the hill would inspire such a beautiful scene?  proof that living in the moment can create the most memorable experiences. 

let the music move you!

fear no more

for a lot of my life, I have let fear control many of my decisions.  Recently, I've been trying to play it a little less safe.  I love the message of this photo.

image found via flickr

double shout out!!!

A BIG happy 30th birthday wish to my sister, Erin Quinn!  

(this was us just a few years ago) 

XOXO

And also a very Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful Momma.

Love you lots.  :)

Onwards

I just got back from a run, and this made me smile.  Oh, how I love animation!

Onwards from AKQA on Vimeo.

oh Tord! you've done it again.

First, Tord Boontje had me enamored with his delicately intricate paper installations.  Then he made his art accessible to everyone through his paper lanterns.  Next came his greeting cards... and NOW, he has a wearables collection.  Oh Tord, how I love thee.  These beauties should be on sale next month at Artecnica.

this is what art school should have been like...

I was recently introduced to the celebration of Holi, also known as the festival of color.  Hindus all over the world celebrate on March 11th, the triumph of good over evil, by splashing around in a sea of paint.    I can't get over the vibrance of color.  Check out other photos here, they are just as beautiful.