Mister Retro

My plan is to eventually have a housewarming party and I would love for it to have a retro theme. Of course as a graphic designer, this is the perfect opportunity to design something adorable for my invitations! Some of my favorite illustrations come from Mister Retro. He still has a very characteristic 60's look, and I love the way that he uses color fields and outlines. The perspective is usually insanely inaccurate, which makes everything look so funky and playful too. After looking at a lot of his work, I was able to come up with this design for the front of the invite. I used a sharpie to create all the outlines, and then went back and added the colors in the computer. I wasn't sure how it was going to all come together, but I think it turned out pretty cute! :)

Also, I'm still coming up with ideas for games to play / food to serve at the party. Does anyone have any suggestions??

The Classic Makeover

This is an absolutely fantastic animation created for Penguin Books' new collection of classics. I love the play of positive and negative space—especially when the penguin disappears/appears at the beginning and end. The engraving images and limited color palette are very traditional, but the style of animation and the colors give it a modern feel too. Basically, I would classify it as "Vintage Modern" which is really trendy in the design world right now. Anyway, watch this video—it's totally brilliant!

Room for Living

Yesterday as I was driving home from work, my eye caught this couch in the window of the store across the street. So I ran over to inspect. It turns out to be an IKEA couch, in really great condition (with the exception of a few minor stains—but nothing a slipcover can't fix). They had just pulled it off the truck when I drove by too—what a great find!

Chicken Curry Stew

This is a deliciously flavorful recipe that I often make when I am in the mood for something hearty. The curry spice I use really gives it the flavor that I like so much about it, but I'm sure you can substitute whatever type of curry that you like best. Mine comes in a box called "Golden Curry" with foiled gold lettering. It gives it flavor and a little spice, but nothing that will destroy your sinuses! Also, I recommend when you store it in the fridge to mix in any leftover rice that you have and it will soak up the flavors—it makes really great seconds. Anyway, without further ado:

You will need:

• 1 lb. chicken
• 1 packet "Golden Curry"
• celery
• carrots
• onion 
• russet potatoes
• vegetable oil

Cut celery, carrots, potatoes, and chicken into bite sized pieces (in equal amounts). Place veggies and potatoes in pot, cover with water, and begin to boil. Cook chicken and diced onions in pan with vegetable oil. Once chicken and onions are cooked, add to pot. Stir in curry. Cook until vegetables are soft. Serve with rice.

That Which We Call A Rose...

Awhile back, I had a job working in data entry at a chemical plant. We were taking inventory in different areas, and my partner and I had spent several days in this one welding shop. I think all the welders found it refreshing to see someone so amazed at a task that had become to them so routine, that the day before we left, one of them gave me this as a gift! He put it together when we weren't around, but he completely made this himself by welding together small, flat circles and thin rods of metal! It was so sweet, and the most amazing handcrafted gift I've ever received. I've definitely never seen anything like it!

Who?

I know this isn't vintage related, but I had to share. My neighbor and I heard of a TARDIS in our vicinity, and decided to go and take a picture. At first, there was a bunch of people out on the patio eating, and we felt extremely nerdy and awkward. But later on while we were there eating, I felt the door behind me slam into my chair. I turned around after hearing a rather clumsy, frantic, and British apology to find this stunning lookalike swiftly turn and rush away. haha! After he and his friends ordered, they came and joined us and agreed to take a picture! He had his own teacup and sonic screwdriver of course! It was quite a fun and unexpected evening!

Thrifting

So today I finally have a day to relax from work, and I decided to go thrifting. I found some really great things!

I got these curtains for my bedroom. I love the pattern and color, and the guy at this store is so sweet! He gave them to me for only $2!!! :O

Then I was looking through this other thrift store for some furniture, since my living room is still quite naked. Most of the stuff there was broken or in otherwise hideous condition, but then I spotted this table. A little worn, but that only means it has a story and stood through the test of time. It has character. And a lot of good work space. And amazing color. So I bought it.

This pillow I actually found awhile back, but I forgot to share. I thought this zipper idea was so cool.

At my last thrift store, I went looking for something to put on my walls. And I loved this old ad. It says "His Master's Voice," aka, the gramophone is so amazing, the dog can't tell! haha. Very cute and really amazing style.

Denim Skirt Outfit

I realized I haven't shared any outfits lately, so here is one that I wore yesterday. I finally found a good way to take my photo in this funky mirror (it's shaped like the statue of venus lol), so I can post more of these from now on. I've been meaning to show a picture of the cute vintage suit I bought a few weeks ago—that's next on my list! 

Spicing It Up

A while back I know I had a post about a spice rack that I repainted. Well I left it in Chicago with a lot of my other stuff, and recently found these too perfect spice jars at World Market, so I had to get them. They come in these colors as well as green and unpainted silver. The best part is that they have magnets on the bottom, so you can stick them right on your refrigerator or stove! The clear lid lets you see the spice inside, but I wanted to also label them on the outside, so I found these stickers at Michaels, for less than $2 a pack (even less when they're on sale). I liked how simple these letters were, and I thought it looked cute to have them each tilt a little bit—which is good, since getting them on perfect would have been a nightmare!





































Anyway, just thought I would share this idea for anyone else interested. I thought they were really cute and convenient!