Friday, December 25, 2009

the human calendar

For my friends that live out in Portland... go volunteer to be part of the 2010 Human Calendar. It's such a cool idea.

Read more about the Human Clock and the Human Calendar

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Allison's Holiday Gift Guide

Here are some great, inexpensive gifts if you still need some ideas.
Or in case you were wondering what to get me for Christmas...
Happy Shopping!

The Fuji Instax Instant Camera (RIP Polaroid)

Cassette From My Ex: Stories and Soundtracks of Lost Loves
By Jason Bitner (hardback available at Amazon)

Oranges with cloves. I used to make these as a kid and hang them on the Christmas tree. It's super easy and inexpensive. Just buy oranges and cloves from your local supermarket and place the cloves in a pattern to decorate. Plus, the smell will totally remind you of the holidays!

Coachella or other Music Festival DVDs

Smittens (for the Lovebirds)
Oh my... how amazing!

Vintage Ankle Booties
Like these cream colored ones from Dear Golden Vintage
Weathered Picture Frames like these from 2 Dogs Wood Working
(Craigslist has some great old frames too!)
Absinthe Dental Floss from Archie McPhee & Co.
(need I say more?)
Cool wallets, like this one from Toddland
I Love You, Blogs and Coffee from MadeByGirl
Keep Calm and Carry On Band Aids from Urban Outfitters
Thomas Paul Cases

And last but not least, the famous Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
(We got one for my dad a few years ago and it's still his favorite gift.)
"This Tree Just Needs a Little Love"

Cute Overload

These little nuggets are so precious.
Check out more at Cute Overload.
I wonder if Hazel would make the cut? Hmm... submitting pictures as we speak.





Sketchy Santas

There are so many types of Sketchy Santas.
We've all seen some type of "Billy Bob Thornton" Santa in our day.
Here are a few more interesting characters.

The Clown Mask/Kenny Rogers Impersonator Santa

The Cute Dog Stealer Santa

The Dirty Santa
The Drunk/Get Me Out of this Red Suit Santa

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Find inspiration.

I want to make my own "mood" board for inspiration above my desk (the perfect place for it!)

Sentiments of LOVE.


While you weren't listening, these things reminded me of you.
via FFFFound

Get creative with that extra cable wire.

Not too shabby...

I'm liking this collection of CDs from the 90s, definitely had a few of these.

Hollis Brown Thornton via FFFFound

Damn, why didn't I think of that?

This isn't just any old fancy, shmancy pen...

It's a writer's dream.
(Well, maybe not dream but it sure seems helpful!)
2 in 1 Pen + USB Drive


Saturday, November 21, 2009

Missed Connections...

A friend (thanks Peele!) introduced me recently to the "Missed Connections" section on Craigslist. And I'm totally obsessed. Originally looking for a missed connection of my own -- (Emile Hirsch look alike that works at the Urban Outfitters on Ponce - I'm still waiting for you!) -- I've since found some great messages that have really brightened my day. It's weird in a way, almost like stumbling upon a box of love notes that you were never supposed to read & peering in on the deepest emotions of others, it seems almost invasive. But the idea to me is so neat, find that someone you felt a connection with but failed to do anything about it. You never know, they might be out there trying to find you.

Here are some cute notes I thought I'd share...

Thanksgiving Wishes:
"We have been apart for almost three months, I am still wishing you will come back to me...but since I am on CL posting so I don't bother you with my feelings, and since this is my favorite time of the year, I just wanted to wish you and yours all the good & happy things family brings this time of year...Although I don't have my kids this year, I will be going home to spend this holiday with my family. I will be thinking of you...T : )"

Birthday Party Encounter:
"Ok, so this is a week late but hopefully not too late. I can't get you out of my mind. Last weekend at a birthday party in a small country church I spotted you and I think you saw me. R u curious too?"

Love those Comics:
"Holy Bus Ride Batman!
You were sitting across from me on the bus today around 4ish. You were reading Batman. I dig it. I hope you see this so that together, we can save Gotham city."

Best Friend's Wife:
"Yeah, this breaks every rule in the book, but I can't help the fact that I think you're an amazing person, beautiful and sexy and I think about you all the time. When we talk, I can't help but wonder if you have the same kind of thoughts about me that I have about you. It seems like we are drawn to each other when we're all hanging out. You have amazing eyes, and I've been told I do too. Even after a lot of years, I still get nervous when I'm around you. I can't tell you any of this in person, so I'm saying it here. . ."

Sitting on the L Train:
"You were sitting next to me listening to your iPod. I had a t-shirt and CDs in my hand, you asked me about one of them, we talked about the artists on it. You smiled, said "Nice to meet you" and got off at Union Square. I should have asked for your number."


I wonder if anyone has ever posted a missed connection about me?

i am neurotic (sort of)

This new book called i am neurotic. by Lianna Kong has got me thinking. I've really never considered myself neurotic, but after reading some of these blog posts, I thought about little things I do that might constitute neuroses. For example, I have a shower routine. First, I shampoo my hair, then wash my face... the rest follows in a certain order. If for some reason I mess up this order, I must start all over again.

A few of my other neurotic tendencies:
I cannot touch a sponge (they totally gross me out). But then again, so do dirty dishes.
I have to sleep with at least 6 pillows on my bed at all times (& certain pillows must be on top).
Smudges on my cell phone and/or computer screen really distract me.
I always set my alarm clock for 3 minutes before the time I need to wake up (8:27 am for example). I'm scared that if I set it for the exact time, I'm doomed to run late.


What are you neurotic about? Tell me, tell me! I'm totally interested to know...
Oh, and take a gander at Kong's book i am neurotic (and so are you).




Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Where's Waldo?

For those of you who know my dog Hazel, you probably know that fact that she recognizes her toys by name. I give each new toy and name, so that when I ask her "where is your baby?" (a miniature Puggle) or "where is your frog?" she knows exactly which toy to go get. So while perusing through Petsmart the other day, you can imagine my excitement when I found a stuffed Waldo toy. Yep. That's right. I bought my dog a Waldo for the pure enjoyment of asking her, "Hazel, WHERE'S WALDO?"

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Portland Cello Project

I saw the Portland Cello Project the other night at The Earl and I really enjoyed them. Really talented cello players that not only play their own indie music but also cover some pop culture favorites... the Mario Bros theme song, anyone? They currently touring with Thao & Get Down Stay Down. Go see them if you can.

Oh, kids these days.

Cute little girl loses her tooth in a very innovative way.



via: Succeed Blog

Succeed Blog

As much as I love FAIL blog, this one has a more positive spin. Nicely done, Succeed Blog.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Images of Beautiful Rooms

...mine is all packed up in boxes.


Packing up...

I moved out of my house in Atlanta yesterday. Wish it looked as cute as this...

via: Unjenesaisquioideco's Flickr

Talk about branding yourself...

He's good. Exposed & hairy, but good.

The Male Copywriter

A Pretty Little Pumpkin Palette

A Marriage Made in Lollipop Heaven

How cute is this wedding put on by Lollipop Events & Designs?

Find: Ashley Peele


Certainly a Magnetic Force

I seriously can't stop thinking about Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. I first heard their song "Home" on an independent radio station out of Southwest Virginia and I've been hooked ever since. They've got a great old folk sound and such a cool vibe about them. Think Arcade Fire mixed with some folk band from the 60s and you've got this fun loving hippie entourage.
I just saw their live show in Athens this past Wednesday, which made me love them even more. There are 11 people (maybe 12) on stage, all dancing and playing random instruments like ukuleles and tambourines. Not too mention, they just seem like cool people to hang out with. Jade is precious and I seriously wish I could replicate Alex's (Edward Sharpe's) amazingly sloppy hair-do. I wonder if they'll let me join the band... I've got some mad maraca skills.

Enjoy some YouTube vids.
Pictures from the show at the 40 Watt coming soon...






Sunday, November 1, 2009