Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Twenty [one]

Chris and I were chatting about something the other day. It had to do with college, although I can't recall what just now. He said to me but that was twenty years ago for you! and I sort of gasped, it was NOT twenty years ago...oh wait it was. shit.

Twenty years ago was a big year for me. I began recounting the things that occurred during that time. I went on a semester abroad to London [awesome and scary] I got hooked on good skin care that year as well [blame it on London pollution], I saw the Berlin Wall fall just a few months before I went away to school and so a couple of classmates and I went one weekend to see. Can I just say? That city was electric after all that. Also, I have a chunk of concrete that I bought off a kid at the wall. Capitalism at it's finest.


also that year? Nelson Mandela was released. London had a big party near the consulate. I rode my first subway, had my first panic attack during said ride, traveled to Spain to find my heritage and left broken down and sad because getting around without speaking Spanish was harder than I had thought.



A couple months after I came back I had my back surgery. The thing that really changed my life in ways I had never known would be. It's humbling to ask someone to shave your legs I might tell you, among many things that summer.

Dunno, today I was thinking how far away that all seems and yet it stacked up on itself like a phillo dough pastry, one needing the other till now and somedays thinking that the butter and sugar were going to suffocate me until I drowned. Somehow I made it out and got to HERE.

What were you doing 20 years ago?


these very odd creatures are from KitLane - sustainable renewable wool creatures from what she describes as The cultural wasteland of west central Minnesota.

Friday, October 01, 2010

Music Friday

I've been a bit obsessed with the upcoming solo album of Fran Healy [Lead singer of Travis] I couldn't find the song I wanted you to hear on YouTube today [no video yet] but here's a little Travis to send you're way.



Guess I wasn't the only one excited about his upcoming release. His date here in LA is sold out at The Hotel Cafe ... rats!

On this friday SING!!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Hello Mr. Spade

I thorougly enjoy the design humor and the wit behind Mr. Spade, as in husband of Kate Spade. You may have heard of her and her BAGS? His agency Partners & Spade does really wonderful work for Kate as well as another lovely brand you may know of J. Crew [he has such small accounts I don't know how he makes it really]



This Thursday they are having the opening of an art installation, humorously named "Going Out Of Business Supply Store"
153 Stanton if you're in town.

If I were there I would stalk him the whole show and secretly slip him a business card since I want to print everything under the sun for him and his peeps. I know, pipe dreams but someone's gotta do it.

Monday, September 27, 2010

we're melting....

It's currently 105 degrees in my office. I'm not joking here. LA heat wave. You know, the whole global warming thing really kicking our auto-inclined asses today. I might mention upstairs in my bedroom a good 115. I think I'm coming down with a I don't like the heat sort of illness, truly... it might be a scratchy throat sort of thing but really it's a I need an ice cream to deal with this heat, or at the very least a slurpee. Those exsist right? Nod yes.


glass house via caribb

I'm getting acclimated to having my guy around 24-7. We're still unpacking boxes. I hate boxes. I hate clutter really, it makes me nervous. Tonight is the night though, I'm just sure he'll unpack those brown things in the hallway. Here's hoping on my slurpee.


A clock work for oracles by Ugo Rondinone photographed by clive lawford

other than these pretties? and melting? not much more to say except send over your blow up pool would you? because this heat is just nuts-o.

Friday, September 24, 2010

You're such a winner

drum roll please!



I'm excited to announce the week's winners

Monday's giveaway the initial notecards goes to: BENSON
Tuesday's giveaway of the diamond necklace goes to: ROLLER SKATING JAM
Wednesday's giveaway of the ORE gift card goes to TWIG
Thursday's set of greetings goes to: MICHELE

CONGRATS TO ALL:
thanks everyone for stopping in this week and playing!

-Richie

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Thursday's giveaway

More paper today! it is our anniversary, me and you, whatever the paper year is. Say it's 1,000!



Today you get to choose. Pick your favorite 4 greetings and they're yours. You can keep it all to yourself and tell me when you win or list it below. I won't tell your mom you picked the f*cktard card I promise. Winner is chosen tomorrow.

All of the contests end tomorrow so if you haven't registered for them do so today!

PS. What's all this about you're asking? I'm celebrating 1,000 posts and giving away stuff all this week- check back each day for goodies. Enter as many or all of the contests as you want this week [there are only 10 of you anyway!].

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Wednesday's giveaway - ORE´product gift certificate

Oré is a wonderful company located here in Long Beach, CA that focuses on fun + functional home goods. Whether you’re a mom needing to be fashionably organized, a pet-owner looking for a better feeding solution, a college student in need of cool shower curtain to spruce up an apartment bathroom, or you’re just looking for a functional bag to take on vacation Oré Originals is working hard to make great looking and functional products to ease everyday living.



pictured right to left: Mini bib set Ugly Monsters, Good Lunch sack, Mini Hamper Tote™ Dry Cleaning, Woodland Pet Treat Jar

Today's Winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to spend on the Oré website however you see fit. Enter in the comments section below, Winner will be chosen on Friday.

PS. What's all this about you're asking? I'm celebrating 1,000 posts and giving away stuff all this week- check back each day for goodies. Enter as many or all of the contests as you want this week [there are only 10 of you anyway!].

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

TUESDAY'S GIVE-AWAY - DIAMOND PENDANT NECKLACE

I'm sure I've mentioned it before but I have crazy talented friends. Khobe Delucca has been a professional jewelry designer for as long as I've known her 10+ yrs now. She also has a cutie store front here in So Cal, Studio Delucca if you live near, where she sells her wares but also holds jewelry and fabricating classes for the novice through the highly experienced. You can get the low-down on all the fun happenings here.



But regardless...TODAY she's giving away a diamond pendant with an initial along with an 18" sterling chain to match. This is over a $100 value folks! Contest ends this Friday. So tell us... what's your favorite piece of jewelry that you own [or have lost]?

PS. What's all this about you're asking? I'm celebrating 1,000 posts and giving away stuff all this week- check back each day for goodies. Enter as many or all of the contests as you want this week [there are only 10 of you anyway!].

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Monday's Give-a-way - set of initial notes




you didn't think you were going to get out of this week without some paper did you? Up for grabs...set of 6, initial wood type notes.

to enter please leave me a message below with some way to contact you should you be the one [email]. winner drawn this friday.

What envelope color do you want?
moss green, sunny yellow, fuchsia, paper bag brown, pool blue? the world is your oyster.

PS I'm celebrating 1,000 posts and giving away stuff all this week- check back each day for goodies

Friday, September 17, 2010

Oddly enough...

This week I hit the 1,000 post landmark on this silly little blog. How I got here I have no idea but 1,000 of anything is worth noting don't you think? Nod your head yes.



Next week I've lined up some giveaways to celebrate all of my 20 readers. Since my readership is so low, the odds are high in your favor that you'll win {wink}. I hope you stop in to comment and win something fun.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

New in the studio: Men's Note sets



I've got a couple of sets of note cards going out this week. Really elegant yet still masculine. Men need correspondence notes too! Restaurateur George and Executive Chef Trey are both getting treats {soon} from their newest business partner.



The illustrations were done by a newer design intern of mine Serena Chang. She's really a superstar in the illustration area.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

New in the studio:

Congrats to Amy + Dirk who are getting hitched in November



we designed a two color project with pocket folder. Each piece was letterpressed including the closing flap. The coolest part is the thank you card we ended up doing with a little fold over "hello" on the envelope in silver ink. Exterior envelope had matching wrap around label typeset to the guest list.



New in the studio



A stylie bachelorette party invite with a desert theme on super thick card stock complete with wrap around label and Archie sticker. The hostess is taking the circular emblem and turning into tote bags for the girls to have as gifts stuffed with weekend essentials and handy pool-side for the weekend.

Betting on a star

I think Rachel Zoe and Brad will be very happy with The Monique Lhuillier show Some mighty fine looking duds.



Cameron Diaz can have a skinny glittery moment



Kate Hudson can have a grown up moment



and Demi Moore can finally have a "color moment"

Monday, September 13, 2010

NY FASHION WEEK HAS BEGUN

Caroline Herrera had a bit of an Asian moment which didn't do much for me, but her construction and clean lines always make my heart go pitter-pat.




It's still pretty early but thumbs up for Carolina and oddly Victoria Beckham who has one fine looking line goin' on.

Tune in this week here for my favs or over on Style.com for the real deal

Thursday, September 09, 2010




for those celebrating the High Holiday
Happy Rosh Hashanah and Mazel!

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

A couple more excuses

Just a couple more excuses of why I'm not regularly posting but this time I have photos to prove it.


My Grandma [Betty] turned 90. We threw her a big party over this past weekend in Northern California. She was very excited to say the least. She is quite the character. She talked to Chris and I about politics and exactly what she thought about Barbara Boxer {not fond}. Chris describes her as full of piss and vinegar, sometimes my family has other words for her {wink}




I designed a book that was just printed. A local artist here in Los Angeles is having his first sculpture show in 12 years. I put together the book for his opening. Blurb.com [which is a nightmare I might add]



And finally, my love, Chris graduated from his Physician's Assistant program a couple weeks ago and officially finished his last day at the hospital today. My flash wasn't working correctly so the color is a bit wonky.

3 weeks, a number of 18 hr days and I think I've survived. You might even see me regularly post coming very soon. Until then, I need a nap and a pedicure. Catch you later.

Wednesday, September 01, 2010




Me + Karey hangin' over at T. Ruffles today. Mary's busy so I stepped in to loan a photo. Click over to see all of her sparkily words.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010




BEST. TV. SHOW. HANDS. DOWN.
can I tell you?...minus the smoking, booze & cheating the ad world is nearly the same as it was.

....I've never looked like that in a cocktail dress though

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Another quick drop in... I've got about another 2 weeks of crazy before I come back to any regularity. Thought I would share this little clip with you. I present to you America's Plus Size Super Model Crystal Renn

Crystal Renn from Dossier on Vimeo.



Size 10 my ass!
cute no matter what but please already we all know she's not a size 10

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Just dropping in for a split second...



It's not completely done yet but have a sneak peek at our new website. Eventually we'll see past all the virtual moving boxes and move into our new "house".

Wednesday, August 11, 2010




It's not the truth, I have a lot to say, it's just at this moment in time there doesn't seem to be a lot of time to say it. The next couple of weeks are CrAZy! I think I'm going to take a little blog breaky-poo catch you kids in a couple of weeks. I've hidden the key to the liquor cabinet while I'm out so you don't get into trouble while I'm away. though...I suspect you'll find the key anyway - just make sure to tell me your antics so I can live through you.

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Life's a gas



Nothing says happy friday like T. Rex


I don't have a single one [I can't decide] but if I did I would be so game on this

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

The next big thing

Here's what I can tell you...about 6 years ago I went to NYC and had a cupcake at Magnolia. I came back screaming cupcakes from the rooftop and they of course went viral somewhere a couple of years ago.

Then I said food trucks. Gourmet food trucks were going to be the rage. Witness the insanity of food truck mania lately, to know, I kid you not.

Today I'm going to tell you a secret of what I think is going to be the next big thing.

Macaroons.


yes, odd I'm sure you think. But they're an oddity, a French oddity and I suspect in about 2-3 years you will see a macaroon store near you. Or possibly an article in your local paper talking about these curious little cookies.

I know you don't believe me...just wait.

image via Los Angeles' Paulette Macaroon store

Monday, August 02, 2010

close is only for hand grenades



Did I ever tell you about my friend Raquel? We were friends through an artist group I belonged to we met once a week for years [close to 15 years ago now]. I knew her through friends prior to that. Every once in a while she chatted about this guy named Paul that she dated every now and again when he was in town. He was a musician. She even sat in on one of his recordings as a back up singer. This is what I knew of Paul. She never mentioned his last name.



We were driving in the car a year + after I had first heard about her Paul and she says something about "Paul Weller". And I put it together. Excuse me? Paul Weller That's your Paul? As in Paul Weller from The Style Council?

umm, yes she says, I thought you knew? Um NO!!!! you have never mentioned his last name!

They were on the end of their little tryst at that point so I did not get to meet him, which is your next question I'm sure. So close and yet so far away.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Movie Review: I am love



Amazing acting, clothing, views, and the damn hair styles...I can't stop thinking about the Italian coiffed hair I really want to back comb my hair now.

Worth the effort to see it in the theater if you're a fan of subtitled films.

My only negative is that I didn't care for how the story line progressed. They were working with a lot of stories and it didn't seem to flow, regardless I could figure out what was happening. I might just have wanted it to be like an American movie that spells every single thing out for you...which was not the case.

A beautiful film. Tilda Swinton was seriously AMAZING.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

New on Etsy today

I always get the most exciting response to my ribbon selects in my photos and deliveries so I've decided to offer up a few selections [more to come] in my Etsy store.


Chocolate brown 1/8" 25 yards for $4.75


Turquoise and Apple Green 1/8" 25 yards for $4.75


Coral/ Papaya colored organza ribbon 25 yards for $8.00

Available in my Etsy store

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

I think we did her proud



I wanted a hangtag that I could attach to some pieces going out soon. I found this quote by Chanel recently that spoke to what I do. You really have to feel it to get the full experience but I think this photo might have captured just a tad of what I'm talking about.

enlarge for the yumminess

One small factor

I've figured out the secret. I'm going to share it all with you right this very second. I could totally be skinny and have legs [sort of like this]...



but I like eating...it's such a drag right? So close...and yet so far away

photo via People online. I left the photogs credit in the corner

Monday, July 26, 2010

kidney love

It's been fairly regular around here for my kidney to be an asshole if you've been a reader of this site. Currently everything is fairly the same, no ER visits lately but I went to see my Homeopathic dr last week and I had a list of new complaints so he did his wacky magic he does and at the end said well it's not XYZ you have kidney stones.




Ok.

He gave me a pad of paper and said write this recipe down:

The Kidney Stone Dissolve

one six pack of regular Classic Coke [no substitutions]
Open all six and let them go flat
Drink all six within a 2 hour period of time

after completing that, steam a handful of asparagus and eat it.

Um....OK that's a bit random can you explain?
He said that classic coke has just the right amount of phosphorous acid but only works when it's flat but you need the amount that is present in all 6 cans. The acid will breakdown the kidney stones. After that the asparagus acts as a diuretic and washes the soda out of the kidneys.

I'm on can 2...the breakfast of champions


please note I'm not a doctor, I don't make any claims. You should consult your own health care people before trying anything.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

stacy + clark | trailer from Isabel Gonzalez on Vimeo.



I met Isabel Gonzalez film maker last night at an event. I went to see her site today and found the sweetest video I think I've ever seen. I dare you not to lump up!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

MAZEL!



this post is for SGM and her eternal crush on Andy Cohen.

I think we might need a set of these!

fantastic



A new twist to those subway signs. This I can get behind.
Read about it here at the LA Times

Friday, July 16, 2010

W mag

I just got my W today with the The manly man – Jon Hamm on the cover.





It's probably just me but... I'm not liking this image of him on the cover. He's just not looking his perky best in that well lit studio shot or maybe I'm just use to that smoky haze he has following him around in Mad Men.

The guts though? well done.


images > W Magazine shot by Nathaniel Goldberg styled by Lori Goldstein

Wednesday, July 14, 2010



Ace Hotel

These people just GET IT like no other brand I've ever seen. cool, funky, messy but still fancy. When I grow up I want to be just like them ;)

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

What's been going on around here...

I've been throwing a pretty photo up now for a while because I don't know what else to say at the moment. Sometimes pretty is all I've got.

I kinda feel like painting right now. My boyfriend said to me the other day "when I finish school in August you can go back and do whatever you want"....but I don't know what I want to be when I grow up! Really... I do know what I want to be. And I am doing it, it just doesn't pay the bills [right now]. So now what?



Life is kinda kicking my ass right now. It's a lot...this interview, unemployment, having my own business thing. I think this week it finally caught up with me. I don't seem to be doing any of it all that well.



So, if I'm a little more quiet than normal it's only because I don't know what I'm doing at the moment except wanting to make pretty paper but that no one really wants to pay for it.

what do you want to be when you grow up? will it pay your bills? I hope it does.

------
on a side note...do you miss Mackin Ink like I do? She's taking a little summer break. I'm getting my fix of her on Twitter. At least I get to see her cute smile every time she posts. In fact? these photos are all her she lead me to them just today.

photos from I'm Revolting
the painter is Cornelius Völker who studied with Gerhard Richter. I'm mostly in love with his studio though. That is art in of it self. My neat freakness would not be able to live in it but viewing it is magic.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Pretty Monday

Your secret from Jean-Sebastien Monzani on Vimeo.



I can't recall who's blog I saw this on [sorry] but here's some pretty to start out your week.

oh yah..duh it only came from one of my favorites.

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Did you know?



I just learned this today. Did you know that when you send a personal note that if you strike your name apparently it means "of very personal nature"? Or so we think...Crane's Paper wants to know as well if you have the answer.

read all about it here

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Pantone Love



if you're a designer you will understand the love of Pantone.
storage tins $28 available at Show

Me? I want the set of coffee mugs myself $14 each

Monday, July 05, 2010

Yes, orange please



I really, really want one of these. It would be perfect for my little section of town.
Amish made scooter $245

The cutest ice cream ever



Sweet Lucie's ice cream kart. I so want them at my next party. Available in the So. Cal area if you're interested in an event. I should mention that it's all organic and made-to-order per event. Need Rosemary flavored gelato? just ask [though I'm of the vanilla/chocolate sort of crowd myself]

as seen on Utterly Engaged

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Sunday Church in 6 minutes and 57 seconds

I've shared my love of Dead Can Dance over the years. I consider them and Lisa Gerrard's voice truly gifts from God. Whenever you have 6:57 available in your day will you watch this for me?



Even if you're not a religious person, which I would say I'm not. It will lift your heart in ways I can't explain. Her voice is like the best church I've never been to.

Saturday, July 03, 2010

How to tie a bow tie

I have always wanted to know how to do this. I think I may sport one very soon now that I know.




How to tie a bow tie

The great tutorial is on the most fabulous site called Utterly Engaged. It's an online magazine that is really, really top notch Martha Style.

Friday, July 02, 2010

New on Etsy today



Like most of the cards I make, it's really encouragement for myself. I hate change have I told you? it's horrible and painful and I just want my world to stay comfy. Life never works like that does it?

"An ending is nothing but a beginning"

I love this one so much I want to send a card to everyone I know, but alas I'll save some for you if you'd like.

The best part? It's available on Etsy today.
please click to enlarge.

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Happy 4th and summertime...

I couldn't pick just one. Here's a mixed tape to send you in to your weekend.


Bananarama Cruel Summer


The Sunday's Summertime


DJ Jazzy Jeff and the French Prince Summertime