The packaging is killer. I love the typography and detail that went into their envelope, logo and even the packing tape. I received box #THP02.

If you don’t know about Quarterly, let me fill you in now. Quarterly allows you to connect with people that inspire you. For a small subscription fee, you will revive a package curated by the person(s) you pick. What I love about this concept is the low cost of entry, the “blind-box” appeal of not knowing what I will get and the chance to discover something wonderful and new that I may not have known about otherwise.  In fact, Quarterly had so much demand they had to temporary suspend new subscriptions. However, you can join a waiting list to get notified of when they re-open.

Quarterly has a strong collection of influential contributors like author Scott Belsky and Tina Roth Eisenberg of Swissmiss Studio.

The curator I chose was Gretchen Rubin.

I chose Gretchen because I really liked what she said; “Research shows that one way to enjoy a little hit of happiness, during your ordinary routine, is to receive a small, unexpected pleasure. The items you’ll receive will lift your spirits by making your life and home more beautiful, more productive, and more full of fun.”

Unpacking the box:

What is it? A terrarium kit from Twig!  Let’s just say I was super excited to receive something so unexpected. The only stumbling block I had was figuring out what order to layer the items into the jar. I checked out their website for some visual examples, then I noticed the little baggies had numbers written on them. Problem solved.

Step 2: Assembly

As I was placing the layers in the jar, I realized they supplied more than enough rocks, moss and dirt to fill the jar. It was actually enough to do two jars.

The finishing touches.

My favorite part of this terrarium is the mini-figure - I assume that everyone gets a different one. This tiny little detail takes your imagination to another world. The package also came with instructions for care, and it only needs a little misting every few weeks. That’s perfect for someone like me who can kill a plant just by looking at it.

Overall, I was super happy with my first Quarterly box and I’ll be back for more. This charming little company brightened my day.  Thanks to Quarterly, Gretchen Rubin and Twig.

Black Eyed Peas XOXOXO Music Video from Huan Nghiem on Vimeo.

I love animation. I love the Black Eyed Peas. This makes me happy.

One of the most exciting aspects of Glitch is that players have to work together to complete quests or to expand the world. And I’ve never been a gamer, but there’s something about Glitch that sucked me in. Unlike other games that center around fighting and violence, Glitch is about working together to achieve goals. For a great perspective on this, just read Confessions of a Budding Gamer or Glitch, a Revolution in MMORPGs or a Really Bizarre Farmville?

Here’s the trailer:

Lately, I’ve noticed some talk on the forums about Glitch being too feminine because it doesn’t have the typical fighting and violence like other online social games. One poster in the game forums made some stereotypical comments about the artwork being too pastel and that the characters needed to have beer t-shirts and the like. Luckily, a lot of men and women feel that Glitch is a really refreshing change of pace in the world of online gaming. 

Personally, I LOVE the playful graphics and adore the whimsical nature of massaging butterflys to get butterfly milk, squeezing chickens to get grain and harvesting eggs from trees. I especially love the accidental invention of “Food Writing” in the new area of Plexus. And there is even a Glitch mash-up using the API where you can vote on your favorite Glitch outfits here. To me, Glitch is a magical place.

Here’s my Glitch’s current outfit:

Danica Sophia

Declan Dean

Below, I’ve curated my favorite how-to Munny making videos that should give you a dose of courage to cut that little guy up or add something of your own. Don’t be scared! Do you have your own custom Munny to share?! Post it in the comments. I’d love to see your work.

Here’s my Munny customizing tip: try gray colored Magic Sculpt, it’s my favorite add-on material.

I love how this video features cast members from Glee, Rebbecca Black and Cory Feldman and *gasp* – well, it’s just all kinds of awesome!!! I’m pretty sure I had the same hair and glasses back in the day. Take a look for yourself.

I made it! Today is the last day of this 90 day challenge and thought it was appropriate to end this adventure with one of my favorite adventurers – Waldo. At least my rendition of him anyway. What have I learned? I’ve discovered that I have a love / hate relationship with drawing. It’s more fun when I don’t have a deadline – but forcing myself to draw every day helped me pull out some new styles. I now have more ammunition in by creative toolbox to pull from.

Even though I didn’t love everything I create along the way, I most proud of myself for sticking to it.

I can’t end this 90 day challenge without including the Gaga. I’ve been really inspired the last few days with a whimsical characterization of famous people. And added to that, I really enjoy playing with muted colors. Today’s sketch is inspired by one of Lady’ Gaga’s red carpet looks.

This challenge is almost over… I’m happy and sad all at the same time.