I’m happy to announce the soft launch of my new site. I’ve merged my blog with my website and couldn’t be happier. I still have some work to do, but in the meantime, please be sure to update your RSS subscription to: http://feeds.feedburner.com/TatianaJimenezDesignMarketingDiy.

Thanks so much for following, and cheers to a new look!

Because I have a blog, or am constantly sending/tweeting or posting blog links to Facebook & Twitter, people tend to ask me for blog recommendations — I guess I’ve become a blog-reading expert, if that’s even a thing. I’m a graphic designer & communications person at a credit union, so at the end of the day when I’ve had my fill of jpegs and have seen the words “Traditional IRA” one too many times, the blogs I tend to enjoy the most are food, craft and fashion blogs. However, because I’m kind of a nerd and genuinely do love what I do, I enjoy reading about money, design and marketing, especially when it’s done in a way that’s fun and relate-able.

So without further adieu, here are my favorite blogs RIGHT NOW (and most recent additions to my Google Reader, categories included). I hope you like them as much as I do!

Cherry Heart: A mummy who loves to knit, sew, crochet and bake
Category: Crafts
Favorite Post: Sunday’s Child

This Martha Stewart-esque blog simultaneously makes me happy and pisses me off (in a good way?). It makes me happy because Sandra does a wonderful job documenting her process with whatever project she’s currently working on with beautiful photos and has a writing voice that keeps me reading — and being a person who loves just simply looking at pictures of yarn, this blog is total craft porn. This blog pisses me off because I’m totally jealous of how much crocheting she gets done. I’m sure she’s working on multiple projects at a time, but in the world of the internet and blogs, this woman is on fire. She is super talented and I’m a big fan of her work.

The Billfold: Everything about money you were too polite to ask
Category: Finance
Favorite Post: Middle Class Snack Kids

This fabulous blog was launched 2 weeks ago and it has easily become a ‘must read’ in my Reader. Mike Dang (a good friend and fellow UCI Alumnus) and Logan Sachon have created a safe space to talk about money… and how bad some of us are at it. From sharing where their last $100 was spent to helping the rest of us figure out how to start saving for retirement (in a fun way!), this is a great place for any money n00b (or non-n00b like me, sort of) to learn something new, or just realize that other people our age are still trying to figure this “stuff” out too.

Lists of Note
Category: People
Favorite Post: The Anti-Flirt Club

This blog is pretty easy to explain: they post lists. All kinds of lists made by all kinds of people, organizations or businesses. Most of them are old, which makes them even more fun to read. It’s a pretty fantastic site.

The KISSmetrics Marketing Blog
Category: Marketing
Favorite Post: What Startups Can Learn From Pinterest

This is a blog I stumbled upon in one of those LinkedIn spammy-but-not-so-spammy emails. KISSmetrics is in the web analytics business and have built some software that you can buy — but if you don’t want to buy anything and just enjoy reading/learning about metrics (like I do), check out their blog. KISSmetrics is a great example of a company who is an expert in their field and has no qualms about ‘giving away’ their knowledge for free. I appreciate that.

The Road Forks
Category: Travel
Favorite Post: Budget Japanese Cuisine

My relationship with this blog was quite serendipitous. I’m traveling to Japan at the end of this month (more on that in a future post) and while doing research, I did a Google search for “do I really need a Japan Rail pass?” (yes, I actually use search terms like that), and it directed me to this blog. Luckily this site, unlike a lot of other sites about Americans in Japan, was not ugly. It was also super informative and fun to read. This couple has embarked on a world tour full of food, adventure and really great photos (so the rest of us could live vicariously through them). What more could you want from a travel blog?

What are some of your favorite blogs? Please do share!

This past year I did A LOT of crocheting for Babushka Designs. When prototyping new products, one tends to accumulate a lot of yarn… as I did. I finally got tired of looking at the two massive mountains o’ yarn in my apartment (a yarn Twin Peaks, if you will) and decided to turn it into a nice, warm, and crazy colorful blanket.

While I was working on it, I kept thinking that it was going to be super ugly because the colors that I had so much of were not colors I’d typically use in a blanket… and it was a little difficult when I ran out of certain colors and had to substitute with similar hues. This blanket took about 3 months to complete– I worked on it mostly while watching Dance Moms and The Bachelor. Good things come out of watching bad television, right?

Actual cheesecake, shortly before it was devoured.

I feel like 28 is going to be a great year, and apparently my Chinese horoscope agrees with this (hey fellow rats!). Here are some other things that happened this month:

1.) Casino time with Mom

San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in San Bernardino, CA

$50 in free play from your local casino? Why wouldn’t you want to go?! I did and won a nice chunk o’change. Most importantly I got to spend the day hanging with my Mom, which was the best part. The buffet was also a plus. In addition to having too much fun at the penny slots, it was great to be home visiting family and friends… and finally try that Buffalo Wild Wings place I keep seeing on the TV.

2.) Handmade Birthday Cards

“Hold on tight, spider monkey.“

Each year I receive a handmade birthday card from Cathy. Last year’s featured Lil Jon and a ilustrated version of me vomiting from drinking to many “Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots!” This year I’m being admired by one Edward Cullen. Much more pleasant, right?

3.) Hanging with Rocio

Roc and I in a great vintage furniture shop on Valencia Street

My good friend Rocio was in the Bay Area for a conference, so we got to hang out! Always great to see her. We explored the fun shops on Valencia Street and later ordered in because it was FREEZING outside.

4.) House of Prime Rib

I first learned about House of Prime Rib on No Reservations and wanted to check it out immediately… this was almost 3 years ago, so it was about time I went. I figured my birthday would be the best time to drag my friends with me — and in actuality, everyone was really stoked to go, which was awesome. It was not a disappointing experience. That salad! Those cocktails! That cute corn bread thing! I need to go again, and soon.

5.) A Gift to Myself

So, this is what I got myself for my birthday. Don’t even act like you don’t buy yourself birthday gifts. And don’t make me reference “Treat Yo Self” and force you to watch the YouTube video. (Side note: Can Parks and Rec come back now, please?) Anyway, a friend I highly respect suggested this book, so I picked up a copy and am SO HAPPY I did. It’s pretty stellar.

6.) Cathy in SF!

My good friend Cathy road-tripped up to San Francisco to celebrate her birthday (yay, fellow Pisces!). She drove up with her BF, and our friend Maggie from college drove up from San Jose to spend the day in the city. (Anteater reunion!) We all went to Alcatraz (which explains the ever-so-stylish ponchos in the photo) and it was a soggy morning… particularly for those of us who decided against wearing rain boots (ahem, me). Anyway, it made for another great memory with these ladies and I want them to come back ASAP… or move here. Moving here would be more than acceptable.

And that concludes my birthday month, 2012! Thanks to everyone who made it extra special.

Image Credit: Kelsey Garrity Riley

This last month has flown by. People aren’t lying when they tell you that time flies as you get older. I feel like, because I am constantly either inventing or finding ways to fill my evenings and weekends, I don’t ever really have time to do nothing – which is really important. But I’m not complaining, I have a pretty cool life, and I’m thankful for that. BUT, of course, down time means watching quality (and sometimes poor quality) television. YES, my roomie and I have been addicted to this season of The Bachelor, which is horrifyingly catty and bad for women… but it’s SO ADDICTIVE. Also, I’m still pissed that he didn’t give Kacie B. a rose. What’s up with that, BEN!? In quality news, I just finished Season 2, episode 5 of Downton Abbey. I love this show so much. Lady Mary, just tell Matthew you love him already. I mean, really. Don’t marry that bland millionaire.

I’m visiting home again next month to celebrate my Dad’s birthday… and I guess my birthday too, since we share the same birthday. Kinda cool, right? I’m often told it is. My Dad is pretty rad, so I’m excited to give him his gifts and celebrate his general awesomeness.

This week I was lucky to catch a fun show at Hotel Utah here in San Francisco. Tornado Rider and Lake Street Dive both performed and both were exceptionally talented. I had so much fun, and can’t wait to catch another show.

In geeky news, my friend put together a small business book club, and I’m really excited about it. Although I’m missing the first meeting, the group is full of pretty amazing people… and gives me that mushy “San Francisco is so awesome” feeling.

January: The Month I went Pro-Bono

I joined Taproot and worked as the graphic designer on a brochure project for the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay. We worked on this project for just around 6 months, and it was the best experience I’ve had working in a pro-bono capacity. My team was fabulous and I can’t wait to work on another project with Taproot.

February: First Trip Abroad

I traveled to London with one of my favorite people, Brianna, to visit another one of my favorite people, Kendra. The trip was so so great; I miss London so much. Such a beautiful city.

March: My Birthday Month!

This year, my dream of having a karaoke birthday was realized. Not that getting all of my friends to karaoke is a huge feat, but it was such a wonderful feeling to see how many friendships I’ve developed over the last 2 years in the Bay Area. I felt very loved and very lucky. Also, it’s just fun to sing your heart out in front of your friends… and strangers! Also, this year I decided to buy myself a birthday present, as seen above with my sparkly red Jeffrey Campbell platforms. Yay!

April: Cousin Day

At least once a year, my cousin and sisters drive up to San Francisco to stay with me for a long weekend. We gallivant around the city, my cousin Ryan comes in from Oakland and we just hang out, laugh and eat good food. When everyone leaves I get sad, but I always look forward to our next cousin “day”.

May: First Big Craft Show

I took Babushka Designs down to Los Angeles to team up with Late to the Revolution at Unique LA. There were over 350 vendors, we saw many a D-list celebrity, and just had an all-around great time. I (again!) was lucky to have the support of so many friends and family members who drove to LA to stop by, say hello, and buy some stuff. Also, it’s always fun hanging out with Traci and Patrick and tagging along on their vegan food adventures. My digestive tract was so happy that weekend, lemmetellyou.

Oh! And I know I’m trying to only highlight one thing per month, but May is also when I met one of my heroes, John Waters. How freaked out/excited/weird do I look in this photo?

June: My Baby Sister Graduated

In my eyes she’ll forever be 9-years-old. That’s how old she was when I left home for college. She’s grown up to be a beautiful young lady with an excellent sense of style (even though I have to sometimes lecture her about how leggings are not pants). She has a promising future ahead, and I’m excited to see where life takes her.

July: The Birth of Mandatory Craft Days and Crochet Dates

July was a month full of crochet dates, movies, happy hour, and general good times spent with good friends, and the first of hopefully more mandatory craft days with J & K. It’s amazing how relaxing it is to hang out in your friend’s studio apartment on a Sunday with your craft of choice, music in the background, good conversation and snacks.

August: Fun with Fascinators and Themed Parties

August was another month of lots of friend time, discovering new bands (Gabby Young and Other Animals), and learning how to bake bread!

September: LA > Tahoe > San Francisco

September was the month of roadtrips and visits with more of my favorite people. J and I drove down to LA for FYF Fest and stayed in a studio apartment we booked through AirBNB and had a wonderful Thai Town/Little Armenia experience. The following weekend 3 friends and I drove to Tahoe (which was scary at times!) to stay in K’s grandma’s cabin for the weekend and explore the town, and Reno… even though I didn’t realize it was Reno when we were there. Lastly, my good friend K (I’m starting to realize a lot of my friend’s names start with K!) flew up to visit for the weekend and it was so great to see her, finally check out The Smiths tribute night at Milk Bar, and people watch. San Francisco is a great place to do that.

October: Wedding Madness!

With my sister’s wedding coming up in November, October was the month of bridal activities. Her bridal shower and bachelorette party were so much fun, and I’ll never forget either of them. Especially the fact that my grandma sat right in front of my sister as she opened her scandalous gifts.

November: My Sister Got Married!

It was a week of prep, running around town, seeing family and friends, bonding with the bridesmaids and just having a great time celebrating Kristina & Jonathan.

December: Renegade SF & Family Time

December was quite the busy month! The SF Holiday Renegade Craft Fair was a lot of fun and a great experience. Above is the video a friend of mine shot while he was there. I met a lot of really great people and had a blast hanging out with Traci & Patrick all weekend. Always a treat!

Bonus: Because there are always more photos…

1.) Spending time with my parents, 2.) Finally seeing not one, but TWO capybaras in the flesh at the SF Zoo, 3.) Many Midnites for Maniacs at the Castro Theater, 4.) Seeing Cibo Matto and feeling like a college student again, 5.) The Jimenez sisters visit Alcatraz, 6.) Although our book club dissolved, we still keep and touch and it’s lovely when we get together, 7.) Trip to Tahoe, making the most of the cold summer weather, 8.) Finally decorating my apartment, 9.) Experimenting with food, 10.) Getting into drawing again, 11.) Learning how to make bread from scratch!, 12.) SF Family Thanksgiving, 13.) Visits from Katrina (and bottomless mimosas!), 14.) Visits from Andy & Chandra, 15.) Playing games created for kindergarteners and getting confused, but still having fun, 16.) Lots of inventory and planning this year for craft shows, 17.) San Francisco food adventures with Judy, 18.) Fun events in SF like Bay to Breakers – this group costume’s message: “Use birth control!”

That concludes this 2011 Year in Review. I’m excited to see what 2012 has in store. We’re already 3 weeks in and I’m feeling nothing but positivity and excitement about this year, and I hope you are too. Cheers!

It’s the truth. Sorry I’m not providing photo evidence, but you’re better off just using your imagination. My former boss once reacted to it by calling it “very Golden Girls.” I took that as a compliment, naturally.

So, here I sit at SFO waiting patiently to board my flight to Portland. I’m using my shiny new Macbook Air which has improved my quality of life exponentially, but I unfortunately haven’t had time to upload any photos from my iMac, hence the Portlandia image up top, which is relevant yet impersonal, but whatever. It’s all good.

I know it’s tacky to talk about how one has been avoiding the blogosphere for an extended period time, but I’m going to do just that and outline what have been huge (but productive) and/or great time sucks for me:

• My Sister Got Married! – That’s right, kids. And with a wedding comes lots of events, lots of time with family (which was really great, my family is a lot of fun), and of course dancing, good food, and laughs.
  
• San Francisco Holiday Renegade Craft Fair – which involved crocheting and planning every day. EVERY DAY. EVERY WEEKEND. It’s fun and was totally worth all of the work, but it didn’t really allow for much else… the exact reason why I am happy to not be a full time crafterprenuer. Yes, I made that word up. It probably exists.
• Sewing – Once Renegade was over, my wrists rejoiced and I dove right into my “to sew” pile which currently consists of 4 dresses and 1 top. Fabric has been cut, everything is slowly being assembled. And I’m still very much in love with my serger.
• Reading – I reached my goal of reading 30 books in 2011! Yes. Thank you for the applause. You can take a look at what I read here.
• Reuniting with Friends – Well, not really reuniting. I see my SF friends on either a weekly or bi-weekly basis, but due to craft fair stuff I became somewhat of a hermit, actually announcing my ‘hermit weeks’ in various social media, as a way of warning my friends to not ask me to hang out. I’m kind of a jerk, no? I try not to be. Also, my friends are the coolest people on Earth.
• Freelance & Pro-Bono Projects – I just finished my 3rd commissioned logo last week, and this week got the great news that I’ve been chosen to be on an amaaaazing Taproot project that I’ll be starting work on soon. 2012 is going to be a great year for my professional life. I can feel it. (At least I hope so!)

Anyway, I’m going to do another post that goes over my 2012 Resolutions, as well as my 2011 Year in Review. All of these things are written and in my ‘drafts’, so stay tuned.

But, back to vacation mode…

This is my first time ever traveling to Oregon, and although I hear it’s going to be quite chilly, I’ve been looking forward to this all month. I’m especially excited to see my Seattleite friends whom I have not seen for over a year. OVER A YEAR. That is just unacceptable. I’m happy to be remedying this this weekend. I have my Instax Mini, emergency granola bars in my purse, and my trusty Hello Kitty umbrella handy. Will post more about the trip when I get back!

A few weeks ago, my roommate informed me that we had a new roomie… a cat named Djuna. Growing up in a family where practically everyone is allergic to cats, I’ve never lived with a cat before – but I did house-sit for two weeks once and got along quite well with the two cats who lived there, so I was pretty excited at the prospect of living with a feisty feline.

The first thing I did upon meeting Ms. Djuna, was see how she reacted to yarn. To my delight, she was very Honey Badger-like and just didn’t really give a shit, which is fantastic, because we all know how much yarn I have.

Left: Djuna plays dead, vying for attention Right: Djuna sits on my fabric, again, trying to get attention

Cats have always been one of my favorite animals. They’re self-reliant, fluffy and sassy. What more could you want from a pet? Well, I was a little sad to discover that cats don’t play fetch, and almost lost my hand when I tried rubbing her belly (must remember cats are not dogs!), but aside from that, Djuna and I are getting along just fine. She also makes sick days (like today) way less depressing.

I stumbled upon the Taproot Foundation while sifting through the volunteer listings on idealist.org, and after perusing their site for a few minutes was pretty impressed. Taproot works with business professionals across the country (and around the world) to place them with nonprofits who have been awarded “service grants”. There are applications on both ends – you have to apply to be a Pro-Bono Consultant, and the organizations have to apply to receive a service grant.

I applied and was accepted within a few days. Once you’ve been accepted, you’re entered into Taproot’s well organized online system (which feels more like an online community), where Account Directors assigned to projects can find consultants to recruit for their teams.

I was recruited to be the graphic designer for a brochure project for the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay. I was thrilled to be a part of this team – working as a designer/marketing professional in the financial industry on a daily basis, I had my heart set on a project that focused on kids (to change things up) – and I was lucky to be chosen to work on one!

Our task was to make a brochure that would promote and introduce (or re-introduce) the JCC East Bay’s Afterschool Programs to the Berkeley and Oakland communities.

Our team consisted of 5 (amazing) people: an account director, project manager, marketing director, graphic designer (yours truly!) and copywriter. We worked wonderfully together, and were kind of a dream team! We all completed our individual tasks on time, and were able to deliver a great brochure as a result.

The Finished Product – 11×17 Tri-Fold Glossy Brochure

The Taproot Foundation strives to make the experience and process as easy as possible for their pro-Bono consultants and non-profit organizations, so we’re provided with resources and an amazing blue print document to help navigate our milestones and deliverables.

Photos taken at our last meeting. We’re clearly in celebration mode.

The project overall was a really great experience for me personally. Being a designer who has mostly worked in a nonprofit environment, it was great to see how marketing professionals in the corporate world work. Also, my team had a very diverse  range of professional experiences. It was a pleasure to work with each one of them and I felt like this project helped me grow as a designer and a marketing professional. Working with the ladies at the JCC East Bay was a breeze (and a joy!) as well. I look forward to my next project!

I can’t recommend Taproot enough. If you’re interested in volunteering your time to help a local non-profit, or want to learn more, check out their website: www.taprootfoundation.org

I’m not sure how I feel about Small Business Saturday being sponsored by a company like American Express instead of being a grassroots campaign, but you know what… at least someone is shedding light on the thousands and thousands of indie businesses that are often forgotten during Black Friday sales. So, I guess I feel thankful that such a large corporation is working in our favor (for once).

However you feel about holiday sales, whether you’re a participant of Buy Nothing Day (AKA #OccupyXmas), or don’t even celebrate the holidays, I wish you a great weekend and hope you get to spend lots of time with your loved ones.