Rachael Passing Notes

Blogshop NY

2013-05-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

Just a quick photo for now...with some animation technique learned in blogshop!!! Blogshop was everything I hoped it would be! More goodness to come shortly but had to share something ya know?!

DIY Painted Feathers

2013-04-24T22:07:00.002-04:00

I don't know what I will do with these or what little project they will turn into but I am smitten with this DIY project via Free People. Methinks this tribal theme is staying for a bit! P.S. speaking of Free People I have also meandered my way over to Amy Sonderlind's blog after spotting her Bali travel inspiration. Some good stuffs over there! XO

Boston Strong

2013-04-24T22:02:00.001-04:00

It has been a while since posting again. I've found all my free minutes are spent designing wedding items or pinning on pinterest, bla bla, life. Of course, I have to talk about the tragedy in Boston. I'll keep it brief. I grew up just south of Boston and was simply shocked at hearing the news about the marathon bombings...so close to home. It seemed, still seems so surreal. I've been glued to the television and have been following all of the stories as the pieces of this twisted puzzle come together. My heart goes out to the families of the victims and to all who are still recovering. May the road ahead be filled with answers and more importantly love and strength for all of you.

Image via Pinterest

Lately

2013-03-31T16:18:00.003-04:00

Where to start?! It has been so long since posting. The days are slipping away so quickly. Wedding planning is in full swing. And, I can just say that we're on it. Venue — check, flowers — check, food — check, decor — check. You know, the list keeps growing but when you have a slightly control-freak gal who LOVES organizing and making lists, well, need I say more? Anywho, our time in California feels like forever ago. I keep reminiscing and need to share some of our ventures. We drove down to Pacifica and Half Moon Bay to watch surfers and take in the scenic route. I was in absolute heaven. We stopped at as many surf shops along the way as B would allow and I did my best to resist buying them out. We watched surfers head out to Mavericks and held our breath as they disappeared over the break and paddled out beyond view. We saw one surfer in the far far distance riding THE biggest wave and only caught him for a quick glimpse until the closer break pushed him out of view. Amazing! My smile was wide! We grabbed lunch at THE best location. Moss Beach Distillery. I'd highly recommend this if you find yourself driving down Route 1 near Half Moon Bay. The view is simply breathtaking and the outdoor patio is the perfect spot for a casual bite with blankets and fire pits just incase you get cool. We were lucky enough to have zero fog, a perfectly clear view, and the sun shining all day long (which I was told several times is very rare!) We made our way up to Mt. Tam as seen here. (Big smiles)! We also stopped by Muir Woods and took in the amazing red wood trees. Seriously, I've never seen anything so big and beautiful. I felt so small in those woods but so full of life. I'm dying to go back. We also stopped at the Pelican Inn for a some food. We had beers and the cheese plate and felt as if we had somehow transplanted ourselves straight to Ireland! We then made our North and eventually to South Lake Tahoe where we stayed at the Basecamp Hotel and skied Heavenly Resort. If you stay in SLT you must stay here. The people, the location, the ambiance were all perfection. Right down to the little diy s'more kits that they hand out to roast marshmallows around the fireplace. I'll have more on this later because the hotel really deserves its own post with all the great pics I took of it. P.S. skiing on the West coast kicks skiing on the East coasts bottom right outta town. Seriously. The best way to describe it is that it is like flying in first class. Once you've experienced it, you NEVER want to go back to coach! Upon return from Tahoe we got in some wine tasting in Napa. Good times had by all and some hefty wine pours over at Peju. A great winery to stop in at if you are looking for ample tastings! I mean, who doesn't want more wine?! All in all a whirlwind trip. I'm ready to go back and do it all again! But, as I've said, we've been quite busy back in NYC. I've got my binder full of ~~women~~ wedding files and we just got our save the dates out! Next on the list is getting our registry together. I keep wondering where all these things would even go in our little one bedroom apartment. But, oh how I love this place. The way the light streams through in the mornings. It is cozy as can be! So that pretty much sums up my lately. Lately seems pretty darned good. Like warm blankets, soft kitties, weekend bagels, cuddling in the sheets and sleeping in kinda good. Mmmmm, yea that's good!

I Said Yes!

2013-02-22T18:02:00.000-05:00

There are moments in life that I will simply never forget. When I'm old and gray and piled under layers of warm sweaters and blankets, I will remember this day as if it were yesterday. The happiest day of my life! Brian was a little trickster. We flew out to northern CA and spent the day driving the coast south to Half Moon Bay, watching the waves and surfers, eating with a view of the ocean, and sipping on cider and beer. When I thought we couldn't possibly fit in any more sight seeing, we drove north to Mt. Tam. We parked and hiked {me in my gold Sperry top-siders} slipping along the way, and Brian a step behind reassuring that we were almost there. When we reached the top we were gasping for breath and laughing at ourselves. Then we gazed at the most breathtaking view from the tippy top of this mountain. We could see the entire city of San Francisco way down below and the Pacific Ocean to our right. It felt as though we were higher than the clouds.

And then the most amazing thing happened. Brian proposed right on the top of this mountain. It felt as though we were looking down on the world from our own private little place. I cried and blubbered yes and tackled Brian with hugs and kisses before he could even take out the ring. Of course when I saw it I cried even more. The man of my dreams is now mine. Forever. Bliss is the only way to describe the moment. My heart has never been filled with more love.

Brian, that trickster, set up our little camera and took photos. I thought we were posing for the amazing view but he captured our moment and it makes me smile ear to ear every time I look at these pictures.

Thank you, my love, for making me the happiest girl in the world. I cannot wait to become your wife.

Oh, hello there.

2013-02-21T19:37:00.000-05:00

Well, we made it out to CA two days later than planned. BUT, we made it. AND it was an unforgettable trip! Some big news coming up here on this lil' ole blog. And because of that big news I've been a busy busy gal. More to come this week. For now, how pretty does central park look frosted with a fresh layer of snow. At least we got to play in the snow a little before we left!

Off to CALI

2013-02-07T18:03:00.000-05:00

We're running as fast as we can to the airport in an attempt to beat NEMO?!? WTF. The only winter storm we have happens to be when we're flying out for a MUCH needed vacation to CA. I will do whatever I have to to beat this thing so look out! ADIOS! XOXO Rach

Brightening Things Up

2013-02-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend we took shelter in our apartment and only went outside once. Lazy, I know! But, we put ourselves to work and spent a night drinking cider and beer and PAINTING! We've had one accent wall painted since we moved in but we've always wanted something above the bar. Naturally I suggested stripes and B, being the great sport that he is knew better than to argue otherwise. And wala. I eye-balled every one of those stripes. I'm patting myself on the back right now. We're purty happy with the results and now I can just relax in my living room and pretend I'm someplace tropical and warm. Happy face.

Carved

2013-02-05T18:25:00.002-05:00

I've been holding off on getting an iPhone cover for months because I simply couldn't find one that I liked. I finally decided to make my own. Enter, Carved. Carved has an assortment of wooden iPhone cases that are unique and so pretty. You can choose from their own designs and different wood types. I love this anchor case. But what got me was that you can design your own. So, I turned my aztec pattern into an iphone case and I heart it. Thanks carved!

A Feast for the Eyes and Your Belly

2013-02-04T17:56:00.001-05:00

This weekend we had some friends over for breakfast and I made a feast. Being a designer it goes without saying that the end presentation is just as important as how the food tastes. I am by no means a cook. I've slowly learned to experiment and eyeball my measuring, and gradually I've become more comfortable in the kitchen. My greatest food trick is that it is easy to supplement things. Of course, you have to be careful but if there are flavors that you love, add em' in and don't be shy. I kept it simple with the staples — french toast, mini frittatas, bacon, and a sparse arugula salad. Our friends brought a delicious fruit salad and we topped it all off with mimosas. Wala. Breakfast is served. For the french toast I used a nice french loaf bread thinly cut and doused them in my egg and cinnamon mixture. So easy. And, for the frittatas I used this recipe. Super easy and pretty too! Cheers!

Happy Weekend

2013-02-01T14:17:00.001-05:00

Happy weekend! Another week gone by. I feel like I've been so busy lately I barely have time to think about this lil' ol blog of mine. But, nonetheless I've found that keeping up this blog (even sparsely at time) allows me to stay motivated, be creative, and keep trying to inspire or find inspiration. There is SO much content out there in the land of the internet that it can seem overwhelming at times. I have to constantly remind myself to simply take a step back every once in a while and stay true to why I started this in the first place. It is so easy to get discouraged or feel like you are not adding value in some way. Browsing Pinterest and seeing the myriad of pins of perfect outfits or apartments or designs — sometimes it feels like one big competition. That being said, it can do wonders to put yourself on a Pinterest break and get back to real things that inspire and focus on honing your skills in some other manner like drawing or taking pictures. It is an interesting battle I suppose. This media-driven world that we live in with the shortest attention span EVER! No wonder we're all trying to keep up. Anywho, I'll end this week with some links to pass the time and a thought provoking question that maybe isn't so easy to answer. What inspires you every day?

And now for some links from around the web...

A pretty February desktop calendar download.

This video CRACKED me up!

This body oil has single-handedly cured my winter blues.

Uh oh, another discount furniture site with some great finds!

A great music playlist via goldfish kiss.

One great site for printing your photos!

Look At This Instagram

2013-01-25T17:42:00.000-05:00

This week I flew to Dallas for some meetings. It was 70 and sunny and I didn't want to leave! It is SO cold in NY. We've spent our evenings cuddled up under our super warm furry blanket. Even the kitty has been joining us. Tonight we're off to see the XX in concert. So excited! And, for your viewing pleasure the FUNNIEST video ever, Look at This Instagram!!! Of course, pics above are all Instagrams. I'm guilty! Hilarious.

Mara Hoffman Swim at Madewell

2013-01-24T16:51:00.002-05:00

I've been traveling this week for work. Hello Dallas and 70 degrees! Busy busy, but I wanted to drop in quickly because Madewell currently has Mara Hoffman swimsuits at 40% off!! Love. Ok, that's all for now. Cheers! Oh, and, stay warm!

Happy Weekend!

2013-01-18T17:46:00.003-05:00

Happy weekend! This Friday I've got a lil' ikat for ya. Cuause, who doesn't love some ikat?! It is a long weekend and I'm pumped. Firstly because we're going to a great Mexican restaurant for dinner tonight where they have beer-garitas! Yerp. Then because all day tomorrow we have NOTHING to do! Next I'm excited because the Patriots are playing football on Sunday and its sure to be an edge-of-your-seat kinda day. Then I'm excited because I can sleep in on Monday which means I can consume as much coma-inducing football food and drink as I want on Sunday. Lastly I'm excited because we may stop by and see this show at the Moma. I say may because it really depends on how lazy I want to be. Given the cold temps this weekend I'm thinkin' pretty lazy — and I'm totally ok with that. Some links for your weekend:

Cookies JUST for 2

I love this wedding boat send-off

Adorable feather print from Satchel & Sage

A traveling design bus. Best idea ever!

Hatch Show Print

2013-01-17T17:49:00.000-05:00

I was talking to a colleague of mine recently and they mentioned Hatch Show Print shop. The conversation prompted me to go back through the photos I took when we visited Nashville way back last spring. Of course, I took tons of photos while visiting the shop. If you haven't heard of it, check it out! Lots of eye candy and typography to peruse.

Lately

2013-01-15T17:37:00.002-05:00

Just a quick iPhone edit {random assortment} of goings-ons lately. Of course, I have to end with a question that I would very much like a scientist to tell me the answer to — why do cats always sit right on top of those expensive electronic devices? WHY? We have been busy little bees lately with the holidays and what not. So, we're looking forward to some relaxing weekends this month. And we're booking tickets out to CA soon so I've been hard on the google searching for all things in and around the bay area. Oh what would we do without the googs? P.S. What is up with this weather? It has actually been warmer on the east coast than on the west coast. Apparently I need a solid hour in a coffee shop with a scientific genius. While I'm at it — what IS the Internet??? Well now I've really done it. I hope you've enjoyed this extremely random collection of Rachael thoughts as of late. P.P.S. How amazing were Tina and Amy at the Golden Globes?!

Happy Weekend

2013-01-11T17:11:00.003-05:00

Happy Weekend! This weekend we're doing a whole mix of things. I'm currently downing antibiotics and fighting off this sinus infection so I'm looking forward to sleeping in! But we are also visiting our friends new baby and bringing some of these along. Can't wait! Then we're going bowling with some friends and watching Sunday football. Perfecto. I'm also hoping to get outside and spend some time in Central Park. Happy weekend!

P.S.

I heart these temporary tattoos.

Currently obsessed with Mara Hoffman swimwear.

Really loving these unique wooden invites.

NYC restaurant week is next week!

Cute poster. Don't forget your manners.

Check out this amazing colored igloo!

Surfing Canada. Cool.

Design above by me, for you. XO Rachael

Under the Weather

2013-01-10T17:44:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling under the weather lately. I've got a sinus infection but its much more than that. I'm tired, not motivated, and lacking sunshine. I want Spring to be here! I need a pick-me-up. Luckily it is supposed to be sixty degrees this weekend! Hoping that will make me feel WAY better. P.S. I'm not the only one feeling under the weather.

Image via.

Resolutions

2013-01-08T09:26:00.000-05:00

I'm still somewhat in disbelief that another year has gone by. This past year was incredible for so many reasons and looking back, I've followed through on most of my previous resolutions which frankly never happens. Over the past year we've traveled to Costa Rica and China, we ran a half marathon, we moved to a new apartment, we spent crazy good time with family. I turned the big 3-0! I've been able to watch my brothers sprout up and grow both literally and figuratively. My youngest brother is flying airplanes and the other one is coming to the big city this summer for his first internship. Un-believable! So, how do we top 2012? Well, I've got a little list of resolutions to help keep the good times a rollin'. And, if we don't complete them all, there's always next year!

2013 Resolutions:

Get out there and be more active. There is a bruise the size of a soccer ball currently presiding on my inner thigh that is PROOF that this is already happening!

Keep traveling. Where to next? Well San Fran for one and then maybe...Thailand if I get my way?! ;) Reaching big here.

Make time for reading and just doing — whatever. Last weekend we played an intense game of scrabble and then just hung out. I perused my magazines and B did some budgeting. It was sheer bliss.

Cook more. This is also connected to the next one. Do you know how much money you can save by bringing breakfast and lunch to work every day? LOTS!!!

Make a budget and STICK to it! B has been doing excel spreadsheets lately looking at our spending. How much food do we eat? Apparently lots. We're going on a budget folks. The good news is most of our extravagant spending this past year was for family and friends. Lotsa weddings and new babies, folks. But that's the best kind of spending there is ;)

Send more hand-written letters and postcards. Its really becoming a lost art and my handwriting is just gettin' ugly.

Take a letterpress class. I've been wanting to do this forever. This one would be perfect.

I'm sure I'll think of more but for now this will suffice. Happy 2013 y'all!

Nailed It

2013-01-03T17:43:00.000-05:00

I wanted to add a little POP of color to an otherwise cold and gray January. SO I went and got a manicure. I chose nude and hot pink tips and I LOVE it. Such a fun little surprise. Next time I might try sea foam green or maybe even yellow. Loving this nude color though. Colors are: Essie, Brooch the Subject and Essie, Movers and Shakers. Also loving Essie, Where's My Chauffeur and Action! Hope your 2013 is off to a great start!

Happy New Year!

2013-01-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a fabulous new year! Happy 2013!

Native X

2012-12-31T11:46:00.004-05:00

I'm mentally marking the above to be included in my 'aztec' craze as of late. Native X features products designed by Native American artists. They are beautiful! And another Etsy find, of course, Inkkit which sells cute paper products worth a look!

Wanted: Sk8 Shades

2012-12-31T10:47:00.002-05:00

I recently came across these sunglasses via ITSWHATIMINTO. I love the craft that goes into making these and, I love how unique each pair is. Refurbished skateboards...I can think of a thousand things I'd like to make. Be sure to check out Sk8 Shades Etsy shop!

Joinery

2012-12-28T11:18:00.001-05:00

Given my recent obsession with all things aztec, these beautiful pieces from Joinery fall right into the "Wanted" category.

The perfect little pick-me-up for a bedroom makeover.

Goings On Around Here

2012-12-27T13:59:00.003-05:00

This just about sums up our Christmas so far. Lots of food, cute pups in Santa outfits, and time with family. I heart the holidays!