Print Perfection

An Ode to Vogue 

This publication never ceases to amaze me with the absolutely gorgeous design, and the inevitable creativity that is intermittently spread throughout the entire 250 compilation. 

The design aesthetic, coordinating color palettes, explicit layout, and the precision that is displayed on every single page of this magazine is incredibly inspiring.

For those design savvy readers out there, subscribing to a variety of different magazines is a really great way to help to build what I like to refer to, as your "style library." A compilation of different stylistic ideas that inspire you to create.

One of the beautiful things about design, aside from its quite obvious grace, is that whether your medium is print, or digital; film, or still; or any of the like- ideas that spark in your mind can be applied in some form or another to every medium. 

This months' issue of Vogue- as picture above, included a surprise in the middle of the edition. One page was designed into what looked like a Christmas gift,  when you opened the gift the flaps of paper unfolded to reveal a exquisite design layout of varying 2012 Christmas Gift ideas, and a pull away Holiday Gift Guide, "mini" magazine!

Techniques like this are popular, and increase interested readership because of the audience participation factor, much like an interactive website online!

What are some of your favorite magazines?

Subscribe to Vogue Magazine here!

Getting into the Christmas Spirit!

Here are just a few things I love about the season:

Candy Canes

Family Traditions

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Holiday Baking

Tree Lightings

Seasonal Fun in the City

Holiday Music

Ice Skating in the Commons

Jingle Bells 

Mistel Toe

I just had to share....

Have you heard of...

GOOGLE WEB FONTS?

if not check it out!

What is it? A beautiful collection of quality typography, made free, simple, and easily accessible for anyone in the world to download and utilize!

http://www.google.com/webfonts#

"Our goal is to create a directory of web fonts for the world to use. Our API service makes it easy to add Google Web Fonts to a website in seconds. The service runs on Google's servers which are fast, reliable and tested. Google provides this service free of charge."

If you click the above link it will take you exactly where you want to go to find incredible, new and fun fonts for any of your creations!

If you scroll through and find a font that you really want to add to your computers memory- click the font, and "add to your collection." You can add as many as you would like! Once you have a few selected/added into your "collection," look in the upper right corner of the page display and click "Download Collection." The collection will then import into your computer hardrives' "Downloads" folder- in their own respective individual folders. Drag the font folders to your computers' "fonts" section and viola! 

Next time your looking to change the type face of your work- the font names you added will be there!

Without spending upwards of $1,200 on Adobe Fonts- this is a seriously awesome tool to use instead for finding new fonts!

"A web with web fonts is more beautiful, readable, accessible and open."

Quote of the Day!

A Very Special Happy Birthday...

to one my best friends- the always loyal, cheerful, enthusiastic, bubbly, and kind hearted

Erica!

My birthday week twin ;) 

Taking 22 by storm! 

I love you! Have the most beautiful day!

& of course.... the ever so fitting "22" by T-Swift to celebrate :)

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Enjoy the time with your loved ones, 

and take some time to reflect on all we have to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Quote of the Day!

Recently Stumbled Upon...

Lately, I have been spending some time sifting through my own interests trying to decide what industry I am most interested in pursuing as a career path. 

I have always been more creative and artistically minded, especially over subjects like mathematics or science. I love to create, I am enthusiastic about design, and I have a genuine appreciation for a well put together piece of artwork...of any type. 

There are so many different industries which involve creativity in design, especially in regards to Communications related businesses. 

Aesthetics have an enormous impact on the power of messages, as well as an influence over an audiences perception of the way a company presents itself. Now, I am positive I will have many opportunities to experience a variety of jobs among the creative industry of communications and message delivery- however I have come to the conclusion that what excites me most about the possibilities in my future...are graphic design related. 

I stumbled upon this business + blog, Fabulous K... the screen shot of the main page is pictured below- you should definitely check it out and explore her portfolio!

I think for now, I would definitely be comfortable saying it is a goal, and maybe dream of mine to have my own graphic design company at some point in my future.

That's only for now though, my mind is always racing in a million directions and I am continually inspired by new things every day  :)

What inspires you throughout the course of your day to day life?

Holiday Accessories

Looking for the perfect earring to accompany any of your holiday ensembles this season?
Here are a few classic options! 

The great thing about chandelier crystal earrings, is that there are so many style options at almost any price point !

Above are a couple pairs that I just happened to love- ranging from various price ranges to fit your budget!

Here are the product details! 

Quote of the Day!

Almost Home!!

and I cannot wait to see so many friends and family members <3

Awaiting Winter

I am in love with everything that is winter in New England...especially bundling up! Here are some winter essentials!

Scarves are one of my favorite winter accessories. Cute, cozy and they mix and match so easily!

Check out the specifics on these items here!

Quote of the Day!

Blog Under Construction!

A Clutch for Every Occasion

For more details on these products, click here!

A Very Special Birthday...

Happy Birthday Dad!

To the most incredible Dad a girl could ask for. 

I wouldn't be where I am today, without you, and you mean the world to me!

I hope you have the best birthday!!

I love you!

Quote of the Day!

A Winter Wish List Look

J.Crew Excursion Quilted Vest {Herringbone}
Skinny Jean {GAP has great jeans too!}
Dark Leather Equestrian Boot {The pair shown is Vince Camuto}
J.Crew Crewneck Sweater {Love the patches!}
Snood Style Scarf
Michael Kors Chocolate Leather Slim Runway 3-Hand Watch

Thanksgiving Dessert

Here are the types of desserts and fun that grace my families' dinner table after the dinner plates have been cleared...

What types of desserts/ traditions post Thanksgiving dinner do your friends and family share?

The one thing that I traditionally am responsible for making, besides stuffing the celery and assembling the cheese and cracker plate, is the pudding pie!

My mother, who happens to be a professional chef and currently working as head baker at the Good Day Cafe, takes care of everything else- including the Apple, Pumpkin, and Pecan pie all served with either whip cream or ice cream. :)

We also have both coffee and tea drinkers in my family, so we always have options for both desires.

It has been tradition since the days when my entire extended family would celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner at my Mimi and Papa's house, to have andes mints after dinner- this has carried on to dinners at my house.

What are you thankful for this year?

Holiday Gift Guide Round 2

1) This nifty trinket found at Kebo is a one handed bottle opener! 

2) It's highly possible that the last time he went shopping for himself for clothes was awhile ago- a nice pullover 1/4 zip sweater like this one from J.Crew are a nice addition to his wardrobe especially in the winter months!

3) I found this Birchbox alarm clock- fit for your Iphone or Ipod to not only charge overnight, but act as the face of the clock! A retro style...modernized!

4) Music is everywhere, with these Beats By Dre in ear headphones, he'll be able to listen to his music anywhere. 

5) Wallets are one of those things that tend to last forever, but it's nice every now and then to replace the old with a new leather wallet.

6) Watches...again! Watches are an essential piece in any men's collection. This one from GShock is slightly larger, but sleek in it's black aviator design. 

7) Looking for something simple! A quick tip from Cate lead me to these awesome needlepoint college themed Smathers and Branson key fobs, belts and accessories!

8) Tickets to his favorite sporting even are always a hit! A little bit pricey, but its a gift you both can enjoy together! (sadly, the NHL is still under the lockout but I am hopefully we'll be at the Garden to watch the B's before the winter is over)

9) Slippers are a mans best friend. I am a big fan of the Ugg slippers, but a pricier- all weather option can be found at Quody, their Lodge Moc Sheepskin Slipper is a top seller!

10) Lastly, and again- this one can be tricky... if he isn't one of those types that has a scent and he will wear it till the end of time- find one that you love and pop it in his stocking or hang it from the tree. Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani is currently the most favorited men's fragrance at Nordstrom's if your looking for a hint!

Quote of the Day!

Holiday Gift Guide Round 1

1) If your having trouble thinking of a great gift, a year long magazine subscription to a magazine she would love is perfect!

2) Leopard anything is usually a good idea, but flats in general are always key!

3) Makeup is sometimes tough, but if you know what she likes- or even just step into Sephora they'll be able to help you out!

4) Watches, watches, watches! Happen to be one of my favorite collections!

5) Clutches, wallets, or cross body purses are not only very useful, but stylish and fun!

6) Perfume is tough, but chances are if you pick out a smell you love, she will like it too :)

7) Now that winter is truly right around the corner, ear muffs are an affordable, practical and adorable gift!

8) Sometimes I stumble across the cutest things on Etsy, I just LOVE this sign- and the best part? You can customize the city or place to your liking!

9) You can never go wrong with a cute sweater or cardigan...

10) Pearls are pricey, but if its someone super special they make not only a sentimental but thoughtful gift, one she'll always remember!

Quote of the Day

above all else... 

November, Notre Dame... a week in pictures

What did your week look like?

Belated Halloween celebrations, the first snowfall of the season, beginning of the Holy War w/ a BC Hockey win over Notre Dame, ND Game Day, BC Rowing presents the American Flag, The Holy War in Alumni with my besties <3

It was quite a week :)

it's been a busy day so i'll leave you with this

Quote of the Day! It's Election Day!

What is TUT?

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine forwarded me an email she had received, the sender was listed as "The Universe."

I glanced at the subject of the email, which read "TUT... A Note from the Universe"

So naturally I was intrigued. My friend was receiving apparent emails from the Universe? 

Well as it turns out, she had subscribed to TUT, namely {Totally Unique Thoughts} a website dedicated to reminding others of the of life's fundamental truths; "that life is magical, that we are adored and powerful, and that dreams really do come true."

Now the note from my friend began with, "a totally cheesy M-F motivational email service I subscribe to..." and essentially the website/organization, and subscription to Notes from the Universe {the notes are brief passages written by "The Universe," personalized with your name and goals, and designed to remind you or life's magic and your power in regards to your own specific situations.} comes across as being just that- very cheesy, and somewhat cliché. Nonetheless, I was curious and decided to try it out. 

Admittedly I am not a huge believer in superstitions, there are a few I am loyal to- but overall I would say I am pretty practical and realistic about most things. 

I decided to subscribe to Notes from the Universe to test it out to see just what it was  friend liked about it. 

The registration process was simple enough, they asked for typical demographic information, a short term + long term goal, and a 1 or 2 words of significance. I initially thought, there is no way that any email I receive from this supposed "Universe" would pertain to the happenings of my life based on the information they required. 

There was no way!

...and then I got my first Monday email, which was eerily relatable to things going on in my life at the time. I thought to myself, okay well that was lucky. 

Tuesday-Friday's emails came and went;

they are short, sweet, and to the point- for example here's one of the first few I received...

" At any point in one's life, Jennifer, the greater the uncertainties they face, the greater their chances of hitting a major, life-changin "home run."

                        Rock the Casbah,
                                  The Universe "

Here's the gist of this post...

 I am not sure how it works, I can honestly say that part of me still finds it to be eerily ironic, and it is definitely a stretch- but the M-F emails I receive first thing in the morning from The Universe almost always related completely to my life and provide some sort of inspiration or thought provoking start to my day. 

If your as intrigued as I was- then give it a whirl for yourself and see what The Universe has up it's sleeve for you...who knows, the morning messages might come at just the right time?

Click here --> Notes from the Universe

A Vision in Black

As we move into the colder winter months, the warmer clothes are coming back. Among my individual winter style, black typically ends up being my go to color, here are a few items I'm loving! It is quite obvious these wouldn't be paired together all at once, but on their own they make quite a statement! 

For Details on these Items: Click Here!

Quote of the Day!

It's finally NOVEMBER!

Jacquard Keyhole Blouse / Toothpick Jean / Pullover Snap-T  / Frye Boot / Carlisle Street Wallet / Nikolay-Biryukov Photography

Quote of the Day!

Hot this Week!

Gap Princess Princess Seam Dress / Gryphon Cotton Blend Twill Peacoat / Cece Leather Ballet Flat / Tory Burch Robinson Envelope Clutch / Lacy Not Racy- Essie Nail Polish / Miss Dior Le Parfum / Taylor Swift Cover Shoot for Marie Claire's UK November Issue