Buzzwords to make your heart swell

I stopped by Etsy this morning and stumbled across I Mudrov, an oil painter 

from San Francisco. And fell in love with his umbrellas. And than I looked further 

and realized that a recurring theme in his artwork was, bicycles, dogs and umbrellas. 

And if there are any buzzwords right now that would make your heart swell, tell me 

those three would be top on your list. I really enjoy the story that the combination of 

the three create in each composition. For example, look at the bottom painting, aren't 

you totally routing for these to strangers to get tangled up together by their dog's leashes. 

He will get one whiff of her perfume, she will get taken back by his musclely arms (haha)

 and Boom they are in love. {That's what I see ;) }

Stop in and check I Mudrov out. He has many more talents to present beyond what 

I have showcased.

Being Elmo. Marvelous

I am a huge fan of Documentaries. Especially documentaries featuring dreamy 

success stories of someone pursuing their dream like its no bodies business and 

knocking it out of the park. This inspiring  movie about Kevin Clash, Elmo's 

puppeteer, sheds light on the creation of Elmo as a character. And offers a peek 

into the creative world of Jim Henson and Sesame Street and what its like to see 

your dreams come true. And Kevin Clash is a  Baltimore native. Go Baltimore! 

P.S. You can see it on Netflix Instant View. 

Illustration Inspiration Featuring: Nicholas Gannon

Well folks, I have decided to add a new feature to the Meant for a Moment Blog. 

In dire need for some inspiration, I thought you too could benefit from my finds. So, 

from here forth, every Wednesday I will feature a new illustrator on my new 

weekly post entitled, Illustration Inspiration, to keep all of our creative juices flowing. 

This week, take a gander at Nicholas Gannon. I adore his color use and the sparse 

composition that he so beautifully lays out. You can feel the isolation of that little boy 

before you even know the story line. 

And the added shadows of the buildings are a great touch... a very subtle way to 

imply the building's presence without actually putting it in the picture. Bravo.

Pastels, I could wear you all day long.

I love the colors this spring! I want to paint my walls with them and fill my closets. 

Here are some great Pastel Finds from Zara

Another Noteworthy Day!

March really kicks off a slew of Birthdays... First Dr Seuss, and now my sister, Paige.

(And coming next week my dad {xoxo!}) I totally love her. I am actually sorry you all 

don't know her. She is so much fun and a really wonderful sister. 

Although she bears many skills here are just a few to celebrate today:

• She leaves the most amazing voicemail messages. Sometimes 

its a song, sometimes its an entire story, and sometimes I actually

 think I am decoding a riddle, its fun. 

• she makes ridiculous faces... as seen in above photo

• she knows great recipes... I mean great. Fish tacos, I drool.

• she always has something to talk about and is never upset if you 

need to do all the talking

and

• she laughs (really loud)

Happy Birthday Paige, I LOVE YOU!

A Very Special Day

Oh my Goodness, I could say a million words about how Dr Seuss has changed 

my soul. Without a doubt he has help point me in the direction I have headed. 

He was a pioneer and I would eat green eggs and ham with him in a house with a 

mouse any day! Happy Birthday to him!

The Everywhere Project

Have you seen the everywhere project pop up yet? It has just begun but it is very 

interesting. The Everywhere Project is a collaborative design project that pays tribute 

to the classic folk song “I’ve Been Everywhere”. It is curated by Adrian Walsh, 

a designer and illustrator based out of Southern California.

It looks as though they plan on featuring cities from just about... everywhere.

Corium Screen Printed Leather Bags - You have my Heart

These screen printed, leather bags have me emptying my bank account way before my 

proper bills are paid. Look at how pretty they are. I love the colors. But I am specifically

 drawn to that first one. It looks so natural, and comfortable. Corium offers bags of 

all sizes, check out more here.

What brands your Company?

I have been doing some really fun Branding and Identity work with my new 

favorite folks over at Red Gym Shoes, a philanthropic creative marketing company. 

Just wanted to post some of the highlights. 

Video Birth Announcement = Winner

And Everything Nice from John Jensen on Vimeo.

This amazing video is Guaranteed to make you cry the happiest of tears. 

This is a video birth announcement. {I know right, babies, I had to do it!} 

My sister is about to have her very first baby and we are gaga over babies right now. 

I hope this very creative, sweet and tender video puts a little warmth into your 

otherwise chilly February morning. 

Thanks Design Mom for the Inspiration

1 Dog and 236 Illustrators = Much Fun

A picture book for adults. 

This book features one adorable little pup, Morran, and 236 very talented illustrators. 

Each illustrator takes a very unique and personal direction as they create a portrait of 

Morran and are featured in a full page of this book. Flipping through the pages 

provides endless inspiration and much entertainment. 

Follow this link: HERE to see a full preview of the book. Grab a Cup of Joe and sit 

back and enjoy. 

Destination DREAMLAND

Well its Monday and the perfect time to get all your dreams mixed up and scattered 

into the air. Aren't these photos amazing. Doesn't the air just look so sweet here? 

Its Salar De Yuyni, Bolivia, the worlds largest salt flat. All of that crust fluffy looking 

whiteness is salt, and it spans 10, 582 km across Bolivia. Absolutely amazing. Lets go!

Decode your next Conversation

Heres more good body language indicators.

Learn the Body Language Rules from the FBI

photo credit the satorialist

More Details on Joe Navarro's 10 Commandments

Maddie the Agile Coon Hound...

This is Maddie the Coon Hound. I stumbled upon this awesome site this morning 

entitled, "Maddie on Things" and it made my day. How adorable is this hound and 

her adventuresome little spirit. You should check out the site, because Maddie gets 

on some pretty crazy things... Jungle Gyms, Fence Posts, Mail boxes, all with the 

stunning grace of a coon hound. Just had to share... hope it makes you smile. 

Drown. A Poem.

I found this on Pinterest this morning and I loved it. I just had to share it. 

It paints such a beautiful/tragic picture of the sea... 

I just started reading my first Hemingway. I wanted something with a little romance 

so my dad recommended 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' I am at the very beginning 

and am excited to get into the meat of it, because I know he to is a painter of words. 

DO you have a favorite Author?

Salted Caramel Lava Cake

Oh can you just Imagine making this HOME MADE and presenting this at your table. 

The biggest reward would be diving in and eating it up once its ready. Heres what you would need:

For really useful tips on how to complete this recipe without messing it up

head on over to vegetarian nirvana {xox} 

Happy Friday

What are you doing this weekend? I am so excited that it is Friday, we have a 

busy weekend but it is filled up with fun things like lunch with friends and parties

 for sailors so I am looking forward to it!Tonight we have dinner reservations for a 

belated Valentine's Day Date {xox} Alright!

Have a fun Weekend and Don't forget to play!

Back to the Future

Is this cracking you up!? Its Irina Werning's Back to the Future series. 

My absolute favorite is this one:

Look at those hat and those glasses. Can we agree that this would be the must fun 

you can have at a photo shoot? There is more here, check it out. After all it is Friday!

High Street Market, I adore you.

I don't know if you pop over to Cup of Joe's lifestyle blog ever. {If you have never 

been I highly recommend the meander} Yesterday she was giving away a gift certificate 

towards High Street Market... Oh I Melt! They have the most amazing vintage inspired

 home decor items, both fabulous and affordable. That blue enameled serving tray is $28. 

And that unbelievable embroidered table cloth is only $95. 

And P.S. That is a framed Vintage print of Baltimore, wouldn't that make a great

wedding present for someone getting married in the city... And check it out, they have 

a ton of vintage city maps.