the CHAD

tonight (since it's been too long) I leave you with my brief convo with my cheesetastic, mr. hollywood, shag-wearin, celebrity real estate crush, Chad Rogers from Bravo's Million Dollar Listing, via tweeeeter (read bottom up) >

be Jealous!

(hahaha, pathetic)

Also, a print I'm feeling at the moment (the designer as well)...

 TYPE and SCRIBBLES simply RULE

Projects are coming first these days so Bear with me! Hope to get back to writing you all soon. Can't wait to share my holiday reapings and memories with you all :)

Hope the Holidays are treating you great with family and friends,
LZ

inspire my ink

as the countdown continues to a -what seems like- faster approach of Christmas than usual, I am getting super pumped for what's to come. Perhaps, what I am the most anxious for is my gift card to Blick Art Supplies. Cannot wait to get my hands on some splatterin goods. So as I have been too busy to post much this week, I have still made time to be looking for some subject-to-art inspiration. My first project will probably be a massive painting. I am trying to think of a way I can mix my styles of geometric design, subtle typography and classic photography into one piece...kind of some modern-tude.

Until I have time to post more, here's some ta-die-for prints I've been getting inspired by from Marimekko, an Finnish textile and clothing design company that's been awing admirers since the filthy 50's.

And..this real cute black & white photo of me and my lover, Franco, by the beach..

 Thx DesignLoveFest. LZ

this chick makes me tick

what a nice long break, wouldn't you agree? My posts (lack there of) reflect it. That's right, I took a long, hard hiatus from everything social media-esque..well, sort of. Twitter and Facebook are kind of a must. Too easy. Apps for smart phones are really a terrible idea because of it...

As I always do before I go to bed, I surf the blog world for inspiration and one that I keep coming back to is miss Bri Emery of DesignLoveFest. Love her. Totally someone I aspire to be someday. Not only is she sweet as sugar cane, but her style is funk-a-licious (stripes, lace, red lips, tats and a huge red bow?..come on) Not to mention, a killer graphic designer. She also is an obsessor of typography like me AND only 24 years young, like me! Yeah, you could say she got it together.

One of her most recent works has been with RUE, an online interior and lifestyle magazine, which I've been following ever since it launched. She serves as the Art Director, of course. Talent is in no way wasted there! Check out their Holiday issue. It's only their second issue and I absolutely love everything they are doing. Chock-full of gorgeous photography and whimsical word/visual pairings. My ideal career scenario without a doubt... something about working with all kinds of different creatives under one roof that make your career so much more like a playground.

My favorite Rue Issue Two feature, mitts down, would have to be Jingle Girl Rock and the cute little vid called "Ribbons" documenting the shoot (shot at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway) to go along with. How..much fun...are these gals having? Nashville meets groovesters kind of Christmas. That's it. I'm mimicking. Now all I need is a cobblestone wall, a few choice friends and a good-looking DJ...preferably a scratcher of thee records. Know of any?

Chums, LZ

Bri, consider your fanciful footsteps followed :)

poppycock, coffee talk

Poppycock, not really. It was actually quite insightful, as all conversations in coffee shops are supposed to be right? My friend and ex-classmate Alex had a brilliant idea that we try to get together once a week to discuss our understandings of the book "Mere Christianity" by da man, C.S. Lewis. Alex is kicking my butt in word consumption (nerd) but so far, so great. I am so grateful to have somebody that's so on fire about the topic right now. It's exactly what I need.

I tease with him that he's my accountant, because he literally is. He keeps me accountable on many levels, both creatively and spiritually. We share similar passions in all things design and music related (he's a designer *check out his Haiti work* and musician) but I love how we are able to relate to each other on this spiritual level as well. Just one God-loving fella, inspiring me in more ways than one. The honesty is there and I know that these accounting "sessions" will challenge us to be better human beings.

I love coffee dates with friends. Especially ones where they let me take their picture and not label it creepy... because, it kind of is. Whatever. He understands artsy attempts..

I call it "hand on miniature coffee"

Here's to accountability..and an un-manic Monday!
Cheerio, LZ

carry on, cherry bomb

It's that kind of feeling again. Freedom. And boy does it feel good. Two songs that I started the day off with were "Dear Prudence" by The Beatles and Snow Patrol's "Just Say Yes" and both are great at bringing on your own kind of revolution from within. The timing has been perfect. With a couple co-workers, friends and a few family members getting a renewed path of their own and with it being so close to the holidays, I feel excitement..

It's almost as if your eyes have been closed for an extensive amount of time only to be opened to a few thousand Picasso's and Caravaggio's alike at lens reach. No one or anything holding you back... not even the stuffy curator.

So carry on with your bad self...creating real relationships and experiences. Feels gooood doesn't it?

  a blog project following creatives in the city...from behind. 

a personal fav > downtown from behind

ed hardy har har

long time, no post I know. I apologize, but trust me, a break was much needed. All I'm going to say is beware of guys who run out on your love in little Ed Hardy undies. You think you know someone, but surprisingly you don't. Life is loco, and unfortunately, so are some people. The upside of this little "freak" accident is that your true friends and family are right there, backing you up (and bonus!..you get the last laugh). You realize who the most important people are in your life - and who, not so much.

I'm not one to really dote on drama, so I progress - as anyone in these types of situations should. Pick up and move on. Because that's more than they will ever do...gracefully.

On with life...and love! Because there's too much of that good stuff to go to waste. Am I right?

Heart you all,
LZ

"tylenol pm" kind of nights

so the past couple days/nights have been a little bit of a blur, but I have AMAZING friends and family that have kept me afloat so I thank all of you for that. Please bear with me as I try to get through this tylenol- PM-coma of a phase. Promise I'll be back in full force with more random bits and inspiration here in a jiff.

Definitely a song I'm feeling at the moment thanks to a good friend >> http://hypem.com/track/1227013/Bedouin+Soundclash+-+Brutal+Hearts+ft+Coeur+de+Pirate (just press play to the right of the title) Song speaks to me so much. (ahhh sweet french vocals and reggae beats)

Thanks for the support...love you all!

Off I am to face-plant,
LZ

pumpkin yumkin

Soooo I have these pumpkins out front on my patio, just staring at each other, unseen by passersby (second floor I reside) and they really seem to be serving no decorative purpose since I kind of missed out on the carving this year (there's a bunch of fall festivity scrooges around here!) so I think it's their time. I have one large plump guy that is just asking to be made into something scrumptious and fat-transferred and well, the other is oddly small with an awkward stem --some grinch of a boyfriend refused to take it, my gift to him--"the neighborhood kids might get a hold of it and smash it up against my house!"

I think it's just because it might be cuter than him.

Anyways, I've been digging into some different pumpkin recipes and came across this one and absolutely swooned in a spoon. I came across it on one of my favorite blogs, A Cup of Jo just yesterday. Now I know my mom is probably thinking, but Lindsay, this recipe doesn't call for any pumpkin mush? You're right momma, strictly pumpkin puree. No substitutions.

Eh, I'll find a use for those misfit pumpkins yet.

get the recipe > HERE courtesy of A Merry Mishap

Right now, it's pumpkin and chocolate chip cookie time! I cleaned out my ingredient cupboard tonight and found myself sampling half of it in preparation.

I hope everyone is getting some baking in this season, whether with something traditional or something wacky-out-side-of-this-world creative. I know three-fifths of my family back home is probably getting their bake on. Probably prancing around in their matching aprons too..

Please feel free to share some of your favorite fall treat-skis!

Happy non-burnt baking,
Lindsay

beetch-side reading

Why hello, hello!

Short post tonight but thought I would just share my newest --and quite anticipated I might add-- book to my yet small collection. It's top notch! New York City BA boss woman, PR mogul, and supermom, Kelly Cutrone's book If You Have to Cry Go Outside (and Other Things Your Mother Never Told You) has been a must-read on my list for ages (okay, since the memoir came out in February). Not only is she an amazing career-driven mama, but she also works hard mentoring young women everywhere in achieving their ultimate potential and beyond. I would love to work under her someday. A woman who knows what the heck she's doing and is not too good to point out her own blasted mistakes..she's wicked.

The back cover copy I believe says it best: (quoting Miss Cutrone)

"I'm not here to tell you how to get the perfect Margiela wardrobe or the perfect man or the perfect job in fashion. I've had all these things, and trust me, there's a bigger prize to be had. I believe the world will change only when we change ourselves. An that starts with finding ourselves. And that starts with listening to ourselves, learning to quiet the clamor in our minds and the voices of everyone around us and moving toward what feels right. It means taking a journey like the spectacular and terrifying and ultimately mind-blowing adventure I've been on. I hope that you, too, will choose to have a journey instead of just a life. Actually, I hope it's a full-on expedition."

Can't wait to dig into this little publication pleasure on the plane in between elbow nudgin' and fist pumpin' our way down to Mexico tomorrow. Think it'll make for some perfect beachside reading as well, with a fresh piña colada at hip, while my boyfriend tries swimmin with the fishes..what am I sayin, I'll be right there with him.

Must go pack! ugh..I have nothing to wear. Have a great Wednesday!

Love, LZ

u.f.o. sightings about lake

Not really. But similar sightings. On land. I call them U.C.O.'s. Unidentified Cyclist Objects. Some quick odd, a few downright hilarious and others, very warming. My run/walk (more like a stroll?) around Lake Zorinsky yesterday was just what anyone deserves at the end of an eventful weekend. Not that my weekend was anything to squak or complain about, but it was needed nonetheless. To wind the social nerves in me down I suppose. It always helps clear the senses if you know what I mean?

Literally, by the end of my two hour, what felt like, "hike" around the pond, my stomach was acting like it was on the verge of collapsing in starvation. Dang weak sauce stomach. This is when I came to realization I could never flounce about with my nature-loving, daredevil of an adventurist/idol, Bear Grylls. I would never survive. HUGE disappointment.

Anyways, here are some of the U.C.O.'s I came across along my footloose journey about lake, some in which I even made awkward eye contact with. Hello creepy man with ghouly, almost expressionless face, wearing unnecessary shades (it was misting for petey's sake), an old school Nebraska letterman jacket and rolled up jeans (he passed me twice so I can't be certain he was even human!)..

(unfortunately these photos are not of exact U.C.O. sightings. they are for pure reenactment purposes, which don't do the sightings justice, but work for show-'n'-tell)

imagine this guy in an old school Nebraska letter jacket..cha-chinging his way past you. Yes, kind of adorable I suppose.

yes, there was one that looked exactly like this..almost giggling in mockery as he zipped past. "you'll never catch mehehee"

I'm dead serious. A man boy sporting a propeller hat. 

he wasn't quite in this attire, but--a propeller helmet?

last, butt certainly not crack...jk

a photo of my shoezees and colorful fall leaves..

to get your mind off the last image ;)

All in all, my stroll about lake was a refreshing venture. I leave you with a few new sections I shall be updating weekly in random posts..Enjoy!

++ Places to Try

 Dante Pizzeria Napoletana, Omaha; one of my fav pizza joints (can I call it a joint?) in town. Wood-burning oven made and fresh ingredients. Went with my friend Laura this past Saturday and split a margherita pizza, which fed us perfectly, paired with sparkling water. Topped it off with a caramel apple custard for dessert. Both the company and eats, heavenly. 

++ Blessings

For my sister Brooke, in her successful self-choreographed dance this past Friday and for her strength in dealing with losing a good friend.

For my sister Meagan and her husband Anthony, in their new and improved humble abode in Norfolk that they just moved into this weekend. Happy dwelling!

For my parents, who are undergoing mass changes in their living arrangements as well with remodeling. Hope it all continues to run smoothly.

For my friend Heather, who just landed a sweet ace job as the Event and Administrative Coordinator for the Douglas County Historical Society. Congrats!

For my boyfriendy Troy, in having his best month ever in sales at Print Co last month. Hot dawg.

Have a splendid Tuesday and feel free to fill me in on your happenings if I have in any way sparked any. Throw out any random ya got. Dare ya.

Love, LZ

bubba gumbo burrito

Hello All!

So sorry I had to skip my Wednesday post. Crazy busy day, like most. But the evening..even wilder. Got to sneak in a little Qdoba action which included a giant chicken burrito that I tried to force feed Troy (he absolutely loves burritos, but turns down mine?), gumbo which I got to try for the first time and then of course a couple refreshers of dr. pepper. Uh-yummm. And it was an early evening meal for once! I believe it was around seven bells, which has to be a record for us. Count it!

Speaking of fine dining, did you know that Omaha's very own restaurants were featured on Food Wars last night?? It was a battle royale between two Italian steakhouses, Caniglia's Venice Inn and Piccolo Pete's. Venice Inn happens to be only a couple blocks away from Troy's place so I would of been biased. Also, because it's the only one I've tried. So which fine establishment took home the steak? Don't know. We forgot to dvr it! But my guess is Caniglia's. They have the best salad bar in town hands down.

After Qdoba it was a little Bed, Bath and Beyond time. Actually, it was just one of those things that you just kind of stumble upon before the drive home. "Oh yeah, I need some new pillows!" Troy blurts. Thirty minutes and a couple distractions later, we finally made our way over to pillow land. After some high profile pillow experiments were conducted (which for Troy included leg squeezes and head trials with various plush cushions), he finally decides...on a TempurPedic. I've never seen someone get so giddy about a dang pillow before! "But Lindsay, my back don't you know?" Ah yes, your back.

Fast forward a couple hours later to a finicky old man in his late twenties, laying in bed. "Man, this pillow is so stiff! I hope it doesn't annoy me." I give him two days before he's back in BBB exchanging that rock. I think I'll place my bet...now.

 Troy Pillow Trialing...a new Olympic sport.

Have a Grand Friday! Can't wait to fill you in on our adventures from the pumpkin and berry farm from today. Maybe this weekend? Hope your enjoying this spectacular fall weather!

Love, LZ

 

I actually HAD a dream

So today's theme was bridges. Only because I had a dream about them last night. Folks, I barely remember my dreams so I figured I better put what I had left in memory about it all into good illustratable use. And yes, I am visually quoting a dream from last night at midnight the following day..which I guess would make it two days later? But that's besides the point. The point is, I remembered a dream. It included a bridge --a massive, futuristic, black and white, odd looking bridge-- and that's it really. Location: maybe Vermtown (if that really matters?)

The reason for being on that bridge, I have no idea. Kind of a pointless little dream I would say. But I do remember carrying a skateboard, having a sidekick and rocking skinny, punk-like jeans only my youngest sister could maaaybe pull off. I believe my Clyde was a childhood friend who I haven't been in a room and/or a conversation alone with for probably..ever. But we used to be friends. I guess we are still Facebook friends. So I guess that would make us...dream buddies?

Anyways, I figured I would make something of this glorified "suspended skate ramp" from my dream for home decor ideas. I always have been quite intrigued by them (bridges, not skate ramps) and really dig all the angles you can capture from them, depending on where you are standing. Except for under the contraption...I think that might be downright dangerous!

So I bring to you my Random Brooklyn Bridge Decor Collection for your..wherever!

Dream Away and have a great Wednesday!
Love, LZ

how I would LOVE to put this up on one of my stark white walls in my apartment!

Vinyl Wall Decal Sticker, Brooklyn Bridge New York NYC, $55, etsy.com

 

what a cool idea for coasters! this needs to be a future DIY project :)

New York City Stone Drink Coaster Set-Set of 4, $36, etsy.com

 an alternative way to learning the architecture of the bridge while kitchen cleanin'

Brooklyn Bridge Architectural Floursack Towels, $20, etsy.com

 does this photo make anyone else dizzy? love its focus on strength though 

Photography NYC Brooklyn Bridge print 5x7, $13, etsy.com

let's make things official

This is my first official blog post, Hoo-Rah!

I would love to thank the academy and all those around me who have inspired me and brought me to start one. Without you, my glorious thoughts would be kept inside..left to only torture/bore myself with. Hurumph. Lucky Yous! But seriously, I do have my own muses..and they best know who they are. I'm not in the mood to list names but they are really great people. I promise you. In every step, glance and confused face I create, I somehow become inspired..sometimes more than my little mind/imagination station can handle! So I'm really hoping this will relieve a little of my pent up creative frustration..you better pray it does anyways.

The interpretation of my blog --country muse, city muse-- is quite simple. The first 18 lovely years of my life was spent on a family farm back in Pierce, Nebraska. And I mean a real live milking, chore listin', tractor ridin' abode. With stay-at-home parents for a majority of my childhood and two younger sisters, most of my upbringing was spent outside. Playing. Working. Dreaming. Until now.

Country Life: I believe this is where most of my creativity stemmed from. Not in just your normal outside, playing in the dirt, getting your hands (mostly fingernails) grimey..but moreso in the other free-form moments. Boy, I took so much pride in my imagination when it came to "playing" house/school/radio shows..yes radio shows (don't judge). I'm sure it had something with being the eldest, but I always liked the sense of control I had when coming up with a new playtime activity. And my-oh were some of them silly..to some, quite strange? Yeah, let's go ahead, take a broom and sweep "roads" throughout the whole entire farm and create our own little "Sim Village" for bike people? Sounds like a great idea..

All in all, I credit the country for sparking that little bit of -although juvinile- creativity in me. The craziest of ideas were spilled out here...filterless. This is where my love for design, and all things beautiful, began.

City Life: Some might laugh when they hear me use this term..especially given where I live right now. Omaha, Nebraska is not quite the ideal spokesperson (place?) for city livin that's for sure..I mean come on, we don't even have a city slogan? No, "Omaha is my Homaha" does not quite count--although catchy? Catchier than most.

I don't know exactly when my desire for city life and for the world unknown began, but let's just say -as much as I loved growing up in the country- that I always knew I was made to go against the grain. I wanted to break away from all the things I knew and experience everything else I hadn't the slightest, grass shard, idea of. Even if it meant I look like an outcast. I need one of those "easy" buttons for that comment.

Almost every one of my dad's siblings grew up on the farm and then moved away..states away..the second they graduated high school. A lot of my family vacation time was spent traveling to see these aunts, uncles and cousins galore--exposing me to the great "land of the west," one Holiday Inn at a time. Although we aren't talking straight urban talk here, traveling is where I developed my love for everything music, art, architecture, food, fashion, culture..and eventually, design. But the nomadism continues. Never do I have an "untraveling" moment with my eyes when it comes to design. I could be looking at pieces of a broken mirror and appreciate the aesthetic of its own destruction. Superstitious, I am not.

So with that said. I hope you look at my posts with a little more appreciation now understanding a fraction of where all these crazy blurts come from (or you could just blame my mom..I do). If you have any thoughts, sidenotes or experiences to add--by all means, share! After all, that is the point of this little bloggy. Like most, to inspire and become inspired!

+++ And let's Thank God that this blog has been brought to you in digital form..you wouldn't be able to read a lick of it otherwise. Also bear in mind, I may create a few words up along the way. Journalist friends..back off.

So grab a fig newton and a glass of cheap chardonnay while we channel into new dimensions of creative stimulation! A little much? Maybe so..