Cloverdew Creative

design by Fifi du Vie

Eat Like an Artist in 2012 ♥ my new Wonderland playlist on Spotify ♥ iCal ♥ the above image from Fifi du Vie ♥ Being Erica ♥ Jay Z and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne ♥ Move and the world will get the fuck out of your way. – <3 Hey Amber Rae ♥ Pinterest ♥ This post about a true adventurer and his 365 photography project (make sure to watch the fascinating and moving video). ♥ the complete works of Shakespeare free for iOS ♥ Shit DC Says ♥ letterpress business cards ♥ John Legend’s cover of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep (can you imagine if they collaborated? OMG.) ♥ Adobe Bridge ♥ mimosas ♥ President Obama singing Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together ♥

What adventures are you up to? I’m brainstorming my own for 2012…

Shiny New Year love list:

origin: unknown (Is this yours? Let me know so I can credit you.)

Pantone and Sephora teaming up for a new beauty line!  ♥ SARK at TEDxFiDiWomen ”Succulence is Powerful” (YouTube video) ♥ friends who are always there no matter how many miles or days come between you ♥ Inbox: 1 (as close to zero as I can get realistically) ♥ teaching my mom how to use Flipboard and getting links from her as a result ♥ Janelle Monae ♥ handmade quilts ♥ warm and fuzzy sweaters ♥ The Definitive Color Wheel ♥ these 30 Things to Start Doing for Yourself ♥ light and fluffy snow falling ♥ laughing with my coworkers ♥ my brand new Nook (thanks, bro!) ♥ my new nightstand and lamp from IKEA ♥ starting the New Year off with a fantastic brunch shared with good friends in my new home ♥ having less than an hour commute ♥ using traveling as an excuse to buy my favorite magazines ♥ Rihanna’s You Da One ♥ reading through my old blog entries ♥ President Barack Obama sings Lady Gaga’s Born This Way (YouTube video) ♥ LUSH’s Stimulating Spice Shampoo ♥ Twelve Things You Were Not Taught in School About Creative Thinking (great article on creative thought processes) ♥ some wonderful inspiration from Louise Hay on how to love yourself and why you should start NOW! ♥ research and creative projects ♥ Hyperbole and a Half’s alot (must read: hilarious, especially for grammar nerds like me!) ♥ the fact that it’s Friday ♥ a Lord of the Rings (extended editions, of course) movie marathon with good friends ♥ my new Tumblr theme ♥

The Alot is Better Than You at Everything (image source: Hyperbole and a Half)

What are you loving right now?

A canary’s song, the bright sun on a cold winter’s day, a warm glow from a lamp to read by. What comfort and joy yellow brings to our lives!

1. ” Yellow Peppers “, 2. Yellow Leaves, 3. Yellow Rose, 4. Yellow Pom Poms again, 5. Yellow, 6. yellow pencils, 7. Yellow Hydrant, 8. yellow river, 9. Yellow balloons

For years, women used yellow ribbons to welcome home their men from war. Even today, they are used to embrace loved ones returning. Yellow is the color of creative and intellectual energy. Yellow symbolizes wisdom, joy and happiness. Yellow is representative of optimism and enlightenment. The color stimulates the long and medium wavelength cone cells in the retina. It stimulates the brain and nervous system, activates memory, and encourages communication. Yellow is often associated with food (see: McDonald’s Golden Arches).  Yellow is the color of the third chakra and is often associated with the South cardinal direction.

In design, yellow is used to add brightness, to evoke pleasant and cheerful feelings, and to generate muscle energy. Bright yellow is an attention-getter because it is the easiest color to see (even most colorblind people can see yellow). When used with black, yellow creates a warning sign.

As with red and orange, yellow is often used to emphasize elements of design that are most important. Yellow is best used sparingly, since it can easily overwhelm.

• For more about the benefits and effects of yellow in web design, read about the Anatomy of Colors in Web Design: Yellow and the Sunshine Feel.
• Look to pops of yellow to invigorate your interior design.
• Activate your Manipūra (मणिपूर) or yellow chakra to aid with dynamism, energy, willpower and achievement.
• About.com reveals How to Use Yellow in Feng Shui.

What emotions do you associate with yellow? Does it make you hungry? Angry? Mellow? Will you add it to presentations to emphasize import or will you use it to brighten a room? I’m looking forward to brightening up my room with daffodils this spring. Meanwhile, I’m enjoying the sight of the sun on clear, cold winter days. 

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and I am full of it. I am so grateful for where I am in my life right now and for all the little things that help me get through each day. Following are lots of awesome things that make my days just a little brighter.

♥ Iron Horse ♥ peppermint mochas ♥ gchat ♥ a 5k day ♥ being nicknamed “Daria” by my coworkers ♥ Christmas music & movies (I must be in the spirit of the season already!) ♥ ♥ ♥ Thanksgiving right around the corner (my favorite holiday) ♥ homemade banana bread brought in by a coworker ♥ NaNoWriMo pep talks from published authors ♥ these Pantone Christmas tree ornaments ♥ Bing Crosby’s voice ♥ being grateful for pretty much everything (a place to live, good friends, family, a great church, enough food on the table) ♥ participating in an awesome spiritual swap community ♥ giving back ♥ getting a hand-written letter from my sweetheart who has been in basic training for the last 4 weeks ♥ getting out early on the day before Thanksgiving ♥ Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Green Tea (which tastes like the holidays in a cup) ♥

*image credit: lennie hanazawa

Fresh pumpkins. A bright evening sun on a summer’s day. Orange evokes brightness and happiness. Even the scent of oranges, the fruit the color is names after, is said to be energizing.

1. Orange flower, 2. orange vintage, 3. Orange Overload, 4. Orange Sunbrellas, 5. orange, 6. orange walls, 7. Orange on Orange, 8. Choco Orange Macarons, 9. Orange & Blue

Orange is the color of luck. It is the representative of the second chakra. It evokes the warmth of fire. Orange is full of energy. At its best, orange strengthens confidence and contributes to creativity. Orange stimulates. It increases activity, appetite, and socialization. It is a “love it or hate it” color, demanding action. It is a color of enthusiasm and joy, celebration and festivities!

In design, orange is used to create energy and is often used with and juxtaposed to blue and green.

As with red, a little goes a long way. Use sparingly for a little life or an abundance to give life to a project.

• For a little orange in interior design, check out this post from Cottage Home Decorating.
• If you’re looking for inspiration, try Color In Design: Orange.
• The Llewellyn Encyclopedia offers an article on the Seat Chakra, also known as Svadhisthana, which is associated with the color orange, emotion, sexuality, pleasure and polarity.
• About.com tells you How to Use Orange in Feng Shui.

How does orange make you feel? How will you use it in your life? I’m enjoying bright orange sunsets and fresh oranges in Florida to bring more joy and energy into my life.

I wrote this post back in January, but considering it’s been almost 6 months since then (oh, MY GOODNESS it’s flown by!), I thought I should post it again as both a reminder to myself what I want to accomplish and a means of checking in on my progress.

The other day, I read a great article on Chris Brogan‘s blog about Wiring Yourself for Success in 2010. He suggests that, instead of making the traditional New Year’s Resolutions and following them up with endless to-do lists, a better alternative is to set goals and lay out mind maps or frameworks for how to accomplish those goals with multiple paths to the same end result. So, instead of laying out resolutions like “lose 30 pounds”, he says he chooses to set a fitness goal and focuses on one word (in this case, active). He then writes out multiple ways, or paths, to achieve this goal and any distractions or obstacles that might prevent him from accomplishing it, then lists out a few steps to take on his path to success, what the “finish line” looks like (3-5 activities a week, looser jeans, a need to go shopping), and ultimately what comes after he has achieved this goal (step up activity level, try something challenging).

Rather than static goals and infinite to-do lists, this approach is accessible and fluid. If you slip up, there’s no need to start over, simply reassess and redirect, keep working your way to that goal. It’s encouraging, motivating, and makes so much sense.

Chris suggests picking three words for the year to start with. Mine will be: Learn, Create, Invest.

Learn

• Goal word: LEARN
• Path 1 to the goal: formal classes (I’m in the process of signing up for graphic design classes)
• Path 2 to the goal: utilize free time
• Path 3 to the goal: integrate into work life
• Distractions: work, other goals, social and leisure activities
• Steps to the path: sign up, work hard in, and excel at online graphic design classes; find free or inexpensive photography tutorials and practice with both digital and 35mm film cameras; read, read, read; observe professionals online and reach out to ask for guidance; work closely with my boss on creative projects and professional development opportunities
• The finish line: working knowledge and understanding of typography and layout in print and online media, five photography sets each with a different concentration (aperture, focus, f-stop, filter, flash, etc.); enough knowledge to push forth and create my own website.
• What’s next: use new knowledge to complete own website, portfolio.

Create

• Goal word: CREATE
• Path 1 to the goal: build own website
• Path 2 to the goal: continue blogging
• Path 3 to the goal: create my own style look
• Distractions/obstacles: time management, lack of patience
• Steps to the path: create a logo for my new online identity/website, layout and design of site, code it, update it; post to blog at least twice each week, keep new and exciting features coming and continue with features which I have already started, keep it fresh and relevant; add at least three home-sewn pieces of clothing to my wardrobe; make at least three pieces of jewelry; clean out any old or outdated pieces and donate to charity; take photos to document looks
• The finish line: a comprehensive, cohesive style and look in person and online; a brand I am proud to push forth in the world
• What’s next: continue to refine look, organize and style home spaces and document with photos, label, periodically refresh look online and in person

Invest

• Goal word: INVEST (I had originally picked “Smart”, but changed it to a verb – I like “doing” words and investing sounds smart, doesn’t it?)
• Path 1 to the goal: invest financially
• Path 2 to the goal: invest my time
• Path 3 to the goal: invest in myself
• Distractions: cash flow, time management, the usual social and leisure distractions
• Steps to the path: eat well (no nitrates, chemicals, preservatives, or hormones, eating a balanced diet, eating often but not lots at once), exercise (walking, biking, and getting out more), learning to view spending money on myself as an investment and not wasteful, do something every week that I can be proud of – whether that’s creating a piece of artwork or excelling at a project at work or donating time or money to a charity I support, spend money and time on quality and not quantity
• The finish line: owning only things that are quality and useful and nothing that can be considered clutter, visible results in health improvement via physical appearance and in hormone test results, a savings account not linked to a checking account that has a small amount in it only used in cases of emergency, a list of accomplishments at the end of 2010 that will challenge me to do even better in 2011
• What’s next: paying down debt on student loans, investing money, a list of equally challenging goals for 2011

Image credits: Learn – Dubio; Create – Thanushyan; Invest – Jordan Liang.

Analysis on my progress with these goals coming soon. In the meantime, I’d love to know what challenges and goals you set out for yourself in 2010. How are you doing with them?

♥ Seth Godin tells us exactly what we don’t want to hear: No, everything is not going to be okay. (Except reading this post really made me feel like everything IS going to be okay. How did he do that?!)

♥ Need a laugh? You must check out Sleep Talkin’ Man, who says things like “My bagder’s gonna unleash hell on your ass. Badgertastic!” and “Oompa loompas don’t sing in heaven. They tidy up the clouds.” The transcripts his wife posts online mornings after are hilarious. And very odd. But mostly just hilarious.

♥ This year, I want to get back to basics: writing in a paper journal. I found some great inspiration on how to turn a (cheap!) composition notebook into an art journal at Lil Blue Boo.

♥ Have you heard? Pantone Is Blowing Up In 2010.

♥ Do you have a thirst for giving? Try KOR’s water bottles, each benefiting water-related issues: ocean protection (blue), watershed protection (green), container recycling (orange), and global water crisis (pink). They’re beautifully designed and these innovative products reduce environmental impact (plus, 1% of all sales goes to water-related non-profits).

♥ Need a little zen in your life? Check out the Zen Salutations blog. You might also want to check out 8 Unconventional Ways to De-Stress and Relieve Tension.

♥ Need a pick-me-up? Try 14 Ways to Beat the Blues.

♥ I am in love with the whimsical style of Randi Brookman Harris. Her prop styling and creative direction is quirky, but simple and pretty. I particularly love the bright colors with white for weddings (she’s done styling to Martha Stewart and Kate Spade). Lovely!

♥ This first look of Zac Posen for Target is awesome and I can’t wait to see more. I particularly love that red cocktail dress. It’s sexy, cute, and classy all at the same time!

♥ Do you love Helvetica? Ever wonder why? Well, here’s a testament to the Simplicity of Helvetica (along with some history of the font, too).

♥ Possibly one of the prettiest weddings I’ve ever seen, straight out of a fairy tale. Every detail in this collection of photos is filled with magic. From the beautiful, intricate headpieces, to the priestess’ staff, the flowers, the shoes. Everything looks as if it were sprinkled with fairy dust. Gorgeous!

The other day, I read a great article on Chris Brogan‘s blog about Wiring Yourself for Success in 2010. He suggests that, instead of making the traditional New Year’s Resolutions and following them up with endless to-do lists, a better alternative is to set goals and lay out mind maps or frameworks for how to accomplish those goals with multiple paths to the same end result. So, instead of laying out resolutions like “lose 30 pounds”, he says he chooses to set a fitness goal and focuses on one word (in this case, active). He then writes out multiple ways, or paths, to achieve this goal and any distractions or obstacles that might prevent him from accomplishing it, then lists out a few steps to take on his path to success, what the “finish line” looks like (3-5 activities a week, looser jeans, a need to go shopping), and ultimately what comes after he has achieved this goal (step up activity level, try something challenging).

Rather than static goals and infinite to-do lists, this approach is accessible and fluid. If you slip up, there’s no need to start over, simply reassess and redirect, keep working your way to that goal. It’s encouraging, motivating, and makes so much sense.

Chris suggests picking three words for the year to start with. Mine will be: Learn, Create, Smart.

Learn

• Goal word: LEARN
• Path 1 to the goal: formal classes (I’m in the process of signing up for graphic design classes)
• Path 2 to the goal: utilize free time
• Path 3 to the goal: integrate into work life
• Distractions: work, other goals, social and leisure activities
• Steps to the path: sign up, work hard in, and excel at online graphic design classes; find free or inexpensive photography tutorials and practice with both digital and 35mm film cameras; read, read, read; observe professionals online and reach out to ask for guidance; work closely with my boss on creative projects and professional development opportunities
• The finish line: working knowledge and understanding of typography and layout in print and online media, five photography sets each with a different concentration (aperture, focus, f-stop, filter, flash, etc.); enough knowledge to push forth and create my own website.
• What’s next: use new knowledge to complete own website, portfolio.

Create

• Goal word: CREATE
• Path 1 to the goal: build own website
• Path 2 to the goal: continue blogging
• Path 3 to the goal: create my own style look
• Distractions/obstacles: time management, lack of patience
• Steps to the path: create a logo for my new online identity/website, layout and design of site, code it, update it; post to blog at least twice each week, keep new and exciting features coming and continue with features which I have already started, keep it fresh and relevant; add at least three home-sewn pieces of clothing to my wardrobe; make at least three pieces of jewelry; clean out any old or outdated pieces and donate to charity; take photos to document looks
• The finish line: a comprehensive, cohesive style and look in person and online; a brand I am proud to push forth in the world
• What’s next: continue to refine look, organize and style home spaces and document with photos, label,  periodically refresh look online and in person

Invest

• Goal word: INVEST (I had originally picked “Smart”, but changed it to a verb – I like “doing” words and investing sounds smart, doesn’t it?)
• Path 1 to the goal: invest financially
• Path 2 to the goal: invest my time
• Path 3 to the goal: invest in myself
• Distractions: cash flow, time management, the usual social and leisure distractions
• Steps to the path: eat well (no nitrates, chemicals, preservatives, or hormones, eating a balanced diet, eating often but not lots at once), exercise (walking, biking, and getting out more), learning to view spending money on myself as an investment and not wasteful, do something every week that I can be proud of – whether that’s creating a piece of artwork or excelling at a project at work or donating time or money to a charity I support, spend money and time on quality and not quantity
• The finish line: owning only things that are quality and useful and nothing that can be considered clutter, visible results in health improvement via physical appearance and in hormone test results, a savings account not linked to a checking account that has a small amount in it only used in cases of emergency, a list of accomplishments at the end of 2010 that will challenge me to do even better in 2011
• What’s next: paying down debt on student loans, investing money, a list of equally challenging goals for 2011

Image credits: Learn – Dubio; Create – Thanushyan; Invest – Jordan Liang.

♥ The New Year started on the night of a Blue Moon. That has to be a good omen, right?! I’m excited.

♥ Who loves Edward Gorey? I know you all do… so head over to the Blah, Blah Blahg and get yourself the Edward Gorey font!

♥ If I had a million dollars, one of the things I’d buy would be this amazing Ellen Von Unwerth photography book. Is anyone else drooling as much as I am?

♥ I’m totally obsessed with Marc Jacobs’ new perfume Lola. It’s sweet, it’s spicy. Everything a feisty femme like myself could want in a perfume. Not to mention the bottle’s gorgeous, too. Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets.

♥ Iranian men cross-dress for women’s rights. As Alex DeBranco says, “Hey American guys — won’t you dress in drag to support women’s rights, too? ‘Cause every girl’s crazy for a sharp-dressed man.”

♥ My friend from college, Zia, just started blogging a new creative venture. He’s a very talented musician and a very intelligent guy. His first post is called Why You Should Create Something in the Next 24 Hours. And why shouldn’t you? Stop making excuses and DO IT.

♥ Are you driven by passion? How does that work for you at work? Lauren Fernandez writes about the benefits of using your passion to fuel your career. Great discussion in the comments, too!

♥ No matter how bad it seems, believe in yourself and you will come through.

♥ Can’t wait for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland to come out in March? Me, either. Well, while you’re waiting, why not check out the Alice in Waterland collection at Elena Kalis Photography (Thanks, Kate, for the link!)

♥ Check out this luscious ruffled coat that Franki found. It’s by Lia Lintern and I can’t wait to see what new things come up in upcoming season collections.

♥ What better way to recycle cardboard tissue paper rolls than by building a forest with them? Yuken Teruya made this Corner Forest. And I happen to think it’s absolutely the bomb. Check out the amazing shadows created with the cut-outs and relief. Love love love! (via Lushlee)

♥ If you have not already become obsessed with Florence + the Machine, you’re missing something. I’d give my left arm, or maybe my left lung to see her in concert.

What woman doesn’t feel better about herself when she’s wearing the perfect shade of red lipstick? Such a simple, yet complicated little accessory. Finding the perfect shade can be a challenge, but there’s a certain amount of accomplishment that comes with finding it. It’s such an unexpected little pop of power!

1. **Red~Star**, 2. Red Shoes in Tree, 3. Madagascar Red Fody, 4. Red Velvet Cake Balls, 5. red riding hood-less, 6. 060/365 red, 7. Three reds, 8. Summer Berries Red Current01, 9. iPod nano PRODUCT Red

Red is often associated with stop signs and traffic lights – and for good reason. Red is a show-stopper. Red attracts. Red pops. Scientifically speaking, red is a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm (wikipedia). Red is often associated with courage, happiness, heat, energy, and love, as well as passion, anger, blood, and pain. It’s no wonder red is seen as a powerful and intense color.

In design, red evokes urgency. It is known to raise blood pressure and respiratory rates. Red pushes for action.

A little red goes a long way. Use sparingly for tempered passion or in abundance for a bold statement.

• Some great examples of bold red websites in a round up from Tutorial Blog.
• Indeziner gives a 45 great examples of Using the Color Red in Web Design.
• About.com tells you How to Use the Color Red in Feng Shui.
• The Llewellyn Encyclopedia offers an article on the Root Chakra, also known as Muladhara, which is associated with the color red and survival, solidarity, grounding, and the body.

What kind of emotions do you associate with the color red? How would you use red in your life? Today, I’m wearing red lipstick as my only pop of color. And, in my opinion, it only comes second to one accessory I know – confidence.

♥ Check out the amazing textured, patterned wood floor inlay that Jana shared on her blog, Rooted In Style. Gorgeous!

♥ Jane, from Sea of Shoes, is one of the luckiest girls in the world. And not just because she gets to go shopping in Paris, walk down the runway in haute couture gowns, and has a great family to keep her grounded. This girl is fortunate enough to have been inside Coco Chanel’s home! Here she shares her experience of going to 31 Rue Cambon…

♥ If you sew, which I’m going to get back into when my new Brother LX 3125 Sewing Machine arrives, you might want these instructions from Simplicity on How To Resize Any Pattern.

♥ For those savvy green girls who want to save some money, save the earth, and DIY: crafting from trash, recycling and repurposing plastic bags for the holiday season!

♥ For those other Steepsters out there, check out this adorable homemade tea shelf! And there are directions on how to make one yourself, too!

♥ How much do I love Rachel Zoe? She’s fabulous and always gives the best dirt on the most amazing fashion and beauty products, like this twinkly Sublime Radiant Powder from Guerlain. I die. (Rachel must know that one of my favorite scents ever, in addition to my favorite color, is violet!)

♥ For some adorable and classy birthday humor, why not check out Wiley Valentine’s letterpress shop, Inspired Paper Designs, which have beauties like this “Happy Birthday Ewe!” card.

♥ Run out of pretty wrapping paper for your holiday gifts? Try wrapping them up with brown paper from the post office, plus some cut-outs of magazines or catalogues, and some pretty ribbon a la these beauties from Maura McGovern’s tumblr, texturism.

♥ Of course, if you’re a bibliophile like me, you might want to order up some of these library-themed holiday tags from ourcitylights.org.

♥ Nubby offers some great Shoe Care Secrets. Go buy yourself your ultimate pair of heels and then take great care of them!

♥ I recently discovered the cutest little porcelain and silver jewelry pieces from Wah Wah Wears by Zoe Churchill. If you like quirky quotes and kooky images, this independent artist’s site is for you.

♥ If you want to give your mom, dad, or significant other a great gift, why not leave your imprint on their heart on a chain they can wear?

♥ If you’ve ever wondered the difference between Pantone, RGB, and CMYK, check out this quick little lesson from eightyonedesign.

♥ In the season of giving, it’s most appropriate to visit a place like Ark° (Acts of Random Kindness). As their site (and t-shirt) says, “The name, the movement – Acts of Random Kindness° The idea – one ark° every time the clothing is worn. That’s it – buy a stranger a cup of coffee, give up your seat on the bus. Just make someone’s day, it’s up to you how you ark° on it.” Great idea and great clothing!

♥ Looking forward to the new year? I know I am. And with this adorable calendar from Sam & Cheryl, you can get your New Year’s groove on early, too. Check out this printable project on Ez’s blog, Creature Comforts.