Category Archives: PERSONAL

NEW YEARS 2012

Written by . Posted on January 16 | 12. Filed under PERSONAL. 4 Comments.

Steven, Jes and I spent New Year’s in New York with Marc and Ian and had the best time ever. Nobody does New Year’s Eve like NYC. Shoot, nobody does New Year’s Adam like NYC. (Thanks Ian, for that one… I love New Year’s Adam!) I got  a new badass lens that I got acquainted with in the city, so there are tons of pictures—here are some of my favorites. I’m so happy in that damn city.

Reunited after only a few days apart, and happy as clams. These two guys are my favorite. Well, especially the one on the right. Read More »

MMXII // RESOLUTION I

Written by . Posted on December 27 | 11. Filed under HAND LETTERING + SIGN PAINTERS, PERSONAL. Tagged . 1 Comment.

2011 was a big, exciting year. I was married, traveled to foreign countries: Greece, France, Amsterdam, became a yogi thanks to Joy and Joy, started eating healthier than ever, became dedicated to cardio and weight-lifting thanks to Jes and the right gym (that does flash mobs!), lost weight and toned my body, we bought our first house, started a stamp business and turned twenty-seven. Can you believe there’s actually more I’m not telling you? There is. So here are my resolutions for 2012, starting with number one.

№1: LEARN THE CRAFT OF SIGN PAINTING


image via Typography: 40+ Examples of Hand-Lettering - unstage.

Future Primitive and More: CTRL + ART + CREATE

Written by . Posted on November 01 | 11. Filed under ART + DESIGN, Feature, SHOPPING, TYPE + FONTS. Tagged . 3 Comments.

I’m feeling particularly happy and excited today to announce the first unveiling of Future Primitive, my line of rubber stamps. It’s going to be held at Ctrl + Art + Create on Saturday, November 5, 2011, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m at the Heights Theater. I’ll have prêt-à-porter stamps for teachers and people who like to use stamps on their paper ephemera, as well as custom address stamps, bookplates and more that you can order to be delivered in time for your holiday greetings. I’m really excited to do something new and I will be there recovering from Erin + Blake’s wedding which is the night before, so bring me extra coffee! I ‘ve included a preview, but I don’t want to show off too many because most of my prototypes are also gifts for my friends and family, that would kind of give away the surprise—one below easily gives it away, but oh well! Soon I’ll have the etsy shop up and running, then you’ll be able to see ‘em all if you can’t make it. EDIT 11/15: The shop is live! View the rubber stamps that are currently available and let me know if you’re interested in a custom order.

FUTURE PRIMITIVE - wood-handled rubber stamps made by Jessica Define

For the past couple years I’ve primarily designed for the web, and that type of work sort of exists in this alternative universe where nothing is real—it’s not the tactile, primitive sort of design that’s been passed down from one generation to another. I felt like I needed to do something with my hands—something that would restore that sense of historical relevance to the things I design. Future Primitive is a line of rubber stamps that I’ve created to use as stationery, address labels, bookplates, decoration, and as notifications that just make you feel good to use and see. Many are designed to be customized and some I’m planning to offer in little bundles, I hope to see you there!

You should also come to check out Workhorse Printmakers, the letterpress company that printed our wedding invitations who will have their goods for sale and will be doing a make-your-own letterpress poster. I saw that artist Lisa Chow is also going to be there, I’m excited to see her work—I recently met her at my yoga stuido: Joy.

Here’s a Sneak Peek of CTRL+ART+CREATE 2011: 2nd Annual Art Festival | AIGA Houston Blog

I hope to see you there!

CTRL + ART + CREATE

Saturday, November 5, 2011, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m

http://www.heightstheater.net/

Location:
Heights Theater
339 W. 19th St.
Houston, Texas 77008

WEDDING TRAILER x 31 FILMS

Written by . Posted on October 05 | 11. Filed under WEDDING. Tagged , . 4 Comments.

LET ME FREAK OUT ON YOU GUYS FOR JUST A MINUTE. Aaron, our super duper superbly awesome cinematographer @31FILMS just sent us a sneak peak of our wedding film, and it’s blowing my brains out. From the minute I heard the song he’d chosen I got goosebumps, it’s Holocene by Bon Iver from his newest album: Bon Iver. (Sorry, I tried uploading it for you but wordpress says the file’s too big.) It was a special surprise too, because the one song in the world that makes me think of Steven most is also Bon Iver: Skinny Love. So it truly is perfect that one of my most favorite artists in the whole dang world is backing our wedding film.

Watching this trailer brings me back to the day, and I can still feel the cold on my legs and shoulders, and that secure feeling that it was physical cold—and not nerves—that gave me the shivers. I love watching the opening scene with the cherry blossoms, and the little bee. That bee could have stung some unlucky lass by now and may be dead, but she’ll always be my little wedding bee. That was the best day of my life.

I’m glad I didn’t have to hear my voice on the film just yet, that is going to freak me the F out, don’t you just hate hearing your own voice?! Unless you’re odd and you like to, but it irks me. I think I sound like a 13 year old boy. Here it is in all it’s glory—I hope you enjoy it!

Jessica & Steven - The Trailer from 31Films on Vimeo.

This is the teaser for Jessica & Steven’s amazing Texas ranch wedding! They were so cool from the start and we were lucky to work the wedding along with some of the most awesome vendors out there! Enjoy

This wedding was also featured on Style Me Pretty’s Texas blog! Check it: http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/04/11/texas-ranch-wedding-by-the-nichols-2/

Venue: George Ranch Historical Park
Photography: The Nichols
Invitation Design: Jennifer Blanco of Product Superior
Invitation Printing: Workhorse Printmakers

 

FALL IS THE BEST AND YOU KNOW IT.

Written by . Posted on September 25 | 11. Filed under AMERICANA, FASHION, SHOPPING. 1 Comment.


Ralph Lauren Rugby Jemime Leather Jacket $599.99

We love the Jemime jackets restrained cool, achieved by basing it off a too-cool vintage prototype that we updated in a slim fit from burnished, distressed leather for an effortless rugged-sexy vibe. Straight point collar. Off-center zip front. Long sleeves with covered snap cuffs. Angled welt pocket at the left chest and each hip. Slide buckle tabs at the back waist for a custom fit. Rounded front hem falls longer than the straight back hem. 100% leather. Lining: 100% cotton. Sleeve lining: 100% cupro. Dry clean. Imported.


via Jemime Leather Jacket - Womens Sale See All from Rugby Ralph Lauren.

AEO DESERT BOOT $60

via AEO DESERT BOOT.

SEPTEMBER 11th 2011

Written by . Posted on September 09 | 11. Filed under AMERICANA, PERSONAL. Tagged , . No comments.

Do you listen to Storycorps? I’m a big fan. Acute readers will know I listen exclusively to NPR, and I cry pretty often listening to the radio. Sometimes happy crying, sometimes sad. This week, it’s been a lot of sad. NPR has been doing a tribute to 9/11 survivors and the memory of the murdered victims, and it’s painfully heartbreaking. Extremely, painfully, heartbreaking.

I hope you’ll take some time to listen to the Storycorps stories of 9/11. That horrific anniversary is closing in on us, this time marking 10 years—but think of this Buddhist expression: Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned. It’s hard not to be so mad, so upset, when I think of all the innocent lives lost that day, but I am trying to fill my heart with love for those who were killed, and those who survived, as opposed to hate for the terrorists. Don’t waste your time with animosity. If you’re reading this, you’re a survivor. Be grateful for that, and use it to create peace in the world—in any capacity.

PHOTO BY DEBORAH COLTON of COLTON & FARB GALLERY

ABOVE is a photo of a new billboard I saw just this morning on the way to work. It’s just before the Smith St. exit on 1-10 heading east, and read:

IMAGINE PEACE.
love, yoko
2011

As a means to memorialize those killed, I’ve also been reading CNN/Legacy.com’s September 11th tributes, some of the stories I’ll highlight for you include: Daniel and Ron and their son, David; victims of United Airlines Flight #175, were a family who planned to take an early flight home, and this of Lisa and Samantha, sisters who both worked for the largest company in the World Trade Center.

Events Honoring 9/11

Do you plan on doing anything to commemorate the day?

SPEXY THING

Written by . Posted on August 15 | 11. Filed under FASHION, SHOPPING. Tagged . 2 Comments.

If it weren’t for Joanna Angelface Goddard, I would seriously not know about like, say 50% of the things I know about. A while back she’d recommended the affordably stylish prescription glasses site Spex Club—I’d looked around but the virtual try-on wasn’t working so I gave up. They’re all $88. Prescription included. That’s f’ing cheap, people! That means I can finally—not splurge—but acquire some cat-eye frames to match my cat eyes. So I got the Spex Payton in Tortoise. I’d been drooling over the Elizabeth and James Centinela cat-eyes (that I discovered via Olsens Anonymous) but I was weary of how much it would cost to retrofit prescrip lenses in a pair of already $180 glasses. Thank heaven for Angelface. J.A.G.. Jo. And Spex Club. And while I’m full of gratitude I’ll also thank google and Refinery 29 for offering readers $29 off a pair of $88 glasses with the code R29SPEX. I’ll share a photo upon their arrival.

These are the ones I liked, but didn’t get, the Elizabeth and James Centinela:

…and if my new glasses were a font, they’d be Rocket by Font Bureau, $40.


HOT AS HELL

Written by . Posted on August 14 | 11. Filed under FASHION, SHOPPING. 5 Comments.

Seriously, I don’t know where the time has gone. It’s definitely been far too long since I’ve blogged and it’s starting to feel like there are cobwebs between my fingers—let’s break those down. Pinterest is basically a lazy blogger’s excuse, I pin things and repin and like pins, not that it counts for blogging. I’ve been really busy with an intense exercise regiment including bootcamp with Jess, exotic dancing classes with Mandy and Jess, yoga by myself on the daily, and the newest addition of post-yoga workouts @ Quality Life Fitness, this new gym in Houston that promises to be more environmentally friendly and has so far delivered really awesome, yet really hard classes; Jess and I started last week. So I typically pass out after dinner. But it’s working, I can feel muscles and see definition; the weight loss would be increased if I didn’t drink so many gin & tonics and eat burritos like they’re the last thing on earth. [ Sic: Our new love for Q Tonic credited to Anvil has 60% fewer calories than other tonics, so this will help in that dept. ] I also work in the 5th ward where your best bet is Whataburger, and I’m reluctant to admit I eat there pretty often.

Anyway—it’s hot. Everywhere, all the damn time. Yesterday Steven and I went shopping at the galleria, stopped by Sprinkles cupcakes and Paper Source for paper for his new thank you cards, saw Crazy. Stupid. Love. (which was really good, trust me), went to Sur La Table and bought two bottles of Q, cloth napkins, and giant cube ice trays among other things. For a second we saw one raindrop on the windshield. ONE!?! WTF EARTH AND SOLAR SYSTEM, DO YOU RECALL THE PROCEDURE FOR RAIN?!

1/PERFECT ICE CUBES 2/Q TONIC 3/NAPKINS 4/BOLS GENEVER

A Gin & Tonic is the only refuge from the heat. It is. Not that we retire them come winter, for we don’t. I just don’t like the summer. I have no inspiration for getting dressed, everything makes me feel sweaty and even jewelry seems like it will melt into my bare skin so I simply go without much of it. I’m also growing my hair out so the short bobs I’m used to no longer offer relief.

Clearly I’ve forgotten how this whole blogging thing is done and I am rambling more than ever. Give me a few posts, folks, and I’ll get my shit together. Let’s conclude by viewing what I’m anxious to wear come fall. Or whenever I feel the first breeze.

 

 

 

 

FEATURED ON FPO: For Print Only

Written by . Posted on June 24 | 11. Filed under ART + DESIGN, WEDDING. Tagged . 2 Comments.

Hell yes. Thanks to our wonderful designers at Product Superior and letterpress printers at Workhorse Prints, Jennifer and John, our wedding invitations and program were featured on FPO (For Print Only) today. A lot of FPO readers complain that they showcase too many wedding invitations, obviously I’m not one of them—I think the invitation and program are two of the most important aspects of any major celebration, and far too often they’re overlooked. I frequent all the Under Consideration blogs, so this is a big damn deal to me. Allow me to relish in this delight! Thanks, FPO and Jennifer and John!

VIA Jessica & Stephen [Steven] Wedding Invitation - FPO: For Print Only.

FATHERS DAY — HUBBA HUBBA

Written by . Posted on June 18 | 11. Filed under SHOPPING. Tagged . No comments.


Happy Fathers Day! This year, Steven and I have each gained anudda fadda, as happens with marriage. Growing up, my dad was famous for saying things like “briiisssket”, “hubba hubba”, and “Erin, it’s time to go home now”.

The HUBBA HUBBA shirt  by CXXVI Clothing Co. reminds me so much of my dad—who also used to frequent these Johnson shirts— I thought it would be perfect for him; that’s why he’ll be receiving it today (though I’m not certain he’ll wear it, my family is big on the whole “funny/ironic t-shirts as gifts” thing*). We’re spending the weekend down in Port O’Connor where they share a house with friends and have a flounder-fishing boat. I don’t know if that’s what you call it, I’m not the fisherman-type. We’re running a 5k for the Save the Males organization that educates and provides support for prostate cancer—which Steven’s Grandpa first overcame, but then died from many years later.

*my mom once gave Steven a shirt picturing mushrooms and the text “Fun Guy” across it. classy, mom. ;)