I'VE WON!!!

It's official everyone!! I've been voted Best Local Artist of Cincinnati 2010!!!

I just want to thank all the little people.... just kidding!!!

No seriously, THANK YOU to all those who did vote for me - I really couldn't have achieved such a high honor if it wasn't for all your help!

Here's the link if you want to see it for yourself.

I don't think there's much else I can say right now, that isn't going to sound like something out of a clichéd acceptance speech lol. So I'll keep it short and sweet, just like me. HA!

Thanks again - love all your faces!!!!

Cherry Bomb

If there's one thing I love, it's music. And while we're on that topic, I just happen to love old school 70's/80's rock music - especially if it's coming from some kick ass rocker chicks. Cue in - the Runaways.

You might not have heard of them, but you do know at least one of the band members - Joan Jett.

This all girl rock band kicks some serious butt while singing this weeks' Song of the Week, Cherry Bomb.

Their story is truly awesome and suggest that you bone up on your Runaways knowledge at www.therunaways.com.

They're also making their story into a movie, due out soon. Kristen Stewart, aka Bella from the Twilight Saga, portrays Joan Jett, while Dakota Fanning portrays Cherie Currie. A word to the wise though - these are not your innocent actresses that you know. They engage in a multitude of mature acts that are not for young eyes!

But like all good bands that have made a mark on the history of music, they did it their way and rocked out hardcore.

Check the trailer for the movie out at the Runaways website!

I know it's been a while...

But here are pictures of my living room... FINALLY. I got it all cleaned up and ready.. so enjoy!

Also, check out CincyChic.com for my spotlight interview! Interviewed and written by Linda Palacios. Thanks Linda!!!



The 'artsy' word above my door was an idea I had when I was shopping at Urban Outfitters. I kept watching these letters until they went on sale, but unfortunately, I never knew what I wanted to spell. So I asked my mom to describe me in 1 word; 5 letters. 'Artsy' was what she came back with! I found the letters and wasn't too pleased with the preexisting design on each letter. I found an old Rolling Stone magazine and traced the letters on random pages, cut them out and rubber cemented them on. And there you have it! Brand new letters - made inexpensively.


Oh the couch. Yes it's a futon... and I hope to have an actual real live couch soon. There's a retro furniture store downtown I plan on visiting soon to pick up a stylish new couch. Until then, I decided to cover up the drab neutral color with a blanket that has coordinating colors to my pillows (which I also got at Urban Outfitters.. love it there!)


My table, which was featured on CincyChic.com has made a huge improvement to my apartment. You can check out the previous post on it below. I love my books. I think I need to make a trip to Ikea to get a new bookshelf.. this one is starting to bow!


My art studio, which also has already been featured on my blog, is always a hard area for me to keep clean. But then again, who really cares? It's where art is made! Also, check out the most recent painting.. Dave Matthews for Gilpin's.. still drying!


My awesome leopard print chaise lounge chair and my sweet 'White Star Line' promotional poster for Titanic I got at the Titanic exhibit at the Museum Center a few years ago.


I love this little lamp! I got this at Ikea, of course. I liked them so much that I got one for each of my girlfriends for Christmas this past year! They come in a bunch of colors too.


I hope I can help you get inspired to get creative with your own home and make it your personal, inspirational, comfy place!

New Song of the Week!

This week's song of the week goes to 500 Miles to Memphis - Let it Rain.

This local band is awesome! I've had the privilege of seeing them play a few times, and I'm friends with the bass player, Jeff Snyder. This band has rocked the socks off this city and is headed for the big time. I strongly suggest checking their albums out! They just released a new album, "We've Built Up To Nothing."



They make some great rock-a-billy beats! Check them out! www.500mtm.com

Curtains!

I finally got my curtains up! Observe....



I got into a little bit of a fight with the power screwdriver putting the brackets up, but in the end, I won. I got the fabric at Ikea, and had my good friend Christie make them for me! They turned out lovely. And what's nice is that they also keep some of the cold air out, since I have those big drafty windows (which I refuse to put tacky plastic or saran wrap on).

Apparently the lady at Ikea, who measured out my fabric, didn't really now how to, because I have TONS of fabric left over! But not to worry - I always find a use for extra fabric. So for starters, I had Christie make a little curtain, so I could cover up the little cubby in my bathroom with all my cleaners, extra toilet paper and what not.


So while Christie was making the curtains, and measured it all out for the 6 panels I would need plus my little curtain, she calls me and says, "You have a lot of extra fabric." So I say, "Ok no worries, I'm sure we can make a few pillows out of it or something." To which she replies, "No seriously. Do you want a car cover? Maybe a few shower curtains?" HAHAHA. I love it.

R.I.P. Adam Peak

This week, a very good friend of mine was killed in Afghanistan. Lance Cpl. Adam D. Peak was 25.. just a year older than me. We met a few years back and always had fun together. I remember the day he told me he enlisted into the Marines. I couldn't believe it - I was secretly praying that he would change his mind and back out. But the Marines took a boy and turned him into a fine, upstanding man. Todd and I attended his funeral today; those bagpipes get me everytime. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go to the cemetery. But I plan on visiting him. That way I get to spend some more time with him. It's kinda funny; he gave me an ankh ring and pair of ankh earrings for my birthday one year - an ankh means eternal life to the Egyptians.. hmm.. everything does happen for a reason. Now every time I wear them I'll have Adam living on, hanging out with me.

To commemorate his memory, I drew a portrait of him as a gift to his family. They absolutely loved it, and put it up on display during his visitation. For your viewing pleasure..



Adam's remains returning home:



And a few pictures of us acting goofy at Cheeseburger in Paradise just last year:



I heard a great quote today from one of his Marine Corps brothers..

"Heaven needed a party, and they picked the right guy."

Miss you buddy - I'll see ya again one day.