Cupcakes

I just got a new recipe book...

There are more than 60 diverse recipes, including salted caramel cupcakes, peanut butter and jelly cupcakes, and of course classic yellow cupcakes with chocolate buttercream.

Today I decided to try out the recipe for Triple Chocolate Cupcakes (milk chocolate cake filled with dark chocolate glaze and white chocolate frosting). Pictures to follow!!

Day One

Today, I started my hunt for a job. (ok, technically its day two) Long story short... After working the past three months at a marketing company, learning the ins and outs of the design world, my boss told me that he couldn't offer me a position after all.
My heart broke a little bit, but I held it together. So here I am, sitting at home in front of my computer, googling every advertising/marketing/design company in Atlanta, praying that I will be lucky enough to find a job.
I used to go to lunch with my good friend, Steph, and we would see these people in the middle of the day taking long lunches and just hanging out. We always wondered what they did that allowed them such free time and we wished we, too, could enjoy a free afternoon. Now I understand, they were probably unemployed and they were probably looking at us wishing they could trade places too.
Instead of getting up and going to work for 8 hours, then going to my (paying) retail job for 4 more hours, coming home and crashing, I now have all this free time. I get up, go to jazzercise, come home and shower (I refuse to sit in my jammies all day), and then... go job hunting. But frankly, one can only do so much hunting at a time before becoming depressed, so I find little things around the house to distract me from my current jobless state. I made chocolate chip cookies, I blog, I contemplate taking wall paper down from my bedroom. And slowly the day passes by.

So here I am... single, unemployed, and living at home. And although some would read this and think, "YIKES, how depressing!" I realize that I am blessed to have family that is super supportive, blessed that I have amazing friends to hang out with, and blessed with a positive attitude that things will turn around. My life isn't exactly where I want it to be right now, but I can still enjoy the ride that takes me there.

So cheers to my life and the adventure that is to come.

The two most feared words in the english language... JURY DUTY

There must be five hundred seats in here. Five hundred seats half filled with sleepy-eyed, mumbling people. People that were picked this morning to serve their civic duty and drive into the city at the crack of dawn to wait. Wait to be told to go home or wait to get picked to be a juror.

This is my first time having jury duty. First time to serve, fourth time to get summoned. I've avoided such a thing in the past with full-time student status. I'm not as annoyed as some might be. I am thinking of this as an adventure.

The adventure began this morning at 5:15am when I heard a horrible screeching noise. I slammed my radio until it went off and then I fell back asleep only to be awakened moments later by my phone alarm going off. My brain waged a war with the rest of my body, thinking "15 more minutes isn't going to make you more rested... just get up now before you spend the next hour hitting snooze" (like I do every other morning). By 6:15am I was ready to go, only to hear my dad just getting up and getting in the shower (its not fair that men only need a few minutes to get ready in the morning and I take an hour). We left the house right at 6:30am and headed toward the city.

My dad is SUPER awesome for driving me to jury duty this morning! He deserves a metal. Especially because I got us a bit lost. Apparently the exits are not the same coming in from different directions. Oops. After a few wrong turns and a few crossed lanes, we made it to our exit and finally to the building I was to be in for the rest of the day. Dad dropped me off and there I was in the big city all alone... 45 minutes early... slightly intimidated. I walked over to a hole-in-the-wall diner and ordered breakfast and then headed inside to check-in.

Then, panic! They took my camera! I forgot I had it in my bag and when I went through security, they put it in a bag and wrote my phone number on it. You can have a camera phone or a computer with a camera in it but if you have just a plain old camera, they have to take it away... nice.

So here I am , sitting in the Jury Assembly room about to watch a fascinating movie about why this is so important. I have to say, the people watching is pretty interesting. I'll keep you updated on whats going on.

Surprise!!!

Congratulations to my sister and brother-in-law!!

Lovin' Life

So after about two weeks at my internship, the votes are in... I have the coolest job ever. Ok, maybe its not the coolest ever but for me at this time of my life, it is perfect. I work with three guys at a marketing company. The creative director and owner are both very experienced in the design field and have taken it upon themselves to take me under their wings. As an intern, I would expect boring office work but they have already had me work on multiple design projects. Projects that are being sent out to clients! I am learning so much and building up my portfolio so when it comes to find a permanent job I will be ready!

First Day on the Job

Today was my first day at my internship! I woke up bright and early at 6:30 to get in a morning workout and get ready for my big day. I ended up getting to work in no time at all and even before the others arrived. After the guys came in, we got right to work. I learned how to use Word Press and edited a website for most of the day. Later, I was put in charge of designing a logo for one of the newer clients.

Tomorrow I have my first client meeting!! So far so good!

I also got a call from the Gap today too. I am interviewing with them this weekend. I decided that having an unpaid internship is great for experience but not so good on a wallet. Hopefully I can earn some money so I will be less of a burden on my parents and put some away in savings.

Wardrobe fit for a Grad Girl

Dazzling Dots Shift Dress
From J.Crew
was $210; now $150

Petite Pleat Waist Button Front Shirt

from Ann Taylor Loft

Was: $39.50
Now: $14.99

Below the Knee High Waist Cotton Pencil Skirt
From Express
was $59.50; now $39.99

Patti the Pug

Patti is one cute little girl. She plays with everybody and when it is time to nap she can really nap.....she loves to observe what is going on....she is a very smart little girl.

If you would like to meet Patti, please contact her foster mom, Barbie at email: barbieyonce@aol.com or call her at 706-955-3992

Design World, here I come!

On Friday, I went for an interview with Zero-G Creative, a small business marketing/design company located in Atlanta. This four person team creates websites, logos, business cards, branding- you name it, they do it- specifically for small to mid-sized businesses.

I am starting after the 4th of July as their new intern!! It is a great opportunity for me to learn the business in a very hands on way. I am super excited to finalize the details this coming week.

Stop Motion Animation

My second project for Digital class was to create a stop motion animation. I tried to attach the video but the file is too big. Follow this link:

The Great Fight Scene

to see my newest project and let me know what you think.

My Design Style

I went to HGTV.com to take the Design Style Quiz. My result is...

Mediterranean-Inspired

Vibrant, yet tranquil. Rustic textures and soothing colors echo the sea and sky. An ornate space inspired by nature. Tuscan and Mediterranean stylings.

Maybe this will give me some inspiration to make-over my bedroom when I move home.

Oh My Goodness!

Do you have any idea how frustrating it is when you have some awesome, amazing news and NO ONE will answer their phones!?!?!?! I finally, after thousands (ok, not really thousands but it seemed like an awful lot) of applications, got a call back that did not include the phrase, "we are unable to match your qualifications at this time" or, "your background is not a match for the specific requirements for this position."

Although I am beyond excited, I am trying to stay calm until things become a little more solid. As my dad says, Hope is not a strategy.

But until people start returning their frantic voicemail messages, I will bask in the glow of possibility.

Paid Web Design Internship

Job Summary: The Bradford Group is seeking a full-time Web design intern in its E-commerce Creative Department. This internship requires that you work closely with various senior-level Web designers on a wide variety of projects to support marketing and corporate initiatives. An ideal candidate will possess a background in HTML and CSS in addition to strong design skills with an emphasis on typography. Responsibilities: Support senior-level designers in creative tasks Utilize design skills in the creation of projects ranging from promotional graphics to Web site design Execute Web site designs using HTML and CSS Build HTML & CSS within website Site updates and maintenance Miscellaneous design projects
Required Skills:
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, Web Design or Interactive Media or pursuing is required Excellent design skills with emphasis on typography Proficient in Mac OS, HTML, CSS, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator Ability to meet deadlines and work with changing priorities Flash skills a plus Possesses enthusiasm, creativity, and curiosity To apply: see http://career.staffingsoft.com/site008/asp/JobSeekerResults.asp?button=Search

This Bites!

I went to volunteer at the animal shelter earlier this week. The trail that they have to walk the dogs on goes right by a small creek which apparently breeds mosquitoes. I ended up with the worst bug bites I have ever had in my life. I counted 21 bug bites on one shoulder alone!

Animation using Photoshop

This is my completed first project for Digital III.

A New Start

I thought I should give my blog a lovely face lift to go along with the fact that my life is changing. Soon, I will no longer be a college student. I will be a young professional looking for a job in the graphic design field (which is something I've been doing for the past few months actually). I hope you like the new look!

One Year Ago

One year ago, I spent the summer in Italy.

Tuscany

Venice

Rome

Amalfi Coast

Pisa

Florence

Rome



This summer... I am spending six hours a day, four days a week taking class.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

My family may have picked the rainiest weekend EVER to go to Hilton Head Island for a vacation. I have been bouncing around from Daytona to Savannah to Hilton Head for the past week and the weather has not improved in the slightest (with exception to Daytona, which was very sunny and causing me to get a horrible sunburn).

Sunny Daytona Beach

A Glimpse of Blue Sky in Hilton Head followed by another rainstorm

Thank goodness for a good book, the movie theatre and Starbucks internet.

Soul Mate Puppy

Hannah is a baby Chinese Crested Pup who was born on MY BIRTHDAY. According to her ad: Hannah is a sweet heart. She is just waiting for a good home to adopt her. She is great with all the other pups and cats!!She is such a good loving baby. She will cuddle when you are sitting with her and then you get in the floor and roll a ball and she is so comical chasing it.

Graduation

As I left my last class for the spring of 2009, I happened to walk past the tennis courts and I heard music playing. The song I heard was the theme song for my high school graduation. It almost brought a tear to my eyes. The past four years at Georgia College and State University have been some of the best memories of my life. I have made life long friends and learned so much, not only in the class room but out in the world. Here are some of my college memories...

• I started college as a chemistry major and then went through pre-pharmacy, liberal studies, museum studies, and finally settled on Digital Media in the Art Department.
• I had a mix of great roommates and not so great roommates.
• I pledged a sorority and held a position on executive board.
• My first roommate, who I will always like the most, took me to my first college party and introduced me to the boy who kissed me for the first time.
• I went to Italy and had the most amazing time of my life.
• I failed and succeeded.
• I ate Ramen for the first time... and loved it!
  
• I played flag football and learned to play softball.
• I rescued a puppy and found him a good home.
• I found a family of friends called the Mansion.
• I dyed my hair pink, orange, and green.
• I got my first apartment.
• I learned that living with 13 girls is not as bad as I thought.
• I learned that cockroaches come out on the sidewalk at night and it is impossible to avoid them all.
• I learned that the best work gets done in the middle of the night in a freezing cold art room with a tall white chocolate mocha and some fun music playing.
• I learned the best way to avoid a hangover is macaroni and cheese and not to mix wine and beer.
• I learned that no matter now much you ask her to clean up, or post a chore list, or put up a trash schedule, a bad roommate will not clean up after herself.
• Living in the dorms was awesome and Sanford boys will always be crazy.
• Sometimes you just need to cry.
• You have to learn a lot of unnecessary information (like a mganga uses a fly whisk) in order to get to the interesting and worthwhile information (like good friends stick with you even when you are a jerk, or if there is cake it is going to be in someone's face sooner or later, or all great artists know their art history).

I walked across the stage and took my (empty) diploma case and felt a huge wave of relief. I had the time of my life in college, and, although its not quite over ( I have 3 more summer classes), I feel like I am starting a new and exciting chapter in my life and I look forward to the years to come. I want to thank my family and friends for sticking with me through everything, without them, especially my parents, college just would not have been the same.

Ding Dong the Wicked Witch is dead!!!

Ding Dong the Witch is dead! Which old Witch, the wicked witch!!!

My roommate for the past year has finally moved out!! I found out from one of the people that live in my apartment building that she had earned the nickname of "the Troll" due to her rotten demeanor and yelling/threatening our neighbors. Clearly she was just a joy to live with. She has moved out and, of course, left a huge mess to clean up (her rotting old food is still in the fridge... yuck!!). Never will I ever live with a random roommate ever again because I don't want to end up with a Witch (with a capital B) like her.

She's gone where the goblins go,
Below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out.
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low.
Let them know
The Wicked TROLL is dead!

Sweet Lil Things

My name's Hannah. I'm a Blue Pomeranian. I was born January 5, 2009. I'm a little girl. I weighed 3 1/2 lbs on April 21, 2009. I'm also a bossy little girl, who loves to play with other dogs, and is enjoying bossing my little brother. I am current on my vaccinations and will spayed 5/5. If you're looking for a little girl with alot of spunk then I'm the girl for you. Please fill out an online application at Alcovypet.com















My name is Kylie. I'm a cream colored Pomeranian. I was born January 4, 2009. I'm little, I only weighed 4 pounds on April 5. I love to play with other puppies, dogs and toys. I'm sweet, smart and energetic. I've been spayed, dewormed and I'm up to date on my vaccines. I'm looking for my forever home.
















My name's Montana. I'm a blue Pomeranian. I was born Januray 5, 2009. I only weighed 4 1/2 pounds on April 24. I have a little white hair on my chest and the tips of my feet. I'm a sweet, smart boy. I like to play with other dogs and toys. You can see my little sister, Hannah, on this same web site. She's a little bossy, but I still love her. If interested in Montana please fill out an online application at Alcovypet.com

Four Years of ZTA

Magic in the Moonlight: Crown Ball Formal

Zeta had the annual Crown Ball Formal at SoChi Gallery in downtown Macon. Unfortunately, most of my friends decided not to go this year (I think a lack of dates had something to do with it). It wasn't quite as fun as other dances, but don't I look cute?!

Do Good to De-Stress

I've heard that people who have dogs suffer from less stress than those without one. Well, this week has been the most stressful week I have had in a very long time. Since I do not have a dog at my apartment, I decided to do volunteer work at the local animal rescue shelter. Today I spent two hours hanging around with the sweetest pups. I took them all out for a walk, one at a time of course, and enjoyed their carefree nature. Each pup clearly had their own personality. There is a lovely trail in the back of the shelter that runs parallel to a river. Its very peaceful and the perfect de-stresser for my hectic week. I know the pups appreciated the attention, and the workers at the shelter always appreciate the extra help. After such an awful week of research papers, a failed career fair, and frustrating work issues, I already feel better just from two hours with those pups. I highly recommend doggy-therapy to anyone who is suffering from stress. Meet some of the delightful little darlings:

Layla, an 8 week old female austrailian sheperd mix. She is a sweet little ball of fluff with penchant for chomping on anything that moves. She also happens to think she is a great dane.

Iris, a 12 week old female Collie mix. Such a little spit fire! And with beautiful markings too! Iris is jumpy little girl who loves exploring nature.

Peanut is a beagle mix about 5 months old. Her sister, Bagel, was adopted and now poor Peanut is left alone at the shelter. She is very cuddly, even on the walk we went on she would snuggle up to me every time I bent down to her.

The one that made the biggest impression on me is named Sugar. For some reason she is not listed on the shelter's website, she might be too new. Sugar is an older pup, probably between 2 and 4 years old. She looks a bit like a Collie mix of some kind. At first when we went for a walk she was bouncy and excited. She walked on the lease really well. The second time I took her out she acted like a perfect lady and was completelt calm.

If you are in the market for a pup, I highly recommend any of the sweet babies found at ARF. They all have great personalities and could use a forever home. Check out the website for a listing of the rest of the adoptables at ARF.

Career Fair for ALL majors???

My school participated in a career fair this past Tuesday. I decided that since I am a senior and about to graduate, I should check it out. I went online to check out the over 100 companies that were going to be represented at this fair. Since my school was advertising this as a place for ALL majors, I thought it would be prefect. I made a list of companies that I was interested in talking. Amazingly enough, some of them even had design positions open. I felt prepared and I looked great in my new suit.

I drove 2 hours to Atlanta just to find out that every company I talked to wanted sales people and engineers. Even the companies that had design positions open, the representatives either knew nothing about it or just didn't want to talk about those positions. It was the biggest waste of time and worse than that, it was the biggest discouragement.

Next time I see a career fair for all majors, I'll be sure to let my business and engineering major friends know about it.

Great Give Away!!

Bridal Buzz from WedEventDesign
and Tales of a Golf Gal
are having a contest to see who has the most loyal followers!
Follow one site and get 1 entry
Follow both sites and get 2 entries
Post about the contest on your blog and get 3 more entries!

the giveaway prize is from
Crate and Barrel
the Cabo Glassware Pitcher and 4 Stemless Drink Glasses

Go to CountryClubLivin.blogspot.com for more info!!

Viva Las Vegas!!

My spring break this year happened to co-inside with my dad's business trip to Las Vegas. My mom and I decided to fly out and meet him out there for the weekend. When we landed in Vegas, my mom and I thought it was funny that they had slot machines in the airport, so we decided to play a dollar. Not five minutes had we been in Vegas and my mom won! Ok, well she won $1.25, but still! I thought it was cool.
We went to the hotel, which was about five minutes from the airport, met up with my dad, toured the hotel and casino, and spent the rest of the day lounging by the enormous expanse of pool area. Then we showered up and got ready for dinner at Circo, a restaurant inside the Bellagio.

The next day, we had breakfast at Cafe Bellagio and watched as the line to get in steadily got longer and wrapped around the indoor garden.

By the way, the Bellagio hotel was AAmazing inside. It had Chihuly glass in the lobby, an indoor garden that smelled wonderful, a pool area that went on forever, and outside were the fountains that went off every night. (did I tell you our room window looked down on the fountains? we had a private show every night!) We spent the day walking around and shopping at Caesar's Palace and the Fashion Show Mall because the weather was not cooperating and became windy and cool. In the evening, we walked over to the Venetian, that has a indoor area mimicking Saint Mark's Square, and had dinner at Cannalettos.
Day three was cold and windy again. We went back to the Fashion Show Mall for a little bit and then came back to the hotel to get ready for the spa. Since the weather was just no good, we decided to spend some time relaxing inside in the spa. It was lovely! After the spa, we walked over, in the gail like winds, to the Palazzo to see a show, the Jersey Boys. It was great!! After the show, we went back to Cannalettos and had dessert.

The Last half-day that we had in Vegas was full of packing, shopping, realizing the guy at GAP didn't remove our security tags, leaving the hotel, asking sales people if they could remove our tags, and catching our flight back home. Oh, did I mention I rode first class back?
It was quite possibly the coolest spring break I have ever had. Although we didn't win big in Vegas, we did leave with a sure thing... Shoes! Thank you to my parents for such a great time!!

A New Love

So sweet little Leia is adopted!! I'm happy that she found her forever home. But meet Frankie!! A 7.5 pound, 3 months old, Chihuahua/Yorkie mix. He is the only one in his pack of four that looks like a Yorkie.

Ava

Joey

Dino

A Girl Obsessed

In case you did not know, I am a girl obsessed. Ever since I can remember I have been a dog lover. Cuddly, loyal, and oh so cute, I am dog obsessed. On my 10th birthday, my mom surprised me by taking me to the pet store to look for a pup. We had a dog at the time, Teddy, but I wanted to get him a friend. We brought home Maddy that day. A sweet little Maltese, my puppy. A few years later, after Teddy passed away, we wanted to get Maddy a friend (losing Ted made her lonely). Thats when Sharkey came home with us. A chubby brown and white Chihuahua with the sweetest personality ever. About a year after that, Bailey, a tan colored Chihuahua, was adopted after my sister realized she could not handle having a pup at that moment in her life. So, for many years I have lived amoung these little animals, loving every minute of it.


I moved away from home to go to college about three and a half years ago. Living away from my furry friends is tough. Its odd not having to watch my feet to make sure I'm not going to step on a tail or a paw. No one barks when someone comes to the door. Its definitely different and kind of lonely. Which is why I am on the constant look out for my potenial future puppy. I love looking at the local rescue websites as well as petfinder just to see whats out there. I want to adopt almost every pup I see. I came upon this adorable little papillon/chihuahua mix named Leia. Although I am not at a place in my life to get a dog (so says my mom), if I could go get Leia tomorrow, I probably would. Don't worry Mom, I'm not going to... but its a nice dream I have.