Well it has become apparent yet again tonight that I have been holding back some vital information to my dear friends. The new realm of answering questions has arrived via TEXT messaging using CHA CHA (242242). So instead of me trying to tell you all about it when I see you in person one random day---a blog post can suffice.
One of my kids that I tutor is definitely in the 'know' when it comes to trendy gidgets, gadgets and what not. He was the first person to get me addicted to my new texting genius. It is super simple and resembles the same concept as google text but so much better and more efficient.
Program the number 242242 into your address book on your cell as CHA CHA and you can text them (using most cell phone providers) whenever you are in need of an answer. For example, I can text something simple like what time does Costco open and what is their telephone number. A Cha Cha guide (that literally is sitting in front of a computer and searching for your answer) will text you back in a matter of seconds or minutes (based on the degree of difficulty) with your answer. An answer that has the exact source from where your Cha Cha guide found it.
Now I was using google text for the easy address, telephone number questions but they are not answering as precisely as Cha Cha and it takes up too much time...thus I leave all of my wonders to Cha Cha to be answered! Forget the easy stuff, you can ask it anything and it will search for the correct answer. Brian and I were just out in Laguna Beach and didn't have any internet access where we were staying--we are newly obsessed with everything surfing. We would text Cha Cha every morning to find out the surf conditions and the best beaches with addresses to hit up for the day. Minutes later we would have our answers and hit the beach for the day!!! Trust me it's amazing what technology can do.
If I'm not explaining it well check out their description:
"ChaCha is a free mobile search service that allows you to get answers to any question you might have - right on your mobile device. You can ask about weather, stocks, directions, restaurants, shops, products... and all your questions are answered by real people. Our very own ChaCha Guides can give you restaurant recommendations on the go, last night's baseball score, and even the average weight of an elephant! ChaCha allows you to get the answers you need, right when you need them. ChaCha is so simple to use. You simply send a text message containing your question to 242242 (spells ChaCha on your keypad) or call 1-800-2ChaCha and say your question. Your question will be sent to a ChaCha Guide who will research the question and send you a text back with your answer."
Learn more here.
Now go try it--seriously you will become addicted!!!
Enjoy!
Labels: Daily Randomness, Love It
Client: One Thousand Words Photography
Style: Modern Album Design
Printer: 3500 flushmount Leather Craftsmen
"Lisa says perfect and she loves it. Thank you so much and I'm excited to see the final product!" - Angela Burke, co-owner
Labels: Album Tid Bits, Love It, Modern Album Design
Client: Diverse Equity
Project: Branding for new branch of Retail Real Estate company
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
"The logo you did for my company was perfect! I am getting such great feedback from my clients on the design. I will be referring you to all my associates in the future for there company logo needs." - Brian Gausden, owner
Labels: Branding, Love It
Client: Mark StoltzDesign Style: ClassicPrinter: WHCCBinder: Cypress Albums-IrisAh let me tell you how excited I was to put this wedding album together. We kept the design very simple & clean so it wouldn't take away from the beautiful images. I cannot wait to see how the final album from Cypress turns out.
Take a look at a few of my favorite spreads.
"Everything looks great, amazing really! " - Mark Stoltz, groom
Labels: Classic Album Design, Client Reviews, Love It
My new favorite obsession found today thanks to
A Bryan Photo blog....
Peter Bradley Adams
My Favorites: Los Angeles, The Longer | Run & Always
Labels: Daily Randomness, Love It
Oh how I love this post! I stumbled upon this GREAT new lodging in the NW from
Junebug Weddings. It peaked my interest being eco-friendly and yet super stylish.
Washington
Treehouse PointThus this led me on a chase for more treehouse like accommodations around the world. I was giddy while I was choosing my favorites--it's like being a kid again, well or just being a kid as our cacti here in AZ don't make for great treehouse frames. While browsing treehouse lodging, I found a ton of hostel like accommodations but I was able to pick out some of my favorite luxury like options! Check them out:
Big Sur, CA
Post Ranch InnSouth Africa
TsalaCosta Rica
Costa Rica TreehousePuerto Rico
Tropical TreehouseIndia
Wild Canopy Reserve or Safariland Treehouse Resort (undergoing renovation)
Wild Canopy ReserveAustralia
Daintree EcolodgeGermany
Baumhaus HotelLabels: Basic Travel Consulting, Daily Randomness, Full Service Boutique Travel, Love It, Travel Tips
Client: Harrison Hurwitz PhotographyDesign Style: Storybook
Harrison photographed News Channel 3 reporter Carey Pena's wedding at the Hyatt Gainey Ranch. It was a stunning event and I loved putting my creative flare on their storybook album. Below are a few of my favorite spreads.
Labels: Daily Randomness, Love It, Storybook Album Design
Client: Laurie
Company: Boeing
Laurie was in need of updated business head shots. We had to throw in some more casual fun shots to show her personality as well.
Enjoy
Labels: Love It, Photographing Business
Watched such a great flick the other night named
War Dance. I hold Africa very near and dear to my heart ever since I visited in 2003 and I absolutely LOVED this film. It is a great film that focuses on the war torn section of Northern Uganada. The spirit in these children is so present and the dancing/singing is amazing. The children are so talented and positive even after having such horrific things happen to them.
Go check it out.
Labels: Daily Randomness, Love It
A classmate from my
Alma Mater has started a great blog that focuses on one of my favorite past times---drinking & learning about VINO! The site is called
Tavola Rosso and is still being tweaked for minor details and such. Mark has such a passion and knowledge base for wine that this blog will be a must read for wine lovers and wine lovers to be! A brief statement from Mark explaining the purpose of Tavloa Rosso can be found below:
"Tavola Rosso expresses our belief that wine is a journey, not a destination. It's not about how much you know or how many points a wine should have; instead it's about exploring wine's unique ability to communicate the great things in life like romance, culture, people, and ultimately great memories shared with friends and family." -Mark Stoltz
I love it! Go grab a glass of your favorite vino and take a few minutes to broaden your vino palette!
Salute
Labels: Daily Randomness, Love It
I read a TON of blogs daily. I think I normally spend a good 1.5 hrs in the morning checking on blogs and another 1.5 before I go to bed!
My web designer Ryan and I have talked about posting our favorite blog reads for the week....well I don't think I'll be able to keep it up weekly but sporadically I'll post my favorites that you definitely should check out. HAPPY READING!!!
oneredkey (in beta) 
sws mag
brocade home
dooce
ali edwards
design spongeLabels: Daily Randomness, Love It, The Industry
For those of you who travel ALL the time or just travel a few times a year...this handy website is going to become your new travel best friend. This site jam packs information for traveling from what to pack, packing lists, and how to pack it in ONE bag!!!! I can attest that I did not used to pack light at all until I moved to Italy and only had 2 bags I could check for free. You learn quickly while traveling on a train, in a country you do not speak the language how to pack everything into a bag that can fit on your back so your hands are free.
Tip: "The Art & Science of Travelling Light"
Find It: One BagLabels: Love It, Travel Tips
Before we left for Hawaii I was in design lock down here at the studio. I had to finish designing 21 ads for Phoenix Bride & Groom Magazine clients and it was deadline crunch!! Here are just a few to check out and I will post more later on. They will be in the upcoming summer issue of
Phoenix Bride & Groom Magazine. Check it out early June at newsstands around the valley.
Client: Carefree Resort & Villas
Business: Wedding Resort & Reception Location
Location: Carefree, AZ
Site:carefree-resort.com
Client: Brooke Kramer
Business: Makeup Artist, Aesthetician, Certified Laser Technician
Location: Phoenix; the Urban Skin & Laser Studio of the new Spa side of Swank Salon
Site:brookekramer.comLabels: Advertising Design, Love It
Client: Marilee LangnerLocation: Boulder, Colorado
Album Design Style: Modern
Print/Bind: Leather Craftsmen 3500
Pages: 34
This wedding was so simple & stunning...below are a few of my favorites from the album.
Labels: Modern Album Design
Company: Leather Craftsmen 3500 Print/Bind
I've been meaning to post this.
Here are some images from one of Leather Craftsmen's gorgeous albums. This was an album for Julie Harris Photography that was 48 pages. I've had questions regarding thickness in albums....In some of the images you can see the difference in thickness between
Leather Craftsmen &
Graphi's. The Leather Craftsmen album is the thick one in the middle of the four shown. I think both album companies offer gorgeous binding options.
Labels: Album Tid Bits, Classic Album Design, Love It, The Industry
My #2 turns TWO today! Thor Butler has been the best addition to this studio! Two years ago today I was charting new waters and completely stepping out of my comfort zone and mister THOR BUTLER was born. I knew I was in need of a sidekick with all of these life changes so Dad and I went hunting for a puppy as we were just about to put my 14 year old childhood dog to sleep in a few days. We stumbled upon a farm that was selling Cavalier King Charles/Cocker mixes (which is VERY rare to find) and we had to go check him out.
The minute I walked up and saw his cute LITTLE paws sprawled out in 'froggy' position on the cool cement patio my Dad and I were totally smitten. He was so tiny and knew we would not be making it off that property empty handed. We left 10 minutes later with Thor in hand (literally one hand he was that small) and headed home. It's been a roller coaster of cuteness from that point on.
He has such a hilarious personality and rocks a good mohawk. He loves interacting with people more then dogs...and he has definitely made me a softy. Off to the pet store for a new toy. Happy Birthday Thor Butler.
Baby Thor
Cuteness
The many styles of mohawks he can rock.
In froggy position with his pet froggy.
Labels: Love It, Photographing Life
