Vacation Bible School Graphics

My friend Jenny asked me to design some graphics for the children's summer VBS at our church. Scuba was the theme for this year, so she wanted each team to represent a different body of water in the bible. It was a great opportunity for me to try some different design styles. 

Mediterranean Sea

Red Sea

Water of Marah

Pool of Bethesda

It was such a fun challenge to make these bodies of water distinguishable and visually engaging for the kids!  

A Wonderful Gift

For my birthday a few months ago, Eric made this for me after I had requested a tape dispenser for my beloved collection of washi tapes. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it because it completely fits my style. It's both modern and rustic, simple, clean, and impeccably made. I like to think if I were a tape dispenser, I would be this one. Its quiet and unobtrusive as well as cleverly designed and has shock factor.

Eric will make a post about how he made this on his blog. Check back here in a few days for a link to his post. In the meantime, have a look at his past work at http://www.fourbardesign.com.

On a personal note: You would think that Eric and I make a great creative team since we both love to design and build. And we are...when we aren't working on the same task at the same time. ;P You know creative minds -- we're always particular and opinionated. I've learned that the best way for us to seamlessly work together is by dividing up tasks, working separately, and building trust and confidence in the other's abilities. When I flip through a lifestyle magazine, I always chuckle when I come across a photo of a couple smiling and laughing while mixing a bowl of cookie dough together because I think of how wonderfully different Eric and I are from the couple in the photo. When it comes to our creative sides, we're both serious, intense, driven, and wildly passionate. And while we both shoot for the sky, we expect more of each other than vocational success. 

I can't even begin to describe how hard Eric and I work on our relationship daily and needless to say, we've gone through our more-than-fair share of disappointments and obstacles. But the wonderful thing is that, thanks to God's amazing grace, through our failed attempts and disappointments comes God's clarity, and through clarity comes conviction of the heart. Thus, I'm so thankful for how deeply we've grown together and how truly original we are as a couple. 

That's it for now! Until next time :)

current obsessions || week 1 of 52

Happy 2013! I look forward to this year, I feel a mix of hope and anxiety surge and sting through my veins. 2012 certainly had its highs and lows (and very low lows) but I don't regret the fact that I lived as much as I could. I pushed everyday, pursued the things that I loved, and discovered much about myself. I'm so thankful to God for what has been placed before me and I hope that new doors will open for me this year!

I realize that I don't talk much about my personal life and infuse my personality on here. I've made it a resolution to do more of that this year! On New Year's Eve, I spent the countdown at a fashion show in NYC with two of my sisters. It was such a new experience for me and I loved meeting new and old faces (and some I didn't like meeting....boom.) I just turned 23 a few months ago but sometimes I feel like I am more comfortable being in more mature crowds.  Since I'm currently in my post-adolescent semi-idealistic phase, I prefer being around older, very logical, and grounded people to balance me out. Funny, I'm sure that when I'm a little old lady, I'll want nothing more than to be around young people full of life and idealistic aspirations.

Anyways, I've compiled a list of things I've been seriously diggin' lately! Beautiful, aren't they?

Click the links below to find the image sources and/or where you can purchase the items:

fragrance / necklace / ring / pet

Fragrance: I was doing some holiday shopping with my family when I sampled this scent and loved it! I shamelessly sniffed my wrists all day. Yup.

Necklace: I'm obsessed with Baublebar. This necklace is incredible! Can something be simple and complex at the same time?

Ring: I find it very charming when I find a piece of jewelry that is a little geeky. What can I say? It's only natural that I enjoy anything that involves trinkets and tech.

Pet: The more wrinkles, the better. So model-status. ;)

Until next time!

Tiffany's Eye Candy || Week 51 of 52

A funny thing about me is that I never actually WANT beautiful things -- I just want to look at them. (Can I get a witness on this one?) I derive so much enjoyment from simply admiring a beautiful pattern or a unique piece of jewelry that owning it could not bring me anymore pleasure. Mind you, I'm one of those people who absolutely hate a full closet of clothing, shoes, or jewelry -- having less means less mess and less stress.

That being said, I still do collect a mental catalog of items that I love. I thought that it would be a good idea to take a few of those items out of my mental closet and post them here. Plus, I love any excuse to do a little blogpost designing. 

Click the numbers below to find the image sources or where you can purchase the items if you feel so inclined.

1  /  2  /  3

Rachel Roy Earrings: I love it when someone turns a common object into something special.

Kate Spade Necklace: I've been drawn towards very short necklace lengths recently, especially collar necklaces and delicate chokers. Even though the bow necklace shown is long, I like to imagine that it has a 14" length.

Kate Spade Bangle: As you can probably tell from my blog color scheme or my favorite everyday wear, I love a gray, white, and gold combination. 

Thinking of making this a weekly segment on the blog. After this hectic holiday season, I could use a little more routine around here.

Until next time :)

Breathe

This week has been pretty chaotic. Some flower photos to help me slow down and breathe :)

All taken during my most recent visit to the Union Square Greenmarket. 

More photo to come from my day with Lois :)

Revisiting the Union Square Greenmarket

Greenmarkets are among my favorite places to shoot. On my way to meeting with Lois, I stopped by the Union Square Greenmarket. The last time I was here, it was early spring and Eric shot all of the photos from that set. Hey eric, looking back at that post, I think we need another "this is us photo" asap!

Usually, I lean towards shooting very light photos, but  I loved the dark shadows under the tents so I shot for some moody photos.

The first photo in this set reminded me of my Valentines Tulip photos. I can't believe how quickly 2012 is speeding by! Anyways, until tomorrow :)

Coffee Shop with Lois

You know how you meet someone for the first time and immediately know that you're going to be great friends? That was me with Lois :) It's only happened once or twice in my life before, but I absolutely love it when I meet someone new and instantly know that they easily run in the same type of circle that I do. We share an amazing number of interests and I wouldn't be surprised if we were able to finish each other's sentences by now :P haha

Lois and I met up in NYC at the end of last week, and we stopped into this coffee shop for shelter from the rain. 

Lois shoots film! (See above photos.) I'm ten steps closer to making the jump into film because of her :P Gorgeous. 

I've got to run but there will be more photos from this day to come! Have a great Tuesday everyone :)

The Highline II

I had a much needed, quiet weekend. Stayed over at my sisters place, which means spending a lot of quality time with two of my sisters, lounging and relaxing. Stephie, Alice, and I went for some ice cream and a stroll on the highline. I love the view from here and I wandered around some areas I didn't get to last time. 

Happy Monday :)

The Flower Farm

I remember my dad came running over to me one day and said in his thick Chinese Accent, "Tiffany, I want you to buy some Irish seeds for my garden." Confused, I responded, "Uh...Irish seeds? What are Irish seeds?" He brought over a book of paintings and with a stern look on his face, points to a flower. "I want to plant Monet's favorite flower, the Irish." My mouth upturned into a grin and I laughed, "Dad, it's called an Iris." A childish fit of giggles proceeded to assault my insides. Of course, my dad, with his indifferent demeanor, nodded and walked away, taking a piece of my heart with him.

 I like to think that my fascination with gardens and nature was passed onto me from my dad. He's been obsessed with all kinds of art for as long as I can remember and every flower planted in his garden is inspired by a painting or an artist. I like to think that its in my blood to take an interest in such things.

Anyways, I spotted a flower farm recently and I made a pit stop to take some photos. My favorite photo opps are the unexpected ones. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful summer's day :)

My favorite shots from this shoot are the ones below.

The farm grows vegetables as well. They were closing up shop before I could get around to shooting the barns, but perhaps I'll come back another day. By the way, I jumped through hoops to get this last photo! Don't ask what happened but it involved massive mosquito bites and a severe reprimand from a policeman. Oops.

Have a fantastic weekend, you guys!

Ferrara Bakery

My family decided to spend some time in New York this past weekend. After dinner, we made our way over to Little Italy for dessert. We took a lap around the area before deciding on Ferrara. I had to take a few photos of this place -- I couldn't help myself!

Left: My mom downing her mango and guava gelato. Right: Stephie scoured the streets of Little Italy for rainbow cookies. Mmm delicious. We also had pistachio gelato (my favorite flavor) and my older sister claimed it was the best she's ever tasted. I didn't get the chance to get a good photo of it before we destroyed it. :P

A nice relaxing evening :) Happy Tuesday guys!

At Blackfish

I decided to take a break from my challenges this week to do some re-evaluating. For me, this whole blog is for learning, growing, and enjoying myself, so I'd rather post something genuine that I put good effort into instead of posting anything just to get it in by the end of the day. Anyways, that's my blurb for this week.

 Onto the photos! I was browsing through my archives and I came across these photos taken back in May. I enjoy taking photos of food but I usually don't like to post them. However, I think I'll be taking on a food photography challenge in the upcoming weeks -- so I thought I'd whet your appetites.

In early May, Eric had made reservations for us at Blackfish. Since this meal was two long months ago and our reservation was at 9:45 PM (for the record, we were in PA running errands that evening...we aren't THAT crazy to travel so far just for a meal!) I can't remember too many details from that night. I remember what I enjoyed and didn't enjoy about the meal but I won't be talking about that here since this is not the place for that.

Anyways, enjoy! Eric shot all the landscape photos and I took all the portrait photos. I remember him saying that he didn't like his photos from this night, but I think he did a great job!

Left: amuse bouche - chilled english pea soup Right: (top left corner) foie gras soup 

(For those of you who plan on eating here - there is a tasting menu but we opted to order off of the menu. I don't remember what Eric ordered but I'll take my best guesses by looking at the menu =x)

montauk fluke crudo, daikon, breakfast radish, ponzu

 day boat scallops, salsa verde, chicory, grapefruit

Left: magret duck breast, saffron-onion, haricot verts, cherries, duck jus

salmon confit, royal trumpet, pork belly, white asparagus, pink peppercorn vierge

Unfortunately, our dinner got cut short. I got pretty sick so we skipped dessert and went straight home. Not exactly an ideal way to end the night. But I fondly think back of this night because I was definitely in great company :) 

Looks like I'll be starting a "food" label! Have a great weekend guys!

Nature Challenge: Monday

Good ol' New Jersey has such unpredictable weather. We've been getting all sorts of it around here lately --  blazing 90 degree heat one day and the next day we have thunder and lightning. Haha all the more reason to spend some time outside, right?  Hopefully I'll be able to catch some of that lighting in the next few days, as I'll be attempting a nature challenge this week. Here are a few garden photos that I was able to shoot a few days ago.

Hope you had a great start to the week!

Bokeh Challenge: Wednesday

This glitter bokeh idea was one that I was eagerly looking forward to shooting this week. I am so glad that I have friends who are more than happy to be in front of my camera...makes my life A LOT easier :) Thanks for being my lovely subject today, JJ!

What a pretty gal, eh? :)

Above is a behind-the-scenes shot. Very quick and simple set-up -- she just blew on a small handful of gold glitter. 

Until tomorrow!

Bokeh Challenge: Tuesday

Eep, rushing to get this in before midnight! 

My mom received 6 cartons of blueberries from her friend, who had them home-grown. Usually I don't like blueberries all that much, but these were the most amazing blueberries I have ever tasted. I may or may not have finished 2.5 cartons on my own =X

I love this bowl. In case you can't tell, the bowl has blueberries painted on it :P

I'm a stinker for set ups like the one above, even though this type of shot is so overdone. Oh well! Saw the opportunity and went for it. :P Until tomorrow!