note to self

Oh, hi!

Hi there! Remember me? Graphic designer? Tall? Sarcastic? Terrible speller? I'm back! Things have been happening. And I've also come to several conclusions during my hiatus:

1. Sint Maarten is beautiful and calm and quiet and I recommend it to anyone seeking an island in the sun to call their own. Even though I was only there for three days, it felt like a week – such was my need for down-time. Also, you should know that JetBlue flies there (direct from JFK). So ponder that for a hot second.

2. (Most relevant to you) I can't pretend like I can blog the way I used to before I returned to work full-time. My priorities have changed, and so have my reasons for blogging. When I started in 2009, I was just going back to school. I was floating around. I was lost. This blog and the online community used to be my lifeline for challenging myself – to learning and growing as a designer. But right now, I feel something completely foreign and exciting: security. I feel anchored to the path that I'm on, so much so that it's become difficult or uncomfortable to try and maintain the sort of "floaty" curiosity that came to define my content over the years. I guess what I mean is... things will be changing. That's not to say Note to Self is going anywhere (it's not), but it will be different, and hopefully more reflective of this new phase of my life. And as with this "Advice" column that I swear is coming (I just finished writing the first entry!), it is my genuine hope that this blog becomes more personal as well as informative. Caring is sharing. 

3. (This is the catalyst for my stress at the moment) I will likely continue to go crazy until I move into the city because at least three hours of my day is absolutely wasted commuting from Connecticut. It's killing my soul, but I'm told by my wonderful co-workers that moving into Manhattan is a total mental health game-changer. The good news: I've found a wonderful apartment that is about a 20-minute walk to work, and 10 minutes from the Met (squee!) Not to mention, I can't wait to call some friends my neighbors for once (brunch buddies!) Yet another (healthy) change to look forward to in 2013. 

Anyway, that's the update for now. As always, thanks for reading! You rock my socks.

happy (early) weekend

We might be about to have our first fight. Because I made promises and I'm not keeping them – promises of a new advice column and other delights. But I can't come through, at least not this week. I'm not perfect. And you should probably know that better than most by now. ;)

Here's my "excuse": This week, I worked extra-long hours (in the office early and out very late) in order to take two days off and fly down and join my family in Saint Martin for a long weekend. Sometimes you just gotta get away. Sometimes you just have to rest. Sometimes, you just need some distance to get perspective (duh). When I get back, I hope to offer you a clear mind and an inspired spirit because right now, I'm just plain tired... Sit tight my friends, and enjoy your weekend. I wish I could take you all with me!

In the meantime, I hope you will check out Loren Hope's new identity and website. Loren and I have been working together since August! to put together this new package that really defines her and her work. In the end, I'm so thankful to have her as a client... She is such a wonderful and talented designer/business woman. Have fun browsing around!

A print shop thank you

 

 

In case you couldn't tell from the sparce blogging, the past few weeks at work have been absolutely insane. But somewhere in between the pile of work and elevators and trains and subway rides (and apartment hunting), I get to sneak a peek at my phone - and let me tell you, I smile ear to ear at all of your photos of your Print Shop goodies in their new homes!! I cannot thank you enough for your support, and I can't wait to add more items (again, requests are always welcome.) 

Please feel free to share your prints with me by mentioning @notetosarah on Instagram! It literally makes my day. xo

 P.S. And I almost forgot! I'll add another big thanks to all the bloggers who featured Note to Self prints in their gift guides for the latest To and From! Tres exciting. :)

simple pleasures

Hi! Wow I'm so excited by all the feedback and (gasp) purchases from The Print Shop! Thank you so much, everyone! I can't wait to upload more goodies. 

In the meantime, as per usual for us all – life is pretty hectic right now. I'd like to take this opportunity to celebrate some simple pleasures... like a favorite cookie from the lunch counter near my office, the coffee table book we've all been dying for, and a new (and super comfy) pair of commuter shoes. It's the little things that make you smile most, right? 

 

Presenting: The Print Shop!

Surprise!

Your favorite Note to Self "Words for the Week" quotations (as well as my doodles and other type experiments) will be available for purchase as prints (framed or unframed), greeting cards, and iPhone cases starting at just $15. Now, I'm still working to re-format and upload everything, so keep checking back for new shop updates. And if you have any special requests for lettering, illustrations, etc., please don't be afraid to ask. Woo hoo!

Here's the link: Note to Self: The Print Shop

UPDATE: As a welcome, Society6 has just offered FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE on all NTS Print Shop orders through January 13th! CLICK HERE to activate the promo.