TED Talk: Lunch Lady Heroes

I watched this TED Talk this weekend and wanted to share it with all of you. It's a short bit on the importance of Lunch Ladies.

Looking at it holistically, it's about the importance of everyone in your life and how the little things matter. Take 12 minutes and watch the video and then remember to notice the little things and be grateful for them.

 

Leroy's Life: A Trip to PetSmart

Leroy's Life takes a simpler look at life through the eyes of my dog. He is my rock, he's always there for me, keeps me entertained and cheers me up when I need it. These next few weeks the goal is to not only have fun with Leroy, but also slow down a bit and remember that life shouldn't be all work.

To start us off, I figured we would go to his favorite store. He got a PetSmart gift card from his Aunt Danita for his birthday and I haven't taken him to cash it in yet. Well tonight was his night!

It's pretty equivalent to taking a child to a toy store, though Leroy doesn't want every toy in the store. He simply want's to be pet by everyone in the store. But me being his mama, made his try on halloween costumes first!

Tomboy Tuesday: Women Street Artists

The Huffington Post recently posted about ten female street artists that are better than Bansky. For me it's not so much about these women being better than Bansky, as much as it being about look at these fucking bad ass female street artists.

Street art, graffiti, or large muralistic paintings in general aren't a place you think of many women being, though there are a lot of them. I love the thought of introducing them to the world.

Check out the article for more, though these are my favorites of the bunch.

1. KASHINK

2. Maya Hayuk

3. Faith47

The Tomboy Project: Flannel Shirts

I found an article this weekend called 13 Ways to Wear a Flannel Shirt. I love it. The flannel shirt, or just a plaid shirt is a simple piece that can be dressed or completely dressed down. Here are a couple of my favorite ways to wear the flannel.

1. Around the Waist

Oufit of the day: Knit dress and a plaid shirt make for a gorgeous grunge look. #ootd #style pic.twitter.com/HxID3uX9wp
— WeLoveWool (@WeLoveWool) August 27, 2014

2. Flannel with Beanie

Plaid Shirt days. With a beanie #ShesTheOne #TaylorSwift @radiodisney pic.twitter.com/PHE9EgWN0n
— T.S. 1989 (@EllovaticSwift) March 31, 2014

3. Casual and Unbuttoned

Love @katebosworth's look here. Buffalo plaid is on trend. My faves: @Forever21 & @madewell1937 #Style #fashion pic.twitter.com/kjFxHt49HV
— Suzi Grgurich (@SuziGStyles) December 26, 2013

Happy 59th Dad!

Sunday was my pop's birthday and this is the last year of his fifties. I am really proud to have him as my dad. He was really hard on me as a kid . . . who am I kidding, he's still really hard on me. Though that comes from his desire for me to be happy, healthy and successful. 

Some of my favorite memories of my dad include a third grade project where he helped me build the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car out of a cereal box. This cereal box had custom cut wheels out of wood and dimensional wings. It was so cool to be out in the garage with my dad using power tools. 

One Christmas my dad took me to Toys'R'Us and said, "You can have any one thing in the store." This was a big deal to me. One thing only, I had to be strategic and get the most bang for my buck. My father instilled this into me early. I don't think my dad understood how serious I was going to take this. We walked through that store from one side to the other, down every aisle, looking at every toy. Finally on the fourth pass, I decided to get this 4ft. tall teddy bear that cost $60. I think my dad was relieved I finally had chosen something, though he asked me three times if this is what I wanted.

Another memory I have of my dad is driving to pick up a our first Mastiff. I'm sitting shotgun and trying to navigate, keep in mind I was 14. I definitely got us lost and we ended up at the Salton Sea. This was about an hour out of the way. Whoops! When we got to the breeder's home, there was this giant dog that came to greet us. When I say giant I mean his head was about 4.5 feet high and he weighed about 300 pounds. My dad looked at me and said, "Are you sure you want to do this?" Of course, if you know me I got a big grin on my face and just shook my head yes. We took home one of the best dogs we've ever had that day. 

Happy birthday Dad! I love you and appreciate everything you've done for me in my 30 years. 

Reading Nook

Sometimes I need to rearrange things three or four times before it feels "right." Just like in design when I am trying to figure something out, it just helps to see it laid out in front of you.

For me that is happening in the master bedroom right now. Leroy doesn't sleep in the fancy memory foam bed I bought him . . . he sleeps in the bed I bought for myself. I don't mind though, it's like an extra furry pillow.

This got the gears in my head a spinning, if I move the chair from the living room to the bedroom, I could make a little nook. Thus, the reading nook was born. I have so many books I've gotten from traveling for The Tomboy Project and no where to read them.

Now that the chair is in place, there are a few other things that will be needed. The chair looks naked. We need a pillow and maybe a blanket for the winter . . .

Next week, I will show you how it's been spruced up. Until then, here are some images of inspiration.

1. VIA 2. VIA 3. VIA 4. VIA 5. VIA 6. VIA 7. VIA 8. VIA

Leroy's Fourth Birthday!

I can't believe my little man is freaking four years old!! Ahh! Well we followed tradition and threw him a party. This year's theme was jungle. His name does mean "King." Get it? King of the Jungle? Alright alright.

Check out some of the pictures below.

I chose a color palette a little different than the rest. I stuck to three animal prints (leopard, zebra and giraffe) along with metallic gold and turquoise. It sounds a little unconventional though I really liked it.

As for snacks, I combed Pinterest and found some I really liked. Tiger Tails (Cheetos), Twigs (Pretzel Sticks), Snakes (Sour Worms), Wild Animals (Animal Crackers), Mud Hole (Pudding Cups) and Waterfall Shots (Blueberry flavored shooters).

I then made some blue velvet cake with chocolate frosting! YUM. That made sure the cake was only for the hoomans.

For the guests there were goodie bags filled with things that also went with the theme. Mud masks, travel journals and dog toys. The dog toys included a toy called Silly Bums, wild animal bums that fit ridiculously perfect with the theme!

So all in all the party went fantastic! Thank you to Auntie D and MoMo for the generous cards and gift cards!

The Rooster's First Birthday!

I was able to break away from the ball and chain (work) this past weekend to head to Austin to visit my amazing friends and celebrate the newest addition to the family's very first birthday. I couldn't miss this.

The little Rooster only turns one once and as I watch my friends get married and build families, I am seeing how important life events are. I'm even seeing how important shutting work off every day to work on yourself.

Anyway, Talley and I helped Frank and Smitty set up the party. They had a delicious cake that I swear weighed 20 pounds and Talley and I almost ate because we thought we were waiting for Frank and Smitty to lead and realized they left us. We have to do some serious catching up. When in doubt eat the cake.

After the awesome party, we headed over to The Black Sheep to watch the World Cup finals. We all were pretty evenly split 50/50. The Black Sheep was packed, we had this corner area next to the video games. We slowly infiltrated a table full of hipster bearded men. They were drunk and let us sit down for the second half of the game.

Doug was the guy I sat next to. He was super weird but kind of awesome. He gave us his German flag so we could support our team in fashion.

So much fun with some great people. When you have friends that are so amazing they are more like family, you can't go wrong.

Take Your Dog to Work Day!

Friday was take your dog to work day! I can't wait until the day where dogs are just a normal part of companies. There are so many benefits to taking your dog to work with you. Check out this video that clearly lays why dogs should be allowed at work all the time!

Check out why dogs will always be allowed in my office » 

Another Ad2sday in the Bag!

I can't express the incredible amount of love and pride I have for my current Ad2 board. We are doing a lot to continue the club's improvement and growth. This past Ad2sday is no exception.

We invited and were privileged to have Brandwyn Coleman from Gannett come and speak to a healthy crew of 30 peeps. She spoke on stereotyping your audience and how it is necessary to get the results you need!

There are a lot of things coming this year including Ad2sday and a special screening of Sign Painters. You are going to want to become a member to join in on all the fun!!

@Ad2PHX @ohso #ad2sday pic.twitter.com/bj5mrAWXr7

— Ashley J George (@geooorge_) June 18, 2014

Accomplishing A Goal

I was introduced to graphic design when I was little. My great grandpa and grandfather were sign painters. When I began formal design training at 15, I knew the work that it would take to get to what I wanted and how long it would take me to get there.

I set a goal when I was 18, that by the time I was 30 I would be in a Creative Director role.

Fast forward to 12 years later, I have just accepted a job as a Creative Director with an advertising agency. It's kind of a surreal feeling, something that I've worked my entire life or at least half of my life for and it's really happening.

Because I've always had this goal, I've diligently watched the leadership I've worked for over the years, and kept a journal of the things I liked and the things I want to implement. Though I've also kept notes on the things I want to not do, why and how that made me feel when I was in different agencies and positions within those agencies.

Nothing's ever perfect. That's a lesson I learned very quickly, though with hard work, team work and a positive attitude, you'd be amazed at what can be accomplished.

Here's to the next chapter.

Home Away From Home

via Etsy

I spent last week in Santa Monica for work. I love that place. I loved living there are seeing the ocean every day. There's something so calming about the ocean to me. Though there is a spirit about Phoenix that bleeds possibility. It's full of people who have an idea and then go for it.

The last few few years have intensified my love to travel and see new things. Meet new people. Learn new things. From this there are a few places that feel like home to me, Phoenix, Santa Monica, Austin. . . maybe it's because at one time or another they were my home so there is this level of familiarity?

Where are some of your favorite places to go, see and explore? Where is your home away from home?

Veinte de Mayo: A Piñata Extravaganza

It's Wednesday, your Cinco hangover has wore off and it's back to the grind stone. Not so fast my lovelies. Ad2PHX is holding Veinte de Mayo, where you and your company can come and party your asses off again. 

Here are the deets: 

WHO 

Ad2 and You

WHAT 

Piñata Design Competition

The rules are simple. Your company makes one (1) piñata. You bring it to Veinte de Mayo and compete in a bracket like competition for best design. The losing piñata gets busted and the winners get a prize. 

Enjoy Happy Hour Specials extended exclusively for A2PHX
$4 House Margaritas, Well Drinks, House Red or White Wine, 32oz Coors Lt
$3 Corona or Corona lt bottles
$2 Coors and Coors lt bottles

Grub on some delicious appetizers including Mini Chimis, Quesadillas, Salsa, and Guacamole

Ad2 Members are FREE and Non-Members are $5. 

WHERE 

Salty Señorita’s 

3478 N. Scottsdale Rd. 

Scottsdale, Arizona

WHEN 

May 20, 2014

WHY 

Do you really need a reason to have a good time? 

Ad2PHX Board Retreat

This past Saturday, I spent the weekend with some awesome people. We spent most of the time planning what we want to happen in the upcoming year and how exactly we were going to get there.

There are so many great things coming this year and if you're not already an Ad2 Member, you should seriously consider becoming one.

Not sure about becoming a member? Head out to our May Ad2sday "Veinte de Mayo" to take a club test drive. We will be hanging out and extending Cinco de Mayo for a few more weeks!

Agency Easter

I had this master plan of hiding eggs around the office with goodies inside for people to come find the morning after Easter. Apparently I need to check the calendar before I hatch plans like that. I was on the tomboy road trip over Easter. Womp. Womp. 

Well this morning I decided that it doesn't matter. I'm going to hide them any way. I thought I might get in trouble but then decided I was going to do it anyway. I'm really happy I did. To see grown adults find eggs around the office, the same eggs they had walked past for hours it's about the same joy as watching a child do it. 

Even though I was a bit belated, I'm happy that on this beautiful Arizona Tuesday, my coworkers got to have their own egg hunt and enjoy delicious candy. 

The Tomboy Project Update

Last week I engaged in a 10-day 10-state road trip. It was ridiculously ambitious but it was also ridiculously successful. I have completed the 48 continental United States. Alaska and Hawaii here I come . . . sometime.

Check out the infographic of my last trip!

Amazing view in the White Mtn National Park. 

Boston Marathon was coming up!! 

Little chalk drawing I did for friends that are now ENGAGED! 

I'm a bit obsessed with Anchors. 

Duke Farms is another gorgeous place I got to visit. 

One of my dearest friends parents hid Easter eggs for me. 

Happy Easter!

Hope everyone is sitting around the house enjoying their families this holiday.

Here are some of the shots from my lovely weekend of coloring eggs!

Making Time

There are never enough hours in the day, and sometimes I wish our bodies didn't need eight hours of sleep a night. There are so many things I want to do. Do you ever run into this?

I find myself making lists upon lists of new ideas and things I want to try, learn or complete. Though life sometimes gets in the way. I recently read a few articles about what successful people do in the morning, typical habits etc. I wanted to see if I could employ some of those habits into my own life to become a bit more successful in the things I'm looking to accomplish.

Here's five things I'm now doing:

1. Wake Up Early - 90% of CEOs polled said they were up before 6AM. Ugh, I don't think that will be me in the near future. Though I have been getting up earlier than before and making it into the office earlier as well. 
2. Eat Breakfast - This is something I've been doing really well at. Just taking the extra time to feed my body has made a pretty big difference. 
3. Tackle the Toughest Thing First - This is not always the easiest but something I try to do before I get bogged down with all the other interruptions I have on a daily basis. Making a to do list before I leave for the next morning usually helps me complete this task. 
4. Exercise - Right now I am doing this after work, though I would like to transition this to first thing in the morning. It's a work in progress. 
5. Personal Passion Project - Right now it's The Tomboy Project. If you would like to check it out please visit fb.com/thetomboyproject

These five things might seem like they are adding more to my workload, though they have really helped me be more productive, awake and motivated. It's nice. 

What are you doing to be more successful with your hopes and dreams? Share them in the comments. 

_

http://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/231037#0

http://www.businessinsider.com/things-successful-people-do-before-bed-2014-3

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifercohen/2013/10/02/5-things-super-successful-people-do-before-8-am/

http://www.askmen.com/top_10/entertainment/10-things-successful-people-do-on-monday-mornings.html

http://www.businessinsider.com/what-successful-people-do-on-sunday-night-2014-3

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/13/successful-people-after-work_n_4235795.html

Shelter Dogs

I had made a video for the viral video competition a while back though I never shared it. I thought you all might like to see it. Hope you enjoy.

Equality Arizona Shirt Design Competition

I've been holding off on this post to see if I won, but I just found out I lost. So I'm going to share my design with the world anyway.

One of my coworkers who I really think knows everyone in the entire world, asked me to design a shirt for Equality Arizona's shirt competition. Since they aren't really known I knew it was important to stick to the letters of the organization and give it a bit of umph.

Comment and let me know what you think of this design!