Happy Mother’s Day!

by tatiana on May 13, 2012

Mama Volkov-Jimenez, circa 1980

I hope everyone is having a lovely Mother’s Day! I’m a little sad (and jealous) that I can’t be at home to celebrate my Mom today (especially because they’re getting Tommy’s burgers, the best burger on the planet according to my family and I). But, we chatted and Face Timed today, and that was great… except for the part where she made me say hello to her birds, who I have a love/hate relationship with. Actually I have no love for them at all – they’re so loud! But birds aside, I’m lucky to have a great mom, and am lucky to know so many great moms. You deserve a special day, ladies! Cheers.

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Guest Post for The Billfold

by tatiana on May 8, 2012

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I’m back in the U.S. and woke up at 3:30am this morning after going to sleep around 4pm. Jet lag is wacky. Anyway, due to my lack of WiFi while I was in Japan, I didn’t have a chance to blog about my guest post on The Billfold! Check it out and maybe you too can learn to curb your spending with a creative endeavor of your own, or in the meantime, learn how to turn a large men’s turtle neck into a cute and comfy skirt.

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Countdown to Tokyo

by tatiana on April 24, 2012

Photo credit: Lost in Translation (Coppola, 2003)

I’ve alluded to it in past posts, but it’s officially freak out time… in THREE DAYS my friend Jane and I will be in JAPAN! I can’t even begin to explain how excited I am. So excited in fact, it almost doesn’t feel real. It probably won’t feel real until Thursday morning when I peel myself out of bed at 3:30am to get ready to leave for the flight. Man oh man. All of that saving and planning over the last year is totally going to be worth it.

In other news, I am slowly redesigning my site. Tonight I decided the site was complete enough for a soft launch. What you’re seeing right now (if you’re reading this before all of the pages have been populated with fabulous content) is a website that is 75% complete. Should be 100% by the end of this week! I’m pretty happy with it so far. It was about time for a redesign.

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What’s in my Reader: April 2012

by tatiana on April 15, 2012

Because I have a blog, or am constantly sending/tweeting or posting blog links to Facebook & Twitter, people tend to ask me for blog recommendations — I guess I’ve become a blog-reading expert, if that’s even a thing. I’m a graphic designer & communications person at a credit union, so at the end of the day when I’ve had my fill of jpegs and have seen the words “Traditional IRA” one too many times, the blogs I tend to enjoy the most are food, craft and fashion blogs. However, because I’m kind of a nerd and genuinely do love what I do, I enjoy reading about money, design and marketing, especially when it’s done in a way that’s fun and relate-able.

So without further adieu, here are my favorite blogs RIGHT NOW (and most recent additions to my Google Reader, categories included). I hope you like them as much as I do!

Cherry Heart: A mummy who loves to knit, sew, crochet and bake
Category: Crafts
Favorite Post: Sunday’s Child

This Martha Stewart-esque blog simultaneously makes me happy and pisses me off (in a good way?). It makes me happy because Sandra does a wonderful job documenting her process with whatever project she’s currently working on with beautiful photos and has a writing voice that keeps me reading — and being a person who loves just simply looking at pictures of yarn, this blog is total craft porn. This blog pisses me off because I’m totally jealous of how much crocheting she gets done. I’m sure she’s working on multiple projects at a time, but in the world of the internet and blogs, this woman is on fire. She is super talented and I’m a big fan of her work.

The Billfold: Everything about money you were too polite to ask
Category: Finance
Favorite Post: Middle Class Snack Kids

This fabulous blog was launched 2 weeks ago and it has easily become a ‘must read’ in my Reader. Mike Dang (a good friend and fellow UCI Alumnus) and Logan Sachon have created a safe space to talk about money… and how bad some of us are at it. From sharing where their last $100 was spent to helping the rest of us figure out how to start saving for retirement (in a fun way!), this is a great place for any money n00b (or non-n00b like me, sort of) to learn something new, or just realize that other people our age are still trying to figure this “stuff” out too.

Lists of Note
Category: People
Favorite Post: The Anti-Flirt Club

This blog is pretty easy to explain: they post lists. All kinds of lists made by all kinds of people, organizations or businesses. Most of them are old, which makes them even more fun to read. It’s a pretty fantastic site.

The KISSmetrics Marketing Blog
Category: Marketing
Favorite Post: What Startups Can Learn From Pinterest

This is a blog I stumbled upon in one of those LinkedIn spammy-but-not-so-spammy emails. KISSmetrics is in the web analytics business and have built some software that you can buy — but if you don’t want to buy anything and just enjoy reading/learning about metrics (like I do), check out their blog. KISSmetrics is a great example of a company who is an expert in their field and has no qualms about ‘giving away’ their knowledge for free. I appreciate that.

The Road Forks
Category: Travel
Favorite Post: Budget Japanese Cuisine

My relationship with this blog was quite serendipitous. I’m traveling to Japan at the end of this month (more on that in a future post) and while doing research, I did a Google search for “do I really need a Japan Rail pass?” (yes, I actually use search terms like that), and it directed me to this blog. Luckily this site, unlike a lot of other sites about Americans in Japan, was not ugly. It was also super informative and fun to read. This couple has embarked on a world tour full of food, adventure and really great photos (so the rest of us could live vicariously through them). What more could you want from a travel blog?

What are some of your favorite blogs? Please do share!

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The Not-So-Scrappy Scrap Yarn Blanket

by tatiana on April 14, 2012

This past year I did A LOT of crocheting for Babushka Designs. When prototyping new products, one tends to accumulate a lot of yarn… as I did. I finally got tired of looking at the two massive mountains o’ yarn in my apartment (a yarn Twin Peaks, if you will) and decided to turn it into a nice, warm, and crazy colorful blanket.

While I was working on it, I kept thinking that it was going to be super ugly because the colors that I had so much of were not colors I’d typically use in a blanket… and it was a little difficult when I ran out of certain colors and had to substitute with similar hues. This blanket took about 3 months to complete– I worked on it mostly while watching Dance Moms and The Bachelor. Good things come out of watching bad television, right?

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Birthday Month – Embarking Upon My 28th Year

by tatiana on April 4, 2012

“How old are you now?” – my dad asks me, pretty much every year on my birthday. This year I answered, “28,” since that is technically my age (I still feel 24, just smarter), and he replied with a face that read “hot damn, ouch, oh lord help you, you’re getting old,” and then I gave him my faux mal de ojo and we chowed down on some Fresh Banana Cheesecake and everything was dandy.

Actual cheesecake, shortly before it was devoured.

I feel like 28 is going to be a great year, and apparently my Chinese horoscope agrees with this (hey fellow rats!). Here are some other things that happened this month:

1.) Casino time with Mom

San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in San Bernardino, CA

$50 in free play from your local casino? Why wouldn’t you want to go?! I did and won a nice chunk o’change. Most importantly I got to spend the day hanging with my Mom, which was the best part. The buffet was also a plus. In addition to having too much fun at the penny slots, it was great to be home visiting family and friends… and finally try that Buffalo Wild Wings place I keep seeing on the TV.

2.) Handmade Birthday Cards

“Hold on tight, spider monkey.“

Each year I receive a handmade birthday card from Cathy. Last year’s featured Lil Jon and a ilustrated version of me vomiting from drinking to many “Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots!” This year I’m being admired by one Edward Cullen. Much more pleasant, right?

3.) Hanging with Rocio

Roc and I in a great vintage furniture shop on Valencia Street

My good friend Rocio was in the Bay Area for a conference, so we got to hang out! Always great to see her. We explored the fun shops on Valencia Street and later ordered in because it was FREEZING outside.

4.) House of Prime Rib

I first learned about House of Prime Rib on No Reservations and wanted to check it out immediately… this was almost 3 years ago, so it was about time I went. I figured my birthday would be the best time to drag my friends with me — and in actuality, everyone was really stoked to go, which was awesome. It was not a disappointing experience. That salad! Those cocktails! That cute corn bread thing! I need to go again, and soon.

5.) A Gift to Myself

So, this is what I got myself for my birthday. Don’t even act like you don’t buy yourself birthday gifts. And don’t make me reference “Treat Yo Self” and force you to watch the YouTube video. (Side note: Can Parks and Rec come back now, please?) Anyway, a friend I highly respect suggested this book, so I picked up a copy and am SO HAPPY I did. It’s pretty stellar.

6.) Cathy in SF!

My good friend Cathy road-tripped up to San Francisco to celebrate her birthday (yay, fellow Pisces!). She drove up with her BF, and our friend Maggie from college drove up from San Jose to spend the day in the city. (Anteater reunion!) We all went to Alcatraz (which explains the ever-so-stylish ponchos in the photo) and it was a soggy morning… particularly for those of us who decided against wearing rain boots (ahem, me). Anyway, it made for another great memory with these ladies and I want them to come back ASAP… or move here. Moving here would be more than acceptable.

And that concludes my birthday month, 2012! Thanks to everyone who made it extra special.

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A Little February Update

by tatiana on February 25, 2012

Image Credit: Kelsey Garrity Riley

This last month has flown by. People aren’t lying when they tell you that time flies as you get older. I feel like, because I am constantly either inventing or finding ways to fill my evenings and weekends, I don’t ever really have time to do nothing – which is really important. But I’m not complaining, I have a pretty cool life, and I’m thankful for that. BUT, of course, down time means watching quality (and sometimes poor quality) television. YES, my roomie and I have been addicted to this season of The Bachelor, which is horrifyingly catty and bad for women… but it’s SO ADDICTIVE. Also, I’m still pissed that he didn’t give Kacie B. a rose. What’s up with that, BEN!? In quality news, I just finished Season 2, episode 5 of Downton Abbey. I love this show so much. Lady Mary, just tell Matthew you love him already. I mean, really. Don’t marry that bland millionaire.

I’m visiting home again next month to celebrate my Dad’s birthday… and I guess my birthday too, since we share the same birthday. Kinda cool, right? I’m often told it is. My Dad is pretty rad, so I’m excited to give him his gifts and celebrate his general awesomeness.

This week I was lucky to catch a fun show at Hotel Utah here in San Francisco. Tornado Rider and Lake Street Dive both performed and both were exceptionally talented. I had so much fun, and can’t wait to catch another show.

In geeky news, my friend put together a small business book club, and I’m really excited about it. Although I’m missing the first meeting, the group is full of pretty amazing people… and gives me that mushy “San Francisco is so awesome” feeling.

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2011: My Year in Review

by tatiana on January 22, 2012

Each year that passes brings bigger and more exciting things, as it should, right? 2011 was probably one of the best years yet. Although there were the inevitable moments of hardship, disappointment and mistakes, life wouldn’t be LIFE without those bumps that force us to become stronger, wiser people. Can I get an amen? Anyway, here’s a breakdown of my year.

January: The Month I went Pro-Bono

I joined Taproot and worked as the graphic designer on a brochure project for the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay. We worked on this project for just around 6 months, and it was the best experience I’ve had working in a pro-bono capacity. My team was fabulous and I can’t wait to work on another project with Taproot.

February: First Trip Abroad

I traveled to London with one of my favorite people, Brianna, to visit another one of my favorite people, Kendra. The trip was so so great; I miss London so much. Such a beautiful city. [click to continue…]

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The Dream of the 90s is alive in… the sweater I’m wearing today

by tatiana on January 13, 2012

It’s the truth. Sorry I’m not providing photo evidence, but you’re better off just using your imagination. My former boss once reacted to it by calling it “very Golden Girls.” I took that as a compliment, naturally.

So, here I sit at SFO waiting patiently to board my flight to Portland. I’m using my shiny new Macbook Air which has improved my quality of life exponentially, but I unfortunately haven’t had time to upload any photos from my iMac, hence the Portlandia image up top, which is relevant yet impersonal, but whatever. It’s all good.

I know it’s tacky to talk about how one has been avoiding the blogosphere for an extended period time, but I’m going to do just that and outline what have been huge (but productive) and/or great time sucks for me:

  • My Sister Got Married! – That’s right, kids. And with a wedding comes lots of events, lots of time with family (which was really great, my family is a lot of fun), and of course dancing, good food, and laughs.
  • San Francisco Holiday Renegade Craft Fair – which involved crocheting and planning every day. EVERY DAY. EVERY WEEKEND. It’s fun and was totally worth all of the work, but it didn’t really allow for much else… the exact reason why I am happy to not be a full time crafterprenuer. Yes, I made that word up. It probably exists.
  • Sewing – Once Renegade was over, my wrists rejoiced and I dove right into my “to sew” pile which currently consists of 4 dresses and 1 top. Fabric has been cut, everything is slowly being assembled. And I’m still very much in love with my serger.
  • Reading – I reached my goal of reading 30 books in 2011! Yes. Thank you for the applause. You can take a look at what I read here.
  • Reuniting with Friends – Well, not really reuniting. I see my SF friends on either a weekly or bi-weekly basis, but due to craft fair stuff I became somewhat of a hermit, actually announcing my ‘hermit weeks’ in various social media, as a way of warning my friends to not ask me to hang out. I’m kind of a jerk, no? I try not to be. Also, my friends are the coolest people on Earth.
  • Freelance & Pro-Bono Projects – I just finished my 3rd commissioned logo last week, and this week got the great news that I’ve been chosen to be on an amaaaazing Taproot project that I’ll be starting work on soon. 2012 is going to be a great year for my professional life. I can feel it. (At least I hope so!)

Anyway, I’m going to do another post that goes over my 2012 Resolutions, as well as my 2011 Year in Review. All of these things are written and in my ‘drafts’, so stay tuned.

But, back to vacation mode…

This is my first time ever traveling to Oregon, and although I hear it’s going to be quite chilly, I’ve been looking forward to this all month. I’m especially excited to see my Seattleite friends whom I have not seen for over a year. OVER A YEAR. That is just unacceptable. I’m happy to be remedying this this weekend. I have my Instax Mini, emergency granola bars in my purse, and my trusty Hello Kitty umbrella handy. Will post more about the trip when I get back!

 

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Djuna: The Most Dramatic Cat You May Ever Meet

by tatiana on November 29, 2011

A few weeks ago, my roommate informed me that we had a new roomie… a cat named Djuna. Growing up in a family where practically everyone is allergic to cats, I’ve never lived with a cat before – but I did house-sit for two weeks once and got along quite well with the two cats who lived there, so I was pretty excited at the prospect of living with a feisty feline. [click to continue…]

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