busy busy

I've changed the direction of Modele Press to be a custom photo book site instead of stationary. A little or a lot of text and new or old photos. Kids books, the first 30 days type of a baby book, a book on your great uncle, etc. This is the first direction I've headed in since I bought my domain that really seems to fit. I'm still going to put some cards on etsy, but this will be my focus along w/photography. I need samples for my site so I started today photographing a little girl and objects for a number book. I have a shoot scheduled for the alphabet over Jan's spring break. People can send in their photos or hire me to shoot. I'm attaching my draft of the shoot today - I only spent about 20 min's laying it out, so it still needs work. I think people should write their stories down more. With kids who can't tell it yet, we should help them have a voice through photography. (my next goal is my mom!)

soup a la vietnam

{photo courtesy of Cooking Light}

Holly & Eric came over on Friday night and I made my first batch of Vietnamese Noodle Soup. Because it's Lent, we couldn't do meat that day (and I wasn't feeling fish), so I deleted the chicken and added tofu. It was delish. The fresh lime, mint, cilantro and green onions make it exciting to the palate. We'll definitely do it again. Click on the link below the photo to get the recipe.

oh, booths. you are so fun.

I always tell Jan we need to start doing this, and he finally agreed since it was free at school tonight. I'd like to start an album if we keep it up. the cutest little black girl was in front of us w/a mask and cape that said 'super dee' in mom-painted lettering on the back. She went in solo and was adorable - we were peeking through the slits to see what poses she came up with. hip hip for free photos!

wow

{courtesy of apartment therapy}

I am a big fan of Jonathan Adler, and a guy named Michael Williams put together this diorama of his designs with Barbies. I used to LOVE my Barbies so this is pretty exciting. Now, if only he could come over and dress Jan and I and our apartment. Oh, and it looks like we have a friend standing next to me. ok, I'll pick Joy since the coloring matches.

preview

These are cropped out sections of what I've been working on for Crocker Galleria. Each one will lie over 4 angles of glass, with 2 doors in the middle that will list all the tenants. One set will cater to the service tenants, and the other to the retail tenants. Sometimes, my job is is pretty awesome.

weekend

Jan's family came to visit on Saturday and we took them to Ball State, Minnetrista, and made them panini's and soup for lunch. We checked out the Dave Letterman building that Jan has most of his classes in, and went to the art gallery at Minnetrista. I don't know how to rotate pics, so turn your head sideways to view my favorites. They gave Jan a great box for his birthday - an old cigar box that he will use to put his coins and random trinkets in. The top lifts and there are two drawers. I am looking forward to moving so everything can have a place.

pretty bowls

Jan finished his bowl making class last night, so here are some photos. I love them. He did an amazing job, they are perfect. Thanks to all who contributed for his birthday! We are excited to get him a lathe someday when we have a garage to make more of these, and some other products we have brewing in our minds. Now we wait for them to dry out and then put on some oil.

amazing new find

As anyone who knows me can tell you, I'm a huge fan of Amazon. To my surprise, they have released their own product, called the Kindle. A wireless book - you can read newspapers, books & blogs directly from this device. No Kindle will ever replace art books, photo books, or scriptures. It's running at $399 for the device, but the long term result could be great. Anyone else? Will this ever replace the nostalgia of a good book because it helps cut down on paper?

loving this

I'm envisioning this on a light beige painted wall.. It would be perfect for housing those old family photos.

from umbra

tastespotting

I was browsing this site this morning when I came upon these vietnamese meatballs. My friend Brad & I used to hit this great Viet. noodle joint up the hill from our office in SF. He hated the fish sauce, and I loved it. I'm trying to cut carbs out of some of our meals. Browse the recipe and salivate over the ingredients. I might have to stop by the Asian market tonight when Jan goes to his bowl carving class and pick up some fish sauce. But then I would want to make fresh spring rolls...and my cravings might not stop...

oh my

A lady named Kristy made these gorgeous eggs. Her idea was to use natural dyes and they are great inspiration for this spring. She used vegetables and spices (red cabbage, red and white onion skins, beets, fennel, spinach, tumeric, cumin, hibiscus tea, cinnamon, and coffee), vinegar and alum along with a few special techniques for creating plant impressions and patterns. Lovely work - I can't wait for April!

images via ohdeedoh