Bon Voyage

The New Scanner is Awesome

I finally got my new scanner in the mail. Last night, I gave it a little test run by scanning nearly 130 old family photos. This scanner is awesome!

It not only scans photos, but it also has settings for magazines and film slides. It can also copy, scan straight to PDF, and automatically scan documents to email. Plus, its easy to use. I didn’t read the manual, and the main features are self explanatory.

I was able to scan all of my pics in an hour and a half. This scanner is super fast (10 seconds per sheet!), and also includes an auto-scan feature so you can scan your items with one click of the mouse. I was also able to set the preferences to have my scans imported directly into Photoshop for retouching. But, if you don’t have Photoshop, the retouching software that is included in the package works just fine.

I know this isn’t a full detailed review, but I highly recommend this product. It’s a little steep in price for a scanner ($179 at Newegg.com), since most generic scanners are under $100. But this time around, I was happy to invest in a dynamic product that will last me for years to come.

Fall = Great Clothes!

I love fall weather. The air is crisp and cool with no hint humidity. It barely rains and it always seems like the sun is a little brigher. And maybe because I'm a designer, I also adore fall colors. But, another thing I love about fall – the wardrobe!

I'm so tired of tank tops and flip flops - now it's time to bust out the scarves and trench coats. It seems the color ‘du jour’ this season is eggplant. But right now, I'm loving the emerald green and mustard shades. Here are a couple of items I've coveting from afar. I'm totally broke now, because I have two vacations planned for the end of this year - but I can still add these JCrew pieces to my 'wish list', right?

Foodie Review: Urban BBQ

I think I have a problem.

I go through phases where I have obsessions with certain restaurants. For a while, I craved Cuba De Ayer’s garlic shrimp almost everyday, then it was Greek Village’s crab cakes, then Kenny’s Subs fish sub (which is now closed I might add), etc. etc.

My latest obsession – Barbecue! And only from the newly opened venue, Urban BBQ. Urban BBQ is a sister company to Urban Burger

Currently there are only two locations for Urban BBQ (Rockville and Hillendale), but I would not be surprised if they expand very soon. This place has quickly been gaining in popularity. I’ve only been to the Hillendale location, and I’m so happy it’s only 10min from my house. The interior of this location is small - sporting only a few tables, and about 4 flat panel tv screens. I realized last Sunday when I went, that this place is a gathering spot among the local Redskins fans. What’s better than football and beer? Football, beer AND BBQ!

This place knows how to do BBQ just right. None of the barbecue items are completely drowned in sauce – there’s just the right amount of seasoning. All of the meat is tender, and never overcooked. Everything is made to order, so all your meals are fresh and hot. I especially love the ribs. They’re so tender, you could eat them with a fork and knife if you wanted! The barbecue chicken, brisket, and pulled pork are delightful. And if the barbecue sauce isn’t spicy enough for you, they also offer 4 homemade sauces that really pack a punch. I happen to love the ‘Carolina’ sauce, which is a mix of vinegar and spices.

This place is sparking a great debate among local BBQ lovers. Some say they rival with Famous Daves. But in my opinion, this place is hands-down MUCH better than Famous Daves, or any other local BBQ joint for that matter.

R.I.P Old Hp Scanner

Lately I've been obsessed with archiving old family photos. I realized about a week ago that not only do I not have any old family photos of my own, but the ones that my mom owns are deteriorating and falling out of their 1970s albums. Some are so old that they HAVE TO be archived at this point. So, as the resident family graphic designer, I am assigned to 'scanning' duties.

Problem...My old crappy Hp scanner kicked the bucket. I did buy it nearly 7yrs ago while in college - so I'm surprised it actually lasted this long. I CAN'T live without a scanner, so I had to buy a new one on Newegg tonight. This CanoScan 8800F got phenominal ratings on PC magazine and Newegg reviews. I'll let you know in a week or so if it actual lives up to its rating.

(photo courtesy of Newegg.com)

Attn Designers: Adobe to Announce CS4

I received this ‘ominous’ message from Adobe today.

It’s official – Adobe’s Creative Suite 4 will be officially announced on Sept. 23.

Adobe seems to have software upgrades every 18months. While I adore the new features and try to apply all upgrades to my home PC – my employer is usually a step behind when it comes to software upgrades. We still have CS2 at work!

It’s becoming increasingly hard for many graphic designers to convince their employers that the upgrades are not only useful, but necessary. The new features of CS3 are quite amazing, and I for one, am looking forward to CS4. I hear most of the new features apply to the web applications, like Dreamweaver and Flash.

So I guess the countdown begins…

Movie Review: The Family that Preys

Yesterday I saw the new Tyler Perry film. I have to admit, I didn’t intend on seeing this film at first. Most of his other ones have been about non-conventional families, with grossly over-exaggerated black stereotypes. While many of them are funny (like, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”), some of the characters are irritating and embarrassing (i.e., all of the characters of Meet the Browns).

‘The Family that Preys’ was refreshingly different, and completely opposite of Perry’s other films. The movie was well cast (you can’t go wrong with Sanaa Lathan and Kathy Bates!), and the writing was smart, clever and heartwarming. There were some great plot twists – which is why I’m reluctant to do a full movie review.

In gist, two family matriarchs (Alfre Woodard and Kathy Bates), are the best of friends, despite their opposite backgrounds. Kathy is wealthy, and the owner of a very successful construction/building business. Her son, William, is a selfish, money grubbing adulterer – who has little regard for his mother. Alfre is a restaurant owner, with one loving daughter, and one selfish one. Both family’s stories intermingle, creating Tyler Perry’s best movie ever! (Very vague review I know, but you’ll thank me later)

It’s a must see. And best of all, it’s clean! Not one cuss word in the entire film, which is rare these days.

(The Family that Preys - Official Site)

Hawaii, Here I Come

In two more weeks - I'll be here:

Jealous?

I'm in such need of a long vacation - and Hawaii couldn't be a better spot. I don't plan on running myself ragged like I did the last time Aaron and I went there. No island hoping. No rental cars. This time, I only hope to do the following:

1. Drinking MaiTai's at the Royal Hawaiian...every night

2. Lay on Waikiki beach every single day

3. Eat fresh pineapples until I pass out.

Aloha people! I'm already in vacation mode.

One of the Saddest Days of the Year

It’s hard to believe the terrorist attacks in NY and DC happened 7 years ago! I was still in college then. So much time has passed since that day, and going to work on Sept. 11th each year still feels eerie for some reason. Traffic is unusually light, the metro lacks its normal mass of passengers, and ironically….the September sky on the 11th is always clear, bright and sunny.

We always hope that those attacks will not repeat themselves. But sadly, that is wishful thinking. It’s only inevitable in this day and time that something else will happen. When and where, we do not know. So, be careful and be safe as you go along on your day to day business. And try not to take your life, and your family’s lives for granted.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Season 3)

If you don’t care about being politically correct, and are not easily offended – check out It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. This is one of the funniest shows on right now. It comes on FX channel and will premiere next week. The Season 3 DVD was just released yesterday, and is one of the best seasons so far – the episode “SweetD is Dating a Retarded Person” is priceless.

And remember I warned you. This is totally un-PC humor!

Celine Dion Concert @ Verizon Center

Yesterday my cousin, once again, treated my mom and I to concert tickets. I really must get her something nice for all her generosity. She invited us to see Celine Dion at Verizon Center – and, in club level seats no less!

We had an awesome time. I always thought Celine had a wonderful voice, but hearing her on the radio does not do her justice. She is major powerhouse in live venue. I was actually quite surprised that she had such a wide fan base. Verizon Center was packed with fans – from floor seats all the way to 400 level. I really love the center stage format because you basically have great seats at every vantage point. But I must admit, those club level seats are worth the money spent – you can actually see the artists faces! (you can tell I’m normally a 400-level patron).

Now I really wish I hadn't missed the opportunity to see her live show in Vegas.

(Sorry about the poor video quality and the fact that it's sideways. Dee De Dee.)

Boredom Takes a Toll

This stupid tropical storm has me trapped inside today. I’m already bored out of my mind watching movies. The OCD impulse in me figures it’s a great day to organize my closet. YAY! I’ve been sorting through a bunch of old shoes, and most of them need to be donated. Here’s a pic of a pair of cute flip flops I bought about a week ago for only $20 at Bandalino! Summer-end sales are fabulous this year. I also ordered some sale stuff from Banana Republic too. A nice dress to go with my zebra print leggings.

Thievery Corporation

I'm often teased because of my 'kooky' taste in music (some say 'kooky', I say 'eclectic'). I think you all will actually enjoy this track below. It's my current fav by Thievery Corporation called "Pela Janela". Their 'Cosmic Game' CD has a very blues/lounge sound, with a middle eastern and Spanish flare. Enjoy!

Great Inspiration

I recently bought “Design for Special Events” from Amazon.com. I highly recommend it for all graphic designers – especially if you do a lot of invitations and announcement cards. This book is great for design inspiration, as the pieces included are impeccable. Plus, fellow blogger (Sunlit-Letterpress) is featured in there as well. Her work is phenomenal. Check it out.

Glasses Continuation

Here are my 'dressy' pair of D&Gs. Love the design on the side. I ordered both pairs yesterday - can't wait until they come in. This is the only time I've ever been eager to get the Optomatrist - even though I'm really not looking foward to getting my pupils dilated. That's horrible. All glasses wearers understand what I'm talking about.

Book Cover Design

One of my coworkers wrote and published a novel recently. I won’t mention her name here, because it’ll be searchable online (don’t’ know if she wants to remain anon or not). It’s basically a romance-comedy, and very well written, especially for a first time author.

At the end stages of getting her book published, she was in desperate need of a front and back cover. Her publishing company tried push her to use their lackluster designs. I saw how frustrated she was, and I know how some designers/design firms really get over on clients by charging them for every little detail.

So, as a favor, I designed her front and back cover. The image is stock art, but I did the colors and designed the text and layout. I think it turned out quite well, especially since the final print out was nice and glossy. AND, she kindly noted me in her book as the cover designer with a little thank you message =).

Sorry for the bad photo – I had a tough time taking it with my crappy camera phone. But you get the gist.

Glasses Shopping

About two weeks ago, I noticed that my right eye was getting blurry again. What a bummer because I just got new lenses last September! In just a year, my sight has deteriorated. I guess that’s what I get for working with computers.

I was going to just get new lenses put in my existing frames - but instead…I’ve opted to just buy new glasses! Two new pair to be exact!

I’ve worn glasses my whole life, so I sort of consider them more of an "accessory" than anything else, which is why I am SOOO particular when picking new frames. And since I wear them everyday – why not have an ‘everyday’ pair, a ‘business pair’, and a ‘dressy’ pair?

In a little over a week, I’ve gone to 4 ‘My Eye Dr’ stores, 3 Lens Crafters, 1 Hour Eyes, and 1 America’s Best. It takes me ages to find the right glasses. So far, I’m loving the Dulce & Gabbana frames, as well as the RayBans.

I’ve already chosen my ‘business’ pair. Check em’ out. I’ll post my ‘dressy’ pair once I find them. I found some nice D&G ones the other day, so I’m going back to the Rockville My Eye Dr. after work to try them on again and take photos.

BTW, taking photos of yourself with your camera phone at the glasses shops is a great way to pick the right pair!