This summer has been an interesting one in a creative sense. I've been experimenting with a lot of materials and methods, and I've been buying so many art supplies. Like a crazy amount. I'm not going to go into that, but here and there I did splurge on other fun stuff.

Last month I finally got a new phone. I got the iPhone 5, which made me want to go phone case shopping. I browsed through Etsy. I really wanted a case with a cover to slip in cards and whatnot. I really wanted to have my train tickets and cards accessible and this cute pineapple case is perfect for that. It really was the exact size I was looking for.

I've taken a mini break from any kind of music buying since I've spent so much on art supplies. But when the new Raveonettes album was unexpectedly dropped, I saw they had a limited edition vinyl and I hardcore splurged. It's the strangest vinyl case but definitely real cool. Fits the album theme pretty well.

I also put in another order into Spoonflower and got more fabric printed. I tried a different fabric this time around. It's a more stretchy jersey kind of feel. I prefer it so much more than the cotton voile as its use is more for what I want in fabric. I love it.

Have you heard new Raveonettes music? They're music always has hints of dark themes, but this album is their darkest for sure. I love it. They never fail me. Check it out for sure!

Went on another mini spending spree within the past two weeks. I've come to the conclusion that I am pretty materialistic and I am not ashamed of it. You hear it first!

So yes, I've been obsessing over everything Damon Albarn recently. I bought his solo album on vinyl. It's amazing; if you haven't heard it yet I recommend you do.
Aside from that, I've taken on a project in which I ordered the first batch through Vistaprint. This illustrated Blue Velvet batch of postcards was a test and I'm very happy with how they came out. I'm excited to get the ball rolling on this project!

I once again ordered more perfume from Smell Bent. I couldn't get enough. I love love love the Chile Vanilli scent.

Damon is precious.

Back in December I posted about business cards that I had cut and made. I enjoyed the creative aspect of taking full control and making everything handmade. I recently felt I just needed to let the professionals do what they do and make me business cards.
I ordered from both Vistaprint and Moo.

I was so excited when they both arrived. Vistaprint came in a normal mailing pack, but Moo sent them in a little recycled box which is cute.

Vistaprint every so often has a sale where you can buy 250 business cards starting at $10. Of course, fees are added for double sided color and whatnot. I was able to design both front and back the way I wanted and the colors printed really great matching exactly what I wanted.
I found a good deal for Moo where I can order 100 free mini Moo cards with just having to pay for shipping. I found the deal just a few days after ordering my other business cards, but I couldn't say no to free cards so I took advantage. Being that the cards were free, there were limitations on how much you can customize the cards. The front image is totally customizable with just the addition of the little Moo tag. The back was really limiting. I added my chevron pattern on the side and typed up a few websites using the most basic font offered. I altered the colors so they weren't exactly the same as my other cards.

The quality is pretty good for both sets being the most standard matte paper and print. I also have to admit I like having both cards being different sizes. I love the mini Moo cards. When I run out I plan on definitely printing more of these. May alter the colors a bit, but I love them both. It's the exact professionalism I was looking for.

It's been a while since I've done an actual 'recent purchases' post. I've been on a spending kick lately, so here's a few items I just super recently.

I found out just the other day that WORN came out with an archive just last month. It consists of selected articles from all their back issues, edited and combined into 400 pages of goodness.
I really wanted it, so I made the trip out to the bookstore with some friends to buy it. They wanted to also go into the comic book next door to pick up the latest comic from their favorite series. While they were browsing, I took a look around and found Tank Girl book two! I never was able to find a good copy on Amazon or Ebay and there it was in front of me, so I couldn't say no. Had to add it to my collection!

Lastly, I had discovered Smell Bent, a super small perfume company whom has such interesting sounding scents. I really wanted to try one. It's a very interesting smell. I wanted more, so I bought two more just now, hah! I totally recommend checking out Smell Bent!

Just got back from vacation yesterday and cannot feel happier than I do right now. Well, I'm bummed I'm back home having to get back into routine, but I had such a great time in Portland that I just feel so happy. I'm hoping the next time I go out there will be my official move. We'll just have to play that all by ear as I still have one more month till I graduate! So much excitement.

Anyway, I was excited about Record Store Day this year because I got my first record player for Christmas. I've been buying records left and right lately.

I was pumped to participate this year, especially since it fell during my week in Portland. And Portland is known for their local support and vintage shops. Unfortunately our schedule didn't call for shopping that day and I missed out, but it's no big deal. Our daily trips throughout the city and to the coast was worth missing out on RSD this year.

In the meantime I wanted to share records I bought this year that are perfect for springtime background music.
In clockwise order - Ex Hex, La Luz, She's So Rad, & Keep Shelly In Athens.

But while in Portland, I did manage to pick up one record by The Pretenders in which I was excited about.

I've been on a heavy record buying binge. It's the greatest thing walking into a thrift store and discovering a great find as well as supporting more local bands by buying their records. I've been all about it lately and can't wait to discover more in the spring & summer.

I'll get to editing photos from my trip so I can share them in upcoming posts!

Can't believe how fast Thanksgiving came and gone.

There's so much that I'm thankful for that the list would go on and on and on. I'm not very good at expressing emotions sometimes, especially to my loved ones, but family and friends will always be at the top of my list. Without their encouragement and support, I don't know who and where I'd be right now. And for that, I will always be grateful.

With that being said, I spent the day of Thanksgiving with both family and friends.
I made cinnamon pie, which is a perfect Autumn kind of pie (I posted the delicious recipe HERE around this time last year). The fam can't get enough of it.

The afternoon was strictly family, and the night time brought my friends together. We relaxed at one house, which was a perfect ending to a wonderful day. My friend lent me her Perks Of Being A Wallflower book since I've never read it.

Black Friday brought a friendly dessert gathering at Friendly's. I ate the waffle sundae with all things delicious.

Black Friday also involved some online shopping. Forget cyber Monday, Black Friday had great internet deals. Bought this pair of Jeffrey Campbell sneakers from Solestruck and this sweater from Modcloth.

It's officially time for Christmas planning!

Books galore! I've bought so many books in the past three months. I don't know when I'll ever get around to reading them. I guess my goal for 2012 would be to get through all of these! (Compared to how many books people read in a year, this is probably nothing. I just don't read often. I'm trying to change that!)

01. I couldn't help but buy this book. I didn't realize there were other Twin Peaks books released aside from the Diary Of Laura Palmer. So far this is my only Twin Peaks book. I'm on a mission to get a hold on the other ones.
When I received this book, it made me smile seeing the message someone had written in it. It's a shame to see them get rid of a piece of their history like that, but I kinda took it as a funny little find for me.

02. I found this book at Goodwill for $2.00. So many pages full of fun and easy recipes! I'm not one for camping, but these recipes are easy enough even for ME to make. I can't wait to dig through this book and create some yummy-goodness.

03. These I actually got for Christmas that I neglected to share. I've been on a biography/autobiography kick. Especially books related to musicians.

I'm trying to think of an order in which to tackle these books. I think it's safe to say that the Dale Cooper book is the first one I plan on reading. We'll see where I go from there. One day at a time!

I've also been playing around with my blog layout. I have a layout in mind that I'd like to create - I'm slowly getting there. I'm a little rusty in the html-coding department. I guess it's experimenting time!

Holy computer problems, Batman. I can't seem to catch a break here. My desktop is angry at me and doesn't want to work. Luckily I have my handy dandy laptop to save the day.
But I won't let that bring me down.

I'm excited about the things I bought recently. About a week or two ago, my friend and I went on an unplanned adventure into the city. The day turned into a thrift-shopping-whole-lotta-walking day.

We went into this cute little shop that had so much good stuff, but this shirt called my name. It's most definitely a Maria shirt. I couldn't resist; I had to buy it.
It's a little too large for my taste, so I plan on taking it in just a bit to make myself happy and comfortable.

In another shop we discovered, I found these earrings. They're perfect and can be worn for any occasion because of their simplicity. They actually match really well with the new shirt I just bought too!

Last but not least, I've added more nail polish to my collection. I'm lovin' these colors, especially the hazy grey.

And to end the post, here's my song of the moment. Catherine Wheel will always have a place in my heart, no matter what.

I'm finally a proud owner of a Samsung Galaxy S! Renewed my plan about two weeks ago and decided to upgrade my phone too. I really wanted a smartphone and saw the Galaxy got good reviews, so I went with it. I'm really satisfied with it. Got a hot pink gel case too that matches my Casio watch.

Also treated myself to new rings. Purchased these Day of the Dead rings from SpotLightJewelry. They're so cute.

I also obtained free Cherry Blossom coasters. My parents went to an engagement party recently and these were the party favors. They gave them to me, and I can't wait to use them in the future. Too bad that there are only two coasters.

Also got a a few packs of free brushes. These work wonderfully. Kudos to Princeton Art & Brush Co.

Hope you're all having a wonderful Monday.
On a side note, have you watched the new Ladytron video? I'm so happy they made a video for this song. It's my favorite off the new album and I can't stop watching it. It's perfect.