An Oregon State University Wine Institute

I am so excited!  My school is in the works to add a wine institute that could surface as early as this fall.  

From Wine Spirits Daily, "There’s no arguing that the Oregon wine industry is gaining rapid recognition and the state government has already lent a helping hand. The institute received $1 million from lawmakers as a part of the 2007-2009 biennium and wine industry leaders have already generated half of the $2 million they committed to the institute."

To read the whole article click here!

I just so happen to be a documentary film lover

Today in my Technology and Innovation class we watched the film Who Killed the Electric Car?  Although the title didn't sound like anything I would be interested in, my love of documentaries still fostered my curiosity.  This film, narrated by Martin Sheen takes a look at who is to blame for the disappearance of electric cars on American roads.  It specifically looks at the example of GM's EV1 model.  This car came out in the mid-nineties as a reaction to the now removed California mandate to reduce emissions.  The car produces no emissions and although it takes electricity to run it, is a very clean, maintenance free, and recyclable car.  Mysteriously this car vanished from production and GM did a very nice job covering any tracks that may have been left.  The film goes in depth on who to blame- consumers, batteries, oil companies, car manufacturer's, politicans and the California Air Resource Board.  It does so in a very interesting, entertaining, and ironic way, (Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 89% rating and it won two film awards) so don't worry you "not so into documentary" types, you will like it too.  Mel Gibson and Tom Hanks make funny cameo appearances as well.

I am a huge proponent of friendlier living- to the environment and to people.  Just watching this movie was eye-opening and I wanted to share it with anyone who would read this.  I found that Netflix's has copies to watch and there are downloadable versions I have found on the internet.  

The Band

I have some neighbors that are outside singing and playing away on their acoustic guitars. They actually made a loop around the block spreading their folk/country/rock music for all of us to hear. Man, I wish I could join them, but the only skills I have are on Rock Band and I probably shouldn't be calling them skills. 

I think I would fit really well with these band mates.  I got Curtis on the geetar looking mighty feisty. ...and Agnes with a little attitude on drums.  
I got the vocals covered!  Drunk singing is my only specialty. :)
Now all we need are some dedicated groupies.

Drawing

I made a few drawings today in my quest to become a better drawer. Nothing turned out good and I normally wouldn't share anything this terrible, but my boyfriend did say the one I drew of him fused with Cat Stevens reminded him of a Tim Burton creation. That made me laugh.

I am going to try again tomorrow!

A year ago today...

I was landing in Rome after a 15.5 hour flight.  Looking at these pictures has only increased my already present travel bug.  I miss adventuring around in a country where the only words I knew were troppo caro (too expensive).  

My favorite part about my Tour de Italia was visiting the five coastal towns called the Cinque Terre.  My traveling companion, Ariel, and I hiked the path that connects the five towns.  It was the most breathtaking beach scenery I have ever seen.  

Here is too traveling soon!  Ciao Bella!

Pictures by Gregory Byline Photography and Vogue

Finally- I got my hands on it.

I have been (not so patiently) waiting to check this book out from the library.  The library has had this book on order for the past few months and once it came in I was the first on the list to receive it.  I feel so special!  It is incredible.  I can hardly peel my eyes away from the beautiful photography, interesting interviews, and unbelievable fashion.  Influence is a look from the Olsen's perspective on art, photography, design, contemporary and vintage fashion, jewelry,  and culture. The twenty-two year olds conducted interviews with the top twenty people they chose as revolutionary.  A sample of these people are Diane von Furstenberg, John Galliano, Lauren Hutton and Christian Louboutin.   The interviews are very passionate and candid.  It is a fun glimpse into what the twins reality is like and in a very visually appealing way.  I was influenced.

Wouldn't it be awesome to be able to make a book like this?  *Sigh*  Maybe someday...

Charge it!

I got my first credit card tonight. I was so scared filling out the application online. People find it odd that I haven't ever owned one. But, I need to start building my credit and owning one is an inevitable part of life, I suppose. I am pretty excited that I got to personalize it with a picture for my background (the slightest things make me happy). It took me forever to decide on a picture. I didn't want to put myself on it, because I am not an ego-maniac. Nor have I taken cool enough pictures yet to put my own work on it. So, I settled for this:

Hehe... just kidding!  This is the real picture I put on it:

But, now that I think about it, I kind of want to put the Clueless one back on it!  I have 48 hours to change it, what do you think? :)

More than a dress

These Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2008 dresses are a statement. So inspiring to me today. It makes me want to paint on my clothes... but I won't, because it would look ridiculous if I did it.

TED?

As described by TED itself, "Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world."

It is truly an incredible site.  There are over 430 talks hosted by the site now from leaders in technology, design, business, entertainment and social issues.  I was first introduced to the site by my entrepreneurship professor when he made our class view a talk from a very charismatic individual named Barry Schwartz on the paradox of choice.  

But if you are not a business nerd like me, maybe more interesting to you are these talks:

1. How Bejamin Button Got His Face by Ed Ulbrich

2. Fashion, Passion and About a Million Other Things by Isaac Mizrahi

3. The Science of Scent by Luca Turin

4. Photography Connects Us with the World by David Griffin

5. The Brain in Love by Helen Fisher

6. Where Does Creativity Hide?  by Amy Tan

7. The Story of a Passionate Life by Ben Dunlap

8. Making Movies that Make Change by Jeff Skoll

9. Standing Out by Seth Godin

10.  What We Learn From Spaghetti Sauce by Malcolm Gladwell

Talks range in time from 5-25 minutes I have found.  Perfect for my small attention span.

There are so many amazing teachings found on this site.  I have bookmarked so many more to listen to, like the ones from Jane Goodall or talks on the topic of sustainability.  I am so excited to share these and I hope you guys find them interesting.  Let me know!

Me : today

It's great to have a free day!  I skipped class just to get one.

Photo (Kate Moss) from style.com.

What kind of wine are you?

I just took this fun little quiz. I would say it is pretty accurate! Of course I played around with the answers to see if I liked any better first, but then I went back to my true wine ID. :)

You Are Sauvignon Blanc

Engaging and energetic, you have a lot to offer the world - most of it they've never seen anywhere else! You are the type of person who carves your own path in life... and you invite everyone else to come along. The only thing predictable about you is that you could have anything up your sleeve. You're all about sampling all of life's experiences. Both the savory and unsavory ones. Deep down you are: Laid back and young at heart Your partying style: Anything goes... seriously! Your company is enjoyed best with: Smoked meats or spicy food

What would you do if I sang out tune?

Would you stand up and walk out on me?

I miss The Wonder Years.  I think it is one of the best TV shows ever written.  This show was the perfect blend of comedy and drama.  It epitomized what it is like to be young, confused, and hopelessly in love.  Kevin Arnold, the shows main character and narrator, is such a likable character.  I can relate to so many of his awkward middle school and high school experiences.  For example, when Kevin tries to impress his elderly piano teacher who smokes (kind of like my extra attentiveness in Professor Sweater vest's class).   Thank goodness for the internet, where watching old episodes of The Wonder Years is possible when you can't sleep.  

I also always thought it was cool that my dad looked exactly like Kevin as a kid.  

Plus is had a great theme song!  I heart Joe Cocker and his sexy voice.

What is this?!

Has anyone seen this music video from Posh? Am I the only one that didn't know she went on to make an incredible tacky attempt at a solo career. Thank goodness she can dress, because her lip syncing skills are dreadful. But, this is the most laughable thing I have seen all day and even more funny that I found it as a profile song from one of my friends on Myspace! Finally a reason to keep my Myspace alive!

The scene where she is attacking her wardrobe is the funniest to me. Who came up with the concept??! Her PR person should have been on that one.

No occasion for saying this...

New to Me Tunes

What I am currently listening to now that I am out of my old music rut:

Taken By Trees

Pete Murray - Australia

The Guggenheim Grotto - Dublin

Dear and the Headlights

Metric

Colin Hay

The Concretes - Stockholm

Audrye Sessions

That is all the new stuff I have to share.

In honor of the Blazers!

It seems like all of Oregon is in a Trail Blazers frenzy tonight. Our beloved team has made it to the playoffs and yes, it has been a while. I am not a huge follower of professional basketball. I pretty much only watch it if it is on at the gym while I am forcing cardio upon myself. But, my contact with the Blazers was personal when I sold a few of the team members computers, iPhones, and expensive headphones working at Apple. I found it very entertaining when a player would come into our store because they stuck out like a sore thumb towering a foot and a half over me and wearing their red velour jumpsuits. I really hope someone has gone on to change this, because really, red velour?? I always envisioned one the of 6'9" players to come in one day and me find him wearing his red velour with words written into his pants with rhinestones like "Rebound" or "Foul-Play." I thought that would have been great. Sadly, I never gained the courage to make the suggestion. But, to those of you who still work at Apple, maybe you could pass along the word from me?

Another awesome Blazer moment is when my boyfriend saw #5 Rudy Fernandez at work and had his picture taken with him. Isn't there a striking resemblance? Maybe brothers?!

Go Blazers! Good luck with the post season!

Let the Sun Shine In

I have loved this picture since I laid my eyes on it. I didn't even realize it was Johnny Depp and his long-time girlfriend, Vanessa Paradis (or is it wife now?) until recently. What a perfect scene. Casual and light.

The Wine Shrines

The award to the most visits to the public library might belong to me this year. My new books feature winery design. They are titled Winery Design by Christain Datz and Adventurous Wine Architecture written by Michael Webb and photographed by Erhard Pfeiffer. Winery Design features wineries from twelve countries and Adventurous Wine Architecture displays 54 different establishments.

The books depict a world where winery owners vie to outdo each other, hiring the most prestigious architects available to come up with the most monumental shrines. But you won't find any classical French chateaux or Italian villas; these wine cathedrals are about cutting-edge, postmodern design. For example, one Chilean winery resembles the inside of a wine barrel and this winery below uses wire grids to encase a rock wall.
As a design enthusiast I love how the physical buildings at wineries are part of the identity of the product. Many people equate a good building with good wine. Just like a nice ambiance helps the taste of food at a restraunt.

Richard Fernau, winery architect and professor at UC Berkeley spoke, "One of my critiques about the Napa Valley in general is that the style is one that's south of anywhere, e.g., south of France or south of Italy. It's about facade--not about California or its experience. Our wines rival those of France and Italy, but the fact that we have to copy their architecture is an embarrassment." I disagree with him here. Napa Valley wineries might be protrayed or reminesant of other wine regions, but they are beautiful nonetheless and I would not generalize them as an embarassment. Most of the architecture in the states is a replica of Italian or Greek designs anyway.

It is fun to look at the wild designs from the two books and their design may fit with the brand of the wine.

But, when I think about traveling to the ideal pairing of wine and design I don't envision concrete, army-barrack-like structures. Someday when I am designing wineries I will resort to the timeless look of chateauxs, estates, and villas. Then Fernau may be ragging on me in his publications.

Olivia Clare Designs

I have a lovely cousin. Seriously, she is the best. But, another thing that makes her awesome is her jewelry collection. She makes one-of-a-kind rings, necklaces, and bracelets using beautiful semi-precious and hand-cut stones. Even better they are affordable. What am I doing? I don't even need to promote her work, the pictures will do justice.

And just in case you don't live in the Portland area she just opened her own Etsy shop and it has been quite successful! She has 105 items up already and I am pretty sure some of my tax refund is going to some new pieces. :)

Reasons for Bliss 2:50

I got what I wanted out of this project, an uplifting, endearing, reason to smile. This one came from one of my main mentors, former teacher, DECA advisor, and friend Mr. Nielson. His reply to the question, "What bought you happiness today?" was, "My five year old son running to greet me when I came home and seeing how excited he was to give me the picture he made and spent a lot of time on." He concluded with saying, "I am full of answers to that question." Aww... how cute.

You're IT!

I was tagged by the wonderful Socalite from Vanessa's Runway....

What is your current obsession? Hiking, The Library, Blogs, Sushi, Clothes, Photography, Free Time, and Gossip Girl.

What is your weirdest obsession? Gosh, I have so many. I have a professor who wears sweater vests to class everyday and I am tracking how many he has because so far I have had him for two terms and I have only seen three repeats! Isn't that wild?! And what is more sad is I have a secret crush on him and his sweater vest collection!

What are you wearing today? PJs!

Why is today special? Last day of classes this week, start of the Masters Championship where I get to watch my wannabe boyfriend, Tiger Woods.

What would you like to learn to do? Take pretty pictures, cook creative meals, play tennis, uncork wine bottles without looking like a fool at work, learn French, stay awake while reading for school, and draw better.

What’s for dinner today? Chicken.

What’s the last thing you bought? Groceries. Not very interesting, but I put myself on a no spending budget... this week.

What are you listening to right now? A Genius playlist in my iTunes established from Buildings and Mountains by The Republic Tigers..

What is your favorite weather? Sunny and warm. Throw in an oceanic breeze.

What is your most challenging goal right now? Finding enough time in the day for simple things like plucking my eye brows or cleaning my bathroom. Also, not getting anxious about the future.

What do you think about the person who tagged you? She is my favorite blogger! So cute.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be? I am so indecisive. My candidates would be the French countryside, Monte Carlo, Australia, Chile, or right next to Tiger Woods on Jupiter Island, FL.

Favorite vacation spot? Any place warm and with good company.

What would you like to have in your hands right now? Chris' hand. <3

What would you like to get rid of? My classes this term :)

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Augusta National Golf Club tomorrow for the start of the Masters Championship.

Which language do you want to learn? French! I started to learn it, then got distracted by life, but I want to start again.

What did you dream of last night? I hardly slept enough to dream. I don't recall.

Who do you want to meet in person? Tiger Woods. I am a FANatic.

Whats your favorite part about the city you live in? How simple life is. It took me a while to get to like Corvallis because I am such a city girl, and it is such a college town. But, it has been good for me.

What’s the favorite piece of clothing in your own closet? I really like my purple jacket. I think it is the piece of clothing I own that describes me perfectly.

What is your dream job? I have so many that I role into one title- entrepreneur. I want to do it all.

If you had £100 now what would you spend it on? Living.

Fashion pet peeve? Black workout pants and Uggs- the official outfit of Oregon State University's female population.

Do you admire anyone's style? Off the top of my head- Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Coppola, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Moss, Natalie Portman, Reese Witherspoon, Christian Siriano, The Olsen's!

Describe your personal style: Classy. Girly. Simple. Girl Next Door.

Who's fashion show would you want tickets to? Marc Jacobs, DvF, Dior, Chanel... pretty much any tickets I could get my coveting little fingers on.

Okay, here's the rules:

1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.

2. Tag eight other people.

Fine Things and Big Dreams

Blog Goggles

Grayson: A Different Shade of Grey

I *Heart* You

Layers of Meaning

Neon Polish

Belle Maison

Couture Carrie

Reasons for Bliss 1:50

Okay, so I kicked off day one of asking a random person what brought them a little happiness in their day. It didn't go EXACTLY how I foresaw it, considering the person who I asked responded with, "I bought drugs and that made me happy." Haha. I am not even going to mention who or how I know this person, but hopefully tomorrow I get a more uplifting answer. Although, I do commend him on his honesty.

The Geography of Bliss Brings Me to This

I am on page 46 of my latest read The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner. The book follows one man on his search for the happiest country in the world and what makes the people so happy. One of the comedic parts of the book is that the author is such a pessimist at heart. So far Eric has traveled to The Netherlands and Switzerland. In The Netherlands he found happiness is a number. Located in Rotterdam is the World Database of Happiness or WDH. Kind of funny to associate "happiness" with "database," huh? This is the place that social scientists have gathered to conduct and anaylze happiness surveys. Eric uses their findings as a premise to select his countries to visit. The countries he visits are:

Switzerland; where happiness is boredom.
Bhutan; where happiness is policy
Qatar; where happiness is a winning lottery ticket
Iceland; where happiness is failure
Moldova; where happiness is somewhere else
Thailand; where happiness is not thinking
Great Britain; where happiness is a work in progress
India; where happiness is a contradiction
The United States: where happiness is home

This book is great so far and I wish I had more time to read it. But, it did make me think of an idea I want to use on my blog and that is, what small things contribute to happiness? Throughout the day hundreds of things make me happy. For example, today, getting the ketchup stain out of my shirt made me overjoyed! So, for the next, hmm... lets say 50 days... which brings me too May 27th, I want to ask random people I encounter in my life his/her daily 'Reason for Bliss.' Stay tuned to see the results of my experiment. I know I am excited.

Poor lil toes.

Oregon doesn't have the luxury of wearing sandals year round. But, the last three days have been a teaser that sandal weather is shortly upon us. I broke out the flip flops, along with the other 20,000 sun deprived Oregonians I go to school with, and this is what happened:

This is the annual tradition of how I gauge Spring is here!

Retro Road Trip

Yesterday my boyfriend shared with me his dream of hopping into an old station wagon and road tripping to the Grand Canyon with nothing but cameras in hand. I instantly latched onto the idea and added aviator-wearing, denim cut offs, mix tapes of oldies and some cans of Hamms for authenticity purposes. This September we are making it happen! We searched craigslist for a station wagon, but then decided on borrowing an old school motor home from a friend. One like this:

We also decided we would route ourselves through Salt Lake City to visit his brother, wife, and nephew. We would take our time and stop at interesting places on the way. Like the farm in Boise that has a two-headed goat.

Then we would continue to this beautiful, big hole in the ground for a photo op. Maybe some early morning (before I melt) hiking?

I expressed my desire to drive up the California coast highway 101. So, we added that to our plans. I can't wait to see the pictures we take! Maybe one like this:

We will document the whole excursion and send tacky postcards back to our family.
Oh, and my boyfriend better be ready because I rock at "I spy with my little eyes..." and the license plate game. :)

You know who is awesome?

Jose Villa! For selecting me as a recipient of a new photography book he is featured in. The book is incredible! He wrapped it up and enclosed such a warm note. I am such a fan of his work and now of his kindness! What a great day!

My first pictures!