While at Camp Calico last weekend, Kinsey brought a notebook full of amazing sketches. She didn’t quite understand why we were going all crazy for her work, but believe me, it was all amazing. Her “rough” sketchbook of ideas rocked our world. Then she gave much of the credit to the pen that she uses. She swears by the Pilot FriXion Ball Erasable Gel Pens. And let me just tell you, after just seconds of scribbling, I was in love. Shanna and I ended up ordering a bunch immediately on our phones through the Amazon app. And apparently there are Pilot FriXion Colors Erasable Markers too! Crazy. Just so you have an idea of how amazing Kinsey’s notebook is, she whipped this up quickly to demonstrate the Pilot FriXion Erasable Highlighters!I got my pens in the mail yesterday and am convinced they will make my notebooks look as amazing as Kinsey’s. One can only hope.

What also might interest you is this old post on how I write on my Instagrams.

First stop: Barnes & Noble Marina Del Rey
I found out through Twitter that Kelly Oxford was going to be doing a book signing just 10 minutes down the street. I arrived about 15 minutes early and did some browsing. I picked up a few blank books, mostly because I felt as though I should make a purchase instead of just going for a signing for a book I purchased in advance through Amazon. They made an announcement over the loud speaker that she was in the store, so I moved over near the table where I thought the line would begin to form. Because I felt a bit silly going first, I am actually glad a woman and son walked right up to her table after she sat down so I could spend a few minutes just observing. Not in a creepy stalker-ish way, but more in an admiring awe, this is so cool, kind of way. When it was my turn, I walked up and said hello and told her I brought something for her. It was a bookmark that I had made that said, “YOUR not A IDOIT”. It was based on a tweet where she responded to someone who told her “Your a idoit”. She laughed and told me that the tweeter had actually since closed her account down after 3 grammatical/spelling errors in a 3 word phrase. I found the whole thing to be quite hilarious. Then we chatted about my belly/pregnancy/kids. She was a delight and I could have stayed longer, but thought it was best to get my giddy butt out of there to give the heaps of others in line a chance. (photos taken by a Barnes & Noble employee who rocked these candid shots but mucked up the one where we’re both posed and smiling for the camera, oh well)

Second Stop: Calligraphy Class at Urbanic
This is something I was also super excited about – my first calligraphy class. It was taught by the superbly talented, Molly Thorpe, the hand behind Plurabelle Calligraphy.It’s probably pretty obvious, but the “watercolor” was not written by me, but everything else was. At the end I asked her to write “travels” on the cover of a blank moleskine. She was so sweet and I really enjoyed the 3 hour class. Hoping to get some more practice in and use the techniques on various paper projects.

Third stop: Gjelina
A business dinner on a Sunday at my favorite restaurant? Sounds good to me. Because I parked strategically on Abbot Kinney, I was able to just put my caliigraphy class goodies in the car and walk down to the restaurant. Thankfully I had made the reservation in advance for 6 (JC came too), because at 5:30, there was already a line out the door. We enjoyed a whole slew of favorites – the spinach salad, mushroom pizza, ribs, fries, along with lots of others, and of course finished off with my favorite dessert ever – the Butterscotch Pot de Creme. Sigh. Not bad April 21st, not bad at all.

from left to right, top to bottom

1. @missladyv | 2. @mojosanti | 3. @happiescrappie | 4. @leslieashe | 5. @richluvem | 6. @mariabi74 | 7. @marieeve17 | 8. @neeceebee | 9. @mercytiara

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How cute is this promo video?

The introductory price for the Phone Photography Workshop is $39. (Normally priced at $49, so if you sign up now at Big Picture Classes, it is $10 off!)

The timing for this class couldn’t be more perfect. Just like many of you, I love taking photos. Since my iPhone is with me at all times, it’s been the easiest way to record random moments. And what a line up – so many inspiring teachers.

Class begins July 1st! Hope to “see” you there!

I also got started on a new one using Kelly Purkey’s awesome April/May kit, which had these awesome alphabet stickers in it. Posted this on Instagram and found out that the alphabet stickers are indeed available separately, and I plan on stocking up.The April/May kit that I am going to finish playing with when I get back next week is sold out. But that’s why I am giving you ample warning so you can grab the June/July kit. And shop for her other amazing goodies exclusively at Simon Say Stamp.

Spoiler alert, it’s also my pick of the week for a conversation I had on the Paperclipping Roundtable this morning. Had a blast chatting with Allison and Noell (and Izzy too) for Episode 158 where we discuss the design process and give insights on how we created Yes, Please (my collection) and Allison’s 2 collections – Composition & Color and Sweet Things. Enjoy!

12:00pm – Caversham Wildlife Park – “What do you mean we can’t stay here all day?”. I seriously loved hanging out and feeding the kangaroos and joeys. Cute overload.12:20pm – apparently it’s exhausting being this adorable 4:05pm – And that’s a wrap! Thanks so much to all the Spotlight stores and people who came out! 5:03pm – got to Fremantle and ordered a Choc-A Block per Emily’s recommendation. It was so windy (and maybe I am a bit clumsy) that the first one spilled so I had to take a photo of this second one. Delicious in case you were wondering.5:45pm – dinner is served. And I am the only preggers in the Monk Brewery, but there are a ton of kids. Food is excellent.6:33pm – got to the car with 9 minutes to spare. So glad we got this little visit to Fremantle in. Less than 20 minutes back to the hotel.7:19pm – kicked off my shoes (alternated between pairs today) and am so happy to be barefoot and back at the super comfy Mercure hotel room.8:11pm – trying to stay up until at least 9, but far too tired to pack. Will regret it tomorrow morning, but I’ll get over it. 8:37pm – can’t stay up a second longer. Loved documenting today for #dayinthelife – hoping I sleep as well as these 2 joeys.