It's Me, KP

Scotty Celebrates St. Patty's Day

St. Patrick's Day is coming up and if you've ever experienced it in Chicago you know that it's no joke around here. This is a serious holiday with a capital H for hangover.  But to get to the real point of this post... celebrating the holiday with my Scotty stamp set found at Simon Says Stamp.  It was named Scotty because I thought the font looked a little futuristic and "beam me up, Scotty" entered my head as I was laying out the letters.  

If you haven't noticed, Scotty is a double alphabet with a solid and an outline.  I like the idea of layering them on top of each other to create a shadow effect.  I put Scotty to good use on addressing a St. Patty's Day card to send out some good luck wishes in.

First layer was stamped with the solid alpha from Scotty and Memento Pear Tart ink:

Second layer was stamped a little off center with the outline alpha Ranger Archival Emerald Green:

Double the pleasure, double the fun... double the good luck!

Get beamed up with Scotty and give this technique a try.  And also sending very Happy St. Patty's Day wishes to all of you who are not named Amanda Spurlock.  Have a great weekend!

 

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Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market

Last November after I went to Hong Kong, I had the awesome opportunity to stay with one of my best friends Chloe, who is currently living in Tokyo.  There are hundreds of photos from that trip that I still haven't even attempted to go through, but I did recently take a little walk down memory lane of my stroll through the Tsukiji Fish Market.

This is a foodie and photographer's dream combined, so as you can imagine I was in heaven.  I didn't wake up early enough to see the auction and the warehouse was pretty empty by the time I got there so I was able to take my time walking around.

I really enjoy seeing people do what they're meant to do really well, if you know what I mean.  And these amazing fisherman excel at being the best of the best in the world's biggest fish market.  It's pretty cool.

After my walk I waited over an hour (which is very typical) at one of the sushi restaurants right outside the market. I had a near death by sushi episode last April and hadn't touch a piece of sushi since.  I figured if there was any place to get back on the horse, this was it. Wasn't going to get any fresher or better than at Tsukiji.  However, I am sad to report sushi and I are still at odds.  Maybe on my next trip to Tokyo we can try to make amends once again. 

A Good Old Chicago Dog

If you follow me on Instagram (@kellypurkey) then you are well aware of the fact that I have settled in to eating my way through Chicago very nicely.  There is some damn good food here.  The restaurant scene has really flourished it's become a very serious food city.  It's impressive and inspiring.  Luckily I have friends who enjoy dining out just as much as I do and are always up for a good meal.

Last week my family and I stopped at Hot Doug's for lunch. This was my first time there and since it's about a mile from my apartment, it definitely won't be my last.  They are famous - and I mean FAMOUS - for their duck fat fries, which unfortunately are only available on Friday + Saturday (this is a priceless tip, since you don't want to miss them!) 

Along with a variety of specialty topped hot dogs (I had a truffle sausage with pate + brie... fancy!) they serve the classic Chicago dogs.  What's a Chicago dog you ask?  Well it's all-beef on a poppy seed bun with yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet pickle relish which is usuallly neon green, a dill pickle spear, sliced tomatoes, pickled peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt.  No ketchup. No no no ketchup.  And they are delicious.

I'd be keen to know of any other great hot dogs around the country, so share if you've got a favorite.  What kind of toppings do you like on your hot dogs?

A New Partnership

I'm quite behind on sharing the news here, but I have a very fun announcement to make!  I've had the honor of joining the Simon Says Stamp family in a big way.  We are taking my little Kelly Purkey brand and setting it on fire!  There will be lots of KP products to come very shortly and something special that we're working on that will make its debut very soon.

I can't say enough about Heidi + Jason and the whole team at Simon.  First of all, they love what they do.  They truly do.  And they are just good people.  My life for sure needs more people like them in it and I am over the moon that they want to work with me.  I will also say that since we started working together Heidi has never told me "no" - which means there are some products that I am really, really excited about coming soon.

Check out the Simon blog for a bit more about our new partnership and a chance to win a goody bag!

Walking on Sunshine

Amy took this quick little video of me last week when we went for a walk on Venice Beach.  I'd say it's a pretty accurate snapshot of me right now... especially the part where I trip and fall a bit off camera.  Clumsy as always.

The Ties that Bind Giveaway winner is below - please email me.  Thank you to all who entered!

Sweet Home Chicago

I've lived in Chicago for three whole days now. There have been moments when I am really, really happy and moments when I miss New York like crazy.  Like ache in my chest crazy.  But give me more time.  And more sunshine... this city has been awfully gray lately.

One thing I do feel is that I am at home.  Back in a familiar setting with places and things that I love.  Spending time already with wonderful friends who make me laugh and feel very glad to be here.  And my apartment.  My apartment!  I am full of adoration for my apartment, even though it's empty and needs a good Swiffer-ing.  But it's huge and kind of amazing and it's all mine.

The building above is right outside the entrance to my EL stop.  I think it's a sign.

Everyday Storyteller 2

Happy to share the news that I am part of the fantastic line-up for Everyday Storyteller 2!  If you're not familiar, Everyday Storyteller is an idea book filled with mini articles from a myriad of talented storytellers who are each sharing insights into their own process.  You can check out the first version of Everyday Storytellers right here.

What's really great about this book is that there is such a variety of contributors that you'll learn so many tips from people who approach scrapbooking in different ways. I learned so much and it was interesting to see a bit about everyone's process.

I have to tell you that you want to make sure you get yourself signed up for the VIP list. It's completely free and here are the benefits:

* Exclusive invitation to our launch party on Friday, May 3
* Exclusive entry in special VIP-only giveaways
* First notice that the book has been released AND a special VIP discount

I'm really honored to be part of this fun book and hope you'll swing over and get all signed up!

NEW Stamps Now Available

Hello friends! I wanted to let you know that I have three new clear stamp sets now on sale at Simon Says Stamp.  Just a little funday to add to your Sunday...

This is Come Sail Away:

This is Scotty:

This is Happiness Is:

And they would all like to come home and live with you. I know you'd take great care of them.  Simon and I have a big big big announcement to share very soon so be sure to keep your ears and eyes peeled!

The Ties that Bind Giveaway

I have an awesome giveaway to share today... a spot in my sweet friend Stephanie Howell's new class for Big Picture Scrapbooking called The Ties that Bind.  She is the best person I know to teach on this subject and I'm so happy that she's put together this class.  Here are a few more details about The Ties that Bind:

Learn to identify and treasure the relationships in your life, both big and small, while creatingauthentic and meaningful scrapbook layouts in five vital relationship categories. Above all, learn to share a little piece of your heart on every page you make.

Stephanie Howell—a popular blogger, devoted Army wife, and busy mother of four young daughters (including twins)—welcomes you into her inspiring world in The Ties That Bind, her very first online class. As you connect with Stephanie's stories, you'll discover the importance of sharing pieces of yourself as you honor the people and ideals that have made you who you are.

In this class, you'll create the kinds of pages that you and your family will treasure all your lives.

It's sounds amazing right?  More details are found right here at BPC.  Stephanie has generously allowed me to give away a spot in the class, so leave a comment here and I will pick a winner after the weekend.  Good luck!

Sunshine On My Face

I escaped the cold and snow to come out to California for just a few days.  Went up to San Francisco to spend time with great friends and have some incredible - and I mean incredible - meals.  My dear friend Grace took me to see the Golden Gate Bridge for my first time EVER.  I've been to San Francisco five times but have never seen the bridge... it was such a treat.  The weather was perfect and I had an amazing time.  Can't wait to come back.

And now I'm in LA to do a little partying and a lot more eating.  Sunshine and 70* in February?  I think I really like you, California.