#memyselfandi

Music — It’s so much more than just the soundtrack to our lives…

May 29, 2015#memyselfandi, Blogging, Inspiration, Knowledge, Lifestyle, MusicAmy MorelliComment

image courtesy of http://all-free-download.com — image courtesy of http://all-free-download.com

I know, I know the title of this blog is nothing new to anyone. But recently I've been engrossed in a few songs that I feel speak to my soul and the changes happening in my life. Which made me realize that music really is the consistent background to all of our lives.

Whether we know it or not, music guides us through life, it connects cultures, it motivates us, it's the universal language that all understand. Powerful melodies, harmonies and lyrics can flood you with memories of the special moments of your past, while narrating your present. It has even been know to shake creative block loose! (at least in my case)

“One good thing about music, is when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

— Bob Marley

We listen in joy & celebration, in sadness & remembrance...I'm even listening to my favorite tunes as I write now. Research suggests that music not only helps us cope with pain — it can also benefit our physical and mental health in numerous other ways. Various scientific studies have shown that music can relieve stress, alter brain wave speed, motivate you during workouts, treat depression, help in surgical recovery and so much more. and so much more. (source: http://greatist.com/happiness/unexpected-health-benefits-music) Be sure to read the source article for all the amazing benefits music provides both medically and motivationally.

Here's to all the wonderful musicians out there connecting us through their amazing talent.

Obsessions - February — #memyselfandi

February 26, 2015#memyselfandi, ObsessionsAmy MorelliComment

For some reason this month I am OBESSESED with Monograms! In the Stationery and Event side of my business I am always creating custom Monograms for couples to uniquely show their personalities. I recently ordered a full set of Bar Glasses (Wine, Rocks and Water) for a couple with the Monogram I created on them. I was so pleased with the end result, that the Monogram Obsession began! I hope you enjoy my February Obsessions!

When Design and Function Meet — Living Small!

February 16, 2015#memyselfandi, Good Design, When Design&Function MeetAmy MorelliComment

If you are a loyal reader of my blog, then you know I love it when GOOD design and Function meet! I used to teach at an art school and one thing I used to tell my students, there is nothing worse, then design for design sake. In my book, Design should have a purpose, a reason and a function.

Lately there has a been a trend of what I call "living small". Do you ever wonder, have we as a society become captives to STUFF? I think the short answer is (emphatically) YES! The more "modern and advanced" society becomes — the bigger the consumerism motto is drilled into us by influencing societal ideals. We now live in a society where the majority of people work like dogs to obtain things.

This fact first hit me this past holiday season, when talking with friends I mentioned that I spent all day replacing and testing fuses and bulbs in my christmas tree lights. A friend then said, they are so cheap these days that I don't even bother with it anymore, I throw them out and just buy new ones. This surprised me, as this friend I've know for over 15 years, and they have always been pretty serious about recycling and living green. I thought, WOW what a statement on the state of society, that the norm has become "Just throw it away and buy a new one." Especially when I hear it come from someone who has always been pretty socially responsible.

Apparently I'm not the only one who is feeling like a slave to my stuff. There is a recent growing trend of Living Small. And not only do I think this is amazing, I really love those who are executing this trend with Style. Here are just a few tiny spaces that have made me swoon! This first one below has to be my favorite!!

This ordinary garage transformed into a TINY DREAM!!!!! But I won't lie... I would love the treehouse below as well!

Above Images Courtesy of worldinsidepictures.com He Didn’t Have Money To Buy An Apartment and He Bought A Garage, to read this full story click here.

Image Courtesy of www.ecolifemagazine.com — Image Courtesy of www.ecolifemagazine.com

Above Images Courtesy of bohtlingk. “De Markies” (The Awning) was an entry in the “Temporary Living” competition 1985 and was conceived as a mobile home. On the road, it measures 2.00 m by 4.50 m, and once it has arrived at its destination its floorspace can be increased threefold in a matter of seconds. “De Markies” was awarded the Public Prize at the Rotterdam Design Prize 1996.

The Power of Thought.

February 3, 2015#memyselfandi, Positive AffirmationAmy MorelliComment

One thing I know for sure: Our thoughts have the power to shape our lives! We must always stay positive and keep a healthy self image. The older I get, the more I can see the connection between our internal dialogue and the results in our life. So today I wanted to share this great proverb. #takeawaytuesday

Combat the Gain from the Superbowl Splurge — Guest Blog by Jennifer McKinney

January 28, 2015Fitness, Wellness, #memyselfandi, RecipeAmy MorelliComment

Jennifer has been training me and guiding me in my nutrition choices for years. She used to be my most amazing assistant ever! She currently runs her own personal training business. I have some digestive issues related to stress, so Jennifer got me hooked on this smoothie about a year ago. And after the Superbowl consummation of JUNK, I know I'll be having smoothies the next few days! Low in calories, and perfectly delicious — this smoothie keeps things running smoothly (if you know what I mean!) I hope you enjoy it as much as I! —AM

I am proud to say that I designed Jennifer's business brand! View it here in our Brand Gallery.

The New Year is in full swing and for most of us, more than just our stockings were stuffed over this past holiday season! Extra helpings, decadent desserts, fancy cocktail parties, and less time to exercise is the perfect recipe for a little Gain in the New Year. How do you keep from bulking up with all of the fun treats this time of year tends to bring?

The answer is balance. If you foresee indulgence in your future, create balance by having light, yet filling meals to help combat the extra calories. Smoothies for breakfast, salads for lunch, and fish with veggies for dinner. Below is a great smoothie recipe that will fuel you for your day, but save room for other goodies.

Even Better:

For your convenience, smoothie packets with the above ingredients (all except the water) can be assembled ahead of time and then whipped up in a matter of minutes for a fast and filling meal!

Greek Yogurt “Ice Cubes” are made by simply spooning about a tablespoon of greek yogurt into ice cube trays (sprinkle with chia seeds for an extra boost) and then allowing to freeze for about an hour.

Keep this Berry Banana Smoothie recipe around for more than just the New Year. Its also a great way to say healthy and regular!

SOURCE: for recipe nutrients http://fnic.nal.usda.gov

Berry Banana Smoothie:

▪ 1 cup frozen strawberries

▪ 1/4 cup frozen blueberries

▪ 1/2 frozen banana

▪ Handful of spinach

▪ 3 frozen vanilla greek yogurt "ice cubes"
sprinkled with chia seeds **see below

▪ 1/2 - 1 cup of water or coconut water

This satisfying low calorie smoothie provide protein, antioxidants, dietary fiber, iron, and probiotics resulting in a filling breakfast that helps to fight disease and aids in digestion.

Obsessions - January — #memyselfandi

January 26, 2015#memyselfandi, ObsessionsAmy MorelliComment

1: Burts Bees Eye Cream [Retails for $11.99] | 2: EOS Organic Smooth Sphere - Pomegranate [Retails for $14.99] | 3: Citrus for the Skin | 4: Freeman Anti-Stress Dead Seas Mineral Mask [Retails for $6.69] | 5: Cucumber Water for Hydration | 6: Weleda Skin Food [Retails $13.59] | 7: Yogi Bedtime Tea [Retails $5.61]

MY OBSESSIONS . . . all under $15

1. Burts Bees Eye Cream [Retails for $11.99]
As I get older, not getting a full 8 hours of sleep, really shows. And mostly is shows all over my face.. Hello Dark Circles! This great eye cream, helps make those dark circle no more. Bring on the late nights!

2. EOS Organic Smooth Sphere - Pomegranate [Retails for $14.99]
There is nothing I love more than smooth lips.. both my own and other (LOL) . . . This lip treatment is not only amazing, it comes in many flavors! I keep one in my desk, nightstand and purse — ready for kissing anywhere I am. (Wink!)

3. Citrus, Citrus, Citrus.
I am lucky enough to have a client who is a dermatologist, and yes. She has the most amazing skin. This tip is from her. Every other night before bed rub fresh citrus on your skin. It's a natural brightener, will help fade dark spots and even can keep acne at bay. Bring on the Lemon!

4. Freeman Anti-Stress Dead Seas Mineral Mask [Retails for $6.69]
I wear my emotions on my face! Everyone says so — you can tell how I feel by the look on my face. Well, I'd rather those wrinkles not set in! So this anti-stress mask is my GO TO! It's also great to keep my skin free and clear of blackheads!

5. Stay Hydrated with Cucumber Water.
Who doesn't love the amazing cucumber water served on those rare spa days? This is one, you don't have to leave at the spa! Slice some cucumbers put them in a glass pitcher of water, give it time to infuse and Voila! Nothing more refreshing. (And I'm convinced that Hydration keeps you young!) A great shortcut is dicing cucumbers into cubes and freezing them. Now you have cucumber ice cubes, to drop right in your water!

6. Weleda Skin Food [Retails $13.59]
I know, I know... Summer's months away. But that doesn't mean you can't start getting those tootsies in shape! I have cracked heels :( and have looked for years for a way in between pedicures to combat this problem. Well, Weleda Skin Food is it! Each night before bed I use this robust cream on my heels! It works like a dream, and I even give my elbows a little love to!

7. Yogi Bedtime Tea [Retails $5.61]
Not to get too personal, but I have suffered since I was 35 with pre-menopause issues. This runs in my family and there are more "female issues" to count. I must say — you can throw all of this at me! I'll take it and cope fine.. But the one thing I JUST CAN'T deal with is interrupted sleep! I spent about 6 years suffering from awful night sweats, to the point that I sometimes would have to move to my guest room, as the sheets were soaked! This last obsession has SAVED ME! All natural and full of medicinal herbs- 2 cups of this tea before bed... and that's right NO MORE NIGHT SWEATS! I'm sure everyone has different results, but for me this tea has worked like a dream.

Want to try one of the above products? Journal your results and please share with us! I would love to hear about what you are currently obsessed with!

Big Eyes — A MUST SEE #memyselfandi

January 14, 2015#memyselfandi, Movie ReviewsAmy MorelliComment

*image and synopsis courtesy of bigeyesfilm.com*

Official Movie Synopsis:

Big Eyes tells the outrageous true story of one of the most epic art frauds in history. In the 1960s, painter Walter Keane (played by Christoph Waltz) had reached success beyond belief, revolutionizing the commercialization of popular art with enigmatic paintings of waifs with big eyes. The bizarre and shocking truth would eventually be discovered: Walter’s works were actually created by his wife Margaret (played by Amy Adams). The Keanes, it seemed, had been living a colossal lie that had fooled the entire world

I had the great pleasure of experiencing the movie BIG EYES this past week. As an artist myself, the story fascinated me. As a woman, it saddened me. Margaret Keane’s life is a story of struggle, oppression and domestic abuse. She had to endure years of silence and anguish as her narcissistic husband rose to fame and fortune on her talents. A con man, with charm to spare, Walter Keane was able to convince her to go along with the largest Art Fraud in history. Together they convinced the world that he was the creator of hundreds of her Big Eyed painting of children.

There was a time in our country not long ago, that a divorced woman couldn’t support herself, even more so for a divorced woman with children. “Women are meant for the home” I think the phrase was. Thank goodness we don’t live in those times anymore. You can see in this movie, how women sometimes had to compromise themselves, their talent and even their morals just to survive in the male dominated society of the time. Walter started telling people he was the creator of these painting, and with intimidation from him and no strong sense of herself Margaret went along.

“Back then, women kind of went along with their husbands, didn’t rock the boat. He finally wore me down,” Margaret says. “While we were fighting this out at home, the paintings were just flying off the walls. Posters were selling. It was unbelievable. It snowballed overnight. I kept getting in deeper and deeper. I didn’t know how I could get out of it. I lost all respect for him and myself, and lived in a nightmare.”
— MARGARET KEANE

She had lived this way for more than 15 years, when in 1986 she convinced a Honolulu jury that she was actually the painter of the Big Eyes. She was awarded $4 million, when the federal judge hearing her suit against her ex-husband ordered them both to produce a painting in the courtroom. Margaret whipped up a classic big-eyed “Keane” in 54 minutes; Walter refused, citing a sore shoulder. “I never saw a cent of it,” Margaret Keane says with a laugh. “But I won.” (quotes source: sfgate.com)

Creative spirit in abundance at 87, Keane lives with her daughter Jane in Napa and continues to express her view of the world through art. You can see her work at the Keane Eyes Gallery in San Francisco. or visit her website www.keane-eyes.com. Where you can purchase prints and view her latest work. Thank you Margaret Keane for standing up for what is right, in turn showing the world WOMEN artists can make a living with their talent. (She also showed us that WOMEN ARE WARRIORS, and can dig deep and always find the strength to tackle anything!) This movie about one of the largest art frauds in history is a MUST SEE!

To learn more about the movie visit: bigeyesfilm.com

For a little fun, they even have a selfie generator! Upload your selfie and get your own Big Eye Portrait! Here's mine!

ONE LOVE: A Wedding for Everyone!

January 13, 2015#memyselfandi, Branding, ONE LOVE: Workshop, Media CoverageAmy Morelli1 Comment

ALL IMAGES ABOVE COURTESY OF KATHY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY | BOTTOM CENTER IMAGE OF KATHY COURTESY OF LEAH LANGLEY | IMAGES FROM ONE LOVE WORKSHOP 11-03-14

If you live in Florida or have been watching the news, you know that Florida made Same Sex Marriage legal on January 6th, 2015! YAY FLORIDA! I am proud to say I have always been a supporter of #Equality! Working in the Event Industry I am connected with vendors and couples from all walks of life, and I'm here to tell you PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE. In my opinion, the thing that separates us in society is how we treat each other — not who we are or who we love. It's whether or not we are there for each other as humans. This is what builds character. This is what makes us open to love and new life experiences.

This past November I was asked to participate and sponsor ONE LOVE: a wedding for everyone, presented by Kathy Thomas of Kathy Thomas Photography. Of course, I jumped at the chance! It was a great opportunity to work with some amazing vendors and to connect with vendors I had yet had the pleasure of working with — all while showing my support for the LGBTQ community.

A two-day experience at the Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, the workshop featured Bernadette Smith of the Gay Wedding Institute, as well as a styled shoot and education on same sex weddings, SEO and marketing language. The brain child of Kathy Thomas, ONE LOVE: a wedding for everyone was a huge success, photography from the workshop will be used in the marketing materials of the Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, and the workshop itself got a mention on the Channel 6 News! (watch here)

I loved working on this project! It was great working with Kathy creating the Branding and Stationery for take away's and the styled location shoots! She is a formidable force in the event industry and her vision oozed sophistication!

"My goal is to help educate my community by fostering an environment that continues education, growth and support, so we can be experts in the wedding community. I am a believer in equality — I created my company in support of love and marriage and couldn't be happier that Florida has legalized it for all couples." — KATHY THOMAS

Job well done! I know she poured her heart and soul into this workshop, and it was evident by the amazing experience she created! Jealous? :) Experience it yourself with this great trailer by Key Moment Films.

Let's not forget Lisa Stoner of E-Events, she designed the styled shoots at the Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. A beautiful modern classic ballroom set, (complete with the ladies from Our DJ Rocks!) and an elegant outdoor farm experience at Whisper Creek Farm. Thank you Lisa, for always creating amazing environments to showcase my stationery! (I kid, I kid...it's not just about the stationery!) Tipping my hat to Raining Roses and the Chalk Shop as well for creating her amazing vision!

Drink in the beauty of both locations below!

For a full list of participants and sponsors of the workshop, scroll down to the end of this post. You will also find galleries for both locations below! (Photography courtesy of Kathy Thomas Photography)

For more information on our event stationery or brand development visit our site!
#memyselfandi #acreativelife

The 2u Collection, our Custom Stationery line contributed stationery designs, table numbers, brand design of the workshop as well as contributing a little photo styling of the sets with Lisa!

Photo Galleries by Kathy Thomas Photography

I know that something this wonderful takes the work of many. Below are these amazing vendors! And the good news they are all supporters of #Equality!!

List of participants and sponsors of the workshop

Venue:
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (and all their partner Marriott's)

Entertainment:
Our DJ Rocks (Kristin Hubbard)

Favors & Treats:
Florida Candy Buffets (Farida Wazir)

Planners & Designers:
E Events (Lisa Stoner)

Floral:
Raining Roses Productions (Jesus Rodriguez)

Stationery & Paperie:
2u Collection (Amy Morelli)

Lifestyle Design, Graphics, Illustration, Branding & Marketing:
2u Creative (Amy Morelli)

Photographers:
Kathy Thomas Photography (Kathy Thomas - Orlando & NYC)
Brandi Image Photography (Brandi Morris St. Pete)
Stephanie Dishman Photography (Stephanie Dishman - Orlando)
Rudy & Marta Photography (Rudy Montilla- Orlando)
Nick Edmundson Imaging (Nick Edmundson - Ohio available for travel)
Emily Millay Photography (Emily Cunningham - Ohio available for travel)
Jordan Weiland Photography (Jordan Weildan - Lakeland)
Banter Booth (photo booth Jason Weildan - Lakeland)

Video:
Key Moment Films (Mary Angelini)

Hair and Makeup:
Kristy's Artistry Design Team (Kristy Alonzo)

A Creative Life. . .#memyselfandi

January 12, 2015#memyselfandi, LifestyleAmy MorelliComment

If you follow me on social media, you know that design infiltrates every aspect of my life, and it's not just my love for paper and stationery that inspire me. So I've decided as of today, my blog will become a little bit more like a lifestyle blog! If you don't follow me, be sure to start! You won't want to miss what's to come!

If you missed it over the holidays, my partners (Lisa Stoner & Robyn Dixon) and I launched a full lifestyle blog: Me Actually! I developed the Brand, logo, design of blog, etc. And will continue to contribute content from the artist perspective as well as Creative Direct all of our activity as we grow.

Me Actually is the categorical online resource for men and women alike to reference independently or together the art of living abundantly. You'l find everything from gardening and fashion tips to movie reviews and recipes, I invite you to learn more about all three of us, check out our first post! (And of course all the posts from December!) To find my contributions to Me Actually search for #memyselfandi.

Because of my partnership with Me Actually, I have decided to cover some of the same topics here on my own blog. After all, my artist perspective and design style is who I am, I invite you to follow me both here and at Me Actually. You'll learn all kinds of things about #memyselfandi!

And don't forget to check out my partners Lisa Stoner & Robyn Dixon, they are two of my closest friends, as well as strong women! There is something for everyone at Me Actually! Be sure to follow me at the links below!