Whoppers + Facebook = Forbidden Hipster Flame

Burger King has yet again shown they're king of hipster marketing, leveraging Web 2.0 to peddle their greasy wares.

Professional Bio

Freebie: Queensland Desktop Wallpaper 2 of 5

Enjoy, personal use only, don't be tacky and sell it, et cetera! ;) Click on image to open up in a new screen for full size.

GTD Toolbox: 100+ Resources for Getting Things Done

GTD Toolbox: 100+ Resources for Getting Things Done

Great list of tools. Pick a platform that works for you, and use it for creating a list of essentials to bring on your next trip. Right now, I'm enjoying Notezz for it's simplicity.

Blogging for business? Make sure you're dressed for success.

After updating my Twitter to include some ActiveRain friends, I scoured through some of my oldie-but-goodie posts.  Here's a (condensed) snippet from one of my hits:

Dress your Blog Professionally

• Text should be easy to read—Utilize white space and remember not to emphasize everything—it depletes any emphasis you were attempting to place. Get rid of run-on sentences and break up never ending paragraphs.

• Organize your blog well--“Stream of consciousness” or “free thought” is okay, just make sure you don’t ramble. Each post should cover a topic or be wrapped around a theme.

• Be real, but not really--Be open and sincere, but retain some privacy. Share, but set boundaries. Your blog is you, but with your hair fixed and clothes pressed, not fresh out of bed. 

• Create rapport via honesty & sharing-- Again, you don’t have to let the reader into every nook and cranny of your life, but be honest and willing to share more than (insert market here) updates.

• Check your anger at the door (login page)-- Angry rants have no place on a business blog. If this is your idea of seeking revenge, you’ve just empowered your target and decreased your credibility. Do not post snide comments (humor is OK, but curb the sardonic prattle.)

• What’s the “takeaway” from your profile—Does it tell the reader that you’re an expert in XYZ? Would someone be drawn to perusing your blog based on your bio? Does your picture look warm or cold? Do you mention reasons why someone should check out your website?

• Word travels fast--People will Google your name.  Don't leave comments on your blog (or anyone else's) that would damage your reputation (see Check Anger above).  

You've heard it before, you're hearing it again: In order for your blog to be an effective marketing tool, use it wisely. Post with relevance, style and an actual voice (sans the story about your recent colon cleanse). Be kind and considerate. It's pseudo-easy to make a name for yourself, but make sure it's the name you want.

Tater Terror

A series of random events reminded me of a sophomore year dorm incident. I was in particularly giddy/creative mood, so I (with friend watching/frowning) made a potato man. This potato man wasn't very distinct, aside from his hard-to-miss potato manness. Thinking I was quite clever, I proceeded to go and share my gift to the world with several floor mates. My nonsupportive friend accompanied me as I knocked on many doors, most opening to find my robust tuber pal. Many eyes rolled, jaws dropped. Not nearly as many laughs as I thought, but possibly due to the sourpuss expression on my frowny friend's face. Certainly it wasn't potato's fault.
Almost done with mission, I visited one more friend. She opened the door, shrieked, covered her face and writhed, and slammed the door. Huh? A second knock later and I discovered my friend had a fear of potatoes. Turns out the eyes that grow really long on an old potato were quite traumatizing. I, quite perplexed, muttered an apology and returned to my room to contemplate/laugh hysterically. Sure, I felt bad about it, but who knew? How can you predict something like that? Later I developed a pseudo-phobia of "coupon booklets," but that's another story. Meanwhile, enjoy this relevant clip.

Recipe: Pear Walnut Waffle Topping

So I just finished my most fabulous breakfast and thought I'd share the recipe.
Or at least try.
I really don't "do" recipes, I just kind of play it by ear based of a recipe I may have watched on the telly, read in a book, sampled in a restaurant or imagined in daydream.
Usually the results are good. But sometimes (ask my friend Scott about the "fried" okra), the results aren't blue ribbon.
Happily, this is:

Pear Walnut Waffle Topping

Ingredients: 1 bosc pear, 1/8 cup chopped walnuts, 3 tablespoons of gourmet honey, 1 square of butter (a tablespoon or less , depending on your preference), 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 dollop of whip cream

Slice up your pear into mouth size bites or whatever portion you feel is best
Place pear slices in a saute pan and heat up to 6 or 7
Add honey and brown sugar
Sprinkle on the cinnamon
Throw in your chopped walnuts
Let that marinate for about 3 minutes, stirring periodically
Add butter
Stir and heat until pears are softened (still some firmness, but not rock hard)
Place on top of your fresh waffle (from a waffle iron, not those frozen suckers)
Add dollop of whip cream and bon appetit

(Pear painting by Dan P. Carr)

Dancing Politely

I was listening to this song over the weekend, and today I see this amazing video on ModishBlog.com, so you know I had to bite.

Tatty Divine

Have you seen this cheeky line of accessories? Some, like 80's cartoon Gem, are truly outrageous! Their over-the-top boldness reminds me of my girlfriend Alexia, who can rock the most ridiculous ensembles and look jaw-dropping fabulous.

I can't see myself wearing all of these items, but I do heart plenty, including their post earrings designed as clip on backs, water gun necklace, parcel bow brooch, and 'Stache ring for starters. Based in the UK, they'll wherever you are.

The Random Questionnaire

My cousin tagged me with this on Facebook. I thought I'd share with the world; I don't have any secrets to hide, at least not in these 50 questions.


1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Despite popular belief, I wasn't named after Audrey Hepburn. I was named after a book character and also TV show character (Audrina, Audra, I believe) and my mother liked the name.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? 2 days ago maybe?

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I like to laugh at it.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I'm not a huge lunch meat fan, but I do love a good sliced chicken & havarti sandwich...and all the meats that stack on the cubans at that place off 14th St (Atlanta)...

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Nope

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I would aspire to be friends with the wise and might Audrey

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? (Insert Little Britain quote here)

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Unfortunately I do, although they are abnormally large and lots of tax paying citizens agree it's time they got knifed.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? If you push me

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Kashi Go Lean Crunch for a nutritious & delicious pick; ghetto brand Frost-ed Flakes, if you're keeping it real

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Why would I? Do I look like I wear shoes with laces?

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? I prefer gelato, but as for ice cream I guess cookies 'n cream....I've passed enjoying eating cookie dough ice cream and prefer instead the raw dough goodness

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? First, whether or not they are holding a weapon (visible). Second, could they be packing concealed? Third, do they have food or look like they could afford to buy? Fourth, oh wait...you only asked for first...

15. RED OR PINK? Depends on the shade

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Procrastination. I'll write more about it later.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Friends I haven't seen in ages, in far away locales

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? Of course.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? I don't like where this is going.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? birds chirping

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Tenacious Teal

23. FAVORITE SMELL? Man

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? my dad

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yeah, she's my superhero cousin!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Hockey, live, good seats

27. HAIR COLOR? Dark as ever

28. EYE COLOR? Prettiest green you'll ever see

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes

30. FAVORITE FOOD? We all know that Hamburger Helper makes a great meal.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Okay, look, first the pants question now "happy endings?" Seriously, who wrote these questions....me??

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? You know I don't do film.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Seafoam green

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Depends what continent I'm on

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hisses.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Do you have to keep brining up the fact that I like raw cookie dough?

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? The ladies

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? The guys

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? "Justice for All: Earl Warren and the Nation He Made," by Jim Newton

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? No mouse, no pad.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? No TV, went to bed early.

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? "Cha-ching," and laughter

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Geographically, perhaps Hawaii? Not sure.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Ask my toes.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Columbia, SC

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? YOURS!

48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? I'm single.

49. IS THE CUP HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? If you're really thirsty, it's half empty. If you're full, it's half full.

50. IF YOU COULD SIT DOWN TO DINNER WITH FIVE PEOPLE WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Earl Warren, the apostle Paul, Agatha Christie, Andy Griffith, Salvador Dali.....most random conversation ever, oh and can Amy Sedaris cater? Thanks.

Made of Jacinta

My parcel from Barcelona arrived yesterday and I am enamored. I received a gorgeous brooch from Elisa of "Made of Jacinta." Each piece of wearable art is an original, all numbered on the back. So lovely, I feel like I won a prize. Made of Jacinta is on Etsy; She traded me for a blazer and pair of earrings on my vintage site, JetWhitePonytail. Best barter ever. Check out some samples of her work:

A Treat For You: Free Desktop Wallpaper 1

Everyone loves a freebie! I hope this will entice you to leave a comment and browse a bit. This is the first in a series of 5, each with a unique style so hopefully you find one that suits you best.

Just click on the image to get a full-size version, approximately 1024 x 768.
Enjoy!

Outta This World!

Did you know the Great Barrier Reef can be seen from space?  Check out this space pic (courtesy Earlham College)

Ready to Vote?

Video is now on YouTube, http://tinyurl.com/bestapp
Check it out and rate!
Application is being processed by Tourism Queensland; will report back to confirm it was accepted.

UPDATE:
Video application on schedule, with a post date of FEB 16.
(Applications are being considered up to FEB 22)
"Star Ratings" on site now are for user interaction and do not count toward shortlist selection, nor carry forward if candidate is shortlisted.
If I am selected as one of the TOP 50 CANDIDATES, you will be able to vote for me starting MARCH 2.
Stay tuned!
----

Almost there! I'll be posting the video mid-February, and will be updating this page according. When it's up, you'll be able to check out the video and rate it!

'Till then, P L E A S E leave comments here to show your girl Audrey some love!

In Honor of Today's Inauguration

Today, America welcomed its 44th president, Barack Obama. I created this Etsy treasury feature:
One Nation, One Love

Whether Republican or Democrat, we can all agree today marks a historic moment in our nation.

Soon there will be one store for one Audrey. Until then, you'll have to collect my wares one click at a time.

• Buy My Old Stuff: Quality vintage, from me to you with hugs.

• I Made it Just for You or Whoever Else Pays: A craftastic voyage.

• And When You're Up for an Auction: it's my eBay (NO CURRENT LISTINGS)

• Social Media (and more) Graphic Design - Tweetplate.com

• Writing, Face Painting and Miscellaneous - email me! 

Travel Links

Faves

Art gallery?
20 x 200, because it's pretty democratic


Job?
Globetrotter, ink blotter, truth spotter



Secret skill?
Making figurines out of polymer clay

Professor?
Stegeman, Drexel University




Sushi?
Couple spots I can recommend depending on what city you're in, but as for rolls, I'm partial to the spicy tuna or eel.
Chocolate?
I've savored some of Belgian's finest while visiting, and find truffles to be a satisfying treat. I am also charmed by the simple inexpensive Palmer's easter bunny, hollow, and more milk than chocolate, but enchanting nonetheless.

Drugstore find?
Those glide on sticks for migraines actually help!

Four letter word?
Toss up between "Jive," and "Hoss."


Song?
That's a tough one, because there's a lot of classics. I really enjoy Mark Ronson's "Stop Me." It was one of the songs I always rocked out on my iPod walking around UCLA's campus (studied there during a summer session).



Character?
Cartoon or otherwise? I've met a lot of interesting characters, and currently I'm compiling a book of short stories based around the simple and complex personalities of everyday people. But if you're asking cartoon, I guess the classic is Scooby Doo. And the Smurfs, another brilliant Belgian creation!

Gift?
I am always happy when someone cares enough to get me a gift. I've received a lot of great things, and love seeing what the person has selected. I guess a simple gift that I've hung onto for many years is a Kermit the Frog Pez dispenser. It was from a fellow classmate when I was doing my study abroad in London. I was hospitalized for a week, due to a bleeding ulcer, and lots of people I'd just met came and visited me at Saint Mary's. This guy couldn't make it, but he sent the dispenser inside with a sweet note and just one Pez candy. It was weird and touching all at once.

Clothing designer?
I'm a sucker for vintage, and enjoy suits by Chanel and Oleg Cassini. I adore Diane von Furstenburg, Tracey Reese, and Julie Brown dresses. And Velvet by Graham and Spencer makes cotton dresses you can live in. I'd like to stretch out on the island in a Velvet dress, sand in toes, right about now.

25 Random Audrey Facts

Audrey:

1. has been to all 50 states in the USA.
2. loves espresso; illy and lavatazza are fave brands.
3. speaks a tiny bit of Mandarin Chinese after years of study.
4. loves to dance to reggae music.
5. speaks some Spanglish.
6. is a pro at scoring toys out of "claw" vending machines, once having to haul off a garbage bag full.
7. still has some archived articles on Philly's CityPaper online.
8. enjoys Texas Hold 'em, and was going to be a dealer for special events in Atlanta.
9. knows that waitressing is one of the hardest jobs in the world.
10. can bachata y merengue with the best of them!
11. took 2 black and white photography classes in college and loves old school B&W imagery.
12. makes a wicked pineapple casserole.
13. likes homemade soap scented with essential oils.
14. makes up dances to cheer up sick and depressed people.
15. enjoys poetry and spoken word readings, and likes to share her work.
16. and best friend Sharon make up "GRQs"--Get Rich Quick Schemes but rarely do them.
17. loves the work of both David and Amy Sedaris.
18. tears up when watching Grand Hotel.
19. sold cups of kool-aid for a quarter while attending a marketing conference in high school.
20. actually had fun at camp as a kid.
21. savors visiting places with fresh, clean air that revives the senses.
22. draws comics when she can't fall asleep.
23. calls herself a "Curator of Knowledge" . . .
24. took speech class in elementary school so she could say the letter, "R."
25. missed a lot of critical math classes in order to speak that letter, "R."