Archive for oklahoma

Project in the works: Uptown Kids at Classen Curve

April 29, 2010 · Filed under graphic design, oklahoma, shopping · Tagged , , , ,

Sometimes it’s fun to see a project that’s in the works. I am super excited about being part of the Uptown Kids retail project. My sister-in-law Carolyn and her husband are opening an upscale kids’ boutique in the Classen Curve. It’s an exciting location, too — the Curve has been in development for awhile, and some of the hottest restaurants in the metro are located there with lots of other retail and restaurants opening soon. Carolyn is working with architect Rand Elliott and his Elliott + Associations architecture firm (also the same architects for the Classen Curve development overall). Collaborating with E+A has been nothing but absolutely inspiring. Their devotion to detail and perfection is legendary, and I wish I could show you what the store is going to look like, but you’ll just have to wait ’til the grand opening this summer!

Let me just say this – Oklahoma has never seen anything like this. And if the E+A portfolio of projects is any indication, it is nothing short of fabulosity.

The FUEL restaurant they did for the Chesapeake Energy corporation looks so cool; I totally want to sneak in.

Oh, and POPS? Yup. Them, too.

So, in the meantime – a few shots from the past couple of weeks.

Oh, here’s one of RePUBlic. After a meeting the other day, we had lunch there. Delish.
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One of the signage towers where the UptownKids name will go. We don’t get to do too much exciting on this one.
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An outdoor patio area near the store location.
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Hanging the coming soon banner! Whoo!
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And for me, I am so happy to be doing a retail project. OF COURSE I love shopping so it’s only natural that I would love to do an upscale shopping project. It’s a graphic designer’s dream come true. Everything from the bags to the business cards is going to be fun. We’re also tossing around the idea of some fun t-shirts. I’ve got a few ideas stewing on more subway-based tees and ephemera.

I can’t wait to see how it progresses once they start the build out!

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Happy Birthday, Earl!

April 28, 2010 · Filed under birthday, family, oklahoma · Tagged , , ,

Yesterday was my brother Earl’s birthday, so my sister and I met up with him at Pachinko Parlor, just north of downtown. It’s a new little restaurant, kind of an asian fusion with sushi, Thai food, and other goodies. I really liked it. It’s particularly great to see funky concepts come into OKC. Pachinko Parlor is located in a part of town that’s recently been revitalized with new shops, cupcakeries, and restaurants. It’s so exciting to see – OKC just keeps getting better. I should’ve gotten an exterior shot of the place – there’s an enormous tree out front that’s pretty impressive.
Pachinko Parlor

Anyway, it was a nice sibling lunch – just me, Amy and Earl. I cannot remember the last time we’ve done something like that.
Amy & Earl
Afterwards, of course we had to go next door to Sara Sara Cupcakes.
Sara Sara

Sara Sara

I mean, what’s a birthday without cake?

Sara Sara

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OKC Locals – Giveaway Alert

April 23, 2010 · Filed under oklahoma · Tagged


If you’re in Oklahoma City, hop over to I am a Greedy Girl and check out her giveaway for the OKCity Card from the Allied Arts.  I’ve never grabbed one of these, but it sounds like it has a ton of great discounts. Definitely something to check out, especially if you like to eat out or check out local attractions. Or even if you need new ideas on things to do in the area.

Side note: did you know that the OKC Museum of Art is opening a new exhibition on costume design in film? I CANNOT WAIT. I WILL CAMP OUT TO BE FIRST IN LINE. Ok, that’s an exaggeration, but I really am excited. Opens May 6-Aug. 15.

Back to the business at hand. Go sign up for the giveaway and check out Caroline’s blog while you’re at it. It’s one of my faves!

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4th of July

July 5, 2009 · Filed under oklahoma · Tagged , , ,

Things I want to remember:

  • Simon got off work early on Friday. Yay!
  • Perusing the wares at the dollar store to decorate the stroller with for the 4th of July parade in our neighborhood
  • Dinner on Friday night at Jo’s Pizza in Edmond with the Lopers.
  • Subsequent snowcones at Shivers with the Lopers.

shiverslogo

  • Laughing with Ben & Matthew about silly kids’ songs in the car.
  • Sadness over our AV cable not working in the car to hook up the iPod to the DVD player to watch silly kids’ songs podcasts.
  • Jude, eating a naked snowcone in the car (aka, no sugar syrup! just ice!)





  • Getting ready for the parade in our neighborhood.
  • Enjoying the sights and 500+people who turned out for the parade.
  • Taking first place in the stroller category! We win a blue ribbon and a plastic gold medal.
  • Being one of only two entries in the stroller category! haha


  • Meeting nice people in our neighborhood.
  • Seeing all the fun kids, people, pets, horses, and rigged-up floats (Hillbilly hot tub anyone? It is Oklahoma).

  • Making the mile-long trek to the park, where ice cold water and watermelon awaited us.



  • Feeling great pride in our community and once again feeling blessed in how much we love our home.
  • Marvelous lunch with Kim, Mike, and Forrest! Yippee! Bagel Cafe for all!
  • Heading to mom and dad’s for the rest of the weekend. We took tons of food!
  • Loving on my dear mom.
  • Grilling corn on the cob.
  • Preparing my blue velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and blueberry center.








  • Realizing that they really looked more like Smurf cakes than anything.
  • Sleepover at Mom & Dad’s with Ben & Luke Loper.
  • Driving with Simon, Jude, Dad, Ben, and Luke to watch fireworks in the rain at 9:30pm. Yes. IN THE RAIN.
  • Parking and watching the fireworks — Simon’s mom found us with her cute little doxie, Lily Belle (who was dubbed Liberty Belle for the day).
  • On the way back home, we watched a bunch of wackos set off fireworks around a giant striped tent out in the sticks. I asked Dad if he wanted to set off a firecracker for fun. He replied nonchalantly, “Nope. I love my thumbs.” And so he wants to keep ’em!  Hahaha!




  • Laughing that maybe Mom was setting off firecrackers at their house in our absence.
  • Surprising the Loper boys with a trip to Tulsa on Sunday morning.
  • Surprising Simon with a broken window in the car. Well, not broken, exactly. It refuses to roll down. This presents a problem later in the day. Dad laughs.
  • Driving through the countryside to get to the turnpike. Enjoying the view of barns and cows. (“MOOOOOOO!” says Jude when he sees a cow.”)
  • Sleeping boys in the car. Ben talks nonsense in his sleep.
  • Arrive in Jenks. Hungry boys, so we drive through Sonic. But then we realize that we can’t roll down the window.
  • We make Ben get out of the car and place our order into the speaker for us. He says it’s the first time he’s ever ordered in a drive-thru. Eric thinks this is pitiful. Simon gives Ben a script to read. Carhop gives us a dirty look when we make him come around to the other side of the car to deliver our food. Dad says later he’s sure that the carhop thought we were trying to be smart.
  • Oklahoma Aquarium! Smells like fish. Isn’t that a bad sign? Jude goes berserk for turtles and sting rays.



  • Oh, did I mention we decided that it was Talk Like a Pirate day? ARrrrrgghhh, matey! The Lopers’ white SUV is dubbed the White Whale.
  • A trip to the Whole Foods market for all. Delicious French cheese and special snacks are purchased. There will be more corn on the cob consumed this week.
  • The Shingletons and Lopers diverge paths. And we head to Carrabba’s, where we had a near-religious experience with pasta and garlic.
  • Finally, the long ride home. ::Sigh::  Does the weekend have to end? Let deep summer ensue.

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Foraging

March 18, 2009 · Filed under oklahoma · Tagged

One of my favorite antique shops in OKC is Mockingbird Manor. It’s over on N. Western, in that cutesy little area full of fun shops and restaurants. Mockingbird always has some of the best finds in town. The prices are a little high on some things, but overall, it really is one of the best shops.

I adore these lamps (above). They are in desperate need of some new shades, but the color and shape of these are really nice.

Are you not dying at the cuteness of this desk? I am. It’s a gorgeous little piece that would be perfect as a vanity or a little writing desk.

And finally, I love this red Chinese-inspired side table. Disregard the goofy cherubs surrounding it; but this is a great piece, and I believe it was 25 or 30% off the marked price. Nice!

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JBF Spring Sale!

March 17, 2009 · Filed under oklahoma · Tagged

I posted on this over at my church blog, but the Just Between Friends consignment sale is happening next week from Monday to Saturday here in OKC. It’s an excellent resource for kids clothes of all sizes as well as toys, books, furniture, etc. I went last fall with some girlfriends from church, and I was amazed. If you are in need of good kids’ stuff, this is your place.

Now let me clarify. I was expecting this consignment sale to be . . . well, disorganized. But I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to see how well-run and well-organized the JBF sale is. So. If you are wanting or needing anything for a child in your life, this is the place to get it. So many of the items (especially the baby items) are just gently used. Last fall, I got the cutest Pottery Barn Kids crib bedding for my mom’s house that was still in the package. And it was such a steal!

Ok, now for the info:

This is for the spring/summer sale (all clothes are for spring/summer)
March 23 – 28, 2009
Oklahoma State Fairgrounds~Cox Pavilion Building

Open Monday – Saturday

If you go later in the week, I believe they knock the prices down.

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Designer Rugs of Oklahoma City

February 3, 2009 · Filed under oklahoma, shopping · Tagged

I am so excited to show you guys Designer Rugs. Simon had told me about it a few years ago, but I had never managed to make it in, for one reason or another. He raved and raved about how cool it was and kept saying, “You’ve gotta go; you’ll be in rug heaven.”  So a few weeks ago, he finally got me in there, and boy oh boy, was he right!   Located in an unassuming locale on Wilshire Avenue, it’s not the kind of place that will grab your eye from the street.

But just get yourself in the door — that’s when the real fun starts!

Let me just say, this is not your typical Oklahoma place, if you know what I mean. Designer Rugs has the most amazing rug selection that I have ever seen outside of ABC Carpet & Home of NYC. It’s that cool. They carry lines that no one else in the area carries, and they intend to keep it that way. I’m talking lines like Missoni Home (!), Jonathan Adler, Dash & Albert, to name a few. I’m madly in love, and I’m working with them on securing me my Madeline Weinrib rug (please please pllleeeeeaaaaaaasssseeee!!!!)  

Anyway, I went in today to talk about rugs with them, and I was once again impressed with their knowledge, expertise, and general all-around coolness. 🙂   They also carry a sensational pillow selection, and (and!!) they are happy to custom make nearly anything for you within your price range. They’re that good.Anyways, my pictures don’t even do it justice. It’s just one big rug candy store! I’m really hopeful that we’ll be able to work something out and that they can get the MW rug for me. I so want to support local business, especially in such turbulent economic times. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to send business to ABC Carpet & Home, too, but I really feel strongly about getting cool stuff into Oklahoma City. There’s only been minimal options for far too long; it’s time that we are able to have a variety of style to choose from.Designer Rugs
333 W. Wilshire Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK  73116

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Weekend Fun

September 29, 2008 · Filed under eye candy, house, oklahoma

What a great weekend! I hope yours was fun and relaxing. Friday night, we headed out to my parents’ house to spend the night and hang out. My mom makes the most amazing, delicious pancakes, and so it was a wonderful breakfast-for-dinner. Jude consumed multiple pancakes and promptly sacked out at 8pm. Just in time for the presidential debates. :-\

On Saturday, we lolled around until noon and then finally got out for some lunch. We hopped into the car and went to the Iguana Lounge in downtown Oklahoma City. So delicious. But before we left downtown, we toured one of the Brownstones at Maywood Park, a new residential development. A few months ago, they were featured as the Symphony Designers’ Showhome, and while we didn’t get to see them at the time, we were able to see some of the other homes.
I went ga-ga over these gorgeous persimmon velvet chairs. Aren’t they stunning? The brownstones are laid out over 3 to 4 floors (depending on the floorplan you decide on). Hardwood floors are throughout (these were painted grey) in a variety of finishes. The kitchen was gorgeous and modern with sleek stainless appliances. Oh, and the coolest thing? It might be that there’s an elevator!

If I lived here, I wouldn’t ever leave the top floor. Isn’t this just to die for? And even better, it opens out onto this beautiful rooftop patio. 
While it’s probably not the most kid-friendly house (all those stairs!!!), I could just imagine how fun it would be to live in such a neat space. 
Or at least vacation there.

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Zoo Day

August 13, 2008 · Filed under jude, oklahoma, zoo

Today I took Jude to the Oklahoma City Zoo. On Wednesdays in August, they offer original admissions pricing (75 cents!) as well as discounted pricing for concessions. I hadn’t been to the zoo in years, and it was fun to rediscover a place of good memories for me as a child. This plaque (above) was hidden in the bushes by the pachyderm house; apparently the OKC Zoo was the first and oldest zoo in the southwestern US.
Within the past 15 years or so, the Zoo has really been upgraded with the addition of the Cat Forest and the Great EscApe. I had not yet seen the newly-added Oklahoma Trail, which is a very long and winding exhibit that features the different indigenous animals of Oklahoma. It’s extremely well-done. I particularly enjoyed the “Creatures of the Night” exhibit inside the red barn. There were all kinds of bats and owls and things. So neat!


Here’s one of the beautiful Asian-inspired displays of the Cat Forest. (above) Jude was really excited about seeing the new Snow Leopard cubs (below).

I thought that the swan paddleboats were so beautiful! There are even a couple of black swan paddleboats. If it had only been a wee bit cooler, I think it would’ve been fun. Oh well, the little man sacked out and probably wouldn’t have been that into it anyway. Another time!

Peacocks run wild throughout the zoo.

The Mold-A-Ramas are one of my favorite things in the OKC Zoo. This one is near the Aquaticus exhibit. For $2, you put your  money in and watch it mold your own individual plastic statuette. It’s neat — the hot plastic runs through the little tubes, and then it drops down into the holding bin where it cools off. I have a giraffe and a lion from a past trip; they’re now in Jude’s room. They’re just so vintage and fun. I’m glad that the Zoo has kept these around. In a way, it’s kind of sad to see some of the neat old things from my childhood are gone, like the lion-with-open-jaws water fountains. As a matter of fact, one of my parents’ neighbors has one of them (presumably rescued from the zoo?) in their backyard!
Finally, Jude and I finished out the day by having lunch w/ my mom at Chick-Fil-A (below) and shopping at Target, where I scored this amazing mirror (above).

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Fantastic Fourth

July 5, 2008 · Filed under 8 months old, baby, children, family, fourth of july, jude, oklahoma


Patriotic Cousins! Note Jude clutching the flag.
I hope this weekend found everybody enjoying friends, family, freedom, and lots of fireworks. Add food to that, too, and that’s a pretty potent combination. Simon and I both commented to each other that we thought this was quite possibly the best Fourth of July ever. It was particularly nice that it fell on a Friday so we could enjoy a three-day weekend. Three cheers for that!
Our long weekend began Thursday night with a campout of sorts. For whatever reason, Jude decided to be particularly fussy and woke up numerous times Thursday night. At some point after midnight, I had nearly decided it must be the inevitable first tooth, since he was so so so sad, and wouldn’t let me feel around in his mouth. This teething business is fishy – every time he’s uncharacteristically unhappy or a fuss-face, we attribute it to teeth. And as of yet, there are zero teeth. So, Jude and I camped out in the spare bedroom where we got very little sleep. However, he was Mr. Perky at 8 a.m., which bode well for us since we were going to meet my sister and nephews at 9 a.m. for their local neighborhood parade.
The parade was a huge success and so much fun. The neighborhood puts it on every year because families wanted something to go do on the 4th of July: the kids decorate their bikes, there’s a parade of cool old cars, and there’s one dude who brings out his gigantic snake (think the snake that Britney Spears shimmied around with) that all the kids pat as it slithers around in the grass. Jude was thrilled with all of it. He just kicked his feet and squealed. 

The snake! I love the colors of his skin – the yellow and gray is so chic right now! :)

Kennedy for President: Best for Oklahoma

Rachel and Jude in front of the firetruck.


Great vintage cars. Wouldn’t it be fun to buzz around town in one of these?

Really, everything is just so much more fun with kids. Maybe it’s just that I really liked being a kid and still like doing kid things, so now it’s just a great excuse to be a participant again! My nephews also have a new trampoline, so we enjoyed jumping on the trampoline. Simon can do four flips in a row. I really need to get a picture of that, because it is something to see — all six feet four inches of him flipping in the air!

The afternoon was spent lounging at my parents’ house, who are out of town on an Alaskan cruise. We slathered on the sunscreen and baked all. day. long. There is no better way to spend a summer day than in the pool.  We also ate more junk than I care to admit. So much for my resolution of taking good care of myself by eating good things and exercising. :-\


Ugh, speaking of the pool, Jude thoroughly christened it. I was holding him, he was gleefully frolicking, and all of a sudden, there was, um, debris floating in the pool, despite his swim diaper. We all squealed, promptly removed Jude from the pool, and stripped him down in the grass, where we then hosed him down(!) to get all the poo(!) off of him. Sounds harsh, but he thought it was great fun and the water wasn’t too cold. 

Maui Babe Suntan lotion and Biotherm sunscreen. 
We unearthed the Maui Babe browning lotion from somewhere in our bathroom. Despite the fact that we bought it on our honeymoon in Maui nearly three years ago, we think it’s still good! Either way, we are all sunburn-free, and slightly glowing from our tans. 
We enjoyed dinner at Simon’s parents’ house, and then packed up in the car to go look at fireworks. Fireworks are always my favorite part (once again, it must be my inner child or something). Is there anything better than listening to the oohs and aahs of the little kids as they stare up into the sky? Jude was sound asleep, but quickly woke up, and was slack-jawed as he stared at the firecrackers bursting. I’m kicking myself that I let the battery get down on the camera, because I think I could’ve gotten some really great night shots. It was just all so magical, all of us there, and I do mean all of us, which is great. I think the last time I saw fireworks with my entire family was when I was 7 or 8, in Colorado Springs. It just felt like we really celebrated this year. It was just so great, everyone sitting out on a blanket, and cheering. It would have only been made complete by the presence of my parents, but I’m glad that they’re enjoying a great vacation.
Saturday, Simon worked really hard to get all of the stuff that had been sitting in the garage appropriated to its final resting spot. I’m glad he felt the urge to do this as I have been seriously unmotivated to even touch anything in the garage. 
We enjoyed a yummy lunch at the Iguana Cafe, a cool new spot in downtown OKC. Once again, we consumed a ridiculous amount of food, and then hurried out to Mom and Dad’s for more sunning and swimming. Check out that 7-layer dip that came out in an Oklahoma-shaped platter. Delicioso!

Jude and Simon, eating their hands, being silly.

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