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Culture: Food – Holiday Foods from Around the World
Yes, there are the decorations, the presents, and the holiday get togethers… but by far one of the best parts of the holiday season is food! There are so many food traditions surrounding the holidays. Many cultures and countries have specific traditions surrounding holiday food– for instance, in Germany, when wandering through the famed Christmas markets, it’s essential to have a glühwein in hand to keep your spirits warm. A holiday party in England wouldn’t be complete without serving mince pie! Below are just a few of the holiday foods I illustrated from around the world. What’s your favorite holiday food tradition? Pumpkin Pie (America) – Although pumpkin pie can be…
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On Location: Artist Homes – Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul in Mexico City
Located in the Coyoacan neighborhood of Mexico City, Casa Azul (the Blue House) is the birthplace of famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. It is also the home where she grew up and spent many years with her husband Diego Rivera, and eventually died. The home is now a museum containing artworks from both artists as well as many personal items and memorabilia as well as Mexican folk art. One would say the home is as colorful as it’s inhabitants were. Frida led a somewhat tragic life with a horrible accident as a young woman that left her with a lifetime of pain, yet she continued to fill the world with…
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Wanderlust Patterns: Mexican Florals
I just love Mexican floral embroidery. The patterns are always so colorful and playful. It almost feels as if the patterns mirror a fiesta! I enjoyed creating this Mexican floral pattern inspired by all those colorful embroidered blouses and dresses. I added a few Aztec-like symbols for added amusement. I could see these patterns strewn across a couch to brighten any room! If you are interested in licensing the illustrations or patterns in this collection, please contact me for details.
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Wanderlust Patterns: Frida Loteria Surface Design Collection
Having just finished a biography about Frida Kahlo I was eager to illustrate a portrait of her. She is by far one of the most iconic artists in history, most likely from her very progressive yet challenging life she lead. From a severe accident when she was young that lead her to a lifetime of disabilities and ailments to her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera and vivid art work it’s no wonder people honor her. I loved pairing Mexican loteria cards with her portrait. The symbolic nature of the cards seem to pair nicely with her mystic. I also enjoyed creating the serape-inspired striped pattern. It is the perfect complement to…
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On Location: Road Trip – Soaking Up the Sun and Surf in Baja California, Mexico
The holidays are over and winter weather has set in for us Northern Hemisphere folk. If you’re like me, this is the signal that it’s time to make some plans for a warm weather get-away and a road trip down Baja California is the remedy! Tijuana Tijuana has gotten a bad rap in the past few decades, but 2017 is definitely it’s comeback year! It made #8 on the New York Places to Go in 2017 list, sighting a culinary renaissance, a new transit system and luxury condo boom. Many of it’s problems are not gone, but hopefully this new energy will transform this border town to its former glory.…
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On Location: Dream Trips – Illustrated Travel Bucket List vol. 2
It doesn’t matter the time of year, I’m always dreaming of another trip. Below is a continuation of my illustrated Travel Bucket List. I’ll take you to Africa and Asia, South America and Europe– come see the next 10 incredible spots that are a must-visit in this lifetime. Soak in the Blue Lagoon – Grindavik, Iceland The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located about 50 minutes from Reykjavik or 20 minutes from the Keflavik International Airport. Although it is a man-made lagoon, the water is fed by a nearby geothermal power plant and renewed every 2 days. The water temperature averages a balmy 99-102 degrees F year round, so even in the…
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Culture: Fashion – A Day Out in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende is located in central Mexico. At over 6,000′ in altitude, and surrounded by Bajio mountains, it does not have the typical turquoise blue waters and white sand beach attractions that draw so many visitors to Mexico, yet it is definitely a Mexican city that should not be missed. Hilly cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a dreamy color palette of earth toned rusts, corals, olive greens and golden yellow make this city a visual fiesta for any visitor. It has long been a city that has attracted artists and expats who come visit and end up never leaving. It is said that San Miguel de Allende enjoys a “perpetual Spring” of…
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Culture: Loteria – the Latin American Game of Bingo
The first time I played Loteria was poolside in Cancun. We had just ambled up from the sugar sand beach to take a dip in the pool. The ambiance by the pool was quite different than at the shore. Pop music blared at a deafening level, and waiters and waitresses buzzed around the lounge chairs serving mas cervesas to the sunburned Northerners. A little put off, I found a chair to put my stuff and hopped into the pool. When I popped up for a breath, there was an announcement on the loud speaker, “Loteria to begin in 3 minutes! Prizes for the winner” shouted our poolside cruise director. Well…
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On Location: Grand Velas Resort, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
What an incredibly relaxing week at the Grand Velas Resort in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, just outside of Puerto Vallarta. It was the perfect family holiday, but also traveling with couples, I know they enjoyed their stay just as well! The Riviera Nayarit is just North of Puerto Vallarta, where many resorts are building along the beautiful Banderas Bay. Only 1/2 hour drive from the airport, the location can’t be beat. Our spacious suite was perfect for our family of 4 and had a great a central view out to the bay… although with the incredible weather we enjoyed, we weren’t in the room much. The best part of the resort…
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On Location: Sayulita, Mexico
Sayulita, Mexico — the perfect sleepy surfing town just North of Puerto Vallarta– I was lucky to head over and explore this town on a recent trip to PV. I had a friend who had rented a house for the week there, and he encouraged me to visit. I was assured an authentic Mexican coastal town experience, and I was not let down! We hired a driver for the day to take us the short 45 minute drive North, then wait the afternoon while we explored, and take us home in the evening. Although in recent years, I have seen more and more write ups about Sayulita, I was happily…
Illustrating Experiences & Inspiring Adventures
