Typography and Publications | Harry Potter Studio Tour 3 of 6

Lately, I've found myself drawn to typography and graphic design. I've found that it's very inspiring and it helps my writing. I know it's a bit strange that looking at book covers and calligraphy can spark ideas, but it does. So at this point, whatever works right? 

While on the Harry Potter Studio Tour, there was a small little section in the first studio. It wasn't one of the highlights, and it was right before the exit. In a huge glass display they showcased of all the publications created for the films. It was probably my favorite part of the tour. I took heaps of photos and was so excited to see the actual letters and newspapers. They always look amazing on camera, but up close they were gorgeous. The production crew spared no detail and everything was beautiful. Now if I could only create something just as awesome.

Daily Prophet and Wanted Posters

3D Quibbler

The Daily Prophet

From Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes

From Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes

Deathly Hallows Necklace

Letter from Lily Potter to Sirius Black

Dark Arts textbooks

221b Baker Street & Chipotle | London, England | 2 of 6

As you've seen before, I'm a bit of a geek. Our trip to England was so fantastic because I was able to indulge all of my geeky little obsessions. We were able to go to Pemberley, Hogwarts and we even made it to 221b Baker Street. I love Steven Moffat's modernization of Sherlock. If you haven't seen the show, you must watch it now. It's absolutely brilliant. I actually like it a little better than the recent film versions.

 

Unfortunately, there wasn't a sign of Sherlock or Watson, but it was still pretty awesome. After we caught a glimpse of Sherlock's flat, we headed over to Chipotle. I can't even describe the elated feeling that coursed through my body the moment I saw the familiar red and silver logo. I really miss America and its delicious food. When I found out there was a Chipotle in London, it immediately went on the itinerary. 

Markus and I ordered our typical meal of chicken salad and chicken burrito. We even splurged a bit and ordered chips and guacamole. Oh guacamole, how I miss you.  Everything tasted amazing and it made me miss home even more. I spent 12 long months without the taste of Tex Mex and it was a joyous reunion. It really is the little things in life that make you happy.

How We Met | His Version

This is the story of how Markus and I met, told from his perspective. One day, I will make my own version. I never knew his side of the story. I'm the one that always tells the story, so it was nice to finally hear his side of the story.

I love this boy. He's so amazing. Check out his other vlogs and website! He's so talented and so funny and I'm honestly his biggest fan.

Valentine's Day Card 2013

When I have the time, I like to create personalized cards for every occasion. Markus is the master of personalized cards. He's an illustrator, so his cards are always amazing. One Valentine's Day, he showed our love conquering Londy Town. On my 27th birthday, he illustrated what the world would be like if I "got my way". It was a wonderful world indeed. One of my favorite cards was the Tardis he made for me, it was even more special because there was a video that accompanied it. I always try to be clever with the cards I make for him. I might not be a great artist, but I think I get the job done. 

It should come as no surprise that Markus and I are big geeks. We spend a lot of our date nights at home watching Doctor Who or marathoning 80s movies. It's with this shared passion that I found inspiration for this year's Valentine's Day card. I definitely went for a time traveling theme and showcased three of our favorite things, Doctor Who, Back to the Future and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.  

Dear readers, I hope all of you have a wonderful Valentine's Day with your loved ones and remember, "Be excellent to each other!"

Snow Day

As a native Floridian, I've missed out on an essential part of life, seeing snow. I've never had the chance to make a snowman, ski at a resort, or have a White Christmas. It's been one of the things I've longed for since I saw Home Alone.

When we decided to move to Korea, we chose the only city that it never snows. Busan is like the Florida of Korea. So, I was resigned to never seeing snow unless I searched it out. This year it finally snowed for three hours. It didn't last and melted about two hours later, but it was a dream come true. Well, the heavens were looking down on me because the day we left for Cambodia there was a Winter Wonderland.

From inside my house, I was ecstatic and overjoyed. I couldn't believe that everything was covered in snow. I couldn't wait to go outside. What happened next traumatized me a little bit. Busan is not a city that is prepared for snow. The minute the white fluffy stuff covered the streets, the city shut down. The buses stopped running and there were very few taxis on the street. Apparently, the streets and sidewalks should be shoveled and covered with salt to make it easier to travel. Busan did not do any of this.

Markus and I live high up on a hill and there aren't any subways nearby. We would have to walk down the hill about a mile or so to get to a subway station. Since the buses, weren't running there was a mad panic and hordes of people started trekking down towards the subway. Markus and I had no other choice and followed. The sidewalks were really icy and slippery and we saw many people slip and fall.

Now, you have to understand, this was my first time being in this kind of situation. The last time I saw snow it stuck for two hours and disappeared. This time there was a substantial amount, at least two inches. Markus grew up in Chicago so he stomped through the streets like a pro. I, on the other hand, gingerly tiptoed around. I was freaked out. I didn't know how to walk on snow and was afraid I was going to fall and crack my head open. The sidewalks were dangerous and weren't safe to walk on. The snow had transformed to sleet and ice. I saw so many ahjummas, old ladies, clearing the sidewalks with dustpans.  It was a nightmare. Something that should have taken only 20 minutes, took an hour. 

I'll admit, I wasn't pleased when I finally made it to work. I was a bit horrified and didn't want to go back outside. Still, I was very happy to finally experience living in snow. Hopefully, my future experiences with snow are much better.