Travel // Lessons Learned, San Juan Edition

If you’re lucky enough to be on or heading to vacation (it is that time of year), I learned a few things during a recent trip to Puerto Rico that I’d like to pass on to you: 1. Itsy bitsy bikinis are fun on the beach. Bikini, Hustler Hollywood 2. Good-smelling, effective, water-resistant sunscreen is a must. See itsy bitsy bikini above. Neutrogena Beach Defense, Walgreens 3. A good shaving cream–one that works on, uh, sensitive...

Shop Around // Atelier by AdornUSA

I’ve known about Atelier by AdornUSA for a while, but I’ve known the company’s founder, Arlene Aranzamendez, even longer. We initially met when she did some graphic design work for a company I used to work for, and have managed to keep in touch via seemingly random encounters over the years. A few years ago, Arlene opened an online-only jewelry shop, then expanded to a small boutique in Madeira, and now has a cool spot...

Meanwhile, On the Other Side of the Camera

A few months ago, Dayton-based photographer Tiernae Salley contacted me about doing some lifestyle photography to build her portfolio. I’m not a model by any means, but I’m always happy to help out fellow creatives (and self-photography is so time consuming), so we made plans for an hour-long session at New Riff Distillery. It was so fun! I did my best Vogue imitation and preened and posed in the beautiful bar and patio area while...

Current Obsession // Podcast Madness

Ever since Serial blew up, there’s been a lot of talk about the explosion of the podcast. Not to sound all hipster-braggy, but I’ve been listening to podcasts since 2008, and while I still have some oldies-but-goodies (Pop Culture Happy Hour, Marketing Over Coffee, Star Talk Radio) in rotation, lately I’ve been exploring the world of entrepreneurship and lifestyle podcasts. Here are a few I’m currently obsessed with: Being Boss This is my favorite podcast...

Shop It Like It’s Hot Part 3 // Elm & Iron

After wrapping up a fun tour of the Artworks murals in OTR and scarfing down a (delicious) smoked chicken wing or five at Taft’s Ale House with my tour group, I made my way over to Elm & Iron, another Columbus-based retailer specializing in industrial-cool home decor at the corner of 14th and Vine. One step inside and it’s clear that this store is a photographer’s dream: the light filled space is packed to the...