July 1, 2011 In advertising, branding, business, communication, creativity, design, imagination, marketing, social media By Patricia Saxton

Beer, Chocolate and The Web

Beer, Chocolate and the Web … for some reason makes me think of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” ~ maybe not with such an intricate storyline, and I’m not sure C.S. Lewis would like the comparison, unless perhaps, he was a beer and chocolate person… but either way he would certainly appreciate the imaginative quality.

So, thanks to my good friend and fellow designer Jim for knowing that I would love this. Sagres, Portugal’s leading beer brand, launched a new product this year: Sagres Preta Chocolate, a chocolate flavoured stout beer.

I can’t attest to the beer itself, but their decision to launch the product with a website crafted entirely from chocolate gets a big thumbs up from this corner.

Personally, I’m not convinced of the “rightness” of beer and chocolate co-mingling in one drink, but I definitely give these guys credit for ingenuity. And (for possible future reference) I’d have gladly been on the team that made all the chocolate pieces!

Here’s how they did it:

And here’s the final website for Sagres Preta Chocolate. Enjoy!

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June 27, 2011 In art, creativity, design, drawing, illustration, imagination, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P's / #27: Peas

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

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Peas may be petite, but they sure pack a big positive punch.

Did you know that peas have twice the protein of most vegetables? They also help lower cholesterol, strengthen the immune system, maintain level glucose levels in the blood to keep energy levels consistent, promote healthy bones and boost cardiovascular health. Not to mention their high vitamin C content is a great natural antioxidant that protects the body from cell damage. Plus, they happen to be yummy, especially fresh from a garden.

So, do like Mom said, and eat your peas!


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June 20, 2011 In art, creativity, design, illustration, imagination, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P's / #26: Pools

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

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Pools are like self-contained mini-vacations. A clear, sparkling invitation to wash away worries, soak aching muscles, rejuvenate tired thoughts.
Water is movement, the flow of emotion, harmony and balance. Refreshing, cleansing, invigorating, weightless, necessary. … So plunge in and feel the tension ease. Splash and play. Float and do somersaults. Blow underwater bubbles. Or, if you’re like me, find a lane and swim and swim and swim. Your body will thank you, your heart will thank you, your mind will thank you. And you will thank the water.
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June 13, 2011 In art, creativity, design, drawing, illustration, imagination, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P's / #25: Pigs That Fly

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

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Why not? Can’t you just imagine them huddling in their pens, planning some nighttime fun? Their wings (invisible during the day to avoid alarming the humans) coming alive, carrying them effortlessly through the air under a shiny new moon; pigs and piglets soaring above field and fencepost, performing weightless pirouettes over the barn, their squeals of delight breaking midnight’s stillness as they tickle treetops and wreak havoc in the hen house.

Ah, if pigs could fly…  Maybe they’d teach us to lighten up, be a ham, play in the mud sometimes ~ and every now and then, perhaps, to enjoy our own small acre from a loftier, unexpected, improbable, fantastical and quite extraordinary point of view.

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June 9, 2011 In animation, art, branding, creativity, design By Patricia Saxton

Google Plays Les Paul

Didn’t expect to write two posts today, but more coolness came along that I couldn’t resist. Today’s Google Doodle is just too fun.

In honor of (what would have been) guitar legend Les Paul‘s 96th birthday, you can actually “strum” the strings. Of course, you won’t be able to play that Leo Kottke song like my brother did a few posts back, or recreate a Les Paul lick, but what a cute bit of ingenuity!

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June 9, 2011 In architecture, business, communication, creativity, design, leadership By Patricia Saxton

Apple's (Very Cool) Architectural Plans

“The word spectacular would be an understatement.”

These were the words of Cupertino Councilman Orrin Mahoney after hearing Steve Jobs’ presentation about plans for a new Apple Headquarters.

As an appreciator of everything Apple, this is exciting news. But regardless of your own personal relationship with “everything Apple”, this will be a stunning architectural feat in its own right.

For example, by moving the parking underground, the grounds will lose the asphalt and double the number of trees, including the addition of an apricot orchard. The campus will be efficient, beautiful and of course, state-of-the-art.

Another example of coolness-meets-practicality. Gotta love that!

 

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May 30, 2011 In appreciation, art, creativity, design By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P's / #23: Principles

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

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Thank you ~ for your bravery, your love, your principled, unselfish courage ~ from the wells of our hearts, with a gratitude that knows no bounds.

“Who kept the faith and fought the fight; The glory theirs, the duty ours.”  ~Wallace Bruce

…………………………
Memorial Day, 2011
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