I finally understand Rae Graham’s fond appreciation for typeface. After seeing these rubber stamps on Paperwink, I too have become obsessed. The type used within these stamps brings character and life to each owner. For under $22, you can add a classy, stylist finishing touch to your handwritten correspondence. Now, the question is which one will you choose?
Posts Tagged ‘Rachel Graham’
The finishing touch.
February 2nd, 2010 by Ruth
Frugal Firenze – Day 3.
October 19th, 2009 by Ruth
Currently working and studying in Florence, Italy, graphic designer and photographer, Rachel Graham (www.rbgarts.com) from New York, New York tells us how to be frugal in Firenze.
In a historic city such as Florence, you’d be surprised at how many mediocre meals you can eat if you’re not in the know. As an artist and student in this city, it’s always nice to save a buck (or with the current euro/dollar exchange, €0.60) on a nice meal. So, want to paint Firenze red like a true Fiorentini? Below her suggestions for a great stay.
Day 3:
If you did go to Blob or Teatro on day 2, you might be in need of a hearty breakfast. From the same owner of Acqua al 2 is The Florence Diner. Here you can get an italian twist on many American favorites, for a very good price (lunch for two around 20 euros).
If you have a sweet tooth check out VESTRI. There you can find great chocolate and gelato in many interesting flavors.
If you like opera (who wouldn’t when you’re in the birthplace of Bel Canto), take a look at the schedule at St. Marks’ Church. Here, they perform operas nightly in a very intimate space with voices from all over the world. Tickets are very reasonable, but you’ll need to reserve in advance (12 euros for student, 25 for adults), but its worth it.
For one of the most incredible views of Florence, you have to cross the river and take a little climb up a couple dozen stairs to Piazzale Michelangelo. I suggest buying a bottle or two of wine and some cheese (a good supermarket is Standa) and setting up a picnic at sundown. There you have a view of the entire city and the sunsets are unbelievable. Best of all, it’s free.
For dinner on day three, I’ve saved the most authentic for last. Full of both tourists and locals, Buca Mario is a large underground restaurant with an incredible staff and very traditional
Northern Italian cuisine. The menu is extensive and whatever your budget, you can find something amazing.
One more suggestion, check out www.theflorentine.net. It is a free newspaper in english catered toward the english speaking Florentine population.
Buon Viaggio!
Frugal Firenze – Day 1.
October 15th, 2009 by Ruth
Currently working and studying in Florence, Italy, graphic designer and photographer, Rachel Graham (www.rbgarts.com) from New York, New York tells us how to be frugal in Firenze.
In a historic city such as Florence, you’d be surprised at how many mediocre meals you can eat if you’re not in the know. As an artist and student in this city, it’s always nice to save a buck (or with the current euro/dollar exchange, €0.60) on a nice meal. So, want to paint Firenze red like a true Fiorentini? Below are my suggestions for an unforgettable stay.
Day 1:
Ahh, day one. You wake up refreshed and ready to explore. Grab a pane cioccolata (chocolate croissant) and un cappuccino from a nearby pasticceria (pastry shop) and head to the Mercato Centrale. This incredible market is where locals and visitors alike buy the freshest ingredients. A building that covers an entire block houses booths run by local farms and wineries. Many of the shops also ship their products internationally, so it’s a nice place to buy gifts or to stock up for your own kitchen!
After the market, it’s lunchtime. Trattoria Mario has been open since 1957 and is the place to go for a truly authentic Tuscan experience. Only open for lunch, their specialty is the Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak). The pasta dishes range from 6 to 10 euro and the steak is about 35 euro a kilo (to share only! It is really big). The minimal décor and communal seating arrangement give this place a very homey feel. You’ll want to go back on Day 2, but I’ll give you another option, I promise.
For dinner, I suggest an amazing Zagat rated place called Acqua al 2. Be sure to make a reservation because it fills up quickly. They have a chef sampler platter that is a nice taste of all the best dishes, and also a Nobile di Montepulciano red that is amazing, and only 20 euro. Give yourself a little time to find this restaurant gem though, because unless you have an iPhone with GPS it can be a little tricky, but totally worth it.
For an after dinner drink, head down to the Santa Croce area and take your pick. There is a lounge called Moyo that makes great cocktails. Or if you’re in the mood for a perfect Guinness head over to the lively Lion’s Fountain or The Old Stove, which is a little more laid back and has a great terrace.
Check back tomorrow for day 2!
Photo op for family memories.
October 2nd, 2009 by RuthInstead of gifting materialistic presents this holiday season, why not create instant memories and have a family portrait taken? Have the photographer come to your home or town and shoot in a comfortable setting. For my parent’s most recent wedding anniversary, my sister and I gifted them with a family portrait session. We had a great time taking the images and in turn, created great memories that will last a lifetime.
Rachel Graham took the below images. Neisha Hirsch, Jeremy Nelson, and Kate Dowdle are other talented photographers you can rely on for your shoot.
