Link of note.

Photo Credit: Lyndsay Sung.

I really appreciate everyone's comments on yesterday's post. Although I knew that other people have and are gone through similar times it is nice to hear your actual stories. Instead of doing a 'links of note' today I wanted to open up the opportunity to anyone who is interested in doing a guest post for Post Grad Hair Cut next week. I am open to all suggestions and ideas as to what it would be about. Please feel free to email me at swagnerm [at] hotmail [dot] com.

If any of you are in need of some life-related inspiration, I highly recommend this speech by Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple and Pixar) posted on Bedlam of Beefy. He's got quite an interesting story. So that is the LINK of note for the week.

I am spending today and tomorrow preparing for Got Craft? on Sunday. It is Vancouver's largest indie craft fair and always a great time. If you live in Vancouver (or its surrounding area) you should definitely come check it out. I posted a picture of Melanie (A Farmer's Daughter) and I sharing a table at Blim last weekend. We'll be sharing again so please do come say hello!

And then I thought, 'What on earth am I doing with my life?'

Since I started this blog last August I have been conflicted as to the direction I want it to go in. I love reading blogs that have a balance of personal posts and posts featuring very inspiring things (and sometimes these two things coincide with one another). While Post Grad Hair Cut started out as completely personal I feel its been heavy on 'the posting about what other people are doing' side of things as of late.

That being said I need to take a break it bring it back to personal. Way personal. We're going to do a 180 (thanks) here. I like to think, as most of us do, of the blog world as a community. It is precious to me the sincere support a blogger will give to another without ever having met them face to face or spoken on the phone. So please bare with me as I let some of this out.

I have been facing a major life transition in the past year. It has been coined as a 'quarter life crisis'. While I feel the dramatics of this label do not necessarily aid in conquering the underlying meaning of it, I do find it appropriate. In the past year I have faced many changes both in my relationships and my career. Let me give you a little background.

I graduated last May with a degree in English. I live in a city saturated with creative, unemployed, underemployed or self-employed individuals. After five months of searching for a career-type job I settled on the first one that gave me an offer. A month ago that job ended and sadly not on the best of terms. In October I applied to do a program starting this September that would teach me design skills that I am passionate about having. I have had my mind set on going to school in September. Recently I started a process of applying for some funding for this program that requires proof that there is indeed room in the labour market for another graphic/web/communications designer. In Vancouver, there doesn't seem to be.

So what do I do? Before I knew this funding existed I had resolved to myself that I would pay for school with a student loan. When I found out about the funding I was definitely excited. When I embarked on the process of applying for it, I started to realize that maybe I won't be able to find a job after I graduate, let alone secure the funding to prevent the loan. So now I am rethinking if school is an appropriate choice.

I am conflicted between two schools of thought: 1. Do what you love and everything else will fall into place. 2. Be realistic. You've been to school for five years, time to get a job and stick with it.

I would love any insight or personal experiences that anyone has to share. If you want to email me, feel free or leave a comment for others to read too.

Let me reiterate, I appreciate everyone who reads this blog whether regularly or not. I appreciate all of those people whose blogs bring me so much inspiration and joy. Thanks to everyone.

Hey I like you: Sandra Juto.

Sandra Juto makes me want to move to Sweden so bad. Her photography is gorgeous and crisp and the food she eats makes me resent my frozen pizzas. She also is a brilliant artist and creator of wrist worms. Her blog fills me with so much joy, I looked through all the archives twice and stayed up way past my bed time.

Giveaway: Sam Made.

The winner is Renee!

This week the giveaway is from me! I am giving away the last Sam Made hand bag in existence until I start with my new designs. This bag is really big. Like carry your large cat around in your bag, big. The outer print is bright (more vibrant than the image portrays) and is actually a large outer pocket. The inside also has a pocket.

If you'd like to win this bag leave your name and email address. For an additional entry tweet or blog about this giveaway and leave a link in another comment. Giveaway ends on Monday May 3rd at midnight.

Cherry Blossoms all year round.

Wouldn't it be nice to enjoy cherry blossoms all year round? These lights are lovely.

And I quote.

Now everything I say will be quotable! Love these quotation mark studs from Tom Binns.

In my bag: Part XIII.

Only three bags left. Up next is Jamie:

I'm Jamie and I live in Seattle, WA. By day I work in digital marketing and in my free time I cook, bake and craft for fun and showcase everything on my blog, jamie of all trades.

1. Bag - pietro alessandro bag purchased from bag in NYC. The front hardware has fallen off and I need to replace it.

2. Turquoise wallet from banana republic. It's actually a clutch but I use it as a wallet. At least once a week someone says, 'wow, that's a big wallet.' but I don't care it holds everything.

3. Reusable bag so I have something to carry my groceries. It folds up and I love the colors and design.

4. Moleskine calendar and two pens.

5. Green passport case from printemps in Paris. I use to hold all my misc. cards from various restaurants, club cards, etc.

6. Le sport sac pouch. I love little pouches but this one if my favorite. It contains:

a. A tide pen, I'm a spiller.

b. Pill carrier from the container store.

c. Clean well, all-natural hand sanitizer.

d. Eye drops that look like breath drops, from Japan but I bought them at Wallgreens.

e. Various lip glosses - nieva, tarte in cliff + claire, labello, mac, benefit {I think I have a lip gloss problem}.

7. Ray ban sunglasses.

8. Hankie my friend brought me from Japan.

9. Coffee nips, like an 88-year-old granny would carry.

9. starbucks mints since i don't like gum.

Thanks Jamie!!

Shanna Murray Wall Decals.

These Wall Decals by Shanna Murray have been making their way around the blog world and I can understand why. They are so dreamy and simple. I love her styling as well. Now I just need some chalkboard paint. Shanna also has a very nice blog that you should visit.

Great Online Store: The Bucket Tree Vintage.

I seem to be drawn to all the vintage treasures available from the Bucket Tree. Also, what's not to love about a store that has a category called 'Haberdashery'? Sadly for me they are based in Britain (thus making shipping some things quite expensive). It is still nice to look and if you live closer, lucky you!

Vintage: white.

1. Shoes 2. Glasses 3. Dress 4. Bowls

Claudia Pearson.

I attended the last Winter's Farmer's Market here in Vancouver this past Saturday and always find myself inspired by all the delicious food available. Naturally I was drawn to this 'Buy Local' illustration by Claudia Pearson. It's lovely (and makes me hungry, but really what doesn't?)

Le sac.

These Le Sac bags are very fun. I love the patchwork feel.

Rune Guneriussen.

I really admire the work of Rune Guneriussen. I love how he plays with the contrast between man-made and nature. Whimsical and gorgeous.

With silver buttons, buttons, buttons...

This made me think of that song Miss Mary Mack from when I was little. Silver badge by fourfiveX.

Cluster Lamp.

Hey there cluster lamp, do you want to live in my kitchen? Designed by Kathleen Hills.

Links of Note.

Spring is here in full swing. I have been enjoying my time off by sleeping in, sewing, making treats and sitting on the balcony. Did any of you see the Madonna episode of Glee? Glee is a guilty pleasure of mine and it always gives me goosebumps (for some reason great singing and dancing has that effect on me). I will also be tuning into the season finale of Project Runway at some point today (no cable mean I watch it after it is aired so no spoilers please!). This weekend I plan on attending the last Winter's Farmers Market, the Blim Moving Sale and the Blim Monthly Market on Sunday (where I will be selling my wares). Have a lovely weekend everyone!

A funny mobile garden.

A multitude of organic fabric giveaways that you should all enter!

Lady Gaga cookies to make you laugh!

A beautiful party from i art u.

Things to make with Japanese masking tape!

Two tasty recipes.

Agreeably the perfect spring outfit.

Great tips on being a wedding guest.

A raffle for Liam. Please check this blog out and buy a ticket or two!

And enter our Much Love Illy giveaway!

Dispatch work.

Have you heard of Dispatch work? It is an incredible project that has been discovered around the world in places including Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, Zuerich and New York.

Manimal.

I really love all of the leather work by Manimal.

Rebecca Thuss.

I am so envious of the work of Rebecca Thuss. She is a reputable photo-stylist and creative director and her work is divine. She was the style director of Martha Stewart Weddings and also the initial issue of the beloved Blueprint magazine.

Vancouver guide: Vancouver is Awesome.

Alright this week the guide involves not a place to visit, but a blog to read. Vancouver is Awesome (also V.I.A.) is a very good, very enthusiastic blog all about the goings on in Vancouver. So I suggest that if you're interested in taking a trip, or if you live here already, that you visit this blog. It is written by a handful of talented people all with a positive approach to our city. One of my favourites is their 'High Fiving Celebrities' series.

Plume.

How fabulous are these nature filled orbs from Dejarnette?

Hey I like you: The Jealous Curator.

The Jealous Curator is an excellent source for discovering brilliant artists. And the concept makes me laugh as she puts it: 'A collection of artwork that inspires & depresses me. I know it's good when I'm left thinking DAMN I WISH I THOUGHT OF THAT.'

Giveaway: Much Love Illy.

The winner is Meg!

I have seen Much Love Illy's work on a few blogs thus far and was thrilled when she proposed a giveway with PGHC. So folks, you have the opportunity to win this just friends headband. How cute are those yellow poppies? Perfect for spring, I do say!

To enter, please visit Much Love Illy's shop and leave a comment below with your name, email address and your favourite piece from her shop. For an additional entry, make a post linking back to it on your blog or on twitter and post a second comment with a link to your post. Comments will close on Monday April 26th at midnight.

Dice Prints.

When I first saw these prints from Stukenborg on etsy I thought they were pretty neat graphic prints. When I realized they were printed from dice, they reached a different level of neat. VERY neat. What a genius idea.

Baggu Back Pack.

Have you seen the new backpacks from baggu? I love their simplicity. And they are super affordable! Let's all buy one!

Would you like to Sponsor PGHC?

Now that Marty has your attention, are you interested in sponsoring Post Grad Hair Cut? Rates are set with small, new business in mind as Post Grad Hair Cut is still quite new itself and spots are available for May, June and July of this year. If you decide to be a sponsor you will be given a 150x120 space on the left sidebar, a small write-up on our sponsor page and an introductory post sometime during the month. Placing advertisements on blogs can be a great way to spur recognition of your online business and I would be happy to be a host for yours.

For more information on rates, site statistics and any other details please contact me at swagnerm [at] hotmail [dot] com. I welcome all bloggers, designers, artists and crafters who match in some way the style I try to represent here on Post Grad Hair Cut.

In my bag: Part XII.

Our next 'In my bag' participant is actually one of our lovely sponsors!

Hello you,
I'm Inari from 'This is my Notebook'and 'Ikomi'. I am a Finnish girl studying to become a librarian, but dreaming of being a photographer. Recently I opened an Etsy shop of my own to sell my colorful crafts made of old toys and useless things. I love colors, cats and tea with chocolate cookies.


1. The bag itself. Usually designed as a gas mask bag for Finnish army. Never been in it's original use though.
2. My daily planner, keeps me organized.
3. My notebook, I take it everywhere I go. Holds photos, secrets, writings and ideas.
4. My purse, cute and handy.
5. My phone, old but still working.
6. My camera, my love. I always carry it with me, and use it every day.
7. A lip balm, this one is 'the little green tin' from Superdrug.
8. My keys, with a dinosaur keyring.
9. A couple of lollipops, just in case (I'm not a smoker, I'm a lollipopper).
10. A water bottle.
11. My knitting project, the current one is very often with me so I can continue knitting whenever I have a bit time.

Much thanks to Inari! Only three more bags to go!

Wood Glasses.

I really like the idea of these glasses but I'm not quite sure if I could pull them off.