This year is the year that many of my closest friends are turning 30. (Me included!) You know what that means: Tons of parties and cake!

My dear friend Tara was throwing a Big 3-0 celebration in Cincinnati and asked me to create a custom illustration for her event. Of course I said yes! Tara is the epitome of a fabulous girly-girl — all hot pink everything, and the stilettos to go with it. I had a ton of fun turning her into a sketch, and satisfied my own sweet tooth by creating a huge cake for the background. Add some balloons and glittery platform heels, and you have an illustration fit for a hallmark celebration. )

I was up allllll day yesterday watching coverage of President Obama’s second inauguration. I attended the first one in 2009, and even though the temperatures were below freezing in DC, that day, it’s easily one of the most exciting experiences I’ve had in my life. This time around, I opted to stay home in Philadelphia, but the television was tuned into all the goings on at the Capitol for at least 16 hours.

I know I’m not the only one who was waiting on the edge of my seat to see what first lady Michelle Obama would be wearing to the inaugural balls. And when she stepped out in that ruby red Jason Wu dress, I squealed! I’m not even going to act embarrassed about it, I straight up SQUEALED like a five-year-old. She looked so amazing, and that shade of red was absolutely perfect on her. Clearly I started sketching right away.

I can’t imagine being a young designer and seeing the first lady of the United States stepping out onto the national stage in one of my creations. And Jason Wu got to experience that TWICE! If you remember, he also designed that glorious white, feathery one-shoulder gown that Michelle Obama wore in 2009. I saw it up close in the First Ladies exhibit at the Smithsonian Museuem of American History and it’s even more breathtaking in person. Dare I say, this ruby red dress was even better. I can’t wait for the chance to see it in real life.

Who else is a huge fan of “Scandal”? RAISE YOUR HANDS HIGH! I know I’m not the only one who is SUPER excited about the show’s return tonight. When we last left Olivia Pope and Associates, the president was in the hospital, Huck was on the run, Harrison was taking charge, and Abby was… well, I’m not sure what Abby was doing. But it all comes back TONIGHT!

Of course, one of my favorite characters of “Scandal” isn’t actually a person — it’s Olivia Pope’s wardrobe.  The blazers, the blouses, the pants, and even the evening gowns, all in shades of white, ivory and cream. And that trench coat! I couldn’t help myself, so I decided to celebrate the return of my favorite show with a fashion sketch of Ms. Pope in the single most popular (and most-coveted) item in her wardrobe.

By the way, ABC has a super cool behind-the-scenes video featuring Kerry Washington and costume designer Lyn Paolo, talking about the creation of Olivia Pope’s wardrobe. Check it out below:

What’s your favorite part of of Olivia’s wardrobe? And how excited are you to watch tonight?!

When I saw this photograph of Malia Obama yesterday, I was blown away. Like, just gobsmacked. The girl is gorgeous, and poised to boot. I started asking questions that you might hear from an older relative at the family reunion — “How old she now?! When did she get so tall?! She looks just like her mother, you know that?!”

Disbelief aside, it’s amazing to see the first kids grow up into lovely and confident young ladies. And I couldn’t help but notice that Malia was captured mid-stride in what looks like a runway walk. In a leather bomber, with her hand adjusting her hair and her eyes in a slightly disinterested sideways gaze, Malia is the epitome of teenage cool.