Mapped & Chalked

How awesome are these maps from Dirtsa, on Etsy?!  They're made of pliable chalk-board finished fabric!  The state (of your choice) is outlined in permanent white.  You chalk in doodles, messages, travel routes, etc.  Wipe clean to start again.  Fun!  And so, super cute!

Dirtsa has lots of other adorable home accessories, like these scrabble pillows and this world map! 

Found on Unruly Things, via Cup of Joe

Cool Mouse in the House

How rad is this mousey? Designed by Joey Roth and made from wool felt, teak, and aluminum, this prototype
debuted in mid May for the American Design Club’s exhibit “Use Me”.  My fingers are crossed that this earthy gadget goes into production.  I want, I want!

Found on Swiss Miss

At the Barre

Happy Tuesday!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  The BF and I took a road trip, did some amazing antique shopping and ate lots (and lots) of delicious grub.   I'm in the best of moods for so many reasons.  (It's impossible to be grumpy when you wake up to glorious sunshine!)  It's also the last day of May.  Hello, summertime!!!  Summer + NY = FUN.  The weather is finally warm and sunny.  It's also humid and mosquito filled.  But I'm trying to ignore that for now : )

Are you all thrilled that this week is short and sweet?  I have ballet workshop tonight; one more reason that there's pep in my step!  Talk to you later, lovelies!!!

All photos from the Ballerina Project, also on Facebook

Four for Friday

Enjoy your long weekend, dearest readers!  See you next week.

- Jelly Shot Test Kitchen is crazy..  And actually... I LOVE IT.    Kinda weird cuz 1) I don't get down with gelatin and 2) even if I did, I'm not really a jello-shooter-type.  They remind me of UCLA house parties.  And dirty carpet.  And that makes me feel yucky.  But I digress.  So, even though Jelly Shot Test Kitchen has 2 strikes against it, I'm still a fan.  Basically because I love the way Jell-o looks and the photos on this blog are aaaaaawh-sooooome.  I'm thinking about giving a couple recipes a shot. Using agar flakes, of course.  (Thanks Elephantine for the link!)

- The Burning House is such an interesting project.  I think I may have done the same type of thing in school, as a kid.  Do you ever think about which items you'd save?  I love looking at what objects people treasure.  It's a little like peeking into a diary!

- Lottie & Doof is my new fave foodie hangout.  I love that author Tim Mazurek cooks up delectable comfort dishes focusing on whole food-centric recipes.  Everything looks so good.  I want to jump through my screen and into Mazurek's kitchen.  (And eat this all summer long!) 

- Rue is out, in it's fifth issue!  Spring/Summer issues of online design magazines were scientifically proven to be the best season of publication.  Yeah!  Okay, no.  I just made that up.  But seriously, it's really good.  Go read Rue!!!

Etsy Love/ Lux Lex

Alexis Russel's Lux Lex jewelry is total loveliness! Her pieces are all handcrafted, here in New York. She endevors to, "marry classic modern design with natural, organic elements." "Earthy and understated, yet refined and elegant" is how Alexis describes her collection. “I want women to feel both beautiful and comfortable wearing my pieces.”

LOVE.

Pretty Palette/ Cornflowers & Chambray

I know it's not quite summertime yet.  (You know, if we're spreaking in technical terms and referencing calender dates, the solar system, and all that jazz.)  But my summer half-day Friday schedule kicks in tomorrow, so I count this the beginning of the season!!!  Besides half-day Fridays, two of my most favorite things about summer are dusty blue cornflowers and washed down cotton chambray.  Timeless shades; soothing and sublime.

Top photo found on That's What I'm Here For

Photos, clockwise from top left: blueberries on Flickr, little blue birdie from The Animal Blog, men's chambray shirt from Need Supply, Blue Moon illustration from Brewwd, blue bridesmaids from Once Wed.

Bark! Bark! Bark!

No... I don't mean the noise doggies make.  Bark; it's the sugary, melts-in-your-mouth, wonderfully diverse (with crunchy, salty or chewy bits), easy to make, crazy delicious candy!

Cara, of Big Girls Small Kitchen shares some tips.  Namely, abide by the guide of 2 cups chocolate to 2.5 cups mix-ins.  She also mentions that her bark crafting begun in college- using a microwave.  This stuff is perfect for summer and those hot days when turning on the oven makes you feel queasy.

So... get a few of your favorite treats together; nuts, candies, dried fruit, cookie crumbs, pretzles or granola and get at it!!!  The girls at BGSK assembled a list of 10 suggested recipies but the options for bark are truly endless!

Pictured: marbled chocolate bark with pistachios and sour cherries from Delish

Pretty Picture/ Judith van den Hoek

Judith van der Hoek has the loveliest illustrations!  Some of her work reminds me of Kenneth Paul Block (love him).  She has a great, graphic style and a impeccably perfect understanding of line, shape and composition.  The black and white pieces here are my favorites, although there are some others with hits of pop color that I adore too.  Check out this one.  And this one!  And this one too : )

Found via Trend Land

Herb-ing

If a tree falls in the forest but no one is around to hear it, did it make a sound?  Right... so...

If someone killed 4 houseplants but no one (else) saw them dead, did they die?  I'm going to say... No, they didn't die.  Well, as you guess someone needs to do some replanting.  Like, asap.  Hm.  Yeah.  Ooops.  Back to bad habits; leaving my shades drawn during the day and sporadic watering.  Poor plants.  I think up next will be some herbs.  They'll smell nice on warm summer evenings.  Hopefully they last that long! 

I'm feeling inspired by an article and photos from Re-Nest

Etsy Love/ A Second Life

Oooh, arn't these faceted magnets cool?!!!  They were over on the Etsy shop A Second Life (along with lots of neat trinkets).  While the shop doesn't seem to have the magnets in stock right now (phooey!) there are some awesome rings, pendant necklaces and brooches that strike my fancy.  I love that they're handmade from polymer clay.  Since no mold is involved, every piece is one-of-a-kind, super duper special.  These little plastic gems are ultra-affordable too.  They're a steal in fact; everything is under $15!  So go buy one for yourself and pick up a few more for gifting!!!  They're a perfectly cheery accessory for summertime, don't you think?

Discovered on Creature Comforts

Blueberry Doughnuts

I've been planning on buying a doughnut pan for about a year.  Now that the ol' b-day is just around the corner, the doughnut pan on the list.  (And not to get off topic, but 6 of the 7 things on my wish list are baking related.  I think I may have a problem...)

Anyway.  Back to the blueberries.  Nowadays, donuts and I rarely meet.  I've tried a few at Champs and Baby Cakes in the last year.  The problem with little vegan bakeries is that they only stock a few doughnut options.  Needless to say, what they have isn't always my cup o' tea (err, bite o' cake?).  But, back in the days when doughnuts were more prevalent in my life (college), my favorite was Dunkin' Doughnuts blueberry cake.  Have you ever tried this unassuming monster of deliciousness?  On it's tray, amid it's brightly iced and colorfully sprinkled brothers, the blueberry cake doesn't put up much of a fight for best looker'.  But when it come to taste... heavenly scrumptiousness is all I recall.

These lovelies from Salt Bird are on my baking to-do list.  The recipe is practically vegan already.  Darling BF, you ready for this good stuff?!  (I'm sure he is)  If you try this recipe before I do, let me know what you think!!!

Type Happy/ Weingut

I had to look up "Weingut".  Turns out, it means winery in German.  Pretty; just like the typeface!  I'm such a sucker for a flourish.  Or anything incorporating flowers.  Weingut is both flourish and flower-laden.  Needless to say, I'm a big fan. If you love it too, purchase Weingut here!

Found via Typography Served

The Scent of Lilies/ Part 2

We are well into the season... the Lily of the Valley season!!!  My boss brought in a bouquet from the Union Square Green Market last week.  Every few minutes I gaze over at them, sitting atop his desk.  Sigh.

I think Lily of the Valley are complete divinity.  I therefore love all products which strive to capture their essence.  Have you ever checked out Crabtree & Evelyn's line of Lily scented soaps and such?!!!  They look too good to be true!  I'm especially interested in the bar soap and home spray.  A miniature hand lotion bottle to keep in the handbag wouldn't hurt either!

And if you are a Lily of the Valley super-freak like me, check this out... Ladree macaroons!  Has anyone ever tried these?  I'm so curious!!

Four for Friday

Hey dolls, have an incredible weekend!  I hope you've got loads of fun activities planned.  I'm super excited- a friend (and former 'roomie) is throwing a house warming party tomorrow afternoon.  He's got a backyard!!!  We're gonna BBQ all sorts of delicious veggie things.  The BF and I are gonna bring some home-made sweet treats too (ice cream and an old-fashion 'fridge pie)! 

See you Monday : )

 

- These clutches by nada SAWAY have got to be the coolest handbags ever!  I'm not sure which is my favorite, they are all so gorgeous!!!  Discovered via {wit & delight}

- We are Selectors in one of my favorite new spots.  They are a group of creatives; all arenas of design, music, and fine art.  Visit their shop, radio and see what inspires them at their online magazine.  (Mariah of Size too Small found & shared 'em with me!)

-I'm obsessed with the Sprouted Kitchen.  So much beautiful food.  So beautiful, I don't even want to eat it.  Ha!  Kidding!  Of course I want to eat it.  Duh. 

- Another new online haunt... Old Brand New. This blog, by Dabito (aka Dab or just David) is where the self described printmaker/ vintage vulture/ photographer/ barber/ dog walker/ BIG dreammaker shares his photos, adventures, stories, projects, etc.  It's a cool place. (Thanks Seesaw for the link!!!)

Retro Print Place Cards

I spotted these place cards over on Project Wedding. I'm not sure who the designer is but ugh... I LOVE.  The two fellows getting hitched incorporated so many quirky retro details into their Palm Springs nuptials.  I'm pretty crazy about the wedding programs and cake toppers too.  Go take a gander! 

Photo by Bright Bird Photography

Update Part Trois: Pantone Party

Pantone.  Greeting cards.  By 1973.  Too cool.

Besides the greeting cards, they have  Pantone gift wrap, Pantone gift tags, and Pantone gifting bags!  Crazy, yo.

Pantone cards aside, the 'mom and pop' online shop 1973 is filled with so many wonderful paper products.  They feature hand-crafted work of dozens of artians.  Shop around for lots of lovely (and unique) cards and gifting supplies.  So much good stuff!!!

Crayon Sculptures

Check out these crazy crayon sculptures!!!  Artist Diem Chau widdles the waxes into people, animals, and all sorts of other fantastical creatures.  He will do commissions too!  If you were immortalized in crayon, which color would you choose?!

Found via Automatism

House of Origin/ Crazy Cake!

I'm totally fascinated by these cakes, by design studio House of Origin!  I love how unfinished they are; not-quite-symmetric cubes of cake topped with haphazardly poured icing.  The rainbow of colors and the organization is nothing short of art.  Wouldn't it be great to serve for a creative & quirky, modern art lover's birthday (or even at a wedding)?  Think... you wouldn't need to slice it.  It's ready to devour : )

Found via Once Wed

Pretty Picture/ Nicole Guice

Nicole Guice is so crazy talented.  I'm loving her layered subject matter; pretty plants, lovely ladies and an abstracted wash of electric watercolor!  Her sketchbook montages are incredible too.  They look more like finished art that pages from a doodle pad!  Follow her blog to keep up with her latest finished work and check out her shop for illustration adorned accessories.

Morocco

I'm a total 'list maker'.  I make lists for everything.  I draft at least a few a day.  Organizing thoughts on paper (or mobile device) gives me a sense of peace, I guess.  I also find that once I write down a task to complete I'm far more likely to get it done.

A couple weeks ago my BF and I put together our 'summer list'.  It's filled with weekend and day trips along with some fun, unusual and touristy things to do in NYC.  After the 'summer list' was complete (it's always open to revisions and additions!) I was thinking long term... what do I want to see and do?  So, I made a long-term travel list.



I've never made a life-time travel list before.  Mostly, I think it was out of fear.  Like, "What if I never visit any of the places on my list?  What if I don't get to visit them all?  What if I visit a place that I've been dreaming of for years and then I hate it?!!!"  But that's just silliness, I decided.  Now I've got a travel outline and I feel one step closer to traversing the world round.

Do you have a travel 'bucket list' of sorts?  What are your top three spots to see?

Morocco was one of the first countries on my list.  These photos are from 101 Layer Cake.  Doesn't the rugged desert beauty and mixture of cultural influences look exciting?  Romantic too! 

Photos by Andreas Holm

Most Wanted

There really isn't much purpose to this post.  I found this little fuz-ball on Flickr and couldn't resist sharing.  His name appears to be Billie.  I guess I've graduated from a park-lurking dog-ophile to internet stalker.  It was only a matter of time, I suppose.   The thing is, I want this little guy more than basically anything else in the world.  Sweet little toy Yorkie with a cute clipped hair cut!!!  So darn cute I can't stand it.  My head is going to explode!  Do you have a pet?  Dog?  Cat?  Bunny?  I want a baby bunny too...

Pretty Palette/ Sweet Saffron

Call it what you will; saffron, mustard, goldenrod, or even the very base: yellow.  A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.  This toasted maize hue looks so right for summer, yes?  Paired it with moody greys, peacock greens and dusty blue, and nothing (I tell you nothing!) is more striking.  At least that's how I feel for the time being!

Top photo: vintage phone on Etsy, via Ffffound
Below, clockwise from left: the Smoking Goat featured on Design Sponge, bride Jordan Jordan's shoes from Our Labor of Love, and orchid photo by Jon Day

How pretty is this woven cotton bag?!!!  I love the south western inspired pattern work and washed-out colors.  I'm in dire need of a great bag to get me through the summer.  This one is wonderfully versatile and the perfect medium size.  I'm a huge fan of the short handles (they rest perfectly in the crook of the elbow).  I also find a shoulder strap essential though.  You know... when you want to wear it as a cross-body on a busy weekend or adventure-filled vacation!

Bag by Anthropologie, found on Pinterest

General Store

General Store is an online shopping haven!  They stock the coolest object for you and your home.  The rustic, natural materials are so soothing!  I particularly love the hand painted blocks pictured above.  How lovely would a few of them be as a table centerpiece?  For summer, I think I'd mix them up in a big, wooden bowl with bananas and kiwi fruit!

Monday, Rainy Monday

How was your weekend?  I had lots of fun.  It was gloomy and misty and warm and humid and just basically gross.  But besides icky weather, it was a fun weekend.  I had tasty brunches, courtesy of Curlys and Bagel Smith.  I got to visit with my cousin who was passing through NYC for a day.  The BF and I ran in to a couple friends whilst wandering Brooklyn (that's always nice).  We went to a vegetarian festival in Union Square.  We watched a lot of Netflix movies on the couch.  And... I ate a lot of home-made vegan ice cream.  The BF broke out his new Cuisinart (which has been named "Little Icy") and put it to work.  He made Coffee, Vanilla, and Chocolate-Peppermint.  They were yum.  I'll have to tell you more (much more) some other time though.

For now, happy Monday!  Wherever you are, I hope your week looks bright!!!  (NYC looks like this- ew)

Print from Carambatak Design, more cute illustrations for sale on Etsy

Four for Friday

Enjoy these four!  See you all on Monday!!!

- Check out this sweet wedding on Ruffled. There are so many things I love. Firstly, it takes place in Adelaide, Australia. Ugh, don't you love that name?!!! Adelaide. It just sounds amazing. And of course, all things Australian are wonderful. But seriously, this wedding is so hip; an all-vegan dessert bar, the quartet of bride's maids in polka dot pastels, the fleet of cream colored Volkswagen buses! Go check it out.

- I love the online store, Our Shop. They have too many beautiful office supplies and household wares. These handmade mango wood bowls for instance, gor-gee-ous! They've also got some cute trinkets and fun stuff for kiddies.

- Check out Design Sponge for this great featurette on artist Lupe Nunen-Fernandez. Her inky, gestural paintings are full of character. This little corgi is by far my favorite. Isn't he cute?!!!

- Bash Please is full of inspiration. They're a two-gal team that offers full-service event planning. These ladies are creative and they do it all. There is so much craftiness going on- you will be blown away.  These pics are from the nuptials for Barbie and Ken.  Real names.  No joke.  How awesome is that?!!! 

Jetting Off (For a FRI-Day)

My dears, I apologise for the delayed post today!  I'm traveling for work again.  I had planned to get a slew of posts prepared last night but then (of course!) blogspot was down for maintenance.  Isn't that what always happens?!!!  So, I've finally gotten through the gritty parts of today's meetings.  Since I woke up (at 5am) I've been itching for a moment to get on here and say a quick hello!  I missed you!  I hope your Friday is wonderful and that you got more sleep than I did!!!  Gonna go grab another coffee...

P.S. Check back later.  I wont leave you FfF deprived!  Promise : )

To purchase this super cute print visit Love-e

Alix @ Sushi Shop

The lovely Alix Bancourt has the coolest post up on her blog The Cherry Blossom Girl.  Alix was invited to a beautiful Parisian Studio for the debut of Kenzo Takada's Red Box for Sushi Shop.  Go check it out, the photos are super pretty!  And if you love sushi you'll love the pics extra-much : )

Fantasy Dinner

I was supposed to be researching a dessert-related post but I was distracted by a few savory recipes.  Mmm, I wish I had time to whip up all these dishes for dinner!  Each is super healthy and so, super delicious looking!!!  Take for example, the quinoa salad.  Pretty to look at with pomegranate seeds and chunks of bright green cucumber and avocado.  It's also packed with vegetable protein.  Yeah.  Yum!

Menu, clockwise from left:
- Roasted Carrots and Fennel by Green Kitchen Stories, via Mint Design
- Black Beans and Quinoa from 5 Second Rule
- Courgette, Garden Pea and Stilton Soup at What Katie Ate

Thunderclouds , Melodrama & Pielichaty

Sorry it was so quiet here yesterday, dearies!  It was not a stellar day...  I couldn't get by brain working.  Got in late to work.  Trouble focusing.  Every endeavor seems to be the most difficult thing I've ever done.  Yeah, I know that is way melodramatic.  But seriously, I was met with walls of opposition for even the most menial of tasks.  Hence, extreme fits of grumpiness, growling and teeth gnashing were peppered throughout the day.  It was positively awful!  Beastly in fact.  I'm so glad you didn't witness it firsthand! 

I did find this image by chance.  It was so fitting!  It made me smile.  It make me feel better.  And actually, so did the rest of Joseph Rudi Pielichaty's blog.   I hope you all had a happier hump-day than I.  The good news is that it's a new day.  A Thursday!  And everyone loves Thursday.

Pielichaty found by-way of Where The Lovely Things Are

Bata Shoe Museum

Fittingly, this post will fall just after the Met museum post.  I guess I'm surfing a museum-enthusiast wave.

Anyway.  I just discovered the coolest thing- a shoe museum.  Shoes people!  Shoes!  An entire museum dedicated to shoes.  Unfortunatly, the Bata Shoe Museum is nowhere near me.  It's located in Toronto.  But when I do make it up to Canada one of these days, the Bata will be on my touring list!  Since I don't foresee a trip up there in the near future, I'm web stalking a few current exhibits; mainly Native American Footwear (oooh, pretty moccasins!) and The Roaring Twenties!  I wish there were more images.  Boo!

Has anyone out there ever visited the Bata?  Do you guys know of any shoe museums in the US?  Anyone seen a shoe exhibit lately?  The Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty show had some great shoes.  Wink, wink : )

The Met/ Savage Beauty

As you may recall, last Friday I skipped out of work a few hours early.  I had a date with McQueen's newly deputed "Savage Beauty" show at the Met.   For 4 hours, I was surrounded by some of the most beautiful garments I've ever seen.  Completely incredible.  I cannot praise this exhibit enough.  It was like getting lost in a dream!

If you get a chance, please, please see it!!!  And absolutely splurge on the audio guide.  Really, it will make all the difference!  Even if you aren't the biggest McQueen fan (or even particularly interested in fashion) still go see it!  The show was so well curated.  I seriously had goosebumps the entire time!  If you can't make it to NYC for the show (boo!) consider picking up the book.  Of course, if you can't fathom parting with (a mere!) 45 dollars for the coffee table trophy, at least click here to see a video of the show and follow links to a few of the exhibit's pieces.

I'm definitely going again.  I've already marked my calender : )

Ice Cold, Green Goodness

Last weekend I did a little reminiscing... one year ago I moved into my beautiful new apartment.  I was also suffering the tortures of our first heat wave of the year.  Temps hovering at 90.  Running boxes up 5 stories for about 5 hours.  Then days upon days of  unpacking boxes in a one bedroom oven.  I shudder to remember; no air conditioning and 4 stories of heat, rising into my little closet of an apartment.  That's about the time I started making smoothies for dinner.  That hot, sweaty memory continues to haunt me, and I know it's only a matter of time until we get our first heat of the season.  When the heat hits, these nutritious smoothies will appear on my supper menu.  Some of the ingredient sound a little off, but each smoothie gets rave reviews.  I'm game to try!

Left to right:
- Banana, peach, mango and spinach smoothie from Linda Wagner
- Mango, squash and peanut butter smoothie from Baking Bird
- Spinach, grape and coconut smoothie from Real Simple

Interior Lust/ Colorful Kitchens

I've been doing a ton of kitchen research lately.  It's a little too early to divulge the what, where and why's.  But I will tell you this... I never expected to see so much design behind the bold-hue kitchen trend.  Generally when pop colors are at hand, I'm more of a "little punch" fan.  You know, rather than coloring the world awash with one electric shade.  But these kitchens are really growing on me.  Super fun!  What do you think?  Would you ever take the plunge into gleaming, colorful cabinetry and perfectly coordinating appliances? 

Top photo petite lime kitchen via House Beautiful

Below, clockwise from left: hot pink and citric orange kitchens found on Houzz, tomato red kitchen from Flickr and lemon yellow kitchen via House to Home.

Rhubarb Facination

Confession time... I've never had rhubarb! From what I hear it could be one of my favorite edibles. No, the tartness doesn't scare me away. In fact, what I continue to read- that it's tangy taste will bite your tounge with vengance, is actually what draws me in. (Yeah, as a kid I was a total lemon-sucker)

So, I want to make this the year rhubarb and I meet. I think it could be a fond and lasting friendship. If you are new to Rhuby too, read up on the basics here. I'll share with you the bounty of my extensive recipe research...

- Rhubarb Sorbet from Kimberley of The Year in Food

- Rhubarb Updside-Down Cake by Ree the Pioneer Woman

- Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp alla Mode on Zoe Bakes

- Red Rhubarb and Rum on Eat Make Read

- Pancakes with Rhubarb Creme (and berries) by Stephanie of Desserts for Breakfast

- Rhubarb Coffee Cake from Deb of Smitten Kitchen

- Muscovado Semifreddo with Roasted Rhubarb & Shortbread Crumbles by Ashely of Not Without Salt

- Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble from Heidi of 101 Cookbooks

- Rhubarb Almond Frangipagne Tart on What Katie Ate

- Gluten-free Rhubarb Tartlettes by Helen from Tartellete

- Rhubarb Tart on What Katie Ate

- Raspberry Rhubarb Crostada by Kelly of Eat Make Read

- Rubarb Blush found at Eat Make Read

- Rhubarb Topped Cheese Cake from Tesco

- Chia Rhubarb Apricot Muffins by Sarah of My New Roots

- Rhubarb Rellish by Dan George on Design Sponge

- Strawberry Rhubarb Jam by Molly on From Me To You

- Rhubarb-Strawberry-Lime Lemonade by David and Luise of Green Kitchen Stories












Top photos, clockwise from left: Rodale, Tartelette and Green Kitchen Stories