Digital Distractions

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amusing, clever, inspiring, storytelling, tech toys, video

Oh, goodness. When I watched this video, it not-so-gently raised a mirror to my face. Yes, I’m that person who has my smart phone glued to my hip; checking Twitter, email, Flipbook and, yes, frittering hours away, lost in the world of Pinterest. As a matter of fact, the other night I was totally stressed and sleepy and instead of going to bed or folding my laundry, I found myself watching a video of a Japanese cat who likes boxes. (which you can find here. Fair warning: there are literally 258 videos of this silly cat, including one that has been viewed by over 15 million people. Not that I watched all of them…) Makes me realize that the act of just “being” – which I used to be a pro at – has become a wee bit too foreign, and I could use a lot more time in the present, undistracted. Let me know if you see yourself here too so I don’t feel like I’m the only one!

Today’s Track – Trouble, José James

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blues, jazz, music, R&B, soul

Just got back from Manhattan, so I thought I’d feature a New York-based artist (who was actually born in Minneapolis), with a bluesy ballad that takes the edge off reentering the daily grind. Trouble by José James from the album No Beginning No End, 2013.

Dissolving Boundaries: 2014 Interior Color Trends from MM for Lenzing

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color, decor, design, fashion, inspiring, interior design, product design, textiles, trend

MM trends, created in 1998 by textile designer Marie-Louise Rosholm, is an international, dynamic and ever evolving collective of creative people possessing different skills: fashion and textile designers, interior architects, art craft persons, illustrators, photographers, trend consultants, and colour experts. They predict color and textile trends for both fashion and home industries, and create luscious visuals to inspire designers. Here’s their quite heady interior color trend forecast, “Dissolving Boundaries” for the year 2014.

Tasty Packaging

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design, foodie, gourmet, graphic design, illustration, packaging design, typography, yummy

I’ve been noticing some awesomely executed foodie packaging out there lately. So happy that design is finally impacting this category – could you imagine if a walk through the grocery store looked like this? Hopefully someday…

Well Said, Steve.

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design, graphic design, inspiring, quotes, typography

Minimalist Movies

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advertising, creativity, design, graphic design, indie designers, printmaking, wall art

Today is brought to you by Joe of Monster Gallery, a self-described “one man sweat shop” based in Singapore. He’s carved out a niche in the world of retro-inspired prints with a pop culture flavor. His re-imagining of movie posters in a mid-century minimalist style are pretty darn awesome. The prints come in a number of different sizes (4×6, 12×16, 16×22) and range in price from $8 – $32 USD. (Or, for $99 bucks, you can get a set of 35 4×6 prints!) Click on any image to visit his shop.

Today’s Track – Uncertain Smile, The The

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80's, club, dance, electronica, london, music, punk

I needed something uplifting today, in a comforting, familiar kinda way. Takes me back to – well, I won’t say exactly – but to the day’s of stress-free work environments, where punching a clock meant you couldn’t take it with you. Off to NYC tomorrow where I hope to find a good dose of rejuvenation… Uncertain Smile by The The from the album Soul Mining, 2013. (It starts real, real quiet – give it a few seconds to get going, k?)

Gardener Garb

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accessories, decor, design, garden, gardeners, gardening, gifts, outdoor furnishings, patio, product design

By this time of year, I usually have my garden well underway. Let’s be clear – I don’t mean fruits and veggies, here. My city lot is surrounded by tall, mature trees that prevent only about a dappling of sunlight to get through to most areas of my backyard. But this year’s ridiculously expanded winter (yes, I know; I’ll be done with the subject – I’m as bored of talking about it as you are reading about it) has set me back a bit, so I’m only now scratching the surface in terms of proper dirt digging and plant potting. So, what do gardeners do whilst there’s a snowstorm in May? We shop! Here are some fun things I found that might entice the gardener in you too. (As always, click to shop!)

Aha Modern Living – Chapelwood Blue Bird Feeder, $40

Neiko – Fresh Market Bag, $55

Mudpuppy – Moonchimes Organic Hanging Bells 3′, $125

Anthropologie – Ormond Garden Pots, $20 – $228

Paulova Ceramics Dipped Garden Markers

Kontextür – Watering Cans, $49 – $95

Carousel Indoor/Outdoor Basket in Sky High, $34.95

Hable Construction – Gardening Gloves in Clementine Beads, $26

Barnacle Cube Pot, $58.00

Burren Perfumery – Gardener’s Hand Cream, 60ml €15

Japanese Hori Hori, $38.00 (I know this looks a bit dastardly, but when you have as many hostas that need dividing as i do, it’s a must!)

A variety of planters from Design Public, starting at $72

West Elm – Garden Work Table, $479

Terrain – Stacked Stripes Hat, $58

Blue Ceramic Pots, prices vary

Crate and Barrel Stainless Steel Oil Lamp, $19.95

Wild Rose Design Studio – 8-Pocket Utility Tool Belt Gardening Apron, $31.50

West Country – Classic Gardening Glove, $26

Anthropologie – Handwoven Saya Hammock, $98

Bowl Me Over

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ceramics, creativity, decor, design, indie designers, lovely, pottery, product design

As you’ve come to know, I’m a fool for pottery. Especially simple pieces that exude modern elegance, yet retain a subtle sense of play. Enter Julia Paul Pottery, a studio based in the mountains of Virginia. Her works are wheel-thrown and influenced by the local landscape; she even includes a reference photo on her website of the inspirational imagery. I’m including those dreamy photos along with the corresponding pieces today; oh, it’s so lovely! (As always, click to shop!)

Set of 3 Nesting Bowls, $220

“Flow” Pattern Serving Plate, $95

Set of 2 small ceramic bowl-plates, $80

Set of 3 Organic Vessels, $250

Set of 6 Horizon Tumblers, $165

Decorative Bowl, $95

Set of 2 Serving Bowls, $140

Well Said, Ernestine.

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design, inspiring, letterpress, quotes, typography, wall art

Thank You, Mom.

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awesomesauce, design, holiday, inspiring, mother's day, storytelling, video

In honor of mother’s day – and extraordinary moms everywhere – I wanted to share this lovely video. Commissioned by the folks at Thanksfa, the filmmakers went around New York City asking real people on the street to say thank you to their mothers. The results are a smile-inducing montage of heartfelt gratitudes that many of us can relate to profoundly. Thank you, mom, for EVERYTHING! Love, love.

Today’s Track – Take Your Mama, Scissor Sisters

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dance, electronica, euro pop rock, indie pop, london

A little something in honor of Mother’s Day. Son’s and daughters out there, I give you an anthem to encourage a play date with your mom. (Susie, this one’s for Bev!) Take Your Mama by Scissor Sisters from their self-titled album, 2004.

Fall Winter 2013-14 Kid’s Fashion Color Trends from Design Options

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color, design, Fall, fashion, FW 2013-14 Trends, inspiring, kids' products, product design, textiles, trend

From Design Options, a terrific CA-based color forecasting company: a preview of upcoming Kids fashion color trends for the Fall / Winter 2013–2014 seasons. Their outlook includes six distinct trends: Back to Basics, Girls’s Club, Let There Be Bright, Classic Cool, Three’s Company and Hidden Treasures.

Images courtesy of WeConnectFashion, an awesome company that helps fashion companies succeed through business networking, market research & fashion industry know-how.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

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accessories, decor, design, gifts, holiday, indie designers, mother's day, shopping, stationery, textiles

I’ve come to believe a trip to the local farmer’s market for a garden-ready annuals is among the best tactics for mother’s day gift giving. In an ideal world, you’d pick out a great ceramic pot too, and plant it full of colorful flowers mom can enjoy outdoors all summer long.

Not feeling that ambitious? A hanging basket then.

If you remain unconvinced that container gardens will float your mama’s boat, here are a few giftable suggestions that just might delight… (As always, click to shop!)

Lollia Wander Shea Butter Handcreme, $25

Eleven Roosters – Citrine Blossom Clutch, $55

Pony and Poppy – Gift Set of Two Rustic Linen Handprinted Tea Towels, $30

Anthropologie – Spring Garden Infinity Scarf, $48

Scottish Fine Soaps – Green Tea Soap in a Tin, £4.95

Chocolate Creative – Hand Printed Cotton Tote Bag, £7.50

Mast Brothers – Chocolate Bars, 5 for $40 or $10 each

Bailey Bowl – Set of 3 “Mom” nested mini bowls, $26

Raw Art Letterpress – Small Framable Print, $9