Walmart continued...

So i recently posted about how Walmart is beginning to change their home dept. This is apparently all part of a new campaign to "Look beyond the basics"- and i think its pretty well done. I'm sure the big wigs at Walmart are feelin' the pressure from Target's uber cheap chic-ness- They now have this whole in-store brand called "Home Trends" that is suprisingly pretty good- (more on this as my "while you were out" adventure continues this weekend) they've followed Target's theory of simplifying their collection into several "themes"- like City Living or Traditional, etc... I went in last night to pick up some daily essentials and saw some pretty great things- and since it's Walmart- they were totally cheap. (Now i realize a lot of people have issues with Walmart, and you don't have to shop there if you don't want to- but speaking purely from the mundane aesthetic- i'll give props wherever i see good design.) They had some West elm-esque items that were impressive. Satin-esque screen pillows with flora, spaghetti-like rattan lamps- and i really loved this photo-real palm frond and water-droplet-on-leaf print pillows, on clearance for $5!

del taco chairs

i don't know if you've ever noticed, but at Del Taco, the chairs have a cactus design on the back. I realize that they've had these chairs since 2000, when they revamped their stores with their newer "fiesta" look, which.. um... yeah... I guess makes work it Del Taco- but i really appreciate the fact that someone thought to make the back of the chairs like cactus. kinda bad, but bad-good in a kitchy way. and its subtle. anyways, i like their crinkle fries.

yummy.

Been buried in work, so I got a treat today. fruit flavored mochi is pretty and yummy. pretty yummy!

what time is it?

Stopped by the local Ikea, looking for a light for my office/library area, but of course got completely side-tracked, and ended up in the clock section- not that i need a new clock, but if i did- there are some really great options: loved the SLABANG ($12.99) it has a rubber shell that is oh so mo-derne....also came in lemon yellow, but preferred this cool grey/taupe color....and I'm also a big fan of the large digital display... BUT- then I found the VIRRA really interesting- it can be set to four different positions to show the date, temperature, timer and countdown... and its magnetic. all for $4.99- hm.... choices.. so many choices....

While you were out. episode #1

So... I recently took some "before and after" pics of a "project" my parents gave me. My parentals recently had their home re-carpeted and the inside walls repainted. Now, being that i am their only son (let alone only child), and i work in design, they asked me to help with the daunting task of redecorating. This was a good and bad thing. On the one hand, I was able to play decorator with someone elses money. On the other hand, i had to deal with trying to convince my parents of my decorating ideas. All was somewhat saved when they had to be out of town for three weeks, which gave me three weeks to do a "while you were out."- I decided to just tackle the living room and dining room (which are combined) and was given $1500 budget (oh, and my mom said she wanted pinks and lavendars...and my dad kinda gave me that look of.."um... yeah."). Living in suburbia and with only $1500, my shopping choices would be a challenge. Oh, and i was forced to keep as much of the furniture as possible. (yikes). The good thing is that my parents have always been open and appreciative of a more "modern" aesthetic. Here's where it started.
now, i'll be the first to say that its not like it' was that bad to begin with- its just kinda plain and mildy stuck in the late 80's "contemporary asian"- In its hey day, it was really striking, and actually really cool. but that was 1986. and its now 2006. and my mission was to upgrade it a little to at least late 2002 "contemporary asian"? So...stay tuned the next couple days. i will post my decorating adventure...

Home is where the Heart is

i recently got this new book, by Ilse Crawford. Ilse, if you didn't already know, is an internationally celebrated designer with a trackrecord that is just "wow", has a company called stuidolise, and was the launch editor to British Elle Decoration (aka. the Bible). so... she's gots it goin' on and has mad style- ummkay? But sadly, i must admit- i had no real clue about her until recently. (sssh. don't tell) anyways- this book is amazing. it has a ton of borderline "self-help" phrases and quotes, but it really just sets things straight- her philosophy on decorating your home and just... living is so right on cue with what i've always felt, but never could articulate. More importantly, this book has stunning imagery that just gets you so inspired. I know, as with most visual people, we don't always read the text, just look at the pictures right? but in this book, the essays are actually really thoughtful, and go hand in hand with the pictures. it would be the best gift you can give someone that is just moving into a new home, or is in the midst (or in the need) of a home makeover/redo- or just a gift for yourself to remind you what "home" is all about- click on the box below and get it NOW!!

Blue Monday #4: flocked pillow

I have a problem. i'll admit it. i have waaay too many pillows (and vases...and...) and i can't stop buying them. i have them everywhere. upstairs, downstairs.... everywhere. I bought this pillow at Target, a couple weeks ago. Of course, I don't need ANOTHER pillow, but it was so beautiful that i was powerless. it's faux suede with a flocked design, and it was only $14.99- they had it in a few colorways- (but of course you know which one i chose) for now, it's sitting on my chair by the upstairs window... although now i'm thinking i should have gotten the rust colored one. (sigh... buyers remorse?) .. anyways- you can get one here-

mundane aesthetic #2: lets go outside

sunny morning in the OC.
outside on my patio.
appreciating the plants that i haven't killed.
(yet...)

beautiful day for OJ

nothin' like a nice tall glass of Orange Juice to start your morning- and today in southern cali is another classic beautiful morning. sun is up and its my favorite time of day in my house, because the light shines in and just fills up the space. unfortunately that is also because i still don't have proper curtains. but i digress.

i really enjoy Tropicana's latest bottle for its "Pure premium" oj. it looks like the classic caraffe- but its plastic- and it just totally stands out when its sitting amongst all the other typical paper cartons. i enjoy being able to see the product and it feels nice when you're pouring it. it looks so lovely on my table. (it will look even better when i remove the label, hehe, but i do love the little woodgrain design element for the "grovestand" text) . Also, if you go to Tropicana's website, they have a really intersting history section- i love that there was a "Tropic Ana" character in the late 60's through the 70's- they should bring her back- i love consumer product mascots! kudos for Tropicana.

it was so nice outside, as i was sipping my oj, that i was inspired to take a bunch of pics of my (surviving) plants. i will post them over the weekend for my weekly "mundane aesthetic"-
what are your plans for the weekend? anything fun? have a fantastic friday!!

swayzak

i've been a fan of swayzak for awhile- i love their dubby-house grooves- their latest release has such a great cover- using the plastic holding tabs (do they have an official name?) from plastic bags, normally found on loaves of bread- i've always loved those things- would love to make a piece of art with them. but i guess now i don't have to- i can just put the cd cover on the wall! (available here and through itunes)

the frother- the story continues...

and so... last weekend i got the milk frother i was so obsessed over- and it has changed my world. i ended up opting for the electric version, because a: it was the first one i found, and b: i figure less cleanup- for those of you who don't know what a milk frother is, (and i probably am the only one) it's like a mini electric wisk, and all you do is put it in some warm milk (you only need a little, because it froths it up so much, the foam rises) now i can make my own cinnamon dolce lattes! i found my Bodum one at Macys (i didn't see it online)- but its also available through the Bodum website-

ed emberley

Does anyone remember Ed Emberley? I strongly believe that I would not be who and where i am (professionally) today without Mr. Emberley. His books influenced me so much as a child growing up in good ol' Garden Grove, CA. I still have my first Ed Emberley book my mom bought for me way back in 1976. (seen above) Well, that obviously was a long time ago, so it's soo good to know that Ed Emberley is still around today- and still doing amazing things for children. His simplistic yet genius instructional books made drawing easy and approachable, but most of all, inspirational. And now, that clever japanese bag company Superplanning, have come out with an Ed Emberley collection of bags and accessories!! i don't know if they're available in the US yet- but how great are they?! who influenced you?

Blue Monday 3b: sprout home

As mentioned on It's(K)notwood, while in Chicago, i purchased this cute little pot from Sprout Home. I was torn between the white or the aqua colorway, but obviously you can see which one won. They had many sizes, and since i had to bring it home on the plane, i went for the smallest one. Not sure what i'm going to plant in it. At Sprout, they had put succulents in it, which i think i'll end up doing as well (since that's the only kind of plant i can't seem to kill!). You can get one of your own here.

Blue Monday 3: it's a party y'all

All the stores are slowly creeping in new product for Summer- scary but true. however, I do love these drink accessories from Crate&Barrel. first is the "olive buoy" that look like little alien ships (and of coures, its Blue Monday, and they're my favorite translucent aqua) ...


the packaging is great too-
and i also love these "crazy eyes seafood picks"- (anything with googly eyes is a winner in my book.)

mundane aesthetic #1

i shot this while my friend Em and I were on our mission to see Sprout Home in Chicago. I just saw the yellow baloon floating around the grey street. I didn't notice the blue spray paint writing until after I downloaded the pic. Don't you love it when you find hidden surprises in the photos you take?

nobody told me

i was in Chicago earlier this week, attending the Housewares show- seeing lots of interesting products ranging from salt and pepper shakers- all the way to the latest dishwashing machines and everything in between- anyways- by far though, the thing that impressed me the most, was from the Bodum booth. For those that don't already know, Bodum makes great innovative products for the kitchen- although most famous for their mini coffee presses. Well, the super nice PR lady i met with showed me the most amazing thing. now, i realize that this has probably been around for a long time- but- NOBODY TOLD ME- that i could have my very own little milk frother. Now i loves me a good latte- and would love to have a little espresso machine, but mainly to have the milk frother/steamer part- because that's the best part for me- but now i see i don't need a little (and $spendy) machine to enjoy a latte.. although now i realize the espresso part could be a bit easier to do with one.... hm... anyways- i still want one. and its only $14.95. here. now while you're at it, check out some of their other fantastic products- like the double walled sake glasses. Bodum will be releasing a few new must-have items later this year- they have this caraffe with a cork top that i freaked out on- (but i will post about those later, after i get a chance to scan some of the pics from the catalog!)

colorwall LAX

If you've ever been through Terminal 4 at LAX (above), you will no doubt pass through the incredible mosaic tile wall- all the colors just flowing in that classic mid century style, (and just imagine what stories they could tell!-) anyways- going through Chicago's terminal- i enjoyed a similar experience, with their own modern multi color walkway between the C and B terminals- now, Chicago's is obviously more updated and walking the fine line of vegas/disney obnoxiousness with the neon and glass brick- but at the same time- the power of all the colors dancing around was/is such a delight for my weary traveller eyes... i appreciate it.
(Image of LAX wall from here.)

pier 1 imports

i used to work at Pier 1 imports back in da day (senior year high school through summer before college..which was a loooong looooong time ago in a galaxy far far away.)- good times though...good times...but i digress. they've changed a lot since then, but at the same time, still the same in many ways- but i was really surprised to find a new Pier 1 catalog last week in my mailbox- i didn't even know they had one! anyways- a few nice things- these "essential" planters- i'm so in love with any type of planter that is more modern in styling, and/or pays hommage to the classic Architectural Pottery shapes. i have a pot from Crate & Barrel that kind of matches this color scheme- this sort of dark grey with the base the ceramic aqua you know i so love- and i really love these crystal ring pillows- but they, alas are apparently no longer available! (d*mn them!!) anyways- a fun little read and definitely makes me want to do a little perusing "drive by" maybe this weekend-

blue monday 2: it came from planet claire

Walking through WalMart or Target, or any drugstore, i keep seeing these cheapy weird jelly spikey ball toys.. and well.. i had to have one. I look at them like they're a little bit of modern sculpture. (and they're fun and squishy!). AND if you squeeze it- it lights up momentarily and flashes these spacey colors. of course i chose the blue one. you can see the effect here- (although this obviously isn't the same one i have, but you get the idea)


ok. ya. whatever. you want one too. you know you do...

first aid

i saw these at Target the other day, and was totally intrigued- i know how important it is to have a first aid kit, especially living in SoCal with earthquakes and all- but i've always been lazy and never got one- but those clever Target people have come up with a design-savory worthy one that i don't think i can pass up! i saw these online at target.com, but they are much larger than they appear in the picture- they're about a foot and a half square- so its quite a substantial piece- and a portion of the proceeds from every one sold go to the American Red Cross- so go get one now! like your mother always says, "always be prepared- you never know...."

So Saucy-

The other day i had lunch at Toxic Smells, (or rather Taco Bell), no seriously, that's just a bad nickname my friends have for it- but let me just make this clear- i do loves me some taco bell- What started out as a normal boring fast lunch, turned into a moment of sure consumer glee- as i went into grab a packet of hot sauce- i noticed on the packet, were the words "pick me! pick me!"- and i started busting up laughing- The geniuses at Taco Bell, which incidently have their corporate headquarters here where i live in Irvine, have put a whole selection of random funny sayings on their packets- i just love people who take the time to do these little details- it was suddenly like i was in Alice in Wonderland, with the little cake that said "eat me" or the bottle that said "drink me"- but also i suddenly had this little vision of the sauce packet-that-could- desperately wanting to be chosen- like when the little toy martians in the first Toy Story movie- "i have been chosen... ooooohh...."- it just really made my day. It may not be the most award winning "design"- but it definitely has been "designed"- and i really appreciate that.

which lead me to the discovery of another amazing website- that has documented a huge assortment of those condiment sauce packets (although the one i wanted isn't shown (the "pick me! pick me! one) anyways, without further ado,- i present to you- the condiment packet museum!!
i am stand... in awe.... (cue: sound of a chorus of heavenly angels singing)

ps. if anyone happens to find the one that says "pick me! pick me!" please scan it for me!!