Sprinkles cupcakes

Oh the joy of yummy yummy cupcakes. They recently opened a Sprinkles cupcakes here in OC. Those who know me well, know I'm a slave to the cupcake. These Sprinkles cupcakes are quite nice- (although quite $$spendy). The ones pictured are (clockwise from top left, dark chocolate, mocha, cinnamon sugar, and dark chocolate banana. I love that they color coded them. They do have great packaging and design, as recently noted by Monocle magazine. Check out this link where they interview the architect/designer that helped create the visual identity. I also love these wooden spoon and forks they give away there. I'd like to collect a bunch and use them for other things... picnic anyone?

hamster powered paper shredder

Ok, there's a certain amount of genius-ness going on here... (via Core77)

Method Recap/Follow up

So now that I've had some time to spend with these recent Method products, here is my personal review. First up is the Omop. When I first saw these, I was immediately sucked in by the packaging. When I got it home, it put together fairly easily. I was a little concerned that the curved handle would prove to be difficult to store, but in the end, it isn't really a problem at all. I love the microfiber cleaning pad. It really seems to work well with my floor. However, I'm not the biggest fan of their sweeping pads. Being a graphics guy, I like that they used the logo as the debossed ridges, but I feel like they aren't deep enough. My old swiffer pads seem to pick up more because they have deeper ridges. But on the flip side, I do love the fact that the Omop pads are corn-based and degradable. I am not yet on a verdict as to whether or not I like the size of the cleaning head. Its a bit larger than my swiffer, but I'm not sure if that's a bad thing or a good thing. Overall, I'm pretty pleased with it, but still wish the sweeping pads were a little more thicker/deeper.

Next up is the Method Bloq skin care line. I received a nice sample pack and was able to test out each fragrance and product style. Overall, I really like them. The scents are all lovely, and my favorites right now are the green mint and beach sage scents. I love the creamy textures. I only have two gripes. The shaving lotion is kinda weak. It doesn't seem to give enough lubrication when I shave. The second gripe is the hard plastic packaging makes it a little difficult to squeeze the product out- however, I found that if I store the product upside down, then problem solved. Gravity is your friend. The square design of it makes it easy to flip over, so perhaps it was designed that way... (or not?) Anyway- if any of you guys have these products, what is your review?

talk bubble paper clips

I find these talk bubble paperclips really funny... (and potentially really useful!) available here.

blue munday: what's above Yves Béhar?

I hope everyone, who's in the States, had a great Memorial Day weekend. Technically, it's still monday, so I'm sneaking in a little Blue Monday post. I found this image of designer Yves Béhar, in one of the press disks from ICFF. It was in association with this new line of dog products that these students created, under the guidance of Mr. Béhar. Read more about it on my post for AT:LA. But what I found so striking about this picture is what's above Mr. Béhar's head. I love all the random blue lights that are suspended from the ceiling. I also love that they are all painted blue! It totally reminds me of a display you'd see at Barney's Co-Op- how they paint all the props that same blue color. (I'm dying to try that somewhere in my house!) I think it works really well in this particular space because it becomes the focal color (notice that everything else is white) and it's such an unexpected place for it too. Plus it stays functional because it's all lighting. I could see this as a fun idea to do if you have a studio/work place, or even for a modern outdoor patio or something. Actually, it could be a fun idea for a dining room too. If you kept the table/chairs and main pieces white- and added a pop color using multiple lights from the ceiling, all painted in the same hue.
Over the weekend, I saw another example of random lights all unified by color at South Coast Plaza. This is actually located above the stairwell, that is by the conceirge desk, by the Williams Sonoma store on the top floor. I don't know how long it's been there, but I just noticed it. Anyway, it might not work in all situations, but it's a fun idea if you have the space.

TGIF and Arizona?

I feel like this week was some sort of crazy alternate universe- with the whirlwind rush to NYC to cover ICFF, and then coming back to find a pushed up deadline for a big project at work- my mind has been crazed. Anyway- its FINALLY friday and a long weekend too! (its a holiday on monday in the states) (hooray!) I have so many things to post up and report about so I'll be doing that over the weekend- check back if you get a chance!

Another thing, I wanted to know if there were any Arizona Happy Mundane-rs? I'm going to be in Phoenix/Scottsdale next weekend and wanted to know if any of you could give me any recommendations? It's my first time there and I'm really excited! Let me know any tips, food places, shops, thrift stores, sights, etc... that I should check out in the comments- Would be greatly appreciated!

Blue Thursday: Fishys!

Since I missed monday's Blue Munday this week, I'm adding it in for thursday. Look at these cool fishys! They're ceramic fish wall hangings as featured in the latest HOME magazine. They remind me of those vintage enameled metal dishes that were popular awhile back. Unfortunately the mag lists these as made by Global Views, which looks to be the manufacturer, but not the end retailer. Has anyone seen these online or in a store?

So much to say, so little time

Hello friends- I just got back from NY to cover ICFF for Apartmenttherapy LA. But when I got back, found out my deadline for a major project got pushed up and so suddenly I'm in that post trip catch-up scramble. Check out ATLA or any of the AT sites (Chicago, SF, and NY)for updates on the fun things at ICFF this year. I will post more later tonight/tomorrow. In the meantime, here's a shot taken by my ATLA co-conspirator editor, Gregory, of the incredibly cute new kids stuff from Amenity Home- I love the and 70's retro vibe!! deer, bunnies, and turtles! c'mon- you got love the turtles...

WYWO2.3 the next steps

So, color-scheme in check, the next step for the parental family room makeover was what to get rid of and what to get. Unfortunately, after a little reality check, I couldn't get rid of much. Well, at least what I wanted to get rid of, hehe. I had to keep the couch. I had to keep the TV. To make things more frustrating, I couldn't move the couch much nor could I move the TV. The cable box to the TV is actually right in that corner, and I couldn't move it without having all these exposed wires. The couch is so huge, placing it in any other direction would either not fit, or block the view of the TV, which I had to make sure you could still see it from the eating area and kitchen. What I could get rid of was the weird corner shelf, I could move the piano, and I could get rid of the existing coffee table and light. As much as I wanted to "re-design" the space, the actual layout ended up having to stay the same. But at least I could add a little color, and make it more cozy.

Time was of essence. I only had one weekend to pull this off because they were coming home on the following friday, and I knew I wouldn't have time with the busy work week. I conned asked a friend to help and we were off. First stop was Home Depot to get paint. I chose a darker purple-grey ish for the wall behind the couch. Then off to IKEA, cuz I knew they'd have the most affordable pieces (since I was paying for this as sort of a mother's day gift). I found this great rug that would definitely ground the space:It was the perfect size and brought in the colors of the living room. I also got some lower sized BILLY cabinets , a new coffee table with more storage, and a larger corner tv stand. That blew quite a good chunk of my budget (I comitted to not spending more than $1000- so Trading Spaces of me huh?) but I still a little for accessories. By the way, I discovered quite quickly that there is a reason why there are proffessional piano movers. That piano was ... HELL to move. Note to self. Don't do that again.

What I also needed was something over the fireplace. I felt like I needed some sort of sculpture or something dimensional. What I really wanted was some sort of C.Jeré type of thing. But I couldn't find anything locally. So, I got all crafty and made something. It turned out like this:Sorry for the long post, I'll have more details in the next one and the final result. To be continued...

Olive oil dishes by Mary Judge

I'm posting this on AT:LA today, but wanted to share it here too. I just love the simple graphic beauty of these olive oil dishes by Mary Judge. The gradation effect is achieved due to the concentric rings, and what depth the oil is at. They were inspired by the terraced olive groves in Italy. My friend Em bought one last holiday while we were visiting A+R, and I secretly am kicking myself for not getting one then. However, you can still get one now, right here ($18) at Lekker Home.

Aldo Londi + Ceramics by Bitossi

The Interior Design magazine's March 07 (sorry, i'm kinda slow) 75 anniversary edition, featured a spread on the ceramics of Aldo Londi for Ceramiche Bitossi, produced by Flavia. Last year the cdompany reissued a bunch of Londi vases from 1950-1970, relying on the original techniques and documents wheever possible. They are a-m-a-z-i-n-g. I am obsessing over the orange cat. Check out all the other reissues / or "re-editions" in their catalog section at the Flavia website.

WYWO 2.2: Needing a buffer.

The first major issue that I had to tackle for the parental's family room makeover was color. You have this retro 70's orange/black/tan vibe vs. the purple/pink/dark browns look that sort of flows in from the living room. So whattyagonna do? I've always found that when you're trying to make contrasting colors blend, the answer is what I call, buffer colors. This basically means colors that you add in to form a new colorstory and help transition all the colors together.When I try to decorate any room, it usually helps me to start with one object/thing/inspiration that ties together all the colors. Granted, this isn't always needed, but it always helps me. It can be found in anything... a piece of artwork, or a fabric... a tchotchke... anything... After looking around, I actually realized I already had found the answer. A pillow I had purchased awhile back for them from Pier 1. The shimmery silky fabric had all the colors from the living room, but also some new colors, like some greens and the orange I was trying to figure out how to incorporate. The key color it turned out was that green. I needed to inject some olive-y yellow-y greens to act as my buffer color. So... now that I had a color game plan, I could move on to the next step... figuring out what to get rid of and what I needed to get... (to be continued)...

Blue Munday: indigo sea prints

Happy munday. This is a crazy week for me. I'm under a huge deadline for work, and I'm leaving out of town this friday for a super quick trip. Here's a little calming visual eye candy. These "Indigo Sea prints" from West Elm. Looks like they used that "sun print" paper to create these. I love that sunprint paper. So much fun. I actually used them for a promotional piece a few years ago, going with the theme of "exposure". Get your own sunprint paper here, or get these framed beauties here (and they're on sale!).

David Weeks Ulterior Votives for Kikkerland

Like a moth to a flame, burned by the fire... my love is blind, can't you see my desire? that's the way love goes...- Janet JacksonThere is something mesmerizing about staring at an open flame isn't there? That was the inspiration behind these super cool little "hearths" from designer David Weeks for Kikkerland. Weeks was inspired to create "hearths" for the urban dweller. Inspired by the concept that "an open flame inspires personal reflection, but modern urban life offers little time for meditative moments and limited access to a fireplace." So, Weeks created his "Ulterior Votives" collection, which uses a standard tealight. There is a mini Chimnea, campfire, and oil drum, all made in slip-cast porcelain. They're only $20, and will be available starting next week at mxyplzyk.com, as well as design stores throughout the country. The best part is that they made these hillariously cool videos of each one. Love the deer with lazers and the funny knitted toys!

Sunny Days

It's been so hot lately here in OC and So Cali, that I've got sun on the brain. Recently, as I browsed through Banana Republic, I spied their credit card application. I like the abstract sun that kind of reminds me of some sort of 50's vintage block print, but is really made up of silhouettes of clothing (so clever). This for some reason got me thinking about lemons. Do you enjoy iced beverages with lemon? My only pet peeve is when I suck up a seed while drinking with a straw. Grrr... hate that.
Anyways- Here's a couple fun sun-inspired things I've spotted recently:"radial pillow" from Hybrid Home

Utopia Sun ornament by Jonathan Adler"Starburst" (ok, not specifcally a sun, but the sun is a star right?)
mirror and bowl from Crate&Barrel
"Drawing the Sun" book by Bruno Munari

While you were out: The second season

So last year, I was given the daunting task of redoing my parents living room. (click here, here, and here for reference. And here's a link to my flickr set on the completed living room) It was all made possible by the fact that they had left for a long boat cruise somewhere, which left the house free for me to do what I needed to do. Well, this year, my parents went away again, a slightly shorter trip, but I was left again with the task to continue what I had started, and move forward to the "family room". This room has always bugged me. It's a very awkward space. Plus, I have the added wrench thrown in that they have this gi-normous leather couch (it reclines... ooooooh...) and it has to stay. The other challenge is, my mom has this 70's stretch canvas fabric art that she loves (I love it too) but somehow it has to blend in with the purple/pink vibe I started in the living room. Other than that, there's this big piano- awkaward shelf, horrible halogen lamp, and not much color. I did already have a head start, in that when I got window treatments for the living room, I also got the same ones for the family room. Anyway... the challenges were:
1) work with existing couch.
2) integrate Orange into existing color scheme, and transition it to new space.
3) warm up the space.
4) get it done before they get back.
Click here to see my additional notes on the "before" room on my flickr page.
Stay tuned for what I ended up doing, but I'd love to hear how you'd tackle this?

more blue munday: Slurpie

It's a hot one out there today in OC. It's... 90 degrees!!! I think I need something nice and cooling, like say, a big ol' cola Slurpie...

Blue Munday: Elsewares goodies

Happy Munday...Here's some pretty blue goodies currently at Elsewares.
Love this "Blossom Pillow" and "Plant forms repeat" pillow from Three Sheets
also love these "geranium napkins"
and there's something really interesting about these dragonfly coasters too...

Tord-mania!: the book

Last Christmas, HappyMundane went into a bit of a Tord Boontje frenzy as his beautiful designs were featured at Target. Holly at Decor8 sent me an email telling me that there was a book coming out about him, and I ordered one right away- Last week my copy finally came! The book documents almost all of his work and gives insight to his inspirations- all the way up to his Target collection and the present. The book is pretty extensive and thorough. Its pretty thick and substantial as well! The cover has this neat white mesh that is integrated into it. Also many of the pages are perforated with this cool pattern. I love seeing his pieces placed in a natural outside setting, as well as many of the detail shots they included. It's also fun to see his earlier work and photos of his studio and past. A must have for any Tord fan or modern design lover. Get it here:

IKEA Stockholm Collection

If you're going to IKEA this weekend, definitely check out the new Stockholm Collection. They've totally stepped it up a bit, and these new pieces are so great. The pricing is slightly more expensive, but you can tell the quality is better than their normal stuff. They're totally reminiscent of classic danish modern styling. I posted some shots from my store visit over at AT:LA today. (click here to see) My favorites are the coffee table and the tv bench. The dining table and coordinating chairs were pretty sweet too. They are giving out a cool little catalog as well. It has a pretty varnished design of this signature leaf pattern that is used on several textiles in the collection. (sorry, it was hard to photograph the varnish). Here's some other shots from the catalog:UPDATE: Shelterrific also posted a few shots from the catalog- check them out!
UPDATE2: link to the IKEA mini site for the collection here

I <8 the AppleTV ad

Ok- yeah the new Apple TV is cool and all- but have you seen the commercial for it? I think the real star should be whoever designed the background set. It's so amazing! The color scheme is so pared down to grey (swoon) neutrals, yet, it still feels warm and "lived in". I love all the subtle touches they threw in too, like all the funny props- ie. The toy in the study, the little bird scupltures on the desk, the great white vases in the grey kitchen, all the coordinated books, the weird portraits on the wall in the living room, even the little succulent plant on the coffee table! No detail was spared- even the matching white washed/faded bricks when the camera pans through the wall. Plus- can we talk about the speakers (I think they're speakers) in the living room set up? They look like gorgeous sconces, and blend right in- Also- I am in love with the backyard set they have too. Where in the world did they get that bench?! This probably is not a real house but I totally want to live there! View the commercial here.