mundane aesthetic: little birds

I know you're not supposed to feed these little birds that come waiting for crumbs when you're sitting at a table outside. They're so crazy and fearless, but they're kinda cute...

House & Garden vintage

Happy friday! Was perusing House & Garden's new store section where they are selling prints from their amazing archives. These images are so stunning. I don't know how I could ever choose. It's so awesome that they are letting these be sold to the public- They're kind of expensive, so perhaps if you're lucky, you'll come across an original copy of an issue and find some other images you could tear out or color copy and frame for yourself. It could be cool to even have one blown up really huge on a wall- Here are just a few of my favs... (all images obviously from the Conde Nast H&G store site)

The happiest place on earth has happy colors

One of the best things about living where I do is that I'm literally 15 minutes away from "the happiest place on earth", Disneyland! (Disneyland always makes me happy)
Since I'm local, this year, I opted to get one of those Annual passes, cuz honestly, with the prices they have for admission- the annual pass makes a lot more sense. So, since I have the pass, I feel obligated to go as frequently as possible... (or as often as I can drag my also-pass-carrying friends)- A few weeks ago, I visited the California Adventure part to check out the Monster's Inc. ride. I loved the opening credits of that movie.


I thought it was so clever to do it with a vintage 50's-60's vibe. They made the entrance of the ride in the same vein and it looks great. The ride is fun as well. Another thing that got my attention was this interesting wall mosaic that is sort of off to the side of one of the buildings. It's made up of all kinds of random things. I didn't see any obvious signs as to who made it, but it was kind of pretty in it's bright coloring. It was fun looking at all the pieces. Happy colors in happy land.

new (for me) white vases

Time for another confession. I've been kinda bad lately. (Well, not that bad.) You know how sometimes you just feel like you need to change things up a bit? Perhaps its the changing seasons, but I've been feeling a need to spruce things up, switch things out. I suppose we all go through it, and honestly, it's probably just my excuse to do some frivolous impulse shopping. I've been picking up a bunch of random things lately, mainly because there's all these big sales going on for spring/summer product. One of which is this vase currently at West Elm. Now, it's actually pretty new, but I just love this zig-zag-y "geo totem" one. It reminds me of Architectural Pottery, only in a mini-me size version that I can afford. I don't know where I'm going to put it, since... well, as I've said before, I have waaay too many vases. But for now, it sits on my kitchen "counter." I'll be sharing the rest of my recent aquisitions in the next few weeks... but misery loves company- Have you been succumbing to all the sales going on lately too? Tell me I'm not alone! hehe Oh- one more thing- speaking of white vases, I spotted these fun white vase sets over at Sears on clearance too.They're from the Ty Pennington collection- Could be fun to mix it in with your other groupings... there's several to choose from, all on sale-this one with holes in it here, this modern set here, these candle holders here, and these are a total steal ($4.99) here.
That's all I could find on the website, but as you can see in the pic, there were a few more styles. Definitely check it out if you have a store nearby. Sale apparently ends on Saturday.

Trash Luxe

Dezeen has some great images of the Trash Luxe show at Liberty in London. (I just love that name "trash Luxe". The designers that are part of the exhibition have some wonderful ideas, and I'm particularly impressed with this chandelier that is made of old eyeglass lenses! brilliant! I also love this quirky candlestick made up of... everything? It sort of give me inspiration to try making one out of maybe a bunch of random objects, maybe of the same color- or in the end paint it the same color? hm... anyway- check out the rest of the pics here.

blue munday: more blue pillows

(sigh) nothin' like some pretty blue pillows to help ease your munday blues...
this is image is from the latest O at Home magazine. The pillows are from Ankasa and Daisy Hill. love the grey wall and white couch/wood floor combination...

Murakami/Mamoru Hosada Louis Vuitton Video

OMG. I love youtube! A few years ago, I was this video playing in the Louis Vuitton store in Honolulu and literally stood there and stared at it for who konws how long... anyways- I tried asking the sales people there if they were selling the video, but they said no (or they didn't know)- anyways- a friend just forwarded this to me and I am sooo happy!! Who wouldn't want to be carried away into happy Louis Vuitton Murakami land... via their cel phone of course... It was made by Mamoru Hosoda. happy friday! (via Japansugoi)

Tilt2 installation at Paul Smith

So, yesterday, when I linked about Paul Smith stripes as inspiration for a DIY lamp idea, I checked the "news" section on the PS site and came across this bit about a window installation by Peter Marigold. He took his Tilt Two series of shelving and created a custom display for the Paul Smith Sloan Ave. shop, as part of the 100% Design Festival happening right now (that I soooo wish I could be there to see...) Anyways- The Tilt Two "...is an extension of Marigold's Split Series, which follows the simple principle that the inverted angles of a split form, any form, will always total 360 degree..." It's a fun concept (here is Tilt (#1?).I can't help but be reminded about a funny incident that happened to a friend (who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent, but she knows who she is...). She once made a valiant DIY attempt to build her own shelving unit out of wood. She busted out the hammer and nails and it turned out pretty good... except she forgot to put center cross supports. In the end the shelf started to tilt and lean to the side. Looking at the tilted angles of Marigold's Tilt Two, I can't help but think that's sort of what my friend's shelf ended up looking like! But you know, there's beauty in that imperfection, and you could take some inspiration from this and create a fun wall unit. Who says shelving has to be in straight lines? Why not make it in different angles (just be sure to secure it to the wall!). It could be a more expanded version of something like this or this, or even this one! except more personal and quirky because you would be in control of the angles... anyways- More info on Peter Marigold's other highly inventive and creative pieces here.

pretty from above

Even though fall is quickly creeping its way in, and summer is fading, I've recently seen two lamps that have grabbed my attention, despite the fact they probably would be much more "spring" appropriate. First is this gorgeous Niagara Chandelier, designed by Bodo Sperlein for Lladro. It features porcelain butterflies hanging down. Apparently this piece is quite large (and quite expensive)- but I wonder if you couldn't create your own DIY version, perhaps using paper and fishing line, and attatching them to a pendant lamp? I've seen a lot of butterfly punch cut out things. I believe Martha even has one from her craft line.
(EDIT: you might need to look for a larger craft punch. upon closer inspection, the martha one above is kinda tiny...) Would be great for a party- It actually reminds me of the holidays, when in elementary school, we'd cut out paper snowflakes and hang them from the ceiling... anyways- the second one is from PBKids- I saw this in-store and thought it was so clever- also something that could probably be DIY'd if you could figure out a frame-... (sadly I couldn't find it on their website- it probably has been out for awhile) I'm not sure you can tell from my crappy camera phone shot, but I love how it's made of simple ribbons. I could see a fun version, maybe made of multi colors, like a Paul Smith stripe? Anyway, I'm not sure why these super "pretty" things have suddenly caught my eye, then, I guess I'm always a sucker for beauty, hehe.

happy turnips!

Saw this place setting idea in the October 2007 Martha Stewart Living. C'mon- everyone needs happy turnips on their table!!

Method Holiday Promotional bag PREVIEW

As I've mentioned before, I'm still holding on to "summer" for as long as I can, but I can't help but be a little excited about the upcoming things that will be popping up for the holidays. Fall always brings about new changes and fun things to look at, so there will be lots of eye candy to come our way. Yesterday, I got a preview promotional piece from Method, about their upcoming Holiday promotion. "Green" lifestyle personality, Danny Seo, has designed this "plastic bag rehab" reusable shopping bag that will be used as a gift from Method. Following along the same lines as the highly popular "I'm not a plastic bag" by Anya Hindmarch, there is a groovy "plastic bag rehab" graphic on the front, and on the other side are "16 ways to feel better and look good" while using the bag. This tote is made of rip stop nylon. It also has a little zipper pouch inside too. One side is green, and the inside lining is a light blue. Method will be starting this promotion next month (October). If you spend $20 worth of Method products, you will be able to mail/fax/scan proof of purchase to the fulfillment house, and they'll send you a bag (while supplies last). Also, if you buy over $20 worth of products via their website, the bag will automatically be mailed to you. More info and details will be available next month. Seems like it will be a fun way to help keep your home health-ier during the mad shopping crazy holidays. Do you guys use re-usable shopping bags?

Hand Job: A catalog of Type

happy munday. Oy. So much catching up to do! First off, was flipping through the latest Dwell and saw they had a review of this new book Hand Job: A Catalog of Type, by Michael Perry, published by Princeton Architectural Press. I've actually had a copy of the book sitting on my table now for awhile and have been meaning to give it a review here. So, with no further delay- Here it is! I really really really love this book. I remember back in the early 90's (totally dating myself here) the graphic design world was all about deconstructive type and how many crazy fonts you could use. I'm so glad that today, there's a strong resurgence of hand drawn type. It brings back a more "artistic" aspect to commercial design, and its just more fun and gives much more quirky personality. This book has a huge and comprehensive collection of recent pieces that have used hand drawn type, but what I also love was that it showcases many designer's studios and work places. It's a must-have reference for any graphics person, or anyone that simply appreciates some personal creative expression. Here's a little video of a flip through so you can get a feel of the book. (sorry for my creepy looking hand, I was trying to hold the camera steady and flip the pages at the same time)

Blue Munday: Posters at Nursery Works

Even though these are meant for a nursery, they're so cute and simple, I could see these working well in any space. Love the fishes and birds ones- They're limited edition letterpress and come already framed. More info here.

friday video escape

Its finally friday- for some reason the past few weeks have been so hectic- and fridays can't seem to come soon enough. I've got a bunch of things to tackle this weekend that I've been longing to do, all those "weekend project", etc... but first- it's time for a little french 60's "avant-garde"... How we love you so. I bring you a little vintage Catherine Deneuve, in the classic Belle de Jour, and a more modern interpretation of it via Garbage.

plants on the wall and crazy fun decor

Posted this house that I saw in the Sept. 2007 California Home+Design mag, (click over to AT:LA for my post- the house was done by the cool folks at Sundayland)- I am strangely obsessed with how they hung the cactus pot in the kitchen. I want to have a pot hanging off the wall like that- how cool is that? I don't know how or where I'd find a metal ring thing like that but I want one. I suppose you could just put a shelf up, but it's not the same effect. I remember seeing an iron garden trellis type thing awhile back, but that was a whole set up thing- I would just want the arms... any ideas? Also, I love the unexpected color combos they used and am so drawn to this image of the semi-cheezy 80's garden wallpaper with the color coded bookcase. It feels so fun and fresh.

Eames Lounge Chair debut from 1956 on NBC

(via core 77)

Blue Munday: Confetti Recycled Melamine Set

I'm not sure what it is, but I find something kind of charming about this set of Confetti dishes. They're made of recycled melamine. I've always had this weird fondness for dishes that have built in sections. I guess it takes me back to those lunch trays in elementary school, or family pot-luck dinner parties. Anyways, I think the cereal bowl is my favorite. Get them here.

Mundane aesthetic: frozen grapes

Happy friday folks. Why is it that friday's just can't seem to come soon enough?? It's thankfully cooled down a bit here from last weekend's heatwave. One thing that's always refreshing are frozen grapes. I always thought that sounded weird, until I tried them. So easy, and sooo good! I've also heard frozen watermelon is good. May need to try that next...

happy balloons!

I so wish I could have been there to see this in person... (via dezeen)

Matt Carr Biblioteca shelf for U+ Umbra

I recently got the latest catalog from U+ Studio collection by Umbra (thanks Cynthia!). At the last ICFF show, I stopped by the Umbra booth and saw lots of great things they have in store for this fall, but somehow totally missed this one! It's the clever Biblioteca bookshelf- It was inspired by two vintage coffee tables designer Matt Carr found- which he then created a bookshelf from. Now you can get your own (granted for $525) here. But, I guess if you're handy with a power saw, you could probably DIY it with some brackets and some paint? For some reason, I see this being a great display piece- could be fun mixing different table styles too... hm... ideas...

I heart Dutch by Design

How cute are these things from Dutch by Design?! I just got an email from them, and I love these little bird salt/pepper shakers. They also showed this amazing bunny dish rack, by Chris Koens, who also designed the salt/pepper shakers (and its only $25!) but I can't seem to find it on their website... but as soon as they put it up- I must have!

fishy...

It was soooooooo hot here in So Cal this weekend. Yesterday was even hotter. In the morning, decided to go to Laguna Beach for breakfast. Ate at the famous Beach House restaurant, which had a nice beachfront view. As we were waiting for our table to get ready, I was like a little kid, staring at the row of aquariums. Fish are cool...

Blue Munday: cyan and silos

As I mentioned before, this year's Back to school/college 07 offerings at Target has not excited me much. Compared to last year's, it still doesn't feel very new or exciting. However, I am a big fan of the displays, with the striking and cool black silhouettes against solid the cyan/aqua...