Squid scrub brush and Octopus juicer

Argh. So. Cool.
Squid Scrub brush and Octopus Juicer.

Drip Drop paper towel holder by Wis Design

Fun paper towel holders by Wis Design! Don't know if these have made it to production, but they sure need to!

Vintage Modern bamboo candlesticks at Sears

I love this set of vintage mod bamboo candlesticks! They're on major clearance at Sears. $17.99 for a set of three! I'm not sure what's going on with the Ty Pennington collection, but everything seems to be on sale... hm... are they discontinuing it? Anyway, I always make it a point to pass through their decor section when I'm by a Sears. The selection online is a little weak right now compared to what's in store, so if you're by one, definitely check it out- you might find some goodies!

blue munday: blue dishes at Crate&Barrel

happy munday. It's all about beautiful blue dishes at Crate & Barrel today. It's still February but I'm longing for lazy summer days.... Love this Mist Dinnerware collection... (and its currently on sale!)

Tumi Ishi by A4

I've mentioned my little cairn before. The concept is totally similar, but they apparently are intended for a different reason. I'm not entirely sure the specifics of this, but I am obsessed with these "Tumi Ishi" wooden blocks. They are designed to be a toy, based on an old Japanese tradition of stacking stones. They are designed by Japanese firm A4. Obviously this is something adults can enjoy and appreciate as well. The faceted side of the woodblocks is so beautiful and simple and modern! It's mini modern sculpture! Anyone know how I can get my hands on these?! I can't tell if they are selling them since it's all in japanese. Hm... Maybe I can find someone that could make me some?? Ideas? (via Designspotter, images via A4)

Take me higher.

Congratulations! you've made it through the week! It's friday! have a mellow groove-a-licious weekend!

band: Mellow, taken from the CQ soundtrack

I love Amy Sedaris

C'mon! Cupcakes and Bunnies? It doesn't get any better than that.

"... Molly! Get out of that flour container!"

happy mundane in seattle?

Happy Wednesday! I'm going to be in the lovely state of Washington until Saturday for a quick biz-ness trip, and will be in the Seattle area. Unfortunately I'm not going to be going to downtown Seattle, but more specifically the Bellevue/Redmond area. Anyone from there or have any suggestions on any fun shops, what to do/see in that area?

I tried... Chocolate Bread Pudding

When it comes to cooking, I will dable if its something stove top, but for some reason I'm scared of the oven. I don't know why I have this phobia. But it's there. Anyways- recently, inspired by how Shelterrific always does their "test kitchen" recipe posts, I thought I would try my hand at baking something, and this Chocolate bread pudding from Food Everyday (or is it Everyday Food?) looked sooo good. Plus, they had a video too- Always helps me to see a visual. This is what it was supposed to look like.Looks good right? Ok, so I followed the instructions, and have to say, it was really as easy as it looked in the video. (I seriously played that thing over and over about 50 times, hehe)
Here's how mine looked when it came out of the oven.Then with some powdered sugar on top.And then shortly after, this would be the last time you would see this piece as it was rudely and swiftly devoured by me. (like this) YuM!

So, now that I've conquered the bread pudding- what should I make next? Any one have any easy (stress on the easy) ideas/recipies for other warm yummy gooey goodness?

Foo dog update

So some y'all might remember last year, there was the big turquoise Foo Dog phenomenon... Well, one year later, and they've finally hit on a more mass scale. Trend wise, I suppose some may consider them "out" already, although they're originally from a gazillion centuries past, so I guess they're kind of timeless really, but in case any of you were still looking for a turquoise one- I just saw that Pier 1 has some for $20 each. They're not ceramic, (I think they might have been plaster?) but they were painted to look like they were ceramic. Anyhoo, if anyone wanted to "get the look for less"- they are there.

blue munday: blue platters

Just a simple tablescape. Love the blue/white/wood combo. (from Nov. 07 Inside Out)

Hookmaker from Design Glut

I'm kinda loving this simple idea by Design Glut. I'm thinking this Hookmaker could be fun in a kitchen or even by a door, or actually, could be useful in the office... so much potential! It's made as a wall tile so you could line up a bunch of them. I'm wondering if you could put a plant in it too... hm...

$30 at Supermarket- (pre order, doesn't ship until March 1st.)

Paul Rand

Graphic design hero/guru/god Paul Rand. I just found out he has his very own website now! Sooo much good stuff all cataloged there. Definitely check it out! (via Viewers Like You) and who knew he designed some fabrics too?!
Image via Paul-Rand.com

UPDATE: I just saw this on the DesignCrush blog (via Swiss Miss)

House Hunter love

Ok, another confession- oh- happy friday by the way- so back to my confession: You all know I am a big HGTV addict. Well, one of my guilty pleasures is House Hunters. I'm sure you all know it. It's one of those shows for me, where I'm like- Why am I watching this? But then... I can't turn away and am transfixed. It's apparently the highest rated show on HGTV. I love it for many reasons. It's kinda irritating, because the real people are obviously not actors, so it's kinda bad..."oh, this is a nice kitchen. It's a little small. Would you like to see the outside? Ok. Let's do that. Oh. this is a nice patio." And then they never choose the right house (or at least the one that I'd pick), although it's usually pretty easy to guess which one they'll pick. But what I really love is Suzanne Whang. I dunno. I just love her. Kinda of like I just love Joan Steffend too? I don't know why. I just do. They just seem like they would be the best BFF. Anyway- Apparently Ross the Intern from the Tonight show loves Suzanne Whang too (and I love that we share the same sentiments about it) and was actually able to interview her in person! Now that I've seen what she really is like- (and its a totally different persona than on the show) I think I love her even more. The interview is hilarious and really fun. Seriously, I'm so doing the "nice" drinking game.

Palm Springs Modern Shopping Map from LA Times

I am posting this up on AT:LA today- The LA Times have put together this super handy-dandy map of some of the great shopping in Palm Springs! This weekend is Palm Springs Modernism Weekend, so all the stores have been stocking up on tons of goodies and sales. Definitely clip and save! Now please note- you will need to download/print both the article and the PDF because the PDF only has the image and visual map, but the article has the names that correspond to the numbers, as well as the phone numbers and addresses- Click here for the link!

Ikea's "You need a Quiet Space"

Has anyone checked out the Ikea website lately? I love their new "You need a Quiet Place" section. The slow motion animation is so stunning to look at. Totally fascinates me. I love the one with the girl jumping on the bed because I do that sometimes, (ever since I got my new fluffy down comforter!) But truthfully, I actually love the "chaotic" section more. The quick snippets of daily life were shot so well. But then I guess that's to be expected from me with blog name like Happy Mundane huh? Check it out all the scenarios here.

stackable planters by Jonas Wagell

It's so hard to find good modern planters. My first go-to is Ikea, but other than that, the choices are generally sporadic around these parts. I've purchased a few from Crate&Barrel, but am still on the hunt for other sources. I love these "Block" planters spotted on Mocoloco (via David Report) that are by Jonas Wagell. They were recently at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. We need more of these things here! Where do you go for modern planters?

Happy Spoons

It wouldn't be happy mundane without happy spoons! $6.95 at The Spoon Sisters

Oma lemon squeezer by Tonfisk

So simple, so cute, and so needs to be in my kitchen! Available via Greener Grass Design

blue munday. i'm in court.

Hello my Happy Mundane friends. it is munday. and guess what? I'm in court. Don't worry. Nothing scandalous. Rather, I have been summoned for Jury Duty. Yipee. So... I'm in this lovely waiting room, to spend the next 8 hours waiting... luckily they have free Wifi- BUT. sadness, my laptop plug in thingy doesn't fit the plug things that are attatched to these cubicle desk deals I'm sitting at. So, my online time is limited until my battery runs out. yay! unless i can find a normal outlet... anyway... I did bring with my the latest copy of Dwell, and I noticed there are a few other magazines floating around. This is actually my first time where I've had to show up, the other times, I just had to call in. There's over 500 people here with me today.and that's how I'm going to spend my mundane munday... Have any of you served Jury Duty lately? What did you do to pass the time?

mon oncle

Y water by Yves Behar

I don't know why, but I am so excited about these. I posted about how I loved the those AquaPod awhile back, and now there's the Y Water bottle. Designed by Yves Behar, it's apparently supposed to help kids to think about recycling it to re-use as a toy. (Doesn't look like the easiest shape to throw in your lunch box?)... but I love the shape nonetheless. The website is really fun too, but what I'm interested in is what you can make with them. I'm envisioning some cool "dna" type sculpture that could look really fun on a table- or- could they be configured together to form some sort of organic/molecular dividing screen? I guess I'll have to wait until March sometime before they come out- Apparently it'll be available at Whole foods... (via LA Times)

Khai Liew's home in Vogue Living Australia

Oh to the joy of quiet moments. I just love this photospread of furniture creator Khai Liew, that's in the recent Vogue Living Australia. Shot by Marcel Aucar, it's such a warm simple space. I love how he has all the different tones/textures of wood, and then sprinkled in a few pop color accents. The opening shot with the yellow flower ball things, on that white table, with the dark accessories is so striking and chic, yet... easy and... comfortable? I also love the dining room shot and how he used the neutral rug with the dark border underneath the table. It's not heavy or overwhelming, and still defines the space. I also love the artwork that brings in all these other warm hues, and the white modern planters and stuff on the side table keeps it feeling fresh. ((big sigh))... so nice... The issue of Vogue Living Australia is the one in white with the gold foil that says "Celebrating 40 years"-

Kate Spade Desktop Wallpaper

I posted those downloadable bookcovers from the Kate Spade website last summer, and now they've added some downloadable desktop wallpaper for your computer! It's part of their continuing series of "Desktop" profiles. This time it's of Director of Kate Spade Visual Dispay , Ruth Parsons, desk. So pretty and calming to look at. I suppose you could easily make your own (since I know all you happy mundane readers have just as stylish and quirky vignettes in your own homes), but I guess maybe not everyone has this gorgeous horse sculpture... Anyways- check them out here.

Blue Munday: Aviva Stanoff pillows

I've been a big fan of Aviva Stanoff pillows ever since I first spotted them at a Gift Show a few years back. I was mesmerized by the exquisite detail and delicacy of each print. She's based out of Brooklyn and everything is done by hand. She uses this magically amazing process that somehow imprints/etches the shape and texture of the design onto the fabric. These pieces are not cheap- but they are gorgeous, sexy, luscious and totally worth the splurge. I also love her tagline "Deliberate Luxury"- And why not? We're worth it aren't we? Check out the line and get more info here. This stunning Seafan Pillow is available at Barneys.

blue munday: mundane aesthetic: rain drops

Raindrops on the morning paper.

frozen grand central

chewing gum

The image on this flyer is both kinda gross and kinda pretty at the same time. See it bigger here. (via Vice, via Urbn blog)
which reminds me of this song:

VAREN pot trellis and IKEA February 2007 catalog

I was just perusing through the new IKEA catalog which I posted up on AT:LA today, and I am obsessing over this VAREN Pot trellis. I've mentioned their Asker pots before and just love this image of the trellis in a room... I can't see it in my current home, but if I had a nice sun room or something, it could be amazing... I'm sure there are other potential uses for this trellis... any ideas? I'm also loving these graphic FIALENA prints. Love the numeric heart deal:and finally, I think I need this hanging clothes drying rack for my laundry room area. Which reminds me that I really need to do something in there... Anyway, check out the whole catalog online here. See anything you like?

TGIF: video break for kylie!

It's friday. OMG. its friday. finally. Time for some frivolous, light, happy, dancey, and unapologetically pop-y videos to get the weekend started. Kylie released two new videos at once this week! I love all the bright 80's colors! (watch them quick before they get taken down!)

In My Arms

Kylie Minogue - In My Arms (Clip Officiel)
Uploaded by Sebdk

Wow

Kylie Minogue WOW
Uploaded by Kyliefan2008