I already have a papasan, but... I so very much want this. I saw it in-store, and it's such the perfect size. Not too oversized (like the luxurious ones you see at boutique hotels) but rather just big enough to snuggle up in, and fit on (my) a patio (or even a decent balcony?). I could see it working both inside and outside... oh to dream of lazy summer days... (sigh) anyway, back to work!
For the longest time, I've been searching for Nasturtium to add to my garden. I don't know why it was so hard for me to find. They're pretty common out here, but for some reason, I just never came across them at the garden center. I finally found some over the weekend and planted some in a few new pots I picked up from my last IKEA trip. I love the circular leaves...
So, basically, throw in your ice, make some snow, 
add some fresh cut fruit (mangoes and kiwis were the fruit of choice this time)
and a little (or a lot, hehe) of condensed milk (key ingredient), and voila. Sweet instant icy cool down... 
I'd say it's healthy, with the snow, and fresh fruit, but the sweet condensed milk kinda kills that theory. (um.. but milk is good for you right? ;-)) anyway- this isn't the same as the rainbow color sno-cone syrup version (that seems to only be delicious when I'm in Hawaii), but rather, I guess this would be the Taiwanese version- just as tasty, and always hits the spot.
I'm so inspired by this image of designer Kevin Haley's home that was in the July 2008 British Elle Decoration. I love the aqua color of that light fixture and I'm also really drawn to the asian artwork that is in the alcove. It's kind of making re-think the use of some sort of decorative paper for my kitchen... perhaps as an accent for a backsplash... hm... I posted some more images over at AT:LA. (images from Elle Decoration UK)
There are a lot of docking stations out there on the market. I don't listen to my ipod everyday, so I don't really need one, but if I did, I think I would seriously consider this one from West Elm. I love how clean and minimal it is. Would make a great "landing strip". I also love that it's laquered. I don't really have much high-gloss in my home, but I can totally appreciate it.
I missed this week's blue munday, so I give you a blue Friday! It's been pretty hot here in So Cal, so my thoughts have been going to seaside escapes and visions of underwater fantasy. I'm a huge fan of the work of Dermond Peterson. There's just so much artistry that goes into their textile prints. I love all the subtleties from the block printing process. For example, this gorgeous "Ray" pillow (above) or the "Octopus" (below) are some of their recent pieces. 
The Octopus design also comes in a kitchen towel version ($25) Kind of goes along with my current Sea Life obsession. Anyway- although the price tag is on the higher end, each of these are hand made and screened and really should be considered as individual pieces of art. As their tagline says, they are "art you live with." See their entire collections here. You can purchase them here.
I am so fascinated by this rug spotted on a post on AT:NY- i LOVE the concept of the fluorescent and multi color strips juxtaposed with the ornate pattern. They apparently were melted onto the rug! By Studio Bertjan.
I spotted saw this fantastic embroidered illustration in the July 2008 issue of British Elle Decoration. It's by Takashi Iwasaki. Check out his website for the rest of his seriously amazing work.
As you might know, in addition to Happy Mundane, I also edit It's (k)not Wood with my friend Em. We're thrilled to be guest blogging over at Design*Sponge this week! Check us out here. (thanks Grace!)
How gorgeous is this cover? It's from the March/April 2008 issue, but I think it's so perfect for June! I love the mix of brights and neutrals. Interesting to note, the only thing pink in the room is the rug, but it makes such a big statement and really makes the entire place feel fresh doesn't it?
Interesting how just one thing can totally make a room. 
I also love the unexpected hits of olives, muted greys/greens/yellow/ochres and the various wood tones.
Here's something for kids, but maybe also the kid in us? I love this Lego-ish cutlery- would be great for a picnic wouldn't it? (and who doesn't love a happy face on their fork?) They're from Trebimbi, and come in several colors (obviously we love the blue ones...) (via Cookie Magazine)
So have you seen the latest collection at Target? It's called "Southern Influences". Back in January, I posted about how excited I was about the Global Bazaar starburst mirror, but then how disappointed I was when I actually saw it- Well this new Southern Influences collection has another attempt at an affordable Starburst mirror, and I'm happy to say they've redeemed themselves. This one is actually really nice and if I didn't already have a starburst type sculpture, I would totally consider getting this one. Here's a close up.
Anyway- I'm not really sure why it's called "Southern Influences", but I did like a few things in this group. In particular... 
They had a total Jonathan Adler-esque ceramic horse sculpture that is cute - although I'm not too keen on the cream color- but perhaps you could repaint it? It's not on the website, but it was $14.99. Have you seen this collection? Did you see anything you liked?
So remember the Tumi Ishi wooden blocks I posted about awhile back? While at this year's ICFF, in the Umbra booth, I spied these!! They were only prototypes, but they are going to be called "Pile-On" and should be launched in October 2008 as part of Umbra's U+ collection. These were designed by 
Over the weekend, I stopped by my local IKEA to see if they had that IKEA book (sadly, they did not... but I'm still looking...) I left with a little bowl of goodies. Some new napkins, and the best part, this SOMMAR chopping board that comes with a knife.
So handy for picnics and outdoor entertaining! Plus, it was on sale at my local IKEA (Costa Mesa) for only $2.99!!
This site is sooo awesome. Sam Javanrouh takes amazing images. Check out his site here. (image by Sam Javanrouh)
I mentioned this on AT:LA awhile back, but how awesome are these plates from Marco Cibola for Poketo?! I recently received two (Thanks Angie!) and they will definitely become new additions to the wall-o-art.
I love all the textures and details within the shapes. Definite "starting point" inspiration for a room...
Lookee here!- what is this super cool container you ask? Is it a new piece from Muji? Is it something from IKEA? Why no. It's actually the new container for Dentyne Ice Arctic Chill 60pc jars.
Total impulse buy while walking down the aisles at Target. I took off the wrapper and was pleasantly surprised to see the simple shape. 
It's a great size too- not too small, not too big. Love the smoked grey lid that has two openings, a small one and a large one. 
I'm thinking could be great to re-use afterwards in the bathroom or even in the kitchen... hm...
Whoo Hoo! It's time for Summer frozen treats! I've said before, I'm not master of the kitchen. However, I will full heartedly bust it out (if it appears easy enough), especially if it involves nummy-ness, like Oreos, Strawberries, and Whipped Topping... Over the weekend, I had the chance to try making the Strawberry Whipped Sensation that I was drooling over awhile back. 
OMG kids, its sooo good. But first, I must preface, I had to do a little... improvising. The recipe called for a 9x 5 inch loaf pan. Um... didn't have one. So while at the store I picked up two smaller loaf pans (the same kind/size that those Sarah Lee Pound cake ones come in.) And then the recipe called for 8 oreo cookie sandwiches. At the store, they only had the large pack, which just seemed waay too many Oreos... So I just picked up the smaller "snack pack" which had the mini-oreos. This was probably my downfall from perfection because I had to guesstimate how many mini-oreos make up one big Oreo?... I also cheated a little and bought a pack of frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones (I did buy one pack of fresh strawberries for garnish, but I figured the inside mixture ones would be mashed up anyways- plus they were cheaper). 
For the crust part, well, I think I put in too many little oreos because combined with the suggested 1 teaspoon of butter, didn't really hold up as well and was a little too crumbly. 
Long story short- I put it all together, divided it into two pans, and froze it all. Even though it was a little crumbly on the bottom, it was still delicious. 
It tasted like strawberry ice cream!- I think the combination of the CoolWhip and condensed milk does the trick. I finished off the first part, (on the blue plate)- the second half of it I put on a white plate, looks more like the picture dontcha think? That was gone pretty much as soon as I took it out of the freezer the next day.
(this is a shot of the second one the next day)
(shot of the second one like, 5 minutes later...)
Following up on the whole China Blue thing, I love this Koi print outdoor pillow from Pottery Barn. If I had enough room for a big ol' cabanna lounge- This would be right there...
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