Stick Lighter by Tsubota Pearl

Modern, minimal, and awesome. Stick lighter by Tsubota Pearl- Available here.

DIY phonebook desk organizer

very clever idea! see how here- (via Chrisjob at Curbly)

funny shower caps

These shower caps made me laugh this morning- they'd be a fun gift to leave in the bathroom if you are having overnight guests. My favorite is the shark and the cat. Available here.

Efterklang- Mirador

seeing hearts

Such a simple idea, such amazing results! From Color Me Katie- She put a little cut out heart over her lens! I totally want to try- more here. (via Freepeople blog)

TGIF video break: Happy Up Here

by Röyksopp

Pacific Whey 50% off pastries?!

Speaking of donut holes (see previous post below) I just read that one of my local favorite eateries, Pacific Whey Cafe is offering 50% off all of their yummy yummy pastries from 3:00pm till closing each day. OMG. what time is it?! step aside i'm coming through. (their espresso chocolate cookies are 2 die 4.) (via OC register)

CB2 in LA?!

I just saw on my CB2 catalog that they're opening a store in LA this spring! woo hoo! I had heard they were considering opening one in OC as well- hopefully that is still in the works- (I still have some money left on my gift card from my entry in the AT contest a few years back...) By the way- I'm totally loving these glazed ceramic rocks. They remind me of mini glazed donut holes...

D.2.S. part 1

As I mentioned previously, I'm working on staging a condo (ie. "Designed To Sell"). It's a really small one bedroom and is currently time warped circa 1985. It's got good bones, but in it's present state, not such a pretty sight. A few things have to stay- unfortunately part of it is the appliances, which happen to be a lovely shade of "almond." The appliances themselves are actually still in excellent condition, but the cabinets are a weird shade of wood that isn't dark or light enough to keep as is. The carpet definitely needs to be replaced. You can't really tell from the pictures but there's also popcorn ceiling that needs to be scraped off. Then there's the small weird detached bathroom vanity sink that has this awful fluorescent fixture that blocks the medicine cabinet from opening all the way. I also have to keep the couch and the bed (though I'm nixing the headboard). I'm getting rid of all the other pieces. (anyone in OC want a wood desk, white dresser, or dining set?)So, those are our "before" shots. What would you guys do? I know first up is removing the popcorn ceiling and re-painting. Stay tuned...

Blue Munday: floating flower candles

Relaxing image and simple decor idea! Metal tray available from here.

weekend update

Today was a little nerve-racking. Pepé generally sleeps with me in the bed, but this morning, I randomly woke up early and immediately noticed he was not there. I went into my living room and he was in his little bed there- but I then noticed a nice little pile of vomit next to it. Nice. Then I noticed by his water bowl- another pile, and a small poopy. Needless to say, I completely freaked out. A little while later, he threw up again, but this time it was more of the yellow/white frothy bile-esque looking. Apologies for those reading this during their lunch break. Anyway, long story short, the poor guy was wiped out the whole day. Very lethargic. Didn't want to do anything except sleep. I was really worried, but eventually, by the end of the day, he seemed to be feeling better. I don't know what happened. He probably ate something he wasn't supposed to. Kids, I tell ya. Here's Pepe, being an un-happy camper:This weekend I'm going to be working on a little decorating project that is somewhat bittersweet. A dear aunt of mine passed away during the most recent holidays and consequently, my family has been sorting out the aftermath (settling finances, clearing out her condo, etc...) Now it's come to the point where they'd like to sell her place. They asked me to help them with it because it's in dire need of some upgrading before they can sell it. Basically I have to "stage" it- which I've never actually done before. It requires me to decorate in a more generic way, so as to make the place appeal to a broader market. I'm going to have to put aside a lot of my own personal style, but it will be fun to do something (I wouldn't normally do. If any of you have experience with staging, any tips would be greatly appreciated!) Another challenge is that I have a very very limited budget and have to work with some existing pieces. But I'm excited to give it a go- I'll post up some of the before shots and keep you posted on the progress.

I hope you all are enjoying the weekend!

TGIF video break: Bubblicious

Bubblicious from Rex The Dog on Vimeo.

Treat Bowls by Camilla Hounsell Halvorsen

Here's a little "treat"- Camilla transforms old lampshade frames and uses cotton yarns to make beautiful bowls (she calls them "Treat". They can be made in many different colors and each is handmade. More info at her etsy shop. Be sure to check out her website to see her other work, like this "Drop" chair- Love the beautiful colors and all using recycled materials.

the naked binder

I remember when I was in elementary school- the folders and binders you got were such a big deal- but now in the grown-up world, not so much- I remember throwing a fit when my mom wouldn't get me a Trapper Keeper. (ok. totally just dated myself there.) Unfortunately, most of the binders you find today are vinyl, and pretty ugly. However, Ken over at The Naked Binder recently introduced me their line, and I must say, I'm in love. Their binders are strong, and eco-friendly- no more vinyl and no printing. They're made of 100% recycled board, 97% PCW, and is 100% recyclable. I love that they also offer the "architect" binder- which will fit 11x17 paper- perfect for larger presentations, print outs- and could be great for documenting projects or to organize clippings. Check out more info and see their entire line here.

Blue Munday: Adler whale salt & pepper shakers and more!

At the last NY Gift Show, Jonathan Adler showed some new fun whale salt and pepper shakers. I especially love the packaging they are in. Love the retro type styling, color blocking, and simple graphics! His booth was filled with lots of fun bright colors to look forward to, however, there were two monochromatic things that also caught my eye. First was this medieval dragon, and the other was this gorgeous "Brasilia" group. Love the minimal lines. Look for both the whale salt and pepper shakers and entire Brasilia group to hit stores in May '09.

mundane aesthetic: lonely cloud

TGIF video break #2: Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty for MAC

TGIF video break: Almost

Happy Valentines day! (almost)

Almost from Church and Steak on Vimeo.

Style Editor: Vanessa Colyer Tay

I've mentioned my love for Australian design magazine Inside Out many times here. One of the main reasons is their amazingly styled shoots, which are due in large part to their style editor, Vanessa Colyer Tay. In a crazy twist of fate, (and one of the best things about doing this blog,) it turns out that Vanessa is a fellow HappyMundane-r! You can imagine my star-struck-ness when I got the email that she reads this little blog. So, I of course had to ask if I could interview her- I'm sure many of you are as curious as I am as to what being a "Style Editor" entails- So... here she is to answer my 10 questions...

How long have you been a stylist/style editor?
This is my 5th year of styling

What kind of responsibilities does a style editor have?
A style editor tracks down the latest and greatest and shows the world. I develop and build interior sets, style homes for photography and do the countless hours of legwork (sourcing, research, schemes and palettes) that can help you in your decorating endeavoursHow did you get into this field? What is your background?
My interiors addiction grew whilst studying Interior decoration for 2 years full time (before that I did hairdressing, advertising, and nomadic explorations). I assisted stylists whilst studying who shared with me their joy of styling and magazines, this world is very addictive, once you have a taste you need some more, bigger stories, more challenging shoots, a stylist is always on the hunt for practical excitement and visual perfection .

What inspires you? Where do you go to find inspiration?
Everything! From blogs like Happy Mundane to the latest releases in Milan. The young and old who embrace creative expression whether it is through art, design or clothing. Nature, film, theater, exhibitions, stylists, architects, music, birdsong, artists, simple pleasures, international magazines like Elle Décor Italia, clever people, those who strive to create amazing things from art to furniture, especially the ones who do it for the love and not the money. It’s the passion in the air which I find inspiring. There’s beauty everywhere, sometimes it’s screaming at you, and at other times it needs a little step back to appreciate.

Do you have a process in which you go about styling? or do you approach each project different?
Each project is a little different, however I have a core process for each.
Step 1. Develop concept and stick to it
Step 2. Research product availability
Step 3. Create storyboards and preliminary presentations
Step 4. Sourcing
Step 5. Conduct photoshoot and tidy up the aftermath
Step 6. Reap the rewards of a successful shoot
What do you love most about being a style editor, what do you hate about it?
"Hate" is a strong word, so let’s call it ‘less fond of’ …. The general hard yakka, a large shoot feels like you're moving house. Back pain and pulled muscles become your friend, but then so does yoga (to compensate for the stress). The constant fast pace of the roll results in a mini nervous breakdown every 8 weeks

Love…. constantly creating, that means there is constant reward. It’s unlike a decorating or interior design where projects can take months/years. We get to see the finished result much sooner. I have around 16 ‘reward weeks’ a year, that’s a week of feeling completely fulfilled and satisfied with work …. that I get paid for! Even better.

Do you find your own personal tastes different from what you do professionally?
I have varied and adaptable taste, there’s a little love in every story I create, however I style in so many different aesthetics they don’t all make it into my home. Sometimes due to cash, and sometimes because there not quite me right now. There’s also things I love that wouldn’t make the cut at work.

Is your home reflective of your work, or would people be surprised at how your own home is decorated?
A little of both, I’m sure there’s snippets of my work style at home, however it’s a work in progress. Young couple, first home, cat, bird, regular salaries, you get the picture ……. In 5- 8 years it will be the home dreams are made of, fingers crossed!

What do you see going forward into 2009 that you find yourself drawn to right now? (ie. trends, colors, directions, etc...)
Back to basics, raw materials, pieces staying pure and true to what they are. Items that are good value because they are created from cheap but beautiful materials, staying away from pieces that are hoo haa’d up to look more expensive.

Do you have any tips you could share?
Know what overall mood, concept you are aiming for and stick to it. Most of us have varied tastes, the key is to build a solid base around a core theme, once in place then you can build and add to it with eccentricities you pick up throughout life.

Mix investment pieces with cheapies from department and bargain stores, there’s real joy in finding the one gem in amongst an ocean of less desirables. To do this, picture the piece sitting on its own, or in your space, or at least out of a messy store which may be swaying your perception.

Unify miss matched items, bring them together on a large sideboard and create a collection, bring mismatched furniture together on a large luscious rug. Doing this gives mismatched pieces a purpose and somewhere to live.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this interview. Vanessa included some of her favorite recent works and gave us some commentary for each shot-
(All images provided by Vanessa Colyer Tay)

DIY water garden

I totally want to make one of these. (via AT:SF ideas via DIY ideas)

wooden blocks rattle set

happy hump day! these made me smile- wooden blocks rattle set from MOMA's "Destination Seoul" collection. (via Ohjoy)

p.s. update part 2: The Ace Hotel Palm Springs

So another hotel that is actually scheduled to open this week, is the new Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs. I've been a fan of the other two Ace Hotels (although haven't been able to see the Portland one in person yet). The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs takes over where the old Howard Johnsons used to be. It's a little further down, closer to where Caliente Tropics is located, but before The Parker. It's a huge lot of land as well, so I was very curious as to how they would tackle it. From the outside, looks like they retained a lot of the mid century mod architecture- however- Inside is a whole other story. I wasn't able to go into an actual room as there was still a ton of construction going on. However, I was able to get some pics from them and I was really pleasantly surprised at their direction.They describe the look as a more luxurious but minimal "bohemiam/camping" vibe. There's a nice mixture of vintage and custom elements with modern conveniences all blended together. I think it's totally refreshing from what could have easily become something more kitschy 50's/60's that could be expected for Palm Springs. According to their press release "The rooms are designed to embrace indoor-outdoor living with cloaked, tent-like walls and a concrete floor... Materials used in the rooms include bleached canvas, wormy butternut wood, denim, and hemp..." LA based design team Commune was hired to do the interiors.
I'm really curious to see the rest of it and how the whole thing comes together. It will be on my list of must sees the next time I'm out there, fo sho. So far I'm liking what I'm seeing- Room rates go from $89 to $999. More info here. (photos courtesy of Ace Hotel)

p.s. update part 1: The Riviera

So, what's a guy to do when it's cold and rainy in "sunny" Palm Springs? Zip up the jacket, and go drive around and check out what's new in town of course! Since the last time I was in P.S. (back in November?) there have a been quite a few developments. First off is the newly re-opened Riviera hotel. The Riviera Resort and Spa has been around since 1959. It got a major renovation last year and now is ready for action. The style inside is very modern, with more of an emphasis on "Hollywood Glamour". Overall, there's just A LOT going on inside. I couldn't really see a cohesive design aesthetic that tied everything together. If you looked at each area individually, they were very well done, and had some nice design moments. But put them all together it just started to look a little random. I normally try to keep things happy here, but honestly, it just felt like a bunch of current boutique hotel design trends all mashed into one. You had Kelly Wearstler Maison140/ Viceroy/Mondrian-esque in the front, but then it turns a little Hard Rock meets The Palms in the middle lobby area, and then a little W hotel-esque outside . In the main lobby entrance, it's all red, black, white- but then outside is orange, chocolate brown, lime, and then when you go inside the rooms area, it's kelly green?
I did particularly like how they painted the ceilings on the balcony an accent color, and I also loved these fun little rattan pod chairs.

I'm sure it's a good hotel overall, but just speaking aesthetically, it was kinda all over the place. Looks like they cater best to large conventions, parties, or seminars. (There apparently was some sort of cheerleading competition/convention going on this past weekend- packs of teenage girls with their "hip moms" all trying to be "cool" in their matching tracksuits and carrying their pillows, everywhere. I was scared.) The grounds were pretty huge, and I peeked into one of the big convention halls and it looked fully equipped. Personally, not my first choice to stay- but the restaurant looked like it could be fun for drinks- Check out more info here. Have any of you stayed there yet? Would love to know how the rooms were.

Stay tuned to Part two...