whoa- kind of random- but hey- not complainin'! Domo is now at your local 7-Eleven! I stopped by the one near me and picked up a coffee cup and Slurpee- 
but there's also really fun straws 
and check out the hot dog packaging! 
(via eat me daily)
The machine itself is a little larger than I expected- but it's not HUGE- about the same size as a normal coffee machine. For some reason though, I thought it would be smaller- but overall, I really liked the design. 
(It kind of reminds me of a little bird!) Anyway- I started with a Mocha (my favorite). You fill the back part with water, and turn the machine on. In less than a minute- the power light flashes from red to green, indicating that the water is hot and ready to go. The speed was pretty impressive. You then put in the capsule. For a Mocha- there are two capsules needed. One for the espresso part, and the other, I assume for the milk part- They were colored accordingly.
There is a little chart/diagram on the box to indicate the suggested proportion of how much you put in, but you can control the proportion (ie. if you like a stronger drink, you can put more -or less- as you like.) This is all controlled by how long you leave the lever thing on. 
You just slide the lever/knob thing to the red circle (there are three positions for the lever. One is Red, for hot drinks, then in the middle is the off position, then there's a blue one for cold drinks)- and then the water goes, passes through the capsules, and the drink starts pouring out. After that- voila! instant Mocha- complete with frothy top! 
It was actually really easy and the taste was yummy and authentic- just like one from the coffee shop. There was a sample set of flavors that came with the box (see here for the list of flavors) and over the next couple days, I tried the other ones, all of which were pretty good. The only one that I didn't really care for was one called "Choco-chino." Personally, it tasted to me like one of those powdered hot chocolates. eh. Overall, it's really quite convenient. The boxes of capsules go for about $8.49, and you get 16 capsules in a box- however, depending on what kind of drink/flavor you get, that 16 can equal 16 cups or 8 cups (if you get a Mocha, it takes two capsules to make one, but a Cafe Americano only takes one capsule)- still, that comes out to be much cheaper than a normal cup from a coffee store chain. So all in all- really impressed with the speed, ease, and taste!
Then somewhere in the 90's? it changed to the blue logo with the swirly/curly thing- which was like... ok.. whatever. But now it's changed again- and oddly, it's very similar to the old one- but they turned it sideways? 
I guess I like it better than the curly/swirly version- and I like the clean sans serif font- but- why not just go back to the original then? Anyway- read more about it here at the Brand New blog.
Interesting... Flipping through the October 2009 Metropolitan Home and came across this idea. Designer Vincente Wolf used an easle to place a flat screen in this Park Avenue home. Apparently this is one of his trademark design tricks. I'm not sure how I feel about it... but I think I kinda like it! In this example, I'm also drawn to the fact that the easle is also painted a nice glossy black. Check out the rest of the house tour here. Would any of you consider doing this?
ok seriously. stop the insanity. These turntables are tooooo much awesome-ness for me to take in this munday morning!
Custom made by Joel Scilley. Genius. More pics and info here. (via MetHome)
Ok, total plug here from a stage Dad, (I've already told you that I've become one of "those" people!) Pepé is vying to be the "Dog face of 2009" from our local OC newspaper. Vote for him here! NOTE: You have to register to vote, but it's pretty fast and easy-
But what to do this year? Last year, I saved this amazing tear from the October 2008 issue of Martha Stewart Living (photo by Sang An) and I'm sooo inspired by it.
I can't get this image of gradating pumpkins out of my head. Hm... ideas... Have any of you started decorating for Fall? Actually, do you even decorate for Fall? Would love to hear from you!- leave a comment below!
See, if you didn't already know, marshmallows need to be a pantry staple. Apparently they can also help keep your brown sugar from turning into the unbreakable brick that always happens! (via Oct. 09 Real Simple) Have any of you done this? Does it work?
sequence from Julianna Goodman on Vimeo. (Music: "The five step" mashup - by Overdub (dave brubeck vs radiohead)
So the other weekend, while in Palm Springs, I stopped by the Cost Plus World Market there. Always love to peruse their food section, and came across this Dark Chocolate Spread. It was right next to the Nutella. Ok, I love me some Nutella, don't get me wrong- but this Dark Chocolate Spread is pretty amazing. . I seriously have been putting it on EVERYTHING ever since. so. so. good. If you have a Cost Plus World Market nearby- I highly suggest picking up a jar. or two. or six. (BTW, It also comes in a cappuccino/chocolate version.) Danger.
OMG. i can't decide which one of these is cooler?! The new "Spacetime" collection from Poketo is just too darn sweet. It was co-curated by Kitsune Noir. Awesomeness-defined. I think I may veer toward the Cody Hudson one, but I guess I don't really have to choose, since they all come in one pack! Question is, where to put.. where to put... hm....
Inspiring housetour over at AT:LA of artist Rene Norman's Austin home. I wish I could keep my place that clean- great use of colors and interesting simple details- 
the whole place feels light, bright, and happy. Love the door!
but most impressive is her own artwork! I think it totally makes each space. Check more here and Rene's pieces at her site. 
(images by Adrienne Breaux for AT, and Rene Norman)
Spotted this in a recent Italian issue of Marie Claire Maison. Totally drawn to the bookcase, and the little vignette of the stacked wood panels with the white sculpture/rock? thing on top. 
Love how the wood panels are all different shades. A simple and modern way to highlight a special object! (image via Marie Claire Maison)
Last year, I mentioned this image I saw that had black matte metal candle holders with gold lining on a stairwell- (I made my own DIY interpretation over the holidays here)- well, I was just in Crate and Barrel and looks like they have their own version- They are sooo lovely- the black/gold is also perfect for Fall- but would also be timelessly chic year round.
Beautiful line of scrubbers from Full Circle Home. The best part, they're sustainable too! The handles are made of bamboo, and the "plastic part" is made of "Bonterra", which is derived from cellulose and starch in plants so it can be broken down. 
Also, they're designed so that the bristles can stay off the counter so they'll dry faster, lessening the time for bacteria to get in. See the whole line and get more info here. Love the "Suds Up" dish brush and sponge- the aqua with the bamboo and yellow is gorgeous.
I saw this post on ATLA on the Art Palace Gallery in Austinand was immediately drawn to the work of Erin Curtis. LOVE the color blocking combined with her interpretations of modern architecture. 
Totally speaks to me. Check out more of her work here.
If any of you are looking for a fab family event this weekend, artist Karen Kimmel is hosting another fun workshop at the Crewcuts store (J.Crew's kids brand) in Mailbu. This Sunday, September 20th from 11am-2pm- You'll also get an exclusive 15% discount on all crewcuts and J.Crew purchases made during the event. Karen will be launching her new stencil sets, coloring book and tote bags. It should be a great afternoon of art, treats and shopping! Space is limited, so first come, first serve- RSVP and info to neweditions@thepattongroupinc.com or call 800.514.3791 ext. 3
Happy friday folks- I'm taking a (much needed) quick trip to Palm Springs- Even though "summer" is over according to calendar, the desert apparently didn't get that memo- Instead of being at a hotel, I'm actually renting a house this time, which is a new and exciting experience- I'll try to post a fun thing or two over the weekend, but in the meantime- Pepé hopes you have good one!
I'm all for mixing it up! This "Multi Candle Pin", by Sebastian Bergne for Eno, encourages you to take any type of candle and mix them together- I'm thinking this could be fun DIY inspiration too- 
Love the look of the thin matte black pins with the tonal shades of the candles. Get it here.
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