numbra

The always good folks at Umbra have released a few fun previews to new items coming soon. My favorite is the "numbra"- which is a customizeable wall-mount house number piece. You just push the adjustable tabs to make any number (or letter?) you want out of the 27 dots. and it comes in black or brushed metal. Umbra just mailed out their latest U+ catalog- which is their more "progressive" funkier design category- can't wait to see what they come up with next! I'll keep you posted....

mundane aesthetic: shadows

Back 2 School part 1

Even though summer has started and school just got out for most of the world- Mass markets are already starting to stock the shelves with Back to School Items... naturally. But this is the time I get most excited about, since most mass market retailers let loose a little and bring in more modern and dare I say, "hip" designs. I guess because most of it is geared to kids starting college who want to be all kool 4 skool. But for those of us that fall into the- school days have long been over- these B2S selections offer us readily available and affordable modern home options. Granted- you have to weed through the mostly cutesy designs. But there are some amazing gems that if placed in the right environment, can blend right in and look completely sophisticated and downright fabulous! First up is the love-'em-or-hate-'em Walmart. I've posted about Walmart finds before, but last night I spied this great bedspread set with a groovy retro 70's geo print. (Shh... don't tell, but I happen to have the Fall 06 Press preview for West Elm. Inside, there is a duvet cover that looks extremely similar- but obviously Walmart's is half the price! When the Fall product for West Elm comes out- starting in July- you'll see what I'm talking about) There's also this striking tulip table lamp (The lamp is available online only. It also comes in a floor lamp model too) They also had other great items like a cool snowboard silohuette print, but I wasn't able to get a pic of that- I'll try again later- and this intersting floral silohuette print. Put all together, I'm not totally loving the colorway, but the graphic is nice, and I think if you used only bits and pieces of it, could be great. I realize there are many people that will never shop at Walmart for various reasons, and I completely respect that. I'm just looking at what's out there around me in suburbia, and excited that for probably the most "mass" store out, better design steps are being taken. Next up, will be the more expectedly coolness, Target. I'm posting some of it on IKW soon, which if that gives you any clue, means I'm very excited... stay tuned...

leafy view

Right now, when you look out my living room window (its on the top floor) this is what you see:My tree in my patio is strangely blooming these pretty yellow flowers. It's kinda nice to look outside and see all the nice green leaves. If you don't happen to have a nice tree outside your window, you can still enjoy a similar feeling. I found this great window blind by Ella Doran in a magazine, and thought it'd be great for a kitchen or bathroom (or even a living room?). They've been around for awhile, but this was the first time I'd seen this print. She also has other great floral/fauna type imagery for blinds. Definitely lets you bring the outdoors in. (well, not totally in, since it stops at the window.... but, you get the idea...)

birds in the sky

So I mentioned how a few weeks ago, I went to Vegas, and how it turned into a complete crap-tastic time. Well.. it wasn't all that bad. The buffets were good, and I was with good company. It just sucks getting sick when you're supposed to be on "vacation." Anyways, I ended up staying at The West Wing. No, not at the White House a la the tv show, but the more "hipper" side of the MGM grand Hotel. Their version of a boutique hotel. Despite the 20 mile hike to get to the actual room, it was actually quite nice. The bathroom was cool (i posted about this on AT, except for the door to the toilet, which was frosted glass. Which looked beautiful, but reality wise, I prefer my toilet doors solid and opaque. (Sorry, probably T.M.I. but, I'm just sayin'... ) Anyways- the West Wing has its own lobby/bar area, that is all cross-between-W-Hotel-and Maison 140. But what I really loved was this installation sculpture thingy- It was simple pieces of curved wood, in a flock, like birds. I've been thinking about maybe doing some sort of mobile type thing for above my stairwell, and something like that would be lovely. I recently came across a company that makes something quite similar, and maybe they were even the same ones that did the ones at West Wing? The company is Adrift Mobiles. And I love their pieces. They come in several wood finishes. So simple, minimal, and elegant. They'd look great in any corner or by a window... don't you think?

konnyaku?

So it was gross hot/humid this weekend. Still kinda is here in so-cali. Over the weekend is my usual "catch-up" (as opposed to ketchup, har har...) time. Usually making my 'rounds... running errands, and stocking up on the week's supplies/food, etc... Was at the japanese grocery store and saw these yummy looking jelly things. They were in all colors and fruit comibinations, etc... my favorite ones are the ones that are similar to the famous chinese restuarant staple, almond jello with fruit cocktail. Anyhoo- I spotted this one kind that came prepacked in snack size cups, and it was the prettiest purple/pink combo. I just assumed it was grape or strawberry, etc... but when I got home, I read the label and it said "Yam jelly"- Yam jelly? Now I like yams, and I like jelly- but never thought of the two together, let alone in a jello-like combo. I guess the color makes sense, since, Taro is purple-ish... anyways- I was kind of scared to try, but curious at the same time. I let it chill for awhile, and finally bust it out- And it was YUMMY! weird- because you could taste the startchy yam-ness of it- but it was sweet and cooling and refreshing! I did a little googling, and found it's also not super bad for you either. Although I'm not sure this is exactly the same thing I had- I'll have to look at the label again more closely. While googling, I came across some interesting info about a ban on jellycups, that contain Konjac, because it can cause choking. The cup I bought was larger, and had to be eaten with a spoon, so... I don't know if its the same as the ones that are banned (i've had those, and those are yummy too) anyways, more info on konnyaku here. If any of you (especially any japanese folks?) know what I'm talking about- please share your insights!

Blue Monday: Presents!

I just realized that I completely forgot about last week's "blue monday" post. oops. Well, I also forgot to mention that last week, actually it was two weeks ago, I received this incredibly wonderful package from fellow blog friend Lisa, over at birdinthehand. She sent me some of her postcards from her coolness show (that is still going on through the end of the month - all you S.F. peeps should go!). Plus I got some neat pins, and one of her much coveted limited edition cards! I coincidently received all of this on my birthday, which was even better- Oy, all these things I've forgotten. I'm definitely getting old. (sigh) (thanks Lisa!!!)

It's a stamp world!

So, continuing my stamp post from yesterday, I bring to you this fantastic japanese book called "It's a stamp world!" This gem is so chock full of amazing graphics it's a little overwhelming. You could spend days with a magnifying glass just exploring all the detailed masterpieces. Unfortunately I can't read japanese, so I'm not sure exactly what is going on, but there is just page after page of what looks like people's collections of stamps. I'm not sure if they are all vintage, or just from different countries, but they are all incredible. The book is published by the great Petit Grand publishing (who always have the bestest books ever), and it's apparently available on their website- the link is here. I actually purchased the book during my last trip to Chicago, and Em spotted it and we both turned into dumb graphic design geeks and grabbed them and went straight to the cash register. They were at the Chicago Museum of Art bookstore...don't know if they're any left, but worth a shot? If you have a japanese bookstore nearby, the ISBN number is ISBN4-939102-74-2. (UPDATE!: Youworkforthem has it!! hurry before they sell out- link is here)

Ok- and now for something completely new and super hi-tech for me. I am trying out this video youtube thing, and filmed myself flipping through the book. It's a little (ok- totally) blurry, but you can see just how colorful and jam packed the little book is: have patience as it loads...lemme know what you think! (UPDATE: i'll try to reshoot the video this weekend- i know it sucks and its dark and fuzzy, but it was dark this morning and it was my first try...)

Stamps.com

Remember mail? like normal "snail" mail? When people used to send you letters in envelopes? I guess the only real time I get mail is bills (boo...) or invitations (yay?) to ANOTHER wedding (er...) and christmas cards (yay!)- But recently got this piece of mail and it was pointed out to me that the image on the stamp was the image of the kids that were on the card- (it was an announcement card)- NOBODY told me you could do custom stamps!? I quickly got online to stamps.com and found out- yes! you can create your own customized stamps! This is perfect for personalizing your mail, or for events, or if you have a business, etc.... If you have a Mac, it's even easier, since they have a free downloadable program that will link up to your iphoto and you just click and it drops it into the template and voila! instant preview of your new custom postage stamp. They offer several postage amounts too besides the standard 39¢ variety to accomodate different weights, etc...-I mocked up a quick custom stamp (with woodgrain of course) that matches my company's business cards, and sent it in. Looks like in about a week I'll get my first set!
this is what my preview looked like... I'll keep you posted on how it turns out!!

UPDATE: ok, so I told me friend Em, and she told me this is old news, and that people do it for weddings a lot. But .. NOBODY TOLD ME!! :-P

Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista

Fashion brand Byblos, opened a fashion/art hotel last year called Villa Amista. I remember reading about it in WWD, but never really heard too much about it since. Well, just saw some pics and wow- can someone please send me to Verona, Italy please? I'm sure its way beyond any sort of affordability, but love the colors they have going on. Great mixing of baroque and modernity. Also love the pattern clashing. It's very difficult to get that right, and they've done an amazing job. the prints totally don't go.. but yet they do... brilliantly! Anyone ever been? Anyone going this summer? can I fit in your suitcase?

Photocraft

Recently, I was lucky to receive a copy of fellow Happy Mundane reader, Laura Lovett's new book Photocraft: Cool things to do with the pictures you love. Laura, along with Caroline Herter and Laurie Frankel, have put together a great collection of ideas for anyone that loves to take or collect photographs. Since digital cameras are pretty much a standard now, taking photos has become easier than ever, and its such a joy to be able to document your life's experiences. But most of time, these images end up in a box or in a dusty album, only to come out every blue moon. Well inside Photocraft, the team have come up with tons of fun and interesting projects that transform your images into pieces that can actually integrate into your daily life. Make them into quilts, scarves, folding screens, jewelry, and so much more. The book gives a great easy to understand introduction to digital photography, explaining the importance of pixels and "DPI". It also walks you through simple photo editing techniques, and has step by step instructions for every project (with pictures to illustrate!) My favorite projects include the Blueprint idea, where you use your photos to create "cyanotypes"- which are also known as "sun prints"- where the images turn blue after its exposed to the sun. I also love what they did for a folding screen, but there's tons more ideas inside. This would be a great gift to anyone that enjoys crafting, scrapbooking, or just taking vacation photos or family photos. Thanks again to Laura for sharing it with me! Get your copy below:

target's hot stationery

Strolling down the aisles for the weekly Target run, I of course was halted by the bright endcap display of the new Isaac Mizrahi stationery items. Everything is trademark hot pink and neon orange, but of course Isaac matches them with the perfect amount on toned down neutrals in wood and raw linen. Love the acrylic neon pen holder and "in/out" boxes/trays- The fun wood pushpins that are inside a pink tin (you'll remember the wood pushpins I posted back in March)- Also love the notebooks that are covered in the linen fabric, but has the pop of color on the sides, and finally my favorite is the neon orange trashcan. Oh Isaac, first the pillow, now this stationery- you gone done it again....

Split Design

It's Friday! YAY! This week has been way too long, and I'm so happy its ending today. Anyways- I love these simply designed cups from SplitDesign. They kind of remind me of the ones that Kate Spade has for her new kids line, but I love the animal choices here- my favs are the hippo and the squirrel. Get these here. Split Design also has some cool coasters also available:
images from Splitdesign/cafepress

cloth peg iconography

Look what a lovely happy mundane find Designboom found- It's a great exhibition happening in Isreal that is all about Clothes Pegs (or clothes pins, as we say here in the States.). Yoav Ziv and Gad Charny have collected over 300 pegs, old and new, from all over the world. It's such a basic yet useful item that can be used for so many purposes. It crosses cultural boundries since it's such a simple concept, and yet has so many variations. The exhibition is curated by Yaacov Kaufman and is on display June 16th, 23rd, and 30th at Kaufman's studio in Jaffa, Isrea. Designboom has a great article that goes into a deeper discusion on our helpful friend. read more here.
images from Designboom

Sears: Simply Indoors

When Sears launched their Ty Pennington Style home collection last year, I was really curious to see what new changes this would bring to Sears. Previously, Sears had tried their "come see the softer side..." campaign, which, frankly, didn't do much to impress me. But I think with the success of Target's home collection, as well as Martha's collection at Kmart, the other mass retailers are quickly learning that by updating their home departments, they can jumpstart a brand revamp. When I first saw the Ty Pennington collection, the bedding collection stood out to me the most. I especially loved this "firebird" pillow, as well as this "bali hi" set (both on sale/clearance now). (although it kind of annoyed me that you had to buy the whole "set"- with the exception of throw pillows, they didn't sell the bed stuff individually.) Anyways... I could go on about individual things that are suprisingly really good about the initial TPS collection, but what this post is really about is what is happening now. I recently stopped by Sears and noticed they had these signs everywhere, touting "Simply Indoors"- as the new name of their home department. So of course I had to take a looksee. I found some really interesting things. Great bedding assortments, dinnerware sets, tchotchkes... but the biggest news is that they're doing furniture pieces. And some aren't half bad- the models in the store were not all ding'd up and on the verge of falling apart, (as they are when you go to Target.) They are offering a few "collections", that follow the Target way of grouping, ie. "trend" "timeless" "tailored"... (much like Target's "global home" "classic home" "Modern home", etc..) then they have three "designer" brands - Ty Pennington, Luxe, and Grace-Overall, each collection is presented in a really easy to follow, yet contemporary way- with something for every taste/style. Sears isn't going waay fabulous trendy- but they definitely are now "on trend", particularily for the more modern aesthetics. They had some great pieces that were reasonably priced and with items that are current. I'm just glad that for those that don't always have easy access to hip boutiques (ie. us suburbanites), we now have another option available... check it out if you get a chance. The online site gives a good representation- I think you'll be as surprised as I was... (and probably will walk away with a few things too!)

Sagaform

Sagaform is a well known European based company that puts out some amazing housewares and gifts. I recently came across their website and was immediately drooling over some of their products. Check out this super cool Herb Pot- or this glass/wood bowl and this camouflage apron ...
and this beautiful oil/vinegar set, or this collection of melamine dishes, flask, and glass bowl with printed melamine lid...Stylish, clean, minimal and modern, their products range from kitchen utensils to textiles, and even office supplies. There are too many to list- I have an e-mail into their US distributor to find out more info on what stores here carry their stuff, so I'll update once I hear back...- but you can peruse the many goodies at their website.

Blue Monday: Bad weekend and Vogue Living (Au)

Ok, so it's monday and what a blue one it is. I'm just gonna say it. My weekend kinda sucked. I left for what was supposed to be a fun quick Las Vegas jaunt Thursday, but the trip was kind of cursed to begin with. Before I left, I received this frustrating and annoying e-mail from a client. Basically, work drama. I hate leaving on vacation with the feeling of impending doom when I return. Unfortunately, the e-mail required me to make a much dreaded phone call the following day, so all of thursday was spent driving and travelling, on long boring roads... with nothing to do except mull/relive/rethink/rehash/ the morning's dampering e-mail. Sadly, for the rest of the trip, a dark cloud followed me. It was hard to let work matters go mentally, and to make matters worse, I caught a cold thursday night. So... Friday, I battled the sniffles, and by the time I got home on Saturday, I was in full blown congestion/runny nose. (sigh).. and I didn't win any money either. (sigh)

On a brighter note. When I got home, I was thrilled and awed at all the responses I got from my last post. I'm so amazed at the variety of locations that you all are viewing this humble blog from. Thank you so much for the kind words and its so comforting to know there are so many other people out there that share an appreciation for a happy mundane life! (by the way, please continue to tell me where you're at! represent!)So for today's Blue monday post, I wanted to post these images from March/April's Australian Vogue Living. I realize it may be old news for those who live outside the US, but since International issues of magazines are slower to arrive, March/April 2006 is still new to us american readers (and still on newstands)- I love love love the scandinavian pottery pieces on the cover and corresponding editorial spread. So simple and modern, yet homey and chic. I would never have thought that navy blues and black would go together but I love it here and now am obsessed to do something with it. What do you think?