great video of the UK pop-up shop for Kate Spade, directed by Kinga burza (via)

Kind of gross and yet completely amazing and inspiring. Ben Wilson is a chap from London who painted designs on random pieces of discarded chewing gum that was on the sidewalks. I first read about this via the Wanderlust Gallery blog, and after doing a little more digging, found that he garnered quite a bit of press in England for it.

I guess he was most prolific around 2005-2009, and I can’t seem to find any current info, so he might not even be doing it any more? (anyone know?) Regardless, it’s a great story and reminder that inspiration really can be found anywhere. Something that most would consider “ugly” can become beautiful, which is quite “happy mundane” isn’t it? See more of his art here (which has more links). Also, check out this post at Kuriositas that is more indepth and has a ton more pics. via Wanderlust and Kuriositas, images via flickr users hairyegg and judepics

Wow. This is the last weekend of January! 2011 is in full effect! The weather has been pretty great here in So Cal, so I feel for you that are stuck in the crazy snowpocalypse that’s happening in the East. (it’s clear sunny skies right now and we’re expecting a high of 72 this afternoon… not to rub it in… hehe) The shot above is another one I took recently on my way home from the office. The sunsets have been beautiful! Anyway, onto some linkage…

• these photos by One Love Photo are making me ache to return to da islands. (via hape hale)

• I just discovered Club Monaco’s “Culture Club” tumblr/pinterest type blog thing. Really interesting stuff and lots of random but cool images. Check it out here.

• simply gorgeous splashes of paint in fresh spring colors over at Kristina Klarin’s blog

• I did a giveaway last fall with Polli, and they just let me know that they’re having a HUGE sale right now. Great jewelry and accessories! They’re based out of Australia, but they ship overseas for a flat $5 US rate, and during the sale, you get an extra 10% off for international orders (since international orders are exempt from Australian taxes). Check it out here.

• these “forest spoon” stirrers designed by Nendo are adorable! (via Dezeen)

Hope you all have a great weekend!

woo hoo! It’s friday!

Yes! New Sanna Annukka pieces! LOVE LOVE the wooden “Aurinko” tea light holders. The sun motif is perfect for us here in So Cal (ok, actually really perfect for ME! hehe), and the “Mummola” print feels so homey and nostalgic. Check them out here. (all images via Sanna Annukka)

Love this simple, quiet, vignette of cherished modern pieces. From the Dutch townhouse of interior designer/stylist Reineke Joustra, as featured in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of Vogue Living Australia. photos by Paul Barbera, produced by Frank Visser

The February 2011 issue of Better Homes and Gardens has some fun ideas for adding some greenery to your windows. How cheery is this sunny display of flowering succulents!? BHG suggests placing them on clear shelving that spans the window.

But my favorite is this idea of having your own mini aquatic garden using a “water lettuce (pisia). The rectangular vase gives it such a modern look and the exposed roots remind me of a jellyfish! Love the little blue accent rocks too. (photos by Pete Krumhardt)

Every kitchen should sparkle… with diamonds! from Materialistic. (via)

I think I’m ready for bold graphic stripes and punches of color! Is it Spring yet?

(via)

As I mentioned on Friday, The Ackerman exhibit has its opening reception this coming Saturday (Jan 29th, 2011) at the Craft and Folk Museum. Noah Clark, Steven Zimbelman, and Laura Ackerman Shaw (the Ackerman’s daughter) created this awesome video of Evelyn and Jerry. They are the cutest couple ever and I could seriously listen to Jerry tell his stories all day. I believe this was taken from their exhibit when it was at the Mingei. Just watch and see how amazing their work is and how adorable (and still so in love) this couple is. So. Inspiring.

Picked up this book at a thrift store recently, just because the cover was so cool. Loved the bright color blocking with the black and white images of animals. But the best part? The back side photo of the author… (after the jump) Read the rest of this entry »

I’m a little disturbed having come to the realization that we are already over halfway through January. Where is the time going?! If you’re in LA next weekend, I highly recommend checking out the Ackerman exhibit that’s opening at the Craft and Folk Museum. Back in ’09, it was at the Mingei in SD and through a random set of events, I had the fortune and honor of meeting and actually working with the Ackermans on their website. The top images above are some actual sketches/specs and thread samples that Evelyn Ackerman had in their studio of some old pieces. The bottom is a pair of candle sticks that were a gift that Jerry made just for me! (OMG you can not believe I thrilled I was about that! ) They are living legends and next Saturday also happens to be Jerry Ackerman’s 91st birthday!! Definitely try to go. You will not regret it. All the info is here.

Anyway, on to the linkage:

• such a great house tour of “Shay and Jeff’s book lovers’ Dallas Home” – mid century mod, a wall of books, and a mushroom ottoman! yes please! (via AT)

• a knit shark water bottle cozy! too much awesomeness. check out more of handamade’s pieces on etsy. (via pinterest- have i mentioned how addicted I am to pinterest? – don’t answer that- you follow my pins here.)

• Continuing with the sea creature theme: a light blue whale tissue holder! (via whorange via making it lovely)

• extremely excited and want all of the Steven Allan/Nike collaboration. View a video and more info here. (via coolhunting)

• michele brought to my attention the incredible and inspiring work of Lucie Rie. (via elephant ceramics)

I’ll be down in San Diego this weekend and looking forward to some fun in the sun! I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

So… I picked up the latest copy of DIY ideas magazine over the weekend, and was immediately drawn to this bright home featured in the issue. Hey… wait a minute… something looks really familiar. Hey… it’s MY house! and that’s Pepé! LOL- ok, ok… if you’ve been following my twitter for awhile, you might remember me tweeting about this. Here’s the scoop… Read the rest of this entry »

it’s one day closer to friday!

artist: zowie

Ferm Living just released their Spring 2011 collection. They describe it as “starring: harlequin and happiness”- what a great title right? So playful and fun! Love the little flag/diamond motifs and the all the colors- and the kids stuff? its like “move over kids, these are mine!” (many more pics after the jump!)

Read the rest of this entry »

I seem to have a kitchen theme going this week! Oh but what a lovely kitchen it would be if these pieces by Laurent Corio were in it. Love the shapes and surprise of pop color inside. (swoon…) more here.

Over the weekend I had a chance to start playing around with Pinterest. I realize I’m a little late in the game, but now I finally get to see what all the fuss is about! It’s soooo addicting! I’ve been pinning all sorts of radness and already have over 100 pins (I just started saturday!) I’m finding it especially satisfying when it comes to the clothing department, being able to virtual shop to my heart’s without having to spend any money! You check out and follow my boards here and I’d love to see your boards too! Click on the link in sidebar to get to my boards- Do you guys link your pins to your twitter or FB feeds? or do you keep that separate? (BTW, follow my tweets here)