It’s crazy that summer is already half over! Where has the time gone?! Anyway- lots happening! Here’s a few things I think you should look out for:

• 1) If you’re going to be in the San Diego are next week (August 4), an exciting new concept shop is opening up called “Product Porch.” It’s being curated by Blaire Dessent of The Vitrine, and Brooks Hudson Thomas of Specific Merchandise and will be held at the MCASD museum shop. With those two as curators, you know there will be lots of amazing things! (…including perhaps a certain awesome limited edition zine?) It will be up through January 22, 2012. More info here.

•2) Speaking of concept stores, on the other side of the pond, Comme Des Garcons just opened their Good Design Shop in Japan. “…The concept space plays host to a space full of timeless items that stand the test of time. Curated by Kenmei Nagaoka, the shop will feature everything from furniture and electronics to other household items. ” Um… yes please! More info via hypebeast.

•3) This vintage camera pencil sharpener is too cool for skool. (via fred flare)

•4) Are you loving all the indigo action going on at West Elm as much as I am? swoooon…

Stay tuned for next week as I’ll have not one but TWO giveaways (woo hoo!) While you’re at it, follow my tweets here, Add me!, and please “like” the HM facebook page (or just click the “like” button in the box on the upper right) for more updates!

This song makes me want to do my best 80′s Breakfest Club-Molly-Ringwald-esque dance. (although Ally Sheedy was pretty rad too) Hope you have a good one!

song: “Wolves” by The Good Natured  artwork by me.

There’s also a fun interactive version of the video where you can type in a phrase/words for them to spell out (you must use google chrome) band: ok go

Once upon a time… I had a tree. It was a lovely tree. It grew and gave me magical shadows on my windows, provided nice shade and added much needed visual interest in my little porch. Unfortunately, I live in a hyper regulated townhouse complex with an evil Home Owners Association. Up until the other week, I was able to keep my lovely tree. I was notified to trim it from time to time, which I gladly did- no biggie. Well… apparently there’s been a change of the guards at my HOA. I was recently informed that I needed to completely remove the tree. It’s upsetting, frustrating, and annoying, but in reality, I suppose it’s for the best. My patio is not really large enough to accommodate a tree the size it had grown into, and I know that eventually there would be issues with the roots. So… the lovely tree is gone. Sadly, looking through all my pictures, I realize I never really took too many photos of the tree. However, the tree will live on in my memories…

So now I have a weird empty space in my patio, which I guess is a good thing. Time for change!

I know I definitely want to keep things in containers/pots as opposed to planting them in the soil (my soil is basically clay and not very good.) I’ve been considering trying to incorporate some vegetables and herbs (any of you have success with potted veggies?) I was super inspired by this recent article in Sunset Magazine about mixing edible plants into your garden (except mine will be in pots)…  so, that’s the next project! (Also, thank you for everyone’s suggestions the other day when I tweeted about ideas for container veggies) Stay tuned!

Btw, let’s connect! follow my tweets here, Add me!, and please “like” the HM facebook page for more updates!

Nice alternative to those clunky styrofoam coolers! Thermafresh recycled cardboard box coolers are made of 70% recycled cardboard and are recyclable themselves. But more importantly, there are awesome simple graphic penguins and an igloo on it. ’nuff said. Available here. (via uncrate, via gizmodo)

new oliver sacks covers designed by cardon webb. (via Spine Out, via steven mcgaughey pin)

Great shape to these boards and plates designed by Haidee Drew. available here. (via computer arts)

crystalline- bjork / directed by Michel Gondry

Just a little recycled cardboard icosahedron-loveliness to brighten up your Munday (and your desk!) made by the always awesome adonde, available via the vitrine

song: Hey You! feat. Fred Schneider of the B-52s artist: Ursula 1000

Gorgeous compositions from Brandi Strickland of Paper Whistle. Check out more of her work here, and the pieces shown above are available here. Brandi has a great blog too!

“Black and Yellow Black and Yellow…” Really liking these hits of yellow paired with neutrals currently being offered at CB2. I especially love the “Rise” pillow and the miniature scale modern wood “Neville” house (complete with mini yellow fireplace?! YES!) – Top row: Turbine pillow, Ludhyana throw, Middle: Rise Pillow, Bottom row: Linus throw, Neville house

I first posted about fellow OC local, Cheeming Boey a few years ago. He draws these amazing illustrations on styrofoam cups. Well, looks like the people at Sharpie wised up and are now featuring this talented guy in their recent ad campaign. Congrats to Boey on getting some well deserved national recognition! Boey is currently embarking on a little personal “world tour”- You can read more and see his work via his website.

Another great shot from the August 2011 Elle Decoration UK. I was immediately drawn to the piece highlighting this modern home in Spain designed by Francisco Cortina. The house itself is filled with bold color, but it was this little window nook that really caught my eye. I love how the majority of the bedroom is in neutral tones, but the nook is painted top to bottom with a bright accent color. I also love how he carried the neutral tones into the cushions, using a graphic large scale grey and white stripe fabric. (photo by Montse Puig/Archivo Fotografico) It actually reminds me of when I was decorating my downstairs bedroom. I used a similar idea of defining an area through color. I didn’t have a window seat type nook per say, but I wanted to create a cozy little space by the window. I just painted a huge block on the wall and also carried it up onto the ceiling. Coincidentally, I also used a bright orange. However, Cortina’s house has a waaaaay better view (sigh…yes please) (photo above by me)

As digital media continues to change the way we do things, I’m really glad that there are companies attempting to balance that and continue to develop tangible products. Poppin is one of these companies. They are bringing a really fun spin to one of my favorite categories: office supplies! Everything they offer is simple, modern, and packaged with graphics that have a sense of humor. Really loving all the bright happy colors too! They have ballpoint pens, highlighters, staples, organizers, journals, envelopes… just about anything you need to stock an awesome office (furniture is coming soon too!)

I recently received a set of ballpoint pens and a journal from them, and I gotta say, not only are they cool looking- they work really well too!

Another thing I appreciated was just the act of opening up the box. Looks like they put a lot of thought into the experience of unwrapping. The shipping box was covered in witty verbage and clean graphics. As you reveal each layer, you are greeted with another clever piece of packaging.

They even have pre-picked “bundles” which could make a great fit idea- If you’re in the market to brighten up your desktop (or someone else’s), definitely check out Poppin. (love their name too, it makes me think of this song, lol) Oh and check out their blog for more.

One of my favorite scenes from the cult classic Valley of the Dolls. Viva la 60′s fashion montage!

Two colorful shots found in the August 2011 issue of Elle Decoration (British) to brighten your Thursday. They’re from the houseboat(!) of Author Josie Curran. I love all the mixing of retro/vintage elements. The bookcase is especially fun. I’ve never been the biggest fan of the whole color-coordinated-book-display thing- but I feel like it works well here because the books are separated into little clusters (as opposed to just a line in rainbow formation) with little objects in between to act as visual breathing room.  I also love how the books are kind of haphazardly thrown and stacked into the cubbys. Keeps it a little more casual and less contrived. Check out more in the August 2011 Elle Decoration. (photos by Alun Callendar)

um… kind of amazing cover. shot by Sam Falls for August 2011 Dazed & Confused