HAPPINESS IS...

JOIN Cutlery

Because plastic cutlery should be beautiful too! They are built with a playful joining mechanism, a desing inspired by an old Japanese game. Wouldn't they be great for a classier, but not quite formal affair?

In the States, it says JOIN cutlery is for sale at Unica Home and Table Art, but I can't seem to find them. Am I blind?


{Images via Trend In House by Ding 3000 with Konstantin Slawinsk}

Jen Gotch's Photostrips

Jen Gotch collages her photos into a strip, telling a simple story underneath. I've never come across a photographer who presents their work in this way, and I love it. Sort of reminds me of my Lyrimages, but without song lyrics. Aren't they sweet?

P.S. Click on each strip to view it larger.


{Images by Jen Gotch}

A Letter To Stairs

Dear Stairs,

As you know, I fell down your steps this weekend. I can't turn my head more than 10 degrees in either direction, but no biggie. It's not your fault. When it comes to stairs, I'm the biggest klutz. I can't even count the number of times I fell down my parents' stairs growing up. And it was always with a big plate of spaghetti. I still love you, Stairs. You provide access to my favorite part of the house. You give me nice round glutes. And if your slippery old carpet gets removed, you have such potential for greatness.

Your roomie, Shannon


{Image via Kiki Reichert}

Oscar Weekend

Will you be watching the Oscars this Sunday? I'm looking forward to ogling all the pretty gowns from the comfort of my sweatpants.

Have a happy weekend, my lovelies. Here are a few entertaining links...

What to bake for an Oscar party.

Have you listened to the new Adele album?

Necklaces for bookworms.

An amazing vintage Airstream renovation.

What's your favorite dinosaur?

Corners should never be neglected.

Extremely cool DIY pipe bookshelves.

See-through cribs for lucky babies.

Ever had a hazelnut chocolate whiskey sandwich?

Who I'd also give a fashion Oscar to.

And some posts of mine you may have missed...

• Guggenheim Ticket Art
• Affogato For Dessert
• 1000 Paper Cranes

{Image via Paper Face}

Designing Your Own Duvet Cover

I'm trying to figure out what I want to do with my bed. Plain white, solids, patterns... I dunno. Are you uninspired by your bedding too?

If I decide to go pattern, I found two fun ways to personalize it:

1. Doodle Duvet by Stick Designworks. As shown above. The cover resembles notebook paper and comes with 8 wash-out color pens for you to "jot down late-night thoughts, draw a masterpiece, write a story, or leave a message". Throw it in the wash any time you want a clean slate.

Design Your Own Bedding by InMod: For a more professional and modern look. Choose your pattern, fabric material, embroidery color, and duvet size. Poof. A cover unlike any other!

{Image by Not On The High Street}

A Dream Motorcycle Ride

Dace has done it again. Last summer's biker chick is making an encore performance in this year's Spring 2011 look book.

Makes me eager for Hal to drive his inherited Harley up from Los Angeles. I'm trying to convince him to take me with, so we can ride up the California coast together. Me on the back of his bike with my arms around his waist. The wind whipping through our hair. The vast ocean on the left and the open road ahead. It would almost make me forget about my aching bum!


{Images by Andre Paul Pinces}

Tea Bag Art

Aren't these murals brilliant? Armenian artist, Armén Rotch, makes abstract collages out of tea bags in various stages of coloration. I bet they smell divine!


{Images via Recyclart}

1967

Um... why wasn't I invited to this party? Oh yeah, I wasn't born yet. For pay back, I created a shindig of my own and didn't invite them. But seriously. Don't they all look smashing?


{Images via My Vintage Vogue by Spinnerin Knit Pattern Book - March 1967}

Seattle Snow

Seattle is a funny city. Every time the weather forecasts flakes, people panic. Sort of like rain in LA! We're in the middle of a light snow storm and I secretly enjoy how the city shuts down. Any excuse to stay home and off the roads... unless you're an adventurous redhead on a bike! How one keeps such beautiful hair while riding a bike in the snow is beyond me!


{Image via Downtown From Behind}

Ladder Love

That's it. I'm putting a ladder in my house.


{Images via: 1. Remodelista; 2. Ooh Food; 3. and 4. Desire To Inspire; 5. From Scandinavia With Love; 6. Home and Design; 7. Ruffled; 8. Houzz}

Spring In A Can

I'm all about this. Spring isn't quiiiite here yet, but we can gently coax it into our home decor. Danyelle makes these delightful Spring In A Can kits that come with soil, seeds and care instructions to grow our own lush wheat grass in 5 days.

P.S. Lovely By M is giving one away!


{Image by Dandee Designs}

A Pummelo For Breakfast

I'm enjoying a pummelo right now. My very first one. I found them at Trader Joe's with a sign that said: "Eat a fruit as big as a toddler's head!" Wouldn't you buy one too?  :)

They're similar to grapefruits, but larger, a smidge sweeter, with firmer flesh... the better to dig your spoon into. It might be my new favorite light breakfast. Have you ever had one?


{Image by Getty Images}

Teepees & Cabins For Cats

Bailey already has an uber cool retro UFO-shaped toilet, which makes her the envy of all neighbor cats. But if she had a Native American Teepee or Canadian Cabin, she'd be the talk of the town.

Yeah, she's been naughty in the new house by racing out the front door every time we open it. I guess you can't fault a girl for trying to explore unknown lands. But maybe one of these adorable abodes will curb her wilderness exploration appetite.


{Images by Loyal Luxe}

Calligrams

Are you familiar with calligrams? I had to look it up: "A calligram is a poem, phrase, or word in which the typeface, calligraphy or handwriting is arranged in a way that creates a visual image". How lovely! And painstakingly precise. Seattle artist, Joni James, has definitely mastered the lost art.


{Images via Art By Joni James}

Sea Stone Vases

How was your holiday weekend, my friends? Mine flew by. I did get a lot of unpacking done, but you wouldn't know it by the looks of it. I need 4 more weekends just like this one.

But I've gotten to the point of thinking about small decorations and little touches I can place throughout my home. I'm imagining a few of these zen sea stone vases on my window sills. They're by Japanese designer, Mitsuru Koga, but they don't seem to be for sale.

Perhaps a DIY is in order... if I can just figure out how to hollow out a tiny piece of rock  ;)


{Images via See Hear Say}

New Vintage Furniture

I can't remember a move where I didn't have to purchase new furniture to fit the new space. Such is the case again. My pockets hurt, but I have no complaints. Any excuse to treasure hunt!

This weekend, I'll be scouting out some vintage Craigslist gems and hopefully come home with a sofa bed for the guest/TV room and a desk/vanity for my Shannon room. How spectactular is Sophia Loren's!

Are you up to anything fun this 3-day weekend?  Hope you have a good time! Until Tuesday, here a few weekend links...

Bathe with the fishies.

Free vinage-inspired coupon organization labels.

The prettiest pajama packaging.

Feminine shorts will be my thing for Spring.

Gotta learn how to do her hair.

Fortune cookies + coin purses = match made in heaven.

Cute Copenhagen tea towel.

Colored pencil ear studs.

The coolest wallpaper I've seen, hands down.

Do you know who made this green dress? I must know!

And some posts of mine you may have missed...

• Waking Up To This View
• Cherry Blossoms In Japan
• Custom Wooden Glasses

{Image via My Vintage Vogue}

The Style Of Music

Moxy Creative House designs the best posters! Ensemble particularly pleases, representing music's most iconic dressers. You can get a print with all 20 outfits, or pick your single favorite musician.

P.S. Check out their other projects: Framework and Mixed Reviews.


{Images by Moxy Creative House}

Doodle Jewelry

Do you doodle?   :)


{Images by Tickette}

Snow Beauty

Photographer, Amber Gray, filmed this lovely short film for Marie Claire China, titled "Snow Beauty". Isn't it enchanting?

It reminds me of this strange time of year. When the snow could fall at any moment. But the sun won't allow it. And Spring wants to break through the soil and bloom.


{Image via Fashion Gone Rogue by Amber Gray}

A Bali Beach Wedding

This surfer wedding in Bali is just too gorgeous for words. From the bride's handmade crown to the sunset ceremony. Sigh of love.


{Images via Mustard and Sage by Jonas Peterson}

Personalized Hot Chocolate Spoons

Aren't these chocolate spoons by Ticket Kitchen fabulous? They're meant to be dipped in hot milk. Once the chocolate melts away, the spoon reveals a customizable message. I hope someone proposes to their honey this way!


{Images via Creature Comforts}

It's A Passion

I'm tickled by the "It's a Passion" print series by Susana Parada. Now, if she would just make one for cheese, I'd be all set!


{Images by Parada Creations}

The Last Unicorn

Do you remember the animated film, The Last Unicorn? These beautiful photos by Flora Deborah Martinez brought me straight back to childhood. I loved that movie so much... even though it always made me cry  :)


{Images by Floris Blog}

A Dry Goods Library

What a perfect way to display your staples. Heather, a librarian, created a visual dry goods library in her own kitchen with 48 stackable jars. Now that she sees her ingredients every day, she actually uses them more. I love how they resemble a tile backsplash! Hmm, maybe this will work in my home...


{Images by Domaphile}

Free People In Paris

How I wish I were a fly upon the lens during the Free People shoot in Paris. Aren't these behind-the-scenes images stunning? So is the video. Oh mon dieu.


{Images by Thomas Northcut}

A 4x6 Sewing Shed

Proof that you can turn any sized structure (4x6?!) into the most delightful creative space! What would you turn a tiny shed into?


{Images by Tales of a Junkaholic}

I'm Through With White Girls

One of the major perks of being a songwriter is receiving checks in the mail for songs written years ago! This happened to me recently. I thought I was getting paid for my MTV placement, but the check was for a song placed in the indie film, "I'm Through With White Girls (The Inevitable Undoing of Jay Brooks)", a smart romantic comedy that won quite a few film festival awards. Unknown to me, it apparently aired all over cable TV and Showtime!

Back when I watched the premiere, it was the first time I'd heard my music in a theater. So trippy! "Ride (This Wave)" played during a really cute scene where the main couple is sitting in the car and my song plays on the stereo. The guy asks, "Is this the radio?" The girl says, "No, it's a mix tape that my ex-boyfriend made me." The guy nods in satisfaction and they groove out to it for a bit  :)

If you caught the flick, I'd love to know! You can also find it on Amazon and Netflix!


{Image by Turn Soul Films}

More Hearts

If you remember... love is all around  :)


{Images via: 1. Andrew Pescod; 2. Miss Pie Pie; 3. Besotted Blog; 4. We Heart It; 5. Terilyn Fisher; 6. Bike Rumor; 7. Eleigurl; 8. Wolves At The Door}

Raining Cats

I woke up this morning to raining cats. I've always loved that expression.

The sound of heavy rain upon the roof is something I cherish, yet haven't been able to experience much while living in mid-floor apartments most of my adult life. Now that my bed is located in the attic of an old house, the pounding rain was such a thrill as I snuggled up deeper under the covers. Seriously one of my favorite feelings in the world!

P.S. Anyone know the photographer behind this lovable set of vintage kitty cuteness? They remind me of these photos.


{Images via Gatopoder}

Love Forts

Happy Valentine's Day, sweeties! If you've celebrated already, I hope you had a very special time with your loves. Hal and I will be officially celebrating tomorrow, once the life chaos settles down and restaurants lower their menu prices!

I saw Justina's elaborate Valentine's Day fort and it reminded me of the tent we made last year with fondue and a projection screen. We would have made another fort this year if we weren't surrounded by boxes. If you're looking to save money or stay warm inside, I highly recommend turning your living room into a campground. It was my favorite Valentine's Day ever  :)


{Images via Design*Sponge by Carla Richmond}

A Romantic Weekend

Are you celebrating Valentine's Day this weekend? I assume many people are, since the holiday falls on a Monday. I'd like to say we'll be roller skating through a piazza, but no. Hal and I will be cleaning our old apartment for the new renters. Hopefully we can squeeze in a little romance here and there.

Enjoy yourselves, my darlings!  Here are a few love-themed links...

 

Gifts for your nerdy Valentine.

Choco bowls of love.

Printable fruit stickers for your sweetie.

Red-colored beet ravioli for dinner.

Houses need love too.

DIY Valentine goodie bags.

Cuddle on the couch with romantic movies.

A brilliant V-day video.

5 ways to show your love with photos.

Give me this and I'm yours.

 

And some posts of mine you may have missed...

• A Bicycle Valentine
• Manly Valentine's Gifts
• Valentine's Day Weekend

 

{Images via Chronicle Books by Richard Avedon}

Goat Cheese Truffles

Um, yeah. Had these handmade bad boys last night at a cozy Belltown wine bar. The smooth and tangy goat cheese works so well with the sweet and sinful chocolate. Have you had them before?


{Image via Cloudberry Quark}

Hair Sculptures

I woke up to an accidental hair sculpture this morning. But nothing as cool as Nagi Noda's animal hats! They're such beautiful and bizarre creations. Strangely empowering.


{Images via Design For Mankind by Nagi Noda}

Painting With Natalie Prass

I love these paint play shots by photographer Laura D'art of Nashville singer songwriter, Natalie Prass. She's performing at SXSW this year. Anyone going?  :)


{Images via D'art Photographie}

The Perfect Filing Cabinet

My friends, I need your help. Do you know where I can get the filing cabinets shown in both of these fabulously designed offices? I need one for my Shannon room. They seem to be the perfect size with just the right amount of industrial vintage modern flair. If you've seen them around, or anything else similar, I'd be oh-so grateful!


{Images by: 1. Urban Casita; 2. Design*Sponge}

Love Through The Lens

Can you believe V-day is next week?

Vising Kristi's dreamy Etsy shop, Life Through The Lens, is the perfect way to get in the lovey dovey mood.


{Images via Polli}

Living In A Barn

What a renovation. Shed Architects only used wood from the original barn and kept the entire existing shell. Do you think the booted barn animals are envious?  :)


{Images via The Inside Stoop by Shed}

Fashion Fonts

With each new season/collection, graphic designer Yvette Yunjung Yang creates a fashion font out of magazine images, playing off the coming and going of trends. Rad.


{Images via Design For Mankind by NMYV}

The First Ladies of Princeton

Can you imagine being one of the 148 undergraduate women first admitted into Princeton University in 1969? Each girl became a celebrity in her own hometown. Yet most of the press focused on what the stylish freshwomen wore on campus  ;)


{Images via Miss Moss by Alfred Eisenstaedt}

Afternoon Outings

For my London lovelies, Afternoon Outings would be such a sweet gift to give or receive. Inside each handmade greeting card is map and suggested itinerary for your wanderings. Designed to be treasured or passed along from friend to friend. A perfect and pretty little guide to getting lost.


{Images via Tea For Joy}

Bra Bags & Panty Packs

During the last 3 flights I've taken, my luggage has gotten searched by airport security. Guess I look like a suspicious smuggler. It always leads to embarrassment by the both the airport security man and myself as he rummages through my delicates. Problem solved!


{Images via Bon Bon Rose Girls by The Brag Company}

A Tiny Catskills Cottage

Now that I'm living in a tiny cottage, I'm naturally drawn to others, such as this 9x10 foot Victorian in the Catskills of New York. It used to be an old hunting cabin and Sandra Foster restored it into the most romantic little shabby chic escape. There's no kitchen or bathroom, but with a space this beautiful... does it really matter?  ;)

P.S. If you love Sandra's decorating style, she lists where she found everything in her home.


{Images via The New York Times by Trevor Tondro}

Stuffed Pear Salad

I don't know about you, but I always come back from trips feeling 10 pounds heavier. Such is the case for me today. Kelly's dish looks incredibly light and tasty, right? Cheese, fruit and nuts might be the best combo in the world.


{Images via Eat Make Read}

Fashion + Film

I love when fashion and film join forces. Nadinoo's latest video by Crena Watson is a perfect example. Isn't it charming?


{Images via Nadinoo}

One Hundred Years of Solitude

How was your weekend, my sweets? I had a wonderful time in Cali. The 70+ degree weather felt unreal. And Rachel's wedding was lovely. Performing with the Sirens is always such a joy.

I also got to spend quality time with my book club gals. We discussed our latest read, One Hundred Years of Solitude. Which we collectively re-named: A Bajillion Years of Solitude. I couldn't finish it. I know some of you mentioned it was your favorite book ever... please tell me why. Convince me to pick it up again!

P.S. How cool is this book rest lamp? My copy of OHYOS would sit on it for life  ;)


{Image via Mimpi by Elemental}

Taking Off

Hi beautiful friends. We're taking off to California, but I wanted to leave you with some links for the long weekend ahead. Enjoy the next few days and I'll see you again on Monday!

What color is music?

Kim finally made a Seattle print!

How to turn your digital photos into analog photos.

Feline bosom buddies.

If only I had a gigantic porthole above my bed.

Sail away in your bathtub.

10 things to do while you're snowed in.

Melt chocolate packaging.

These photos make me want to elope.

Keep your teapots and teacups cozy and warm.

Fun wallpaper called, Too Much Stuff.

 

And some posts of mine you may have missed...

• My Photos From Wine Country
• The Birds & The Bees
• Log Bowls

{Image via Imgfave}

What To Pack

My life is in boxes. And I'll be taking items out of those boxes and putting them into a suitcase! Ha.

We're going to Cali for my friend's wedding and I'm glad to leave the moving mess behind to be with my besties for an extended weekend.

So I should probably sign off and figure out what to unpack to pack!  :)


{Images by Das.Graphiker}

A Treehouse Bed

My future baby is begging to be born for the sole purpose of having this treehouse bed by Life Time Furniture. Hm, I'd prefer not to wait until he/she is conceived and old old enough to sleep there. Guess it will have to be my bed instead!


{Images via Nest Goodies by Kids' Rooms}

Heart Art

With V-day just around the corner, I have love on the brain. Isn't Veronika's heart art pretty?


{Images via Bloesem by Sarah & Bendrix}

A Little Snow Date

Nina and her man had a little snow date with individual boxed wines, a single candle, and a sunset. Isn't it the sweetest?

Although it's crisp and sunny here in Seattle, I'm hoping to be blessed with a snowfall for Valentine's Day. To me, snow IS romance  :)


{Images by Naturally Nina}