MALKOVICH, OH MY!








How funny is this project? Undertaken by photographer Sandro Miller, it features a restaging of countless historical photographs that have inspired him over the years with one important twist—the subject is now actor John Malkovich! Hilarious! As a history of photography nerd and someone who appreciates silly humor, this series had me smiling ear to ear.

Check out the whole project (and more) here.


(thanks to My Modern Met for the tip)


DANCE, DON'T WALK



After six years of living in New York City, I have to say I have picked up some naughty habits. I take brunch very seriously, I grocery shop at 11PM, and I approach walking on the sidewalk as a speed-tested obstacle course. You know what would make that walk-sprint more enjoyable? This awesome dancing stop light! It's a project created by smart—yes, the tiny car company—and it aims to encourage people to wait at a stoplight instead of jaywalking (something I am regularly guilty of!). Cool, right? What will they think of next?!


(Thanks to swissmiss for the tip.)


MODERN QUILT PATTERN INSPIRATION


You know how Pinterest can be this black hole of inspiration, where you start searching for something on a whim—in my case modern quilt patterns—and hours later you look up from your screen with quilt piecing patterns burned on your retina and a lingering confusion where the afternoon went? Yesterday I fell head first into that black hole and came out with these pattern-perfect quilts that will, hopefully, search as my muse when I endeavor to make my first quilt this winter (I will do it, gosh darn it, even if it seems overwhelmingly complex!). Even if you are not a craft nerd like me, I have a feeling you will appreciate these beauties. Take a look with me, will you?

the pattern of the quilt above was derived from computer code!




I love the color and traditional-cum-modern pattern of this example.




Love this bolder take on a sweet crib quilt.

This simple, fresh design was based on a Society 6 print. Cool!





Again, modern yet classic, this quilt is full of bright orangey goodness.





Or go even bolder! This pattern reminds me of Charlie Brown!
I love the use of ombre in this girls quilt, proving feminine can also be modern and cool.



I am dying over the colors in this example. So pretty!




This cross pattern/plus pattern baby blanket is AWESOME. Very grown up without losing its playfulness, don't you think? 

Grey, mustard and yellow are always an elegant combo. This triangle patterned piece is no exception.



Last but not least—this one is my favorite of the lot—is this chic orange, coral and B&W number. I think it would look fabulous on a bed with tiny white and black polka dot sheets, don't you?
p.s. Feeling quilty? Previous quote about my favorite quilt patterns here.


VIVA ITALIA! THE ITALIAN GRAND TOUR, PART TWO


I am back in action today, recapping our Italian adventure bit by bit for you. After visiting Lake Como, we headed out to the Dolomites, a gorgeous craggy mountain range in northeastern Italy. We spent one glorious day hiking there in a spectacular place called Alpe di Siusi. Alpe di Suisi (also known as Seiser Alm in German—they speak Italian and German there since it used to be part of Austria) is a gorgeous verdant valley ringed by sharp grey Dolomite peaks. There are dozens of fabulous trails to explore, connected by cool ski lifts and mountain top eateries.

Not surprisingly I took billions of pictures on our five hour hike and, for your viewing pleasure, I have included my favorites (with limited commentary, the scenes speak for themselves!) below. Enjoy!






Cows roomed all over the valley, their bells clanging melodically. Occasionally, some of the larger milking cows would take a break in the middle of the trail and you would have to side step them. Different from New York City, huh?









The night before our hike there were wild rain and hail storms in the tiny town we were staying in; up in the mountains that rain translated to a gorgeous dusting of snow. Set against the brilliant green hills, the combination was breathtaking!








We stumbled across this gate—with colorful ropes blowing in the breeze—about halfway through our hike. I know it's probably a way to keep the animals from crossing the gate, but I couldn't help thinking it looked like a perfect mini art installation. It was so simple, but aren't the simplest things in life sometimes the most beautiful?









Before descending back down to our car at the base of the valley, we took one last look around at this panoramic scene. I have to admit, it was hard to tear ourselves away—who could leave that view—but having these photos helped. Plus there were still many more Italian adventures to be had! More on those in the coming days. . . 




UNDER THE WEATHER



I came to a serious realization yesterday: I'm sick. I seem to have been walloped by a nasty cold coming back from Italy and it has hit me hard in the last twenty-four hours or so. Dang!

Anywho, I am putting my latest major Italian recap post on hold until Monday (when my eyes aren't crossed from this sinus headache). In the meantime, here's a fun little news bite—recently a tourist caught a Buckingham Palace guard doing pirouettes on his watch. I know that's a serious taboo—apparently he can face jail time!—but it reminded me of this funny faced guard (or this wallpaper!) and seemed like a much needed hit of silliness for this recooperation-oriented Friday.

How you have a great weekend. Do some frolicking for me!


VIVA ITALIA! THE ITALIAN GRAND TOUR, PART ONE

As you know, the hubby and I just got back from a glorious two week vacation in Northern Italy. It was the hubby's first time there so, of course, I had to give him the grand tour. We stopped in seven different places in 14 days; it was awesome!Since I took so many lovely photos and had such a good time, I thought I might share a bit of our itinerary with you in an ongoing series here on the blog. Hope you like it! We flew into Milan and hopped in a rental car headed straight for Lake Como. We stayed in the adorable town of Varenna, right in the middle of the lake surrounded by mountains and within spitting distance of Bellagio and Menaggio across the water. Basically, this place is paradise! 


We stayed in this incredible hotel built into the side of the mountain that was only accessible by—wait for it—funicular




The views, not surprisingly, were out of this world! The video above was shot from the balcony of our hotel room . . . so yeah . . . we lucked out. :)





We spent a lot of time checking out the other towns on the lake, zooming around in an awesome rental boat. There were so many gorgeous mansions, brightly colored harbors and jagged green mountains to see and bobbing by them on the water felt like a particularly special viewpoint.




The combination of sun, billowy clouds, sparkling water and silhouetted mountains made for a potent photographic cocktail and I couldn't stop snapping pictures of it all (I mean, could you resist this view?).


There was, most certainly, lots of lots of tasty meals (it is Italy!). Most were spent in lakeside cafes, sipping mineral water and lounging under sun-dappled umbrellas. See what I mean about paradise? 


I have to say that Varenna was the perfect kick off to our Italian grand tour. Only the first adventure of many, though, and I can't wait to share all the rest with you in the coming weeks. Stayed tuned!