RANDOM THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY, VOLUME TWO


As I near the home stretch with my dissertation, my brain increasingly feels like swiss cheese—completely full of holes. It is perhaps only fitting that I give you another 'Random Things' post, if only to accurately represent my chaotic state of mind. . . 

ONE > How fabulous are these colorful playing cards? Who knew poker could be so pretty . . . 

TWO > I rotate my desktop background regularly and am always looking for new (and free!) patterns to upload. DesignLoveFest's regular column is the best source for these and I totally fell in love with her recent post featuring this palm print by Kate Worsum.

THREE > Candy on a stick? Yes, please!

FOUR > I can't decide if one piece bathing suits are all purposefully designed to be unflattering or if they don't just work on me, but the raving reviews and pretty colors of this JCrew number have me tempted to try again . . . 

FIVE > These brightly colored beauties in Naples have me dreaming of revisiting my trip to Italy and heading down south instead. 

SIX > I collect typewriters. Have I told you that? Well I do. It's a hard hobby to keep up in my cramped NYC apartment, but oh baby this yellow number is calling my name!





AN IDEA FOR FATHER'S DAY: LEGACYBOX




For years my Mom and I have been racking our brains about what to get my Dad on holidays, birthdays and other gift giving occasions. Boys are so hard to shop for, we say to one another. A book, a shirt, a cd? Once you have covered the standards I find it hard to come up with something original, particularly at a time in my family's life when everyone is conscious of trying to live a more clutter-free life.So I was intrigued to stumble across LegacyBox recently. It's a full-service scanning business that takes all your family media—everything from 18mm films to slides—and digitally scans them, sending them back to you as DVDs. The prices look fairly reasonable (anywhere from $75 to $500, depending on the number of items scanned) and will definitely provide the closest thing out there to a trip back in time. I am putting this on the gift idea, for sure!Learn more about LegacyBox here.


APPLE WATCH






Did you guys see Apple's official announcement of their new watch yesterday? As a devout Apple lover, I have been following news of this cool new 'wearable' closely. I am still not sure they have the most stylish design—I don't love the boxy face of the watch—but I think they have a lot of cool functionality built in that would make owning one really fun.

Not only can you order the watch in three different band styles (there's even a solid gold version which will be $10,000+!), but the watch itself can do a ton of useful, exciting tasks: check your messages, use Apple Pay, serve as a boarding pass for flights, check Instagram, track your health, hail an Uber car, talk to Siri and much more (like telling time, ha!). 

This may be a scenario where waiting for the second generation is a wise idea, but even so, I look forward to actually seeing one of these in person starting April 24. 

Learn more about the watch on Apple's website here (and the things it can do on Time's website here).



VIEWMASTERS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY





Oh my goodness, guys! I just found out some pretty fabulous news: Mattel is reissuing the 1980s/1990s cult classic of my youth—the Viewmaster—later this year. You may remember that I had a bunch of these at my wedding with photos of my hubby and me over the years and they were a huge hit with our guests.

Well now, instead of the traditional cardboard wheel with slide imagery, the new Viewmaster will use discs that pair with an app to provide a 3D immersive experience that you can explore, much like a virtual reality simulator. Cool, right? I love that they have thought through the historical use of the Viewmaster—an armchair travel device much like the original stereoscope—and updated it for the 21st century. I know this is supposed to be a "learning tool" for kids, but dang it, I can't wait to get my hands on one for myself this fall.

Learn more about the new Viewmasters here.


LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS




If you woke up this morning and thought 'Eeek! Christmas is only days away and I still need gifts!' then never fear! Several years ago I did a round up of my favorite things on offer at Amazon that will ship for free in two days with a Prime membership (I have one; it's totally worth it!). Well, I thought that was a pretty fun exercise, so I am back again this year with an expanded list. Here are a bunch of things that will be sure to please all of the nearest and dearest folk in your life this holiday season and arrive on time!

GIFTS FOR BABIES

one | kid o color steps, $6.88






GIFTS FOR KIDDOS


seven | schylling kids accordion, $18.67



ten | 884 piece lego set, $50


GIFTS FOR GUYS

eleven | clark's desert boots, $39.99 - $149



fourteen | the essential bar book, $16.39


GIFTS FOR LADIES



seventeen | kindle paperweight e-reader, $99

eighteen | razzle dazzle amaryllis plant, $23.99


I am signing off today and will be away from the blog until 2015 (feels weird to say that!). I hope you have a fabulous holiday and enjoy the remainder of 2014 to the absolute fullest. Happy Holidays! See you next year!




*This post is not sponsored by Amazon (or anyone)! I just happen to be a big fan!



I'M BACK!












Hooray! I'm back! My beloved MacBook Pro came back from the shop this weekend and when you use your computer as much as I do, the relief I feel in getting it back is akin to the joy you feel sinking into your own cozy bed after a long business trip rife with crappy motel stays. It's delicious. Welcome back Prince Humperdink the Third! I missed you dearly. Anyway, last week when my computer heaved a heavy sigh and quit on me I was in the midst of preparing a post on this incredible photographer you see above named Bernard Lang. He does a lot of very cool commercial work but my favorite part of his portfolio by far are these incredible aerial shots. How awesome are those beach umbrella photos?!! I must have one. Must!Check out all of Lang's very cool and colorful work on his website here.

STAND BY: TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES


Guess what guys? I was putting together this awesome post for you this morning (about a cool aerial photographer I stumbled across recently) and my computer went all blue screen of death on me. Lame! Turns out it needs a new part or two and will be in the shop for the next several days. I will do my best to post from some other computers—I have access to one or two of those here and there, ha!—but if I don't make it back on here much in the next week or so you know why. No need to panic!On a happier note, how funny is this cartoon? Check it out (and many more like it) here.




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.)


I'M BACK! AND I HAVE MISSED SO MUCH!



Well, hello there! Remember when I said I would try to post while I was traveling in Italy? Ha! The moment I stepped off the plane I fell head over hells into the glory that is gelato every day, pasta at every dinner, warm sunshiney days, and long evening walks through historic town centers and, well—surprise!—I completely forgot about blogging. Isn't that a sign of a good vacation though?

Finally returning to the real world today, I am frantically trying to catch up on all the media I missed. I found all kinds of delightful things I clearly would have shared with you if I had not been in a gelato-induced haze, so here's a quick round up for your perusal. Because you weren't really planning to get any work done today, were you?


Apple debuted new iPhones (I am due for an upgrade!) and, in a development surprising to no one, an Apple Watch. But I was most impressed with the hilarious Ikea catalogue parody of an Apple announcement above.

This crazy cliff-clinging house looks like a superhero secret lair, no?

I haven't spent a weekend in NYC since April (yes, April!), so I am excited to use this cool site to explore my home city.

Love. Animated.

A very important campaign: yes means yes.

I struggle with this all the time. Great tips for saying no  . . . now I just need another version for social occasions. Because, let's face it, mostly I want to stay home in my pjs with a pint of ice cream and my Netflix queue.

I just got back from vacation but I want to pack my bags and head to this cerulean paradise immediately.

Dominatrix in a NYTimes crossword? Sacrebleu!

If only I had had this handy tool on my trip, I would have been instragraming up a storm!

Tried and tested in Italy, new favorite gelato flavor is definitely coconut. This is the best brand buyable stateside.

Cell phones have ruined our sense of social responsibility.

I want to hang this on my wall.

Lately I have gotten back into yoga and I am really reaping the benefits. These poses would be a great addition to my practice, if only to offset the hours I spend everyday trolling the internet for blogger inspiration.

Obviously in Italy, I saw Vespas everywhere. I have new respect for them (though they are still terrifying, buzzing in and out of traffic, even when their drivers are in three piece suits!) knowing their cool history.

A fascinating design dilemma—how to show people texting on tv and in movies without pulling focus from the face.

Color coded photos, appealing to my chromatic compulsions in all the best ways.


I have so many fun things to share in the next couple weeks, including photo essays from my travels and recaps from the fabulous 60th birthday fête we threw for my Mom this weekend. Lots of stuff to look forward to, I can't wait! Clearly, I missed you guys. :)


JAUNTFUL: CUSTOM TRAVEL MAPS
















I like to travel. And as an obsessive planner, I like to head out of town with a plan about the best sights, eats and cultural spots to explore. For years I have tried to keep track of these elaborate lists through google maps, random notebooks, and convoluted email chains . . . . you name it, I've tried it.

Enter Jauntful, a new site that allows you to create, share and print personalized maps for any place in the world. It's still in preview mode so they are working out some kinks but I have been testing it out for a few weeks and I love it! I particularly like that you can search other users maps for fun insider tips to any place you can dream up. I have already used it for a brunch and bookshop recommendation and can't wait to look for more.

In between browsing sessions I have started my own maps for restaurants to remember in New York, things I want to do in North Carolina (headed there for a wedding next weekend!) and guides to my hometown of New Haven, CT and my beloved Boston (below).

Best of Boston for Design Lovers

The Best of the Elm City


Interested in seeing more? Sign up to join the preview here and check out my page here. And happy (imaginary) travels!


(images from the Jauntful Facebook page)



DRAWING ON AIR: LIX 3D PEN



This week I read about some crazy and deliriously exciting new technology: 3D pens. What does that mean? Well, these fabulous instruments are pens that dispense a synthetic polymer (aka a specialty plastic) literally in the air as you write. With them you can draw in three dimensions. Is your mind blown yet?

Apparently MoMA Store already has one in stock (how did I not know this, given my obsession with that shop?), but this prototype by Lix on Kickstarter looks even more amazing. The pen seems so sleek, cool and easy to use that my mind is having trouble computing all the crazy technology it must hold to be able to effortlessly 'print' your drawings in real time as the video above shows.

No wonder the project has received over ten times its funding goal—this thing looks like magic.

Anyway, if any of my nearest and dearest happen to be reading this and happen to put in an order in anticipation of a future gift-giving event I would be ecstatic. (Hint, hint!) And should you want to grab one yourself, you can head over to the Lix Kickstarter page hereAs Tina, the lovely 'swiss miss' said, imagine the possibilities!

(My only beef: I wish the people in the Kickstarter video would look at the camera! Reminds me of this  2011 debacle.)





OFF THE WALL: 'EYE OF THE TIGER' DESKTOP WALLPAPER
























I've got a new, free desktop download for you guys today! As I grind away doing archival research this week, I thought it only right to whip up something that would inspire hard work and determination.

Thus, the latest installment of the 'Off the Wall' series: 'Eye of the Tiger'. I've included a detail of the wallpaper's design so you read the full thing, which says "you've got the eye of the tiger so thrill in the fight" (inspired, of course, by this bad ass song). Now go out there and take the world by storm!

download EYE OF THE TIGER



(Want more? Previous 'Off the Wall' free desktop downloads here.)



PRETTY IN PINK: SPRING WISHLIST





Where did last week go?! I feel like I blinked and Monday magically transformed into Saturday. Do you ever feel that way? It's frustrating!

Anywho, this week I am vowing to get back on track and that starts with keeping things up to date on here. And you know what I am inspired by this week? Spring! I don't know about where you are, but New York City is finally start to hint at warmer weather to come. This weekend was even almost balmy! That gets me excited about sunshiney outfits and surrounding myself with bright, cheery colors again. Apparently the hot color this season is pink and though everyone is talking about pastels I am more drawn to products in bold colors like magenta and fuchsia. I discovered this photo of a gorgeous bouquet (top) and knew I had to use it as an inspiration for a fresh, playful palette.

Without further ado, here are some of my top picks as we step into spring . . . 

one | usb charging cables, $4.99







Now bring on the sunshine and sandals!




THE WINTER BLUES: COBALT



What's your take on winter? According to Punxsutawney Phil, we are in for six more weeks of winter, so hopefully you are on board! I actually kind of love our recent weather with super cold days and beautiful sweeping snow storms. It's fun to bundle up and frolic in the snow!

Anywho, as I pull on my hunter boots for the umpteenth day in the row, I started thinking about winter fashion and how it can get in a rut. We need to bring some pops of color into the boringness of black, brown and grey that tends to seem into our wardrobes come November! Are you with me?

So here's my take on the "winter blues"—a round up of juicy cobalt gear that will brighten up your closet in a matter of moments. Hope you like it!


01. crepe shift dress, jcrew, $148

02. medium cloud loop scarf, rosetung, $180

03. heritage sleeve for macbook, herschel supply co., $14.99

04. super ciccio eyeglasses, madewell, $169

05. medis cobalt headphone, urbanears, $49.90

06. the mira heel, madewell, $168


08. butler please nail polish, essie, $8.50




OFF THE WALL: 'LET IT SNOW' DESKTOP WALLPAPER


Guess what? I am starting a new series on the blog, entitled 'Off the Wall', that features free downloadable wallpapers for your computer. Particularly now that you can have different desktops in use on your Mac at once (see here for explanation), I thought it would be fun to use new wallpapers for each virtual workspace. Since I can have four or five desktops open on any given day, I am going to start needing a lot pretty backgrounds to keep up!

Thus, this new (roughly monthly) series where I design a different wallpaper for your free downloading pleasure. With any luck, this will keep my graphic design juices following and your computer looking pretty.

The inaugural edition of 'Off the Wall' (title inspired by this amazing book) features an apropos design for our current 'polar vortex'. Hope you like it!



p.s. If you have any trouble figuring out how to set a wallpaper background on your computer there are great instructions here (Mac) and here (PC).



HAVE A LOVELY LATE SUMMER WEEKEND!




















What are you guys up to this weekend? I am taking off for Connecticut tomorrow to help out with my Dad's 70th birthday party (recap and DIYs next week!). So I am leaving you with some links to distract you on Friday and tide you through the weekend.

Photo above is from this (mouth watering) article!

I have been in an old school music mode this week, rewatching some 90s music videos. Check out these blasts from the past (cartoon cat, teleportation, bagpipes)!

Secret book paintings (so cool!!).

Everything you need to know about the latest Apple announcements.

Why your mind . . . wanders.

New (cabin) on the block.

Turning back the (cellular) clock.

Can you imagine being stuck in traffic for nine days?!!

An invisible skyscraper (what about the birds?).

Mmmm, tastes . . . fuzzy.

Letters to Ms Magazine.

Best birthday present for this polar bear EVER.

Whoa! Your touch tone could have looked like this.

Wouldn't want to meet this guy on a leisurely afternoon swim.

Step away from the computer and s-t-r-e-t-c-h....

Ready for wedding season to be over? This may make you smile.

As a Patriots fan and wife of an HLS alum, I find this pretty darn funny.


Have a great weekend, everyone! See you back here next week.



PATRIOTIC PASTA
































What a cool idea! The Australian advertising agency WHYBIN\TBWA created this smart campaign to promote the Sydney International Food Festival. It consists of popular foods from 17 different countries  laid out to resemble their nation's flags. France is made with bleu cheese, brie and grapes; Greece consists of feta and olives; Japan has tuna sashimi and rice. The whole idea is simple yet well-executed—just as smart graphic design should be!

Check out more great examples here.

Still hankering for something to do over this long and potentially-rainy weekend? Here are some links to tide you over.


I think these tips will prove useful for my trip next month.




Ununpentium—there's got to be a better name than that.



I wish I had been able to see this.


These are perfect for dinner parties, water cooler talk and networking.



"Trying to lift things" is this little man's only worry at college. No frat parties for him!


I feel queasy just looking at this monstrosity.



Have a great weekend!



HAPPY WEEKEND!




I have a crush on Brian Williams and, since I currently own this, I think it's fair to say I love this song. With that in mind, this little video compilation made me giggle in delight. Hope you like it!

Did that pique your interest? Here is my favorite little slices of the internet this week; hope you like them too!

Roads that power your car. Wild!

Good tip for iPhone shutterbugs.

I would buy this just for the bragging rights (and the garage).

Chicken a la iPhone?

I am updating my Netflix queue as we speak.

Excellent article reminding me about a hilarious man. Guess I need to pick this up now.

Google Maps takes to the calle.

I rewatched the NSync/Backstreet Boys battle episode last night. RIP Cory Monteith.

A cast that looks incredibly cool, but how do all your eighth grade friends sign it?

So, so, so excited for this movie to come out (did I mention I was excited?!).

These ideas are perfect for my party-planning mindset right now.

When pigs fly swim!

Get away before summer is over!

I am tempted to make these to give out as favors at a party this September. Too ambitious?


Have a lovely weekend!



SAVINGS AND LOANS: CAMERA GEAR






























I'm back from three blissful days at the Cape! This entailed countless easy hours at the beach, an amazing drive-in movie experience and lots of tasty meals with friends. What more can you ask for from a mini-vacation?

On the Cape one of my shutterbug friends was rocking a sweet 50mm lens on his camera that inspired me to rekindle the 'Savings and Loans' series. The prime lens allows for an incredible play on depth of field, with beautiful portraits that blur in the background. At $216 (see here) it is a bit more expensive than I feel I can buy on a whim, but wouldn't it be nice to tote along to France for dreamy shots of my hubby?

And what better way to pack that lens than in a gorgeous leather camera bag that looks like a chic purse and not another tech-y lens case? I have had several camera bags and never end up using them because they always scream 'I am a tourist! I have no style!' Well I just discovered ONA, a company that makes deliciously high-end leather and waxed canvas camera bags that are seriously stylish. At $319 the Palma (above, see here) is muy expensivo but oh how lovely it would look with a trench coat on the streets of Paris . . .

Are there any big items on your wish list these days? Let me know in the comments!



FLEET FEET





























Comfortable. Light. High tech. Just a couple of ways of describing these cool new shoes being developed by Unbelievable Testing Laboratory and being made of Tyvek!! Given the amazing properties of Tyvek—a construction material—the shoes promise to be long-lasting, breathable and water-resistant. Sweet!

What are you up to this weekend? I am going home to Connecticut and contemplating a quick trip out to Cape Cod to hang out with some friends early next week. So, just in case I don't make it back to the blogosphere until late last week, here are some fun things for you to check out:

The Summer of George.

275,000 dominoes.

This would be perfect for a NYC-themed party.

If You Give a Mouse Rat a Cookie; ha!

Speaking of Parks & Rec, I love Aubrey Plaza and think this could be hilarious.

I stopped watching this show a while ago, but boy is this performance impressive.

Beautiful tumblers.

An interview with my grad school professor on his new exhibition at MoMA.

Well, don't these look tasty.

Montage and Chevron look really pretty.

I would like to own this.


Have a great weekend!



(Tip about the Tyvek from here)