Marimekko SALE!

Chad over at Finnstyle clued me in on their HUGE semi-annual sale that starts tomorrow! They have some unbelievable discounts that are available now through July 15th (while supplies last). Here are some of my favorites...
There are some many great textiles and products to chose from! But if I had to narrow it down...(from top to bottom): Marimekko Opaali Totes $67.15, Marimekko Ruutukaava Throw Pillow $27.20, Marimekko Kanteleen Kutsu Postcards $18.00, Marimekko Kippis Tray $43.20. Now I just have to decide which ones are must-haves. Happy shopping!

Christmas Ornaments in July?!

I came across this great custom text tile hanging ornament by Caroline Colom Vasquez of Paloma's Nest. I've been invited to a ornament-themed bridal shower on July 11th and had high hopes of finding something so out-of-season on Etsy. I absolutely fell in love with this personalized ornament, unfortunately the shop suggests allowing 14 business days for shipping and I'm just not willing to chance it this time. However for all of you ahead of the game and in search for a personal present this is a beautiful and inexpensive ($24) gift. Be as creative you want...customize your ornament with a fun phrase, saying or inside joke! Caroline also offers smaller hanging ornaments -- great for wrapping presents or making garland. Check our her Etsy shop here for more! Visit Paloma's Nest Website here.

Oh, and does anyone have any other ideas of stores or online shops that I could look for an ornament at?

Nan & Sangria

This recipe was forwarded to my from a friend and I cannot wait to try it out this 4th of July weekend. Thanks for the recipe Molly!

Juice of 2 fresh limes
1/3 cup sugar
1 bottle light-bodied, fruity red wine, chilled
Ice
Lime wedges for garnish

In a large pitcher combine the lime juice and sugar; stir until sugar dissolves. Add the wine and stir. Pour wine mixture over ice in chilled wine glasses. Garnish with a wedge of lime and bluberries for a very festive holiday drink.

image via FoodNetwork

Leather Bar Bracelets @ Lunessa

I came across these bracelets while reading the latest issue of Lucky magazine. They are made from real leather and a silver or gold rhodium-plated bar. I love them and can't wait to purchase some. Too bad they are currently sold out of gold however you can email them to get on the wait list. These great bracelets are only $15 a pop and available online here!

The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree

Check out HunterGather's new wood-grained 15" case for the MacBookPro ($59.99) and the slider case for the iPhone 3G ($49.95). They are currently available at goincase.com and arkitip.com. You can view out more great designs and illustrations by HunterGather here.

post via grainedit

Russel Wright for Bauer Pottery

I came across another great designer/seller collaboration tonight! The new pieces designed by Russel Wright for Bauer Pottery are just stunning. I cannot get enough of the color palette -- Coral, Chartreuse, Sea Foam, Granite and White. You can check out the full collection and shop online here. Enjoy!

Blu Dot at Urban Outfitters!

I was catching up on some reading over at Design Milk and was so pumped to see that Blu Dot has come out with some pieces for Urban Outfitters! Prices range from $98 - $648. Now I just have to wait until it goes on sale to get a piece from one of my favorite designers! Check out the full collection here.

Weekly Menu Planner

I just love this weekly menu planner created by Alma Loveland. Alma suggests that you frame a copy of this and fill in your week using a dry-erase marker! I really need to get better at planning my meals out before my week starts and this is such stylish way to stay organized.

Download the menu and check out Alma's etsy shop here.

Happy Weekend!

I'm headed to Milwaukee this weekend! Hope you all have a good one. I just love this adorable elephant designed by Valarie Jar. Check out more of her work here.

Oh -- To Be Organized

Thank you Real Simple (the magazine that basically created a the "organzing" market) for reminding me just how unorganized my kitchen is. This week's newsletter, "24 Smart Kitchen-Organzing Ideas offers some fabulous images on how to get your kitchen pulled together and looking fabulous (inside and out)! Click here to read the full article.

A New Use For Something New

A mirror re-purposed in a window frame...BRILLIANT!

via Remodelista

After a busy weekend I spent Sunday morning potting my flowers! I am really happy with how they turned out, considering I had no game plan what-so-ever before I went to my local garden center. Although I didn't buy as much as I would have liked, the few simple pots I do have add so much joy to my day (especially as I'm sleepily pulling out of the driveway on my way to work in the morning). The pot above is my favorite and I thought I would share it's contents with you...

(clockwise from the top)

Coleus Aurora Black Cherry

Fishnet Stockings

Light Green Ipomoea Sweet Caroline

Ageratum Blue

Celosia Orange Plum

White Petunia

"What a real job looks like"

A must read..."The Case For Working With Your Hands" (via Make+Do Blog). I warn you, it's a long read (six pages in fact) but I think you will find it very thought provoking. And I admit it was not top priority for me after a long week, but after some heavy skimming I found that author Matthew B. Crawford offered some great insights on the value of work and seeing the results of your efforts. You can check out the full article here!

I Cannot Get Enough

...of Mad Men, the highly addictive AMC series! For anyone not familiar with the show, it sheds light (a very witty light) on the ad business and more importantly the style and stereotypes of the 1962's. What I love most about the show? Let's see...pencil skirts, martini lunches and cigarettes, the furniture, men in suites, red lips, Peggy, chauvinistic advertising and of course my new favorite term "swell!" For more information check out the show's website here -- I highly recommend checking out the "Fashion File," it features great articles and photos on how to get the 1960's look!

Melinda Maria Jewelry

I came across this fabulous jewelry by celebrity jewelery designer, Melinda Maria, while reading People last weekend. The Gold Pod Ring (above) is one of Vanessa Hudgens's favorite pieces of jewelry. Believe me it was these beautiful pieces that caught my attention and not the fact that Vanessa Hudgens wears them. (Although she may show some range with her style, she definitely has not when it comes to her acting.) Anyway, I just had to share her work with you! Prices range from $90-$500. Check out more of Melinda's great designs here.

Marimekko Wallpaper!

Some of Marimekko's most popular textiles are now available in wallpaper! 11 yards X 27 1/2 inches European double roll -$89.00 per roll. Now available at FinnStyle.

Happy Weekend!

This picture by Osvaldo Zoom, appropriately titled Hot Red Beach is just mesmerizing. He is such a talented photographer. I wish I could spend my weekend on a beach like this! Happy weekend everyone! Who knows where it will LEED you!

Check out more of his pics here!

Great Design via Target

I came across this piece of furniture from Target while browsing the LA Times. The "Stack" bookcase, designed by Dror Benshetrit, is a set of four nesting tables ($89.99 per set) that can be stacked into a tower or bookshelf (three sets stacked). I just love how customizable this piece is! It's perfect for someone on the move. The full Benshetrit line becomes available after June 21st. I can't wait to see some of his other affordable designs!

Digital -- What It Means For Brands

I came across this great sideshow via JoeyB. It really made me think about how prevalent digital is to branding and how consumers are connecting with this ever-growing connectedness.

Click here to read the full post. Trust me you will want to read every slide. It is filled with very smart questions that every brand should be asking themselves.