2010 Ikea Cataolog!

Unfortunately my computer is acting way too funky to spend the time I would like going through the new Ikea catalog. However, the pages I was able to view were amazing and I cannot wait to spend some more time going through it this weekend. I have a feeling that my "want" list is going to be pretty long by the time the product is actually in stores. In the meantime, it's a great way to spend a Friday afternoon. Happy weekend (and happy shopping)!

Invites Anyone?

...great stuff from Bird and Banner

Site of the Week: Polyvore

I've decided I would like to incorporate more columns into my blogging. I hope it will give my blog more guidance and my writing more structure. With that said...Polyvore kicks off my very first "Site of the Week" post! I came across this site in an article on the NYT today while at work. I could not wait to get home and play around on it. I always thought it would be cool to catalog certain outfits (you know similar to Cher from Clueless). This site goes a step further by including Favorite Brands, Top Products, Hot Trends. Plus users can create and style their own look/mood board to share with others. The above are just a few of my favorites (I'm definitely a skirt and short kind of girl). What I love most about this site...you just click on the item or outfit you're digging and it gives you a direct link! Now only if they had something this savvy for home decor!!

Julia Rothman Wish List

I stumbled upon the top print by designer Julia Rothman on LPP, which led me to her website where I discovered the other three great pieces (too bad the Giraffe and Buildings prints are sold out). The New York-based designer's illustrations have been featured in the New York Times and Details Magazine. Her designs can be found at Urban Outfitters Artist Series, on stationery for Hello! Lucky, and on a new line of wallpapers for Hygge & West. You can keep up with Julia over at her blog Book By Its Cover.

New Kitchen Table!

Andy finally found time to refinish our Danish Modern kitchen table he bought from Danish Teak Classics a few months ago. Although he still has some touch ups to do, I think it looks great and cannot wait to have our first dinner at it!

New MAC Campaign

MAC asked artists, Richard Phillips, Marilyn Minter and Maria Kalman, to create a painting using the company's latest pigments and products for Fall 2009. The collection was divided into three sections and given to each artist. The works in progress were recently revealed to celebrities, fashion moguls and the media when each artist invited them into their personal studios for a sneak peak. The outcome...very different, very beautiful pieces of work! Look for these images, along side their corresponding color palates in retail stores this August.

Paintings by (top to bottom): Richard Phillips, Marilyn Minter, Maria Kalman

Baby Friendly Finds

After a little time away from home, I am back and ready to blog! I had the chance to visit some great friends in Minneapolis, one in which is very pregnant. So in hopes of finding a unique, hand-made gift for the baby I turned to Etsy. Wow, was I impressed -- everything is absolutely adorable! Here are just some of my favorites.

Etsy Finds (top to bottom): English Muffin Shop - The Animal Alphabet $28.00, Elibom Designs - Letter Blocks $5.00/block, LilyPad Workshop - Silly Monster Pillow $25.00, ShaNickers - Animal Party Decals $72.00

Life, Love, Breakfast

BJ this posts for you...

I stumbled upon this great photo today but did not catch the artist's name. Their creative play on words and food for that matter is incredibly witty. Being a breakfast person myself I look forward to start off most of my Saturday mornings with bacon and eggs, accompanied with a strong pot of coffee. I hope to check out a good breakfast joint this weekend while in Minneapolis visiting friends!

NEW CB2!

I finally had a chance to look at the latest CB2 issue and was plesently surpirsed to find some great NEW stuff! Don't get me wrong I love their great prices and modern look, but I swear the last three issues had nothing new to offer. However, this time around I practically tagged every page of the catalog. I cannot get enough of their chic, smart design!!

Som of my favorites listed above, top to bottom: Desktop Chalkboard $14.95, Urban Mandala Bedding $19.95 - $89.95, Tree Ring/Soap Dish $7.95 - $6.95, Hoot Pillow $24.95, Label Juice Glasses $19.95, Abstract Mobile $19.95

Skinny Jeans for $59.50!

J. Crew's recent spawn, Madwell, is set to launch it's line of premium but affordable denim this Wednesday. The super skinny jeans come in a variety of washes: black, plume, avalanche (modified acid-wash), dark ash, and chimney (a bleached-out black-on-gray).

Finally J. Crew-inspired clothing that does not compromise quality for affordability. No only if there was a Madwell location in the Midwest.

Click here to check out more Madwell looks and stores in your area.

DIY Girls Night Out Survival Kit

My version...

I came across these adorable Girls Night Out Survival Kits over on 100 Layer Cake a few weeks ago. Since I enjoy crafty projects thought I would attempt to re-create these kits as favors for a friends Bachelorette Party that I had this past weekend. With little time, lack of funds and no graphic design I was very happy with how my version turned out and it was a big hit with all the guests! Read more about the original Survival Kits here.

My survival kits included:

Beads (it was a Mardi Gras theme plus I'm not a huge fan of the candy necklace game)

Tic Tacs

Tattoo (Found them at Party America)

Advil

Lip Smackers

With more and more of my friends getting married I hope to prefect them and even create spin-offs for birthdays, baby showers and any other themed parties.

Up, Up and Away

I could really use a ride on this Ferris Wheel after my busy week. Back and forth, up and down and round and round again...What a relaxing way to kick off the weekend.

Image via Valeriee (of Flickr)

Shop Lekker Home & Fight Cancer

July 9th-12th Lekker Home will donate 10% of all sales in store and online to the Dana Farber Cancer Institue. These are just some of the great products available at LekkerHome.com. I suggest you make this purchase mean something and support a good cause!!

Tall Boy Koozie!

I've never seen a tall boy can koozie, let alone one that is this cool! This is just Emilio Santovo's great designs. Click here to check out more of his work. I highly recommend perusing the "Comics" section, Mj Smell and NY Tamale are a couple of my favorites!

via UrbanOutfitters Blog

Naughty Knickers

I stumbled upon these wonderfully playful panties on 100 Layer Cake and just had to share! These would make a perfect bachelorette or birthday gift. The best part...they are completely customizable! Charlene of Paisley Pickle will work with you to decide on the cut, color and saying. Click here to check out her Etsy shop.

Berry Pie!

I finally got around to making one of my favorite pies! This is so delicious and a perfect way to use up any berries you have in the house (I prefer fresh but frozen will work as well). The recipe I used called for strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. However, in the past I have used only 1 cup raspberries and added 1 cup blackberries. I think this pie makes the prefect summertime dessert! Recipe follows:


1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
1/2 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups raspberries
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie - I highly recommend Martha Stewart's Patee Brise (after all Martha knows best)

DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, stir together sugar and cornstarch. Add strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries; gently toss until berries are coated. When using frozen fruit allow fruit mixture to stand for 15 to 30 minutes, or until fruit is partially thawed.
Line a 9 inch pie plate with half of the pastry. Stir berry mixture, and transfer to the crust lined pie plate. Top with second crust, and seal and crimp the edge. To prevent overbrowning, cover the edge of the pie with foil.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 25 minutes when using fresh fruit, 50 minutes for frozen fruit. Remove foil. Bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes.com