Pleasure & Business

The comforts of Tokyo Milk

2010-04-28T03:24:00.001-07:00

I miss my sister. She's off doing her thang in Scotland right now and I'm super proud of her. I tucked one of these spritely things in her care package. Picked it up from Anthropologie, perhaps one of the most unique and awe-inspiring shops ever; of course, everybody knows that but I digress. This solid perfume is crafted by Tokyo Milk, a big favorite in this house. The scent reminds me of perfume I wore in my junior high days filled with sharing clothes with my sister, building tree houses out back, and family camping out at the beach. It's just the perfect dose of rosy, clean nostalgia.

Impressive Wingspan

2010-04-28T03:13:00.000-07:00

A simple yet stunning kind of "house charm". You don't have to resort to country fair wind chimes on your back porch. Crafted by Alena Hennessey from hydrostone, this seemingly weightless fowl is just the kind of outdoor emphasis you need to define your style; elegant, simplistic, naturalistic. Just make sure your neighbors don't steal it. Hey, if you were my neighbor, I would, I'm just saying...

Succulent Wedding

2010-04-22T01:04:00.000-07:00

Tending To It: Notes From A Garden Hoe just blows me away with its photographs of succulents and other sustainable floral arrangements. I just love succulents period! Here is a wedding they did in conjunction with Mi Iwasaki of mi-workshop whose wooden arrangements offer simple yet ingenious design.

Paper Genius

2010-04-22T00:54:00.000-07:00

Love these paper wonders from A Quick Study on Etsy. It just makes organization seem more fun. Somehow, some way, we will all be organized some day.

X-mas leftovers

2010-01-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

I don't think I've ever shown you my semi-fancy giftwrap from Christmas. This is the first time I've even cared about how I wrapped my gifts this year. Thought it would be a neat photo opportunity. If you're a gift wrap nut, you'd know the red, black, white, and green wrap was courtesy of IKEA. It was an awesome buy because I could use this wrap for any occasion other than Christmas. In fact, it's a little Alice In Wonderland-ish. This is my new signature wrap for sure

Prints of nature

2010-01-19T21:42:00.000-08:00

This Amanda Green bedding set is blissful. Something about it feels so organic and peaceful. Check it out on Cherry and East. Just add chirping birds and rustling leaves.

Little Candy

2010-01-19T21:33:00.001-08:00

Fred Flare is currently offering this adorable Crystal Flowerette Ring to signal the coming of spring. The tantalizing gleam off the jewelstone is calling out the magpie in me. Does a mere $14.99 tempt you to whip out your credit card, big spender?

Love Balmain RTW 09

2009-11-11T12:09:00.001-08:00

Rock 80's wear with modified 90's shoulder pad. Freakin' awesome Balmain

Dreamy watercolors

2009-11-11T11:58:00.000-08:00

If only I could float in Naomi Kobayashi's world.....

Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance"

2009-10-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

It's a shoe made from the carcasses of dead Aliens

This one actually looks cool in a Steampunk sort of way

This one... I had no words for. I said... whoa..

While reviewing Alexander Mcqueen's new Spring 2010 line I came across his new shoe installments. Just the name 'Alexander Mcqueen' evokes words like "bizarre" "exotic" "marches to his own tune". Just the kind of fashion that belongs in a Lady Gaga video! Check out "Bad Romance"

It's a chair... or an ironing board.. or a chair

2009-08-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

So take away the iconic domestic chore cliches that ironing boards conjure and put it to use as a chair with masculine leather and studs. Pretty cool...
This photo is courtesy of Recylcart

A little Nest

2009-07-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

Wow, I guess you can figure out what the purpose of this bed is really for (and it ain't for sleeping, if you get me). Gotta hand it to Shawn Lovell Metalworks for creating this metal tongue-in-cheek piece of art. I had to zoom to really understand that this was all metal and not fashioned out of tree! All we need are a few birds and deer and we're in our own Snow White fantasy

My Sister's Architecture Firm

2009-07-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

My sister has the pleasure of working in New York and being surrounded with so much inspiration. She works with Sawyer/Berson Architecture & Landscape Architecture a talented firm that does a lot of work for celebrity clients. Man, I wish they could build a spa terrace at my house...I just don't have the pocket book for it >_<. This terrace is in Manhattan, New York

"Fashion Is Exhausting" said the model

2009-07-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Why do all the models work so hard to look tired and bourgeois? Photographer Bruno Dayan makes it all look like art--therefore, now we all want to look that way.

Water beauties

2009-07-09T02:46:00.000-07:00

Oh Joy! showcased Stina Perrson's gorgeous art in cosmetic packaging (I will have to acquire said cosmetics for the art, regardless of its contents). Check out these ethereal images.

This ain't yo family's lil lawn chair

2009-07-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

That scrappy aluminum folding chair just isn't gonna cut it anymore when you're watering your lawn. These days elitists would rather spend a hefty $1,899.00 on this Lido lounger from Allegro Classics than swing into Walmart for some $15 stinker. Just keeping up with the Joneses.

Oh, check out their site. They've got all these pool loungers that just make me wanna dig up my dirt yard and make a swimming pool just for these.

Dog Days of Summer

2009-07-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

It's hot. Really hot, like 105 degrees hot. I know, it may be hotter somewhere else but I'm having trouble keeping my shirt from sticking. This Perrier Melt Ad Campaign reported by Cyana Trend Land summarizes how I feel.

Hint hint!!! Gift request >_<

2009-07-04T01:52:00.000-07:00

Whoa, Lucid New York sure knows how to make eye candy. Like a magpie, I'm in love with these cocktail rings. Gawd, okay maybe it's just the digital macro on the camera that makes 'em so sweet....right. That's it.

Intriguing Artist

2009-07-04T01:11:00.000-07:00

Andrew Archer is an artist ahead of the times. No literally. He lives in New Zealand which is pretty much ahead of everyone in timezones so... he actually sees the future (at least to a Californian). I stumbled upon his art and couldn't stop looking. It has a raw look about it. I also see a captured movement which is hard to do among artists. Every piece has this story going on in it which prompted my gawking.

New York: Souen Macrobiotic Cuisine

2009-07-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

Included in my culinary adventure was a trip to Souen, one of my sister's favorite restaurants in New York. Their specialty catered to the Macrobiotic Diet. People, including myself naively believed the Macrobiotic Diet composed of (and had the flavor of ) rabbit food. On the contrary, I found colorful salads, noodles, tempura, hearty bowls of stew and baked fish.
Primarily the diet includes sea vegetables (like seaweed), cauliflower, lettuce, broccoli, onion, ginger, garlic, onion and carrots. The main focus is to balance the body's yin and yang by eating vegetables that come from both the yin and yang spectrum. They shun vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers because they belong to the "nightshade" family which contain small levels of natural toxins that throw the body out of balance. Well, whatever doctrine they adhere to is fine with me, as long as the food was good---and it was. The seafood yuzu stew I had was deeeelicious!! I felt absolutely full without the heavy, lazy aftereffects of a traditional Dinty Moore stew.

Oh yeah, and I didn't know this until after I read the website weeks after I visited the restaurant; you're supposed to chew your food at least 30 times before you swallow as part of the macrobiotic diet rules. Gosh, no wonder the people around us were still there with 1/2 full plates after we gobbled our food down.

Lifesize Gundam

2009-07-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

Whoa!! This sprouted in Tokyo. Amazing. Go here to see it.

Paper jellyfish

2009-07-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

Light fixtures don't need to be boring if you find yourself waking up in the morning and staring at the ceiling for good hour before getting up. 7 Gods offered these handmade limited edition lighting sets to hook you up.

Lesley, if you made it to this website, don't these fixtures look familiar? Even though yours are held together with thumbtacks at least geniuses think alike. ^_^

The New Coffeetable

2009-06-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

Afiddesigns in the UK have these coffeetables available to serve as your new living room conversation pieces. Pretty interesting huh?

MMmm cake

2009-06-26T21:51:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine commissioned me to do a cake for her and I was glad that she liked it. I always appreciate the practice. This one was split for two occasions; a wedding anniversary and a birthday. Thanks Christine!

Beautiful world of Eveline

2009-06-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

I miss drawing, I don't remember when was the last time I put a pen to paper to create something. When I saw Eveline Tarunadjaja's art I got all nostalgic. Her art has a feminine sweetness that I admire.

Sun Yellow

2009-06-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

So here I am enjoying and appreciating the hot California weather. This saturated bright yellow emanates all of this beautiful summer.

Pictured above from left to right: Alexander McQueen's Spring RTW 2009 line,"Vintage Yellow Buttons" photography by Madeline Tosh, and TLR unisex t-shirt by Vital on Etsy. Have a good weekend!

Floral fixation with Saipua

2009-06-24T02:16:00.000-07:00

Saipua makes some of the most beautiful bouquets I've ever seen and I can't believe I missed their shop when I toured New York! Saipua in Finnish means "soap" so yes, they make visually stunning line of high end soaps too.

Superheroes! Check out the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.!

2009-06-22T01:30:00.000-07:00

While wandering around Park Slope I found this awesome store that sold supplies for your mild mannered super hero. I giggled through all the intelligent gadgets and serums I found within. There were "invisibility" potions, "truth" serums, capes and tights of all colors, and wall scaling suction cups. Their logo is intelligently designed with a classic phone booth as a familiar changing room for well known superheroes. Kudos guys, you rock. Here is their website. Enjoy!

Cupcake upgrade

2009-06-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

I saw these laser cut cupcake holders and was blown away by the delicate designs. What will they think of next? These can be ordered from The Baker's Kitchen

Back From New York!

2009-06-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Well it was quite an experience to navigate the subways to get to all the delicious food the small businesses had to offer. I was very grateful for my native New Yorker sister Lesley for getting me around so easily.

One of my favorite things to eat were these macaroons and truffles from Whole Foods in Union Square. Perhaps you can get them in the Whole Foods in California (I'm going to check for sure!) but nothing beats the view of Union Square from the cafe on the second floor. Wow, the life of a New Yorker is sweet!

Conduct business with pleasure

2009-06-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

I have to showcase Olivia Frolich again because her photography is so breathtaking..

Rebuilt

2009-06-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

If you're good with a sewing machine you could possibly turn your fashion-unconscious husband's flannels into urban-outfitter-esque dresses. Or you can visit CandyStoreCollective and nab their awesome styles. Shown here are coined "The Rebuilt Ragamuffin Shirtdresses".

In LOVE!

2009-06-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Saw this on the Contemporist. I love this whole design! It's a villa in Bali, Indonesia. I imagine my house will be like this, completely natural, zen and spa-like... ohhh a vacation at home. Wow. So yeah, if anyone wanted to surprise me with a house...take this hint! Wow. I say wow again. Visit the Alila Villas Uluwatu website to get the experience.

Adorable

2009-06-10T14:40:00.001-07:00

Each of these products are hand-knit by women who belong to a collective of knitters in rural Kenya. The collective is involved with the East Africa Hub, a non-profit organization comprised of socially responsible businesses that provide a link between artisans and the marketplace.
By Branch

Nervous System

2009-06-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

Nervous System on Etsy.com creates beautifully distorted ellipses as a fashion statement. Seen here are Radiolaria necklaces. View their shop!

A color that washes away the blues...

2009-06-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

Something about this bright "right-out-of-the-crayon-box" blue that just makes me happy.
Clockwise from left, The Cain Chair from Branch, a back issue from the expired magazine Domino (yeah, I was sad the day I got the letter too), Etsy seller Zoe Chen, and Temperley London

Friends Forever!!

2009-06-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

Forever 21 never fails to disappoint when it comes to fashion. They've just opened a store right in my own town so I never have to skip to another city to get my fix. For real, the chain just gets better and better and they just keep taking more of my money! They are even featuring a new label named "Faith 21". The line has particular pieces that put a spotlight on all those hard earned curves.

Stacking Blocks

2009-06-08T18:51:00.001-07:00

I saw these and thought about "Jenga" and "alphabet blocks". They're by ZenBlocks. They're quite alluring in a way. Would make a great conversation piece on a coffee table. When you're reaching for a topic you can idly try to build an arch. Good luck with that!

Romantic

2009-06-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

The most romantic little charms I've ever seen. Wish there was a store here in the US. These are from Eclectic Eccentricity and are based in Europe

My Favorite Cake Artist: Ron Ben Israel

2009-06-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

When asked who I admire most as a cake decorator I always refer to this guy. His flowers look so real and his cakes are made with such precision. He's centered in New York (man I hope to see his shop when I go this week!). Ron Ben Israel's the master!
photography by Brian Dorsey Studio

Party's at this house!

2009-06-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Design Milk featured this house on their website. It looks cold and museum-like but personally this place looks like a perfect place for a party.

That looks like fun!

2009-06-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

Tom Kühne featured his designs at the DMY International Festival in Berlin this year. They look fun

Alexander Wang wants you to resurrect your 90's wardrobe!

2009-06-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

Since his debut, Alexander Wang has always drawn his greatest inspiration from the 80's and 90's and his Spring 2009 collection reflects it well. Take out your old sweats and leather pieces because, yes, they're in high style again.
Here are some pointers:

Wear your loose fitting sweats or jackets with tighter fitting pieces to balance the look
Avoid jean jackets glitter or stones (although studs may work if placed well). The look is supposed to be clean, refined, and updated.
The key thing to any look is confidence.

Childhood is still calling

2009-06-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

Something so japanese-y and childlike that makes me happy when I see these cards by Elum designs. Perhaps it's perfect to send to all your good friends

Mixtapes are the old school love letters

2009-06-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

Back in elementary school I used to make a grip of mixtapes and I wish I still had them. I don't know what it is, maybe it's just the playing of those same collection of songs that conjure up old memories, old feelings and even the memory of how youth smelled (a combination of text books, sneakers, CKone perfume, and teen spirit deodorant) that make mixtapes the lost art form of time capsules.

At least SuckUK had the right idea when they wanted to upgrade the mixtape to play on your new iTunes. You open up the tape and inside is a playlist that you handwrite all your fav songs and a 128mb USB drive. Upload the songs (I believe it holds 120 minutes of music, just like the length of a mixtape) and give it to your friend.

Currently listening to:
Hercules and Love Affair "Iris"
A Fine Frenzy "Borrowed Time"
Oasis "Supersonic"

The Serious Business of Pursuing Pleasure

2009-06-08T11:09:00.001-07:00

To launch the first of many posts, here are some beautiful images by photographer Olivia Frolich

She makes the sun look glorious, no?

Delicious Fabric

2009-06-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Everything for summer is color! Anna Maria Horner is my hero. She's a mom, a crafter, and an entrepreneur of gorgeous fabrics. If you admire her the way I do, follow her blog here. She's become the go-to girl for beautiful fabrics to many crafters. Enjoy the color!