Blogger's Favorites -- SeeSaw Designs

It’s pretty safe to say that the three ladies (Angela, Lindsay and Raquel) behind graphic design & letterpress studio, Seesaw Designs are brimming with creative prowess. Their creations are perfection (their 2010 calendar is at the tippy top of my list) and the Seesaw blog is one of my daily stops (+ Angela’s personal blog is pretty awesome too…)

So of course their collaborative list is just as fantastic. That embroidered necklace is calling my name big time.

So without further ado, herewith Seesaw Design’s favorites. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

We enjoy juxtaposition in all forms. Particularly loving this balance of natural and industrial at the Kivik Art Center in Sweden.

There’s something so subtly appealing about the depth and movement in bathymetric lines. (Nature is amazing.)

Great photography and styling, like this image by photographer Sam Robinson, pretty much always brings a smile to our faces.

The three of us have varying tastes in music, but we’re always spinning something in the office, whether it be old favorites or new sounds. A few picks from this week: Andrew Bird, Laroux, The Dodos, Kid Sister.

Ampersands - they’re functional and beautiful. What’s not to love?

Can’t get enough of the current geometry trend. This embroidered necklace from Etsy seller spinthread is especially rad (yes, I bought it).

There’s a lot of mid-century architecture gems hidden around our valley. We love hometown MCM hero Al Beadle.

Of course we love letterpress (that’s why we do it!) but seriously... the paper, ink, and tactile quality... paper goods don’t get any better. Here's a close-up of our new Frank Lloyd Wright letterpress print.

We’re convinced Arizona has some of the best thrift stores, antique shops, and estate sales ever. Our mid-century and vintage collections just keep growing. This is a dress Angela just refashioned into a skirt.

We might be in the desert, but we love water. This is the most insanely amazing and perfect pool ever, Les Bains des Docks, by French architect Jean Nouvel.

Cookie...

I was seriously swooning over that opening photo in the Rachel Griffiths spread -- love her Dries top, the mural, the bench, the throw pillows...(those pillows oh my.) Love it all.

Yes, count me among the throngs who are seriously bummed (and dismayed) over the closing of Gourmet. It's perplexing and discouraging and frustrating. But I'm almost equally saddened over the Cookie closing (Gourmet is an institution, so it felt far more significant.)

There literally isn't another parenting magazine that seems to "get it" the way Cookie did. Granted they started out a bit overly aspirational (i.e. crazy ridiculous expensive clothes and vacations) but lately they seemed to have found their stride -- honest and sane articles, good recipes, excellent house spreads, great art direction... Inevitably my entire magazine would be dog-eared with things I wanted to save or go back and look at later.

Just as I was thinking about what all these magazine closings (House and Garden, Blueprint, Domino, Gourmet, Cookie...) meant for our demographic, I spotted this on Abbey's blog. She pretty much sums up my thoughts exactly (and so much more eloquently than I could have said it...)

Sigh.

Prettier Shoes...

To balance out those boots.

Mom Shoes...

These boots are not fierce, or killer or insanely cool…

If I saw someone on the street wearing them, I would not ogle or stop them to gush (I do this a lot) and then proceed to covet them the rest of the day. They are not those kind of boots.

But I bought them.

As someone who doesn’t even own a pair of tennis shoes (much to my hubby’s dismay) comfortable shoes are never at the top of my priority list. I like heels, wedges…things that make me feel tall and kinda glam. But my reality and my shoes are not matching up lately. I walk or ride my bike to pick up Audrey from school; we go to fall carnivals and birthday parties and pumpkin festivals.

I need comfortable shoes friends.

And I have to say what the boots lack in “cool” they make up for in being amazingly, ridiculously comfortable and cozy and seemingly indestructible (suede on top with some sort of crazy durable heel and a little tread on the bottom.) I tuck my jeans into them, throw on a t-shirt or a dress (over my jeans of course) and go.

My hubby is proud.

Loving...

This bright, white home spotted via Fine Little Day...

This print -- so spot-on, so true...pretty much my mantra (via Suann)

Betsy and Shanna's new pieces... I just ordered the Tannenbaum Specimen Chart. Perfection.

Mav's inspiration board...I am now officially inspired (i know, i know...) to redo mine. It's long overdue.


Sara Norris' dreamy, lovely photos...

Two Talk -- A very cool photographic record of two women's international charity work. You'll get lost in their images. Stunning + poignant.

Sophia Brueckner's gorgeous work (+ her blog is excellent too...)

Scenes from The Week-End

The weekend was a perfect mix of lazing about (the better part of Saturday afternoon was spent lying in the backyard with the girlies counting the leaves that had turned yellow in the big trees framing our house) a little cooking (lovely cousin Erin whipped up an asparagus, ham and goat cheese quiche for Sunday brunch…scared from my last quiche experience, I played it safe and whipped up the bloody marys.)

Then late Sunday afternoon we went to an incredibly fun princess and superheros party then out to a yummy dinner afterward at Park with our buddies Steve and Christine and their sweet girlies (who my girlies conveniently adore) Miette and Amelie.

All in all, a completely excellent weekend… and now we're at home on a dreary, rainy Monday with a fever ridden Millie. I suppose it’s the days like this one that make me fully appreciate this weekend's sunshine and merriment... Right?

Happy Monday.

The Shop + Happy Weekend!

I've put a few fun new things in the shop + there are lot of goodies on sale to make room for the necklaces we're planning to add in November (Audrey and I are hard at work...) Take a peek and see if there's anything you can't live without!

Have a splendid weekend -- we have gorgeous weather, our Fall school carnival and two costume parties on the agenda, so it should be a good one here... I'll report back on Monday!

Blogger's Favorites -- Laura of Ascot Friday

I first stumbled upon Laura’s most excellent blog after being blown away by the photos of her son Hudson’s genius Where the Wild Things Are first birthday party (above) over at Party Perfect.

The lady is seriously creative and stylish (which is really no surprise, as she’s also a visual manager for Anthropologie.) I especially love her cool, laid back Southern California aesthetic…

So without further ado, Herewith Laura’s favorites. Enjoy!

Succulents -- A pot full of mixed succulents makes me happy. I especially enjoy the easy maintenance, and they make great gifts.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich -- I eat this for lunch almost everyday. I guess I am a creature of habit, but they just taste so darn good!

Palm Springs -- Someday I will retire here, in an amazing mid-century modern home. Until then I try to visit as much as possible. I am partial to the Parker Palm Springs. (here's a tip: sign up for their mailing list, they offer some amazing deals during the off season)

Sue London Ballet Flats -- I live in these. They are so comfortable and add a bit of class to every outfit. I am on my second black pair, (the first lasted me 3 years). Plus they fold up into a small little pouch that makes them perfect for travel.

Pandora -- Every time I am listening to Pandora Internet radio I am in awe that it is FREE! Where else can you have a personal DJ at your beckon call? It is also a great way to discover new music. (Plus you can impress your friends with your extensive play list).

Kate Moss -- My longtime fashion muse. Every time I see a picture of her I am inspired. If you don't have a muse, get one. I highly recommend it.

Target -- Pathetic enough as it sounds, I make an appearance here at least once a week. Where else can you get shampoo, milk, a prescription, a crock pot and a Anna Sui dress all in one location? Target is one of the smartest companies around, and they have me pegged.

Forever 21 accessories -- Seriously. Have you seen the jewelry here as of late? I can't get enough. I get so many compliments on all the pieces I have bought from here. Tip: go often, (or check on line frequently) the good stuff goes quick.

JBrand Black Skinnies -- Every girl needs a pair of black skinnies in their closet. They are the perfect compliment to any top. Plus they are so easy to dress up and down. (they look amazing with ballet flats). I recommend Jbrand, they have a ton of stretch, but don't do that annoying stretching out that other brands do.

Estate Sales -- The thrill I get searching through others peoples stuff is unexplainable. It is also pretty interesting to see how people live. I have found some of my greatest treasures at estate sales. Check out pennysaverUSA to find one near you.

Good Mail

Some of the lovely mail I've received of late -- Holiday lookbooks from UO

When Bryan and I first started dating, we were long distance for several months (him in Austin, me in Boulder), regularly sending each other epic, fat love letters. Mail was a huge deal then, as I didn't have a computer so we couldn't send e-mail and we couldn't afford daily long distance phone calls. I literally waited for (stalked) the mail lady every day to see what would arrive from my love.

A few years later we're e-mailing and texting like mad... and all of the sudden mail is a total drag -- all bills and junky catalogs. Don't get me wrong, I like technology (it's how I make my living in fact, so I like it a lot), but deep down I'm a closet Luddite -- we have an ancient TV, regularly use a record player and no, I don't have an iPhone (yikes!) + I like paper... a lot.

But ironically, one of the interesting and happy side effects of having a blog (which is essentially all about using technology to share ideas, inspiration, etc...) is my snail mail has gotten infinitely more exciting. I occasionally get sweet notes and fun treats from blogging friends, nice books and really cool, creative PR materials... I have to say I'm kinda stalking the mailman again.

I'm also constantly inspired by all the gorgeous paper products out there...they just make you want to send mail, no??

Yet more recent mail loveliness... Frankie's Photo Book and Afternoon Tea cookbook, which are both incredibly, incredibly cool.