weekly web round-up

Not my favorite decade, but this Roaring 20s party on City of Dionne seemed like such a blast!

I am awfully curious to know, what do Baked Zucchini Fries taste like?

One of my favorite bloggers, Whitney of Darling Dexter made an impressive embellished party skirt

Do you believe in the Tooth Fairy ?

Drive-in movies, I get... but Jordan does a one up - Bike-in!

Speaking of which, Urban Outfitters now has a Bike Shop !

Happiness is hiding in plain sight . Do you see it in the picture? Enlarge if you dont.

The fun couple that danced down the aisle to Chris Brown's "Forever" made the news

Natalie Wood

The Selby takes a peek inside Australian Natalie Wood's quirky home. This is my favorite photo of all, not just because of the cat on the table.

I am very taken in by the posters on the wall behind Natalie.

If you can't see clearly from my small photo, the words say "Countless Obstacles", "Relentless Optimism", "Senseless Momentum", "Endless Possibilities".

help, I need help

What have these clever designers done now? They make everything look beautiful - even medicine!

Swallowing pills seems less of a chore when the packaging is so droolingly well-designed. Now, if only they could design breath mints in the same way, please?

Go here for more.

Lovely Lovely

The name seems to describe this shop perfectly: Lovely Lovely. Swoonworthy, delicate, and pretty designs to oogle your heart out.

creative laundry

How many ways can New Yorkers hang their laundry? Apparently, a great deal of different ways, as The Catskill Kiwi discovered.

tiny house on tiny island

If you have several million dollars to spare, you could buy a tiny island - and build a tiny house to go with it. Shadow (my cat) would not take it very kindly to be surrounded by water on all sides. But if wide open waters is your thing, you would love tinyhouseblog.

pears on the bucket tree

I let out a sigh of happiness when I spotted this pear-shaped money box on The Bucket Tree . The likeness is uncanny, especially the skin!

Loads of other interesting vintage items for sale on their site.

for the love of berries

Now, even the least berry-inclined among you will be stirred by this gorgeous photo.

Find the recipe on Raising Foodies. Don't I wish I didn't live in a tropical country.

shipping container life

Claustrophobics, beware. This post is not for you.

You could never live the way roger black does on his 3,000 acre west texas ranch - in shipping containers.

Yes, as in those metal rectangular boxes they use to transport cargo across the ocean.

What do you think of this idea? Sink or swim?

Miro Chun

Not all wire art is created equal. Miro Chun's budding wire art card shop surely belongs to the superior category. Check out her blog where she also makes cute wire art to illustrate her stories, bringing to life the most mundane details with humour and considerable skill. Way to go!

fabric wraps

Ye who dislike wrapping presnts, do not despair!

Get yourself Chewing the Cud's fabric wraps and you'll never have to worry about wrapping paper again.

This Joy Ride

This Joy Ride is a concept website project.

Each issue features a poet, photographer or other creative, their original work + an interview.

The writers' goal? "honor simplicity + beauty+ to provide our readers with a small burst of inspiration."

I like the collaborative nature of the work and the quiet, contemplative mood of the photographs. Worth exploring.

Albeit Jewelry

Albeit Jewelry has these perfect simple necklaces that really caught my eye! Simple gold chain with a letter or number of your choice. I'll take one each for my best friends, please!

Thank you, Joanna.

collage

Lovely collagebooks seen on Design Lovely . Very pretty and intricate.

Weekly Web Round-up

Hello, beautiful people! I hope this week wasn't too hard-going for you? Several of my close friends had pretty crappy weeks, so here's me sending some happy thoughts your way.

This weekend i'll be working on a special project, when the time is right, i'll reveal the details... check back soon, alright?

So, without further ado, here's some lovely links for your perusing pleasure:

• Laurel Denise has created a cute “one size fits all” card for all occasions. Practical, no nonsense people, you know you want this!

• New Rules for Highly Evolved Humans which I stumbled upon thanks to Swiss Miss.
  
• I have a friend who never practiced after law school - she became a stewardess. This fascinating site painstakingly collects Stewardess Uniforms from various airlines.
  
• The farming life has never looked so good. (and i'm not talking about farmville or farmtown on facebook). Jason Mraz heads the list on this interesting showcase of 40 farmers under 40 .
  
• Sprouted Kitchen is steadily becoming a favorite on the blogosphere for its high quality photos, honest writing, and simple design. Their recipe? A talented lady who cooks and blogs +her boyfriend takes the photos.
  
• Wide open spaces suited simple wedding really well, especially the yellow car! (No, Mr. J, this is not a hint).

I'm signing off with my very best weekend wishes,

*your friendly neighbourhood wire-chair lover

shoe cabinet

My heart pounded a few hundred beats faster when I saw this utterly fanciful custom converted shoe cabinet. Immediate reaction: a thousand sighs of happiness and an instant stirring of coveteousness. Also, do you not love the pink electric guitar peeking out on the cabinet on the right?

I know quite a few girls who could put this idea to good use...

Image via This is Glamorous

a different sort of chalkboard

It's no secret that i'm a huge fan of chalkboards, but this idea on country living magazine is a first for me!

Vintage trays or dishes are given a new lease of life by a clever coat of chalkboard paint - then repurposed as mini 'chalkboards'. Clever, and cute!

camp comfort

As the name suggests, you'll find comfortable fashion inspiration at Camp Comfort . It has the French laidback chic vibe going on.

The Photographic Dictionary

The Photographic Dictionary is pictionary like you've never seen before. A concept site dedicated to defining words through the literal, figurative and personal meanings found in each user-submitted photograph.

The project was founded by Netherlands-based photographer, Lindley Warren. I wish I had thought of it first.

umbrella-cum-bag

Just when i had all but give up hope, this innovative umbrella-cum-bag by Korean designer Seung Hee Son keeps my quest for that perfect umbrella alive and kicking.

Really clever and practical idea for design-conscious commuters. Way to go!

yellow shoes

I heart these shoes spotted on Heart of Light ... seriously..

Bright yellow paired with grey, contrasting black t-bar, the perfect amount of faux bois heel, and that silver outline.. what's not to love?

Tablespoon Cupcakes

Why didn't I think of this idea sooner? Tiny tablespoon cupcakes by City of Dionne . A very nice treat indeed!

swing

Spotted and hearted from six black dots - a dandy looking chair/swing d.i.y idea! Another reason to love swings. Of course, i'm partial to yellow...

Imagine sitting on this swing on a sunny day, with a small pitcher of lemonade and a good book... ah, that's the life...

Graffitti note book

Look what we have here: a graffitti-themed note book!

It's pages are filled with "walls" which you can doodle on. Unleash the inner Banksy!

You can try it out at the official site here

Alice in Wonderland

If these character portraits are anything to go by, Tim Burton's upcoming "Alice in Wonderland" in 3-D will be dark, twisted, and decadent.

Looking forward to seeing Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, and Helena Bonham-Carter in character. Only Tim Burton can make creepy look this good.

Project: The Mended Spiderweb series

Nina Katchadourian created The Mended Spiderweb series. As the name suggests, Nina searches for broken spiderwebs and repairs them with red thread. The result: these photographs and a spiderweb-mending kit.

play more

Netherlands-based design studio Trapped in Suburbia was a finalist at the European Design awards. This notepad comes with ball designs on the underside of the lined paper. When you're done scribbling, simply ball up the paper (patterned side outwards) and voila, you have an instant ball!

The concept is to encourage play at work, hence the name "play more". Me like!

If you ask me, i'll probably not even write on the paper. I'd buy the notepad simply for the sheer fun of making instant paper 'balls'!

This one's for you, Mr. J .

cardboard cat house

The simplicity and fun factor (for both cat and owner) of this cat house by Laura Normandin of Wren handmade really gets me!

Except, I think that within a week, Shadow would rip the windows to shreds with his claws.

tell me a story

You will want to see the short stories jenifer altman has for you on her photo and story themed blog.

Nice concept site which I know Mr. J will love. Go see!

Fabrix Cases

Karen Cheng is one of my favorite bloggers. I always look forward to her posts and frankly, after reading her blog for so many years, I almost feel as though I sort of know her and her family personally...

Not only does she have inspiring topics, a fun writing style, and great fashion sense, I'm constantly impressed by how she shares personal information in a way that is both thought-provoking and relatable. I don't when i'll be ready to "put myself out there" and tell my personal stories.

Anyway, I spotted on Karen's site the other day a very interesting product which I immediately coveted... it's a gorgeous designed laptop case - custom made to fit your macbook.

I'm a recent proud owner of a 13" aluminium uni-body macbook (so proud, in fact, that I named 'him' Jerry, after Jerry Maguire). So this product definitely appeals to me.

Plus, Fabrix Cases are made in Singapore (close to home for me) and at $50, quite reasonably priced! What I loved best about the laptop sleeve was the foldover velcro fastener - more convenient than a zip and a pretty touch. Currently oogling at the black polka dot and damask designs. And the houndstooth check. And the gingham check. Sigh.

Golly Bard

Holly of Golly Bard has created some adorable illustrations that really appeal to the kitsch in me.

All these jars each have a unique name, i.e jar of love, jar of pickled heart or jar of tears. So pretty.. I think they would look great on a plain white tee.

Shadow play

A fun photography idea from sarah illenberger

Weekly Web Round-up

Im attempting a different kind of round-up, so here goes.

What I smiled about this week:

Amazing photos evoking carefree summer
The portfolio of photographer Laurie Frankel

What I got excited about this week

A cool publishing tool
A Canadian design resource
A design magazine


What I got upset about this week:

I live in a country where:
1. A witness in an investigation was found dead after falling from the building where he was being questioned, but the police said they found no foul play . The deceased was a political secretary to an opposition MP, and died the day before he was supposed to get married .

2. Nine Christian university students were arrested when they were conducting a survey on religious tolerance - because five Muslim students complained that they were being preached to. (It is a crime to proselytize to Muslims in Malaysia).

3. Two Muslim journalists posed as Catholics during mass, participated in communion, spit out the wafers, and wrote an article criticising the religion. No action was taken.

What i'm doing this week:

1. Watching Grey's Anatomy (getting hooked on it!)

2. Planning birthdays, weddings, and functions

3. Baking & cooking for catering

Tell me what your week was all about?

Rice paddy art

In the rice paddies of Inakadate, Japan, you'll find Napolean on horseback and also Sengoku-period warriors. Not in the form you imagine, though.

Rice paddy art is a time consuming and highly skilled art form perhaps rivalled by only crop circles.

I'm amazed at the accurate depiction, lively portrayal, and the sheer massive scale of the project! Oh, wow... Imagine Hang Tuah in a Kedah paddy field? Not quite..

toaster message

This toaster by Sasha Tseng incorporates a little message board where one can read quick notes. The message also gets “toasted” into the toast itself so it gives new meaning to “read while you eat”.

WhiteLines

Whitelines

Whitelines® is the new generation of writing paper. The concept is patented and yet very simple: Since markings from pens are dark they interfere with the traditional dark lines of ordinary paper. On Whitelines® there is no visual interference between the lines and the pen colour. Whitelines® makes your writing and sketches stand out.

DIY mechanical music box set

Fancy a DIY mechanical music box set for $15?

Sounds like a steal to me!

Hope Revolution

"One surreal day, I decided to start a hope revolution in the middle of the street. I was in lower Manhattan, surrounded by crowds of gawkers and double parked news trucks outside the loft where Heath Ledger had been found dead..."

With an opening statement like this, you'll want to read the rest of Hope Revolution 's explanation of how its site came about.

It's basically a movement about people who leave random notes of hope around their surroundings, for strangers to stumble upon and be encouraged by. I love the idea! Go check it out....

nothing elegant

Korean or Japanese decorating tape by Etsy seller nothingelegant is ridiculously tempting to buy. I've always been partial to graph paper, so having it made into tape sounds awfully wonderful to me! If only all masking tape came this way..

retro travel posters

These retro travel posters are pretty rad, eh? I think they would look great as a glass bottle label for lemonade and soda pop too. Or, framed as wall art.

amrone split ring key

Amrone split ring key is the perfect minimalistic keychain.

Craft Feature: Purl Bee's woven place mats

Weaving is a traditional element commonly used in Malaysia and we've all woven in art classes. In elementary school, I remember my teacher making us do 'anyaman' (weaving in Malay) with leaves to make baskets and also placemats.

However, Molly from Purl Bee has given woven placemats a modern twist by choosing colors in complimentary shades. I think it's brilliant! Don't you?

Aran Goyoaga

Aran Goyoaga of the blog Cannelle et Vanille manages to make these desserts look absolutely mouthwatering....

Cityscape Stamp Set by Twine

I'm absolutely smitten by this Cityscape stamp set from Twine. It has all my favorite things! Trees, bicycles, skylines, and a cheerful looking large red house. Can you spell adorable?

I have to buy this for myself, I so do!

Weekly Web Round-up

Ladies, Let's go ride a bike is a site run by two girls dedicated to city bike riding -with style!

Lovely Clusters shows off different styles of summertime photography.

Droolworthy pink macaroons and other Gourmet Traveller goodies as shown on Oh Joy!

Pretty vintage wearables from hasbeenthenagain will charm your socks off.

Food for thought: Ennui poses a question about chilvary - what do you think?

Exclusive: Nicole of Making It Lovelytakes you behind the scenes to see how she makes her Inspiration Boards

mouse doorstop

wood mouse doorstop designed by Carl Clerkin for SuckUK.

cut fruit?

Kudamemo fruit-shaped sticky notes by D-BROS

Honbachi = book pot

For those of you who buy books without reading them, consider using it as a decoration, with a twist!

Like this Honbachi (book pot) by graphic design agency Tokyo Pistol.

Too funny!

mini watermelons

Mini watermelons made from jello and lime spotted on How About Orange

coastal living

Coastal Living gives you inspiration for that laidback beachhouse decor

The Uniform Project

How many ways are there to wear a LBD? Apparently, at least 365....

The sheer audacity of Sheena Matheiken's ambitious The Uniform Project is mind-boggling to us shopping junkies who constantly complain we have 'nothing to wear'. A shining example of innovative fashion at its best, it challenges to re-evaluate not only our creativity in dressing, but also our materialistic values.

Plus, it's all for a good cause - fundraising for the Akanksha Foundation.

Side note: Guardian reports that Sheena got a fashion designer friend to redesign her favorite dress so that it could be worn front, backwards, and also as a tunic. She then had 7 carbon copies made - one for each day of the week.

Live Now

Have you heard of Eric Smith's Live Now project?

It is "a project consisting of a growing collection of artwork, quotes, thoughts, experiences and ideas, powerfully pursuing the notion of 'living now'. Engaging participants to grow, live meaningful lives & be happy!"

The origin of the project? When Eric was diagnosed with cancer, his perspective on life was changed completely.

Beautiful pop art and inspiring messages. Go see!

coffee filter dress

18-year-old Aimee Kick is an aspiring fashion designer from Missouri. She designed and constructed a dress for her prom completely from coffee filters! See more pictures at The Fashion Police.

hanging people

Check out these darling 'hanging people' ceramics from Alice Mara, available at the Hidden Art Shop.

Sliced Bread Notebook

Sliced Bread Notebook by designers Burak Kaynak and Cem Has. Made me look.

simplicity

Simplicity patterns on sale at Jo Ann's

Neal Mc Cullough

Is this vintage car themed iPhone wallpaper by Neal McCullough adorable or what? Best of all, it's free! Knock yourself out, people...

dreams of flying

“dreams of flying” by Jan Von Helleben

Weekly Web Round-up

Jeremy & Kathleen get fooled by a fake Wes Anderson Film Festival in Austin.

While closer to home, Karen Cheng is helping spread the heartbreaking story of an adorable Singaporean girl whose life you can help save..

Naturally Nina has the scoop on the diary of a book lover

In honor of Canada Day (1st July), I'm also including Montreal-based Etsy seller Jane Heller whose contemplative photographs are an oasis of calm.

Oh Joy! shows you how to rope money in with style...

A very unusual squre frame on this Bau Bike spotted on Random Inspiration.

Which reminds me, by the way, I've got to learn how to make a sweet tricycle t-shirt like the one seen on Simple + Pretty.

And lastly, learn how to make lighted paper pennant garlands via this DIY tutorial from Anna Bond.

Everyone, have a great weekend and I'll be there to greet you when those Monday blues hit..

swing

Can't get a seat on the train? Never mind, just ride the swing home

Nie Nie

The amazing Stephanie Aurora Clark Nielson celebates her 28th birthday with a summer bash full of balloons and friends.

I've been following her blog since her heady days as a creative, crafty mother-of-4 who blissfully described her everyday adventures. And then the dreadful silence on her blog as the news broke that she and her family had been in a near-fatal plane crash ....

Stephanie (or Nie Nie, as she is known as in her blog) and everyone else survived. So did her undaunting optimism and her faith in God. Painstakingly blogging while in recovery, she described her pains and physiotherapy with humour and humility, and a 5-star husband steering her on, all the way. Now she's well on the road to healing, and celebrates another milestone.

Truly an inspiration!

eclu backpacks

one-of-a-kind handmade denim backpacks from eclu with cute fabric applique animals.

fog line work

Sorry for the tiny photo. But I must show you how beautifully simple these things by fog linen work are... classic!

chris and the chipmunks

Alvin and the chipmunks would be proud of Chris McVeigh.

On my part, im in awe of how he managed to get the chipmunk to even stay still, let alone pose like that...

apple a day

With the H1N1 virus spreading, you can never do enough to boost your immune system.

Apple A Day letterpress poster from VikDesign is to be taken literally!
You put a sticker on each column to represent the apple you ate that day. As they say... it keeps the doctor away...