December 14 2016

Beautiful New Print of Where the Wild Things Are

SPOKE SF has joined forces with MiDNiTES FOR MANiACS to present three classic Spike Jonze films: Where the Wild Things Are, Being John Malkovich, and Adaptation.

To commemorate this special event, they commissioned three talented artists: Matt Taylor, Guillaume Morellec, and Patrick Concepcion to make new limited edition screenprints inspired by Jones’ films. This one, by Matt Taylor, is my favorite. Posters will first be for sale this Friday night at the New Parkway Theater in Oakland or this Saturday night at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco where they’ll be showing a triple feature of Spike Jonze’s classics.

All leftover prints will be available online Monday, December 19th at 11AM PST. Judging by how beautiful this one is, I doubt they’ll be any left!

December 14 2016

DIY Ornament Wreath Made Out of a Pool Noodle

I’m usually too shy to put up pictures of myself but after I made this DIY wreath, I had to, personally, hold it up in pride. Just looking at it, you’d never know how easy this is to make! All you need is a pool noodle, duct tape, ornaments (large and small), ribbon (or string) and a hot glue gun (with lots of sticks of glue).

I didn’t take any in process shots, I thought I’d just direct you to a few different websites that give you step by step instructions. One is by Sweet Pickins and the other is by Grosgrain.

Some tips:
1. Once you’ve made your pool noodle circle, make sure it looks like a circle and not an oval.
2. Attach your string to the pool noodle after it’s a circle but before you put on the ornaments. (Or you can tie a ribbon on in the end.)
3. Glue the ornaments first on the outside of the circle, then on the inside, and finally in the middle. The key is to layer the ornaments so that they cover up the noodle.
4. This one’s important! Use only shatterproof ornaments. I had two glass ones shatter on me and it was not fun cleaning those up! Once you’re done, they also might fall from your wreath.

That’s it! I kept mine silver and red because that’s the color scheme of my Christmas mantel display.

christmas-wreath-4

My sister jokes that it looks like something you’d see at Nordstrom. I take that as a compliment!

December 13 2016

Flowers Bloom on People in Teamlab’s New Show

You can always count on Japanese ultra-technologists, Teamlab to deliver a mind-blowing experience. They’re experts in using technology with lights (or even flowers) in giving its users an immersive show. Who could forget Crystal Universe or Floating Flower Garden?

Soon they’ll be at Pace London to present Transcending Boundaries. Here’s what it’s all about:

“Without people this installation is a dark space. When people enter the room the flowers blossom on the people and before long the flowers spread out below their feet. When those flowers come close to another person they spread in that direction and connect.

“The flowers bud, grow, and blossom before their petals begin to wither, and eventually fade away. The cycle of growth and decay repeats itself in perpetuity. When the viewer is still, more flowers are born and simultaneously bloom. When the viewer moves the flowers begin to wither, die and fade away.

“This artwork is in continuous change, neither a pre-recorded animation nor on loop, the work is rendered in real time by a computer program. The interaction between the viewer and the installation causes continuous change in the artwork; previous visual states can never be replicated, and will never reoccur.”

Wish I could be in London to see this!

December 13 2016

Beautiful LED Shower Head by Bossini

I was looking over Houzz’s 10 Most Popular Bathroom Photos of 2016 when I came across this stunning shower head. Made by Bossini, the LED lights turn a boring shower into a stunning experience. This light show “trend” helped make this the second highest bathroom photo saved in 2016. It’s easy to see why.

When Sam and I went on our honeymoon to Tahiti, we experienced something similar at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa. The shower not only had these LED lights, you could also choose a scent to go with your shower! Who know taking a shower could be such an experience.

December 12 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: 10 Beautiful Jewelry Pieces for Your Sister or Your Friend

Lately, I’ve been on this jewelry kick. There’s so many good deals out there right now, I just can’t resist! Today, I wanted to share with you some of the items I’ve recently bought either for myself or for my sisters and friends. Right now, Banana Republic is having a 40% off sale and Madewell is having a 20% off one. It’s just the right time to scoop up some presents!

metal-spike

Metal Spike Necklace
With my new galaxy hair, I decided that I want to go a little more “edgy.” This necklace is the perfect mix of tough and pretty.
Banana Republic $48

northern

Northern Lights Necklace
Almost fitting like a choker, this necklace is just dazzling. The only problem is that it doesn’t lay quite flat, it turns to the gold size some but it’s definitely still a stunner.
Banana Republic $48

necklace-gold

Nocturnal Choker Necklace
I like how this necklace is a cross between a choker and a regular necklace. The draping is so pretty but also a little “edgy.”
Madewell $38

birthstone

Birthstone Necklace
Love jewelry that has meaning. These birthstone necklaces are perfect to give to your sisters. I bought three of these, one for each of us. I like how each necklace has three stones that lay above the chain. Different.
Anthropologie $38

earrings

Mara Earring Set
If you prefer dainty earrings, or studs, this set is for you. Because you get seven pairs, each set only comes out to about $8. I’m a sucker for anything celestial so I love the stars and moon.
Anthropologie $58

moon-ring

Montana Moon Ring
As I mentioned, I’m a sucker for anything dealing stars and the moon. This pretty ring has 14k gold plating and is decorated with cubic zirconia.
Anthropologie $38

choker

Ataula Choker
It’s hard to find choker’s that don’t look too sexy, that you can wear any time of the day. This brass one, decorated with Swarovski crystals, seems like one you can wear all the time.
Anthropologie $54.95

gold-leaf

Laurel Leaf Bobby Pin
This is a little more of a hair accessory than actual jewelry, but I just had to share it. Doesn’t this look elegant and beautiful?
Etsy $17.44

confetti

Mini Small Square Stud Earrings
Sparkling glitter flurries are frozen in the polished epoxy jewels of stud earrings that beautifully frame the face.
Nordstroms (for Kate Spade) $32

cradle

Cradle Jewelry
You’ll have to stack three bracelets to achieve this look but it’s all worth it. Love the geometric shapes.
Adorn Milk $70 each

December 12 2016

Adorable Hippo Ballerina Sculpture Dances Its Way to New York

You know when you look at a piece of art and you just can’t help but smile? Yeah, this is one of them. From February 7 to July 31, 2017, you’ll find this adorable hippo ballerina sculpture at NYC’s Dante Park, right across from Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Standing over 15 feet tall, weighing over 2 and a half tons, it’s cast in bronze and clad in a copper tutu. Created by Danish artist Bjørn Okholm Skaarup, the sculpture was inspired by Degas’ Little Dancer Aged Fourteen and the dancing hippos of Walt Disney’s Fantasia.

Visitors are welcome to take selfies with the Hippo Ballerina. Show off your favorite dance pose in front of Skaarup’s sculpture on your Instagram and then hashtag it #Dancewithhippoballerina. You’ll have the chance to win two tickets to a ballet performance at Lincoln Center. Fun!

December 9 2016

Fun Links of the Week

What are you up to this weekend? I finally got the house decorated for Christmas but we’re still missing the tree! Sam and I plan to take the kids out tonight, to finally get it. Other than that, this weekend is looking nice and free.

Now, let’s dig into the fun links of the week.

Have you seen the new and improved My Modern Met? (Check it out on mobile, too.)

Tomás Saraceno’s immersive installation, Stillness in Motion — Cloud Cities, is coming to SFMOMA! Time for a trip to SF.

Is it a speaker or a light? This delightful bird is both!

Forget the Christmas tree, why not try stripped down branches with lights at the base?

Have you seen Squarespace’s New York office? Stunning!

Doesn’t this look like the perfect NYE dress?

They had me with the owl.

Photography lovers, you will get a kick out of this. (Good job, Wired.)

Looking to buy a pair of slippers?

Potterheads, cancel your plans for Friday, December 9. Barnes & Noble is hosting a holiday ball at each of their locations!

I wish they sold this in adult sizes.

Dwell + Target = A match made in heaven.

Love this guy’s installations because I love anything to do with balloons.

I think I need this in my backyard.

The Obamas all look beautiful on their 2016 Christmas card. (How I’ll miss them.)

Photo: Charles Petillon (via)

December 8 2016

Celebrating My Sister’s Award: Employee of the Year!

This past weekend, my sisters and our husbands got together for a very exciting event. My sister, Carol, won Employee of the Year! The award was given by NOCBA or the North Orange County Bar Association. It was the perfect excuse to get dressed up. All the kids stayed home while the adults got to celebrate Carol’s huge achievement.

Above: Does this guy look familiar? It’s Richard Blade, the KROQ DJ from the ’80s! He was so sweet and sincere. He stopped what he was doing to take this picture. Then, he told us to give him any song request, from the ’80s to the present day.

nocbaunadjustednonraw_thumb_10c31

This is Carol with her husband Burt. It felt like we were going to Prom (or Homecoming).

nocbaunadjustednonraw_thumb_10c39

Grace, with her husband, Keith.

nocbaunadjustednonraw_thumb_10c42

A picture of most of us, standing in the hotel.

nocbaunadjustednonraw_thumb_10c47

Our table was specially reserved. I felt like VIP!

nocbaunadjustednonraw_thumb_10c51

There are not that many pictures of me and Carol together.

nocbaunadjustednonraw_thumb_10c54

This is a a picture of Carol with her coworkers. They all came to cheer her on.

nocbaunadjustednonraw_thumb_10c74

Grace ad I showed our support by wearing Carol’s face on a stick.

nocbaunadjustednonraw_thumb_10c5f

We went over to the photo booth area and gathered some props. Keith looks hilarious in this shot! What a photobomb!

nocbaunadjustednonraw_thumb_10c60

Here’s how our photo booth pictures turned out. It was a fun and festive night for the whole family. Congrats, to my sister and best friend, Carol!

Note: I bought my blue lace dress on Dillard’s.

December 7 2016

Holiday Gift Guide – For Your Art and Design Loving Friend

So far we got all the men and women in your life covered but what do you get that one friend that’s all into art or design? You know, the slightly eccentric one that’s the toughest to shop for? Today, I’ve rounded up some gifts I think would be perfect for him or her. Now let’s dig in.

Above: Mikkel Blanket by Røros Tweed
“The Mikkel blanket combines inspiration from the Bauhaus movement and Norwegian traditional weaving on one side with a contemporary and exploratory use of color on the other. While working with the blankets the designer, Kristine Five Melvær, combined her two disciplines of industrial design and graphic design.”
Lufina Wovens $350

eames-cover2-700_1024x1024

Eames Book
“Best known for their multifunctional modernist furniture and architectural designs, husband and wife team Charles and Ray Eames integrated craft and design as pioneers in their field. This book features their innovative plywood and plastic furniture, the Case Study Houses project they designed during the mid-1900s, as well as their other important contributions to textile design, photography, film, and beyond.”
Poketo $14.99

lego-cufflinks-red

LEGO Brick Cufflinks
“These cufflinks allow you to dress up and still maintain a spark of humor and individuality. Repurposed and recycled lost and forgotten pieces of memorabilia are converted into Lego cufflinks. Hand-crafted using real Legos, these tiles are epoxied to silver plated bezel cufflink posts.”
Guggenheim Store $30

sk_circle_white_04_1k_1024x1024

Color Wheel Blanket
“Whether you’re a print or digital designer, or simply a casual color appreciator, the Color Wheel Blanket brings a pop of color wherever it lands. Draped over your couch, chair, or baby crib, or used on the go for picnics and outdoor concerts, the 32×36” size is perfect for designer babes, or as a lap blanket for grownups.

“Knit in the United States from cozy, soft acrylic. Multiple layers of yarn make for a plush feel and extra warmth. Fabric-finished edges lend a polished look. Available in CMYK, with a white background (go team Print!) or RGB on a black background (go team Digital!)”
Colossal Shop $84

122393_b2_artist_wooden_doll_andy_warhol

Artist Wooden Dolls
“A modern take on Japanese Kokeshi dolls, which are customarily given as symbols of friendship, these cute wooden dolls caricature beloved and iconic artists. Made of schima superba wood.”
MOMA $42

7339_paris_necklace_etsy_l

Paris Map Necklace
“The “Urban Collection” series is to tell stories of travel and nostalgia. Israeli designer Talia Sari Wiener created this intricate map pendant that is uniquely inspired by the street grid of Paris, France. Map pendant: 1.2″ square, Gold-filled bead chain with spring ring closure.”
Cooper Hewitt $68

19172-color-wheel-pendant-closeup_1

Color Wheel Pendant by Yellow Owl Workshop
“Presented in a unique glass vial packaging, this cloisonné pendant is gilded in 22 karat gold. Combine this with its 30″ long chain dipped in 18 karat gold, and you have a piece of jewelry with a charming sense of gold glamour.”
Guggenheim Museum $40

prism-cat-eye-glasses

Prism Cateye Glasses
“This user friendly version of the prism glasses from h0les offer see-thru views while maintaining the mesmerizing prism look. This groundbreaking style is available in gloss black or matte cream with iridescent faceting around a meticulously-cut flat crystal lens. High-quality crystalline lenses, molded plastic frames. Each comes with a case.”
Whitney Shop $93

1007255

Barbara Kruger Vinyl Love Tote
“Barbara Kruger’s iconic montages juxtapose images culled from the mass media with provocative slogans and phrases. Here, one of Kruger’s vivid messages graces this vinyl tote. Measures 14 x 11 x 5 inch, with a six inch strap.”
Whitney Shop $68

meural-black-front

Meural
“The Meural Canvas is a Wi-Fi-enabled digital canvas built to showcase artwork. Each frame gives you instant access to 30,000+ works of art and photography, and it’s easy to upload your own.”
Meural $595

super-modified_front01

Super-Modified Graphic Design & Lifestyle: The Behance Book of Creative Work
“Behance.com is the world’s largest network for showcasing and discovering creative work. In their first-ever book, Behance’s expert curators share an inside look at the trends driving today’s most exciting art and design creations.”
Gestalten $55

unnamed-1

Monica Castiglioni Ring
“The daughter of Achille Castiglioni, a renowned Italian industrial designer, Monica is a jewelry artist, photographer, sculptor and graphic designer. Embracing an aesthetic that is both sculptural and organic, much of Castiglioni’s work is solid bronze and is cast in NY and Italy, using a lost-wax technique. Other materials include silver, felt, Pyrex and 3D printed nylon. Often the organic shapes that manifest in her work are representative of flower pistils, a source of inspiration for Castiglioni who is drawn to the juxtaposition of order and chaos represented in the flower’s biology. Fine craftsmanship and a deep understanding of proportion and materiality are evident in her broad range of work, which is collected by tastemakers across the globe.”
Monica Castiglioni (Price undisclosed)

Newer posts Older posts