The Daily Eat: Sesame Chicken Salad.

Sesame Chicken Salad puts a new twist on an old fallback. Really easy and perfect for my lunch!

:: photo and recipe via Coconut & Lime

Frame Plates.

I'm semi-obsessed with food presentation, or "plating" as the pros refer to it. This isn't to say that my normal evening dinners don't end up tossed haphazardly onto my dish, but I really love the idea of taking the time to artfully arrange everything. Not so much so that you feel horrible dismantling it in order to actually eat the food, but creatively none the less. These incredible frame plates give you the perfect canvas to do just that.

:: via Designers' Block

bliss body butter.

Me and body butter generally don't get along all that well. It always feels like I'm greasing myself up and never seems to sink into my skin. So when I got my birthday gift from Sephora last November - bliss body butter - I wasn't all that excited about it.

And then I used it.

Holy cow. The name is misleading - it should be called 'Heaven Masquerading as Lotion'. (Or something equally cheesy.) It's light as a feather and melts into my skin immediately. It got me through the winter which is saying a lot. Now I'm wishing they made some sort of version with SPF for summer...

Artist Crush: Hanna Konola.

Finnish artist Hanna Konola's work makes me feel all giddy inside. Her talents include drawing, illustrating and printmaking - need I mention that I would be completely content with only one of the three? Didn't think so.





:: via frolic

The Daily Eat: Citrusy Tuna Shell Pasta.

This Citrusy Tuna Shell Pasta looks light and refreshing which is totally what I'm after on days like today - when 94º is the high and it's only mid-May. Jealous or not so much?

:: photo and recipe via Little Corner of Mine

Vote Tee.

If I had any offspring of my own they'd surely be sporting this Vote t-shirt!

Envelope Bookmarks.

I love this idea from d.Sharp Journal! Clip the bottom corners off of envelopes headed for the recycling bin (or trash if you're that kind of person) and give them a second chance at life. Simply slip them over the corner of a page in a book, magazine, etc that you want to mark. Voila! Insta-bookmark.

Monday Goodness: Will You.

Absolutely. Love. This.

:: via ffffound

Happy Weekend.

Hooray for the weekend! I had plans scheduled but they were cancelled, so now I have two glorious days ahead of me with nothing to do but laundry. And I couldn't be more thrilled about it! Hopefully I'll be able to get in some pool time and finish my book somewhere in that tight schedule...

See you Monday.

:: photo via ffffound

The Daily Eat: Spiced Sugar Paper with Cream + Strawberries.

Brown butter and cardamon spiced sugar paper with cream and strawberries is a mouthful to say, but actually really easy to make. ("Sugar paper" is just a fancy name for filo layered with butter and sugar) What a pretty dessert that's sure to look like it took loads more time and effort than it did. Strawberries are everywhere right now - take advantage!

:: photo and recipe via Joy the Baker

Capiz Garlands.

These capiz garlands are perfectly suited for backyard summer gatherings. I think I'd string them in the trees or on the ceiling of the patio like Christmas lights. One of each color for me, please!

:: via Hostess with the Mostess

Coat Rack.

Every once in awhile Urban Outfitters really surprises me. Like with this coat rack for instance. I love the vintage inspiration behind it and the shocking turquoise color that really brings it right up to date.

Ugly Mug Coffee.

Sometimes I'm a bag blogger. I'm talking to you, Ugly Mug Coffee. Not only had I bookmarked you months ago after seeing your fabulousness (somewhere I've long forgotten), but you even emailed me yourselves and I've neglected to put out. A post that is.

That brings us to the here, the now. Because Holy Packaging this stuff sure is good lookin'. It's that hot guy who walks in the room and you think he's just easy on the eyes, but then you talk to him and he's got brains and a sense of humor, too. Almost too good to be true. (I did say almost.)

En terrasse / To Go.

Designer Laurent Corio has come up with a vessel - En terrasee / To Go - contrasting the different ways people in Paris and New York drink their coffee. The saucer has the capability of becoming the lip of the cup and vice versa. So clever and much more attractive than your usual to-go cup.

The Daily Eat: Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Blue Cheese Coleslaw.

I love the mix of spicy and cool in these buffalo chicken tenders with blue cheese coleslaw. Apparently this one takes a bit of time (chopping, breading, whatnot), but is well worth the trouble!

:: photo and recipe via CHOW

Artist Crush: Stephanie Levy.

Artist Stephanie Levy creates beautiful, intricate collages using everything from origami paper to gold leaf. The main subjects of her work are interiors, for which Levy gathers images from sources such as IKEA catalogs and vintage issues of interior design magazines.

"I like to think of the images I use as "fictional interiors", because most of the photos I use for inspiration depict interiors where no one really lives."

Who doesn't love that??



:: via Design*Sponge

Destination: Japan.

Destination: Japan is a MoMA-exclusive product collection highlighting lifestyle products from Japan. More than 100 products from established and emerging Japanese designers have been selected across many categories including home accessories, jewelry and personal accessories, and children's products.

There are so many fantastic pieces, but these are the ones that really stood out to my design style. Apparently I have a thing for soy sauce dispensers - who knew.

Clockwise from upper left: duckbill soy sauce dispenser, ceramic grater, tea canister, soy sauce dispenser

Today.

I think these last few weeks of working like mad has finally caught up with me because today I'm just drained and lacking motivation. Big time. Which is really unfortunate because I have an entire identity system to design. Grrr. Weekend where are you?!
:: image via ffffound

On the Rocks: Raspberry Collins.

I love a good Tom Collins, but sometimes all that sweet and sour mix can give me heartburn after *ahem* a few. Even though this raspberry collins version uses lemon juice it still doesn't seem quite as acidic and lot more suited to warm weather. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup or 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
- 3 ounces chilled club soda
- ¾ ounce crème de framboise
- 3 ounces raspberry puree
- raspberries for garnish

Pour the gin, lemon juice, crème de framboise, raspberry puree, and simple syrup into and ice-filled Collins glass. Top with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with raspberries.

:: photo and cocktail recipe via Hostess with the Mostess

The Daily Eat: Cinnamon Sugar Muffins.

I don't think I've ever met anyone who doesn't like cinnamon and these Cinnamon Sugar Muffins look awesome.

:: photo and recipe via Genesis of a Cook

Dick & Jane Flash Cards.

What a fantastic idea - giving old flash cards a new, edgier life. I smell a DIY project!



:: via Better Living Through Design

Pleated Duvet Cover.

I have a duvet cover that I really, really like. But after using it for awhile realized I like the clean white slate of my down comforter even better. This organic pleated duvet cover might make both worlds meet up someplace in the middle with it's mellow natural color and pin-tucked detailing.

Live Now.

Loving these Live Now posters by Eric Smith. They become even more wonderful when you know the full story...

I was recently diagnosed with cancer and have begun down the treatment road. I have learned to saturate each moment in front of me with all of my energy, as well as many other tremendous lessons. I decided to create a poster series with some quotes that have driven close to my spirit throughout this whole ordeal. Proceeds from the sale of these posters will be donated towards the Live Strong Foundation. Please purchase one, or three, and spread words of hope and inspiration.

The Daily Eat: Three Cheese Cake.

I haven't had time for lunch yet since I was out meeting with my realtor(!) but I guarantee if this Three Cheese Cake was sitting in front of me I'd the clean the plate so well you'd be able to just put it back in the cupboard.

:: photo and recipe via cook & eat

Mixed Media Crush: Erin Smith.

I can't stand rude people, but those who are clever and say what they believe? Them I love. Erin Smith and her mixed media art I love. Erin's work is the result of a mixed media process that includes original painting, digital imaging, vintage family photographs,
and the her own meandering prose. The finished product is a giclee print reproduced on water resistant canvas, handstretched on sturdy fir stretcher bars.



:: via Roadside Scholar

38 Pages.

38 Pages is a sub-sect of Core77 where can you can post scanned pages of your sketchbook. It's amazing to see what some artists are capable of while sitting bored in a meeting!

MAD Fold-Ins.

Al Jaffee's fold-ins for Mad magazine, from the 1960s to the present, in interactive form.

Slurp.

I'd love to get my hands on a copy of Paul Lowe's (of Sweet Paul fame) Slurp: Drinks and Light Fare, All Day, All Night. Full of recipes for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as suggested pairings to munch on while sipping away. The book covers all three daily meals and even hangover remedies for the day after you use the book! Nice touch.

The Daily Eat: Fried Apple Pies.

Fried pies are a big deal here in Oklahoma for some reason. Probably because they're delicious and one glance their way can clog an artery or two. Here's an apple version for those of you brave enough to try them out!

:: photo and recipe via Food on the Food

Wood Veneer Napkin Rings.

Designer Sarah Finn takes the thinnest of veneers, and laser cuts them into two distinctive patterns for these incredible napkin rings - one with stars and the other with small "s" incisions. Each pattern is available in two different woods - a reddish mahogany and a white maple. They come in sets of six, flat-packed because you bend them into shape yourself. (If you look close enough you can see the little tabs...)

:: via Create My Event

Monday Goodness: Carpe Diem.

At least this is the motto I'm going to attempt to work with throughout another week of work craziness.

PS: Happy Belated Mother's Day to all you mommas out there!

:: photo via ffffound

Happy Weekend.

This week has been crazy, but I think I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel - both with work and the mono. I wish my weekend were filled with a backyard soiree like this one, but it isn't. My plans do include shopping with a friend tomorrow afternoon, house hunting and enjoying the beautiful weather. Not bad by any standards!

Happy Weekend!

:: photo via Snippet & Ink

The Daily Eat: Raspberry Lemon Baked French Toast.

Raspberry Lemon Baked French Toast that just might be perfect for Mother's Day brunch.

:: photo and recipe via eggs on sunday

Let Them Eat Cake.

After reading Marie Antoinette: The Journey I know that M.A. never really said "Let them eat cake." But a girl can go on hoping and at least framing and hanging this lovely print in her own Versailles.

:: via Miss Jane

Post-it Sheer Colors.

I have a *slight* obsession with office products, so when I saw these Post-it Sheer Colors this morning I flipped. Genius way to improve and expand the market of these indispensable office supplies. If they had been around when I was in college I would have gotten a lot more moola back on my re-sales at the end of the semester!

:: via Cool Hunting

Like a School Girl.

That's how I feel this afternoon. Like I'm back in (public, not catholic) high school watching the clock slowly make its rotation and waiting for the final bell. I'm busy, but these past few hours have been creeping by!

:: photo via ffffound

On the Rocks: Orange Mojito.

It just hit me that I suck. I forgot about my On the Rocks post yesterday. Please accept my apologies and this orange mojito as a peace offering.

Ingredients:
- 3 parts orange-flavored vodka
- 1 part light rum (recommended: Cruzan Estate Light Rum 2 Years)
- 2 parts lime juice
- 1 part orange liquor
- 1 part simple syrup
- Soda water
- Mint leaf

Fill a highball glass to the rim with crushed ice. Pour vodka, rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup over the ice. Top up with soda water. Garnish with a mint leaf. Depending on the quantities you use, this drink could serve 1-20 people.

:: photo and cocktail recipe via yumsugar

sex drugs helvetica bold.

Love this sex drugs helvetica bold tee from Collapse Design. I actually Ha'd out loud when I saw it. That's how awesome it is.

The Daily Eat: Asiago Potatoes.

I think I could probably sit down to these asiago potatoes as a main course - screw the carbs. They also seem like a great idea for an appetizer though. You know, if you're on the Anti All Carb Dinner Wagon which I'm clearly not a passenger on.

:: photo and recipe via The Bitten Word

Guerilla Gardening.

When Richard Reynolds began planting flowers secretly at night he had to idea he was part of a growing global movement committed to combating neglect, land shortage and apathy towards public spaces. His blog attracts guerilla gardeners the world over who share their experiences. Check out his book - On Guerilla Gardening - to learn more about how and why people are joining the cause of guerilla gardening.

:: via Josh Spear

Coffee Spoon.

As I sit at my desk this morning enjoying a lovely cup of gas station joe, the Coffee Spoon by product designer Hye-Yeon Choi is begging to be talked about. Intended to be a simple solution for diner-type restaurants, this all in one straw-like design holds both the instant coffee and the sugar/creamer in one neat package. When the contents are poured out, you use the package itself as a spoon to stir your brew. Fascinating concept at the least, don't you think?


:: via laissezfaire