Bonus Bone: Vegetarian Food Pyramid poster

Vegetarian Pyramid, by Andreas Samuelsson

I've been a vegetarian for almost eleven years now. I think I eat a pretty healthy diet, but even the best of us have our off days and just want to stuff our face with seven layer dips and gooey nachos. Every so often we might need a reminder of what we should be eating and that's why I love the Vegetarian pyramid poster by Andreas Samuelsson. It's fun, bold graphics aren't too preachy. It makes eating healthy look fun!!!

For these reasons, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

Toolware

Tooltime 4-piece flatware set, at unsaleable

I know and love a certain person and IF that certain person whom I know and love happens to be edging up to that long walk down the aisle, I know exactly what I'll buy for the shiny new couple. I don't even care what their BB&B registry says.

And "that certain person" wouldn't at all be me. *

* There's no white veil in my future, but please bookmark this link for when/if there is.

Mirrors at Graham and Green

Trianon mirror, available at Graham and Green

Mirrored Angel Wings, available at Graham and Green

Arch Top Mirror, available at Graham and Green

The UK store Graham and Green always carry the most fabulous mirrors! I'm a sucker for big, statement mirrors and these all have me swooning.

Hey Mr. DJ...

Urbanati DJ Console, by Trevor O'Neil

Trevor O'Neil (of T.O.D.) sent us a pretty bad-ass heads up. He just finished the design and build-out of a custom media stand for one hip client. Not only does the piece look polished and original but it's all kinds of repurposed. Here's what Trevor says:

I used only recycled materials - that same cork [leftover from a previous piece, Dulce De Leche Diva]. The pine beams are actually from my childhood home that was recently sold and gutted (snif--talk about heartbreak), and the plywood was left over from a cabinet job.

I'm really fond of O'Neil's designs. If I remember correctly, he's self-taught in the arts of furniture design. It impresses me that he's constantly creating strong, unique pieces that look great but also have a green heartbeat. Or should I say...

Playerz' off the chain with the dope homegoods design and he be representin' OG and eco-illin'. Now spin my jam, homeslice.

If you're interested in a custom job or anything else he's got going on, send him a note shout out.

A Good Pillow & Some Bad Hair

Three Circle Small Cushion, designed by Anne Kyyro Quinn, at Rose and Radish

This Three Circle Small Cushion is fun and sunny. It reminds me of breakfast and children's TV programming from the '70s. I think it looks incredibly well-made, with its smart dimensions and raised appliqué. I would have no problem labeling this pillow as GROOVY (man).

The $255 price tag, though, is about as groovy as Paige Davis's new hairdo. *

Paige Davis of Trading Spaces, image via TLC

* And that's not very groovy AT ALL (y'all).

Ziggy Wine/Organizer

Ziggy Wine Rack, $100

I like this Ziggy Wine Rack from CB2 but I'm pretty sure I'd LOVE it more as an organizer.

In the office, it could hold notepaper, rulers, scissors, boxed thank you cards, stamps, an address book, pens, reading glasses.... Or put it in the kitchen to store recipe clippings, grocery lists, cell phones, fat gram/calorie chart, house keys, coupons, and (maybe) a bottle of wine.

6 & 7

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

Zzzz.......zzzzzz............*snor*.....zzzzz

• TheeErin's CTA Love Story in "Humans In Transit" (seen above)
• Porcelain Loves "Kielbasa" More Than She Hates Tofukry So...
• A Romantic Bedroom DIY
• Barrel's Sharp Consumer Eye
• The Buttons Don't Hurt Your Face
• How Do You Define Milk?
• Crate & Barrel in the House Bungalow
• Refreshing to See What Obama is Doing for YOU

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Ceramic "Cardboard" Vases

Ceramic Cardboard Carton Vases, at Ashland Hardwood Gallery ($29-$135)

1) My name.
2) My appreciation for the "broke-down model"* approach to furnishings.

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

* When something is still beautiful despite appearing "busted" or unattractive.

Bale Decor

My latest dip in the vast internet ocean washed me right up on the sunny shores of the Christian Bale flickr pool. (I really can't say how I got there because I was not trolling for Bale in the slightest). Anyway, I was struck by this series of photos:

Christian Bale, by pirate_spirit

Bale with pattern, Bale with lace. Bale with silk, floral, and...grandma's furniture? I'm not sure if it's the combo of the hard-edged man set against a soft background or the way his dark hair jumps out from the pastels in that unrelenting light. I do believe, no matter what the reason, the design decision of Bale and feminine textiles is one I can fully stand behind.

But then I realized that this is Christian Bale, people. He makes an unfurnished concrete room look inviting.

pantsarebunched, by startrekkin58

Woofers

Woofers designed by Sander Mulder

Love love love the intended pun!

Bento, Part II: Still Going...

2-19-08

Another day, another Bento! Our grocery plan is really working! Click on the date to see the boxed lunch ingredients (and to get the recipe for the multi-colored deliciousness).

Grocery Genius

Sample List at Peapod

Bamboo & I came up with the BEST way to tackle the market. Before coming up with this plan, we rarely made it to the grocery store. When we did go, we'd buy ingredients for one or two dinners and then a bunch of crap. We were constantly surprised at check-out of the staggering grand total and even more surprised when we seemingly had nothing in the house to eat...the very next day. We were pretty bad.

So Bamboo brought up the idea of checking out the Peapod grocery delivery service. I resisted the idea because we may be lazy but we're also broke. I also thought we hadn't put enough effort into making shopping a budgeted responsibility instead of a mad-dash run through Supermarket Sweep.

We compromised. Last night, we planned out dinners for the week. We compiled our shopping list in Peapod and adjusted the list to fit our self-imposed budget. Once the list was all figured out, we wrote it down, and headed off to the store. This might sound like nothing new but using the Peapod lists and totals really helped us visualize what we were spending. It's easy to toss a frozen pizza in your cart at the store, when it's staring at you from behind frosty glass, its sausagey bits begging for delicious freedom. It's even easier to add it to your virtual cart, notice that it costs $9, and hit DELETE.

Of course, we made some changes at the store due to the in-house bargains but, for the most part, we stayed on track. In fact, at check-out, we ended up coming in $3 less than our Peapod total! All this and we have an entire week's worth of dinners planned and ready to be cooked up.

I was so inspired by this turning over of a new spinach leaf that I even prepared myself a lunchtime Bento.

2-18-2008

6 & 7

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

Beard Hat & Knitted Wig, both handmade by Jelly Knits

• Team Alison Rose's New Knitty Fashion (seen above)
• Paper Boy Lovin'
• Makes Porcelain Want to Punch Real Estate Developers in the Face
• Apprentice Bedrooms
• Funny 'Cause They're True
• Hatin' on Coffee
• How to Turn Real Life into a Model
• Design to Make You Blush

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

The New Matchbox

Streamliner Classic, at Playsam

Are these reason enough to have a kid or at least start a childish obsession with toy car collecting? I think so.

Streamliner Rally, at Playsam

Bonus Bone: Kithaus K3

Kithaus K3, available at Design Within Reach

I have a secret fantasy of moving out into the middle of the woods and constructing an ultra-modern prefab house. This house tour on AT Chicago really put the wheels in my brain in motion. Earlier this week Design Within Reach announced the arrival of the Kithaus. It's super tiny (only 9'x13', so too small to live in), but it would be the most awesome painting studio ever!!! Then I looked at the price, ahem, well I guess I can always dream. Or perhaps there is someone out there that has been wanting to become a benefactor!

For these reasons, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

Simple way to add a little romance into the boudoir

Love pillow cases, available at Lush Designs

I've never been crazy about the idea of satin sheets. I imagine they get all slippery, awkward and really sweaty. And although rose petals sprinkled on the bed sounds like a nice concept, I imagine in reality it would be a pain to clean up and you would most likely miss one or two petals and they'd get kind of gross. I'm definitely a more of a subtle, natural cotton type of gal. Which is why I love these LOVE pillow cases. They're sweet, subtle, and have a teeny tiny bit of cheese factor to them.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Be safe, y'all, but get out there and love nonetheless.

Porcelain & I got a new (volunteer) gig decorating the window displays at the Brown Elephant. Porcelain's STD craft heart is pictured above! We're having an immense amount of fun helping to design the windows and working with some extremely talented and hilarious folks. The whole experience makes our hearts swell.

Visit our Brown Elephant Windows flickr set to see how we transform the display every month.

Kisses & Hugs-
Design Boner

Stripe Sale!

Stripes

We just got notice that Fabulous Stationery is offering a sale on their Stripes stationery but only until February 18th! Porcelain & I bought some customized DB cards from this company and they are (haha) fabulous. If you're not down with stripes but like cards, go check out all the other great designs.

Stripes 3

Act now!

Oh, Sweet Prince...

Sweet Print (Brown), $9

I really like these sweet prints from Orange Beautiful. I think they are, well, sweet. And I mean that in both the "pleasing in general" and the "something that is awesome" kind of way.

More colors available in the Orange Beautiful etsy shop.

Sweet Print (white), also $9

6 & 7

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

White Tiger (Kenny), Selective Inbreeding

• Wonderful Wool Rugs!
• Taryn Simon's Secret Photography (seen above)
• LJC's Creepy, In-House "Pod"
• EXTRA! EXTRA! HGTV's First Green Home Sweepstakes!
• Snuggly Mops
• What Is It With Libraries and Farts?
• P.Y.T. - Behind the Music
• Bacon Weave!

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Tree Tiles & Hooks

Small Tree Hook Tile, $112 per 4" tile

These are nifty. Cool Tiles has a series of metal tiles that are molded to look like tree bark and branches. They can be finished in antique brass or pewter (as seen here). The Bark tiles have huge texture but they're considered a flat tile while the Tree and Branch tiles are meant to be used as hooks.

Sadly, the website doesn't have any gallery photos of these nature imitators in action and that's probably because they're MEGA-pricey. It's fun to imagine what they'd look like in place though. I love the idea of using the bark texture as a kitchen backsplash or hanging up my bath towel on a branch

Bark Tile (in regular and course grain); Branch Hook, $94 - $110 (EACH)

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Perfect Valentine gift for...

...the mid-century lovin', Catherine Holm collecting luvah!

Current bid: $16.50
This auction ends February 13.

Carton vase

Carton vase, available at CB2

Cute, whimsical, and super cheap! Only 6.95 clams.

Design Discourse: Framed Secretary

While neither of us feels strongly enough about this piece of furniture to turn this into a Design Debate, we still thought you might enjoy our email antics. We may not be snippy and aim below the belt but the dialogue is just as raw (and, of course, punctuation is ignored).

Design Discourse: Act 1
[polite applause]

Cardboard:
[what do you think of] this... ?

Framed Secretary, at West Elm

Porcelain:
i like it when it is open and being used as a desk. but closed up it looks a little top heavy. but overall i like it.

Cardboard:
haha, i totally agree. for some reason, when it's all closed up, it reminds me of those mooninite dudes from aqua team hunger pants

Mooninites, image via Dundermedia

Porcelain:
hahahhahaa!!!! that would be hilarious if someone constructed a desk to look like the mooninites. the best!

Cardboard:
and check it out in this pic:

Cardboard:
it's totally stalking the pretty new couch! you can't see it in this photo but it's totally got a pistola right up in her ribcage. (haha, that bowl of moss balls even looks like a sombrero)

Porcelain:
hahaha!! it totally is stalking that couch!

Cardboard:
i've decided: i don't like it. i don't need to worry about my furniture planning a revolución!

Porcelain:
hahaha!!! or being a creepy stalker!!!

Cardboard:
a mooninite...a back-alley stalker...el whappo?

El Guapo, image via IMDb

Cardboard:
that is one shady piece of furniture.

Pom-Pom Confirmation

Topissimo Rug, at Babygeared

To the question of whether pom-poms are becoming a trend... I reply, "Indeed."

6 & 7

We have exciting news regarding our weekend photos. We've officially been doing this project for a year! Our very first mosaic looks so innocent and sweet now.

Stephanie and Mav, the ladies who first inspired us with their photoblog, 3191, also recently hit their one year mark. Congratulations, S & M, on your anniversary AND your book! At this point, Stephanie and Mav have opted to switch to capturing their eveningtimes.

We, however, are going to stick with our weekend mornings. There's still many a fresh AM moment to find. Celebrate our dedication by visiting flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Live Blogging: Super Bowl Chill Zone

I'm sitting here, "watching" the Super Bowl or, more accurately, the Super Bowl commercials. I've compiled a list of necessary items for designing the perfect Super Bowl (or Oscar Ceremony) chill zone.

Turko Floral Cushions, at Wrapables

1. Comfy seating. No one expects you to have the couch space for 17 rowdy fans but there is a Plan B for stadium overflow. Floor cushions are great for making your ample floor space more inviting. Just make sure there are clear paths to the kitchen and bathroom. You don't want to be responsible for any of your guests spending next season on the bench.

Sony 26" LCD HDTV, at Sears (and on sale!)

2. TV. Duh. After seeing the HDTV example set by the new flat screen in the convenience store across the street from my house, I now recognize the allure. I might try to save up for a high-definition replacement but, until that day, I have a big ol' tube TV and it'll do.

Origami Fun Kit for Beginners, at Amazon; The Game of Life, image from Wikipedia

3. Non-Super Bowl Activities. If you invite a bunch of people over, there will inevitably always be a few tag-alongs who aren't really down with the sports. A good host would distract them with conversation and pull them into food prep. A great host would provide them with a different kind of game! Origami is a crafty, (usually) non-competitive option or you can always play upon nostalgia with the childhood favorite, The Game of Life.

Peanut Butter Pretzels, at Sam's Club; Chicken Wings, at Wings Around the World;
Vanilla Drumsticks; and Homemade Artichoke Pie

4. Lots and lots of snacks. This might be the most important factor in a good TV get-together. I suggest going with surprising snacks that invoke happy memories, like stuffed pretzels and old-school ice cream cones. You'll also want to serve at least a few items of traditional fare, such as chicken wings or pizza. Whatever is on your plate, make sure it's hearty and full of bread because it's got to absorb all the...

Goose Island Brews, at Chicagoland liquor stores; Beer Keg Adult Costume, at Spirit

5. Beer. The Super Bowl is not a Gin & Tonic event nor should you serve wine (and keep a straight face). Since I don't have too many people over, a six-pack of Goose Island Honker's Ale is doing the trick. If you have a full-fledged party on your hands, however, you might consider getting a keg. This requires some advanced planning but you don't have to worry about (recycling) a houseful of empties the next morning.

"...you guys go on...," by aphasiafilms on flickr

6. A place to crash. I believe a good host will always have room for loved ones who've had a bit too much fun. If your party animal is mostly coherent, cab fare might be adequate. Yet if your guest thinks the Kleenex box is their left shoe, your couch is a safer option. Take care of your peeps, humbly and without judgment, and you'll be #1 on the invite list for their next party.

Photo credit: Wings picture from Chicagoist

Weekend Flings

"Chair of Hair"

• Making Shape: Lottie*'s Upholstery Process (seen above)
• A Third Floor Breakfast Nook & Other Dream Home Complaints
• Goin' Out, Gettin' Bacon Drunk
• Fiestaware Makes Me Ponder Collections
• Formica Loves Her New Jammies
• Wallpaper for the Potty
• Furniture with Plenty of Vitamin D & No Additives
• Bookmarked for Our Plans for CTA: The Musical