VALENTINE'S DAY CARD ROUND UP

It's almost February and you know what that means!  Valentine's day!  I know that I have posted recently about cool sites for Valentine's Day gifts, but I thought I would throw in another post about Valentine's Day cards.

Here is a grouping of my favorite letterpress valentines from Etsy--all of which are reasonably priced around $3 (not including shipping)--which means that you will be guaranteed a great product and feel good knowing you are supporting a small business/local artist.

From top to bottom:

i love you, pistachiopress, $3.50

love guy, littlepretty, $3

je t'aime, set of six notecards, delphineSTUDIO, $12

boy with letters, sweetbeets, $5

f*cking love, ParAmourDesigns, $4

be my naughty valentine, clementinepress, $3

MORE FASHION TEMPTATIONS

This morning Good Morning America did a segment with Glamour magazine about "Recession Fashion".  Some of the stuff they recommended was hideous, but I really liked both of these which, strangely, are both equestrian-style:

Equestrian Cross-Stitch Satchel, fred flare, $38

Equestrian Rainboot, Urban Outfitters, $48

TO DRESS OR NOT TO DRESS?

I have recently been feeling that I am not quite stylish enough for New York.  It seems that everywhere I go the women around me have really cute, put-together, chic clothes on.  This seems particularly true since I am in the arts; art people seem to dress with a little more panache on the whole than many other professions (feel free to protest this blanket statement in the comments section).

The bottom line?  This evening I revisited the Anthropologie website after a long hiatus.  I found this cute little number on sale.  I think it would look pretty snazzy with a little cardigan sweater.  Would do you think?

KIDS THESE DAYS . . .

I am not sure how effectively this commercial advertises Cadbury candies, but I love it anyway.  I guess it could fall under the category of "made me look" ads.  In either case, I am pretty sure you will enjoy it.

THREE POTATO FOUR

There is some pretty cool stuff--particularly vintage stuff--over at Three Potato Four.  If you need something cute for a loved one for Valentine's Day (or a birthday, or just for yourself) go check them out here.

Not surprisingly, I really like this antique tin Globe Bank but I can't justify the $28 price tag.

PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRESIDENT

The New York Times Magazine has an amazing photo essay of 52 of Obama's top aides, advisors and cabinet members.  Taken by Nadav Kander, the photographs also have a great voice over describing the photo documentary  process.  I love the expressiveness achieved in each shot.  Check them all out here.

VALIDATION FOR MONDAY

T. J. Thyne already makes me happy as Hodgins on Bones.  Now he is making me happy in this adorable short film.  It is well worth the 15 minute duration and is guaranteed to leave you feeling better about the world. Hopefully it makes your Monday a little bit better!

TOO MUCH BEAUTY IN ONE ROOM!

It's hard enough looking at Beyonce without wanting to kiss her, but when she is singing my FAVORITE SONG (which will be my first dance at my wedding) to the MOST GORGEOUS political couple IT IS TOO MUCH FOR MY EYEBALLS TO TAKE.

Watch it yourself but beware of smiling and pawing at the screen!

POLAROID SAVIOR?

It can't be true!  Polaroid film might be saved?  Even as early as December 2009?  No way!

Read more about the wonderful plans of Amsterdam businessman Florian Kaps here.  To celebrate I am also sending you to the lovely polaroid sx-70 photos of isofoto.

HANDMADE FONTS

There are some really cool "handmade fonts" at www.handmadefont.com.  Unfortunately, like most fonts, they are really expensive.  Still cool to look at though.

I HOPE SO TOO

With the new administration there is a lot of hope for significant change in the months and years to come.  While I am trying to stay cautiously optimistic, it is really cool to see how ardently hopeful our country has become in light of Obama taking office.

The New York Times is running a really cool interactive feature about various hopes for the future under our 44th president.  Check it out here.

BLAZE YOUR OWN PATH

 . . . your own bike path that is!  This is a really cool concept product that shines a light behind the rider which demarcates your own personal bike lane.  It seems like a really safe way (even more safe than those blinding blinking lights) to let drivers behind you know of your presence.  Suddenly bike messengers seem to have it a little easier. . . 

Drool over the idea here.

IT'S A NEW DAY

What an amazing speech!  My faith in the future of America is renewed . . . 

Also, Michelle had to be the most gorgeous, elegant and poised First Lady since Jackie O.  How amazing does she look in that gold/green embroidered coat?  If only we could all look so beautiful . . . 

SWEARING IN

Article 2 (for BHO) from Andrew Sloat on Vimeo.

INAUGURATION DAY!

I am very excited to watch the Inauguration today (which is being broadcasted at school on our jumbo screen).  Just a couple of things to keep your excitement up:

Awesome Obama Stamp at Kiosk

Is Obama President? countdown website

Enjoy!

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT IDEA

In case any loved ones are reading this blog, I really really like this photograph and might really really like a print of for Valentine's Day  . . . 

The best part?  Because the website 20x200 is so awesome, you can get a a 8.5" x 11" archival print of this photo for $20!  However, they only print a handful of the small size, so you have to get them while you can!

Find this Balloons print by Juliane Eirich here.

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!

Yes, as the weathermen predicted it is absolutely FREEZING outside today (at least here in the Northeast).  But, sometimes some good can come of the bitter cold.  Though my mother is at her job today combatting frozen pipes and broken-down boilers (she is the Facilities Director for a New England prep school--a big and hectic job on a foul weather day like today), she still made time on her drive to work to stop and take these gorgeous photos of the Connecticut River encased in frost and frigid mist.  There is no snow on the trees in these pictures, just crystalline ice.

If only it weren't so cold, I might take a walk myself to shoot some of these wondrous sights. . . . 

Thanks to my talented mother for these beautiful photographs!  Stay warm everyone!

NO. WAY.

I am just learned from the blog grapevine that Orla Kiely will be designing a homegoods line for Target to be released as early as this February!  Hooray!  Great design at a reasonable price?  Yes please!

Found via sfgirlbybay and Black*Eiffel.

LAVENDAR LUXURY.

I have never really understood the idea of lingerie sachets.  I always kind of assumed they were stuffed with frou frou rose petals or lame potpourri.  Somehow the clean design and typography of these handmade pouches seem more realistic neighbors for my socks and long underwear.  It also doesn't hurt that they are stuffed with organic lavender from France and are reasonably priced.

Find them here at the Etsy shop "lapomme".

The BEST!

If you are ever feeling like the world is hating on you, do what Tina Fey (amazing amazing woman) does here. You officially become everyone's hero.


I was already having a good day. Watching this just made it a little bit better.

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

MORE LITERARY LOVE

Even deeper than my obsession with cover design is my love of great illustration . . . which seems to be most prevalent in children's books.  I have decided that my children (when I have them years and years and years from now) should only own well-illustrated and creative kid's books.  I am slowly accumulating a collection to insure my success with this goal.

I think these three books would be a great addition to any library or a great gift to any reader young or old.  From top to bottom find them sold here, here and here.  

COVER DESIGN INSPIRATION

    

  

    

    

    

  

    

Have you ever bought a book just for the amazing cover art?  Yeah, half the time that is how I make my decisions.

So imagine my glee when I came across a website that provides a library of graphically orgasmic book jackets which is searchable (is that a word?) by author, title, designer etc.  It is a great place to glean some inspiration or simply find your next bedside read.  Check out the "Book Cover Archive" here.