I’ve never tasted or made panda cotta, but I very much want to once the weather gets a bit warmer. My eyes have been open for some delicious options for that first foray and I’m sharing my twelve favorites with you below. Have you made it before? Any notable recipes or tips for a beginner?
Click on each image to go to the recipe.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
Alder
Gives you one relevant political action everyday to keep you focused.
Bear
A beautiful, flexible writing app for crafting notes and prose.
BloomThat
The best way to send flowers and gifts – period.
Countable
Makes learning about what your government is up to easy and fun. Learn about issues you care about, influence Congress with one tap voting, and rally your friends around specific legislation.
CUPS
The key to finding and supporting your city’s independent cafes.
Daylight
Tells you about daylight changes and notifies you when the days are getting longer.
Everlance
Makes tracking your mileage and expenses effortless.
Jim.Coach
The gym workout app for normal people.
Pawprint
One place for your pet’s medical records, feeding instructions, reminders, and even photos.
PhotoScan
Lets you scan and save your favorite printed photos using your camera’s phone.
Planner 5D
Enables anyone to create beautiful and realistic home interior designs easily in 2D and 3D HD models online or offline.
Quik
In seconds this app analyzes your video footage to find great moments, adds beautiful transitions and effects, and syncs everything to the beat of music.
Radish
Gives you early access to the latest web fictions serials from top writers.
ScreenUse
Tracks the amount and length of your mobile sessions, getting you in control of your mobile consumption.
Sun Surveyor
This app takes the mystery out of the sunrise, sunset, and moon phases, allowing photographers and filmmakers to scout the best locations, plan effectively, and get the perfect shot.
Vivono Wine Scanner
Your partner in wine, always with you and ready to help you pick, remember and share your wines.
Voices
Support the groups and causes you care about.
Whistle
Anonymously share sexism anywhere, anytime. Where you work, play, study, while you watch TV – wherever you see or experience sexism.
Our #resistance postcards post last month BLEW UP, so we’re doing a second round! You all downloaded and printed and shared and made my heart so full. Even more creators reached out afterwards asking to be part of any future projects and that’s where we are now, with 17 more postcards for you to mail out. I’ll continue to share new designs as long as artists and designers want to keep creating them, so if that’s you let me know!
Each download has two postcard fronts per letter-sized page, you can download the universal postcard back here. It goes without saying that these are for personal use only, each artist and designer retains the copyright to their work.
Brandi Marie Little – download here
I believe in resistance through a reclamation of the feminine. There is power in women’s work, a woman’s intuition, childbearing, mothering, moon cycles. We are far from the weaker sex and the world needs our voices.
I wanted to explore the concept of resisting not just in thoughts and words but also in our physical actions – so many of us have marched lately and used our bodies and movements as a form of resistance. I love the power and community created in that way! For this artwork, I wanted to incorporate not just a visual language, but a physical one, so I chose to spell out “resist” using American Sign Language – a form of communication based on physical action.
I often need a reminder to think bigger, plan long term goals. ‘Go bigger’ is about being brave, taking risks, and taking up space. This piece was inspired by the incredible artist and human Katie Armstrong.
Anne Smith – download here
I spent the majority of my young life watching my parents fight for what was fair. From leading strikes out of factories in the south with unfair working conditions, to standing up the KKK when they came after their friends. Resistance and justice run deep in my veins. Forever the squeaky wheel for those who feel they have no power, I am proud to be a pain in the ass for a system that is stacked against the poor, the abused and neglected. I will remain that way until the day I die.
Annabel Inganni – download here
Ongoing, constant mindful resistance. We the people, made up of every kind, are powerful when united.
Lindsay Goldner – download here
This quote is a line from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton. I fell in love with Hamilton over a year ago, but I’ve discovered a new love for it in light of what’s happened in our country politically. This lyric is a good reminder to me that resistance is something that has to be cultivated and fanned like a fire.
Of Note Stationers – download here
We are deeply grateful to the Women’s March for inspiring our nation to get writing. On January 23rd, they released their first action of writing “a postcard to your Senators about what matters most to you.” The first 10 days are over, but let’s keep stuffing mailboxes.
We designed this postcard (1 of 8 in the series) as both a rebuttal to President Trump’s campaign slogan and as a way to preserve the Women’s March chant of “Love, not hate, makes America great.” The design was inspired by our love of old book covers and is our offering and encouragement to keep writing. Write to your senators, your mayor, your governor, your town police, community organizers, local lawyers, friends in need of a little encouragement, etc.
The time is now to make your voice heard.
Having spent over 500 hours in a natural history museum making artwork about the science of our interdependence with nature, few things about politics frighten me more than the prospective damage that can be done to our already strained environment by policies passed by our elected officials. We won’t get a second chance at this, so let’s speak up like it matters.
As always, women – particularly women of color – are getting together to fix some bullshit, call out inequality, and hold those in power accountable for their actions. Thank you to everyone who’s shouting out for human rights for all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or anything else. WOMEN! WOMEN! WOMEN!
Laurie Smithwick – download here
Empathy. That’s what is missing. The fact that anyone would argue against this most basic of statements shows how unwilling we are to walk in someone else’s shoes. The fact that anyone would perceive this statement as a threat (as though it said “ONLY black lives matter”) shows how privileged we are. That everyone wouldn’t just understand that it’s actually saying “black lives matter, TOO” shows how unwilling we are to listen. There are so many things to be angry and frustrated about with our new President, but to me, “Black Lives Matter” is the archetypal rally cry. Until we embrace this fundamental truth about our fellow Americans, we will be, at best, a nation divided, at worst, a nation that espouses hate and discrimination as guiding principles.
In the aftermath of this election, I, along with so many others, have been suffering from “all the feels” as the kids say these days. I’ve found glimmers of post-election hope from the massive marches, the protests, and by taking whatever small steps I can to help make some sort of difference. I think this quote from Hillary is a perfect aspiration for us right now: “Let persistence plus resistance equal progress…” Our officials were elected to represent us – let’s remind them of that fact!
Miya Hirabayashi – download here
In science truth, in art honor.” This is a reminder that art and science are indispensable, for what they bring to our lives, and for what they bring to our society. To defend them is patriotic.
Caroline Cohenour – download here
I tried going full theme, painting in red, white and blue, including words reflecting my love of our American history and texts. But ultimately I felt hemmed-in and too on-the-nose, which seemed in contrast to the idea of speaking freely and being creative. I ended up instead going full ME: all color, some pink, a touch of neon, but not too much. And I stuck to one term which kept repeating in my head like a chant as I painted: “out loud” instead of cluttering what is ultimately your postcard with a bunch of my words. If each of us take the time to amplify our best and most authentic voices to the world and to our government, then we have a real chance to affect change, whatever our politics.
Megan Dusenberry – download here
Be the resistance even when everything is crazy and hectic.
My inspiration for this design is two-fold: First, I have been extremely troubled by how so many people (both politicians and everyday citizens) are normalizing or turning a blind eye to Trump’s actions (and in the case of politicians, favoring party line over human decency). Ever since the election – at each horrid turn – I keep thinking: How can these people look themselves in the mirror? How will they explain to the next generation that they played a role in this period of history? This song title by Lin-Manuel Miranda encapsulates how I feel about everyone who is not resisting. Second, the United States feels painfully fragmented, yet I refuse to lose hope that we will find ways to connect and find common ground. It was actually pretty therapeutic to create this design – to intersect and lock together the fragments as I moved from one side of the country to the other.
Natalie Shahmiri – download here
Resistance is the strongest when it comes from a place of love, compassion, and support. Volunteer in your community, donate to organizations that protect human rights, and make your voice heard by your representatives. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Action expresses priorities.” Every positive action you take is a step forward, and that’s all that matters.
Posted In cards, create, downloads, graphics, illustration, mixed media, painting, paper goods, series
Click on each image to go to the project.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
I’ve been on the hunt for some hooks to hang my bath towels on and have rounded up some of my favorites to share. Because of the metals and finishes on the fixtures, as well as other materials in the room, I’m leaning towards #4, #5, or #10. Which is your favorite design?
1/Birch Coat Hook 2/Brace Wall Hook 3/Brushed Brass Double Hook 4/Clara Single Wall Hook 5/Leaning Edge Wall Hook 6/Plywood Wall Hook 7/Print Hook 8/Q-Hook 9/Wire Hook 10/Woodblock Wall Hook
Posted In accessories, house and home, living, round up, seriesThis is a new series that I’ll be sharing on the last day of each month, a collection of favorite things that I’ve been using in my everyday life that I hope you’ll love like I do. These can be beauty products, recipes, accessories, whatever. Just a chronicle of great things!
1/ Oregon Chai Sugar Free Chai Tea Latte Concentrate
I’m diabetic and have been missing chai lattes since my diagnosis almost three years ago. While grocery shopping last month I found this sugar-free concentrate that I’ve been using to make dirty chai lattes (coffee + chai) and get my fix.
2/ Makers of Wax Goods Wood Wick Bourbon Candle
Sometime last year I picked a smaller size of this candle at Marshall’s because I really loved the packaging, but I feel even harder for the scent itself. Since then I’ve been addicted and have this candle in three rooms of my house!
3/ Dr. Jart+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer
My skin has been flipping out this winter – flakey and breaking out. I’ve had to amp up my skincare game in a big way and this moisturizer is my latest discovery. It’s so lightweight, is absorbed immediately, and makes my skin feel plump and nourished.
4/ Scentered Therapy Balms
Part of my bedtime routine, somewhere between feeding the cats and reading Twitter one last time, includes the Sleep Well balm. I just rub some on my wrists and breathe deeply in and out five times. During the day I rely on the Stress Less to help keep me focused.
5/ First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream
I alternate between three different moisturizers depending on how my skin is behaving. This one is great to put on before going to sleep when I’ve had an especially stressful day and maybe haven’t eaten the best.
6/ Sephora Collection Lotus Face Mask
For Christmas my friend sent me a package full of different sheet masks and this one has made me a devotee. (You can actually get two uses out of sheet masks if you put them back in their package and make sure it’s tightly closed.)
7/ Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Body Oil
Again with the dry skin. This body oil is super pure and smells heavenly, so much so that I skip the perfume on days I wear it.
8/ Fashionable Mini Tirhas Saddlebag
This bag was a Christmas gift from my stepdad that I’ve been carrying every day since. I’m a longtime fan of Fashionable and the quality of this piece is outstanding.
9/ NOW Rosemary Essential Oil
I’ve been adding this rosemary essential oil to my diffuser every afternoon before turning it on for an afternoon pick-me-up. It makes the entire first floor smell so fresh and clean.
A few weeks ago when I was in Palm Springs I attended a roundtable discussion led by my friend, Monica Lee. In it she talked about embracing your senses and using them to broaden the world around you, both for well-being and creative purposes. Lately I’ve found myself creating a bubble of health and positivity, and this idea of hers fit in seamlessly with the salt lamp and essential oil diffuser I’ve made room for in my daily life. Our senses are the way we experience the world, why not – literally – stop and smell the roses more often?
I asked Monica if I might share her idea with you, so we created a download that you can print and follow each day this March, it even includes a few thumbnails of her beautiful paintings. Each task is short and meant to be enjoyed while making you take notice of the things that might normally slide by.
Download the 31 Days of Senses calendar, then head over to Monica’s portfolio to see more of her feminine, romantic paintings and read about her outlook on art.
Cardamom is one of my favorite spices to bake with, I love the warmth and spice it exudes. But after doing some investigating it seems I’ve been selling my tastebuds short because you can use it in so many more ways than the oven. Here are twelve recipes I’d love to try featuring cardamom, including a few baked goods.
Click on each image to go to the recipe.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
What better day to fight back than President’s Day? (Trick question, every day.)
I haven’t talked politics here because I haven’t had the words. If you follow Design Crush on any social media platforms you likely have a very good idea of my beliefs and thoughts on the current administration, it’s just been easier to put my thoughts and emotions into 140 character bursts than a post. It’s taken me over three months to get to this point and even now I feel fragmented. I was with her, I was emotionally and mentally devastated, I was sick to my stomach. I marched, I called, I wrote letters. And I needed my first ever political post here to be proactive, not just all of the above angst.
Last weekend I had a germ of an idea and acted on it, thirty minutes later I had emailed a few dozen artist and designer friends asking for their help. I wanted to create a post – this post – full of inspiring art in postcard form that you could download for free, print out at home (or wherever), and mail to every political representative you want to get in touch with. I can’t thank these friends of mine enough for making time in their already busy schedules to stand up for their beliefs and contribute to a project that I hope will be spread far and wide.
Each download has two postcard fronts per letter-sized page, you can download the universal postcard back here. It goes without saying that these are for personal use only, each artist and designer retains the copyright to their work.
‘Persistent’ is part of a series of artworks that illustrator Lisa Congdon is making in response to the new administration and posting on her Instagram feed. She has been struck by the perseverance, not only of Rep. Elizabeth Warren, but also by other women – both women in power and regular women who are resisting the new administration with fervor. Lisa was inspired by the imagery of a renaissance warrior in armor, which was the inspiration for this piece. The woman holds both a weapon and a dove, representing both the struggle and the fight for peace and inclusion.
Amy Turn Sharp – download here
It’s our government. We get to resist.
I’m always drawing, it’s my way of thinking and reacting to the things around me. These days I can’t help but react to the insanity of the Trump administration and the GOP working hand-in-hand with him. So many outrageous things are happening daily, these are my attempts at bringing a bit of clarity to a blur of chaos.
Download additional postcard designs by Chris here.
Courtney Khail – download here
“Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding” (Albert Einstein)
I attended a magnet school for most of my childhood. The student body was comprised of all different races, economic backgrounds, and sexualities, but instead of dividing us, our differences were celebrated. We were encouraged to embrace our unique stories and share our experiences with one another in order to become more well rounded, compassionate, and informed individuals. It was our diversity that strengthened us. When I sat down to create this painting, I knew that’s what I wanted to show. That despite how different each bloom is, each one is beautiful, strong, and worthy of being part of the overall bouquet. There is a lot of division is our country right now and I feel that all stems from a lack of understanding (which then breeds fear and hatred). So let’s fix that – let’s talk.
All of us, especially politicians, forget the simple concept of treating others like you would want to be treated.
Emily McDowell – download here
I designed this “snowflake” badge – which is also being turned into a pin as I type this! – as a response to all the folks who use it as an insult. First of all, snowflakes are beautiful, and second, when millions of snowflakes get together, you end up with an avalanche, or a blizzard, or a deadly snow tornado, so WATCH OUT, you regressive, hateful shit-gibbons. I love this on a postcard, because I picture it as part of an avalanche of mail overwhelming the White House daily.
Everyday Balloons – download here
Persist – continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty, opposition, or failure. An important word to keep in mind as we rally together to resist and stand up for what we believe is right. While it’s not an easy road, we must persist to make our voices heard.
I have been actively writing postcards to our elected officials for the last several weeks as a way to engage and speak up about policies and Executive Orders that I do not agree with and/or that I think are harmful, hateful, or detrimental to humans and our planet.
It’s been a serious challenge to connect with some of our lawmakers and representatives. As constituents, our voices should be important to the elected officials who are representing us, but in many cases, this is not the situation.
From disconnected phone lines, full voicemail boxes, turned away mail, and lack of town hall meetings; it’s been difficult to access some elected officials to even have the opportunity to share one’s voice. In some cases, the only available way to communicate has been via fax. And yes, it is 2017.
These postcard designs reflect a general sentiment of: Please listen up: the people have something to say and we want you to hear it.
Genevieve Barbee-Turner – download here
Jaime Derringer – download here
I created this piece to represent the frustration and chaos of our political climate, but I am hopeful. #resist
My quote is taken from a speech Obama gave way back when he was campaigning before the 2008 election. It’s still so relevant, especially now that so many of us feel like we’ve lost an adult in charge and dart our eyes around for someone. It’s us, guys! I’m so proud of the resistance movement in our country and how we’re all holding people accountable and standing side by side. When I was in college in the early 2000s in Seattle I went to many anti-war protests, and my friend Steve used to whisper as we took a deep breath and stepped out into the streets of oncoming traffic: “safety in numbers, safety in numbers” and I whisper that to myself a lot lately.
Even when there are blockades in the road and insufferable people running the government, it’s our job as patriots to fight back. To stand up for what we believe in and what this country stands for. To persist.
Kimberly Hall for So + So – download here
We started doing these as merit badges for adults (there’s a small collection up online now) and as we started putting together ideas for more we stumbled upon Kate Greenaway’s book about the meanings of flowers. We just found so many that seemed like messages we want to share, and the nasturtium (for patriotism) was so perfect for the struggles so many of us are going through right now, it felt like a way to connect with others that are feeling the same way. We’re really excited to get to share it even sooner than it can be ready in its embroidered form!
Leslie Fandrich – download here
Beastess does not mess around. She channels her steely lioness heart with a mighty headdress and a wild attitude. She will not be deterred and while she can be intimidating, she is also wise and loyal.
Melanie Biehle – download here
Abstract cityscapes are one of my favorite things to paint. I decided to create a city of red, white, and blue because while we’re different in lots of ways, we’re all Americans. I hope it reminds the recipients of this postcard that no matter how they personally feel about the message on the back, that it is being sent to them from a fellow American. WE’RE the people… all of us. And we deserve our voices to be heard.
Melissa Morris Ivone – download here
I’ve been looking to the Statue of Liberty as an icon for this era. She’s a strong, confident woman who welcomes the persecuted into this country. She represents the greatest parts of America. The parts that seem ignored by the current administration. I know if she could, she’d pick up a sign and lead us all in an attempt to remind this country of what she stands for.
Creating these was definitely cathartic! I’m a fan of super bold color, and it felt especially suiting to pair slap-you-in-the-face hues with the bold statements I wanted the cards to make. Couldn’t resist throwing in a little humor, because these days, we all need some!
Download additional postcard designs by Natalie here.
Old Sweet Song – download here
I’ve had to stop looking at the news and at Facebook constantly because it is so overwhelming. This terrible thing is happening! Oh wait, here’s another terrible thing! And another! There’s just so much to be outraged about it’s hard to know where to start.
Rachael Arnold Sager – download here
The United States is SO fragmented right now. I believe there’s strength in that passion – it means we care about our nation, our communities, friends, and families… but if we are going to heal from this divisiveness, we must hold our government accountable for their actions regarding the population they insist to represent. We might be fractured, but we aren’t broken; and we aren’t going away.
Rebecca Rothfus Harrell – download here
It’s funny, when you said resistance postcard I immediately went to the WW2 resistance posters that had the sun rays on them. I did that part and assumed I’d make a cloud in the front. I tore blue paper and grey paper to look like a cloud but nothing seemed right. Then I cut an angled piece of grey paper and I thought “AH! it’s an abstract cloud but also like a WALL”. I am trying my best to project positivity but feeling very weighed down by reality.
Based on something called “dazzle camouflage” that the navy used to confuse and disrupt targeting systems: “Unlike other forms of camouflage, the intention of dazzle is not to conceal but to make it difficult to estimate a target’s range, speed, and heading.” Seemed an apropos metaphor for the movement. Keep ‘em guessing!! The other intended goal was to stand out dramatically in piles and piles of US Gov’t correspondence. I thought it would help these little missives get noticed. Third constraint was keeping the design B&W so the printing could be cheap/ubiquitous (though I bet it would work best on glossy stock).
Strawberryluna – download here
Good communication is always a positive. However, good communication is a two-way process. In this time of engaged citizenry and heightened awareness of the role our elected officials play in millions of Americans everyday lives, I find myself frustrated with the lack of open channels of communication to my elected officials. And I know I’m not alone. Don’t give up! Keep making those calls.
In the midst of this shock and awe campaign of “governing” I feel that RESIST is my go to word to keep up my own fight against EVERYTHING that is happening. It’s an umbrella term that covers not normalizing this administration and its actions, not accepting the racism and xenophobia that runs rampant, not accepting the avoidance and/or silence of our elected officials, and trying to hinder the forward march of fascism.
As I carved the art I pulled prints at various stages to track my progress and to see what was actually happening on the block. In the end I scanned a few of the proofs and then layered them to create the final digital piece.
Rebecca Atwood – download here
The past few months have left me heartbroken. I’ve struggled to find the words to share because there is so much emotion. I realize I am privileged to feel heartbroken like this for the first time. I like to look for the silver lining–that hopefully this time will spark more change and more love. To me, so much of this comes down to putting ourselves in the place of others and trying to see the world a bit differently. This year, more than ever, I want to spread more love. It’s hard to open yourself up. To consider others needs–even if it’s something as simple as opening the door for someone or smiling at them. To stop a gut reaction to snap when that response has nothing to do with the other person. Let’s all try and send out more love.
Posted In create, do good, downloads, graphics, illustration, living, make it, mixed media, painting, paper, round up, seriesI’ve used essential oils for a variety of things over the past few years, namely in an attempt to treat my barometric migraines. But this past Christmas I was gifted an ultrasonic diffuser (the first one below) and an entirely new world opened up to me. Diffusing essential oils is great for a couple of things – alleviating allergies, asthma, and sinusitis to start, as well as cleaning and treating the air. With five pets I’m also super conscious about how my home smells when you walk in the door, and a single diffuser can treat up to 1,200 square feet. A lot of diffusers are flat-out ugly, but when you find a good one that suits your home’s aesthetic it will blend in perfectly. And as I experiment with new essential oil “recipes” over the coming weeks – energizing, focusing, relaxing, etc – I’ll be making notes so I can share in an upcoming post. Any longtime users with tips or tricks to share?
1/ Cool Mist Woodgrain Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser 2/ Mini Portable Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser 3/ MOMA MUJI Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser 4/ Anjou Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser 5/ Puzhen 5-Sense Yun Aroma Diffuser 6/ QUOOZ Lull Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser 7/ Stadler Form Jasmine Aroma Diffuser 8/ Teo Essential Oil Diffuser 9/ URBST Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser 10/ Vida Aroma Diffuser 11/ Vitruvi White Stone Essential Oil Diffuser 12/ Bamboo Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser
Posted In accessories, house and home, living, round up, series