January calls for – no demands – comfort food. It’s just one of those unwritten laws of the kitchen that is unquestionably followed. To me nothing says comfort like a steaming hot bowl of carbs, in this case risotto. This large grain is incredibly versatile – savory or sweet, simple or complex, it has it all. Here are twenty recipes to get your tastebuds popping. (Click on the image to be taken to the recipe.)
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It’s been a few weeks since the new site design launched and I thought it was high time you met who was behind it all! (PS: Thanks for all the sweet words about the new look, I’m in love with it too.)
I’ve had the pleasure of working with the creative team of Tim and Erin Cooper – CooperHouse – since 2010. They’re the ones responsible for the past three design iterations of the Design Crush site and countless other blogs you most likely check out every day. Erin covers the design, while Tim mans the coding. And to say they’re lifesavers would be an understatement, I wish I had a count of how many Sunday evening I’ve emailed Tim about a glitch on the site and he is on it. As in ASAP. Dedication like that is sort of hard to find in this day and age, but CooperHouse remains true to their clients.
My favorite aspect of CooperHouse as a company is that they have a focus on creative industries, helping people with big ideas share them through beautiful websites. I love that. I also love that they’re a local Oklahoma City company that I feel super about recommending to any and all national clients. And I have.
If you’re on the lookout for a small, hands on company with a focus on online media CooperHouse is the team for you. If you have any questions about my experience feel free to reach out!
One rule I try to abide by in my own home is to make an attempt at repurposing before donating or throwing something away. But Up-Cycle! by Narelle Yabuka takes it all to an entire different level. This book from Gingko Press features over 100 inspired up-cycled solutions for everything from an old sweater to a street sign and everything in between. I guarantee you’ll look at the next thing you toss into the recycling bin a bit differently!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book. All words and opinions are my own.
I’ve always been fascinated by space (thank you, Space Camp!) and I know I’m not alone. Somehow we human beings have managed to begin exploring that big, black void with the hope that we’ll be able to unlock all of its mysteries. Artist Justin Van Genderen has created a series of six graphic posters focused on the U.S.’s side of the space race – Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo – three type-based and three more scientific in design. (via The Fox is Black)
I’ve always loved the complexities of art created from one line. I mean, you would think the result would be just the opposite. Society6 artist Quibe creates some fantastic pieces that make me want to pick up my Sharpie Fine Point and try my hand at it again. (via Josh Spear)
Louisa Taylor Ceramics are inspired by the rituals of dining and historical dining vessels. Louisa’s pieces are created with a vagueness in mind, to encourage sharing and relaxed eating instead of specific functions. I love that. Each individual piece is thrown in porcelain, while the subtle palette is chosen from hand-painted soup tureens.
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be teaching a free Alt Channel class this coming Saturday on how best to organize your time at Alt! (I can’t believe it’s almost here either, only two weeks to go!) I’ll be talking about planning your time at the conference before you ever set foot in Salt Lake City – everything from wardrobe planning to best managing all those class options – with a few downloads tossed into the mix to help things flow smoothly. I hope you’ll join me for what’s sure to be an informative hour with some laughing thrown in for good measure (because I can’t manage to be serious for more than ten minutes)! Trust me, a little bit of organization can make this your best Alt Summit yet! Sign up to attend right here.
by Narelle Yabuka takes it all to an entire different level. This book from 
