August 27, 2008

On the Rocks: Pisco Sour.

In my mind I’ve been a day ahead of schedule this week. Which means I woke up thinking today was Thursday. And was sad when I realized it was, in fact, not. But since Thursday is the official start of the weekend and I was already there, a cocktail is definitely in order. I’m really feeling the Pisco Sour.

Ingredients:
– egg white
– 2 1/2 ounces Chilean Pisco Capel
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
– Angostura Bitters

In cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine egg white, Pisco, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Cover, shake vigorously for 15 seconds, and strain into six-ounce cocktail glass. Top with a few drops of bitters.

:: photo and cocktail recipe via yumsugar

How do you feel about cocktails that contain egg whites?

Posted In cocktails
4
August 27, 2008

Before I die I want to…

Love this.

The Before I die I want to… project was inspired by a combination of factors: (1) the “death” of the Polaroid, (2) a psychologist’s tool called safety contracts, and (3) a passion to get people to think about (and act upon) what is really important in their life through this simple, very straight-forward question.

Process
Creators, Nicole Kenney (Brooklyn, NY) and ks rives (Chicago, IL) keep their Polaroid cameras close at hand, taking portraits wherever they go to add to the collection. They snap the photo while the subject is saying what they want to do before they die, getting them in the act of stating their desire. Nicole and ks then request that the subject writes his or her statement on the Polaroid starting with the words “Before I die I want to….” As the subjects are signing the release form, the artists ask them to include their email.

The website is updated continuously with new portraits.

In a number of years (five, ten, twenty, etc.), Nicole and ks will contact the participants via email to see if they have accomplished their goal, if they are on their way, or why they haven’t made steps in that direction. At this future time, Nicole and ks will ask them to write a short story next to their photo on the website about fulfilling their expressed want. Seeing online that other people are fulfilling their desires will motivate participants to complete their task and write a story of their own.

:: via Josh Spear

Posted In collaboration/project, online
5
August 26, 2008

Design Matters: Packaging 01.

A few months ago my friend Megan, the lone copywriter at Capsule, hooked me up with the latest book in their Design Matters series. Design Matters: Packaging 01. Design is an increasingly competitive marketplace, one in which you constantly need to be in the “know”. But these days most design books only focus on type, color, and layout. The Design Matters series takes a more strategic approach, allowing designers to learn not only what looks good, but also what sort of design is smart.

Packaging 01 is the latest book in the Design Matters series and focuses on developing, creating and implementing package designs. The book is full of beautiful, intelligent examples, so readers can understand the points being highlighted along the way. Their goal? That by the last page you walk away with a better understanding of packaging, the process of creating it, and how it influences our world.

Mission accomplished.

{Thanks Megan!}

Posted In graphic design, read up
0
August 26, 2008

Space Grill.

The Space Grill. Not as in aliens and UFOs, but as in multi-functional awesomeness.

“The unique, swing-out grill system comprises of two heavy-gauge stainless steel grills that height-adjust for different cooking temps. On the top grill, sit a serving dish, a saucepan or use as a back-up cooking or warming grill. The larger main grill swings out to enable quick fuel top-ups. Underneath the bowl is an integral ash collector and adjustable ventilation system. We also love the eco-friendly bamboo chopping board and built-in hooks for tools.”

Posted In grand design, outdoors
0
August 25, 2008

First Blush.

Think of First Blush juices as a sort of wine of the grape juice world – including Merlot, Cabernet and Chardonnay varieties. Each varietal grape juice has a unique and dynamic concentration of flavors. All juices are 100% natural with no added sugar and no preservatives. Might be a nice option for a dinner party for those who prefer something a little less, ahem, alcoholic.

Posted In food, packaging
1