Scoutmob (+ a Giveaway)

Scoutmob-1-Design Crush

I don’t know about you but I think it feels good, really good, to buy local. And when local isn’t possible, it feels just as amazing to purchase from independent makers who are following their passions in life.

Scoutmob is an online marketplace that’s twofold. One, they promote independent makers – craftsmen and designers alike – through Scoutmob Shoppe and give you access to their inspired, authentic goods. Two, they set out to find unique destinations that make cities great by way of their mobile incentives, under-the-radar events, and their on the ground scouts. In a nutshell, Scoutmob believes that by surrounding ourselves with authentic experiences and things, we can make our lives that much more amazing.

 

Scoutmob-2-Design-Crush

Tan Leather Key Fob (Saddle Tan) by 1.61 Soft Goods. I’ve had the same green and white striped fabric key fob for years, and was definitely due for an upgrade. This one is loads classier and easy to find in my bag.

 

Scoutmob-3-Design-Crush

Mini Leather Clutch (Cognac) by Crow SLC. This clutch has a perfect sturdy form, nothing too slouchy. And the warm, cognac brown goes with just about everything in my closet full of reds and blacks.

 

Scoutmob-4-Design-Crush

14k Rose Gold Ring with Black Diamond by Porter Gulch. In this ring I’ve found my new favorite! The rose gold band is so thin that I don’t even feel it on my finger.

 

Scoutmob-5-Design-Crush

Raindrop Bangle 3-Pack (Black & White) by Baleen. Geometric and architectural in design, this set of bangles adds that special pop to anything I wear them with.

 

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Midday Weekender Bag by Po Campo. Everyone needs the perfect bag, one to throw a few essentials into for a short weekend trip. This is that bag.

 

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Porcelain Horseshoe by Redraven Studios. My grandparents had a real horseshoe hanging above a doorway in their house for years. I’ve always wanted to imitate it in my own home.

Now it’s your turn! Scoutmob is giving one reader a $100 Scoutmob Shoppe gift card to shop to your heart’s content.

 

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS KAITLIN!

To Enter:
1. Visit Scoutmob and tell us who your favorite maker is in the comments section.
2. Make sure you’re signed in with a valid email address. (For notification purposes only.)
3. Do it all before Sunday, August 25th at 11:59 CST.

Giveaway Rules + Disclaimer.

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Happy Weekend

1-Design Crush

2-Design Crush

3-Design Crush

4-Design Crush

5-Design Crush

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01/ This voice-activated light show in NYC’s Park Avenue Tunnel looks amazing.
02/ Crazy-obsessed with these photos of lions in the Serengeti taken with a robot camera!
03/ This project is raising poverty awareness with homeless signs.
04/ Iconatomy, mashed-up portraits from the past and present.
05/ An artist is making a map of Manhattan using only handwritten directions from strangers.
06/ A kaleidoscopic floor installation made of mirrors, crystals, and glass. Wow.
07/ The Art of the Dollar. Totally illegal, which is one reason I love it.
08/ Crossing my fingers someone makes a ten foot long birthday candelabra for me in November!
09/ Tons of potted flowers on Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte form one beautiful image.
10/ Haunting portraits of refugees holding their most prized possession.

This week on Design Crush:
Just My Type (+ a $500 Mark and Graham Pinterest Sweeps)
Mix #27: Are You Going to the Party On Saturday
Guy Yanai
Madesmith
Michele Quan
The Golden Smith Shop
Crayola Theory
Custom Map Wallpaper
Modern Abstract City Maps

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Custom Map Wallpaper

3D Wohnung Rendering

 

Custom map wallpaper. (Yeah, you read that right.) Wallpapered can print any postal code onto any size wallpaper for your home or office! All they need from you is a postcode or specified area and BOOM. Done. Your map wallpaper can even be customized in any color. So, what would you print – your favorite city, your hometown, your current town? I think I’d have to go with my home city of Pittsburgh, there’s nothing much better map-wise than the confluence of its three rivers.

 

Wallpapered-2-Design Crush

SONY DSC

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Just My Type (+ a Mark and Graham Pinterest Sweeps!)

Mark&Graham-DesignCrush

Remember that cheesy personalized gifts store? You know, the one that was inevitably in every mall in America back in the 90s. Well, Mark and Graham isn’t that. Being a graphic designer and having a innate love of type makes me a little leery of anything “personalized” by nature. So you can imagine the pleasant surprise I received when this next-generation personalization hit it right on the nose with their beautiful font options and clean, modern pieces. Mark and Graham believes that making your mark is more than a symbol, it’s an artful mingling of typography and design. And you know what? It really is.

 

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Mark&Graham-1-Design-Crush

Everyday Leather Tote | Turkish Hydro Cotton Towel Set | Kiyla Necklace | Brass Rectangular Cufflinks | Canvas Tote | Armor Lux Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt | Beachport Pinstripe Sheet Set | Make Your Mark Cotton Duvet + Sham with Numbers

These are just a few of my favorite pieces, and they’ve also just released a comfy new line of personalized bedding that’s the perfect combination of luxury and style. Those pinstripe sheets are screaming my name – I think they’d be fantastic in my newly redecorated guest room.

Here’s the fun part, this week I’ve teamed up with Mark and Graham to run a Pinterest sweeps that you’re definitely not going to want to miss out on! We’ve created a board – Just My Type – that I’ll be pinning to all week with typographic inspiration. Create your own and enter for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree at Mark and Graham!

 

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS KRISTIN!

To Enter:
1. Create a graphic-inspired Pinterest board. Be sure to include at least 3 Mark and Graham items!
2. Leave a comment here with a link to your board.
3. Do it all before Sunday, August 18th at 11:59 pm.
4. Good luck!

A winner will be chosen randomly soon after.

Giveaway Rules + Disclosures.

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Happy Weekend

1-Design Crush

2-Design Crush

3-Design Crush

4-Design Crush

5-Design Crush

6-Design Crush

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10-Design Crush

01/ Cut back during meals with this crazy dinnerware set.
02/ For one week in June ABSOLUT turned a block in Williamburg into a giant white canvas!
03/ Embrace bird-friendly architecture with the Bird Brick.
04/ Rockaway Beach’s recently opened Playland Motel is a must-visit.
05/ Graft Tableware, biodegradable utensils that look like vegetables.
06/ Heather Hansen creates art using her own kinetic energy and pigment.
07/ Imaginary Factories inside your favorite devices and appliances!
08/ A Sailing Ship Kite – just what the doctor ordered.
09/ Lightbulbs adorned with cityscapes.
10/ Olga Gladysheva captured some great shots of polar bears mid-water ballet!

This week on Design Crush:
Still Indoor Activities vs Sparkling Outdoor Soireets (and a Sweepstakes!)
Expanding Your Audience (Take my class August 13th!)
Jaime Derringer
Blanket Up
Eve Sand
Willow Knows
Nathalie Boutté
Native Union CLIC Wooden
Solaroids

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Native Union CLIC Wooden

Native-Union-Design-Crush

 

The hunt for the perfect iPhone case is ever elusive, but I think I’ve struck gold with Native Union’s CLIC Wooden design. Each case is handcrafted from cherry wood and accented with a just right pop of color. I went with the Aquamarine, which is definitely out of my black and white comfort zone and love it!

 

Native-Union-2-Design-Crush

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Blanket Up

Yes we’re still in the midst of the dog days of summer, buuut cool fall nights are just around the corner. I swear! And when that time comes there’s nothing cozier than a soft blanket when you’re gathered around a bonfire, cheering for the home team, or simply watching a movie curled up in the living room. Don’t worry, I’ve gotcha covered – no pun intended!

 

Blanket-Up-Design-Crush

ROW 1: Pyramids Travel Throw // Beach Blanket in Signature Zig Zag // Striped Picnic Blanket    ROW 2: Tassel Blanket // Serape    ROW 3: Oversize Picnic Blanket in Painted Plaid // Tassel Quilt // Brooklyn Picnic Quilt    ROW 4: One of a Kind 006 // Setesdal Bunad Blanket // Ish 02 Blanket

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Still Indoor Activities vs Sparkling Outdoor Soirees (And a Sweepstakes!)




This post is brought to you by the new Samsung 4-Door Sparkling Water Refrigerator. Still or sparkling? Now get both straight from your refrigerator door! Store up to 31 bags of groceries with 31 cu. ft. capacity and keep fruits and vegetable fresher longer with Twin Cooling Plus®.
Click here to learn more about the Samsung 4-Door Sparkling Water Refrigerator.

Samsung-Still-Indoor-Activities-Design-CrushSamsung-Still-Game-Night-Design Crush

Blueberry-Strawberry Jicama Salsa // Brass Tic Tac Toe Game // Moon Dominoes // Melted Chocolate Fleur de Sel Bruschetta // Ceramic Speakers // Foosball // BLT Pizza with Grilled Corn + Crumbled Feta // 4 Ingredient Strawberry Lemonade // Backgammon & Checkers Box Set // Handmade Ceramic Growler

Sometimes a good old fashioned game night is just what the doctor ordered. It’s the perfect still activity for every age, and it’s also one of the easiest to pull together at a moment’s notice. Grab a few games out of your closet and ask guests to bring along their favorites from home. The games I chose above have simple designs that are super appealing to the eye even when not in use, and the growler and speaker follow suit with their clean lines. Whip up a few easy things to nosh while playing – simple flavor combinations that are equal parts childhood and summer. Then put together a playlist full of warm weather classics to set the mood for fun, and you’re all set!

 

Samsung-Still-Ice-Cream-Social-Design Crush

 

Porcelain Ice Cream Pint Holder // Walnut Serving Trays and Platters // Matte Ceramic Cups // Geo Bowls // Ice Cream Cake Ball Bombes // Brown Sugar Bacon Ice Cream Sandwiches // Gold Dipped Porcelain Spoon Set // Black and White Peanut Bar Ice Cream Cake // Sorbet Watermelon Wedges

Nothing says summer like an ice cream social! Kick up this low-key activity a notch by showcasing ice cream outside of the carton in mouthwatering cakes, sandwiches, etc. Display your cool creations on pretty platters like these walnut pieces and set out your toppings in fun containers. Use eye-catching dinnerware and utensils to serve guests, then grab a seat on the couch and dive into all of that juicy neighborhood gossip as you relax the night away.

Samsung-Sparkling-Outdoor-Soirees-Design-Crush

Samsung-Sparking-Outdoor-Movie-Night-Design Crush

Playa Throw // Italian Cherry Doughnuts // Peak Decorative Pillow // Chipotle Popcorn Chicken // Linen Handtack Cushions // DIY Outdoor Bar Cart // Watermelon-Fontina Melts with Dill // Lavender + Cucumber Soda // Safari Chair

A backyard movie night is pretty much the be-all-end-all of sparkling outdoor summer entertaining – can you say Hollywood?! Hang a white sheet on the fence and load up your backyard with lots of blankets and pillows to settle down and cozy up on. An upgraded “concession stand” full of sweet and savory bite-sized finger foods will be sure to make it a delicious evening to remember. Adding an outdoor bar cart to the mix makes guests feel welcome to help themselves and frees up some time for you to enjoy the film yourself.

 

Samsung-Sparking-Afternoon-Picnic-Design Crush

Peach Cornbread Cake // Goat Cheese and Heirloom Tomato Tart // Glitz Lunch Plates // Overseas Connection Market Basket // Rustic Linen Blanket // Grilled Zucchini Ribbon and Kale Salad // BROMMO Chaise Lounge // Lock Bottle Opener // White Peach Maple Soda

There’s something to be said about taking advantage of the afternoon. Voyaging to a park or hidden spot for a fancy picnic can feel like a mini getaway if you do it right. Prep the food you’ll be taking along that morning, dishes that can be put on ice and eaten cold or at room temperature are best. Grab a pretty basket, a luxe blanket, and a few chairs if you want to go all out! Splurge even further by packing real dishes and classes instead of paper and plastic. A tip for the wise: a few beers or a bottle of bubbly could be the icing on the cake for your sparkling picnic soiree!

Summer was made for entertaining, wouldn’t you agree? Here’s where the fun comes in for you – do you prefer a “sparkling” over the top event or a low-key “still” activity? Submit an Instagram photo showing us and tag it with either #SamsungStill or #SamsungSparkling to let us know your style and be entered to win a new Samsung 4-door Sparkling Water Refrigerator! See complete rules here.



Click here to learn more about the Samsung 4-Door Sparkling Water Refrigerator.

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Happy Weekend

1-Design Crush

2-Design Crush

3-Design Crush

4-Design Crush

5-Design Crush

6-Design Crush

7-Design Crush

8-Design Crush

9-Design Crush

10-Design Crush

01/ See-through architectural shells for hermit crabs. Lucky things.
02/ This interpretation of NYC’s subway map is sort of genius.
03/ Miami Houses, the best looking lifeguard shacks ever.
04/ If you want to understand me, here you go. How to Live With Introverts.
05/ Six Sochi Olympians will win gold medals with meteorite fragments!
06/ When books collide with ice cream.
07/ Crazy landscapes formed by human bodies.
08/ Photos of people calmly falling through space.
09/ An adult fitness playground opens in L.A.!
10/ Makes me wonder what my own Wheel of Worry might look like.

This week on Design Crush:
The Fifty United Plates
Avo Bocce
Kerrie Yeung Jewelry
Euro Edge
Bindle
InstaJuly
Well-Read Women
Soapbox
Tangy + Sweet Lentil Orzo Salad

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Tangy + Sweet Lentil Orzo Salad

Tangy + Sweet Lentil Orzo Salad-Design Crush

 

The last thing I’ve wanted to do all summer is turn on the stove. It hasn’t even been especially scorching, only a few triple digit days here and there,  but I just can’t even stand the idea of it. Everything I want to eat has been coming out of the refrigerator, dishes that are cool on the palate and light on the stomach. This Tangy + Sweet Lentil Orzo Salad is my latest go-to creation. It has everything you need for a good meal – plenty of color, fresh produce, and protein. It also makes a great side or main dish and can be prepared ahead of time, definite bonus points.

 

Tangy + Sweet Lentil Orzo Salad

• 1 box orzo
• 1 C black beluga lentils
• 8 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1/3 C red wine vinegar
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cucumber
• 1 pint grape tomatoes
• 1 nectarine (or peach)
• 1 red onion
• 1 C feta

Prepare orzo according to box. Once finished mix in 2 Tbsp olive oil and place in refrigerator to cool. While that’s happening get the lentils ready, I really like the kind that can be steamed in the microwave. Place these in the refrigerator until cool. In the meantime, prep your produce. Half the grape tomatoes. Quarter the cucumber lengthwise, then remove the seeds and slice into small pieces. Julienne the nectarine. Chop the onion up small. Once everything is nice and chilly prep the dressing by whisking together the remaining 6 Tbsp olive oil, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. In a large bowl combine orzo, lentils, tomatoes, cucumber, nectarine, and onion. Toss to combine with dressing then top with feta.

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