I doubt there exists a better book to start off a new year than Susan O’Malley’s Advice From My 80-Year-Old Self. O’Malley asked ordinary people of every age and walk of life just that question, and this book collects their responses. The result is a collection of words of encouragement, truth, and generosity.
AlwaysMod isn’t a new shop, but it is new to me. They’re a purveyor of modern design for the home, names and brands you’ve heard of but likely not seen housed under the same roof. Form, function, and longevity are reflected in AllMod’s curated collection of objects that withstand the test of time while remaining relevant.
Stelton Emma Dinnerware // Alessi Joy Round Bowl // Vitra Rotary Tray //
Mint Middle Kingdom Vase // Iittala Essence Glassware // Iittala Toikka Lakla 2015 Annual Bird
I’m taking the day off to celebrate Orthodox Christmas with my Mom’s side of the family, like every January 7th. We’ll be back tomorrow with some regularly scheduled programing. Merry Christmas to those of celebrating along with me!
Posted In christmas, create, holidays, illustration, living
Lauren Herzak-Bauman‘s porcelain ceramics blur the lines between function, design, and sculpture. Herzak-Bauman also uses earthenware and stoneware clays frequently when creating her abstract geometric pieces, each inspired by forms found in both urban and rural environments.
If we’re lucky in life we discover our truest gift. And if you’re Uuli Moran that gift is finding the most amazing vintage mirrors and selling them in her Etsy shop, Uulipolli. I’ve been looking for the perfect one to hang over my dresser for at least a year and can’t wait to dive into Uuli’s beautiful collection.
I wasn’t planning on showing up here before Monday, but like a lot of you I’m feeling introspective with the new year upon us. (Happy 2016!) I stopped making resolutions years ago – the guilt and disappointment are a bit too much when I fail – but this year I’ve settled on a few intentions. (Resolutions by another name? Most likely.) And just like writing them down on a Post-It and sticking that note to the fridge, sharing them here holds some accountability for me.
Take better care of myself. Since turning 36 in November I’ve realized this really is the only body and the only life I’ve got. I plan on making big efforts to get my diabetes even further under control, as well as continuing with my daily regiment of vitamins and eating well. Hoping to get more physical activity into the mix as well. (Ugh.)
Work on that whole work/life balance thing. I’ve been struggling with this since taking Design Crush full-time four years ago, and have yet to find a decent balance between the two. My hopes are to spend more time with friends and family, as well as open myself up more to relationships. (Because honestly, I just haven’t made the time or effort. And I’m not getting any younger.)
Try at least one new recipe a month. I’ve fallen into a kitchen rut. Since my diabetes diagnosis back in 2014 I’ve had to relearn my eating habits and cooking hasn’t been nearly as pleasurable. I’m starting small with one new recipe a month, and hoping I fall in love with the process again and more on to one new recipe a week.
So there you have it. What are your intentions for 2016?
Posted In behind the scenes, holidays, living, my life, new years
Photo: Kelly Beall
Before I cut out for a week and a half of family and presents and way too many cookies, I want to wish you all a happy holiday season. No matter which of them you choose to celebrate. Without you Design Crush would cease to exist and I would cease to have the job I was made for. I’ll be taking my first break from the site in over 2 1/2 years through the new year and I’m looking forward to coming back rejuvenated and full of inspiration in 2016!
Posted In christmas, holidays, livingGingerbread is one of my favorite flavors of the season, but I don’t relegate it to cookies alone. (Though I am making these sweets tomorrow!) Feast your eyes on the following twelve recipes that run the gamut from breakfast to side dish.
Click on each image to go to the recipe.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
Posted In food, living, recipes, round up, series
This fall one of my favorite designers, Rebecca Atwood, released her first wallpaper collection. It features three designs – Marble, Dashes, and Petals – in several color options and I’m smitten with every single one. Much of Rebecca’s inspiration came from her childhood growing up on Cape Cod, crisp fall days with swirling ocean waves and petals falling in the garden that mark the end of summer.
I was especially taken with the Marble Clay Blue pattern and decided to use it in a simple fireplace update. This design started when Rebecca experimented with marbling papers using India ink in the suminagashi technique. The irregular marbled designs reference the coastal elements – small rocks, swirling ocean pools, and the landscape itself. I just love everything about it!
My fireplace needs a new liner to make it usable once again, so I fill it with prayer candles. When lit the result it warm and bright, which makes a decent stand-in on cozy nights. To give the box an update Rebecca sent me a length of her new wallpaper in my favorite pattern. I measured the back of the box up to where it narrows into the chimney and down along the bottom and trimmed a piece of paper before cutting it to the proper width. It was a bit of trial and error in finding something that would attach to the super old painted over masonry, but after a few tries double-stick strips from 3M did the trick nicely. I attached three on the top edge and three on the bottom edge and applied. Voila! Yet another super versatile way to use wallpaper. I’m quite happy with the results and am even more convinced that I need to paint those tiles black asap.
Posted In accents, house and home, living, make it
I can hardly believe Christmas is a week from today! The holidays always seem to sneak up on me, but the unusually warm weather we’ve been experiencing here on the east coast has really thrown everyone for a loop. It’s been more of a challenge than usual to get into the spirit, but I’m doing my best. I’ve also been thinking about the brunch my family will be sitting down to Christmas Day and what it might include – and you’re invited.
ROW 1: Buffalo Plaid Stocking // Choose Joy Banner // Felt Ball Wreath ROW 2: Metal Cap String Lights // Nomad Candle // Painted Tin Merry Christmas Sign ROW 3: Paper Top Star // Poplar Cone Tree // Porcelain Cityscape ROW 4: Selenite Fireplace Logs // Teak and Brass Tree Stand // Wooden Tree
ROW 1: 3-Piece Marble Trivet Set // Abbesses Plates in Green // Cotton Tablecloth ROW 2: Heathered Napkins // Iridescent Serving Utensils // Kinto Dew Glass Tumbler ROW 3: Lily Pad Tray // Maple Wood Kitchen Utensil Set // Marble & Wood Cheese Boards ROW 4: Marble Ceramic Dinner Plate // Ombre Bottlebrush Trees // Painted Concrete Candleholders
ROW 1: Black Tea and Cardamom Cake // Blood Orange Buttermilk Upside-Down Cake // Bourbon-Cherry and Almond Dutch Baby ROW 2: Browned Butter Sweet Potato Squares // Caramelized Banana Bread with Gingersnap Butter // Cranberry Curd Tart ROW 3: Eggnog Custard Oatmeal Brûlée // Make Ahead Orange Clove Rolls // Orange Pomegranate Scones ROW 4: Ricotta Goat Cheese Polenta Bake // Roasted Broccolini, Bacon, and Caramelized Shallot Quiche // Salt Crusted Potatoes
ROW 1: Blender Eggnog // Dark Hot Chocolate // Mulled Apple + Tangerine Cider ROW 2: Mulled Winter Punch // Pineapple Cinnamon Sangria // Pomegranate and Orange Champagne Punch
Posted In christmas, cocktails, entertaining, food, holidays, living, recipes