December 21, 2007

Samples, Seconds & Surprises.

Samples, Seconds & Surprises is an amazing Etsy shop I stumbled across recently and absolutely adore. “Samples” are pieces with new glazes, “Seconds” are slightly imperfect pieces and “Surprises” are just that. I especially love the Gourmet Collection which reintroduces the disposable tin food container in fine porcelain. The color choices are spot on – these fun pieces just wouldn’t look right in anything other than vibrant, bright hues.

:: via Brooklyn Bride




Posted In create, kitchen, mixed media
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December 21, 2007

Mocha Dunk Mug.

The mocha dunk mug is a must for any cookie lover (RE: me). All mugs should have a cookie compartment, but this one actually does. I’m also digging the asymmetrical shape of the mug itself.

Posted In grand design, kitchen
3
December 20, 2007

Nutmeg Doughnut Muffins.

Here’s a secret: combine the words doughnut and muffin in the sentence and I won’t be able to turn away. Both of these sweet, sweet treats are two of my favorite things that I (almost) never eat because of how bad they are supposed to be for you. These nutmeg donut muffins look incredible and are begging to be made for some sort of holiday breakfast or gift. I apologize profusely if they happen to show up with a bit of drool attached.

:: via Cakespy

Posted In recipes
4
December 20, 2007

Infused Vodkas.


I have a hard time dealing with Rachael Ray’s constant perkiness and exclamations of “Yummo!”. But when it comes down to it I have to admit that the woman can cook like nobody’s business.

On her site you can check out how to make your very own infused vodkas to give as gifts or stash in the cupboard for yourself. Choose from recipes for coffee, apple vanilla, five-chile and orange ginger vodkas and the recipe gift card templates to print out and attach. If I didn’t have to travel to Pennsylvania for the holidays these babies would definitely be brewing my kitchen and making their rounds. Enjoy.

:: via Hostess With the Mostess

Posted In cocktails, make it
1
December 20, 2007

Modern Dinnerware.

I totally posted my Christmas list too early. This modern white dinnerware from CB2 would have been in the top three easy. I’ve been on the hunt for something just like this, but haven’t fallen in love with any particular set as of yesterday. And then this modern white dinnerware came into my life. It’s simple. It’s utilitarian. And the salad plate doubles as a lid for the bowl! What more could you ask for besides the amazing lipped dishes? Perhaps some beautiful matching mugs and serving dishes. So yeah, this may have to be my after Christmas purchase for myself. (Oh come on, everyone does it!)

Posted In kitchen
2
December 20, 2007

Boby Trolley.

I want two Boby Trolleys oh so very badly. One for my office at work and one to store all sort of crafty-designy things in at home. They’re just so darn modular and cute, not to mention that they can store a ton.

Posted In office
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December 20, 2007

Dan Golden.

Dan Golden designs and creates these amazing – sometimes snarky – area rugs that will definitely give any room a personality all its own. I feel like he’s really taking his work to the next level by using his art in such a way that it can be put to use in everyday environments.

Besides having some serious talent, Golden adopts a sheep from Oxfam for every single rug purchased. Now that’s what I call some serious giving back.


Posted In create, textiles
1
December 19, 2007

Gentlemen’s Jotters.

I’m in love with the design of these Gentlemen’s Jotters from Russell + Hazel. The front left side has numbers and months so you can circle the date. Form, I’d like to introduce you to Function. I think you’ll get along really well together.

Posted In cards, paper goods
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December 19, 2007

How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul.

How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul by Adrian Shaughnessy has been on my book wish list for awhile now.

Designers are quick to tell us about their sources of inspiration, but they are much less willing to reveal such critical matters as how to find work, how much they charge, and what to do when a client rejects three weeks of work and refuses to pay the bill. How to be a graphic designer without losing your soul addresses the concerns of young designers who want to earn a living by doing expressive and meaningful work, and who want to avoid becoming hired drones working on soulless projects.

Posted In graphic design, read up
0
December 19, 2007

On the Rocks: Coquito.

A coquito is the Puerto Rican equivalent of a really good, creamy eggnog. If eggnog tasted tropical and coconutty that is. Feliz Navidad!

Ingredients:
– 2 egg yolks, beaten
– 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
– 1 (14 ounce) can cream of coconut
– 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 cup white rum
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In the top of a double boiler, combine egg yolks and evaporated milk. Stirring constantly, cook over lightly simmering water until mixture reaches a temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Transfer mixture to a blender, and add cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, rum, water, cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla. Blend for about 30 seconds. Pour into glass bottles, and chill overnight.

:: cocktail via Allrecipes

Posted In cocktails
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