Inspired by Blue + Corals

Have a most lovely weekend everyone! We flew into Florida last night and will be kickin' it in the south -- so nice to be on vacation. I am inspired by this color combination of blue, pinks, corals and reds.

Lauren Moffit
Bando Corsage
POEMES DE RAYMOND QUENEAU

Jamie Shelman

Lovely artwork by Jamie Shelman.

Pretty Business Card

I love the simple perfection of Erin's new letterpress cards. Printed by Studio on Fire.

Infographics

I am working on a freelance job dealing with some infographics. Here are a few that I thought were well-done and interesting that I came across on the tumblr - We Love Datavis.



This graphic accompanies an interesting article about Salt Levels in our food.



Color Theory by Paper Leaf



Are you Happy?

Gorgeous House

I love lots of elements about Ellen Rakieten's house in Elle Decor that I saw over at Anh Minh designed by Nate Berkus and Anne Coyle. (Photography by William Waldron)

Paper Animal Puppets

To say our daughter is obsessed with all things related to animals would be an understatement. We are at the point where she is switching between acting out (with noises) a bear, peacock, and tiger all in about five minutes. (I am still trying to figure out if this is normal for a three year old -- do your kids do this?) These gorgeous Paper Animal puppets by Hong Kong based artist Furze Chan that I spotted in lmnop would be right up her alley, because not only does she love animals -- but also puppet shows. I am adding them all to my wish list pronto. You can find them at Little Paper Planes, but be sure to take a look at all of Furze's work on her website --it is all so beautiful!

Recommendations?

We are headed to Florida this week! We our going to attend my sister-in-law's graduation as she gets her masters and we will also be making a trip to Savannah, Georgia -- a place I have always wanted to go, it has been on my list for ages. You dear readers have given us excellent recommendations in the past, that we have tried out and loved so I would enjoy hearing about any of your must-sees and favorites in this part of the world. We will be in the areas of Orlando, Winter Park, and Tallahassee Florida as well as Savannah, Georgia. I am going to be sure to scour Grace's Savannah guide. Thank you kindly!



(images from last trip to Florida)

Two Door Cinema Club

Wow... it was a really busy, busy weekend, felt like I barely had time to take a breather! Hope you had a great one. This bright and cheery music video called 'Something Good Can Work' by the Irish group Two Door Cinema Club directed by One In Three put a smile on my face to day. It feels so summery. Happy Music Monday!

(via cliptip)

Crayola Color Chart

Steve Von Worley created the above chart which demonstrates the fascinating evolution of Crayola's crayon box colors over time. So many choices now, so many choices... I wonder what will happen in the future? It is sure nice to have options, but I am also drawn to the simplicity of 1903.

(via oliveloaf + telegraph )

Adorable Kid's room

There are many things I love about this room -- the wooden floors, the star tepee, the giraffe print, the beautiful cabinet, I could go on....

(image from the genius South African editorial content agency Frank Features)

Favorite Dishes

It has been a while since I've shared some recipes with you readers. Over the last few years I have really come to enjoy cooking -- it has become a fun and creative outlet. Lately we've made some alterations in the way our family meal plans so we don't have a lot of extra waste, I hated coming around to the end of the week and throwing out so much fresh produce! Our new idea is to focus upon three main recipes a week and fill the other days in with easy dishes like paninis, salads, and breakfast for dinner. So... I thought I would start a new feature each week and share with you readers some of my favorites along the way.

The last few weeks we've had a lot of company in town so these recipes are great for large groups and instant crowd pleasers.



RECIPE:
Banana Crunch Muffins

I have yet to come across a recipe by Ina Garten (aka Barefoot Contessa) that we didn't enjoy. I've made these decadent muffins numerous times since my friend Stephanie recommended them. They are very, very yummy and every single time I make them people ask for the recipe. A winner for sure. (Alterations : I substitute pecans for walnuts, and add everything but the banana chips, great granola makes a difference too.)



RECIPE:
Greek Orzo Salad with Mustard-Dill Vinaigrette (w/ or w/o shrimp)

I made this dish for the first time the other day to share with a large group and it was really delicious. I omitted the Shrimp, making it a nice vegetarian option, but it would also make a great main dish with it.

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I would love to hear your favorites as well, shoot me an email (blackeiffel@gmail.com) with a beloved recipe you would like to share. I love trying new things -- don't you? Happy Eating my friends!

Where the Wild Things Are Party

Caroline from the Armelle blog threw the cutest Where the Wild Things party for her son. Take a peek at all the details -- very fun!

Ban.do Black Label

The girls over at Ban.do are always cooking up something fabulous. Check out their new Black Label Collection, unique pieces to drool over and save up your pennies for. Doesn't the Alison look amazing too?! Swoon. Thanks Jen.

(Photos by Angela Kohler)

Present & Correct

Lots of new lovely goodies in Present & Correct's shop. Isn't that Balloon Good Luck Card perfect?

Balloon Good Luck Card
Geometry Post Its
Paper Bag
Primary Card Set

Blanca Gómez

I adore these illustrated cities prints by Blanca Gómez. Check out the New York City one too.

Drew Danburry

Hello! I hope you all had a nice weekend. Here is a song for Music Monday that I have been enjoying listening to the last few days -- a cover of Nirvana by Drew Danburry from his upcoming album to be released April 26th entitled "Goodnight Dannii".

Listen (or download by right clicking) on the first single Nirvana from the album here.

Drew Danburry is a extremely unique and creative local independent singer-songwriter (take a peek at his youtube page to see what I'm talking about) that has been releasing albums for eight years. The upcoming album will be released as a storybook and you can see the illustrations by his wife here.

Other projects Drew has been working on include the monthly webisode project, "Reliving the 90s" (see previous post) with the latest episode being a cool cover by Magnetic Fields performed by JP Haynie, and Jefferson and Abigail Quist. Continue to check in on Drew because it will be interesting to see what he is up to next.

Thanks Drew!

Week no. 15

Here are some things that made me happy this week. Have a fabulous weekend, my dears! Hope the sun is shining in your area.

Happy moments:

Seeing and loving her outfit from Zina's style.

We busted out the Vita-Mix (one of my all-time favorite kitchen gadgets) and have been making smoothies almost everyday. Do you have any great recipes to share? (image from Martha Stewart)

Last night I watched The September Issue (from the list -- see previous post) and it was really well-done and interesting.

Very inspired by various types of African textiles and designs-- crossing my finger my dad will be able to bring me some back when he goes to Africa next week, yay! (image from here)

Sponsor Highlight : Alice Lane Home

One of my sponsors Alice Lane Home, a furnishings boutique store started a blog and it is wonderful. Below are a few of my favorite photos from their new online space.



Gorgeous crisp and clean lines in this white kitchen. (photography by Ashlee Raubach)



Map love! (photos from Elle Decor)

Be sure to stop by their blog for a special pillow giveaway they are doing, it ends today!

Pajama Monsters

These craftily handmade Pajama Monsters are very adorable. I got to see lil' Stinky in person, and he is even more charming in real life! The monster called, 'Nipper' is pretty darn cute too. Find other varieties of Pajama Monsters here.

(Thanks Megan)

Spill It

Amber asked me to spill what is inside of my bag over at the Daisy Chain. See the details here.

What is in your Queue?

I enjoyed the post that Kevin Sharkey over at Martha Stewart Home Design did about his Netflix Movie Queue, and how many of the movies on his list showcase high levels of style and design. Check out his list and post, it is really great.

I am curious readers, what is in your queue/list to see next? What do you look for in a film? Do you watch things to inspire, educate or entertain? What are your top five or ten? I would love to hear your suggestions and recommendations.

Here are the top ten in my queue. Have you seen any of them, what are your thoughts?



Coco Before Chanel (see trailer)



Mad Men (I've heard the buzz, but haven't seen any of this series yet.)



The Botany of Desire - based on Michael Pollan's book.



Departures



The September Issue



Ballerina



No Impact Man



The Blindside



Damages



The Woodlanders (I am on a Thomas Hardy adaptation watching kick)

Flowers in May

Fun and graphic prints all with lovely themes by Flowers in May. Thanks Emily.

Lesley & Pea

Enjoying these new bold and graphic lettterpress prints and uplifting sayings by Sussex artists Lesley and Pea over at Keep Calm Gallery.

(Thanks Lucas & Hayley)

April Showers...

Love these garden themed shots by photographer Paul Barbera.

Pony Pony Run Run

Lately I came across the French band Pony Pony Run Run and have been enjoying their upbeat energetic sound. The video is wanderlust cute. Happy Music Monday!

(image above by Mathieu Zazzo)

Week no. 14

We're going on a road trip this weekend, leaving you with some things that made me smile this week, have a lovely weekend. Also, remember to enter the giveaway!



Breathtaking street paintings by Nuri Mora (via Mint).
Came across images of Françoise Hardy in a post from March seen at Lark About.
Minimal letterpress love by Bespoke Press shared by Chelsea.
Cloud Cookies by Fourty-Six Grace, seen at Contented Me (cookie cutters found here).

(photo above by me)

Wee See

The Wee See DVDs are simply beautiful and hands down the best children's exploratory sensory experience that I've come across. My three-year-old daughter is captivated by the well-thought out and curated black and white visuals, and begs to watch how the animated shapes are created over and over again. I enjoy the fact that they allow kids to have an active imagination, aren't overstimulating and 'in your face' with wacky sounds and flashy colors, and are right up any design respecting parent's alley.



These DVDs are definitely top notch -- and very impressive, even going to the Wee See website is an experience in itself. It is very well designed, and gives you a glimpse into the Wee See world. Rolyn Barthelman and the creative team including singer/songwriter Tim DeLaughter, who are also fathers, did a wonderful job. Hope to see more from them!

Learn more about the DVDs here.

(Thank you Rolyn!)

Joan Jett

I am a fan of pretty much every book that Ammo Books comes out with, and when I received this book about born-rock star Joan Jett, it was no exception. Joan Jett is one of the first to mother the femme-rock explosion during the 1970s with some definite punk attitude (like you can see in her pose above). Check out this video clip of her famous 'cover song' to be reminded of why she is such a legend. As usual, Todd Oldham does a brilliant job of authoring and designing the book, which is chalk full of tribute photos and other highlight moments chronicling Jett's career. You can find the book here.

There is also a movie out called the Runways which shares how she at age 15, along with others started one of the first all girl bands. Rock on! I think I will have some of her songs stuck in my head today.

Envelop

Inspired by these pillow covers by Blanca Gomez seen over at Envelop. There are lots of rad designers creating sweet designs for textiles and illustrated cotton basics like pillow covers, potholders, aprons. See more on their website.

(Colour Birds | Village)

Nikki Graziano

Nikki Graziano is a photographer and mathematician all rolled into one. Although math is not my strong suit, the right/left brain connection, structure and concept behind this photo series is incredibly interesting to me.

(via Juicy Clouds > Fubiz)