Have a great weekend!

It was a crazy week for us with sickies around our house, a canceled birthday party, lots of work projects, and more. All that is behind now (well, almost) and I am really excited for the weekend because we are headed to San Francisco.

Here are a few things that made me happy this week:

*V in her costume for a party
*The fall foliage (shot taken in Park City)
*Some tasty pumpkin whoopie pies I made from this book but you can also find the recipe here.
* I also liked this quote by Mallika Chopra in this month's Whole Living magazine:

"Set the intention to make someone else happy -- and cause a ripple effect for positive change in our world."

What are your plans for the Halloween/Autumn weekend? You can follow what we are up to in San Francisco on twitter if you want. Have a good one everyone!

Pellegrino meets Missoni

A little while ago a friend and I had dinner at Cucina Toscana an amazing Salt Lake City Italian Restaurant that I would highly recommend, and when they brought us a bottle of Pellegrino we immediately both noticed that the label was a little different. It is Pellegrino meets Missoni! So, what would any label-loving design geek do? I asked for the bottle after we were through of course! Isn't it beautiful? Anybody else seeing these limited edition beauties floating around?

(photo on left from here // photo on right by me)

Alain Delorme

Here is a fascinating conceptual photography project by French photographer Alain Delorme called 'Totems'. Although exaggerated for effect, this is amazing to think about, no? How many of you have seen people carrying extremely large loads? I have -- and it is quite humbling. It makes me think in a different perspective. See more photographs here.

From his website it states:

"The new Totems series by Alain Delorme plunges us into the core of contemporary China and its complexity. Under the blue sky of a highly colored Shanghai, men carry throughout the city unbelievable piles. These precarious columns made of cardboard or chairs appear as new totems of a society in complete transformation, both a factory for the world and a new El Dorado of the market economy." Read more here.

(via design work life)

Wee People

Thrilled to hear about the new line 'Wee People' from Free People. The focus of the first collection, which debuts November 2nd (catalog and online) are girls party dresses and cozy items for the winter that focus upon Free People's signature whimsical and detailed style. The size range is 2t to 6t. Can't wait to see more...

Kate Spade London Pop-up

Loving the fun energy of the Kate Spade London Pop-up shop. Any of you Brits checked it out? It is open until November 10th - here are the details. Photos from Kate Spade's facebook where you can see more.

Feeling Pink...

Feeling Pink this week and this month.

1 : Flower Wall Lamp 2: Star Scarf 3: Weekend Bag 4: Lollipops 5: Painting

Music Monday : The Honey Trees

Here is a adorable and enchanting music video by The Honey Trees that I believe you readers will enjoy. Let me know your thoughts. Happy Music Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

(Photo by Simon Filip // via Lily & the Muse)

Seesaw Designs

I am really excited about the beautiful things coming from Seesaw Designs. Their 2011 letterpress calendar is stunning and they just added new cards to their shop... yippee!

Inspiration Board

I like this simple idea of putting an inspiration board in a form of a shape like this house on the wall. It makes inspiration seem more like an art piece, don't you think? The shape possibilities are endless... do you have ideas of what other shapes would look good?

(Image from VT Wonen via Style Files)

Dress the Part

How clever are these redesigned movie posters inspired by men's style? Each piece highlights a classic menswear piece from ten different movies. See the entire collection here. EveryGuyed presented them and they are designed by Moxy Creative illustrated by James Alexander Mathers and Andrew Lau.

(Thanks Daniel)

Halloween Cake Ideas

I am brainstorming for ideas to bring to our 'Halloween-themed' food group this weekend. I love the elegant simplicity of these Halloween cakes and cupcakes from Sweet Cupcakes out of Boston. That mummy cake is awesome!

Talking Water

This creative PSA and installation in Paris has to be one of the most ingenious ways to get a message across I've seen in quite a while. I was surprised to see the final answer -- were you? What a difficult world problem to conquer.

Created by BDDP & Fils

Kate Spade Books

Have you seen these fun new short stories from Kate Spade in collaboration with Strand -- how cute are they? They had seven writers incorporate the phrase, "she is quick and curious and playful and strong" at some point in their story. They've been added to my wish list for sure.

Modern Wedding Invitation

Erin Jang works her magic again by designing this most adorable modern wedding invitation. The combo of houndstooth, polka dots, and stripes are knocking my socks off. Erin you just rock.

Hello, hello and a big thank you!

Hello readers! How are you? It has been an amazing and also crazy six week for our family along with the birth of our baby girl there have been some other life changes that I will touch on later. I am so happy to be back to blogging -- I missed you all.



First off, I want to give a great big shout out and thanks to all of the lovely guest bloggers -- it is hard to describe how thankful I am for them, I am grateful to the moon. Weren't they all so incredible? I left completely inspired each week with their stories and ideas. Thank you so much ladies! If you haven't got a chance to visit their posts check out this link and for more of their creativity visit their amazing blogs.

( Lisa from That's Happy | Melanie from You Are My Fave | Jane from Simple + Pretty | Kathleen from Twig & Thistle | Hila from le projet d'amour | Meredith from Lily Jane)

Music Monday : Brooke Fraser

Kirsten from Simply Grove was kind enough to sent me a tweet about New Zealand singer-songwriter Brooke Fraser's new album "Flags". I have yet to listen to the album but I like how on her website they describe her music as the kind "that sounds like a pop marshmallow has dropped into a folk hot chocolate and become a warm, spicy chocolatey broth." Have a listen and see if you agree.

I like the video above-- 'Something in the Water', thanks again Kirsten for the heads up. Happy Music Monday everyone!

*Pick up the album here or download it here.

RECIPE: HOMEMADE BROWNIES

For years I subscribed to the theory that you simply cannot make brownies from scratch that are as good as those from the box. It's true and I’m absolutely ashamed to admit it. Then, thankfully, one day I woke up. Realizing that everything is better from scratch than from a box (really, who was I kidding?), I started to search for the perfect brownie recipe, one that would blow that box out of the water. This one has been my go-to for a few years now.





It’s rich and decadent with that perfect delicately crisp top layer. I’ve made it both with walnuts and without and it’s divine either way (personally, I like nuts so we add them whenever they’re on hand; the toasted flavor pushes it over the edge into nirvana).

Be sure to have cold milk on hand. You’re going to need it.

Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

FREEBIE: JAM LABELS

All summer long I’ve been looking forward to making my own jam. I’ve done small batches a few times before, but this time I meant to do it en masse, setting aside enough for my family and for gifts for the neighbors come holiday time. I did so a few weeks ago and as I was bottling my jam I thought to myself, “I really ought to make some cute labels for these.” So I did. And now I’m happy to be sharing them with you.




Whether you like peach, blackberry or strawberry jam there’s a label here for you. You’ll find blueberry and raspberry, too. Download and then print on card stock and trim for a hanging tag; or print on adhesive-backed paper and make a label that sticks straight on to the jar. Enjoy!


Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

Reading Nooks

Is there anything more heavenly than curling up in a sunny little spot with a good book? When fall starts to come back around I always find myself gravitating toward the bright, sun-drenched side of my couch, inevitably grabbing a novel along the way. I’ve often thought how lovely it would be to have a dedicated spot just for reading.



My requirements for the ideal reading nook include lots of natural light, somewhere cozy to sit (oversized chair, pile of pillows, etc.), a place to rest my books and snacks, and a blanket to wrap up in. Even better, that it be unplugged – no laptops, iPods, or TVs nearby. There’s something about being away from all the electronics (as much as I love them) that makes the experience ethereal for me.





What about you? Where do you find yourself returning to in your home when the air starts to chill?

{images via apartment therapy, suziebeezie, stephmodo, cherry coloured, decorology, apartment therapy}

Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

VINTAGE SHOP: COTTAGE FARM

There are few things I like more than finding a well curated vintage shop. So, naturally, I was elated when I found Cottage Farm. It’s full to the brim with amazing finds.




I'll take everything on the first page. And I'll be back later for the rest.
{images via Cottage Farm}


Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

Fall Books

Now that we’ve dreamed about the best places to spend our time with a book this fall, there’s only one question left: what book to read? Here are a few of my favorites; four tried and true, one a new release that caught my attention.



OLDIES BUT GOODIES:

Walden by Henry David Thoreau: A classic volume by the famed poet that relates his experiences living apart from society for a year.

Poems by Emily Dickinson: Dickinson’s poetry, especially those about nature, paint gorgeous mental pictures that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: A fictional story, written through letters, of a group of friends living in post-WWII England. And, of course, a little love is thrown in, too.

The Tenth Muse: My Life in Food
by Judith Jones: The renowned editor’s autobiography of a life spent in the industry of writing about (and indulging in) food.

NEW THIS FALL:

Grant Wood: A Life by R. Tripp Evans: A biography about the famous painter who created American Gothic and so much more.

Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

Lily Jane Stationery

I’ve been making cards and writing notes since I can remember. Little notes to friends, cards for teachers, letters sent abroad. I’ve been selling them for just over a year now in my shop, Lily Jane Stationery, whose name was inspired by my daughter.




Sweet Lily was born in June of last year with a malformed brain. Her condition was incompatible with life, but (amazingly) we got to keep her for six whole weeks, four of which were in our own home. She was a little light in our lives and brought so much joy to our family. When she left, I knew I wanted to do something good with her name; something that could help others like her and preserve her memory. I started the stationery shop soon afterward and donate 10% of all Lily Jane proceeds to March of Dimes. My hope is that the donations made will help make someone else’s life, someone who finds themselves in a similar situation, just a little bit easier.





My designs have a simple, slightly whimsical aesthetic. I enjoy using my own sketches and quotes that inspire me in my work. I especially enjoy doing custom work; they’re always so much fun to make and there’s nothing that can beat bringing someone’s vision to life. I hope you enjoy them, too.


Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

Music Monday : Sambassadeur

I hope you all had a great weekend -- did any of you lucky ducks get Columbus Day off? Happy Columbus Day! Today I wanted to highlight Sambassadeur for Music Monday. Have you heard of this chill Swedish band, I really like their sound. What do you think? Listen to more of Sambassadeur over at their mysapce page. Aren't their album covers pretty too?



Check out their newest album European *here or *here. I've streamed it online and it is really good.

(*purchases made from these links support Black Eiffel - thanks!)

Lions and Tigers

Loving this collaboration of lions and tigers between Sharon Montrose and Elizabeth Soule. Lately our daughter V likes to pretend she is a lion/tiger, and dog. In fact, her dog bark sounds so real, that a friend I was talking to on the phone overheard her barks and thought we had got a dog. How many of your kids get into 'method acting' mode and pretend they are animals? Aren't these photographs fantastic? Rwwrrarh...

Guest Blogger : Meredith Church

Hello, everyone. I’m Meredith and I’m so excited to be posting here on Black*Eiffel this week. What a treat! Best of luck to Rachel and her sweet new baby. Aren’t they an adorable family?

To tell you a little bit about myself: I’m a mother of two and a stationery designer. My family and I live in a turn-of-the-century home in Salt Lake City, where we are slowly but surely bringing its long neglected looks back to their full potential. Lily Jane Stationery is home to my paper creations, many of which feature hand-drawn illustrations. It started as both a creative outlet and a tribute to my little girl. I hope you’ll enjoy her story tomorrow.

I share my design loves on the Lily Jane blog, along with sneak peeks of projects I’m working on, things that are baking in my oven and artists I admire. I hope you'll stop by for a visit.

Lettepress Baby Announcement

A simply amazing baby announcement, that I thought Rachel might especially enjoy: designed by Tracy Brockhouse and printed by Brad O'Sullivan of Smokeproof Press, it assembles into a 2x2x2 cube. But what really gets me is the excellent printing: Brad noted that the deboss was quite a challenge, but you'd never know it looking at the final product. Well done, Brad, and congratulations, Holden! (You're one lucky boy.)


(photos courtesy of Brad O'Sullivan)

Post by guest blogger: Jane Potrykus from Simple + Pretty

Paste SF

I'm completely charmed by the clever collage work of Denise Fiedler at Paste SF . The three collages shown here would make a lovely summery triptych. (The tee is especially great: love its stripey feel.) If you're a dog lover, don't miss the wide variety of Paste SF dog collages. Custom projects are also available if you have a certain someone (or "some dog") in mind. I'm so glad to have discovered Denise's art through House Beautiful magazine. Definitely brings a smile to my face.

(images courtesy of Denise Fiedler)

Post by guest blogger: Jane Potrykus from Simple + Pretty