Music Monday : The Narcoleptic Dancers

I hope that you had a lovely weekend and to those in the states a wonderful Thanksgiving. Here are the Narcoleptic Dancers for Music Monday! Enjoy.

*Me and the girls have a really bad case of the sniffles, I hope to be back with some great posts tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Signing off for the week and wishing you all in the states a Happy Thanksgiving!

I couldn't resist sharing this gorgeous food photography from the inspirational blog, What Katie Ate. Katie's work is inspiring to the moon, you've got to see all of her food and photos creations. Her sensibility and style of photography whisks me away into feelings of the utmost foodie admiration.

I hope you get to have some great memory-making moments with your family or friends this weekend. What special recipes will you be making?



*Also, I decided to add a secret giveaway for you dear readers -- check out this post for all the details.

(all photos by Katie Quinn Davies)

Ginger & Liz

Since many of you were loving the modern french tips post and asking more... I thought I would let you in on tip. Today is the first time I've heard of Ginger and Liz nail polish (as it is on Hautelook today) and the colors look down right fantastic. I am having such a hard time picking colors, I want them all! Do you have any color selecting advice? See all of the awesome colors over here. What would you choose?

In the past I have been widely turned off by nail polish in general because all of the toxic chemicals you are essentially putting on your nails that seep into your system, but when I find brands like Ginger and Liz that are toxic-free I am on board. Do you worry about toxins and stuff like that? I'm kinda nerdy that way and actually look up cosmetic chemicals and their side-effects while shopping in the store, I've been embarrassingly caught a few times by friends wondering what I was doing, now you know... haha.

Dreamy Kitchen

There are so many things about this kitchen that I am enchanted by. It pretty much has my favorite elements all put together -- the dark hardwood floors, white marble countertops, farm sink, a window to look out of while doing dishes, nice colored backsplash and more. I'm putting this one on the tippity top of my favorite kitchen lists fo' sure. It is fun to daydream...

It is by Fiorella Design via A Pina Colada.

Things Organized Neatly

I am incredibly drawn to things that are beautiful and organized, sometimes I wake up dreaming about everything having its own place in our home. It is something I am continually working on. When I saw that Abbey from Design Scouting found a site called Things Organized Neatly I was instantly hooked, and I have joined with her in having it become my new favorite blog obsession.



I am further charmed by the cool Defender ad above because is one of my dream cars (sigh). Do you like to look at organized pretty things too? Are you a neat-nick? What types of things do you do to keep your life in order?

Turkey Day for kids...

Love these simple kraft ideas for a kid's table at Thanksgiving. See these and a few more ideas over here.

Christian Tagliavini - 1503

I am moved by the lighting, costumes and more in this visionary Renaissance photo project called '1503' by Swiss/Italian photographer Christian Tagliavini. At first I couldn't tell if these were paintings or photographs, they are spectacular!

(via feature shoot)

Modern Baby Gear

When it comes to baby gear, I like to find pieces that are extremely functional, modern, and simple. Here are our top ten favorite modern baby gear that we adore.

1. Puj Tub : This portable tub is incredible -- it folds into a kitchen sink fitting tub with ease and when you are finished it and can be stored nearly anywhere! I am amazed at its convenience and smart design. If you are unfamiliar with this, learn more about it here.
2. Boon Drying Rack : I love the shorter profile of this grass inspired drying rack and it is easy to dry a variety of things all at once.
3. Aden + Anais Wraps : These cozy muslin swaddlers are perfect to snuggle the baby up tight so they will sleep better. I look forward to trying the sleep sacks too, although I've never tried them, have you?
4. Skip Hop Bag : We got this bag when we had our first daughter and love the quick ability to snap it to the stroller and the pockets are incredibly handy. Bonus, my husband doesn't mind carrying it at all.
5. Sophie the Giraffe : I picked up this classic while in France and it is a family favorite. It is easily found in many places, and I have seen it become a baby shower gift of choice.
6. Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottle : I really like how these are made of glass because they have an old-school yet also very fresh and modern feel, they are super gorgeous and I can't wait to use them more.
7.BABYBJÖRN : We have loved this carrier with both of our girls, it is super easy to get in and out of, and is one of our staples. I've also found this easier to have the husband wear, instead of a wrap.
8. Bloom Coco Stylewood Baby Bouncer : This bouncer is amazing and seriously looks like a work of art!
9. MaryJane Socks : Although not necessarily gear -- I have found it difficult to find newborn shoes that stay on, so sock-shoes are the perfect alternative. We get compliments on these type of socks constantly.
10. Bugaboo Stroller : We received this as a gift with our first daughter and it has been outstanding -- it has multiple uses, and the bassinet can be used instead of a pack-n-play (when they are small) while traveling, which we recently used. We have never needed another stroller.

What about you? What are your favorite baby gear must-haves?

Music Monday : Lissie

Today while cruising some music bookmarks, I was reminded of Lissie and then came across this video of her playing acoustically -- and it gave me some major goosebumps, she has an amazing voice! Check Lissie out and tell me what you think. Happy Music Monday!

Download songs from her album here.

Design Story

I am really excited to hear about Design Story. Have you heard of it yet? It launched in August and is a new online place to find modern design and decorating finds for 'members only' prices. They have two sales a week of hip current season designer brands. Their lineup really is incredible! This week they have Rifle Cards and Millworks pillows for 25% off. Sign up here if you are interested and you will instantly receive a $10 credit.

Take a ride and a walk...

Whew, my apologies for not tuning in yesterday, but I have a few great video clips I saw this past week that I wanted to share with you to take you through the weekend.




Have you seen the beautiful Hermes ads around this season, I was flipping through a magazine and came across the horse one above -- gorgeous! What about the super clever ad they done with some fingerboard action? Not sure how many skateboarders wear Hermes, but wow ... it is pretty impressive. Thoughts? I also like this Hermes ad.



Continuing on the fashion note, this second clip makes me want to hop on a plane right away and head to NYC, it is a film series by the amazing photographer Gabriel Mendes and Ani Tzenkova (for Safari Sundays +Trendland) who captured street style in New York City during fashion week. I love how motion captures a mood and feel of a city, even more than photography. Don't you want to see more clips like this of cities all around the world? What city would you want to see most? See more Talk a Walk style clips from here -- ( I really like this one) they are so fun to watch.

Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

Jambox

Alrighty folks, if you follow along with my posts (especially Music Mondays) you probably know I am a music lover -- but aren't we all? Today I'm digging on some classical tunes, what about you, what are you mixing this week?

I am stoked to share with you some of the hottest technology around that I have tried, it is called the Jambox ... and it blows my mind!


Basically the Jambox is a mini-portable wireless speaker that can talk to anything with a bluetooth connection (ipad, iphone, some tvs, computers etc...) and I am overly amazed at the sound. It truly has the biggest sound in the smallest package! Yesterday I actually put it in my coat pocket, played it in the car, and took it with me literally everywhere -- it rocks, and it can rock out loud and clear. Watch this video to see all of the features. The packaging it comes in is also rad, so I snapped a few shots for you below. I guess I am a really nerdy tech kind of girl when I get super excited about stuff like this. We are putting this on our Christmas wish list for sure. The Jambox runs $199 and you can learn more about it here.

Oh Calypso!

I wandered over to Calypso St. Barth's website today and was yet again inspired by their looks. Can't wait to fit into normal clothes again, I'm going through the after baby tweener size thing -- hopefully not for too long!

Pizza Travel Tours

How insanely cool is this? Jen over at Tiny Urban Kitchen decided to make pizzas to reflect on her world wide travels by creating pizza flags for each country she has visited. See her post here it is rad.

Books I'm Reading with Martha

Today I'm excited to let you know about a new thing that Martha Stewart is launching on her blog called, "Books I'm Reading". As part of the Martha Circle, Jordan from Oh Happy Day, Jane from This Week For Dinner and I will be reading Martha's picks along with her on these awesome little pocket-sized Sony Readers they sent us.

This month, Martha selected the book Cold: Adventures in the World's Frozen Places by Bill Streever. Streever is a biologist who writes about his experiences in the some of the most freezing environments in the world. It makes me shiver just thinking about it! I am fascinated by what he has to say about animal's hibernation habits, and the way the human body reacts in such extreme bitter-cold conditions. So far, it is very intriguing.

The Sony Reader they sent is really cool -- it feels natural and convenient because it is smaller than the size of a normal book and can easily fit in your bag, or even pocket. What differentiates it from most e-readers out there is that it has a full touch screen and you can also download books from participating local libraries and Google to get over 1 million classic books for free, so you really have a lot of options.

Bonus for you readers is that you can enter to win a Reader for yourself here where one winner will be selected each week! Be sure to also tune into the Martha Show on Monday, December 6th where she will be interviewing author Bill Streever. Happy reading everyone!

Modern French Tip

Lately I've let my nails go, or maybe I have the post-baby brittle nails thing going on? I have kind been obsessed with buying different nail polish colors. In fact the other day, while picking out a new color my daughter said, "Mom I think you just bought some nail polish yesterday", which I did. So, when I saw these fingertips it is definitely made me think of going out soon to get a manicure and bringing this as inspiration. Would you color your nails like this?

(The photo is for YSL's polish seen over at 80spurple via pinterest.)

DeCesare Design Group

I'm totally in love with the aesthetic of these studio spaces designed by DeCesare Design. These are going in my inspiration files for sure, swoon. See more of their jaw-dropping work here. (spotted on Full House)

TJMaxx Experience + (Secret Giveaway)

A few weeks ago I was invited to TJMaxx and Marshalls’ headquarters near Boston and since I am a big fan (I’ve found so many cool things there) and was unable to attend, I sent my sister Becca in my place. Now she is sharing with us her experience. Thanks Becca & TJMaxx!



Hello Black Eiffel Readers,

While at T.J.Maxx & Marshalls' headquarters, it was interesting to see how they get great deals on all of their merchandise. They are able to buy in-season things last minute directly from designers and since they can sidestep all the fancy-foot work they are then able to get items to the floor very quickly. I was impressed by their company culture, along with how they have buyers travel the world all year long (instead of only select seasons) to score great deals to bring to the customers.

Interesting Facts I learned:
* Of the designer and top brand name merchandise more than 85% of it is current-season.
* Each store receives 10,000 pieces of merchandise weekly!!
* 95% of their items are first quality and only 5% of items are unnoticeably irregular.
* TJMaxx and Marshalls receive different merchandise.

Also while I was there they asked me along with other bloggers to participate in a Secret Santa to see what great gifts we could find at our local TJMaxx when we got home to send to another person. Here is what I found all for under $50, which would have normally been double the price! A cozy super soft faux fur throw, a set of glass candles, Lindt's truffles, a white glass dish, and a little grater from Italy.



It is pretty cool that you can score deals like this at TJMaxx and Marshalls. It makes for a great money-saving place to stop by and shop during the holidays. Thanks for the experience to see up-close what goes on behind the scenes TJMaxx!

What about you readers? What cool things have you found at TJMaxx or Marshalls?

* The secret giveaway is to win a $100 TJMaxx or Marshall's Gift Card! Leave a comment with what you are more thankful for on this TJMaxx post or this post (yes you can enter twice on both posts if you would like) and the winner will be randomly selected on Monday November 29th and announced on twitter. Make sure I have a way to get in touch with you. Best of luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

** Winner announced on twitter and giveaway closed.

Globe Chandelier

I cannot stop thinking about this Globe Chandelier that Bonnie shared. Isn't it spectacular?! This along with other amazing light pieces are created by Benoit Vieubled. My, my this is stunning.

(via Bonnie Tsang > Recyclart)

Music Monday : Ellie Goulding

I'm excited to share with you a cover today for Music Monday. It is the rising English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding singing Elton John's 'Your Song' which is also featured in this British John Lewis advertisement. I think this is definitely going to be one of those big holiday songs that we will be hearing lots of-- what do you think? Although I can't seem to find the song in the states, you Brits can now pick it up in UK itunes. Happy Music Monday!

Check out other songs by Ellie here.

Awesome Rugs

I am inspired by this colorful Pinocchio wool rug that Mia took photos of over at Solid Frog. Isn't it super cheerful?! I also like the one below that Zoe found and pieced together -- what an awesome find.

Autumn Morning...

I hope you had a most excellent weekend! Did you do anything fun or relaxing? The highlight of our weekend was attending our food group that was centered all around Thanksgiving -- I guess we are spoiled this year to indulge in two turkey dinners.

These items all put together are making me happy and feel so autumn-like this morning. Pause and take a moment with me to enjoy ... pretend to turn on some tunes on that sweet Orla Kiely Radio, maybe something classic like Al Green. Get some yummy crust bread out of that bread bin and slather it with orange marmalade. Then indulge in some spiced hot apple cider or your drink of choice in one of those polka-dot travel mugs all while doing whatever it is you do this lovely Monday. Top of the morning to you!

Happy Friday!

American Express often has super cool ads. When you put Conan in one -- it just makes me grin from cheek to cheek. Have a great weekend everyone!

Designer Chocolate

It is really hard to turn away from sweets when there is beautiful chocolate like this in the world. See more beautiful designer chocolate from Chocolate Editions by Mary & Matt. I'm thinking these would be great stocking stuffers or gifts to have on hand.

Sponsor Highlight : Modern Palm Boutique

I would love to introduce you to one of my sponsors : Modern Palm Boutique. The online shop is full of all types of goodies that would be perfect for the upcoming holidays as gifts. Above are a few of my favorites but there is a lot of cool stuff that you will just have to go take a peek for yourself. Welcome Modern Palm!

1: Bamboo Mobiles
2: Divine Twine
3: Core Bamboo Bowls
4: Orla Kiely Notebook
5: Oven Mitt
6: Lotion & Soaps

Nest Rest

When the weather is nice outside, how sweet would it be to nestle up in one of these Nest Rests designed by Daniel Pouzet and Fred Frety. Talk about design inspired by nature! For some reason I think of the movie Emma when I see these -- anyone else?

(via Happiness Is...)