Aesthetic Reverie

Trophy Wife

2011-03-02T11:17:00.003Z

It must be nearly spring as I went outside last night, to a gig - imagine that! Me, outside, at a gig! I went to see a band called Trophy Wife at The Cellar in Oxford. The band are from Oxford, and I learnt last night are signed to Moshi Moshi - which is pretty good going! Their headline set was short and sweet as they only have a few songs at the moment, but what they have is incredibly well put together, and definitely worth a listen. They are currently touring to promote their new single 'The Quiet Earth', so if you get chance go and see them live.

Tea Towels, Life, and the Oxford Comma

2011-02-26T11:24:00.007Z

Firstly, hello! It's been a while, but for good reason. I'm hoping to revive the blog - but before I do, I thought I should probably explain my absence a little bit. As you might already know, my other half and I own a business called ToDryFor.com selling tea towels with design by some of the best illustrators / animators / graphic designers around. We were very quickly running out of space, so went on the hunt for business premises. We found an awesome little shop space not far from where we live, which we managed to get! The last 4/5 months has been spent setting it up and getting used to the life of shop owners. This has not left much time for anything else!

We called the shop Comma because Sally is a grammar geek, and we filled it with wonderous objects - mostly made by the individual artists that we were already working with. Our sign (see photo above) was painted by the incredibly talented Ben Javens, and we have a wall mural in the shop by the one and only Gemma Correll! It's such an amazing place to come to work every day. Here are some pics...

Space - But Not As We Know It

2010-06-01T22:58:00.008+01:00

So this is a picture heavy post, but so worth it! I was going through some old papers the other day, and I discovered this gem from my childhood (mixed in with old swimming certificates and school reports). It's an incredible book for children called 'Speeding Into Space'. It was first published in 1954 (my version's from 1962) by ISOTYPE, with words and awesome illustrations by Marie Neurath. It is visually amazing, but also a moment captured in time - 'Some astronomers believe visitors may also find green plants growing on Mars' - amazing! Check out some pictures of the book below...

Bird Land - The Land Of Birds

2010-04-29T18:46:00.003+01:00

We left the house! That's right, we went outside. To Bourton-on-the-Water last Saturday to be precise. It's a lovely village in the Cotswolds with all the charm (and many ice cream shops) that keeps the tourists coming back for more. This was our second visit, after stumbling across it a couple of years ago on a random drive around. The pièce de résistance of the village (in my opinion) is Birdland - a slightly tired looking festival of our feathered friends. Their trump card though is the king penguins, which looked so majestic in the sunshine. Not to be missed though is the minor bird (a new addition that keeps shouting 'morning!!') and the 'big as a man's leg' trout. If that can't hold your attention - visit the model village to see a mini model version of the village (no surprises there then) that also contains the 9th wonder of the world (their claim) - a model village of the model village in the model village.

Eye Candy

2010-04-09T17:08:00.006+01:00

What a beauty I hear you say? Best looking confectionery you ever saw? That's right my friends. This is a potato candy (given as an after dinner treat by Fliss), made by See's Candy of America in honour of St Patrick's Day. I know that was about a month ago, but I'm catching up. It looks like a chocolate scotch egg, that's been adorned with some rice crispies to make it look that bit more authentic/potato like. It's possibly the sweetest thing I have ever tasted (and I'm from Blackpool so I've eaten a lot of rock in my time), and the ingredients read like a who's who of chemical discovery. I urge you to fly to America now just to snuffle down one of these...

Out of hibernation!

2010-04-08T12:02:00.004+01:00

All the Easter chocolate has gone, the garden is coming back to life and as the days get lighter I'm finding a bit more time to do some fun stuff. I have to be honest... I'm finding that working for yourself doesn't really afford much time for non-work related fun stuff. Not that I'm complaining mind. It's the best thing I've ever done! Anyways... keep your peepers open for new posts coming your way!

Rabbit While You Can

2010-01-19T22:44:00.004Z

Something shiny with cute animals and bright colours? I'm there! I stumbled across the Bandito Design Co. (a design collective from Columbus Ohio) this afternoon while catching up on Notcot. I'm really loving the work of Ryan Brinkerhoff - super bold images that tend to leave a lasting impression on your retinas. The above 18" x 22" print (entitled Bunny Farts - read the inscription and you will see why) is only a bargainous $10 in the sale - real art for only $10! It gets even better than that though... For a limited time only they are giving away free prints with every purchase! I'm starting to sound like one of those people on TV who sell home gyms. This art really will give you a six pack!

Pacis of Pasta

2010-01-09T23:45:00.009Z

Let's get things started with a holiday post! We just spent new year in Rome with our friends Rachel and Ben (you should really check out their blog if you haven't already - 3prosecco4). We gambled through the city one day (when the weather was fine) to visit the Ara Pacis (pictured above in a rough Hockney-esque way), which is situated on the edge of the river Tiber in (what I think is) a gorgeous modern building designed by American architect Richard Meier. The right-wing mayor of Rome has threatened to tear it down, which I think would be a real shame as it compliments the surrounding ancient buildings, without detracting from them, or it's important contents.

Anyway, the Ara Pacis (the alter to peace) is incredibly detailed, and very well preserved - well worth a visit (especially if you have a guide with as much knowledge as Ben does)! As an extra visitor bonus there is currently an exhibition running downstairs showing Italian patents for some incredible, and some not so incredible Italian designs and inventions. These include varieties of pasta, shoes, cars and webbed gloves (see the last photo). I'm pretty sure that last one falls into the not so incredible - but I might be wrong!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-07T22:26:00.004Z

Firstly, happy new year everyone! I've been a bit lax in my posting over the last month - not because I couldn't be bothered, but because I was being worked like a pit pony! Things have been manic, but I'm catching up. The good news is that I've got a plethora of new content to post in the coming weeks including all the exciting and amazing things I got for Christmas, the trials and tribulations of owning a beard, various trip updates (museums, countries etc.) and lots of fun bits and bobs. I will post a lot more - honest. I will not let this blog slip into the abyss. Even if no-one is reading it... ha! Those icicles really are hanging off my house - I have never seen icicles in the UK until today!

Roll Of The Dice Snake

2009-11-19T21:45:00.004Z

I've just been watching an amazing program on BBC2 about black mamba snakes in Swaziland - one of Africa's most dangerous snakes. It reminded me of this photo that my brother found in the family archives. It's a dice snake that we had as a pet when we were little, and I just think the photo is ace. Anyway, I just wanted share my snakey past...

VIP at YSP

2009-11-12T22:20:00.002Z

We had the most amazing day yesterday! We went to the VIP opening of the Rob Ryan exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and it was incredible! If you get chance to visit before it finishes you really should - and I'm not just saying that because they are selling one of the best tea towels on the market! We got to meet Sir Paul Smith who is officially the nicest man in the world (he opened the event). We also got to eat the most amazing canapés, meet all the people we have been talking to for the last 6 months and lastly (and most importantly) see some of the amazing work Rob has done during his time as an artist. The Rob Ryan exhibition is on until the 21st February 2010, so you have still got quite a bit of time to visit. Make it a date!

Pictures: Part of the exhibition (top), Paul Smith during his speech (below), Sally in front of some of the artwork (middle bottom) and a one of Rob's trademark birds standing on a hand rail (bottom).

Going Dutch

2009-11-02T09:00:00.000Z

We have just spent an amazing long weekend in Holland - The Hague to be precise. It's such a lovely city - not just criminal courts! I don't normally do high street shops as every high street in the UK pretty much looks the same. It's not until you venture somewhere special that you find interesting quirky shops (like Columbia Rd in London, for example). The nice thing about being in foreign climes is that even the high street shops are new and exciting! My favourites this time were Dille and Kamille and V&D. Dille and Kamille (the last two pictures) is a gorgeous shop that sells all the basics that you could possibly need for the home. It's a treasure trove of everything from gorgeous natural bent-wood chairs to kitchen utensils I didn't even know I needed! V&D is a department store, but the food counters had me drooling. The marzipan fruits (above) and the bizarre hog roast styled pigs (below) really did taste as good as they looked!

Sunny Day Sets Fire

2009-10-28T21:56:00.001Z

I'm full of home made pizza, so adrenaline is the last thing coursing through my body at the moment. The song Adrenaline by Sunny Day Sets Fire is the complete opposite of how I feel! The band is based in London, but is made up of a group of musicians from all over the globe. Onyee from Hong Kong has such an ace voice! Have a listen to Adrenaline and some of their other tracks (which are equally catchy), and see what you make of it!

Picture via the band's myspace pages.

The Adventure...

2009-10-26T23:02:00.001Z

We just got these beauties back from the picture framer, and don't they look sweet!? On the left is a print called 'Orange' - a 4x6" limited edition print by the awesome Gavin Potenza. It only cost £4 including shipping from the US! How mega ace is that! On the right is a print that I don't really know a great deal about. We bought it in April this year from a pop up gallery called Kin, which had opened for a couple of months in Kingly Court (just off Carnaby St. in London). It cost £30, and is called 'The Adventure Ends Here'. I think the artist is called Adam Gate, but that's all I know. Although the message is a bit sinister, it's so bright and cheery - a juxtaposition if ever there was one.

Sunday Sewing Fun

2009-10-25T15:43:00.003Z

What better way is there to spend a Sunday other than having a make and do day! We needed a new cushion for our lovely grey chair in the kitchen - the previous one had soaked up red wine just once too often. We decided to use a tea towel for the front ('Bake Me' by Julia Pott in this instance), and the inside of the old cushion for the back. I'm not going to win any awards for my sewing on this one, but for a first attempt I'm pretty pleased with myself - and how amazing does the Bake Me image look on the front!? Not bad for an hour of work...

Shopping Losts

2009-10-21T23:23:00.002+01:00

Take a look at Shopping Losts - an amazing collection of lost shopping lists - immortalised in their typographic glory by the Ginger Pimpernel. I know nothing more than that - but isn't it ace!

Dante's Tea Break

2009-10-09T13:30:00.000+01:00

I found this amazing print via India Knight's Posterious and I couldn't help myself re-blogging about it! The print, by illustrative genius Jamie Wieck, charts the descent into hell for Dante - as originally described in the poem Inferno (the first part of Dante's Divine Comedy)... reinterpreted using the visual power of biscuits. The print is from a limited edition of 50 - so get one before they are all gobbled up!

Picture from Jamie Wieck's site

Strap On Your Jetpac!

2009-10-05T12:25:00.001+01:00

Check out the second issue of Jetpac magazine for an interview with Mr Bingo - mega collector and hair illustrator extraordinaire! The magazine is completely free to download, and chock full of other interesting interviews - as well as some great photos of old matchbox cars!

Open Doors

2009-10-04T22:45:00.008+01:00

So it's a bit late posting about an event that took place over 2 weeks ago, but I figure this is one for the diary next year. On the 12th-13th October this year Oxford Preservation Trust organised Oxford Open Doors - an event that spanned our amazing city, and opened normally closed off places to the general public. We met some awesome people that day - even getting a private guided tour of Christ Church Cathedral by one of the super friendly cleaners! It's incredible to think what's hidden behind those enormous walls, and it was a real privilege to have a sneak peek at just a small portion (so thanks OPT)! The pictures included here are just a small collection of those I snapped - see what you missed!?

Candles in Christ Church Cathedral

The St. Frideswide Window by Edward Burne-Jones in 1858. I was told that the window was originally designed for a bigger space, but was shrunk to fit this window (hence why it is so colourful and busy). In the bottom right, above the death bed of St. Frideswide is a depiction of a flushing toilet - a new invention in those days.

The small green door in the Cathedral garden allegedly meant to have inspired the small door that Alice travels through in Alice in Wonderland.

The massive Jabberwocky Tree in Christ Church Cathedral gardens - said to have been the inspiration for The Jabberwocky Poem by Lewis Carroll. You can just about see the pillars in the background used to support the tree!

Winter Wool

2009-10-01T22:38:00.004+01:00

I think we can officially say that the summer is over - I've spent the last week kicking crunchy brown leaves, so I'm not feeling too bad about it! Anyway, with that in mind I've started to think about all things warm. I came across Yokoo and her wondrous woolens a while ago, but now we have hit October it seems like a good time to mention her wares. All Yokoo knits are hand made to order, which means you can choose the exact colour you want (it takes 2 weeks to deliver). The above (called the soopa scarf) is over 8 foot long, and 8 and half inches wide, and I can't think of anything nicer to keep me snug at night. There are other options - if that's a bit too long for you. Go check out her Etsy store and think about getting cosy!

Picture via Yokoo Etsy store

Geek Badge

2009-09-30T12:30:00.001+01:00

This one has been doing the rounds, and fits in quite nicely considering the amount of layout work I have been doing recently! Geeks will definitely be telling you something good if you receive one of these amazing badges - so be nice to them! Available to buy from the super ace Pop + Shorty web store.

Dead Good Chairs

2009-09-29T23:45:00.001+01:00

Check out the heart shaped buttons on this stylish chair by Ziglam and Brook. I saw this only the other day at 100% Design as part of the London Design Festival, and it is every bit as beautiful in the flesh! The chair is fully upholstered (in a grey wool in the image here) with solid oak legs and I would like one... The chair is available to buy from the design epicentre that is deadgood.

The Drums!

2009-09-07T22:17:00.005+01:00

Another musical obsession? Me? This is a Brooklyn band called The Drums, and I think they are ace. I just discovered them via Vimeo after watching their super cool video for Let's Go Surfing. You know I never leave you hanging - if you like them you can download the single for free from rcrdlbl. Wow! Pop it on your ipod, and run along a deserted beach in the dark! Actually, that doesn't sound too safe. Oh yeah - almost forgot - you can go watch them doing their thing live on stage in various UK cities (mainly London). Check out the band's myspace for dates - and while you are there, have a listen to Submarine (which is also super dance along fun). Video follows for fun...

Picture via myspace

Badge r

2009-08-30T15:20:00.004+01:00

Car boot sales are amazing - a staple event of the British summertime. You should check them out if only to see all the pugs that frequent them! They are the perfect place to pick up those rare cast offs that people have had stored in drawers for the past 20 years. Pictured is a collection of badges we bought this morning for 40p - now that's going to make your day! I wonder who thought to put 'I heart Deutsch!' on a badge!? Brilliant stuff!

Things I Like

2009-08-18T22:22:00.004+01:00

I bought this super colourful print recently - it turned up, and it is even more awesome in the papery flesh! It's called 'Things I Like', and it literally contains all the things I like - what a coincidence! It was created by US graphic designer Richard Perez (aka Skinny Ships) in a limited edition of 100, and I can't wait to get it on the wall. You better snap one up before they all go!

Chutney, Or Not Chutney?

2009-08-15T12:59:00.005+01:00

I don't profess to having green fingers - not really. I like gardening, but everything I do is a bit hit and miss. From a vegetable \ fruit point of view I don't often have much luck - killing things off before I get a taste. That's why this year I'm quite excited by the promise of tomatoes - the third year I have planted them, and hopefully the first year I'll get to eat some. If you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse, you are probably eating yours by now, but this British weather of ours isn't helping with outdoor growing. Fingers crossed for a warm spell to give them a little burst.

Shake Your Coconuts!

2009-08-12T17:52:00.005+01:00

I can't believe that you all managed to keep this one a secret for this long! I was listening to last.fm today and out of the blue came a song called 'West Coast' by Coconut Records. My little ears were so excited they started to research the band straight away. I was really surprised to find that the only member of the band is the seemingly multi talented Jason Schwartzman - the man actor from awesome films like Marie Antoinette and Rushmore! Check out the brilliant video for the track (which was filmed in an super modern looking museum in Germany). The even better news is that there are two albums - both available for download from Amazon! Enjoy!

Picture from Last.FM

Salads - Not Just Lettuce and Cucumber!

2009-07-30T18:10:00.007+01:00

I love salads, but I'm rubbish at experimenting with salad ingredients! I came across this inspirational collection of 101 salads published by the New York Times recently - it makes my mouth water just reading the ingredient list. We just need some sunshine now!

Picture from the New York Times website

Roma!

2009-07-19T22:59:00.008+01:00

We spent last weekend in Rome for a friend's wedding - the first time I have ever been to Italy (which I almost can't believe). Anyway, I really recommend it - so beautiful, steeped in history, something to see around every corner and just generally awesome. I can't wait to go back again - although I might take things a little easier next time (we walked so far!!!) One tip for you if you do go... you don't need to bother with the fancy schmancy ice cream parlours - head straight to a Blue Ice gelateria. Amazing... Anyway, rather than give you the usual holiday snaps, here's some random Rome graffiti...

Rooftop Treats

2009-07-07T21:04:00.007+01:00

I love this photo! We were on one of our London trips a while ago and I randomly helped a stranger lift a massive picture off his car roof rack - just off Brick Lane. He then very kindly offered to show us the view from the roof top of his apartment block, which was incredible. It looked out over the old chimney pots and The Gherkin and it was spectacular. Definitely worth sharing, so here's another one...

Hello There!

2009-07-04T19:34:00.006+01:00

This is one of our most recent purchases - a 'Hello There' chair designed by Jeremy Harvey in 1978. It's a metal chair that says 'Hello' in the back, and 'There' in the seat and I've wanted one for such a long time! We thought about importing one from Europe, but that seemed a bit silly (not to mention expensive). Sally finally found one for sale in the UK from a great company that sells mid-century furniture. The chair was originally produced in lots of wonderful colours but I'm glad we got the yellow one - it makes me happy every time I see it!

Balmy Summer's Eve

2009-07-04T19:13:00.006+01:00

I had the loveliest day yesterday! We went into London at lunch time to meet lovely Davina who is in a whirlwind of baking at the moment. She even baked the most delicious scones for us to have cream tea! Then we went to Hyde Park armed with a picnic, and listened to Vampire Weekend, which was ace. All that, then back on the train to lie on the floor of the kitchen looking out and enjoying the gorgeous summer evening. I took the photo at about 10.30pm, and it was still gloriously light. I'm not great with high temperatures, but these evenings are worth every moment of discomfort...

Party Icing!

2009-06-30T22:28:00.006+01:00

You know it is! Yes my friends - you are looking at the ass side of a party ring that's spent a bit too long in the icing line. That's right, iced on both sides! A new phenomenon for me - and I've eaten plenty of party rings in my time! Makes a change to the all chocolate Kit Kat where the wafer has gone walkies. Get munching, and see if you can find one!

Play It Again - On The Streets!

2009-06-26T17:41:00.005+01:00

What better way to bring communities together than a good old sing song!? I'm off to London tomorrow, and I'm planning to try and find some of the street pianos - 30 pianos placed around London in public places as part of the City of London Festival. Anyone can have a tinkle on the old ivories, although I'm hoping that I might bump into Chas and Dave! The piano in Lyric Square (Hammersmith) will have a pro playing Irish classics tomorrow between 1 and 3pm. If you can play, you should come along and give it your best Stevie Wonder!

Pic from Getty - via Daily Mirror site.

Not Just Fluff

2009-06-15T21:35:00.003+01:00

I had fun in the sun on Sunday around Brick lane at the Art Car Boot Sale, and the Free Range graduate art and design show. So much fun stuff to look at + it's been a while since I drank beer at lunch time! I popped into the Sunday Up Market and came across a stall selling amazing t shirts - the above was my favourite, but there were loads to choose from. Big Fluff hand print all their super colourful, bound to get you noticed, designs in London! You should also check out their amazing bags!

Lamp orghini

2009-06-12T13:38:00.008+01:00

There should be no argument that the Lamborghini Countach is one of the greatest cars ever made, so I was super pleased to find this collection by Swiss designer Martin Meier. The collection, called 'In Loving Memory - The Lamborghini Countach' is currently on display at the Appel Design Gallery in Berlin. Martin has applied the Lamborghini lines to other design classics - including the Verner Panton chair, which looks awesome. I wonder if Martin has a Peugeot with Lamborghini door hinges - I love that! Found via Daily tonic.

Music Charts

2009-06-10T22:38:00.003+01:00

The geek in me loves charts, so therefore I love this print by Jez Burrows featuring a graphical interpretation of Destroyer's 2006 album 'Destroyer's Rubies'. It's available as a limited edition of 200 from the wonderful Analogue Books. I love their shop (in Edinburgh) where I saw this earlier in the year, but I only just realised that you can buy it online - hooray!

Baby Cats! Yeah!

2009-06-09T17:53:00.002+01:00

I'm a massive fan of Adam Green, but add in a sultry female French singer and the mention of baby cats and I think I might possibly have found the best thing ever seen\heard on the internet! The above picture is of Soko (or Stéphanie Sokolinski), a French singer\actress who appears to have quit music to go back to acting. But before she did, she performed a song with Adam Green while on tour - and you can find it on YouTube here. Amazing! To add to the excitement, it seems that Adam is going on tour, and will be in Oxford in September! Hooray for the internet! Yus! This is what a weekend of web surfing gets you! Not bad, I'm sure you'll agree.

Sesame Sweet!

2009-06-02T17:45:00.000+01:00

I saw this recently and it brought memories flooding back - this is a collection of Sesame Street shorts collectively known as Pinball Number Count. It's a funky segment first shown in 1976 - with vocals by The Pointer Sisters. I just think it is amazing. Do you remember it?

Ferris Sale

2009-05-29T23:08:00.006+01:00

If you are one of the lucky few who can get a mortgage at the moment, they say it's one of the best times to buy a house. If you were going to invest in some property, I can think of nothing better than this! Look familiar? It's the gorgeous building designed by A. James Speyer and David Haid that was used in the classic 80's high school comedy Ferris Beuller's Day Off. For a meagre $2.3 million you could recreate the classic Ferrari scene!

Bike Skills

2009-05-26T17:27:00.001+01:00

I was sent this video last week of trial bike expert Danny MacAskill doing some tricks on the streets of the UK. I'm not normally into this kind of thing, but I am impressed by someone making something very difficult, look so easy! Awesome.

Bitchin' Stitchin!

2009-05-20T18:02:00.003+01:00

How cute is this? Possibly cuter than a sleeping kitten? I'm loving cross stitched anything at the moment, so I was most pleased when I stumbled upon Ellie Cryer's cross stitched apple button badge! it's a whole load of cross stitched awesome. Buy it - before I do!

Colin Zombie

2009-05-20T13:59:00.002+01:00

Wow o wow! I'm a bit behind the times because it is all over the internet, but... Our amazing friend Alastair Kirton was the lead in a zombie film called Colin, that is amazing audiences at the Cannes Film Festival and not just because of Alastair's amazing acting skills! The film only cost a staggeringly small £45 to make! If you don't mind a bit of zombie gore you should check out the trailer on the Nowhere Fast website! Yay!

One last thing... Alastair is also starring in an unusual play at the Southwark Playhouse called The Exquisite Corpse until the end of May. If you get the chance you should go check it out!

Le Blackpool

2009-05-16T11:42:00.003+01:00

OK, so I'm a couple of days behind everyone else with this, and I promise that this isn't going to become a Blackpool tourism blog, but... I love this smart, beautifully shot advert for Blackpool. The word is that they are trying to encourage French people to visit the city with their alluring Parisian-esque scenes - and there isn't even a hen do in sight! Well done the Blackpool tourism board!

Tenplate (11, Actually)

2009-05-10T21:10:00.006+01:00

We found these super cute, Rob Ryan-esque plates today at a car boot sale. They have birds and flowers detailed all over them and we think they are from the 60's (it says that they are detergent safe on the back!) We bought 6 dinner plates and 5 side plates for a meager £2! Wow - what a deal. Jealous?

Creepy Captures

2009-05-08T17:04:00.003+01:00

These photos by photographer James Nisbeck are both creepy and amazing at the same time. I can't put my finger on it, but I really like images of degenerating architecture. The picture above was taken in St George's Lunatic Asylum - a derelict hospital building in Staffordshire originally opened in 1818. There are loads more great photos in James's Urbex (Urban Exploration) series including a fascinating look in a nuclear bunker. Check it out...

Cannonball RIP

2009-05-05T22:39:00.004+01:00

Sad sad news my friends... I learnt today that Dom DeLuise passed away yesterday at 75. Pictured here with Burt Reynolds (his co-star in Cannonball Run) - he was a comedy genius with an awesome sense of humour and a laugh that was infectious. I think this calls for a Cannonball Run and Smokey and the Bandit movie marathon!

Tasty Design

2009-04-27T12:31:00.003+01:00

I saw this image over the weekend on buckstyle.com. The picture is by Berlin based artist Sarah Illenberger - this one uses paper creations to show the ingredients for the ultimate chilli con carne, but the rest of her work is very mixed media. The child in me loves the balloon with a wig on top! According to Buck she is an artist to keep your peepers on, and I completely agree.

Blooms

2009-04-19T23:08:00.005+01:00

Everything is going nuts in the garden! I'm going to have to watch out or I'll be overgrown before I know its even happened! This is a picture of the rhododendron, that is currently adding a bit of colour to our currently rather dull borders.

Cyber Candy

2009-04-19T22:42:00.006+01:00

I've been meaning to upload some photos for a bit, but the computer went haywire! Anyway, we are now back on track (in a makeshift kind of way) so expect more photo posts. How super cute is the packaging for these Peko-chan Milky treats? I bought them (and lots of other sweet treats) from Cyber Candy in London. It's a fab shop with so much to see, but you can also pick up amazing goodies from their online store. Just don't think about all the E numbers!

Look And Look Again

2009-04-16T13:27:00.006+01:00

Inspired by the fact that everyone seems to either be in New York, going to New York or just got back from New York I thought I'd post about these amazing photos I found through the wondrous Notcot the other day. Peter Funch took photos of the same places in Manhattan over the course of 10 days and blended them seamlessly, bringing together similar people in an exhibition called Babel Tales. I love the attention to detail - like the white pigeons among the people all dressed in black. There is another photo with everyone dressed in white with black pigeons. Nice stuff. Now I just need to figure out when and how I'm going to get back to New York myself!

Famous When Dead?

2009-04-08T13:37:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd share with you another one of my favourite artists. The above image is called 'The day I failed to notice' and is by UK Based artist Famous When Dead. I came across his work a few years back on Ebay, and was instantly struck by it. If I didn't already own a couple of his images I would be snapping this up!

Bright Lights

2009-04-03T08:00:00.007+01:00

We were bought one of these amazing lampshades (in white) a while ago as a wedding present (and still haven't managed to put it up!), but I'm loving the new colours that they have started to produce them in. The light fittings are made from wool felt, and are available direct from the people who design and produce them - Mixko. Check out their web site for other fun ideas - I like the Atari joystick candle holder - very fun!

Bright Easter!

2009-03-31T23:27:00.005+01:00

I've been saving this super cute rabbit chocolate that my mum bought me last Easter - he was far too nice and colourful to eat! Anyway, now that Easter is almost upon us, and it is Bright Week I thought I would dust him off and take a picture of him. I wonder if the chocolate inside is still good to eat?

Bright Week + Julia Pott

2009-03-31T12:43:00.006+01:00

I feel super lucky this week to have been chosen by ace blogger Concrete and Honey to take part in Bright Week - a celebration of all things bright and colourful. I thought I would celebrate by posting this amazing print from illustrator / animator genius Julia Pott. You can buy Powerlifting Team as an A3 print currently for only $20 from her Etsy store. I know what you're thinking though... brighter? I'll see what I can do!

Tea At 3

2009-03-29T10:04:00.000+01:00

Nom nom nom - look at all those wonderful cakes! Yes, they can be yours! This was the selection delivered to me last Friday at The National Dining Rooms, which are part of The National Gallery. Afternoon tea is available from 3pm, and currently costs £14.50, which is well worth it if you fancy an indulgent afternoon of cake eating! My only complaint (if I have to have one) was that the breakfast tea wasn't up to my high standards. The waiter told us that it was made by Peyton and Byrne, but it looked suspiciously like a PG Tips pyramid bag... very odd, but a lovely one-off all the same!

1p For A Bansky? Seriously?

2009-03-28T22:24:00.005Z

I went to a 1 pence auction \ raffle for a Banksy print yesterday in London after seeing it mentioned on Notcot. Needless to say I didn't win the aforementioned print, but I did enjoy some free Brahma beer! Yus free indeed! They also had a human beatbox in which was excellent - I'm sure there will be some video up online at some point as they appeared to be videoing anything and everything. The event was to promote a street art dealer called Artichoke Ltd - check out their site to see some of the work they are selling (including signed prints for 1p).

Northern Delights - Toad In The Hole!

2009-03-26T21:19:00.003Z

So this is a classic Yorkshire dish that we knocked up the other day - there are loads of ways to make this, but here is my take on it that will help you produce a fine feast (pictured above)...

Ingredients:

6\8 Chipolata sausages - from your local butcher (not the supermarket)

1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

3 tbsp olive oil

115g (4oz) plain flour

4 medium eggs

1/2 pint of milk

A pinch of dried thyme

A pinch of pepper

Instructions:

- Make the Yorkshire pudding batter by mixing the flour and eggs together. Once it starts to form a dough, add the milk in a couple of stages whisking the mixture as you go until it looks nice and smooth. Add the pepper and thyme, give it another whisk, and put the mixture to one side.

- Preheat the over to 220c, and place the Yorkshire pudding tin with 1/2 tbsp of olive oil in each pudding hole(?) (I'm using one that makes 4 puddings) in there to warm up.

- Brown the sausages in a pan (with 1 tbsp olive oil), so they look nice and golden. Remove from the heat, and mix the mustard in with them.

- Remove the pudding tin from the oven, and place 1 1/2 - 2 chipolatas in each pudding hole. Pour the pudding mixture of the top of the sausages, making sure the mixture doesn't go over the top.

- Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, or until the puddings are risen and golden.

Nom nom nom... A delicious dinner for two. Enjoy!

Wax Lyrical

2009-03-17T17:37:00.005Z

I love the smell of wax crayons - it reminds me of all those hours of colouring in when I was little. I saw this amazing artwork today - by artist Christian Faur. Made from lots of wax crayons sticking upright, to form a kind of pixel painting. There are a few to see if you link through to his site - I can just imagine the smell from looking at them!

Summer Is Coming

2009-03-15T23:13:00.003Z

What's going on at M & S? Sometimes (and usually when you aren't expecting it) they come out with a classic! I love these new aviator sunglasses from the Autograph range - I actually found them in The Guardian's best buy accessories for men. Will they suit me is a different conversation, but I like them none the less. This must have summer accessory will set you back £29.50.

Hi. Bye. Bear

2009-03-11T22:50:00.001Z

I really like it when designers mix a bit of traditional and contemporary together - which is why I adore this humourous design created by graphic design mastermind Will Staehle (also known as lonewolfblacksheep). Check out his portfolio on the amazing design:related site or his LWBS web site.

Mr Squirrel Pays a Visit

2009-03-11T21:52:00.005Z

We had a visitor today! I heard something running around on our extension roof, so I ran upstairs to take a look - luckily my camera was handy! Anyway, Mr Squirrel reminded me of something I bought on Etsy a while ago from the States, and I thought you might like to have a look... This vintage ceramic baby squirrel, with a missing foot set me back a total of $8, and I think he is ace!

We Are Brainstorm

2009-03-09T17:45:00.002Z

I'm loving the fact that there are lots of amazing illustrators and designers around at the moment that are selling wonderful prints of their work at affordable prices. I've just bought 'Henry the Hoot' from design wonder kids We Are Brainstorm. He is going to look grand in our house (once I finish painting the walls!). They have lots of different designs - in case Henry isn't your cup of tea. Go buy, and support amazing young talent!

Guerrilla Knitting

2009-03-05T13:33:00.004Z

Now this is an excellent idea! I just found this article on the Guardian web site about guerrilla knitting (also known as yarn bombing). The idea is that you take all your scraps of wool from old projects, and whip something up with them to then adorn everyday objects in the normally wool free real world. You can read more about it and see some pictures on Knitta Please - a website dedicated to guerrilla knitting. This is definitely for all those people who gave up on guerrilla gardening because it wasn't instant enough. Go have some fun!

Behind The Bones

2009-03-04T13:06:00.005Z

This is a photo from a series taken by Justine Cooper in the scientific collections of the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The photo shows Cretaceous bones wrapped in newspaper and tied with string - untouched since their original unearthing 100 years ago. To create the series Cooper had an all access pass - even picking locks in places to get into storage where keys had been misplaced. There is a great interview and some wonderful photos, giving some insight into the work of natural history museums around the world.

Coeur De Pirate - Pretty!

2009-03-02T13:25:00.000Z

A french speaking lovely, the mention of pirates and no Johnny Depp... For now at least. This is the super cute video for Montreal based singer / pianist Coeur De Pirate, also known as 18 year old Béatrice Martin. I have to admit that I'm obsessed with this song - I hope you like it too!

Deer Hat Hangers

2009-03-01T23:20:00.000Z

Look at these super cute and super bright deer hat hangers created by US artist \ designer David Wiseman. His wall hangings are also amazing - check them out on his site. Some of his work is also available to buy from the r20thcentury store.

See The Stars

2009-02-28T22:30:00.004Z

I love love love this amazing time lapse video I found on the wonderful video sharing site Vimeo. The video was filmed in Yosemite by Sean Stiegermeiser - California based genius cinematographer. It's a great reminder to look up a little more often... Follow the link to see a bigger version.

Ace Hotels Look Ace

2009-02-24T17:57:00.003Z

Far too often I've booked a hotel based on what it looks like on screen rather than the reviews. I think I'm drawn into the romance of wonderful decor and clean white sheets. So many times I have been disappointed. Ace Hotels look wonderful, but also comes with amazing reviews - and the good news is that they are very reasonably priced! They currently have hotels located in Portland, Seattle, New York and Palm Springs. A Smeg fridge in your room? why wouldn't you choose this hotel?

Garden Treasure

2009-02-22T23:50:00.004Z

I've spent the last two days trying to get through the never ending task of sorting out our garden. I love being out there, and it's really starting to look ok. Anyway, I love digging through old soil - you always find old bits of crockery. I thought you might like to see my finds from today! I love the top one - I think it must have been part of an old coronation plate from 1953...

Upside Down Cat Head

2009-02-20T19:05:00.002Z

Do you need something new to keep your best pens in? This Ceramic cat head by artist Kiki Smith is available from the eclectic art site other criteria. 'Cat' is a limited edition of 150 and costs £550. I love it - even though it has a slightly creepy feel to it. The other criteria site is also worth a proper browse - just to see all the Damien Hirst artwork for sale. Curious?

Bright Owls

2009-02-19T13:35:00.003Z

I'm loving these intense yellow ceramic owls I found on Etsy from super amazing seller therunnybunny. You should definitely check out the rest of her work, as there are some wonderful creations - like a deer's head on a gentleman's body. Awesome stuff!

Watch The Birdie!

2009-02-17T20:44:00.008Z

This my friends, is the Okko alarm clock from Habitat. Not only will it help bring more style to your bedroom, but it will also awaken you with the gentle call of morning bird song. The little bird will also do a dance. I'm not joking - it really does a little dance. A whirl of animatronics and practicality for only £20...

Seaside Romance

2009-02-16T12:41:00.004Z

You wouldn't know it to look at me, but I'm actually from a seaside town 'up North' called Blackpool. Photographer David Nightingale has managed to capture the romance of Blackpool, making me want to get in the car and drive there now. There is some serious technique involved in making these images look as wonderful as he does - check out the rest of his gallery, and have a look at his blog for more wind swept imagery.

This Type Of Ceramics

2009-02-12T23:51:00.002Z

I think these words created by ceramic artist Stephanie Dearmond are so amazing. They would look so nice in the corner of a room, or on a big fireplace. I've only just come across them, and thought it was worth sharing...

Demijohn - Liquid Deli

2009-02-11T12:40:00.001Z

When we were in Edinburgh the other week we discovered Demijohn the Liquid Deli. It's full of amazing concoctions from lots of smaller artisan alcohol producers. You choose the bottle you would like to use, and then have it filled from one of the glass demijohns that line the walls. You are also encouraged to taste before you buy - which is a nice way to warm up on a cold Edinburgh morning! We bought some raspberry vodka and Nelsons spiced rum liqueur - Britain's first spiced rum! Both are amazing - there is practically nothing left in the raspberry vodka bottle! Thanks goodness they do mail order...

No Tears For The Weepies

2009-02-10T23:45:00.000Z

My latest musical obsession comes in the form of The Weepies - a US duo that play super sweet, beautiful music. I discovered them through Last.FM, and bought the Hideaway album, which has some remarkably good songs on it. You can listen to the entire album in full on Last.FM - have a go and let me know what you think...

Baby Lemur - Possibly The Cutest...

2009-02-10T22:15:00.001Z

This is possibly the cutest image I have ever seen! Tahina is a baby lemur recently born at a zoo in France. The teddy bear is acting a surrogate mother - giving her something to cling to. The photo was on the Sky News web site over the weekend - have a look for more on the story and even more photos.

Show Some Love

2009-02-05T23:11:00.003Z

I've been having a hunt around for a valentines day card - and I came across this on Etsy! Nothing says I love you more than a heart in a ribcage...

Sleepy Tea

2009-02-05T13:58:00.000Z

So, without wanting to sound like a hippy - I quite like flavoured tea. One of our friends bought us some sleepy tea (above), which I have been avoiding drinking because I wasn't sure how lavender in tea would work. Lemon, yes. Lavender, no. I'm a bit of an insomniac, and built up the courage to give it a go. It actually tastes nice, and I've been sleeping like a badger in a sett. The tea is made by a company called Today Was Fun, and it contains lemon balm, lime flowers and lavender. If you are struggling to get some Z's in, it might be worth an experiment...

Everyone's Gone Snow Crazy!

2009-02-05T08:45:00.000Z

We don't often get a lot of snow in the UK, but when we do things go a bit loco. Some people don't go to work. The other people drive too fast and crash, so there are hundreds of minor accidents - this is why I don't drive in the snow! Anyway, I'm meant to be working, but I can't concentrate because of the amazing white glow outside. I took this picture while walking this morning - some kids had built a massive snowman in the middle of the road. Good work! I was also involved in a drive-by snow balling. Someone threw a snowball at me from a moving car - it made me laugh, so thanks for that!

Cookie Monster Double Dessert

2009-02-04T13:33:00.003Z

This really is a genius idea. Firstly, it looks amazing in all its Cookie Monster glory and secondly it combines a cake and a biscuit for the ultimate pudding! It comes from a random Flickr entry - now get baking! It also mentions Cake Wrecks blog - for when your baking goes wrong...

Quality Meat!

2009-02-03T23:16:00.004Z

So my brother has been going through all our old photos and scanning them in, and along came this chestnut! I've no idea who the men are - but I know we used to live next to this butcher's (Brian Flint - Quality Meat). Such an amazing photo (with a real 80's feel) - I can't wait to get it framed!

How Fibreglass Chairs Are Made

2009-01-21T17:55:00.001Z

I found another film by Charles and Ray Eames. This one was made for Herman Miller, and it covers the fiberglass chair manufacturing steps in wonderful detail. It's amazing to see the craftmanship that goes into these chairs... Enjoy!

Lucky 7 Perfect for Inauguration Dining

2009-01-21T17:11:00.006Z

I had a fun dinner last night at Lucky 7 diner on Westbourne Park Rd in London. It was excellent - especially as they had the Inauguration of Barack Obama on on TV in there. It felt all very authentic! Lucky 7 is owned by Tom Conran (son of Terence Conran - of the Conran shops fame), and he has gone to town making the place feel as 1950's America as possible. It's super cosy with lovely booths, and the food is perfect (the right price and the right amount). I would recommend the milkshakes - they are amazing although very filling. Just in case you don't like burgers he has 2 other wonderful sounding restaurants that serve different food in the same area!

Cool Drinking at The Bowery - Edinburgh

2009-01-18T21:45:00.005Z

It's been a fun old weekend! I just got back from Edinburgh - we went up north for a friend's birthday party, which was amazing. The party was at a place called The Bowery that has only just recently opened. If you know Edinburgh, it's on the site of the old Roxy Art House on Roxburgh place. It's not the easiest place to find as there is no sign out front - just a board on the pavement. Expect rustic DIY decoration, old chairs and sofas, a reading room (the bookery) and cocktails served in mis-matching china cups and saucers. Really cute, laid back and definitely worth a look if you find yourself in Edinburgh.

Moby-Dick Makes Pretty Picture!

2009-01-10T00:12:00.006Z

Firstly, happy new year! Secondly, check out my jugs! OK, so it's only one jug, and that didn't work. This wonderful whale pitcher is made by American born ceramic genius Jonathan Adler. It's high fired stoneware, with a matte white glaze and I want it! Luckily for us they deliver internationally, so for $95 this can be the finishing touch to your dining table.

Deer Frida

2008-12-28T23:45:00.001Z

I stumbled across this fantastic portrait of Frida Kahlo on http://www.whokilledbambi.co.uk/. It's such an amazingly serene image - consider this my belated Christmas gift to you...

Arrr! Pete and the Pirates!

2008-12-27T21:30:00.006Z

I went to a great gig the other night - it was the homecoming bash for The Young Knives. The Young Knives were ok, but the support band was excellent! Pete and the Pirates are a Reading based band formed in 2002. They have been receiving a lot of press and praise for their fun sounds - and rightly so! They properly had me bopping along. You can check them out on the amazing fabchannel - playing live at Paradiso in Amsterdam. Enjoy!

Twilight - Not Just for Teenage Girls

2008-12-27T00:23:00.009Z

I've just got back from the cinema after watching Twilight - the teenage girl vampire fantasy film, based on the novel by Stephanie Meyer. I haven't read the books, and I have to say I went into the film thinking it was all going to be a bit Harry Potter. It turned out that the only thing Harry Potter about the whole thing was the fact that Robert Pattinson (who plays Edward Cullen in the film) also played Cedric Diggory in the Potter films. I actually really enjoyed the film - it's a long one at over 2 hours, but I really got into it. The filming was very beautiful, and the sound track was well put together. Definitely worth a watch if you get the chance.

Magical Polaroid Immortalised In Film

2008-12-24T00:08:00.003Z

I love this documentary put together by Charles and Ray Eames capturing the magical (but now unfortunately obsolete) Polaroid SX-70 camera. Such amazing design and functionality...

Ties Are Back!

2008-12-20T00:46:00.000Z

My posts are like buses today - three at once - I bet you can't believe your little eyes! Now, here is a good reason to start wearing shirts again. You knew they might come in useful at some point...

Cyberoptix Tie Lab are doing everything they can to banish ties that suck. They make unusual, screenprinted silk ties which I'm guessing they hope you will want to buy to replace all those ties you have at the back of your wardrobe that you bought in the 80s. There are loads to choose from, and for an extra $10 you can have your neck wear delivered it a lovely wooden tie lab box. Check out their web site, or their Etsy store to see what's going on.

Barnaby Barford Ceramics

2008-12-20T00:02:00.001Z

Now this rocks! I came across an article about Barnaby Barford while I was looking for Christmas presents this year. The above object (titled 'Anything you can do I can do better') was listed in The Independent's 50 best gifts for women. It certainly stood out from the other items being paraded. Apparently Barnaby selects found objects and turns them into modified sculptures. I love the quirkiness and bright colours in the above work! You can find out more about his other projects on his website and designboom. Just so you know - I didn't buy it for anyone. I couldn't find a price - so I'm guessing it was therefore out of my £50 budget...

Plushtache the Mustache

2008-12-19T23:49:00.000Z

Firstly (and I know I've said this before), I'm back on the blogging wagon. The wheels fell off for a second there, but I've greased up that axle and installed a turbo (or something).

Secondly, I love Etsy. That's a fact. It's a treasure trove of things you never knew you needed - including the amazing Plushtache. This is pure wool and polyfill dream material! Shannon (the lady who makes them, and other wondrous things) suggests you attach a plushtache to your lapel for easy twiddling during conversational lulls... What an accessory!

Mast Brothers - Pretty Chocolate

2008-12-04T17:21:00.001Z

I was trawling round the web looking for Christmas presents (I know It's getting a bit too late) and I found these super pretty chocolate bars created by the Mast Brothers of Brooklyn. They make the chocolate in small batches - doing everything from cleaning and roasting the beans, to wrapping the final product in the most amazing paper! Unfortunately you can only buy it online if you are in the US from shopcomposition.com. Everyone else will have to make a special effort to do a trip over there!

MonkeyLectric - Be Seen, Be Safe, Be Ace!

2008-12-02T13:47:00.004Z

US based company MonkeyLectric have released a revolutionary bike light featuring 32 super bright LEDs. It attaches to your wheels and it looks amazing, and is another great reason to buy a bike if you don't already have one. You can buy 2 for only $64.99. This has got more LEDs than my PC - and that's saying something! Check out the video in the gallery on the site for an idea of what it looks like in action.

Roger Hiorn's 'Seizure'

2008-11-22T18:41:00.007Z

I popped into London yesterday to visit an amazing art installation. Roger Hiorn has created 'Seizure' - an exhibition that was due to close at the beginning of November, but has been extended until the end of November (30th). In a rather unassuming area of London, a flat (part of a derelict block) has been turned into what can only be described as Superman's summer palace. Every wall, floor, ceiling and even the bath has been coated in blue copper sulphate crystals. To create this marvel the flat was sealed up completely, and copper sulphate solution was poured through the floor of the flat above. It took 70,000 litres of the toxic liquid and nearly 3 weeks - then the flat was drained leaving the alien looking scene. You are given wellies when you get there, so there is no need to wear anything protective. This is definitely something to go see before the exhibition is closed and the block of flats are demolished!

Vitamin Water - Hangover Relief Arrives

2008-11-18T00:19:00.007Z

I've been over to New York a couple of times, and while there I became addicted to Vitamin Water - a drink from a New York based company that rehydrates along with pumping you full of vitamins and minerals. Even better - they look pretty and taste great! These have got me through some pretty heavy hungover morning meetings! Glacéau (the company) have just released 6 varieties at selected stockists in and around London (I found some in Brighton). Give Power-c a try (my favourite) with vitamins c+b.

Graham Carter - Wonder Years at ink_d

2008-11-17T00:19:00.005Z

While in Brighton I discovered the work of an artist called Graham Carter - his work was on the wall in an amazing antique shop and it drew us in. We found out from the owner that there is currently an exhibition of his work on in a lovely little gallery called ink_d. There were quite a lot of pieces of his work up from sale - ranging from unsigned woodcuts (from memory they were around £30) to multi-layered acrylic pieces (costing £2k+). I loved Bird Strike (pictured) which features little rabbits jumping from a crashed burning plane - try and spot the one having a cup of tea! The show is on until the 30th November if you get chance to pay a visit.

Lucky Dips, Sugar Lips

2008-11-17T00:10:00.005Z

I never could eat donuts without licking my lips - here's a super sexy and colourful collection of photos of people that I think would be quite good at it...