Thursday, March 29, 2012

Shoe Gratification




I love shoes. And this works of great, considering the business I'm in.

Given my daily shoe engrossment, I'm somewhat surprised it never occurred to me that my furniture might like a new pair of shoes.

But
PrettyPegs didn't miss this opportunity. Check out this new collection of designer furniture pegs—fit for personilizing the somewhat less-than-personal Ikea furniture.

I can see the future... special holiday pegs and seasonal sofa swapping. Oh and speaking of new shoes for a new season—(in case you were curious) what's my favorite line for Spring 2012? Yeah... I'm a sucker for stripes.


Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Burger of the Week #50


No [internet] burger collection is complete without a cute cat!!!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

McCakes


We've been experiencing a bit of a "heat wave" in Michigan these last few weeks, and taking advantage of this unseasonably warm March, we grilled burgers for dinner last night.

But there was also burgers for dessert.

These crazy little masterpieces were made from cupcakes, brownies, frosting and sesame seeds. And with a little patience and several sticky fingers, we had ourselves an adorable, little, sugar-filled snack.

Like most things, this was not my original idea. Inspirations was taken from Bakerella and Amber of the Moment. Baking and creating done in collaboration with Designerella.


Saturday, March 24, 2012

World of Color

I love paint chips. They have the same mesmerizing quality as a Pantone swatchbook.

With their wide array of colors, it's often hard to imagine, what sort of room people would paint "Highlighter" yellow. (Dude, I did it and it looks awesome).

But aside from the colors, the CHIPS themselves hold certain appeal. People are recognizing that these scraps are beautiful. Type in "Paint Chips" on Pinterest and you enter a rainbowed world of ideas.
Paint Chip Coasters from Crab Apple Design's Paper Goods
Paint Chip Notebooks from Greenbean's Crafterole

I love that people have found a way to show their appreciation of color, even if it isn't on their walls!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Always in my Favor

It had to happen. A Tumblr featuring both Hunger Games and Ryan Gosling—not that the two are connected in any fashion. It doesn't make it any less brilliant.
Id like to thank the Huffington Post for bringing this to my attention, and for stating:
"If you had doubts as to whether Ryan Gosling could be applied to every single cultural phenomenon, put them to rest right now."

I feel so much better now.

I'd also like to tell Mr. Huffington that, yes, I was "one of the crazy few to brave a midnight showing" (though it wasn't really "a few") and it was totally worth it.


Thank you, 27-year-old Sara T. for filling a InterWeb void. Your work will surely not go unnoticed.

Monday, March 19, 2012

There's Fun Afoot!

The Mad Men are back after a year hiatus and Newsweek is commemorating the occasion with a tribute issue—complete with retro ads.

Check out the Hush Puppies throwback ad (designed by WWW's Scott Albini!) and then... vote for the ad here!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Not Your Typical Pasta-Roni

Ok so last week I shared the glorious discovery of a new(ish) local gem: The Local Epicurean.

Tonight I tried out one of the pasta's I picked up. It was a Butternut Squash American Sage noodle. Now a treat like this deserves special attention... you don't just dump marinara on something like this, so I did a little googling and found this recipe for Butternut Squash Farfalle.

With some creative adaptations to that recipe, I had a stellar gourmet meal tonight. (Albeit I didn't spend much time on the presentation here... too eager to eat!).
Amazing. Mister Epicurean Sir, we shall meet again soon.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Burger of the Week #48

Welcome to the U.S.A.
Home of the Super Size
Isn't America awesome?

Also check out this feat of "Gastronomic Frankenstein": $330,000 Burger Made Of Test Tube Meat, Expected In October

Keep Calm and Blog On

There seems to be growing number of people out there who really want me to "Keep Calm".

This suggestion is usually followed by something arbitrary like "Eat Cupcakes" or "Drink Tea".
While the phenomenon is rather silly, there is something about the simplistic design and strong typography, that really makes it appealing.

So where did this start from? Thanks to this article on FastCoDesign.com, the question is answered. And truthfully, the answer is a surprisingly interesting story.

Knowing this history makes me appreciate this seemingly arbitrary graphic that's popping everywhere a whole lot more.


Sunday, March 11, 2012

New Shop a 'Bloomin'

It's March 11th, and 66 degrees outside. The 7 day forecast is full of 60s and 70s. The winter that never was is my new favorite.

Spring weather calls for Spring shopping, so my girlfriends and I hit the snow-free sidewalks this weekend. And it seems that great have been popping up in Grand Rapids during the winter months.

Meet the Local Epicurean* specializing in MIND-BLOWING small-batch artisan pasta using local products.
Mind-blowing is not exaggerating. This amazing little shop, located on Wealthy Street in a windmill no less, makes infused pastas daily. I advise you check it out... ASAP.

*Epicurian is a fantastic word, let's work this in to more daily vernacular— "fond of or adapted to luxury or indulgence in sensual pleasures; having luxurious tastes or habits, especially in eating and drinking."

Friday, March 9, 2012

A March 9th Birthday

Rumor is that yesterday was International Women's Day. So it only seems appropriate that we follow it with the 53rd Birthday Celebration of Miss Barbie Millicent Roberts from Willows, Wisconsin— more commonly known simply as "Barbie".

Happy Birthday Barbie! Please help yourself to some cake.



Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Burger of the Week #47

From the amazing Food of the Rainbow photographic collection by Henry Hargreaves.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Like Peas and Carrots

Watching George Clooney @ the Oscars on Sunday, reminded me of my favorite dining table accessory: Salt + Pepper Shakers.

I don't think there's a pair quite as destined as Salt + Pepper. (not even Brangelina).

Here's some cute couples I found while meandering online.

While I think salt and pepper shakers are adorable, when was it they make their way from the kitchen to the table? And why salt and pepper and not cinnamon and tarragon?

It is rumored that salt and pepper met in 17th century France— Sugared foods had traditionally been served with salted dishes, but in the French kitchen, a salt vs. sweet divide arose. And because King Louis XIV held pepper above every other spice, the pair was bonded forever.
[Read more]

If nothing else, they are the fantastic table accessory! Would look even better with George seated next to them!



*I have the matching tea pot and sugar bowl for this Miss Priss pair. One day I shall complete the set!