the week's best :: 8.01.14

I'm heading out on vacation tomorrow to St Helena California, a city in Napa County, and all I can think of are picnics, oh and lots and lots of yummy wine! So I'm not sure if my picnic will consist of the world's cutest bike and vintage lunch boxes and radios, but I am looking forward to stellar food and slowing does a bit to appreciate the great countryside. I've never been to this area of the world, and I can't wait to check it out! Until then, though, here's where I've been spending time on the web - check them out for yourself...

1. Enjoying the summer issue of sweet paul magazine. 
2. I love these color block pillows, linens, and rugs from Milk Farm Road.
3. Getting to know more about emerging artists and what's trending through little paper planes.
4. Dreaming of traveling further afield? Global city guides, hotel picks, day trips and travel tips can all be found here. 
5. My friend Serena and her boyfriend Julio just launched their Etsy shop, Steel and Stones. Showcasing one of a kind handcrafted sterling silver jewelry with amazing stones, there's certainly something for everyone's taste. Please support their shop! 

the week's best :: 7.11.14

Summer is my favorite season - t shirts, flip flops, sundresses and popsicles. I'm a fan of layering, but not having to bother with another article of clothing and how it does or does not go with your first article of clothing, it's plain liberating! This week it was in the high 80's and mid-90's in Portland, and the lack of an air conditioner in this house really pushed the warmth envelope - I still would take this over being freezing cold, no one in this family agrees with me though, it's been a grumbly bunch.  Oh well, maybe it's time to break out the popsicles and enjoy the highlights of the week….

1. I'm a big fan of self-taught artist Jaime Derringer, her colorful composition welcomes you above. Jamie's web site chronicles her countless sketches and drawing experiments which allows a window into her process, challenges and successes. 
2. Did I mention that we live a block away from our neighborhood outdoor pool, which opens up on the last day of school and closes the first day of school, and all that screaming, splashing and lines of people that go with it. It's kind of a tradition, though, that I happily equate with summer. That being said, I would much rather get my swim on at this mid-century pool house located inToronto.
3. This show of skin necessitates some jewelry bling, I've been spending some time eyeing these beauties and these, oh and why not these!
4. Spending more time outside these days in the backyard makes me aware of the hodge-podge of patio furniture that's going on back there, I'm thinking that tired display could use a little help from Plain Air out of Los Angeles. Contemporary outdoor furniture that has strong, classic mid-century forms and colors. Could that retro kidney shaped pool be far behind? (Yes, sadly very far)  
5. The best for last, perhaps - I leave you with this article showcasing 10 breezy beautiful  beach houses, courtesy of Design * Sponge. If I had to pick a favorite, I'm thinking the Spanish Mediterranean-inspired beach house. An interior of turquoise blue and sunny yellow, yes, sign me up please! And come to find out you can rent this cottage on Airbnb!  Who's up for a design field trip?!

the week's best :: 1.17.14

Aren't these so adorable? Awhile ago I had heard of an architect that gifted each client with a bird house modeled after their new house and I thought that was a ridiculously sweet gesture. These were created as a campaign for airbnb were 50 of their home listings were recreated as birdhouses to illustrate the temporary nature of these homes. Why does small = cute? It's just a fact, just embrace the cuteness.

Here's some other stuff from this week to check out...

1. I'm participating in a workshop at WeMake next Thursday led by artist Jessica Swift focusing on creating a pattern with your art. If this is up your alley, come join me!
2. Speaking of pattern, this site celebrates pattern & color plus offers design guides, tutorials and trend data.
3. Tired of crazy cakes patterns, rest your eyes at this site featuring a neutral palate of clothing, earthy jewelry and killer purses. 
4. I'm loving these pillows crafted of old persian rugs, they look like they have history in spades. 
5. Stepping out with some ladies tomorrow for a belated birthday brunch (I'm good at milking my birthday for the entire week), can't wait for one of these!