Haters Gonna Hate

And with this I leave you for the weekend. Nothing like a good mantra to keep you hanging on. This .gif  by Omar Noory will have me smiling for days.

(Found via Kevin Royden)

I Want To Hold Your Hand

This video absolutely melted my heart. These two adorable sea otters were caught on film at the Vancouver Aquarium as they took a little nap while holding hands. When times are tough, who wouldn't like someone to hold on to?

Cliff Towns

I'm not afraid of heights and if I had to guess, neither are the residents of this cliff neighborhood in Ronda, Spain. Oddee recently had a post titled Living on the Edge: 5 Cliff Towns featuring amazing homes that are truly hanging on, geographically speaking of course. Can you imagine the view?

Creatively Hung Photographs

Joanna from A Cup of Jo had a really great find earlier this week. Katie from Color Me Katie did something sweet for her boyfriend. While he was away from their apartment one afternoon she decided to cut up family photos and hang them around the place. Not only is this super adorable but I imagine it was incredibly uplifting for her boyfriend to come home to!

Pants Optional: Kasey McMahon

Pants Optional is a set of cards by conceptual artist Kasey McMahon, one of the three ladies behind Psycho Girlfriend. The set contains wonderful illustrations and ridiculously hilarious fashion statements. I literally can't get enough of them!

(Found via Free People Clothing)

Tea Dam Cup

I've been taking a wheel pottery class and thought about attempting to throw myself some cups and saucers, but then I saw the Tea Dam Cup and decided to lust after these instead. The special design allows your tea to infuse slowly as you drink it. Fabulous!

(Found via Holycool.net)

The Manhattan Street Corners

Between March and November of 2006, Richard Howe set out on an impressive photography project. In an attempt to create a "comprehensive photographic portrait of everyday life at street level in daytime Manhattan" he photographed every single one of the island's 11,000 street corners. The end result is his The Manhattan Street Corners project.

(Found via Materialicious)

Funny Church Signs

Oddee recently compiled a list of Hilarious Church Signs Part 1 and Part 2. Religion aside, there is humor and creativity in these.

Run D.C.

With Obama officially taking office this week this shirt is officially awesome.

(Found via Josh Spear)

The Three Strengths of Coffee

Very rarely does something I've seen online (aside from videos) make me laugh out. This cartoon has been one of the few exceptions. Seriously, too funny.

(Found via SumiSumi)

Airplane Ride Stool: 83Design

I think this would be a cute addition to a child's playroom. 83Design is behind this stool based on the popular airplane ride game from our childhood. It's simple and completely adorable.

(Found via Bem Legaus!)

Barracuda Yacht Charter

When I think interior design, a yacht doesn't seem like the most inspiring canvas to work with. After seeing images of the Barracuda Yacht Charter, I couldn't be more wrong. Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) teamed up with some friends to revamp an old sailboat into a lavish floating hotel room off the coast of Italy. We're in negative temperatures here in the Midwest, this sounds just perfect right about now. Who's coming with me?

(found via Cool Hunting)

Rogner Bad Blumau Spa

The Rogner Bad Blumau hotel in Styria, Austria exudes warmth and comfort, perfect considering it's a wellness spa. The gorgeous facilities were designed by the late Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The hotel was design with the intention of drawing on nature and with its use of domes, arches, and vibrant colors I'd say it more than accomplishes its goal.

(Found via 2Modern Design Talk)

8 Busiest International Airports and Lounges at Night

WebUrbanist recently did a post on the 8 Busiest International Airports and Lounges at Night, a cool glimps into airports after hours, if there even is such a thing as airport after-hours.

Glamping

When most people think of traditional camping, images of small tents and sleeping bags come to mind. There are definitely more convenient and comfortable forms of camping today (think 3 room campers with electrical hookups and pop up front porches). However, never before have I seen such a lavish take on the outdoor escape as what is being coined glamping, or glamors-camping. Places like the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in British Columbia are truly changing the modern name for camping, that is if you have a couple thousand dollars to offer up for the experience. Back in September, the New York Times ran an article called Camping? Yes. Roughing It? Not Quite about the glamping phenomenon. Although many glamping serices don't provide internet, electricity or cellphone service, they do offer lavishly furnished tents and a bucket load of other inticing amenities that convince even me, someone who's always been a fan of roughing it, to book a weekend.

(image via Clayoquot Wilderness Resort)

Colorblock Roller Skates

I'm a baby of the 80's and the fact that I love these Colorblock Roller Skates from Fledflare.com is testament to that.

Frank Lloyd Wright Furniture

Having grown up in the Chicago suburbs I've seen, at least from the exterior, several Frank Lloyd Wright homes. It goes without saying that his impact in architecture is measureless. I was quite excited when I read that Copeland Furniture has been commissioned by the Wright Foundation to reproduce many of his original furniture designs. I'd find it hard to find a home, of any style, that his timeless designs would not compliment.

(Found via Furniture Fashion)

Nap Time

Love this photograph by Rebecca Miller. Who wouldn't love to take a nap under a giant book?

(Found via Change the Thought)

Jim Denevan

Artist and chef, Jim Denevan leaves me nothing short of impressed. His art primarily consists of giant sand designs which evoke images of crop circles. Simple, yet astounding. He creates his designs from twigs and branches that have washed up on the shore. A single sand installation can take up to seven hours and find him walking some 30 miles before its completion.

Denevan is also the mastermind behind Outstanding in the Field, "a world-wide moveable feast" and "seasonal open-air investigation into the quality and meaning of place." His talent and his feasts travel, "bringing together local farmers and food artisans, chefs and winemakers" all in an effort to "explore the connection between the earth and the food on your plate." Sign me up!

Gym Bags: Zirkeltraining

I'm impressed with the concept and look of this accessories line by German company Zirkeltraining. The company, whose name comes from the German word for circuit training, creates handmade bags, wallets and laptop cases from recycled 1950's gym equipment. It certainly gives a new meaning to term gym bag.

(Found via Springwise)

AIA 2009 Honor Awards for Architecture

Every year the American Institute of Architects recognizes outstanding works of architectural achievement with their Honor Awards for Architecture. They have announced this year's nine honorees and have have a great photo slide show to coincide.

Pictured Above:

Basilica of the Assumption, Baltimore
John G. Waite Associates, Architects PLLC

Plaza Apartments, San Francisco
Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects

The New York Times Building, New York City
Renzo Piano Building Workshop and FXFowle Architects

Rug Love: Angela Adams

The Angela Adams brand has a new collection called The Birds and the Bees which includes a number of heavily textured rugs. These excite me almost as much as that first experience with shag. Not only are the patterns and colors bold, but the texture is just begging to be felt with bare feet.

(Found via Oh Joy!)

Tree Stand: Fulguro

Fulguro of Switzerland has the Tree, a coat and umbrella stand. The branches rotate to accommodate the various sized articles you may wish to hang from it, while the base is made from a natural coco fiber for storing wet shoes while they dry.

An Ode to the Mustache

The New York Times style section ran a story titled Inching Its Way Back Onto the Lip by David Colman, a lovely bit about the comeback of the mustache. Quite entertaining, although I hope the title isn't true in my case.... The past 6 months have seen a surge of mustache related designs from pencils to necklaces, this only seems fitting.

(Image via Polkadot)

Birthday Wishes!

It's my baby sister's birthday. The little redhead who used to suck on the fringe of a handmade knit blanket and go by the nickname Gubberdoo turns 17 today! I think both my mother and father would agree that she’s growing up way too fast. She’s an impressive speaker of French, aspiring neurosurgeon who has been studying for her MCATS and practicing sutures since she was 15 and a world traveler who spent her summer bopping around Europe and will be heading to Sierra Leone this spring to volunteer her time on a service trip. I love you Karen and I'm so proud to be your admiring big sister. Happy Birthday!

(Image by Klas Fahlen via Design For Mankind)

Tub Love

I'm in love with a bathtub. Boffi of Italy has a new line called I Fiumi and their bathtubs are just begging to be soaked in. Don't you just love it?

(Found via Furniture Fashion)

Coloreruptions: Stephanie Toppin

I'm absolutely loving the work of Stephanie Toppin. Her Coloreruptions are a much needed burst of color on this cloudy Monday.

(Found via Wooster Collective)

REK Bookshelf

In my opinion, there is nothing sadder than an empty bookcase (ok, I can think of a few things sadder). I've nearly filled all my current shelf space and taken to stacking books about the house in various piles in random locations until I have enough to fill at least half a new bookcase. The REK by Reinier de Jong is the perfect solution to such a predicament. "Book shelves rarely adapt to your collection of books and periodicals but here is one that does." The shelf is adjustable and provides compartments for all book sizes to insure that it always appears full. When you get more books, you just expend it. One word, brilliant!

(Found via Furniture Fashion)

Nureyev: Roderick Vos

There is no shortage of unique and well designed bookcases out there. Almost always, bookcases are flat. The Nureyev is the first exception I've seen. Roderick Vos' circular bookshelf is simply fabulous.

(Found via Design Milk)

Library Lust

If not a Beauty and the Beast-ish library, I'd settle happily for a lovely library nook like this one featured as an Inspirational Design on Freshome.

Hô Bookcase: Jocelyn Deris

One essential component of my fantasy library (besides floor to ceiling bookcases) is a ladder. The Hô Bookcase by designer Jocelyn Deris would an adequate substitute for the time being.

(Found via Bem Legaus!)

Giant Crossword Puzzle in Lvov, Ukraine

This giant puzzle fills the side of a housing complex in the city of Lvov, Ukraine. By day it appears blank but the answers become visible at night. Questions to the puzzle are scattered about the city in different points of interests to travelers and citizens alike. I can say I'd not only love to see this first hand, but I'd be delighted to call this building home.

(Found via Design Boom)

Hierroglyphic: Frank Plant

Barcelona based American sculptor Frank Plant recently contacted me about his work and I have to say I was impressed. Plant primarily creates objects from sculpted steel. I see his work as a unique alternative to framed art in both personal and corporate settings. You can visit his blog for more examples of his art, thanks for sharing Frank.

Taz Ah Mugs

These adorable Taz Ah Mugs appear to be your standard white coffee mug until you throw back a sip and find the cute animal mouth images on the bottom. They remind me of the Pick Your Nose and Pick Your Animal Nose cups.

(Found via Holycool.net)

Resolution Phrenology Head

With the New Year nearly a week underway many have likely started slipping on their resolutions. This is the first year I didn't set any real ones. Every year I have a laundry list of corrections, improvements and goals for the New Year and without fail, I fail. Resolutions are made to be broke, no? This year, my only real resolution was to live the year without needing any resolutions at the end of it. However, when I saw this Phrenology head on Black*Eiffel I have to admit, I wanted to set a few goals. Denise of d.Sharp Journal created this blank template available on her website where you can fill in your year's resolutions. What a creative and motivating idea.

Jewelry Art: Melanie Bilenker

The artwork of Melanie Bilenker is, well, unique. The ingredients of her jewelry creations include: gold, ebony, resin, pigment and.....hair. Yes, that's right, strands of her own hair. Aside from her interesting use of mediums, her work is undeniably beautiful.

(Found via Urban Outfitters)

Ray-Ban Colorize Kit

I've said it here before, I love sunglasses. I own more pairs then is necessary for any one person and have no intention of halting additions to my collection. My next purchase very well may have to be the new Ray-Ban Wayfarers. Part of their Project Colorize campaign, the new take on the iconic glasses will be sold blank with a pack of markers for individualizing your pair. Oh the possibilities!

(Found via Josh Spear)

Hershey's Wrapper Visual Chronology

I've never been to Hershey, Pennsylvania but as a chocolate lover it sort of sounds like heaven on earth. The Hershey Community Archives website has a visual chronology of all the Hershey candy bar wrappers from 1900-2003. Product design and chocolate, what a beautiful union.

(Found via Quipsologies)

Tea Fountain: Sonja Vordermaier

I had one of those why didn't I think of that moments when I saw Sonja Vordermaier's Tea Fountain. If I made my tea in a teapot as opposed to the microwave, I can assure you this would be part of my morning routine

(Found via Today and Tomorrow)