Crystal Clear

Everything comes from our center, from us.  It doesn’t matter how many crystals you have.  Everything is found within yourself. – William Eadon

It’s not quite spring but as we head deep into month two of the year, are your intentions as clear as they were a few weeks ago?  Remember it’s a new year, new you perhaps and keeping things clean and clear can help.  Too new agey for you?  In case you weren’t aware, I’m a yoga teacher and regardless of my many interests, indulgences, I’m spiritual by nature and forever searching for further enlightenment.

Which brings me to the above video I found on the always original and quirky site, The Selby.  The short film is a how-to/stream of consciousness by eccentric photographer/artist/designer William Eadon.  He speaks of life lessons, the many uses of crystals, how to listen when a crystal calls to you, how to cleanse a crystal and even how a crystal may get you laid.  Believe and ye shall receive.  Have a look, listen and remember to cleanse the dead weight, negative energy and make room for more light and love.  Namaste!

Sharp Papercuts

Beatrice Coron is a master of paper cutting.  I first saw her work while searching for inspiration on TED.  She spent most of her life doing odd jobs and traveling to faraway places until she was nearly 40 and decided to return to her first love – art.  She chose to work with paper because it’s cheap and uses silhouettes because its efficiency in depicting her stories.  Coron’s unique ability, intelligence and humor is apparent in her incredible work and it’s refreshing to see an artist who didn’t give up.  Instead, she moved forward and discovered her creativity through random adventures.

Strings Like Velvet

Well, I didn’t watch the Grammys but I did see a really good show at the Wiltern Theater over the weekend. I am easily swayed by theatrics and costumes but Young The Giant and Walk The Moon put on a show that was all about the music. Enthusiasm, talent and sparkle go a long way and it’s an added bonus when the singers have amazing voices.

Hailing from Irvine, CA, Young the Giant is definitely a band to watch and the lead singer, Sameer Gadhia’s voice is like velvet. I could listen to him croon for hours. Check out their song Strings.

Luv, Love, Luvvv

Reclining Odalisque (Harmony in Red), 1927 Henri Matisse

Well, it’s that time of year again – the Grammys and more importantly, V-day.  Valentine’s Day, Hallmark’s big pink and red holy day and it’s time to express your love gentlemen and ladies.  I’m old school and truly believe it’s a holiday mostly for the ladies.  Flowers, chocolate, undies and romance don’t really scream man time.  They had their moment last week with the Super Bowl anyway.  I feel grateful that I do have love in my life and I would be even more grateful if I was blessed with a gift of mutual appreciation.  Here are some lovelies I perused recently that aren’t super romantic but I’d be tickled just the same.

Jonathan Adler interior!

Are you kidding?!  A fun, fanciful room designed by JONATHAN ADLER please.  $$$$$$

A sweet bicycle from PUBLIC Bikes $$$ available at PUBLIC Bikes.

A lovely, colorful TRINA TURK embroidered pillow. $$

Last but certainly not leastest, something shiny!  This lucite CHANEL necklace would do. $$$$$$$

Although material expressions are impressive, personalized gifts with sentiment are the best.   A mixed CD, massage or home cooked meal would make me happy.  AND don’t save these gifts for holidays.  Always enjoy your precious lives. xoxo

So Over These Design Trends

F*** your sheepskin rug.

The 12 Ubiquitous Design Trends That We’re So Over post from Flavorpill made my Monday.  Blame it on hipsters, hormones or the lack of sunshine today but I am also tired of these strategically placed design “gems” found in countless blog posts and design magazines.  The article begins: A quick perusal of the latest Tumblr to poke fun at the lifestyles of those for whom design is within reach — F*** Your Noguchi Coffee Table - need I say more?

I’ve posted a few of my favorites from their so over it list and hopefully, this will be the last time you’ll see them.

F*** your chair hodgepodge.

F*** your Keep Calm and Carry On poster.

Confession.  I have a postcard version of this on my fridge.  Check out their top 12 for a giggle.

Foto Friday

The Sagrada Familia

Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece in Barcelona, Spain.

Yellow Fever

Although Pantone chose Tangerine Tango as their 2012 color of the year, I prefer yellow.  Last year, two friends chose yellow and grey for their wedding colors.  Despite the challenge of gals finding flattering yellow or grey bridesmaid dresses, the color combo is elegant while still being fun.  It may be a little 2011 but there really isn’t a cheerier color than yellow.  Here are some fine examples of interiors with just enough yellow to make a space pop.

Note the Clockwork Orange image on TV giving the space an edgy feel.

via Apartmenttherapy

via Marcinpajak

By Gun Yong

via Ligne Roset and yellow inspiration via home designing

Put A Bird On It

Living on one of the steepest hills in Los Angeles, I have access to some phenomonal bird watching.  This morning I saw a hummingbird and a dove chilling on a power line just a couple feet apart.  I thought wow, that’s super cute but that dove could easily have the hummingbird for breakfast.  I think I’ve watched too many nature programs where cute things fell victim to prey.  This tangent then reminded me of one of my favorite Portlandia skits, Put A Bird On It.  A hilarious comedy sketch that pokes fun at two hipster wannabe designers who make everything better by putting a bird on it.

As in the design world, a simple idea becomes a trend, it’s reinvented to the tenth degree, people tire of it and move on.  Below are some examples of interiors with overdone bird appliqués and others that were subtler and not too crafty.  Have a look.

See how the “designers” make it pretty by putting a bird on it.

California Luv

LA may not be the prettiest city but as you can see from the above photo, it definitely has its moments.  Not to brag or boast,  but the temperature is expected to reach 80 degrees over the weekend.  Can you say beach time?  I’m certain this unusually pleasant weather has something to do with global warming but I’ll take it – for now.  If you happen to live somewhere less sunny, festive, etc., enjoy this musical interlude from one of LA’s most famous bands to raise your spirits. Cheers!

Honest Design

House S by Keiji Ashizawa

Simple, honest and magnificent,  Keiji Ashizawa Design fuses nature and materials with quiet abandon at House S.  Formerly a samurai’s home, House S makes a stunning statement in this Tokyo neighborhood.  The space was considered first in terms of the light from the outside, the flow of air, and the planning of art. Each level, having four clear seasons with different light and feelings. – Keiji Ashizawa

I’m sending a wish to the house god’s for a similar home pronto.  Amen.

(Photography: Daici Ano)