Happy Weekend.

Happy Saturday and Sunday.

See you bright and early Monday!

Chocolate Babka.

This mutant cold that's had me down all week is insane. I'm the sort of person who gets sick and doesn't eat, after all, everyone knows the only bonus of being under the weather is the weight loss. No so this time around. I'm been starving. As in eating more than I would on a normal day... times two!

This recipe for chocolate Babka is something I bookmarked this week. And, yeah, it still looks as amazing as when I first laid eyes upon it.

:: via Cheers! An Edible Adventure

Mest Turkish Coffee Set.

Yet another standout from designboom's design in 2015 competition: the Mest Turkish coffee set from Israeli designer Esli Alovi.

"A modern interpretation for a turkish coffee set which still maintains its traditional values. The tray integrates everything required for the preparation of the coffee, from cooking to serving, all in the dining area. The materials used are copper and ceramic."

Right On Fight On Tee.

Love this Right On Fight On tee, designed by Neil Doshi and the idea behind it all over at The Quiet Life.

"This design is the winner of our online DESIGN A T-SHIRT FOR A GOOD CAUSE CONTEST and is the first t-shirt design in our new GOOD CAUSE project. The idea behind GOOD CAUSE is to help raise funds and awareness for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The cost of these shirts, the screen printing cost, and all other costs were donated to us by our vendors so that 100% of the proceeds from the sales of this design could go directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. To find out more about the Cystic Firbrosis Foundation please visit cff.org"

:: via Cool Hunting

Happy Leap Day.

Happy February 29th!
(Am I totally insane to almost sorta wish that today were my birthday?)

Honey Latte.

My morning started out blah with the coffee timer not going off and me having a bad hair day. Now I had to break my rule of Starbuck's only once a week and swing by on my way to work. I was going to hit the drive-thru, but the line was waaay too long for that, so I parked and went in. While focusing on which scone to get I saw a sign on the counter for the Honey Latte. I'm a Starbuck's fanatic, so when something is new I know it. My morning was made (seriously) when the barista offered to make me a sample, which turned out to be a "short" cup. Huge by sample standards. Needless to say, this wouldn't be a shameless plug if I didn't gush and gush (and use bold letters) about how absolutely delicious the Honey Latte turned out to be. Mine was hot, but you can also have it iced or as a frapp. Talk about versatility. Run out and get one now because I may drink them all otherwise!

Recycled Light Bulb Vases.

I would love to have about ten of these recycled light bulb vases hanging at different levels in a large window. Too bad they would become instant cat toys.

If you don't have little furry - or furless - devils of your own, check out the tutorial here.

:: via casasugar

Jorre van Ast Screw-Ons.

Brilliant just doesn't seem enough to describe how I feel about these screw on tops by designer Jorre can Ast. By screwing on plastic tops everyday jars are turned into vessels with a specific function. The family includes a sugar pot, milk jug, chocolate sprinkler, oil&vinegar set and a water jug.

:: via Core77

Mad Props: February.

I'm really excited to introduce a new element to Design Crush that's been in the works for the past month or so: Mad Props!

I'm so inspired by all of you bloggers out there on a daily basis and amazed at some of the incredible finds and ideas you come up with. And I really do pay close attention to all of the detail and time you put into your everyday posts. Mad Props is just a way of saying Thank You! for all of the work behind the pretty pictures and words. It will be a post that happens the last day of every month rounding up different posts that went above and beyond in my eyes, things that I never would have come across on my own, and things that I just fell in love with at first sight throughout the past thirty or so days. There's no set number of Props given out and, unfortunately, I'm sure I missed some here and there.

Please enjoy the round up and check out the different links if you haven't already. (Also feel free to use the Mad Props award sticker if you wish!)

A Cup of Jo : The Best Tags

Abbey Goes Design Scouting : Vintage Ice Box

ali loves curtis : valentine boxes

Angry Chicken : Shrinky Dink Valentines

BB-Blog : Indexing a Career

Black*Eiffel : Family Portrait

Creature Comforts : Candy Bar Wrappers

d.Sharp Journal : Love Quotes

design for mankind : The Dailies

doe•c•doe : Vintage Children Book Illustration Tags

Oh Happy Day! : Valentine posters

The Scoop : Some Sweet Prints

Movin' On Up.

Unfortunately (for me) it's not to a deluxe apartment in the sky. Fortunately it does have to do with some leaps and bounds forward for Design Crush. (*cue applause*) The first of several additions will show up tomorrow morning. So set your alarm clocks!

:: image via Veer

Barbara Barry Barware & Plates.

Interior designer Barbara Barry is one of my absolute favorite style icons. Now the celebrated lady has released a set of barware and plates, each depicting one of four of her famous chair designs. I may not know much, but I do know one thing: if I owned those plates they'd be on a wall somewhere, not in my kitchen cabinets.

On the Rocks: Bitter Widow.

Well, I'm not a widow, but I've definitely been having a bitter sort of week. Thereby, it's a Bitter Widow sort of day by default! It's oh-so-pretty and from the ingredients looks like it packs a punch which is just what I'm looking for.

Ingredients:
- 1 part Campari
- 1 part sweet vermouth
- 1 part vodka
- Ice
- Orange twist, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
Combine Campari, vermouth, and vodka in a cocktail shaker and stir. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass over ice. Garnish with an orange twist and serve.

:: photo and cocktail via CHOW

Nursery Style.

When April of Chronicle Books contacted me about Serena Dugan and Lily Kanter's Nursery Style book I jumped at the chance to learn more. The book is geared towards creating a personal, stylish and comfortable nursery. Rather than just going to a store and getting an out-of-the-box ensemble, Nursery Style encourages parents to reflect their own style and use unique design elements to create a more personal, meaningful nursery.

I love that someone has finally taken the initiative and put pen to paper on this subject! By bringing your own personal tastes into the nursery, everything becomes more cohesive and gives your home a more familial feel. Don't get me wrong, having a child is a huge deal, but it doesn't mean that the style and feel of your home has to change into some kiddie wonderland.

:: images via Chronicle Books

Keming.

Love this new typography term, but I can only hope that an ex-associate creative director of mine doesn't discover it. The world may never be the same if she does!

Pop Ink Decor-a-Boards.

Ready-to-hang Pop Ink Decor-a-Boards are made out of birch veneer over MDF board, manufactured with recycled wood scraps and unused portions of lumbered trees. I'd pick up Little Red Samurai and Lovey Doveys for myself and think the other five would be great for a child's bedroom or play area.

:: via NOTCOT

The Big Sickness.

I was M.I.A. yesterday thanks to some mutant strain of cold. It struck me down Monday afternoon initially and didn't let up until sometime last night. Ugh! It was not pretty to say the least.

In the midst of my four waking hours (unfortunately, I'm not even exaggerating), two things really, truly brightened my day.

1. Design for Mankind's inspiration e-zine: issue 2
Erin did a bang up job last month with the launch of one of her newest additions to DFM and the second issue that came out yesterday is equally inspiring. (Download it for free right here!) Alright, alright, I'm a little partial since Design Crush is a part of this issue! Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication, Erin. Can't wait to see what else is up this girl's sleeve!

2. Mackin Ink's Karey M. and her sweet words!
Seriously, this lady knows how to build up a girl's ego. And what did she say, you ask? "her posts are so crazy-diverse and happily inspiring that i gleefully look forward to her finds. i knew i had it bad when i found myself deleting the first, second, and third drafts of a rather talk-me-off-the-ledge comment on her blog. let's just say it was a three-day weekend. and she took three days off."

Illustrator Crush: Andrew Bannecker.

Oh Andrew Bannecker, how I love thy work! Bannecker creates beautiful art that captures the imagination and tells a story. He’s worked with clients such as The Land of Nod and Starbucks. I've also seen his work in countless magazines as the accompanying illustrations to main articles. I love this man's style.

Summer Love.

I'm swooning over this Summer Love print by artist Andy Davis.

Cheers Ring.

After the weekend I had I don't have any business posting anything alcohol-related, but the Cheers ring is so darn smart. The perfect boyfriend or super-cool-girl-friend gift I'm thinking.

:: via roadside scholar

Make-My-Own-Monster Kit.

This is one of the absolute coolest things ever. No, seriously.

The experience begins when you receive the Make-My-Own-Monster Design Kit, that includes colored pencils, paper, and a detailed questionnaire. With this kit you create not only what the monster looks like, but you also create a story about the monster and describe his or her personality. Once you've completed the kit and sent it in, the designers at North American Bear Co. will faithfully reproduce your design as a plush monster, including a descriptive hang-tag that tells the story of your monster as you have described it and identifies you as the creator.

:: via BB-Blog

Monday Goodness: The Clouds.

I couldn't have said it any better myself.

:: via Andre Jordan

Happy Weekend.

This weekend's going to be a good one, I can just feel it.
Happy Weekend everyone!

** Once again, I apologize for not knowing whom to credit this photo to - I've been hanging onto it forever. If anyone does know please share because I want to give credit where it's due!!

Less is More.

Straight and to the point, these Less is More posters are beautiful. Hand letterpressed by Douglas Wilson are printed using metallic silver ink on Steel Grey 100 lb French cover-weight paper.

:: via unruly.things

Five-a-Day Poster Series.

The Five-a-Day poster series by UK-based Man vs Machine is so graphically intelligent. I love the way they took the idea of getting your five fruits and veggies a day and morphed it into a series of deconstructed works of art. So much so that if you weren't aware of the basis of project, you may not even be aware of what you were looking at.

Little Letterpress Notebook.

A cute little notebook is a must to throw in my purse. This one's adorable and not a big commitment which is perfect because I like to change things up a lot.

My Paper Mind.

Love this short video by Javan Ivey.

:: via The Finer Things

Rosewood Noteblocks.

While surfing Etsy during lunch I came across these Rosewood Noteblocks by seller livingroomfloor. I think that their intended use is scrapbooking, but I love the type enough to just tack them to my bulletin board! They're not large enough to mail - 4.75 x 2.5" - otherwise I'd use a set as postcards, too.

Meyer Lemon Curd.

I have a slight obsession with curd. Even though it's a repulsive word in and of itself, the stuff is delectable beyond words. I've never made an attempt at making it myself, but I'm thinking that day isn't too far around the corner. I could seriously just eat it up with a spoon - it's just that good! I've seen quite a few recipes floating around the web-o-sphere lately, but it wasn't until I saw this one using Meyer lemons that I was really sold. Not only is it extremely simple, but it looks like the chef was about to eat a bowlful, which isn't far from what I intend to do!

The Cost Vineyard.

Nestled comfortably in the Eola Hills, just west of Salem, Oregon, you will find The Cost Vineyard. A low-yield producer of premium quality, fully estate grown Pinot Noir.

While I don't doubt the quality and taste of their wine, what I'm in love with are their bottles. Wine labels in general fascinate me, but when one goes against the norm - as in anything - it really grabs my attention. Cost Vineyard accomplishes this by using "newspaper clippings" that strategically place their name on the bottle in small type that you might otherwise miss. Point proven: bigger and bolder isn't always better.

Angled Frames.

Why did it take so long for angled frames to come into existence? Such a simple idea that makes so much sense.

:: via roadside scholar

Year of Seeds.

The Year of Seeds would make an amazing gift. Not only would it last year-round, but every time the recipient glanced at their windowsill wonderful thoughts of you would come to mind!

Simply place the included soil pellets and seeds into the pots, add water, and watch the flowers come to life—one month at a time. The monthly seeds include petunias, marigolds, pansies, lobelia, alyssum, zinnias, impatiens, baby's breath, dianthus, cosmos, poppies and sweet peas. Each candy-colored earthenware pot features an etched illustration of the corresponding flower. So sweet!

You Are Beautiful.

Ever since Ez at Creature Comforts posted about the You Are Beautiful site last week I haven't been able to get it out of my head! By using installations, stickers, collaborations and exhibitions You Are Beautiful manages to make a small difference in peoples' every day lives by creating moments of positive self-realization.

"We're just attempting to make the world a little better. Advertising elicits a response to buy, where this project elicits a response to do something. The attempt with You Are Beautiful is to create activism instead of consumerism. You Are Beautiful uses the medium of advertising and commercialization to spread a positive message. Projects like these make a difference in the world by catching us in the midst of daily life and creating moments of positive self realization."

Who wouldn't love to come across an image like the one above on your way to or from work? It would at least make the day a little more memorable. You can even upload your own images displaying the phrase or one of their stickers to be posted. Download a PDF to print your own stickers here.

On the Rocks: Death in the P.M.

Absinthe is something that I've always wanted to try - maybe something about it being illegal in the States until not long ago?? Apparently Ernest Hemingway was a big fan of the green libation and created the first version of Death in the P.M., named after his novel Death in the Afternoon. The ratio of alcohol here has been altered (E.H.'s was a bit much), but otherwise it's an extremely easy cocktail to mix up and enjoy.

Ingredients:
- 1 part absinthe or other anise-flavored liqueur
- 10 parts chilled brut sparkling wine

Instructions:
Pour absinthe in a chilled champagne glass. Top with sparkling wine and serve.

:: cocktail and image via CHOW

&pencil Notebook.

The &pencil notebook is a little bit genius. Never lose your pencil again since it fits into the diecut pages of the notebook which then stays shut with the help of an elastic band. My purse tends to be more like luggage and things I need fall to the bottom of the abyss constantly. This would be perfection.

Artist Crush: Carlos Aires.

I couldn't find a lot of information out there on artist Carlos Aires, but that doesn't detract me from being in WOW with the cut vinyl record silhouettes that comprise his Love is in the Air collection. Pay close attention to the record titles used for each piece because they make the pieces that much better.

Hay Vase Mini.

Love these miniature Hay vases. The simply pottery with the downplayed graphics are just my style.

Miso Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings.

A few weeks ago I came across this recipe for Miso Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings. It looks hearty and yummy and I'm a huge fan of miso, so it has all the factors I require to attempt a new dish. Besides, my stomach is feeling like yuck today and this looks like it could be a big help in that department. If my soup ends up looking anything remotely like the photo above, then I'll be in good shape!

** I'm making an attempt at posting more savory meals instead of my usual dessert fare - I promise. It's just that the desserts are always so visually appealing that it's hard to say no!

CD Cover Meme.

This “sleeve”, created as part of Flickr’s CD Cover meme, uses randomly generated data from Wikipedia, quotationspage.com and Flickr to generate your own fantasy album cover. Type, setting: designer’s own.

Alright, alright. Monday's are difficult enough to get through, but when you have Monday off Tuesday becomes equally, if not more so, unbearable. That's how I found myself browsing my Google Reader this afternoon and coming across this crazy-fun (and semi-time consuming) idea via CR Blog. That's right folks, it's time for Flickr's CD Cover Meme! Try and control your excitement by using your indoor voice if your at work because this is all kinds of fun.

It’s a simple game:

1. The first article title on this randomly generated Wikipedia page is the name of your band.

2. The last four words of the very last quote from this random page from quotationspage.com is the title of your album.

3. The third picture on this page, Flickr’s list of interesting pictures from the past seven days, is your album cover.

The first image that came up for me on Flickr was nummer. 5 by user peperclipp which you can see in its original format here.

Pick Up Mug and Tray Set.

I love the how the Pick Up mug and tray set is so closely related to those wine glass holder/appetizer plates that were so popular awhile back. This is a piece that would come in handy and be used so much more often in my opinion! Just use the cup for your beverage (hot or cold) and the plate for toast, sandwich, etc. Love it! The set is currently available in two patterns: yellow floral and green abstract, while the mug is available in glossy white and matte black. Mix and match as you wish.

Handmade Wilderness-The Paper Deer Head Project.

As a reformed vegetarian I'm definitely not one for taxidermy or animal heads on the wall, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw The Paper Deer Head Project on Design Milk and absolutely loved it. And then when I read the artist's explanation I was sucked in even further...

Because we’re all hunting for something.
We're all collecting our own modern trophies.

The heads are made out of resin and paper and measure 18 x 18 x 14". If you're interested in snagging one for yourself, better hurry - when I visited last there was only one left!

Barack Obama is Your New Bicycle.

Between now and November 4th (Happy Birthday to me and the election!) you'll see posts about politics occasionally. Like this site - Barack Obama is Your New Bicycle. Keep clicking away on the screen for different ways Obama is out to help.



I'll stand up and say loud and proud that I happen to be an Obama supporter, but I honestly don't care what side you're voting. If a post sways your opinion in the end, or helps you choose a candidate that's fantastic, but I'm posting them for the sheer creative force displayed.

:: via roadside scholar

Spaghetti Shallow Plates.

Designer Frank Martin has made first dates the world over a lot easier.

"This clever white melamine plate was designed to be used for spaghetti. Like other pasta plates, the shape is a bowl yet this piece features a small creater in the center which afford the user the opportunity to twirl the spaghetti using a fork only - no spoon required. Works wonderfully and a new essential for the pasta lover. This piece is also great for presenting a number of different foods using the center crater as a repository for sauces or dips."

:: via yumsugar

Monday Goodness: Gamers.

I love President's Day for the sole reason of having the day off. A fantastic idea if I do say so myself. I'll be out and about running around like a chicken with my head cut off, enjoying the beautiful weather so this will be my only post. See you all tomorrow!

:: image via fffound