Welcome, Music.

Once again- life has become increasingly busier, and I in turn, have spent 2 months on an unintentional hiatus.

I am the singer & songwriter in the band DARSHANA.  I feel that because music is such an important part of my life (always has been), I will be adding music posts to my  blog.  Just as one can appreciate a well designed object/ space/  piece of artwork, one can appreciate well written/ sung music.  That being said- this post will remain short and sweet.  Here are a few tunes for your enjoyment that I have been listening to a lot lately.

Joshua James – Coal War

Regina Spektor – Us

Joe Banamassa – Blue and Evil

Joe Banamassa – Long Distance Blues

And now for my shameless plug- DARSHANA will be preforming next Saturday, September 17th at Tammany Hall at 8:00PM.  Please come down and check us out- I promise it’ll be a lot of fun =)

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things. …Currently

As I was browsing the interweb the other day, I came across and compiled a group of items that I kinda, totally, 100% love.  Given that no two objects really fall under the same category, I will say this blanket statement to cover my bases: All of these items are well designed, functional, and unique.  I have spent many a night debating whether or not to purchase a few of them for myself, and I’m sure I will inevitably break down and shell out a little money for them.  But for now, I will be Oprah, these will be my favorite things, and you will be my audience.  (Only difference is if you like something, you’ll have to buy it for yourself.)

This cell phone case is so well designed, I would almost consider giving up my BlackBerry for an iPhone just to have it.

The cassette case is used as a stand for the phone. So clever!!

 

UrbanEars has the most AMAZING headphones, with 29 colors and 4 headphone styles to choose from! LOVE.

 

 

I love the "Babushka" headphones!

DCI makes adorable and affordable earbuds- these 3 are my favorites from their selection.

 

 

 

I love the idea of having a plate not only for your pizza, but shaped perfectly to fit each slice.

Not necessarily the best for drawing with, these colored pencils make for a great accent piece. There's something kinda magical about them, isn't there?

Words can not express how much I love this necklace!

Yellow Owl Workshop hit the nail on the head when they designed this AMAZING color wheel necklace.

Leave it to Anthropologie- these are the most amazing, and adorable necklaces ever! Two thumbs way up.

Once again Anthropologie nailed it; with these stud earrings emulating an old-fashioned bicycle.

 

 

(Update: I just purchased and am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the color wheel necklace, the animal pendant necklace [the elephant], and the bicycle earrings)   =)

FTK: THON 2011

The Pennsylvania State University’s 46 hour dance marathon, known as THON, was started back in 1973 by the university’s Interfraternity Council.  In its first year, THON raised over $2,000 and had 30 dancers.  Since then, THON has grown rapidly, partnering with the Four Diamonds Fund in 1977.  Today, thousands of Penn State students & student groups (ie: fraternities, sororities, student organizations, etc) spend their weekends “canning” (standing in public places throughout the U.S. Northeast from November to February with cans carrying the Penn State logo and the plea to “Help Kids with Cancer”) to help raise money for the cause.

Currently, THON is held in the Bryce Jordan Center (a 15,261-seat multi-purpose arena) and comprises of over 15,000 students; 700 dancers, each with a morale team.  The 15,261 seats in the BJC are in constantly filled with student and family support, cheering on the dancers below.

I was lucky enough to attend THON in 2010 not as a spectator in the stands, but “on the floor” as morale for a friend of mine who was a dancer.  It was my first time attending THON, and after having heard as much hype about it as I had for the past few years, I was skeptical if it would live up to its reputation.  I was blown away.  THON far surpassed anything I could have ever imagined it would or could have been and accomplished.  For the first time in my entire life, I felt a complete unity and oneness between me and the thousands of other Penn State students.  Nobody cared who you were, what you were majoring in, or who your friends were.  Nobody asked what organization you were a part of, or how much money you raised.  In a room filled with thousands of students, everyone danced.  There is no sitting, no sleeping, and no complaining.  You are there to support and bring awareness to Pediatric Cancer, and the children and families you are donating the money to.  And that’s what we did for 46 strait hours… no clocks, no phones, no computers; we danced.  Together.  For a cause.  For the kids.

I was unable to attend THON 2011, but I am more than overjoyed to report that it broke a new record- topping last years total by $2 million.  Congratulations to those who participated in THON 2011, and anyone who helped to raise the ‎$9,563,016.09!

Today, THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world!  Please, do yourself a favor and read more on the THON website (or read about it on Wikipedia) and become another hand in our effort to cure Pediatric Cancer.  We do it FOR THE KIDS!

Me (left) at THON 2010

My friend Dowel (a THON 2010 dancer) being interviewed about 10 hours in

 

A bunch of us playing Twister!  There are constant games & activities for the participants to keep their energy up and their morale going =)

 

This is the THON 2011 line dance.

Every year, there is a new song/dance written and choreographed for THON.  It references recent pop culture (in the same vain of “We Didn’t Start the Fire”), and is preformed every hour for 46 hours, to keep spirits high and dancers moving.

 

And as usual:

WE ARE …..

FTK

❖

 

 

Not Such an Irregular Choice

I love shoes.  Like- love, love, love them.  And I love unusual shoes; shoes that make a statement on their own.  They’re the perfect way to make your clothes an outfit.  I was a senior in high school when I first bought a pair of Irregular Choice shoes.  Well, two pairs.  The first pair was a beautiful turquoise, kitten heel, pointed toe, laser cut leather shoe with white showing through the cut lace pattern.  The second was again a kitten heel, round-toe shoe, covered in silver sequins.  Irregular Choice is still making the most fabulous statement shoes, each one designed with the most wonderful accents, architecture, and whimsy.  Below are a few of my current favorites, and please do yourself a favor and visit the Irregular Choice site to view more.  It’s worth it!

A Jewelry Trifecta

Every since I was a little girl, I have loved jewelry.  I remember raiding both of my grandmothers’ closets, adorning each finger with its own ring, and giving myself a 3-at-a-time necklace minimum.  Since then very little has changed, and jewelry is still one of my guilty pleasures.  I will admittedly spend money (that I should probably save or spend elsewhere) on a fabulous ring, necklace, or pair of earrings.  One of my current favorite jewelers, is the company Nervous System.  Their product line represents the perfect jewelry trifecta; feminine, delicate, and modern.  Many of their series pieces are a one-of-a-kind composition, so each item you purchase is entirely unique.  In addition, Nervous System offers a “Design Your Own” option, giving you the opportunity to create a statement piece entirely your own.  Below are a few of my personal favorites; to view the rest of the Nervous System collection, click here, or click on an image to be taken directly to its page.

Radiolaria Bracelet

 

The Full Moon Series

Each pendant is unique.  The pattern is made by aggregating tiny circles of varying sizes into complex configurations within a circular boundary.

In Gold

 

The Radial Necklace I & II

Each necklace is Laser cut from 100% wool

 

2-Layer Center Ring

 

They’re Back & Better Than Ever

Around the time I graduated high school, watches seemed to have become a thing of the past.  Seriously, who needed them- we had cell phones?!   Lately however, I’ve begun to notice a trend towards the other direction; mid-20-something year olds are wearing watches again!  Perhaps it’s because wearing a watch is becoming trendy, but I think more likely what it is, is us growing up.  We have real jobs, and real responsibilities; we need to look professional, and whipping out a cell phone to check the time in front of a client isn’t going to cut it.

This however, is not a blog post about my watch-wearing observations- this is a blog post about watches.  But here’s where it gets good.  These aren’t your parents’ watches; these are modern and immaculately designed watches.  I hope you enjoy them all as much as I do, and hopefully for some of you, may this end your tireless search for an amazing new watch.

 

(I own & love this watch)

Nooka | One of my personal favorites, Nooka has devised a new way of telling time.  Their watches are well designed, easy to read, and fun to wear.

 

The Icon Watch | For the computer geek in all of us, this watch gives a nod to the 8-bit computer graphics

 

 

Found online at the MoMA Store, these watches designed by M&Co incorporate whitty graphics with a well designed timepiece

 

(I just bought this tonight, and can’t wait until it arrives!)

Sent to me by friend & fellow designer Zachary Feltoon, WeWood makes environmentally conscious watches 100% out of wood.  They are beautifully designed, AND as the kicker- WeWood, partnered with American Forests, promises to plant one tree for every watch sold

 

 

the Extra Normal Watch by Normal Timepiece | Minimally designed, this watch offeres something most watches dont; the absence of an hour hand.  Instead, it has a rotating disc which allows the current hour’s number to show through.

‘Tis the Season to be Gifting

Well, it’s that time of year again.  No, not the holiday season (indirectly I guess), but I meant this time of year- the time of year where you have to figure out what presents to get for which person, and how much you can spend (because you can only spend so much on everyone, even though you’d like to be able to spend an unlimited amount so long as they’re happy), but for most of us- a budget is necessary.

Although my holiday shopping is done, I have decided to share a few of my holiday tips with you, in hopes that they may trigger a gift idea of your own.

Tip #1) Find A Cheaper Version

I know, I know- it sounds horribly stingy, but sometimes it’s just smart shopping.  Perfect example:  There is this ring in the MoMA store that I (as well as my friend Michala) love.  I of course, would love to be able to drop a few hundred dollars and buy her (and myself) that ring, but alas- it’s just not in the cards for this Christmas.  Instead, I googled the artist and purchased the acrylic version.  They may not be as glamorous, but they definitely are just as modern, fun, and expressive.  Kudos to artist Alissia Melka-Teichroew for designing such an amazing ring.  (I have the black acrylic one, and LOVE it!)

|| A silhouette of the classic Tiffany Setting engagement ring ||

|| Gave this one as a gift ||

|| Gifted myself with this one… ||

 

Tip #2) Remake Something Beloved

My father (aged 57 years) has this Fila zip-up sweatshirt; it’s gray and has a yellow & red striping running down either arm.  The kicker?  He’s had that sweatshirt since he was 19, and he will not get rid of it.  Given, it’s in pretty decent shape being as old as it is, but it’s definitely on its last thread (…pun intended…).  My gift for my dad this year?  I went out, purchased all new fabric, and brought his sweatshirt over to the tailors to be recreated.  The striping down the arms will be reused, but other than that, his old sweatshirt will donate itself to be a pattern for the new one.  In the interrum however, I had to lie to my dad and tell him I threw out his sweatshirt.  At this point, I’m sure you’re thinking either one of two things.  1) How dare you take his beloved sweatshirt and tear it apart?  To which I would reply: He was planning on throwing it out anyway (just not as soon as “I did”), or 2) You are a wonderful daughter; he will be thrilled.  And for that, thank you- I hope you’re right!

Tip #3) Make Something!

It’s true what they say- some of the best presents are homemade.  Aside from being an Interior Designer, I am a part time nanny for 3 kids: Sonia, Oliver, and Max.  For their Hanukkah presents this year I decided to spread my artistic wings and give the homemade gift thing a try.  For Sonia, I made 2 adorable headbands; one pink with a giant, sparkly, purple butterfly on it, and the other a black headband with sparkly flowers ranging in color from pink to yellow to green.  But I must admit my crowning achievement this year was for the boys’.  Both of them are skateboarders, so I thought what better than to custom a skate deck for each of them.  Below are images of the boards I painted for Oliver and Max, and both were thrilled with their gifts.

I hope these few tips come in handy- if not for this year, perhaps for next (or whatever occasion may come prior to, and calls for gifting).

From me to you,

Happy Holidays!

-A

Because Good Coffee is So Much More…

This post is dedicated to my fellow coffee addicts.

For all those out there as reliant upon their daily coffee as I am, it’s safe to assume that like me, your coffee experience has long passed the initial phase “in need of good coffee”, and moved to the next phase: “in need of a good coffee mug to transport your good coffee”.  That being said, I am once again on the hunt for a fantastic travel coffee mug- one that will not only house my coffee, but offer a bit of something extra as well (because who said coffee mugs had to be boring).

I had purchased a mug this summer; its top had a folding straw that when pushed down, locked the top into place and kept your coffee from spilling.  Unfortunately when popping the straw up, the pressure change in the cup would (sometimes) cause a bit of coffee to shoot directly at you.  Needless to say, that mug was tossed and the hunt for a new one began.  Here are the contenders:

The Electronic USB Travel Mug

|| Its USB attachment works on both PCs and Macs to keep your beverage hot.  Also comes with a 12V car adapter. ||

 

The Canon Zoom Lens Coffee Mug

|| Modeled after the Canon 70-200mm Canon telephoto zoom lens ||

 

TimeMug

|| Eco-friendly and dishwasher safe, this mug keeps you in check and on time when you’re the go. ||

 

Brugo

|| Perhaps my favorite mug of all, Brugo’s lid has a 3-position drink mode “Lock, Sip, Tip & Cool”.  This allows for each individual sip to be cooled, keeping the rest of your beverage hot- just the way it should be. ||

 

A Perfect Product

Have you ever bought a product because of its packaging, without knowing anything about the quality of the item?  I have.  And that’s not to say I only shop that way, but sometimes it’s hard to resist.  Sadly, there has been many a time where I was as equally intrigued by the product’s packaging as I was disappointed with the product itself.  This was not one of those times.

I was in Whole Foods when I first came across Pacifica.  They are a fantastic company whose products range from body washes, butters, lotions and soaps, to perfumes and candles.  Their colorful and graphic boxes are so exquisite, I put grocery shopping on hold and proceeded to open every candle’s box to see if they smelled as amazing as they looked.  Thankfully they did, and I snatched up 5 new fragrances immediately.  It’s been almost two years since since that day, and I am still a loyal customer of Pacifica and their candles (my favorite being Spanish Amber).

Unfortunately not all products are as wholly perfect as Pacifica’s are.  But because of their success at both amazing package design and a wonderful product, I will continue to be a consumer easily swayed by a well designed item in the hopes of finding another #10.

 

 

 

www.pacificaperfume.com

Répondez S’il Vous Plaît

There are a few things I love regarding design: disproportionate items (i.e.- when an object is either much larger or much smaller than we normally see it), a vintage one-of-a-kind find, and a modern take on a classic concept. In this case, wedding invitations. Sure, there is something to be said about a classic wedding, and classic wedding invitations. They’re traditional and timeless- and dare I say it, but sometimes boring. There are no rules saying, “For an elegant wedding, do not stray from the traditional wedding invitation template”. Personalizing your wedding invitation will not only bring a more intimate feel to your guests receiving them, but allow you and your partner to show off your creative sides as well. Here are a few wedding invitations I found and thought were too good to not share.