Zip-it Necklace

Love these zipper necklaces. Find it here.

I want! Fab shoes and hat.

Found the most fabulous shoes today. I must have these heels by Marc Jacobs. Found it on the lovely blog Taghrid.

Okay and the other must-have for the Fall is this hat; so versatile and so sophisticated. Love it. Gotta love Fashiontoast.

Sexy Wall Lighting

Found these lighting fixtures on Dornob today. The beauty of it is it is flexible in its design so you can make your own design. Take a look at the photos. I love design that is approached this way; simplicity and versatility.

New Print Factory

So I was flipping through HowDesign magazine the other day and a bulky insert fell out. It was an insert for New Print Factory, a specialty print company. This immediately caught my eye as there were a few business card samples and a die cut piece as well. Very beautiful ink-work, embossing, quality paper, and amazing designs; I would definitely market my product/business with New Print Factory. These products really set themselves apart from your ordinary business card. They also do postcards, stickers, brochures, flyers, etc. Take a look.

Rijsttafel - A who and a what now?

A Dutch word for the type of Indonesian cuisine made popular in the Netherlands. Pronounced: RY-stah-fell. Literally translated it means "rice-table".

The first thing that I thought of was a typical Korean meal. If you've ever had Korean BBQ, it looks a lot like the picture above. A lot of different side-dishes and meats with rice and kim-chi. Back in the day, the Dutch colonialists brought together an array of small side-dishes from Indonesia and called it Rijsttafel. I would love to try this. Obviously all the rage in the Netherlands. Apparently it's gaining popularity in the U.S. as well. The familiarity to Korean cuisine, at least in presentation is very appealing.

Augmented Reality

Augmented (hyper)Reality: Domestic Robocop from Keiichi Matsuda on Vimeo.

We think that the commercial world is the purveyor of our private lives now...the future is bleak. Augmented reality will be a new platform through which we will once again be bombarded by the ever-present hand that is capitalism.

Keiichi Matsuda, an architecture student in Berlin posits more optimistic possibilities. It is the kind of imaginative ingenuity that conceives a very plausible near future; innovation at its best. The possibilities are very exciting!

This technology may seem a bit overwhelming but it is the future. Read the original post on Dornob (see an additional cool video)- I agree that we would probably have thought the internet would be an "information overload", had we been presented with it a few decades earlier. I mean, WOW! My kids will be interacting this way decades down the line. Crrrazy!

Chic-y Monday

I absolutely love the lushness of the Victorian aesthetic. It embodies chic, rich luxury. From the rich textures and patterns to the dainty details, it appeals to my design aesthetic so romantically. What excites me even more is the fusion of Victorian style and modern sensibility. The juxtaposition of modern edginess and Victorian romanticism creates a very pleasing palette. Above is a collection of inspirations with this in mind. They invoke chic-y luxury to me.

a: Sofia Loren 1972 (from Fendi's photo gallery)

b: Fendi dress (Fall/Winter 2010-2011)

c: Classic & modern design beautifully illustrated (decorating ideas)

d: Japanese inspired waves wallpaper (Foulards Kanagawa, Elitis)

e: Beautifully decorated interior, love the color palette

f: Philippe I: mini collection (Gueridon by Sam Baron)

g: Quilted textured wallpaper

Super sexy tiles.

Here's a new twist on wall tiles. Kale brings some new life to wall tiles. I especially love the round ones. Very chic and modern. I like that it brings some depth and texture to tiles that can otherwise be drab and boring. Home decor on the next level!

Balmain Punk

I was checking out the runway photos from Paris Fashion week Spring collections. I love the styling of Balmain's line. What's weird is it doesn't seem much ahead of the curve, if anything a bit recycled. The punk style somewhat modernized but worn well today and well it's nothing new. I love it, don't get me wrong, but it's interesting seeing a new runway collection that's already being worn. Very ready-wear of course, but I don't know if this is a bad criticism.

Balmain obviously pulls off this sexy punk-rock look beautifully, and within the context of today's green trends, it may speak to the acceptance of recycled design. Conceptually I think it works, but most people are apprehensive to seeing something that is recycled (on the runway anyways). Personally, I think he could have put a fresher spin on the designs, but like I said I do not mind the collection since it was pulled off so impeccably.

Thanks Knight Cat for the great photos.

Pure Green Living E-Mag

Let's talk green living. The name of this magnificent new e-mag I found called Pure Green Living. Couldn't be greener than a magazine that is paperless. Paper publications in general are a dying breed and e-mags are becoming more and more prevalent. Thanks Simply Grove for the great find!

Pure Green Living has some great ways to live green and design with a mind for recycling, and reinvigorating spaces with reused, revamped objects. Right up my alley. There's some great articles about organic cooking as well as being a great resource for natural / organic products. Enjoy!

The Rasterbator!

I found this awesome site the other day - It's called the Rasterbator! It rasterizes an image of your choice into a larger image to specifications. You choose the overall size of the image, the individual paper size and voila! You got your rasterized image. I love it.

I've been looking at ways to decorate with a mind for money, as art is so expensive...home decor in general is very expensive. Here's a personalized way to add a chic piece of art to your home. Enjoy!

Update: My Purse

As a follow-up to my last post: here's a snapshot of my purse contents. Nothing put in or taken out. Let's see 'em. I'd like to see what others' looks like. E-mail me a snapshot of your purse or pocket at any given moment and I'll compile them here. I won't post any information from who it was from, just the picture. If you'd like to participate, send to ruthyeum@gmail.com.

A Snapshot of Ourselves in Our Pockets and Purses

Francois Robert's series "Contents" gives us a literal "snapshot" of who we are by the contents of our pockets or purses.

Check out some more from this series here.

Photographer Francois Robert asked family, friends, and total strangers to participate in this project by displaying the contents of their pockets or purses on a sheet of paper. No one was given forewarning and they were all given the option to edit and take out what they wished. Very few edited the contents for display and only one out of 120 people declined.

This is a very interesting social experiment; you would think that the majority of women especially, would opt not to show their private belongings, much less have them photographed. As a woman, the things in our purses are very private and personal. But, being creatively inclined, after a second thought, I personally would probably go ahead and display my "Contents".

Another idea comes to mind: 15 minutes of fame. Although one might be hesitant to participate in this project, the prospect of being on film, dwarfs almost any embarrassing outcome. In the end, this project is intriguing to me most of all because it explores these juxtaposing social ideas and interactions. Plus it gives a voyeuristic peak into people's identities that is humorous and even perplexing.

Beetle Kill Livens Local Economy

I ran across this material - Beetle Kill Pine- a few years ago when I was working at abe Designworks. It is a result of millions of acres of forest killed by mountain beetles; Colorado is especially known for these deforestations. The wood from these trees have characteristic blue streaks which makes this resource tied locally to Colorado.

An example of one of these businesses taking advantage of Colorado beetle kill pine is Corbin Woodworking. A Colorado entrepreneur Corbin Clay started this woodworking shop to take advantage of this abundant beautiful resource to create beautiful designs. Read more here. Conceptually it is what green is all about - home-grown materials for a quality local product that supports the local economy. And not only that, there is attention to design that makes these works both beautiful and functional.

Also check out his Blu-Chairs.

Minimal Mixes For the Soul

"Me, I can't usually get
'em 'cause my girlfriend's a
vegetarian. Which more or
less makes me a vegetarian,
but I sure love the taste of a
good burger."
- Jules, Pulp Fiction

I have my own little stints of musical preferences, but likes Jules oh-so-beautifully explains, couples tend to take-on each other's likes and dislikes. This is purely anecdotal but it is true that couples tend to become more alike, sharing characteristics and demeanor. But I digress -

Lately I've been picking up on some really sexy minimal techno Mick Finesse has been introducing me to. Here are my top two favs of late:

























FACT mix 182: FourTet
FourTet: I've been a fan of FourTet since my college days. His chillout style has got me through some rough nights in studio. Check out the link above for the mix; great article on the artist as well. The mix is only up for three weeks though so get it quick.



Labrynth SSGS Special Mix: Steffi
Steffi is a new gem for me. She's gettin' a lot of praise for her mixes and performances as resident at Panorama Bar at Berghain- acclaimed by some as the best club in Berlin. Berghain defines techno for Berlin. I hope to make the pilgrimage here someday. Definitely on my list of places to experience.

Both articles have tracklists as well. Enjoy!

Lovely

Love love love Yvan Rodic's photo blog. This picture caught my attention on my stroll through his latest entries. Love the blouse, and the overall look is just down my alley. Simple yet chic.

Kinetic Wall - Ned Kahn

Ned Kahn's "kinetic wall" which is proposed to be built along the side of Australia's Brisbane airport - car park bulding. Check out the article here. Not only is it a visual art installation, the aluminum panels that sway in the wind functions as passive cooling for the car park interior.

I think it is an ingenious way to tie form and function; it creates a visual rendering of nature by means of thousands of aluminum panels. This paradox created from the man-made materials and the kinetic / organic design is a beautiful marriage. Plus it functions as a passive cooling system for the program it serves (a car-park), which by conventional means is for the most part always so dull and massive and plainly depressing artistically.

I would love to see this installation in person some day. It just looks so natural, like the ripples in a lake, but metal, and vertically oriented. It stimulates my senses architecturally and artistically.

9/11 2010

As everyone is aware, there has been a huge political shitstorm leading up to this year's 9/11 anniversary. All I have to say is let's remember those that so tragically lost their lives that day. This is not about where a mosque should or should not be built or the childish reactions of a hateful pastor in "Po-dunk" Florida. Michael Daly of the NY Daily Times sums it up gracefully:


"Ground Zero is a mosque.

It is also a church and a synagogue and a temple and an ashram on ground made holy by those of all faiths who died there.

The God of this hallowed place is the one to whom I heard even atheists appeal as the towers burned and innocents trapped in hell on high leapt to certain death"... read more.

Inspired

"The quality of life can directly lengthen your life." Watching Nightly news tonight there was a segment about cancer patients and a study done on a group of cancer patients who lived an average of 3 months longer than patients who were not part of a program that focused on improving the quality of their daily lives. Palliative medicine is this new approach to medicine and quality of life. I could not explain it as well as the professionals do but you get the idea. A more comprehensive, integrated approach to health and medicine which is proven to actually extend the lives of people.

I have to say I've been quite in the dumps lately; I tend to be a worrier and with a little one on the way and our economic situation where it is, I have found myself lost in worry - I'll be washing the dishes thinking about how to stretch our last few dollars as long as we can, and the next minute I'll be in tears. I keep telling myself I can't keep doing this. Stress is one of the worst things I could pass onto little Aston. I try my best to keep my hopes up and I've got my adoring husband Steve to thank for most of it. I am luckier than lucky to have someone that is always so positive. I tell him he's my rock, and he is.

So here it is. I've been inspired to look at things differently. The phrase "Quality of Life" keeps resonating in my head. What are the things that make me happy? This is a good opportunity to explore this question and question the things that keep me going or not. I've always thought I was a vain person; now it's time to really delve into the idea. More to come. Aforementioned news segment below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Update

So it's obviously been way too long since I've posted last...
A lot has been going on. Or rather, not enough - depending on how you look at it.

First off, I'm pregnant! Crrrrazy! I never would've thought I'd be here, nor was it in my initial plan but things never go as planned. Suffice it to say, I have not been more happy with anything in my life. I can't wait for little Aston to join this happy little family. I have come to terms with the pregnancy a few weeks in and have bonded emotionally with the little one. I'm due on Dec. 23rd so it should be an amazing Christmas!

I could go on indefinitely about my experience so far with the pregnancy but that is for another page. So I'm trying to figure out where to start with my first post back. I'll just pick up where I am now; which is craving sweets! Ahhh! I find myself going back to this baking blog Bakerella nearly everyday. The cake pops look so delicious and cute, I've decided to make them for the baby shower. :D

Greg Wilson: Electro-funk.

So I am in love with Greg Wilson lately. His aesthetic lifts my spirits and I am immediately in a happy mood. Check out some of his mixes below and here's a very interesting bio on 2020Vision. I love when I come across gems like this.


2020Vision mix.
WMC 2010 mix.
Resident Advisor mix.


Sidenote: I think it's interesting to watch the progression of the type of music I progress into. I've not been as diligent to document that here but I plan to in the future. Happy listening!

Picture of the day.

London. April 1-7th. Yvan Rodic's visual diary.

Socialism V. Capitalism

Very profound article on Adbusters about the difference in mindset for someone who grew up in a socialist culture. It definitely puts some perspective on the "economic crisis". It's sobering how much (or lack of) worth is put on "things" and how much pride is taken in furthering the whole. I agree that there is a "void" that capitalism creates; one of selfish entitlement that breeds cynicism and complacency.

Kiss Me Deadly

One of my favorite artists. Fellow alumni Shepard Fairey.

Bodum tea kettle - Clara

Beautiful. Functional. Great design. Bought this the other day and thought, there is no way the handle will not get too hot to use. I was wrong. It gets a little warm but only a tad. I love it - plus it has a whistler.

"Keep Off" - Mr. C

My fav song at the moment: "Keep Off" by Mr. C. Video is quite cool. Check it out. Here's my most recent mix. Great minimal techno. Enjoy!

Creative Bentos

Those Japanese. So creative, so cute. Now they've taken the bento box lunches to the cutest extreme. Ran across this post on boingboing.net about the new book Face Food by Christopher Salyers. Love it.

Bodum Coffee Press

Love this! Got a 3-cup Bodum coffee press a few days ago and I love it. I'm not a regular coffee drinker so I don't want or need a hunky coffee maker taking up counter space.

The coffee press makes about 1 1/2 small coffee cups of coffee and it is deeeeee-licious. Makes an amazing cup of coffee; plus no need for those wasteful paper coffee filters.

Gia @ the Beatport Lounge

With some healthy encouragement from Mick Finesse, I've been playing out and enjoying the world of proper house music. My last engagement was @ Beta - the Beatport Lounge on Nov. 27th.

DJ Elroy was one of the many that joined us that night - check out his blog post. Thanks for the great review DJ Elroy!

Sobering

I came across this article today on Huffpost. It describes the story of someone's father deteriorating from dementia. I have been thinking more frequently lately, about how things will be when I am older.

I'm in my 20's now; fast approaching 30. This story really makes me pause, slow down the pace of things and really examine the direction I want to take my life. What really matters to me? I don't want life to be just a blur of meaningless sequence of events. I hope this can be an opportunity for you too, to reflect and examine.

Fashion Inspirations

So I'm browsing my usual suspects of fashion blogs: The Cherry Blossom Girl, Knight Cat, and Fashion Toast. Here are a few looks I just love.

Rollip - Create your own polaroids!

I love this site! You can create your own digital polaroids online for free. All you do is choose a layout, upload a photo, and voila! You have your very own polaroid quality photo. Check it out at Rollip.

How far have we really come?

Women's rights and social equality are very sticky topics today; in my opinion this topic is easily discounted and dismissed because the average person whether male or female will lump it in the category of "crazy lesbian feminism". I say there is a very deep rooted inequality in our culture that seeps through to modern culture even though the general consensus is that women now have the same opportunity as men; there is a similar comparison to the progression of equal rights for minorities, specifically civil rights.



I think it is healthy to examine the progression/lack of progression- as this will challenge complacency and laziness. Case and point: House republican Tom Price makes an obscene and appalling scene trying to shut out the Democratic Women's caucus. Unbelievable. Ostensibly, this childish attempt at censorship has other political implications but I won't open that can of worms.

Now compare that with the second video where muslim protagonists argue why "light beatings" are ok and human rights cannot refute what they interpret to be the final "truth" in the Koran. I have to say the comparison between the outburst on the House floor and the strain of thought in modern muslim cultures is very disturbing.

I ask myself how this is relevant to me today in my everyday life and I find it a hard question to answer. On the one hand I live a pretty comfortable life but in order to not regress we need to be critical of civil injustices that seep to the surface. My hope is that we can at the very least keep this debate from being buried and our generation can criticize and challenge the status quo.

Estroe - Elemental Assets

Ok. So I have been in a music kick lately as I've been prepping for my next gig. Ran across this lovely lady; Estroe. Very good chillout and melodic techno and tech-house. I love it. Dutch producer and DJ Estroe is among the top female DJ's in the world. Read more about her here.

Royksopp - Junior

I first heard Royksopp from a mix cd someone was playing in freshman studio when I was at RISD. I was taken by the alure of the music. It really put me in a good mood in the midst of the stress of studio work. It's been a while since I've heard any of Royksopp's newer stuff and they have not disappointed. "Junior" does not fail to bring me back to that place. I love this album. When I need good chill I can always go to Royksopp. Listen to it on their website.

Pic of the day.

I love this picture. Again from Yvan Rodic blog.

Regina Spektor - Far

Love Regina Spektor's new album "Far". It's relaxing, heartwarming, fun, and delightful. Puts me in an all around good mood.

Yvan Rodic

Found this photographer's blog tonight, browsing The Coolhunter.

I love the reality of the photos; so raw yet romantic and beautiful at the same time. Check out all of Yvan Rodic's amazing photos on his blog.

The Complex History of Sustainability

Check this out! The Complex History of Sustainability: An online timeline of trends, authors, projects, and fiction by Amir Djalali. Here's the article.

Miles Maeda

So as you can tell, I go through stints of blogging...it's been about a month since my last post so I thought I'd come back with a great new discovery - Miles Maeda. Special thanks to Lovestar (check out her amazing music blog Trash Menagerie). You can see the full article here. There's a couple mixes for dl as well.

What can I say, I love my chillout music and Miles brings it with the groovy house beats. Great recommendation Lovestar!