Douglas Wilson

Posted on | January 31, 2008 | Comments Off

I found this artist via decor8’s write up on the online gallery, Keep Calm. So when I investigated this great site I came across the piece above. I quickly swiped it up for a special Valentine’s day gift. How sweet will this be in my house? I love that song and truly all you really need in life is love. The rest is just bullshit and whatever.

The piece is done by the artist Douglas Wilson. Check out his site here. I love the big type face and how you began to deconstruct the language and saying when it’s printed so boldly and graphically. Each print is hand letterpressed by the artist. A few of my other favorites below. You can purchase all of these prints exclusively on keep-calm.com.

Category: affordable artwork, artist, holiday

Ethnic Chic at Pottery Barn

Posted on | January 31, 2008 | Comments Off

Ikat pillow covers, sale $14.99,
potterybarn.com.

The whole ethnic trend has oozed its way into the mass market.
You’ll be seeing more and more inspired ikat and block prints on
the market this Spring. Here are a few I pulled from the big brand,
Pottery Barn.
The prices are really reasonable and the pieces mix well with any
decor. I love the lumbar pillow cover above which is on sale for $14.99.
How could you go wrong? See more picks below.

block prints pottery barn 784135 Ethnic Chic at Pottery Barn

Framed Block Prints, $79/set of five,
potterybarn.com.

indigo pillow covers pottery barn 749206 Ethnic Chic at Pottery Barn

Indigo Pillow Covers, $25-$39,
potterybarn.com.

Category: accessories, pillows, textiles

Al di Là

Posted on | January 30, 2008 | Comments Off

Whole charcoal-grilled young organic chicken served with fennel salad and mashed potatoes.

I meet up with friends for dinner on Tuesday night in Park Slope. We checked out Al di Là a northern Italian restaurant which my friend described as,”slightly over-hyped and crowded” but still a favorite of hers nonetheless. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations so be prepared to wait. I visited on a Monday night and the wait was not terrible. We headed around the corner to their wine bar and enjoyed a glass of red and olives while we waited.

After a glass, the table was ready and the three of us headed upstairs to a cozy restaurant with exposed brick, decorative tiled floors, a large Venetian glass chandelier, and my favorite black candy-cane style bentwood chairs. The atmosphere was intimate with a neighborhood feel.

We checked out the menu that included a large section of appetizers emphasisizing shellfish, homemade pasta dishes, and hearty entrees like charcoal-chicken and hanger steak. I’ve read of lot of raves for the steak. I’m not a steak kinda girl and wasn’t feeling adventurous that night.

I went for the blood orange salad to start and then the “casunziei” ravioli stuffed with a blend of roasted beets and ricotta, then coated with melted butter and poppy seeds and felt like I totally scored. The roasted beets were delightful and were not masked with any heavy ingredients. The dish felt pure, light, and simple. The poppy seeds were interesting. I was a little perplexed by them and was in fear of an 80’s Spa Dish, but was pleasantly surprised that the texture was a welcomed addition.

Check out this video I found of owner Anna Klinger talking a little bit about the origins of her food and how she likes that the restaurant has a neighborhood feel.

Al di Là

248 Fifth Avenue (Carroll Street)

Park Slope, Brooklyn

(718) 783-4565

aldilatrattoria.com

Category: eating out

Martha Stewart’s Perfect Love Sweets

Posted on | January 30, 2008 | Comments Off

Packaging Valentine Day cookies, marthstewart.com

The love is heating up over at marthastewart.com with a collection of sweet treats for Valentine’s day. I know it’s a little early. But for those for you who would like to mail out a box of cookies or treats to a sweetie faraway you may want to start your search for the perfect recipe now.

Valentine Cookies, marthastewart.com.

Pink Meringue Drops, marthastewart.com.

Category: holiday, recipes, sweets

Frohawk Two Feathers: New Show!

Posted on | January 30, 2008 | 1 Comment

I got a nice e-mail from Heather at Taylor De Cordoba gallery in L.A. announcing Frohawk Two Feather’s new show opening this Saturday, February 2. Heather gave me a sneak peek of some of the pieces. So great, love!

“Two Feathers continues to demonstrate his skills as a master storyteller with a modern take on the age-old themes of colonialism, imperialism and conquest. In these large-scale paintings and intimate works on paper, he creates a wartime narrative starring an imagined cast of characters.“

Show Details:

Frohawk Two Feathers: In The Court Of The Crimson King

February 2 – March 8, 2008. Opening Reception: Sat, February 2, 6-9pm

Taylor De Cordoba

2660 S La Cienega Blvd

Los Angeles, CA

(310) 559-9156

Category: artist

Stray Dog Designs

Posted on | January 30, 2008 | Comments Off

I was flipping through old House & Garden’s when I found this website, straydogdesigns.com. Check out their accessories, mirrors, and lighting for pieces that are infused with natural elements as well as humor. Designed by owners Bill and Jane using recycled materials (click on link for more info). The pieces reflect the personality and charm of the couple’s travels through Mexico. My picks above and below.

Category: accessories, lighting

Black Furniture

Posted on | January 27, 2008 | Comments Off

Lately, I’ve been really into black. Totally opposite color of what I would normally choose. I guess it’s because I have been looking a lot at bedroom furniture. I am leaning towards black case goods because my other bright colors in the room would pop. I love that black feels inherently old and earthy. I think it will be the perfect mix with my modern bright paintings and textiles. When I tried to explain the look to my boyfriend I showed him the above image from Domino. The shot is from Johnson Hartig of Libertine entryway (Sept. 2007). Get the idea? OK now let’s get shopping.