Print Party!

I'm a big fan of pretty and practical objects. These from Print Party definitely fit the bill. Not only do I love that they are made out of cork, one of my favorite materials, but I also love the modern graphics that have been screen printed onto each piece. I can see these all over my house!

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What I Love: Mason Jars

Is there really anything better than Mason Jars? They're so cool and have so many uses!

Zoeveedesigns.etsy.com

EcoElements.etsy.com

Oldnewagain.etsy.com

SueFreeman.etsy.com

TheSimpleTwig.etsy.com

Ok, these aren't actually jars but I love them!

SweetlyScrappedArt.etsy.com

It's A Dandy

How is it that dandelion's are one of the most annoying plants ever but also one of the best looking when it comes to design??

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Petri Dish...Soap?

Isn't this the coolest soap ever? Does it remind you of your your Chem 101 class?Yeah, sorry about that!

I have a thing for petri dishes and I'm not quite sure what it is. Maybe it's the name...I do want to name a puppy Petri. But I think it is also how something that is really thought of as being disgusting (hello, gross diseases hanging out in a small dish) can create a great design. For a long time my screensaver at work was from our Chemistry Department's site....it was an amazing series of eight petri dishes at different stages. All I could think about when looking at them is how it would make a great print series or how I could use them as inspiration for jewelry.

Well, Cleaner Science, a soap shop inspired by science, beat me to the punch with these soaps! And that's ok. I love them. Who doesn't want to clean themselves with a soap called Salmonella?

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Goodbye Coffee??

This might make me switch to tea!

When I do drink tea I always struggle with where to put the teabag. I usually end up with a puddle on the table. Yes, yes, I know I should have a plate (or is it a "saucer") but I never do. This teabag coaster solves my problem!

Designed by Yuree S Lim and Jleun Yang, the teabag coaster reveals an image when a soaked bag is placed on it. 

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PAWLING Print Studio

Another simple but oh-so-lovely little something I need want. Actually, I do need a new lil' notepad to carry around to capture ideas. I always seem to have great ideas (at least I think so!) at the most random times and in the most random places. Does that happen to you?

Made for you and me to enjoy by the lovely sisters known as PAWLING Print Studio. I'm not sure how I came across their studio but I am so glad that I did!

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One of their tote bags made the rounds on the blogosphere the past few months and it, along with everything else they've created, really is fabulous. It's funny how something as simple as a few lines and circles can create just the perfect design. I love it.

What I Want: Cool Cosmetic Case

Getting up in the morning at 5:50 am to work out can be rough sometimes. Surprisingly, I've done a pretty good job of getting up at least three mornings a week, if not four. Sometimes, though, a girl just needs to lay in bed for a little bit longer!

After my work out I'm usually feeling that euphoric work out high. That is, until I walk back into the ugly locker room. Locker rooms aren't known for style, that's for sure.  To bring a little style to my morning gym time, a new cosmetics case might be just what I need!

Cox & Cox (ok, so this is actually a pencil case. But I'd use it for my make up!)

 (Image from Cox & Cox, found via Decor8)

Etsy

 (Lucy Blaire Creations) 

(MPsen) 

(Majkatree)

Now, if I were really fancy and wanted to spend $80 or more on a cosmetic case I might get one of these!

Felix Ray

Kate Spade

Tory Burch

(Last three images via Bloomingdales)

Marc Jacobs 

(Image via Zappos)

Biking In Style

I've busted out my lil' blue bike for the season and am ready to buzz around the streets of Madison. Watch out!

As with everything I do, I must do it in style. I can't help myself.

I've already got the Carrie Bike Basket, probably one of the most stylish bike baskets I've found. It's not really meant to hold anything too heavy so I may have to do a little handiwork on it this summer to make it more durable. But how perfect is this for the farmer's market?

 (Image via FinnishDesignShop)

Another great option is this Alexandra Cassaniti Bicycle Bag. Perfect for a bit of cash, sunglasses, and whatever else I need for a quick ride to Mickey's for a beer!

(Image via ooga booga) 

Some panniers for the back of the bike, perhaps?

 (Image via Cycle Chic)

Or one of these super stylish Po Campo bags?

 (Image via Supermarket)

Ding ding, here I come!

(Image via flickr) 

U-Lock holster. Who knew there was such a thing?

 (Image via etsy)

Safety first! Gotta have some lights on that bike. Hello, knog frog.

Oh, and don't forget about the reflective ankle spats! Every girl should have a pair.

(Image via Cycle Chic)

Gettin' Groceries In Style

One thing about not living in Minneapolis anymore is that I can no longer frequent two of the most beautiful grocery stores on earth. I'm being serious. Everything and everyone in these two stores were beautiful. Sometimes I was tempted to just wander around the aisles, soaking in all the loveliness, without ever buying anything. Don't judge. You would do the same.

So what if there aren't any beautiful grocery stores here in Madison? This doesn't mean I still can't shop in style.

Hello uber-stylish grocery bags! Hy-Vee, I hope you are ready for me.

(Image above via shopkirdevries.com)

 (Image via branchhome.com)

(Image via reusablebags.com)

Step Into My Office, Baby

Cute office supplies = more productivity. It's a fact. I'm sure of it.

A cool leather portfolio to carry when I attend events. Or just for when I walk down the hall.

 

Bold, bright notebooks that won't get lost in the various piles (organized piles, might I add) currently taking over on my desk. 

  

And because I literally have about 15 different notebooks at one time, I probably need one of these as well. 

 

I talk to a lot of people and need to keep everyone organized. Hello lil' Black Book!

(Images above via russellandhazel.com)

Organization is my middle name. And, when in doubt, throw it in a file folder. Preferably graphic ones like these.

 

Or these 

 

You can't have an office without a lil' bit of Anne Taintor humor. Meet the mouse pad that is currently in my office.

 

(Images via amazon.com)

Speakers count as office supplies, right? How on earth do people work without music?

 

 

(Image via theofficestylist.com) 

And the most important thing? A large coffee cup (filled with strong coffee).

 

  

(Images above via bodumusa.com) 

 

 

 

(Images via toxel.com)