2.27.2011

Not Our Type


Playing around today visiting all the kids on the blogs writing about Helvetica vs. Arial. Trying to make nice with that bully Arial and his oh so handsome predecessor Helvetica (who we can't even show you since it's not a Blogger typeface option!) ;)

A few fave sites that punch it out:


1. A Quiz

Really cute quiz from iliveonyourvisits.com. Luv her snark-ie text intro:

Once there was a typeface called Helvetica.
It was extremely popular.
Later came a software company called Microsoft.
They “borrowed” Helvetica for their operating system and called it Arial.
This inferior typeface is now on millions of desktops all over the world.
Can you tell the difference between the original and the rip-off in these ten examples?




2. Lessons to be learned:

From Pinterest, by ragb.ag via Sha Hwang

Penmanship guide highlights the ins and outs


#3. Knock down drag out



Fun animation by Mime Artist that says it all... play it here: mimeartist.com


4. Font and Lettering artist Mark Simonson has a great article on his blog that re-caps the history. And when you have had enough, move on to his own font design eye candy that knocks these bad boys out of the park.

At the risk of taking sides on this ever growing playground- we'll stick by our buddy Helvetica. Do we feel like a traitor every time we employee Arial into our work- you betcha! But a bloggers gotta do what a bloggers gotta do and our heart is true - We ♥ u H!


2.14.2011

BHLDN- It's Here & It's Divine!

It's here- it's amazing- it's everything you want a fresh wedding shopping site to be- and still more to come, to be sure!

Antrohopologie's BHLDN is here!




From finger tips to tippy toes- splendid lovelies abound... sure to provide much inspiration and wedding shopping bliss for brides to be and detail delights for industry insiders alike!





With confections like these, we're sure there is some green frosting to be found so we'll do a little more exploring and keep you posted.

If you haven't seen the site... Go there NOW!

All images via BHLDN

Happy Valentines Day!

XxOo - Have a love-ly day!

Art image by B Designs

2.03.2011

Rabbit Rabbit!


Happy New Year of the Rabbit!


Photo and more about this auspicious character here...

1.17.2011

Baldessari

A bit of eye candy for those of us who missed the John Baldessari show that just closed at the Met in NY this past Sunday...







Images via googleimages

1.10.2011

Amish Homage


Just finished reading a book about the Amish and am inspired, particularly in light of the recent news from Arizona, by their peaceful ways and strong conviction to lead a simple "plain" life.

Central Ohio is home to the country's largest base of Amish and despite the pressures of commercialization- their communities thrive. Read more about the Amish here.

Their commitment to simplicity is ironic, considering our ever growing quest to lead a greener lifestyle. And the fact that SO much information and SO many photos are available on line is truly ironic as their very lifestyle represents the antithesis of both (and photography is forbidden).

Consider this an Amish homage- a gentle reminder of a gentle people from whom, we have much to learn.

Photos: amishcountry.com, walnutcreekohio.org and google images

1.03.2011

Welcoming the New Year with Oprah

Happy New Year to all!!! How did you spend your holiday week?? WE were BUSY! We moved to our new and improved warehouse, which went amazingly well! Thanks to Bill's organized planning - we finished ahead of schedule - thus affording us all a few days off.

So when New Year's Day rolled around- I rolled out of bed to enjoy the day at home, in my PJs, to usher in the new year relaxing. Those who know me, know I am a huge Oprah fan. I spent New Year's Day, not only welcoming the new year, but as a couch potato glued to the TV, welcoming the new Oprah Winfrey Network - OWN.

Despite that after several hours (yes really!), it began to run as one giant self promotional infomercial- I enthusiastically await the round the clock programming which promises to offer inspiration from wise people about wise subjects- most focused on the greater good and a spirit of sharing.

Join the Oprah fest and start the new year by taking this fun and surprisingly insightful quiz: Who Are You Meant to Be?


Happy 2011 - may you "live your best life" and may it be your best year yet!!

Images via Oprah.com

12.27.2010

New Year's Resolution- ClimateCounts.org Shopping

If you have some time this week... here's a great tool to start planning for the new year: Spend a few minutes on ClimateCounts.org and track some of the companies you support. You can see a breif report on the strides (or back steps) they've made in 2010 and what companies you feel you'd like to begin to support or continue to support in 2011.

Companies are graded on three levels- Stuck, Starting and Striding.

Stuck = channel your dollars elsewhere and send an email with the easy to use template provided telling them to claim corporate responsibility and start making strides.

Starting = the seed has been planted but still a long way to go before the flower blooms.

Striding = the best place to spend your hard earned dollars. Also a great place to email and let them know their efforts have been noticed.

Surprisingly, companies like Nike, General Electric and UPS scored high on the list, which you can search by rank for a quick reference. Equally surprising, Google and The Gap ranked in the low mid scores and Serta, Liz Claiborne and several companies that specialize in product for kids fell at the bottom of the list.

Be it resolved: Consume thoughtfully and carefully in 2011.


12.21.2010

Happy Winter Solstice!

Solstice + Eclipse = an early Christmas present!

Read more and see two videos here and bid a warm ;)
welcome to Winter!

Photo: AOLnews.com

12.16.2010

Dear Santa, Eco Friendly Gift Ideas

Looking for great eco-friendly gift ideas? There's still time to drop a hint to Santa with this wish list with a little something for every member of the family!

Charming Gifts- Trendy charms mix and match to create the perfect personalized gift. All the jewelry found on this site including diamonds, pearls and gemstones are ethically sourced, conflict free fine jewelry. From Brilliant Earth.

Organic chic- The fabric is 100% Certified Organic Cotton interlock in a beautiful tonal herringbone pattern that adds texture to to this pencil skirt. A perfect wardrobe staple from Jonano.


Ski & Snowboard Pant- Hitting the slopes this winter? The two-layer recycled polyester fabric was developed with ECOCIRCLE® technology, which weaves stretch fabric from post-consumer and post-industrial polyester waste. Closing the loop, at the end of its long life the Bender Pant can be recycled once again into polyester fibers for reuse. Bender pant from Nau.


In the bag- a perfect all purpose bag goes from commuter to computer, moms to market, dads to diapers! The shell and taffeta lining are all 100% recycled polyester. All buckles are made with recycled aluminum. Shoulder pad is recycled wool felt. Shoulder webbing is 100% recycled polyester. From Nau.


Baby Fine- Swedish inspired kidswear available online and in local shops from Hanna Andersson. A great selection of organic cotton and eco materials are used in many of their products.


K Studio Pillow- At Shelly and Mary Klein's studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan, each product is made by hand. They start with fabric made from some of the most sustainable materials available such as hemp, organic cotton, and recycled wool. K studio designs are generated in house and are then embroidered, assembled, packaged, and shipped by their skilled team. Purchase from Design Public.


Driftwood Candles- Made from found pieces of driftwood these candles have a rustic, organic style that complements any home decor. From Natures Cabinet.


Good Energy- Give a charitable micro donation specifically targeted toward energy projects within communities. For example: adding insulated thermal windows to a community center in Somerville, MA. A great gift, especially if you reside in the great state of Massachusetts (or can spell it!) ;) Donate here.


Penguin Home Soda Maker- Refreshing, convenient and eco-smart. Use your own water and The Penguin reusable glass bottles to create bubbly beverages. No resources or energy wasted on producing and disposing of bottles nor energy wasted on transporting and distributing the water from the source to you. From Twig Living in Chapel Hill, NC.


The Write Stuff- Eco conscious colored pencils from Faber Castell have an easy to hold ergonomic shape and are made from reforested wood, preserving natural forests. From Moolka, on Amazon.


Green Paper Studio- The online store of Creative Parties in Bethesda, MD stocks almost the entire line of Green Paper Company stationery and bulk papers. They can personalize notes cards and create magnificent invitations for upcoming parties you have on deck for 2011. Shop here.


Repurposed Slate Coasters- These coasters have graduated from the blackboards of an elementary school in Illinois are now working overtime as coasters. Reclaimed wine cork feet keep them in their place. Handmade in Wisconsin. Buy at Uncommon Goods.


Toto Too- Reduce your carbon pawprint and stay out of the dog house! These beds are covered with Hemp fabric made with azo-free dyes which are non-chemical, earth friendly dyes. The hypo-allergenic bed inserts are "green fiber" made of recycled post consumer plastic bottles and covers are 100% Hemp. From Harry Barker.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin