Wednesday Wisdom - Giving Thanks

There shall be eternal summer
in the grateful heart.

- Celia Thaxter

Let us be grateful to people
who make us happy:
They are the charming gardeners
who make our souls blossom.

- Marcel Proust (1871 - 1922)

For all that has been, thanks.
For all that will be, yes.

- Dag Hammarskjold (1905 - 1961)

There's a lot of love in the blogosphere at this time of year, and even though my corner of the world doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, I'm going to join in nevertheless. As generally average as my 2009 has been, I still have much to be thankful for.

Firstly, as you may know, my immune system hasn't been treating me well of late, but today, this very morning, I woke up feeling good. Not just passable or okay, but really, really good. So no matter how elusive my health may be, I'm thankful for it nonetheless.

Secondly, for my loved ones who have supported and cared for me while my immune system has been off on holiday (probably on a tropical island somewhere, the lazy little sod!)...and for the support and care they send my way even when I'm fighting fit. My workplace fits into this category too, from concerned emails to multiple bunches of lovely flowers, I'm lucky to work with such a great group of people.

And last but certainly not least, you. For reading, for commenting, for being patient with my sporadic posting and my ridiculously slow email response times, for being both inspired and inspiring, and for having impeccably good taste in blogs!

Thank you.

xx Kit

[Please click on images for original sources]

Rock Around the Clock

I'll have one of each please.

I really adore the simplicity of this idea, yet the beauty of the end result. The idea itself might be quite suitable to a little DIY project, but it would be really difficult to compete with the gorgeous selection available from Faire Houre. All clocks are either one of a kind or strictly limited editions, so you know your timepiece is just as special as it looks.

I'm especially infatuated with the oversized turquoise style, but sadly it's already gone to a loving new home. Next time, Gadget!


[via decor8]

Sea Change

After what can only be described as a ridiculously hot weekend here in Sydney, I find myself daydreaming about all things beach-related. Beach cabins, beach picnics, swimming in the ocean. But most of all, I keep remembering the amazing photography of Clark Little.

I especially love this last photo - the form and colours of the wave remind me of some of the more flamboyant examples of Murano glass I came across in Venice (many, many years ago!)

Perhaps it's just the current cool change that's lulling me into a false sense of security, but I'm still quite looking forward to this summer. Beach trips, summer fruits, icy cold drinks...bring it on!

How did your weekend treat you?

[via Fubiz]

Three Weekend Reads

Hello weekend lurkers! Fancy seeing you here! I hope you're having a wonderfully relaxing weekend so far, but just in case you've run out of interesting reads, I have a little extra light reading for you.

• Fashion + Maths = FASHEMATICS
• 1000 Awesome Things to keep you smiling
• Learn Something Every Day and impress your friends with useless useful facts!

Enjoy! If you've come across any great reads during the week, leave a comment and share the love!

[Image via Her Library Adventures - complete with a perfect weekend Lovely List!]

Book Weather

In most of the inhabited world right now, it's perfect book weather - the chilly air outside is a perfect motivation to stay indoors with a good read, preferably rugged up by a heat source (fireplace, significant other etc.)

In my corner of the world however, the outdoors is currently the place to be, and all the better if you happen to have a book with you. There's fewer things more relaxing than sitting by (or in) the pool with a beaten up old paperback, or laying in the dappled shade of your local park. Add a cosy rug and a frosty drink, and that's pretty much my idea of summery perfection.

Which probably goes a large way to explain why I'm so enamoured with the idea of open-air libraries. Don't get me wrong, I love the enclosed types too, but it's hard to resist a bookcase on your footpath!

Holly blogged about these great community bookcases she stumbled upon over in Hannover - the bookcases are stocked up with donated books, and everyone is free to borrow and donate books as they so desire.

I love the idea of stopping by a micro-library on my way to the park and selecting whatever happens to take my fancy...especially when I can swap it for books I really should stop reading. (I'm looking at you, Twilight!)

For something a little more permanent, Karo Architekten have created the ultimate in open-air libraries. Located in Magdeburg, Germany, this little slice of book-loving heaven was designed with the local community. What began as a temporary installation back in 2005 was kept alive by the locals, and now they have a stylish monument to all their hard work.

Working on the same Give and Take principle, this project is a great demonstration of the effect a little people power can have on your surrounds.

The final design is also a cheeky nod to the building materials of the initial intervention - beer crates. Is there anything they can't do?!

I especially love the mixture of grass, landscaping and informal nooks and crannies. Even the graffiti adds a little something to the overall tectonics.

Cute reading nooks aside, I'd be making a beeline for the greenery. There's something blissful about the smell of freshly cut grass, and it's even better when you can lie around and soak it in. The only downside? Walking into an afternoon meeting with grass in your hair or smooshed into the side of your face doesn't really send the right message. But with a little help from Shinyoung Ma's ingenious 'Sleepy Joe', that's a thing of the past.

The sneaky inflatable book cover also doubles as a pillow, so if all that reading and relaxing gets too tiring, an afternoon nap won't do any damage to your career...or your hairstyle!

Fingers crossed for some good book-reading weather this weekend! What do you have planned?

P.S. If you happen to be in Sydney this weekend, take a break from your book and make sure you stop by the Once Upon exhibition and support your local arts scene - you know you want to!

Drink Your Woes Away

As I'm once again feeling under the weather, I'll try just about anything to kick-start my immune system and get back on track. When that 'anything' just so happens to come in lovely frosted glass packaging, I'm a happy little camper indeed.

Better yet, these Aviara AM/PM health drinks are perfect for late-rising folk like me who need a little extra help getting started in the morning, and a whole lot of (non-alcoholic!) help winding down in the evening.

AM is a perky concoction that includes green tea, pomegranate and ginseng, whilst PM is a soothing combination of rosemary, wolfberry, and a little prickly pear cactus for good measure.

These little guys will be coming to a store near you in early 2010, so stay healthy til then! Easier said than done, believe me!

Oh, and Aviara, if you happen to need an Australian taste tester...I'm your girl!

If You Haven't...

If you haven't spoken to your parents in a little while, or your siblings, or even a friend or two...please spend a few minutes over at Days With My Father, a beautiful tribute from talented photographer and loving son, Phillip Toledano.

Then, pick up your phone, or walk into the next room, and tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. Every second is precious.

Hazy Shade of...

Summer?! You're early! It's great to see you, don't get me wrong, but I would dearly love to spend a little more time with Spring.

Perhaps you could come back in a month or so? I'll meet you at the beach!


xx Kit

Frills, Spills and (t)Ruffles

If I can't have too many ruffles,

I'll do without ruffles.*

- Sidonie Gabrielle Colette (1873 –1954)

Holy. Freakin'. Swoon.

My Secret Wedding Obsession had been more or less dormant for quite a while now, but this amazing shoot by Carl Bengtsson for Brides (UK September/October 2009) has kicked my fixation right back into overdrive. Big arigato to {a glamorous little side project} and simple blueprint for bringing this slice of frilly heaven to my attention!

*Ruffles, truffles, what's a consonant or two between friends?!

Everywhere You Go

Walking ’round the room singing Stormy Weather

At 57 Mt. Pleasant Street
Now it’s the same room but everything’s different
You can fight the sleep but not the dream

Things ain’t cooking in my kitchen
Strange affliction wash over me
Julius caesar and the roman empire
Couldn’t conquer the blue sky

There’s a small boat made of china
Going nowhere on the mantlepiece
Do I lie like a loungeroom lizard
Or do I sing like a bird released

Everywhere you go you
Always take the weather with you

A roundup of my little trip up north is coming soon...as soon as I peel myself off my chair in search of my camera charger. Kind of wishing I left this heat up north of the border...38°C in Spring is NOT okay!

[Lyrics from Weather with You by Crowded House, beautiful photography by Burçin Esin.]

Get Framed - Polaroid Planter

I like plants. I like photography. So it follows that I like this cute lil' Polaroid Flower Vase by Jung Hwajin. Complete with built in lighting and the famous Polaroid proportions that we've come to know and love, this is one little prototype I'd happily hang in my humble abode, even if it meant a few holes and a cranky landlord.

I do however have a tendency to send my indoor plants to the garden in the sky, so succulents are definitely a go for forgetful types like yours truly.

Are you an indoors plants type of lad/lady, or are plants strictly al fresco in your corner of the world?

[via Yanko Design]

Wednesday Wisdom - Rest Assured

Laziness is nothing more

than the habit of resting
before you get tired.

- Jules Renard (1864 - 1910)

I have never taken any exercise
except sleeping and resting.

- Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)

A ruffled mind
makes a restless pillow.

- Charlotte Bronte (1816 - 1855)

Throughout my recovery, I've been tired all the time. I'm constantly sluggish and lethargic, and worst of all, guilty about my involuntary laziness! And whilst I'm eager to jump back in, full speed ahead, I know have to pace myself so I don't end up back in the ER.

So a huge, huge thank you to you all for your patience and understanding! I've finally peeked into my inbox and seen just how behind I am, but I assure you, it's right at the top of my list of things to do...right after another little nap.

xx Kit

P.S. The new look blog is on the way too...I promise!

[Please click on images for sources]

The Best Thing Since...

Another confession. I'm a Moleskine kid. I've never been anything else...but Burak Kaynak might just convert me yet with his tasty Sliced Bread Notebooks.

I like to think I'm not really a sucker for mere novelty value, but there's something strangely alluring about popping down to the shops for some milk and a loaf of books.

Knowing me, I'd forget to get the milk...but I'd have 12 cute little notebooks in which to write my next shopping list, and then milk success is virtually assured. Right?

Well maybe not. But I'd have cool notebooks, and that's what counts.

Fancy Seeing You Here

I have a confession.

After an impromptu trip to the emergency room and an unexpectedly lengthy recovery...I haven't done a scrap of reading. Or reseaching. Or designing. Or even checking my emails.

I have however done a lot of sitting, a lot of staring into space, and a whole lot of intense appreciation of the variety of flowers that have adorned my apartment since my own little Grey's Anatomy experience.

So, despite how astoundingly average this year has been treating myself and those around me, I've come to the conclusion that flowers brighten every room, smiles brighten every day, and friends and family brighten every corner of your existence.

2009 will be a great year yet!

Happy Monday everyone! So...what have I missed?

[Image by Max Wanger via A Cup of Jo]