Free Design - David Trubridge

I love the concept of a designer making his ideas available to the general public who may not be willing or able to invest in higher-end pieces. Though it may alter the "exclusivity" of a brand, I can't help but appreciate the desire to make quality design easily available. Rather than creating a lower-priced, lower-quality product line, David Trubridge's take on this concept has been to create a way for his admirers to make interesting light fixtures on their own using "Free Design". "Free Design" is simply a couple one-page documents with instructions on how to make light fixtures that he and his employees have designed. You have probably seen other DIY light fixture ideas, but there is just something nice about the fact these were developed by a respectable designer...

If any of you guys decide to try one of these at home, let me know how it turns out.

Several of Trubridge's manufactured designs...

My personal favorite - called Dream Space - I would say it is appropriately named.

nice pattern projection from the pendant

photos from davidtrubridge.com

"I got Reese's Puffs in my bowl"

The other day I found these in my grocery basket...

Who knew they still existed? I thought for a second that a 5 year old mistook my basket with their parent's - but no, they were hand-selected by a 28 year old man - my husband.

So, I did a little exploring and have found myself highly entertaining by the website dedicated to Reese's Puffs - specifically the Reese's Puffs Rap... hilarious. Not my typical Tuesday Tune, but embrace it...

Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls...

...or do.

A friend back in Georgia told me about a great hike to beautiful waterfalls that I had no idea were just around the corner from our place. This past weekend, we checked it out with some dear friends to discover that it is pretty gorgeous. Mister loved it - he climbed some crazy rocks all the way to the top like a champ.

for some reason we felt the need to put him in this awkward pose

our pals

You can find the Trail Map here.

Make Me Want a Paper Cut...

...kind of

Pretty much the greatest BAND-AID's I've ever seen...

spotted here

available here

Tcherassi Hotel + Spa

Found through a Design Bureau feature on the Tcherassi Hotel + Spa in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia - developed by designer Silvia Tcherassi.

Besides the roses in tall vases that make me think of Beauty and the Beast - Overall, what stands out about this property is Tcherassi's continual use of what I can't help but calling "crusty", rustic architectural details in conjunction with clean, sleek features.

design element to remember: stone and grass checkerboard patio surrounding the pool

A few pieces from her Pret-A-Porter and accessories collection...

photos from silviatcherassi.com

Up To The Mountain

Inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.'s last speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop", given the day before his assassination, Patty Griffin wrote "Up to the Mountain" - a song whose lyrics have been very powerful in my life the past few years.

19 00 N, 72 25 W: Haiti

My other half is here this week...

These are the guys he went with...

photos from my friend Karen

This is the organization he went with...

We know of it through some dear friends who began this organization...

which has joined forces with Mission of Hope - where my sweet brother-in-law now works.

You should take the time to check out what they are doing and watch some mighty entertaining webisodes.

Their websites: Mission of Hope and LespwaMeansHope

Black Popcorn

A couple great shots of Gene Davis's Black Popcorn (small stripes) and a sculpture by an artist who's name I can't seem to get my hands on - at the Corcoran Gallery

and another with Joan Mitchell's Salut Tom in the background

photographed by...

brother

the gallery is worth a visit.

Mister at the office

It is probably wrong of me to put fringed scarves on my large male dog, but at the office yesterday it just helped him blend in...

The Never Ending Stair Steps

Found this stairwell detail really interesting...

Saw these during a visit back East this past weekend while my Mom and I were checking out a few properties. Also had the pleasure of going to the wedding of a couple dear friends and officially meeting Miss Baby Bukes. Still kicking myself for not getting official photos of her precious nursery. Her momma did a fabulous job putting it together.

Here she is with her uncle Lock...

Won't you buy me a mercedes benz

A day late... Great little tune that makes me want to stomp my feet. Can't seem to find a live performance, but this'll do.

J Roddy Walston and The Business

Several months ago, we heard this crazy business when checking out a producer's repertoire. His name - Kevin Augunas. His company - Fairfax Recordings. His clientele - impressive and influential. His work - d@#* good. Ever since, we've been hooked on a particular band whose music makes it nearly impossible to sit still.

A little soulful southern rock n' roll nugget for you...

and another...

Tastebuds: Richmond & D.C.

We visited my family on a trip back East this weekend. In addition to "southern proper" accents, we had some great encounters with food. The not-so-healthy highlights:

TJ's at The Jefferson Hotel:

photo from history.org

Virginia has a few distinguished dishes specific to the state. One in particular I remember from growing up - Virginia peanuts. The Jefferson Hotel (iconic to Richmond, Virginia and its history - filled with quintessential Virginian interiors) put these peanuts to good use with a Virginia Peanut Soup - yes, a soup made of peanuts. It's name almost audibly screamed at me from the menu, and I gave in - just couldn't say no. The result - about five bites of nostalgia, confusion and flavors so rich I could only take so much. I didn't regret it. It was quite memorable - just left me with a bowl half full. My dad had no trouble solving that problem for me with his hungry tummy and Virginian tastebuds.

Try this at home... Virginia Peanut Soup Recipe

(seems like a similar recipe - just add bacon and chives)

The Argonaut:

photo from here

In D.C., my brother brought us to a great little patio at a restaurant on H street named The Argonaut. The moment the words manchego, panko, honey and paprika came out of the server's mouth, I knew the dish would be ours. And it came - on a bed of greens. Simple, and to me, it did no wrong - just a lot of right.

A recipe that seems close to this - I plan on giving it a go with a different type of oil to see if it turns out... Honey Glazed Fried Manchego Recipe

Dangerously Delicious Pies D.C.:

Ever since I saw this movie, I have been craving a place where I could go to eat pies for any meal of the day - meat pies, veggie pies, quiche pies, fruit pies, custard pies, chess pies. Dangerously Delicious Pies on H Street in D.C. has done it right. I regret not having tasted any of their original pies, but their classics were mighty good. It is well worth a visit.

Last little tidbit of deliciousness - this place served a delicious veggie pizza complete with fried fingerling potato chips on top. Pizza with potato chips - worth trying at home, folks...