...armoires were originally designed as gun cabinets. That is where they get their name. Later, when the French changed the tax code and began taxing the number of rooms, the aristocracy knocked down closet walls and replaced them with armoires or wardrobes.

The latest solution is the low- to medium-height console, which is not necessarily dedicated to the flat-screen television.

"A console or buffet is a great way to anchor the flat screen, as well as a place for storage.

On to another book review...

I have posted a few articles about my anticipation of the release of Regency Redux by Emily Eerdmans. And now that I've received my advance copy, all I can say is "instant classic". I'm actually suffering a bit of those post-reading doldrums- you know, that down feeling you get when you've finished a book that was pure joy to read. No matter because I might just read it again this week!

Eerdmans begins her book by giving the reader a brief history of the English Regency and French Empire styles- an important starting point as the 20th century interpretations of Regency are based on these two similar styles. Then, it's on to explore all of the different sub-genres of 20th century Regency. There's Neoclassical Moderne, Vogue Regency, Hollywood Regency, and Decorator Regency. I'm being a bit vague here as I don't want to spoil it for you, but let me just say that each distinct style is explored in great detail- and with copious amounts of scrumptious photographs (meaning... I want the furniture and interiors featured in this book.)

Also, the gang's all here, with Draper, Fowler, McMillen, Maugham, Arbus, Leleu, and others being prominently featured. And as the Regency look played such an important role in Hollywood cinema of the 1930s and 40s, there are scores and scores of movie stills that are a delight to see.

Now, I must say that I was prone to like this book as 1930s and 40s design suits my aesthetic. But no matter what your style is, if you're interested in classical, modern, traditional, stylized, theatrical or sophisticated interiors, then you too just might find this book to be as captivating as I did. Regency Redux is a must-have for any design library.


A still from the 1932 movie Transatlantic, which won an Oscar for art direction. The look here is referred to as "Deco Greco".


Another still, this time from the 1935 movie No More Ladies (appropriately named as Joan Crawford starred in it!). Eerdmans makes note of the Regency swags and the Neo-Grec furniture in this room.


Can you tell I'm a sucker for old movies??? Here is an image from the 1945 movie Week-end at the Waldorf. Wouldn't you have liked to attend this staged cocktail party??


The Palm Beach resident of Mrs. Hugh Walker Mercer, designed by Ruby Ross Wood. Wood is one of my all-time favorite decorators (and she was a Georgia girl too!).


A room designed by McMillen for Millicent Rogers... a match made in heaven. Note the Neoclassical details in the room.

Posted by Bluelines

We dropped in (not physically, of course) to ask her if her creative process translated to bricks and mortar.

5 Questions for Jessie Randall, Designer, Loeffler Randall

1. So, is picking out plumbing hardware as challenging as churning out a collection?
Picking out plumbing hardware is the worst. We spent our Christmas vacation buried in plumbing fixture catalogues (Davis & Warshow, McMaster). My husband picked out all kinds of fancy fixtures, but my most favorite are the industrial toilet and urinal we put in the boys’ bathroom. They are so simple and functional. They look better than any of the other stuff, in my opinion. The renovation was a massive project. We have a lot on our plate with the house, the twins and the company. So juggling it all was the hardest part, but it was fun.

2. What one thing do you have to have in your home (even amidst contractors)?
As much natural light as possible.

3. What are you most excited about when the house is complete?
The boys’ room is my most favorite part of the house. I put in a lighted diorama in their room that was modeled off of the one in my friend Bronagh's children’s store in Williamsburg, Sweet William. I also love the color of the walls in the boys’ room, Pensive Sky, a pale grey blue-green that is so calming and relaxing.

4. Taking away anything from the renovation that will infuse your upcoming collections?
I don’t tend to use lots of pattern and print in my collections, but in my house I put up several patterned wallpapers (Osborne & Little, Second Hand Rose, Walnut Wallpaper). I love them and they give so much character to the house. It’s gotten me hooked on prints, so I may incorporate more in my collections.

5. What do you think will be the most often used room of your house?
Who knows? We’ll have to see once we move in. I am guessing it will be one particular area because with two flights of stairs and twins, I am probably going to want to stay put.

today’s city guide belongs to wilmington, north carolina and comes to us courtesy of ellie snow of mint. ellie grew up in wilmington and has been living in the triangle area of north carolina ever since. she’s currently a graphic design at flywheel design in durham and is thrilled to share her favorite hometown spots. wilmington is known as “wilmywood” to some, because of the numerous tv shows and movie that shoot there, so if you’re in town keep your eyes open- you never know who you’ll bump into (i’ll never forget hearing from friends in wilmington who got to see the dawson’s creek cast for years). click here to view the full guide or just click “read more” below. thanks, ellie!

Nestled between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington is often called the Port City; although many fondly refer to it as “Wilmywood” in honor of local motion picture and TV studio Screen Gems. (Think Dawson’s Creek, or the recent Nights in Rodanthe). Wilmington was settled nearly 300 years ago, and today visitors can stroll tree lined streets past century-old homes, then drive less than twenty minutes to find themselves among surfers and sunbathers on beautiful beaches. In the mid 1980s, Wilmington began to revitalize its downtown and today the area is rich with restaurants, bars, boutiques, galleries, and antique shops.

SHOP:

-Edge of Urge- 18 Market St.
Located just a block from the riverfront in downtown Wilmington, indie boutique Edge of Urge has become a favorite among locals and tourists. The boutique specializes in the handmade, with a range products by DIYers to brands like Orla Kiely, and a wonderful collection of mens and womens clothing, shoes, accessories, goods for the home, notecards, and more.

-Island Passage- 4 Market St. or 1900 Eastwood Rd. (Lumina Station)
An old local favorite for women’s clothing and accessories, Island Passage now boasts 6 locations in the Cape Fear region and has labels such as Free People, French Connection, and Velvet.

-Return Passage- 302 N. Front St.
A sister of Island Passage, Return Passage is a one stop shop for those looking for gently used, well priced clothing and accessories. If Marc Jacobs under $50 sounds appealing, then Return Passage is your place.

-Blackbeard’s Bryde- 18 S Water St. #5
Blackbeard’s Bryde has an eclectic (and occasionally blush-worthy) selection of gifts, clothing, jewelry, and things for the home. It’s located right on the Cape Fear River and is named for Wilmington’s pirate past.

-Baby Swank- 1904 Eastwood Rd. in Lumina Station
Just over two years old, Baby Swank is an upscale shop with everything needed to upfit your dream nursery, from cribs to rocking chairs to linens.

-The Ivy Cottage- 3020-3030-3100 Market St.
The Ivy Cottage was opened in 1998 by a mother daughter team with a true love for antique shops and flea markets. Over the years it has grown from one building to four and now has over 25,000 square feet of vintage and consigned furniture, home accessories, antiques, china, jewelry, garden items, and more.

-Planet- 108 N. Front St.
Look for the mannequin wearing a gas mask, and you’ll know you’ve found Planet. Odd gifts and good deals make this shop a hit with men and women alike.

-008- 105 Market St.
This tiny boutique got the headlines this year (sort of) when Sophia Bush strolled in and bought a couple of shoes. It’s not surprising, then, that 008 is the place to find hip mens and womens clothing and accessories.

-Airlie Moon- 1908 Eastwood Rd. in Lumina Station
Step into Airlie Moon, take a whiff of that lavender, and you’ll be ready to move into a cottage on Wrightsville Beach and start decorating. Think refinished furniture and design with southern, sophisticated vintage-inspired flair - with plenty of crisp linens, hand-milled soaps, and delicate jewelry to boot.

-Flashbax- 30 N. Front St.
You’re sure to find the perfect flapper dress, sixties beads, or vintage cowboy boots at Flashbax on Front St.

-Hallelu- 84 Waynick Blvd. Wrightsville Beach
Hallelu has great clothing (both new and consigned), good prices, and a scenic view of the sound. After you’ve bought that cute dress, duck around the corner to Trolley Stop (see below) for the best hot dog you’ve ever had.

-Antiques on Castle Street, 500-600 block
Castle Street is a great place to spend a couple hours antiquing. Favorites include Castle Keep (507 Castle St.), a shop with beautiful vintage textiles located in an old church building, and Retrolution (553 Castle St.), a new shop specializing in cool finds from the 60s and 70s and excellent prices.

-The English Garden- 2317 Market St.
Gifts for your favorite gardener, plus a great selection of orchids and rose bushes.

-Sambuca- 200 N Front St.
Sambuca is a boutique and spa specializing in organic, fair trade, renewable, and recycled materials with lots of style. They offer a good sized selection of beauty and skincare products, in addition to Bella Muse gift cards and stylish, comfortable women’s clothing.

EAT:

Narrowing down Wilmington’s restaurants is no easy task. Wilmington has become known for its wide selection of delicious cuisine, and of course nearly everyone offers a good selection of seafood. If you’re new to the area, you have to give Calabash-style (read: deep-fried) seafood a try - preferably with a side of hush puppies. And of course there is good ‘ol southern BBQ at every turn. But as you’ll see from this list, this southern town is not all greasy-spoon joints.

-Dock Street Oyster Bar- 12 Dock St.
When I tell people I’m from Wilmington, it’s not uncommon for the Dock St. Oyster Bar to come up in conversation shortly thereafter. Delicious seafood, good service, and dog friendly.

-Indochine- 3007 Market St.
I’ve lost count of how many restaurant awards Indochine has been given, and in my own humble opinion, Indochine is one of Wilmington’s best. Since it’s often crowded, you’ll probably be sent to the bar for a couple drinks before you’re seated in their richly atmospheric dining area and served delicious Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. If the weather is nice, sit out back in a gazebo and enjoy the garden under strings of lights.

-Caffe Phoenix- 9 S. Front St.
You’d be hard pressed to order a bad thing on this menu. Modern and trendy since it opened in the ’80s, Caffe Phoenix is a good place to have a glass of wine, watch passersby, and check out local artwork on the walls.

-Circa 1922- 8 N. Front St.
The hardest part about classy Circa 1922 is knowing when to stop eating all the fantastic tapas you’ve ordered. Because skipping dessert is not recommended!

-The Dixie Grill- 116 Market St.
Combine greasy-spoon style eating with menu items like veggie burgers and fresh fruit & granola, and you’ll have Dixie Grill. Just don’t leave without trying the sweet potato fries! Breakfast served until 3pm.

-Slice of Life- 122 Market St.
Who doesn’t want a hot piece of pizza after hitting up the downtown bar scene? Open until 3am, cozy Slice of Life has a great pub atmosphere and truly delicious pizza.

-Trolley Stop- 121 N. Front St. and 94 S Lumina Ave. Wrightsville Beach
The Trolley Stop has two locations - one downtown and one at the beach. Go to Trolley Stop at the beach in the summer, and the line goes out the door as beach-clad locals load up on Surfer Dogs. I don’t know if it’s the ridiculously soft buns, the melty cheese, or the juicy hotdog itself, but there is nothing like a Trolley Stop dog.

-Tidal Creek- 5329 Oleander Dr. #100
Tidal Creek is a market and deli selling organically produced foods and goods from local growers and high-ethics companies.

-Casey’s Buffet and BBQ, 5559 Oleander Dr.
Look past the atmosphere and dig in to a plate of collard greens, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and of course BBQ. Southern charm on the side.

-Coffee
Wilmington is the birthplace of Port City Java, although now that Port City Java is a franchise in seven states, it’s almost like visiting Starbucks in Seattle. Instead try the Smudged Pot (5032 Wrightsville Ave.) which has friendly staff, a great selection of magazines, crafty goods for sale, AND ice cubes are made from coffee. Another good bet is Jester’s Java on Castle Street (#607) which is a great place to stop after you’ve hit up all the antique shops there.

TO DO:

Festivals

Wilmington holds numerous festivals - most notably Azalea Fest which takes place each year in April when the azaleas are in full bloom (well, at least in theory.) The multi-day festival includes a parade, a street fair with local crafters, teens in antebellum gowns (’Azalea Belles’), concerts, home tours, and more.

Downtown Wilmington becomes festive again in October with Riverfest, when you can watch fireworks, view local arts and crafts, hear good music and watch various competitions.
For those who tire of the street-fair scene, there are some fantastic arts festivals that should not be missed.

In November the Cucalorus Film Festival celebrates independent films, in May the volunteer-run W.E. Fest celebrates indie musicians, and in July the Cape Fear Blues Festival brings national and local acts to the Port City.

Bars

Wilmington bars come and go, but these favorites always promise a good time. The Soapbox Laundro-Lounge is downtown’s largest music venue and has washing machines available for patrons who need to kill two birds with one stone. Level 5 at City Stage (21 N. Front St. 5th floor) is a theatre and rooftop bar combined. Enjoy the riverfront view from above and then duck inside and see what’s playing. Bluepost Billiards (15 S Water St.) is a smoky dive off of an alley downtown. Pop open a PBR and play pool, skee-ball, air hockey, or any number of arcade games.

-Thalian Hall- 310 Chestnut St.
Built in the 1850s, Thalian is a beautiful place to see local and national productions from ballet to music to films.

-Farmers Market- N. Water St. between Princess & Market
From mid April to the end of December, local farmers, crafters, and musicians gather on the Riverfront for the Saturday Farmer’s Market.

-Airlie Gardens & the Minnie Evans Sculpture Garden, 300 Airlie Rd.
Airlie Gardens is an historic, 67 acre county-owned piece of property on the water just before Wrightsville Beach. It’s a wonderful place for a walk or a picnic, and is home to the “bottle house,” a work of art dedicated to African American folk artist Minnie Evans. Evans was the gatekeeper of Airlie from 1949-1974 and the bottle house (named because it is made of glass bottles and mortar) was built in 2004 by local artists to celebrate her life.

-Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum, 3021 S 17th St.
Built by the famous architectural firm Gwathmey Siegel & Associates of New York City, the Cameron Art Museum is one of my favorite places to visit. The museum has featured such exhibits as the costume designs of William Ivey Long, contemporary works using classic weaving techniques, and the phenomenal installations of Diane Landry. The museum shop items complement whatever is currently on display in the museum, making it an enjoyable stop on the way out.

-ACME Art Studios, 711 N. Fifth Ave. 910-763-8010
Ring the bell and if anyone answers then you’re in for a real treat. ACME is home away from home for 18 artists who work in all different mediums. You can also visit ACME during Fourth Friday art walks, from 6-9pm.

-Fourth Friday Art Walk, from 6-9pm April-December, 208 N Front St.
Start at Bottega Gallery, get a map, and visit the downtown art galleries during this monthly grassroots event.

I feel like there are so many great shops on Etsy right now that to simply mention 5 is not enough today. I’m going for 10 if that’s okay with you (just for today!). Plus it’s a short work week, I’m taking Thursday and Friday off so I can give you a little extra since you’ll have to go without for a few days… Ah, it’s okay though! Logging off of the internet for a bit is super beneficial — I think we all should ’step away from the web’ for at least one day now and then. I’m stepping away Thursday, Friday, and all day Saturday and maybe even Sunday because I haven’t done that in a very long while and I feel like there is this need to do so. I’ve been feeling super inspired lately but like many of you, have lacked follow through so I plan to jump on some of my projects while I’m not blogging… I am very excited to take a brief pause you know? Can you relate to this need to step back for a few days and unleash your creativity? No Facebook, no email, nothing… I can’t wait. But I’ll have to wait… because it’s time for Etsy Take Five Tuesday! I’ve promised you 10 shops today so how ’bout I stop talking and let you start looking and clicking around. Ready? Go!

1. Lost Teeth - The art of Seattle based Natalia Czajkiewicz features slightly edgy illustrations of worldly girls on the go. I love the strong lines and colors. ::website::

2. Sound Revolution - This body of work by an Australian graphic designer and illustrator is inspired by the conflicting and harmonious relationships that the urban environment has with the natural world. I find this an interesting theme and enjoy seeing some of the stags here and there. Stags are everywhere lately, especially in stores in Germany. Is it the same in America at the moment? Stags as a motif?

3. Ice Cream Social - This is the candy shop for those with a paper goods craving. You’ll really swoon for these beautiful lick-your-fingers designs. ::Ice Cream Social Blog::

4. New Fashioned Whispers - I found this shop over at Melissa Loves today, and the moment I saw the snowflake earrings that Melissa featured I purchased them because they are delightful for winter and very Anthropologie without the often high price tag. This shop has gorgeous jewelry with an old fashioned twist, so girly, some art decor pieces, and they are affordable — especially if you compare them with what you find at some of our favorite retail chain stores. Eek! Thanks for the tip, Melissa! (she always finds the sweetest things.)

5. Naoko’s Stoop - “Aw…” That’s the first word that came out of my mouth the second I opened the page of this darling little etsy shop. Naoka was born in Tokyo (hence this gorgeous style she has) and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Great work, especially her pieces on wood.

6. Track and Field Designs - This is one of my favorite little crafty shops and I’m constantly doing an online drive by to see if Sasha has listed anything new. Well this time I scored because I found a few newish things that I like, sweet to add in gift packs for friends or to give to your nieces (or okay, yourself).

7. Fiery Eyed - Oh Jenifer Altman, what you do to me! She is such a beam of light, wow. Her work always impresses me, with every new photo I’m amazed. More Jenifer here on her ::website:: or her blog ::Nectar and Light::

8. Shup(G) - Lydia Wong loves a good charm necklace, she makes so many creative ones too! Lydia is offering a 10% discount until December 15, 2008 on purchases totaling $50 and above. She will amend the invoice once she receives notification of your purchase. Charmed, I’m sure!

9. Nancy Tobin - Nancy’s paintings are wild, imaginative, magical… and so colorful! I can envision one of  prints in a very modern white space or even an artsy colorful apartment against painted walls in bold jewel tones like midnight blue or purple. Her work can fit into so many different decors. Nancy has been an artist for many years, her illustrations have appeared in magazines and children’s books, she has designed toys for Hasbro and graphic design for Herman Miller. Quite a lady! More of Nancy here::Nancy Tobin Blog:: or ::website::

10. Finest Imaginary - Super fun laser cut acrylic necklaces, can you resist this tea necklace? I thought not. So cute with a dress like this one…

How was that round up? What did you like best? Any new to you?

(images from shops linked above)

Today is my final day of work for this week, I’ve decided that since I run my own business I am entitled to take normal holidays off just like everyone else. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and though no one observes it here in Germany, I decided that I am taking it off anyway! I’m also taking Friday off so I can enjoy a much needed 4 day weekend. Yippee! I can’t wait to unplug from the computer for a few days and jump into some crafting projects. I want to make several mini paintings for friends, work on some projects around my apartment, and just enjoy the last 3 weeks in Germany as I leave in 22 days (wahhh!) and head back to the states for the winter. Tomorrow begins the annual Weihnachtsmärkte for the next three weeks so I’ll be out and about with my camera and of course, my wallet! I love to shop at these little vendors, I usually don’t spend much money but I do enjoy all of the treats and wooden toys. I am so looking forward to this short vacation.

Here are some of my current Flickr faves. Please click here to view them all, you can click on the mini photos once you are on Flickr to view them in full size. Pay special attention to the little fox. Once you click on him you will find the most lovely story.

Have a bright and beautiful few days and since you’re an international crowd and not all celebrate Thanksgiving since it’s primarily an American holiday, I’ll simply wish you a lovely time doing whatever it is that you will do until we meet again. I’ll see you on Monday, December 1st.

“I’m glad… to go…. I cannot tell a lie… so Long, Farewell, auf Weidersehen, Goodbye….I leave and heave a sigh and say goodbye!” - Lyrics from the Sound of Music.

xo,
Holly

(image from flickr)

So my posting has been a bit spotty this week because quite honestly, I've been really distracted. Distracted by the great Fall book releases that is.

I spent last night reading the Domino: The Book of Decorating (by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, and Dara Caponigro), and this book really could not have arrived on my doorstep at a better time. The book is chock full of practical decorating advice on color schemes, furniture, mixing and matching elements in a room, and much more. And let's face it- many times it's the practical advice that we really need. There is nothing more fun than finding design inspiration, but sometimes we just need some guidance with the actual execution part, and this book certainly helps with that.

While many of the photos in the book will be familiar to you Domino readers, there are some that seemed new to me. And while we all know that it's the details that make a room, the same can be said for books too. One great thing about the book is that there is no dust jacket, meaning you can throw the book in your bag and carry it around to the design center, the paint store, and the hardware store. I'm also crazy for the colorful interior illustrations that appear at the beginning of each chapter. It's really a nice touch.

I'm hesitant to give too much away, but let me just say that I think you're in for a real treat. Domino: The Book of Decorating is going to be a great addition to your design library.

For years now, we've read about internet entrepreneurs, young Wall Street tycoons, and the like who have set out to become serious art collectors, and the high prices that this art (usually Contemporary) commands just proves what a hot market it is. But what about decorative arts collectors? How many young or middle-aged people do you know who collect porcelain, silver, or antique furniture? I'm not really talking about someone who dabbles in a few objects here and there. I mean those people who have a serious and abiding passion for a particular field of collecting.

I think this is one reason why I so admire the late Philip Shutze, the dean of Atlanta architecture. Shutze's architecture, rooted in the Beaux Arts tradition, has an elegance that is both classic and erudite. But did you know that he was also a passionate collector of 18th and 19th century decorative arts? Shutze had a marvelous collection that ranged from Meissen porcelain to Chinese Export. In fact, he purchased many of his pieces from Northeast dealers who also supplied Henry Francis du Pont with much of his collection.

What struck me was not just the breadth of his collection, but the way in which he displayed it. Living in a small apartment on Peachtree St. in Atlanta, Shutze's home was chock full of antiques, objects and books. The man actually lived with and used these precious objects. One look at the photographs and you can tell that this was someone who was a passionate and curious collector. It's evident that an interesting person lived there- someone you might like to know.

Shutze once wrote "It may well be that another generation will see collecting, as we have known it, by the individual come to a grinding halt." Shutze believed this might be due to economic reasons, but I believe it also has to do with the fact that collecting decorative arts is just not sexy. But Shutze did go on to say that "it is the duty of the present generation to preserve what we have of value for the level of taste has sunk to an unprecedented state and our production is blue denim and ersatz." To think that this was written in 1973-74! Now, I'm not going give up my dark blue denim nor some of the pastiche that I have in my home, but Mr. Shutze has inspired me to become a serious collector too. But before I pull my money from under my mattress, I think I'll do my homework first!


A view of Shutze's Dining Room.


The other end of his Dining Room with his "Mandarin" and "Fitzhugh" Chinese Export porcelain displayed on a sideboard.


The living room with a Shutze "tablescape".


Shutze's kitchen and his collection of blue and white Chinese Export which he used on a daily basis.

Image at top: Philip Shutze

• Bondville - cool products & design from Australia and elsewhere to keep you in the know. Steph has a great eye for Aussie finds and even better she's from Brisbane too! I'm blown away by the blogging talent coming out of my home town Briz-Vegas!




• Susie Q from eye spy sent me a link to the work of Alvin Lustig. If you don't know his work you're in for a treat!




• Love metremade. Love. Liz Roger and Tess McCabe are the creative Aussie duo behind these fab pattern designs. (I used their Take the Tube fabric in green on a lampshade.) These ladies are SO talented. Fabric, desktop wallpapers (download here) and now the most exciting news of all - they have designed patterns for Grippiks, decorative pattern "accents" for IKEA furniture. The pattern pieces are pre-cut to size for popular IKEA furniture items, and you simply peel and stick for a fast and fabulous furniture makeover! Girls, girls, girls I take my hat off to you!




• Email in from Jamie Ward Furniture. Jamie wrote, "I am interested in producing eco-friendly pieces which fit into a contemporary home as attractive hand made furniture. I take a playful, inventive approach to designing and manufacturing work which is all made from second hand furniture which has been found discarded around Manchester. The lack of value these pieces have in a modern wasteful society I find surprising, the value for me has always been the individuality and character each piece of metal and wood has due to the weathering which rusts, warps and discolours the materials." Clever, inspired, eco-chic and at times hauntingly beautiful (and at others in your face). Great stuff!




• Tracy Porter is a design whirlwind. On-line store with gorgeous apparel and homewares and now a blog. Is it a marketing event, is it a woman bent on succeeding in business, is it a lifestyle, is it living with style? It's Tracy Porter.




• Been to Chic Tip yet? It's a daily design blog dedicated to the art of interior design. They feature stores, products, artists, reviews, sales, contests announcements, trends-in-the-make and more. But it's more than just a blog, it’s a community - for designers seeking inspiration, and for amateur design enthusiasts.




• Alexis the web editor at marthastewart.com emailed to let us know that Martha's radio channel (Sirius 112 and XM 157) is running a Thanksgiving hotline November 24-26. "We have peeps like Martha (of course), Emeril, Isaac Mizrahi, Johnny Iuzzini and Mario Batali answering your Thanksgiving questions!" Details here. We don't do Thanksgiving in Australia but I sure love turkey! Oh and pie, lots of pie!




• Lastly I'm sure you have all seen the first in a series of video collaborations between Grace at design*sponge and the New York Public Library. They're following 5 artists (Julia Rothman, John Pomp, Mike Perry, Moontree Press and Lorena Barrezueta) as they create collections inspired by the library's collections. It's an amazing idea and I can't wait to go on the journey with them. Get yourself started on this creative trip yourself if you haven't already. All you need to know is here.