Hello Summer!

It's officially Summer! So happy first day of Summer everyone! I'm excited about the hotter weather and all the Summer activities to come. Summer is about having fun and soaking up the sun, hanging outside and tanning. To combat the heat, one needs to stay hydrated. What better way than to play than in a pool?! You don't even need an underground or expensive pool to have fun. The best part is that backyard pools have become so accessible and affordable that anyone could have one. I can't swim so my favorite thing for the pool is inflatable pool floats. These literally save my life. I'm just kidding, but in all seriousness, they are pretty reliable. They're a good way to just lounge and relax. Even though you're in your own backyard, your floaty shouldn't be plain and boring. There are so many unique and adorable pool floats available nowadays. They, like everything else in your life, should reflect your personality.

Food Float

photo via Bemlegaus

photo via Bemlegaus

photo via FredFlare

photo via Kaboodle

There are so many so called "Foodies" that would die for these salty and sweet floaties. They are incredibly adorable and look just like the real deal. Who wouldn't love to relax on a nice toasty pretzel or cool donut? Everything is more fun with more people. The more the merrier. The pretzel is large enough to seat 3 so bring on the sun and bring on the fun!

 Teacup Float

photo via Squidoo

Pool floats have became so creative and innovative. No more boring circle rings when there are spinning teacups. That's right, spinning teacups. Everyone loves those spinning teacups from Disneyland and this is an awesome alternative to that. Sit back, relax and let others do the work while you sit and spin. You'll surely be the center of attention in this thing.

Carousel Float

photo via ToySplash

Like the spinning teacup, this carousel is manually operated. But that's half the fun right? This classic symbol of fun comes with a canopy to block the beaming sun which means more hours of entertainment. This float will definitely will one all will enjoy.

Pet Floats

photo via Frontgate

Who said only humans should have all the fun and relaxation? Many pet owners grow a special bond with their pets, some even calling them their kids, that they would do and give anything to them. That seems insane, but how can we tell someone who or what to love. These pool floats for pets are insanely adorable. Imagine walking into someones backyard and seeing a furry critter just laying there relaxing. I can't think of anything more precious. So take some time and spend part of your Summer relaxing. Everyone could use a break from their hectic lives. Try some of these whimsical pool floats to brighten up your Summer!

Clever Clocks

I've always been fond of watches, clocks, and time. I have quite a watch collection and have to hide some because it's a little embarrassing. There's something about clocks that interest me. It might be the idea of how timeless time really is and how we measure time. It might be how I can literally watch time pass me by and feel as if time hasn't really passed. It's like time stops and I'm hypnotized by the monotonous motion of each second, minute, and hour. Clocks are more than just an object that portrays time. It shouldn't be looked over. It, like everything in your life, should show your personality. I like to think I'm artistic, whimsical and a little sarcastic. Okay okay, maybe a lot sarcastic, and the things that attract my eye often reflect these traits. As you grow older, your tastes grow along with it. Customizable clocks are a unique way to allow growth in your personality. They allow you to change up your daily style and not get bored with time.

Clip Clock

photo via Rig Out

I like the concept of "killing two birds with one stone." This clip clock by Rig Out allows you to do just that. It lets you be creative while keeping time. The clips allow you to personalize the clock any way you want, from type to pictures. You can customize this clock to match how you feel at certain times. Did you get that pun? I had to do it!

Writing Board Clocks

photo via Etsy

photo via Etsy

Talk about customization. These dry erase and chalk clocks from WoodstockClocks are fun and whimsical. They allow you to be the designer and design your own clock. The first thing one looks at when they wake up is their clocks. Write all your important notes, lists, or schedule on one of these and you'll never forget what you need to do throughout the rest of the day.

photo via perpetual kid

Time is priceless. Without it we would all be trapped in a time warp that's never ending. There would be only light and darkness. There would be no way to track your day or keep your schedule. We would all be unorganized, confused, and everything would be complicated. There would be no way to know when you need to wake up or go to bed, meet a friend or go to work. Life would be difficult. Time is a measurement device. It keeps track of your daily life and keeps you organized thus making you more productive. Time is no laughing matter.  Don't let time pass you by. Grab these clever clocks to customize and improve your life!

Street Art

I'm truly ecstatic to share with you one of my all time favorite street artist, Mark Jenkins. If you aren't familiar with him or street art, the purpose is to get the attention of its viewers, to make a statement and get people talking. They make you interact with them. I originally found out about Jenkins and his works was from his incredible tape animal installations. They are fun and whimsical, complete opposite of his other street installations. They are dark, mysterious and kind of creepy. These are the main points that interest me and make me admire his work. These definitely make a statement. It's more than just street installations. There is a deeper meaning behind these pieces and it's eerie just thinking about it.

photo via Mark Jenkins

Today in society people don't want to get involved with other people and their "problems." Seeing people walk by these eerie installations is a little chilling. It makes you wonder how people can just ignore certain situations. I mean, sometimes people find it easier to just look the other way and pretend that they've seen nothing. It's pieces like these that catches your attention and make you think about life. The juxtaposition of the colorful balloons against the static figure is bizarre. It brings a sense of inconsistency to a dark situation.

photo via Mark Jenkins

People react differently to all situations. That's what makes us unique, that's what make us who we are. I went to a play yesterday about people's perspectives and how everyone is the same but it's their views and how they react to certain situations that make them different. I honestly wouldn't know what to think if I were to see one of these sculptures on the street. Initially I might be shocked and try to stray away. But my curious side would lead me closer to them. Seeing a person in a trash can is not a sight seen daily.

photo via Mark Jenkins

Talk about getting people to stop. This installation is surreal and hallucinatory. It goes to the extreme to get its point across. This will literally stop you in your tracks and ponder about the piece. This is what Jenkins wants people to do. Stop and interact with their surroundings. Life is not only about helping yourself but helping others. Don't turn the other way when someone is in need. Walking past surreal situations is not a crime but it's strange to think about how many people actually do this. The statement that Jenkins is trying to portray is real and eerie.

photo via Mark Jenkins

photo via Mark Jenkins

On a lighter note, Jenkins also makes tape installations that still interact with the environment, but are lively and merry. The complete opposite of his darker, more serious works. These were what initially drew me towards his work. They are fun, whimsy and unexpected. Mark Jenkins is undoubtedly one of my favorite street artists and you should check out more of his work here!

Wallpapers!

Hello all! I've been rearranging and cleaning my room for the last couple weeks. I took down all my posters and ended up with discolored walls. I don't want to repaint my walls so I've been looking at various products to cover them up. Wallpapers are classic. They're the first thing that comes to mind when you want to cover up your room but not paint them. But over the years wallpapers have gotten a bad name. They've become associated with grandma's wallpaper, something old fashioned and not stylish. But in these modern times, wallpapers have made a comeback and have become somewhat a go to wall accessory. This is because there are a wider array of unique and fun wallpapers to choose from. Wallpapers are essential for house decoration. They will liven your living space with style and class.

Concrete and Attic Wallpaper

photo via Tom Haga

I've always been a fan of grungy textured walls. Their grittiness really blends well with the beauty of minimalism. Concrete and attic wallpapers give your living space a unique look. These will play with your senses. Your sight, mind, and touch are going to be stunned when you see a textured wall yet touch a flat surface. There is no way one would destroy their walls just to rebuild in a different material. I mean there are, but there is no need to. It's easier now to buy and put up textured wallpapers to get the same look. Why waste your time and money, when all you need to do is put up a wallpaper!

Alphabet wallpaper

photo via chictip.com

Typography has become very trendy lately. This alphabet wallpaper is not only for kids. It's modern and chic. The black is a strong focal point against the white walls. It makes a statement. Limit this to one or two walls and balance out with white. This will cause the walls to stand out but not overpower and drag the color and life out of the room.

3D Wallpaper

photo via Trendir

This is not your grandma's wallpaper for sure! I'm a big fan of 3d textures. This 3d vase wallpaper is simply gorgeous. The effect this wallpaper creates is brilliant. Light affects the shading which in turns creates a different look every time you look at it. This wallpaper makes your rooms look bigger, fancier, and more sophisticated.

World Map Wallpaper

photo via a pair & a spare

Maps have always been a trendy item. They're educational, but visually stunning. Cover your walls with maps to enliven your rooms with color while staying on top of your geography.

Classic Floral

photo via Oh Joy!

Flowers and florals have been a staple in wallpaper since it was invented. If you don't believe me, go into any old house and you'll more than likely see flower wallpaper. This floral paper is modern and adorable. The pattern is neutral enough to blend well with your everyday life and not overpower your room or anything inside.

 Boy's Favorite Wallpaper: Cars and Robots

photo via studio ditte

These cars and robots wallpaper are fun and bold. They will surely brighten up and bring joy to any room. They add a sense of character that is unique to all wallpapers. At the end of the day, it's not only about what wallpaper you choose, but what you choose to place with the wallpaper. Like your life, there needs to be a balance with wallpapers. You cannot overdo it and fill all your walls with wallpaper. You have to pick and choose. Having too much of a good thing always turns out bad. So fill up less than half your room with wallpaper and balance this out with stylish furniture and accessories!

House of Greens

I have a soft spot for nature. I believe natural landmarks, parks, and plants should be preserved for a better and cleaner environment. I do my part in reusing and recycling. And since it's Summer, I even started planting fruits and flowers. Plants gives off oxygen which is essential to us since we need it to live. So incorporating nature and plants into our living spaces is quite resourceful. Putting these in houses not only creates cleaner, purer living spaces but surprisingly plants eliminate indoor chemical vapors such as formaldehyde found in many building materials. If you aren't familiar with formaldehyde, it's a colorless gas that in the long run can cause respiratory problems. So you see that having plants in your living space creates cleaner air thus encouraging a healthier you.

photo via apartment therapy

photo via apartment therapy

photo via Remodelista

photo via Huseby Living

Plants literally make your house come alive! They not only make your living space look bigger and brighter, but they purifies the air creating cleaner fresher air. The key to having plants in your living space is moderation. I think that is key to everything. You don't want to be too greedy and ruin a good thing. Limiting the amounts of plants in your living space can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a hoarder. Even though plants are good for you and the environment, hoarding is never a good thing.

Tabletop Plants

photo via Huseby Living

photo via Sweet Paul

My favorite place indoor for plants is on tabletops. I personally have a few plants on my kitchen counter and on various tables around the house. They sure liven up every room and my daily life. They are the best investment in accessory. The bring a sense of life to an otherwise ordinary room. Accessorizing your desks or tables with living plants will open your minds and make you feel lighter and happier. Don't restrict nature to the outdoors. Bring the outdoors inside for an all day happy feeling.

Wall Plants

photo via babyramen

Check out this DIY hanging planter from A Beautiful Mess Blog. Even though this was created for the outdoors, the same rules apply if you want to use this for indoors. Hanging baskets have always been one of my favorites. The only problem I have with these are the prices. They can be pretty pricey, especially if you want the good quality ones. Hanging baskets can act like picture frames. They decorate and add character to your living space thus enlivening them and making your place more "homely." There are so many advantages in putting plants indoors. Whether it's for decorative or health reasons, plants are living entities and should be treated as such. They're kind of like pets, but are easier and cheaper to take care of. The best part is that they're static and don't do their business all over the place. So go out and buy an indoor plant, you're not only helping the environment, but you're also helping yourself and your health!

Collection of The Week

It's already Friday! That means the weekend is just around the corner. I've been super busy with everything going on lately but I still found some interesting stuff from the past week. These don't really have a theme or fit in a collection. When it comes down to it, they're a mix of whimsical, practical, and minimal. They're just a few items I found cute and unique and felt all of you would like.


Porcelain Elephants

Photo via DaWanda

AnneR-Design has created these incredibly adorable porcelain elephant figurines. The silhouette of these are abstract and a little mysterious. It gives off a slight form of an elephant, but these can be interpreted in many other ways. The matte texture and bold single-colors are simply gorgeous. They're neutral enough to go with any decoration style. The use of these are essentially limitless. From static figurines to book ends and so on. Let your imagination run wild.

Numerical Mugs

photo via The Spoon Sisters

I've always been fond of type and numbers. Primarily the various ways one can take something as elementary as numbers and letters and design them into something whimsical, unique, and modern. These colorful mugs do just that. The number handles are colorful enough to brighten any number lovers day. They turn an ordinary white ceramic mug into something more fun and enjoyable without going too over-the-top.

Stylish Bikes

photo via tokybike

I've been wanting a bike for some time now. I've been trying to get back into shape and running has become too routine for me. These collaboration bikes from tokyobike and A.Four / Lucas Price (L) and Soju Tanaka (R) are quite stunning. They give off a modern yet classic look. Ironic? I think so. The white on white is purely brilliant and the added black details only enhance the beauty and balance the look and feel of the bike. The colored one feels more classic or "vintage" which is definitely trending in these modern times.

Modern Style Burner

photo via leibal

This burner by Snow Peak is minimalism at its best. It's brought the burner down to the bare necessities and still looks clean and brilliant. It was inspired by Japanese minimalism and the influence is surely seen. This is streamlining at its best. Simplifying and modernizing the look of eyesore burners bring a new life to the outdoors.

Muji Memo Sticker/Keyboard Memo Pad

photo via Muji

photo via Muji

I've always been a sucker for office accessories. I always feel the need to purchase un-neccessary unique and clever products just for the fun in them. Design doesn't have to be strict and serious. It should be about having fun, experimenting, and enjoying what you do. The top photo is actually a translucent memo sticker by Muji. This means you're able to stick them over pages you don't want to or can't write on. Once you stick them on, you'll be able to write and mark all over the paper to mark what you feel important. The bottom is a keyboard memo pad. These come in handy when you need to jot down quick info around your computer and need them to stand and be a reminder. They place nicely in your keyboard to give you the reassurance that whatever you wrote down will be remembered. In the end of the day, staying modern and fun is what life is about. Don't be dragged down by others around you. Surround yourself with happy people and innovative products for the most productive person you can become!

Colorize Your Life

Colors colors colors. Life without it would be dull and boring, essentially lifeless. Colors are meant to liven everyday life, express ones' mood or set a tone. Mandy's pink is a neutral tint of pink that notably matches any skin tone thus going well with everyday living situations. It's quite a stunning and sophisticated tint of pink. This is not a little girl's shade of pink. This shade of pink is strong enough to make a statement but still soft enough to keep you calm and relaxed. Its neutral color generally pairs well with everyday life being not too saturated or distracting. Its a color of bold choice. You have to be brave to rock this color. It will surely be an attention grabber, but all for the right reasons. Make sure you have something of this shade in your closet. It will definitely come in handy for those brave nights where you want to feel flirty, dressy, girly and fun!

1. ASOS SAIL Mid Heel Weave Detail Shoes ASOS

2. Floris Hovers Buisjes&Beugels

3. TULLE SKIRT DRESS BY DRESS UP TOPSHOP TopShop

4. Body Whale Line+Liv

5. Nail Polish Essie

6. ASOS Open Heart Drop Earring ASOS

7. FLURO STRIPE DRESS BY BOUTIQUE TopShop

8. Dip dye chochet shorts TopShop

Edible Fashion

Have you heard the phrase "it looks too good to eat?" Well some things are just that. Food and fashion are two completely different subjects you wouldn't think of combining together. But actually they both have a lot in common. Both have intended target markets that they are trying to sell to. They need to create visually appealing photos to reach the mass market. When combined, food and fashion artistically go well together. Award-winning advertising and editorial photographer Fulvio Bonavia has created some of the most stunning and beautiful food inspired fashion items. These are inspired by high-end fashion. The series entitled "A Matter of Taste" relates both food and fashion. Liking certain foods or fashion accessories are a matter of taste, whether physically or mentally.

Luxury Bags

photo via Fulvio Bonavia 

photo via yatzer

My one weakness in fashion are gorgeous purses. I may not have the luxury to purchase high end bags, but it doesn't hurt to browse. I love intricate detailed purses that are unique yet still give off a classic look. These berry purses are just that, clever and equally as charming. These purses make you rethink textures and colors involved in higher end fashion. These are so sweet you don't need sugar.

Accessories

photo via yatzer

photo via yatzer

photo via yatzer

photo via Fulvio Bonavia 

photo via Fulvio Bonavia 

When it comes to fashion, you have to think about it like it's food. It's all about the matter of taste. Everyone is different and their sense of taste in food and fashion vary. Not everyone is going to understand or favor high fashion or hot trends like not everyone is going to enjoy all foods. Bonavia has brilliantly conceptualized this statement and has created some visually appealing edible fashion!