Spectaculars

So I have a bit of a weakness when it comes to Groupons (D. says "I have a bit of a weakness when it comes to vision) - either way, since I haven't replaced my glasses in approximately 10 years (I am a major contact lens abuser) I thought it was meant to be when the Groupon for SEE in Georgetown fluttered into my inbox a few months ago.

I had already casually browsed the selection at the shop attached to my opthomologist in Denver when I had been in for my annual exam around Christmas, and needless to say, I wasn't impressed.

As things stand now, I wear my contacts over 12 hours a day - so if I'm going to swap out for frames instead, I'm looking for something fun, different and not wire-framed.

SEE provided the perfect antidote, with dozens of frames to my liking. The critical choice came down to the following two pairs - a difficult decision, let's see if you picked the same pair I did - or if you just find them both totally ridiculous.

paper mash

Manhattan Subway Map Tape

So glad to have discovered this charming UK papergoods shoppe - Paper Mash I am a lover of all things stationary, desk supply and gift wrappy, and Paper Mash has these in spades. The above masking tape map of the NY Subway System is a fun gift for Manhattan pals.

Chapter Notebooks

Also loving these chapter notebooks with metallic foiled numbers on the front.

Party Banners

Glossy fun banners for birthdays, celebrations or extra happy Tuesdays.

Spring Bird Card

A birthday card that comes with a crepe paper bird on a string.

Wine Tag

And cheeky cute gift tags for bottles of wine - I also love this one.

the city

I am completely enthralled by these interior landscapes shot by artist Lori Nix.  In her most recent series "The City," she features these scenes of decay reminiscent of one of D.'s favorite books turned questionable television programs, The World Without Us.

Now that you're totally smitten - it's worth mentioning that these are all miniature dioramas created by Nix and then photographed. Mind blowing.

Nix shoots with a large format 8x10 camera and the dioramas range from a few inches to several feet in size.

Thanks to Kate at Anthology for bringing this fantastic artist to my attention.

minty

New nail polish - spring minty green. What do you think? D. likens it to a Cadbury mini-egg, my favorite seasonal candy ever. I'm just hoping it's not too teenagey for the office.

tastyasaurus

I spotted this book over on the fabulous blog Eat Drink Chic and I have to have it. Called The Flavour Thesaurus by Niki Segnit it defines and combines the different flavors that make up our foods. Part food history book, part recipe guide it looks like something to return to over and over again for fresh ideas, not to mention gorgeous design.

Looks like it's just now available for purchase in the states, but with a decidedly less delicious cover than the UK counterpart featured here.

anatomy of yum

I have been smiling at this fantastic print by Allen Hemberger and Sarah Wilson for weeks as it has made its way through the blogosphere. I'm sure you've already seen it, but I couldn't resist.

The print is available for sale on Allen's site - I think there's definitely a baker in my family who would love it.

all the cool girls wear top knots

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Another hairstyle that keeps me hanging on to my long locks (for a little while longer) are these quirky undone-updos. Chic and fresh with a pair of sharp specs, a voluminous scarf and smear of bright lipstick. I'm loving this look whether worn high on the head in true top knot fashion or teased and swirled at the crown or even swung around to the side. With warm weather finally approaching it seems the perfect way to get sticky sweaty strands out of your face and get into the sun.

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From Pinterest - Source Unknown

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But I think we can all agree that there is such a thing as too much top knot...

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for kid gifts

How funny is this form by Enjoy this Beautiful Day and spotted on SwissMiss?

Hilarious.

on the road

Image Via Delightfully Tacky

So we're off again to North Carolina after work to see another fab Elon production - one of Moo's last  ones.  I'm looking forward to four concentrated hours in the car with D., long conversations and a little Bryson on tape (er ipod) and, of course, Chick fil a for dinner.

The weather out here continues to be miserably un-spring, although I guess if you take April showers literally this is what you'd get.

What else is new? We've been crazy, dinner club has been on a three week hiatus (unheard of) and we have been zooming from one thing to the next. I'm itching to buy new spring clothes, grill out and swim in the sea, but I think I'm getting ahead of myself. 

What are your weekend plans? I would love to hear - is it sunny where you are?