C is for Constructivist

I am in love with these beautifully designed Modernist flashcards from Jargon Boy. The red, orange, and brown color palette reminds me of Chocolate Bar in NYC (which is truly one of the most glorious places on earth). The illustrations are absolutely charming and I think it's great that there's a card for Vernacular, mostly because it's such a good word and one sounds really smart saying things like: "Isn't L.A. one of the best places to find cool examples of vernacular, hand-painted signage and retro typography which typifies the mid-century era?"

I believe that with the proper education and visual stimuli, all children can become fans of Modernism. Now that Iain knows D is for Daddy, M is for Mommy, and R is for Robot, it's time for: B is for Bauhaus.

The Igloo Tent

How great is IKEA for fun, affordable kid things? Witness Iain's new KOJA tent, available at IKEA for $9.99.
It's the perfect portable kid place: lightweight and easy to assemble, with a color palette that is sophisticated and soothing. The KOJA tent is just large enough for a toddler and adult to sit in and make up silly stories on a lazy afternoon.

Babiccinos and Chocolattes

Few things compare to a warm, foamy latte in the morning: such a delicious delivery for caffeine. I think it's never too soon to introduce children to the joys of a restorative morning beverage. When traveling in Australia (long before babies were even on my radar) I noticed that a babiccino could be ordered at most coffee shops. (Just as an aside: the coffee shops in Australia are unbelievably good in terms of espresso pulls, milk foam, pastries, and service. I long for the same pride in the coffee arts, which does not seem to exist on the Central Coast.) A babiccino is lightly steamed milk with a sprinkle of sweet cocoa on top, served in a cappuccino cup—the perfect treat for the youngest coffee shop customer. As soon as Iain was old enough to drink from a cup, we started making babiccinos for him, although we call the drink a chocolatte in our house. He loves the have his own "latte" with mommy and daddy in the morning, and I enjoy seeing him with a tiny ceramic cup and an adorable milk foam mustache: too cute.

The Indescribable Deliciousness of Meyers

Could anything be more sweetsourlicious than the Meyer lemon? All of the lemon goodness with none of the tongue-burning tartness. Our neighbor just put out a little wagon of free Meyers; imagine my indescribable delight. The scent is intoxicating. My personal favorite use for a nice, ripe Meyer lemon is in a lemon martini:

2 parts vodka (*recommended: Tito's Vodka distilled in Austin, TX of all places—available at Trader Joe's)
1 part limoncello
1 part fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice

Give a vigorous shake over ice, strain and serve in a pretty cocktail glass. I like to garnish with a maraschino cherry. It's a bit unorthodox, but who doesn't enjoy the taste of a sweet, boozy, bright red maraschino cherry at the end of a good cocktail?

In Praise of Electric Vehicles

Although I am sure that our collective carbon footprints are a gazillion times larger than they could be, we try to be eco-warriors in our own small ways. Witness our glorious new mode of transportation: the eGO wasabi green electric scooter. It's perfect for zipping around town and going back and forth to campus. It can go 20 miles on a charge and tops out around 24 mph, thus one can ride safely in the bike lane—no motorcycle license required. In a way, it's totally nerdy, yet ridiculously cute with its softly humming electric motor and retro-sounding ding-a-ling-a-ling silver bell. While not practical in all weather, everyone who lives in the warm, sunshiny part of California should seriously consider a purchase. The air will thank you.

*Note to concerned parents: Iain is only allowed to play on the eGO while it is turned off and either mom or dad is within reach.

Toys for Designers

How fabulous are these free downloadable toys from Fwis? You simply print out a template of your choice and with a few swift X-acto cuts, some precision folding, and a little PVA, you can begin amassing your very own collection of super cool Readymechs. I am so inspired by these little guys that I'm basing my first Package Design assignment on them. Fun for designers and kids alike.

Kombu-WHA?

Kombucha tea has been hailed as a miracle cure-all, an elixir, an immune system booster, the fountain of youth, etc. What is Kombucha? According to GT’s Kombucha website, Kombucha is a “a living culture of beneficial microorganisms” that is delicately “cultured” for 30 days. “During this period, essential nutrients form like active enzymes, viable probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols. All of these combine to create an elixir that immediately works with the body to restore balance and vitality.”

I am always up for trying a new wonder elixir, so I bought my first bottle of Raspberry Rush™ Synergy yesterday. I can say in no uncertain terms that this drink is vile. It has undertones of apple cider vinegar and overtones of Two Buck Chuck that sat in garage for the last two decades with a desiccated cork. In addition, the dregs of Kombucha are slimy little floaty bits of a fermented substance—clearly of unknown, mystical origin. There has got to be a easier way to fight free radicals, rid the body of toxins, and support a healthy immune system. Pomegranate martini, anyone?

Why Life with Iain Is So Fun

Iain and Daddy mow the lawn with hastily constructed Batman and Robin masks. Why, exactly, is Daddy wearing Mommy's pink crocs?

Singing and pruning.
The view out Iain's new room.

The Joys of Homeownership

One of many new "projects."

We moved into our first, yes, at long last, our first real home. We are now proud owners of our very own ridiculously over-priced slice of California real estate. The house is small, needs a lot of work, and is currently a total disaster, but it's ours and after six moves since 1999, I never want to move again.

Thinking about Jamaica

As I sit here and plan my upcoming Typography class, I can’t help thinking about Jamaica. I’d much rather be swimming in the Caribbean.