A few of my favorite things.

If Oprah can do it, why can't I?
Check 'em out. Enjoy.

1. Design Blogs - My current favorite is Design*Sponge and their Interior Design section called Sneek Peeks. They take us into mostly mid-century modern inspired, amazingly self-decorated homes of rediculously talented people. Get a napkin, you will drool.

2. Trans Fatty Acid. Sounds like it's bad for you. But this Kruder & Dorfmeister remix of the song by Lamb is GOOD. It takes me back to the third time I read the Alchemist. Don't ask why. It is nowhere to be found through download, but I found this awesome website: Deezer - I love that I can just go to this page and it automatically plays this song. No matter how many times I crave it.

3. Nutrilicious, Natural Bakery - Vegan Donuts. They ship. Need I say more?


4. House Industries Type Foundry - So amazing, I can't even find the words. Graphic Designers if you don't already know about them check this out: http://www.houseind.com/fonts/

5. I have been collecting furniture for many years in anticipation of owning my own home. If I had the room I would probably have already purchased a door or two from Crestview Doors. This company manufactures amazing reproductions of Mid-Century Modern doors. Check out "The Grover," it holds a special place in my heart :)

The Handmade Haven

If you haven't been to www.etsy.com yet, you are not as cool as you think you are. Etsy is the online marketplace for all things handmade. If you are a craftsperson yourself it is a great place to sell your wares. If you are a shopper and like to be unique, you will find amazing items for yourself and for gifts. Whether you are into jewelry, clothing, fine art, photography, pottery, etc., you will definitely find something that you must have! There are very talented, soon to be discovered people selling on Etsy. If you are ready to replace your facebook addiction, check it out. View my store at www.susanjoydesigns.etsy.com.

Save the Trees

I hate to admit it, but I love catalogs. Paper catalogs. As a self-professed environmentalist, this is hard to share, but we all have our vices I suppose. Before my fellow tree huggers blast hate emails my way, let me explain. I'm actually not a huge shopper, but as a designer getting a well designed catalog in the mail is like strawberry pie (this is the first of many Seinfeld-isms, those who have to deal with them in person too, my apologies). There is nothing like having a bound volume of inspiration right in your hands. Many of my suppliers offer their catalogs online, but the pictures are never clear and I simply do not have the patience to deal with crappy design & slow loading times. Enter Ikea's 2009 online catalog which I stumbled upon while searching for the perfect metal baskets for my newly refurbished 1930's steel cabinet. Ikea, marketing gurus that they are, have brought the online catalog to a new level. The flash based application literally makes you feel as if you are holding the catalog in your hands. The pages actually turn and when you roll over an item it is highlighted and you can zoom in or get more information on it. The images are crisp & clear and just like the paper version they somehow make their product seem like must-haves (until you go to the store and see everything in person and you are snapped back into reality of course). Anyhow, take a look at these industry leaders and if you have an online shop with online catalogs, please take note and follow their example.