| view through the sunroof | rain, rain, go away..

I haven’t been inspired to write lately and I’m not one to sacrifice quality for quantity. I’ve even debated on deleting this short-lived blog, but I just think I’m in a rut. Oh well. The rain can keep me company in the meantime..

chro·nom·e·try Wednesday

calendar + photography = Shuttercal

This year I am embarking on Project 365. It’s quite simple: take a photograph a day. I have seen Project 365 in many different formats such as on a personal blog, fotolog, and Flickr. But what I love about Shuttercal’s format is that the calendar is already set up. Plus! Prints of your photographs can be ordered by month or, my personal favorite, the Shuttercal ShoeBox which is designed to hold and protect 12 packs.

I find this project great because:

1. It is a visual documentation of my life. Why write it down in my planner when I can just capture all the eventful and uneventful moments of the daily grind.
2. It forces me to slow down and notice the little things. Plus, it separates me from the computer. I need more interruptions like that.
3. It’s improving my picture-taking skills. Although it’s only Day 006 for me, taking a photograph a day forces me to really use my camera and exercise all of its features (as opposed to just point-and-shoot).

I encourage you all to join the fun! If not Shuttercal, just challenge yourself to take a photo a day. If you get photographer’s block perhaps you can draw inspiration from my calendar at http://shuttercal.com/calendar/bear/

Image is copyright Shuttercal © 2007-2010

fitted black dress

Always on the look-out for a knock-out little-black-dress, I am in love with this ensemble:

Cat Deeley, host of the U.S. So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD), can wear anything and manage to pull it off as sophisticated and couture (and she’s her own stylist!). My favorite outfit thus far is from Season 5, Week 5. The dress was designed by John Galliano for Dior and the shoes were from Sergio Rossi. Unfortunately, this photo just does not do the outfit (and hair!) justice but I wasn’t able to find another shot of Cat from that episode.

However.

I stumbled upon this:

Black Victorian Tailored Dress by Alexander McQueen

Description per website:

“Black tailored crepe wool dress with gathered sleeves, high collar neck line and key hole detail at chest.”

Love. Love. LOVE!

The only thing I would change is to take up the hem a couple inches to better flatter my height.

But never mind that.

I think it would go perfectly with either of these clutches (I couldn’t just choose one!):

Red Knuckle Duster Clutch by Alexander McQueen

Union Jack Skull Clutch by Alexander McQueen

YES, PLEASE!

Cat Deeley photograph & information :: via Yahoo!® TV and InStyle
Image is copyright © FOX
Photo Credit: Mathieu Young

Product images are copyright © Alexander McQueen 2009

Happy New Year!

And what a way to ring in the new year than with Disney! The Vinylmation figurine below is from the Holiday #1 collection and is currently available at the Disney Store. On the Vinylmation website, this little one is already located under the “Vault” tab so I don’t know how long it will be available. Happy hunting!

Image is copyright © Disney

chro·nom·e·try Wednesday

‘Tis my last chronometry Wednesday for 2009; and alas, it’s another comic strip. But, it’s from Dork Tower and oh-so-perfect!

DORK TOWER, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - In the Year 2012, 2012...

See you all in twenty-ten! =D

Image is copyright © 2001 - 2009 Dork Storm Press

Now, that’s my kind of cup of tea

I am a believer that ‘form follows function’¹ but things are much more interesting when designed with form preceding function.

Hence, say hello to ONE kettle by Vessel Ideation, Inc.

The guys² over at Vessel from Chicago, Illinois designed a single vessel with “both boiling and serving in mind”. Before brought to boil, the ONE kettle looks like a mere plain-white carafe-shaped vessel. But once heated, ‘invisible’ decorative graphic patterns – akin to Blue & White China – begin to appear. These ‘invisible’ graphics are due to thermochromic inks (think: “mood ring”). But these graphics not only serve for pleasant aesthetics. Oh no. Remember, today’s topic is ‘function follows form’. The graphic patterns and color gradient are a visual cue that the water is ready to be served.

As for the “serving” function, an intuitive magnetic trivet fastens to the base only when the kettle is hot. This allows the kettle to be safely placed on any surface without fear of delamination. And, just like any tea kettle, water can be poured directly from the top. Marvelous!

And I’m not the only one who loves ONE; this innovative tea kettle was also the winner of the World Kitchen’s Tea Off! 2009 Tea Kettle design competition.

Click here to see a video of ONE’s greatness. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the pdf brochure under “how it works”. I especially love the “PROCESS” on page 8. Check it out!

Dimensions: 6.72″ Dia. x 9.00″H
Materials: unknown

via :: The Design Blog

¹ quote coined by Louis Sullivan
² Dan Chung, Tony Ruth, Steve Abueva, Mike Serafin

Image is copyright Vessel

5 bars

Commercials.

Thanks to TiVo DVR, I have been spoiled with the luxury of fast-forwarding through these 30-second interruptions. However, there are a very select few that catch my attention. Although this is not an interior design-driven commercial, it’s just too cute to pass up.

The little girl’s reaction at 0:19 is absolutely priceless! Love it!

Video via YouTube
Company: AT&T, Song: "Sweet Pea" by Amos Lee

Happy Holidays!

Dear bareINTR Readers,

I skipped my weekly Tuesday and “chronometry Wednesday” posts this week because the office kept me late at night throughout the week and deadlines are (coincidentally) almost always right before a holiday. My apologies to those who look forward to my Wednesday posts!

I love sending holiday cards and you, my fellow readers, are no exception! Happy holidays to everyone and I hope you all have a prosperous New Year!

Best wishes,

Image via Fridgedoor.com
Card from quotable, quoted from Jane Austen's last finished novel, Persuasion

procrastination

Christmas gifts.
Oh man..

I spy… a Ferrari bear

Ferrari Maserati Beverly Hills (Beverly Hills, California)