tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1449760139997449632024-03-16T12:52:28.064-06:00Black*Eiffelrachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.comBlogger3163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-68536426607658930272013-04-24T12:37:00.003-06:002014-06-12T17:11:52.570-06:00Music Monday on a Wednesday...Long time no check in, I hope you readers are doing well. This video and song called Follow the Sun by <a href="http://www.xavierrudd.com/">Xavier Rudd</a> brought a smile to my face and inspired me and hope it does the same for you. Lately I am working on taking things day by day and these lyrics really resonated with me. After seeing it I want to take the littles on a spontaneous trip to the beach!<br />
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<br />rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-1997035084050789042013-03-14T15:45:00.001-06:002014-06-17T17:48:57.420-06:00A Pep TalkI needed this today and hope you enjoy it too... a little "Pep Talk".<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="355" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/l-gQLqv9f4o" width="600"></iframe>rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-64209789350579130972013-03-07T23:30:00.000-07:002014-06-17T17:45:10.838-06:00A Bird Ballet<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="381" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/58291553" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/58291553"></a><a href="http://vimeo.com/neels"></a> <a href="http://vimeo.com/"></a><br />
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At a lengthy stoplight during sunset the other day the girls and I sat in silent awe as hundreds of birds danced above us in the sky. It was a magical moment.<br />
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This bird ballet clip by <a href="http://www.neelscastillon.com/">Neels Castillon</a> is a stunning and a grander scale of what we saw, perfectly paired with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BK5D95C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BK5D95C&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">right music</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BK5D95C" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Nature constantly blows my mind.rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-30702088648662331632013-02-27T05:00:00.000-07:002013-02-27T05:00:02.402-07:003 Apps that have made my life better...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Several weeks ago both my husband and I independently deleted Facebook off our phones and later discussed how it felt like we could breath clean air again. I've heard of others going towards the more minimal social media route and I find it refreshing. I'm not opposed to social media, but there is a fine balance to it, right? <a href="http://zenhabits.net/fb/">This article</a> about going off the Facebook grid really resonated with me to welcome more deliberate living and clearly addressed many of the quarrels I have with it all.<br />
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After I deleted the Facebook app off my phone I also scrutinized other apps on my phone that I don't use or need. Besides other apps I've previously <a href="http://blackeiffel.blogspot.com/2011/07/speaking-digitally-5-favorite-time-apps.html">mentioned before</a>, these three stood out as making my life better so far in 2013. (They are all free too.)<br />
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1. <b><a href="http://dayoneapp.com/">Day One</a> </b>: I've teetered back and forth between a digital and handwritten journal for years and have now decided I'm going digital. I will definitely still always have sketchbooks and adore handwritten things but what I decisively love about digital journals is that they are searchable and you can recall experiences, words and notes with ease and speed. Day One is award-winning and has a well-designed interface with the ability to tag your entries. For example, when my kids say something I want to remember I type it down on my phone really quick and tag their name on it. When I want to take a photo of something memorable and catalog it with words sans Instagram this is what I use. I also bought the corresponding app for my computer and although it has a few kinks (like not being able to tag) I believe they are working on improvements. I adore this on my phone and it syncs with everything seamlessly.<br />
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2. <b><a href="http://getpocket.com/">Pocket</a> </b>: This app is my go to for clipping articles I want to read later. As I explained to someone the other day it is like Pinterest for words. When I'm craving content with more depth or something to read that is lengthy, Pocket will help me digitally clip and save until I have a bit of downtime to read it later. This app is likewise well-designed with a lovely interface.<br />
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3. <b><a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">My Fitness Pal</a></b> : I am currently doing a 30 day detox (more on that later) and before my cleanse I was really keeping an eye on my nutrition and tracking with this app which showed me what nutrients I lacked. Also (nerd alert) my husband and I wear <a href="http://www.fitbit.com/">these</a> and have <a href="http://www.fitbit.com/aria">this</a> and they all sync up flawlessly with app so we can see our activity, weight, and food and nutrient consumption all in one app. We've tried quite a few <a href="http://blackeiffel.blogspot.com/2011/08/speaking-digitally-workout-gear.html">gadgets, and apps</a> and have found this one to be the best yet at overall health tracking that we've come across. Although my husband now just <a href="http://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/nikeplus-fuelband">bought this</a> so we'll see.<br />
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While I'm on the app subject, have you heard of the trend in app land of waiting lists, ugh. My husband Mac clued me in to get on the list for <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1671919/tempo-a-calendar-app-from-the-makers-of-siri">Mailbox - which supposedly puts email in its place</a> and <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1671919/tempo-a-calendar-app-from-the-makers-of-siri">Tempo - a new calendar app</a>, although when hundreds of thousands of people are in a virtual download waiting line I wonder if it is going to be like a Disneyland wait without a good ride. Thoughts?<br />
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What are your favorite apps for 2013?rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-7807041215373889542013-02-06T12:32:00.001-07:002013-02-13T23:21:51.457-07:00Pink Australian Lagoon - By Steve Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Check out this pink Hutt lagoon in Western Australia. It made me do a double take, it is so beautiful especially the artistic way photographer <a href="http://www.stevebackart.com/">Steve Back</a> captured it. Remember this pink lake I shared <a href="http://blackeiffel.blogspot.com/2012/07/inside-nature-pink.html">here</a>? Well, this one is also a natural occurring algae, nature you blow my mind. You've got to see Steve's other work too, it is stunning. His <a href="http://www.stevebackart.com/gallery/9-0-Pink_lakes.html">Pink Lakes</a> series is also jaw-dropping. How great would these be enlarged on a wall for art? <br />
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// via <a href="http://www.dreamsandjeans.com/blog/2013/2/6/steve-back-hutt-lagoon.html">Dreams + Jeans</a></div>
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rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-80948298271600941442013-02-06T00:44:00.000-07:002013-02-06T00:50:19.133-07:00Music Monday on a Tuesday : Cover Love Mix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hope you had a nice weekend, I've been listening to some great cover songs all about love in its various forms. Enjoy this Cover Love 2013 mix, listen to it over <a href="spotify:user:1217595456:playlist:4P3Totb0VuyrPjxD4TITG4">here</a>. Dang, it seems like all I use is Spotify these days, what about you?<br />
<br />rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-47040150360626804782013-01-30T11:04:00.001-07:002013-01-30T11:04:54.765-07:00Food Valentines by Erin Jang<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I adore the minimal and graphic work of <a href="http://theindigobunting.blogspot.com/2013/01/food-valentines.html">Erin Jang</a> for The Indigo Bunting and was happy to see her newly designed <a href="http://theindigobunting.blogspot.com/2013/01/food-valentines.html">Food Valentines</a> for this year. They are perfect, check them out <a href="http://theindigobunting.blogspot.com/2013/01/food-valentines.html">here</a>.rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-64669929535789705662013-01-28T09:43:00.001-07:002014-06-17T15:17:36.591-06:00Music Monday: Morningsiders<br />
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Some of my favorite emails are the ones I receive from you readers with your unique music suggestions. There are many great sounds and bands out there and where you hear about them is so interesting.<br />
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Sophie a student at Columbia University sent me a line the other day recommending some of her other fellow students from Columbia jamming it up called the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Morningsiders">Morningsiders</a>, I really enjoy their sound with the strings, horns, piano, clapping, etc. What do you think? (If you want you can download this song for free from their <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbOlehHIyVg">youtube link</a>.)<br />
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Any fresh new music on your radar lately?rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-3796052093470072832013-01-18T11:05:00.000-07:002014-06-19T17:49:46.101-06:00Organization and HomeGoods $150 Gift Card Giveaway<i>Hi readers it has been a while, how are you?! I went off the grid online for a bit and took a long blogging/technology break (the longest ever in 5+ years) it was refreshing and gave me some perspective, but today I'm back to share with you some fun travel inspired kitchen container organization and a fun giveaway. Also, if you have emailed me (blackeiffel@gmail.com) in the last bit (or 2012 -- haha) please try again one of my goals for 2013 is to keep on top of email.</i><br />
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<span class="s1"><a href="http://www.homegoods.com/">HomeGoods</a></span> currently has a fun quiz on their website called <a href="http://www.homegoods.com/stylescope/"><span class="s1">Stylescope</span></a> that can help you discover your style personality. They contacted me about it and I am honored to have Black Eiffel classified as “The Traveler Style”. Take <a href="http://www.homegoods.com/stylescope/"><span class="s1">the quick quiz</span></a>, I’d love to hear what style you are!</div>
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They engaged me to put together a little project with them with a Traveler twist. While in the store perusing, I wandered into one of my favorite areas the kitchen and food section, which I really think they excel at as a store. I came across some cool and modern simple containers imported from Italy and France and since I’m kind of an organizational nut, I audibly gasped and got excited! Instantly the shot of <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/118430665170488095/">Emerson Fry’s sweet pantry</a> that I have long been inspired by popped into my mind.</div>
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Here is what I came up with for our space. Right now we don’t currently have a pantry in our rental, so rearranging cupboards it is! Most everything in this photo was purchased from <a href="http://www.homegoods.com/">HomeGoods</a> except for some of the bulk food items. Although even some of the bulk items are from HomeGoods. Their gourmet and international foods section is stellar, definitely a place to look behind a few bottles and explore. Over the years I have discovered gems including specialty cooking oils and salts directly imported from France, my favorite <a href="http://www.mcclurespickles.com/">McClure’s pickles</a>, <a href="http://www.freshgingerale.com/">Ginger Ale</a>, and gourmet vanilla bean paste at a fraction of the price. Also for you designers and packaging lovers out there it is a haven. Last visit I was delighted to come across some <a href="http://www.louisefili.com/">Louise Fili</a> designs!<br />
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When I came across more pretty smaller Italian jars I evaluated our small powdered, dried goods and spice area. It was a bit of a mess. Tons of bulk baggies huddled together squashed up in a bin, not good people, not good. Along with those I picked up some pretty new exotic and foreign spices that I really look forward to trying out and also using the containers for the future.</div>
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<a href="http://www.homegoods.com/">HomeGoods </a>was kind enough to provide me with a gift card to tackle this project, but now it is your turn. I have a $150 HomeGoods gift cards to share with one of you readers! To enter, leave a comment below by Tuesday, January 21st and I will randomly select a winner. What fun <a href="http://www.homegoods.com/stylescope/">Stylescope</a> inspired project do you want to tackle in your space for 2013?!<br />
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<b>Giveaway Closed. WINNER : (</b>randomly selected with random.org) - Erica Herold </div>
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// photo 1 : black lidded containers imported from Italy, white bowl from Portugal, French tea kettle.</div>
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//photo 2 : stainless steel lidded containers imported from Italy, spices with stainless lids are Victoria’s Gourmet.</div>
rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com151tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-38539079666862649572012-12-03T12:13:00.000-07:002014-06-17T15:17:36.504-06:00Music Monday : Lia Ices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been playing the song Love is Won by <a href="http://www.liaices.com/">Lia Ices</a> on repeat. If you are a Feist and Julia Stone fan you will really enjoy it. Hope you had a nice weekend and happy Music Monday.<br />
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photo from : <a href="http://www.liaices.com/liagap/">Lia Ices</a><br />
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*If you want to support the artist you by the track <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IMD9KY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004IMD9KY&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Love Is Won here.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004IMD9KY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-88890354985402783212012-11-29T16:57:00.002-07:002014-10-29T13:46:05.547-06:00Top 25 Christmas Books for 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAurrYTz9vYid98n-dRb1eBR5v_Whdims-VvTXczbkrq74aKJJ-yDC_I2OP6pTXtPjpWCmpRQXWgdCL_47VGlFYwHvuSOihEEyc2z_p_iBsNgkzI-CW4hEp-i4vw5p1XYju-M2Pm4Qfw/s1600/Christmas_Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAurrYTz9vYid98n-dRb1eBR5v_Whdims-VvTXczbkrq74aKJJ-yDC_I2OP6pTXtPjpWCmpRQXWgdCL_47VGlFYwHvuSOihEEyc2z_p_iBsNgkzI-CW4hEp-i4vw5p1XYju-M2Pm4Qfw/s1600/Christmas_Books.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last year we started the advent style tradition of reading Christmas and winter themed books each night in the month of December. It was such a big hit for our girls (now ages 2 and 6) we are doing it again this year. I love the notion that we can mix up our selections each year with library titles and then deliberately choose to make purchases focusing upon ones that we absolutely adore.</div>
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I'm quite selective about children's book in general and when you are talking Christmas books it adds a whole new layer to my book neurosis. Classic and solid story lines, beautiful illustration/design and high marks on review meters are my general guidelines. I also like to keep it real and adaptable with our kid's ages since our girls are still pretty young.</div>
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Here is my list of favorite Christmas books for 2012:</div>
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1 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698400461/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0698400461&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Pashmina the Little Christmas Goat</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0698400461" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - We loved this book so much from last year I purchased it. The story is heartwarming and the watercolor illustrations are gorgeous!</div>
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2 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1842480448/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1842480448&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Reindeer Christmas</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1842480448" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - Another selective purchase but worthy of a repeat, it is so beautifully illustrated.</div>
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3 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399235795/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399235795&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Dream Snow</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399235795" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - Eric Carle is sure prolific eh?</div>
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4 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399216170/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399216170&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Uncle Vova's Tree</a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399216170" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />- A Russian tale.</div>
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5 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0808537008/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0808537008&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">The Mitten: An Old Ukrainian Folktale</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0808537008" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - A Ukrainian folk tale</div>
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6 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375814442/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375814442&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Babar and Father Christmas</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0375814442" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - Got to have a little Babar!</div>
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7 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/140275065X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=140275065X&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">The Night Before Christmas</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=140275065X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - I remember my Grandma reading me this version growing up.</div>
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8 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670036072/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0670036072&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Madeline's Christmas</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0670036072" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - Madeline is a household favorite.</div>
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9 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1897476418/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1897476418&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Singing Away the Dark</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1897476418" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Julie%20Morstad&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=blackeiffel-20" target="_blank">Julie Morstad's illustrations</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> are fantastic, can't wait to get my hands on this.</div>
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10 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423625757/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1423625757&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">A Christmas Carol (BabyLit)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1423625757" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - This will appeal to our two year old, for sure.</div>
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11 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140501878/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0140501878&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Father Christmas Goes on Holiday</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140501878" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - This looks quirky and fun.</div>
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12 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152191755/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152191755&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">The Clown of God</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0152191755" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - Looking forward to reading this old French legend.</div>
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13 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JJBOKG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001JJBOKG&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Petunia's Christmas</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001JJBOKG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - I love Richard Duvoisin books.</div>
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14 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=The%20Twelve%20Days%20of%20Christmas&linkCode=ur2&tag=blackeiffel-20&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks" target="_blank">The Twelve Days of Chirstmas</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - This <a href="http://blackeiffel.blogspot.com/2010/12/twelve-days-of-christmas-ilonka-karasz.html">vintage beauty</a> makes a repeat.</div>
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15 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616891025/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1616891025&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">The Lost Christmas Gift</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1616891025" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - I received this in the mail a few days ago and really enjoyed it.</div>
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16 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547201958/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547201958&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">The Third Gift</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547201958" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - Got this last year and it remains on the list. A great overall story about Myrrh.</div>
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17 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/141695029X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=141695029X&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Santa's Favorite Story</a> - The Story of the First Christmas through Santa's eyes.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=141695029X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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18 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811834778/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0811834778&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">The Elves and the Shoemaker</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0811834778" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - We are going to this play this year, should be fun to read too.</div>
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19 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802852270/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0802852270&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Silent Night: The Song and Its Story</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0802852270" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - A story about the beloved carol.</div>
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20 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385348649/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0385348649&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Nutcracker</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0385348649" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> - Trying different versions of this until we find our favorite. This one is illustrated by Maurice Sendak, last year we did <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060743867/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060743867&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">this one</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0060743867" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.</div>
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21 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/069811664X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=069811664X&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Christmas in the Stable</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=069811664X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> : I'm excited to get my hands on this one as it is written by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrid_Lindgren">Astrid Lindgren</a>!</div>
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22 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375838473/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375838473&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">How the Grinch Stole Christmas</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0375838473" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> : Classic and keeper.</div>
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23 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618512659/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0618512659&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Letters From Father Christmas</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0618512659" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> : Tolkien wrote this one and our book club is reading it this month, will probably read the girls only excerpts as it is on the longer side.</div>
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24 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557091390/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1557091390&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer</a> : A classic and <img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1557091390" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />look forward to seeing this vintage version.</div>
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25 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/141699081X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=141699081X&linkCode=as2&tag=blackeiffel-20">The True Gift: A Christmas Story</a> : <img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blackeiffel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=141699081X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Excited to read this one.</div>
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So what would you add to the list? What are your favorites you know, the ones that you come back to year after year?</div>
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ps. Last year's list <a href="http://blackeiffel.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-love-advent-books-for-2011-part-1.html">here</a> and <a href="http://blackeiffel.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-books-for-2011-part-2.html">here</a>.</div>
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rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-69458536735105522782012-11-14T13:46:00.002-07:002012-11-14T13:46:27.669-07:00Torafu Architects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7qW065LLu5ErXLEUPMXKZL4cB-xui4bsAYdg3MH3P4EIA9QEeoP9ZMmTZXWlCzjEVBNS5Yerzt5cd7GpPULBq_Dd2yI4z8OXGvMtUwexMWjTB8jIlWmSJxJuI8OwqU1J-aIEBggHmK4/s1600/torafu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7qW065LLu5ErXLEUPMXKZL4cB-xui4bsAYdg3MH3P4EIA9QEeoP9ZMmTZXWlCzjEVBNS5Yerzt5cd7GpPULBq_Dd2yI4z8OXGvMtUwexMWjTB8jIlWmSJxJuI8OwqU1J-aIEBggHmK4/s1600/torafu.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The colorful and minimal work of Japanese based <a href="http://torafu.com/">Torafu Architects</a> is blowing my mind today. Have a <a href="http://torafu.com/">look</a>.rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-24889044103017492542012-11-06T15:01:00.002-07:002014-06-19T17:35:27.736-06:00A Hip Handmade Holiday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bxgRp2LN7YGLmYUc25YiLuPdFTFeTShKgheLzbcZzXWWtiZR2fTtrORCQ_vM_cd7Us_nmTEih0rklel8DuTd-akQvrNxmpRyQojwBCsWiZzm4hDJZeywPEVDOkBwjsG2-sxI4p2Sdvk/s1600/hip_handmade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bxgRp2LN7YGLmYUc25YiLuPdFTFeTShKgheLzbcZzXWWtiZR2fTtrORCQ_vM_cd7Us_nmTEih0rklel8DuTd-akQvrNxmpRyQojwBCsWiZzm4hDJZeywPEVDOkBwjsG2-sxI4p2Sdvk/s1600/hip_handmade.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
No doubt if you read craft (or even lifestyle and design) blogs chances are you are going to hear about <a href="http://www.thecraftpack.com/">A Hip Handmade Holiday</a>. I am in constant awe of people creating deliberate and well-designed craft projects with a purpose like these two savvy crafting gals I know <a href="http://freshly-picked.com/">Susan</a> and <a href="http://thealisonshow.com/">Alison</a>.<br />
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They created this meaningful and stylish holiday gift idea guide with all the DIY instructions your little heart could fancy. It is really great, full of multiple ideas to make a beautiful unique and handmade statement for the holidays.<br />
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Cool part is that you can create gifts for people on your list for $10 or less, and <a href="http://shop.thecraftpack.com/product/a-hip-handmade-holiday-digital-book">the book download</a> itself is also only $10. Learn more about it <a href="http://www.thecraftpack.com/">here</a>. I may have to join the Craft Pack and get my craft on with you crafters, when you can achieve amazing results like this. Bravo ladies and <a href="http://mattmildenstein.com/">gent</a>!rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-21934643311413638952012-11-05T13:45:00.001-07:002014-06-17T16:11:37.589-06:00Music Monday : Music for Yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK23g4Mw0zvG2yKu2Dj9Ee8mEGtLXUunJQh3m13pKRY1P2mIPFLEIltluTd7HhnuK_wCdzwYQ5PSZ3NoKv0TC75ebGlE3hjhYy8GygORyfcKaLevX2NXAKW4ZC0D3LFK3fYTk8NWF4UoY/s1600/yoga_b*e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK23g4Mw0zvG2yKu2Dj9Ee8mEGtLXUunJQh3m13pKRY1P2mIPFLEIltluTd7HhnuK_wCdzwYQ5PSZ3NoKv0TC75ebGlE3hjhYy8GygORyfcKaLevX2NXAKW4ZC0D3LFK3fYTk8NWF4UoY/s1600/yoga_b*e.jpg" /></a></div>
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My favorite Yoga classes are when they play modern music. There is definitely room and I also enjoy songs without words, but I am energized when doing crazy long planks and hearing bands like Yeasayer playing "Fingers Never Blead" in the background. Don't tell my Yoga instructors but every once in a while when there is an especially rad song playing that is unfamiliar to me, I may pull out of a pose, take a small water break, and 'Shazam'. Totally against the whole point of being in the moment with a solid Yoga practice hehe -- I've really got to stop that.<br />
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<a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/1217595456/playlist/1PnwUwerBXJ4JefRJFq309">Here</a> are ten of my favorite Yoga songs to add to your list. Or if you just want to listen to this while chilling in the kitchen and making dinner one night or something else that works too.<br />
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<b>Shout out your favorite yoga tunes or energizing jams.</b><br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:user:1217595456:playlist:1PnwUwerBXJ4JefRJFq309" width="300"></iframe><br />
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// photo : My sister Becca who teaches Yoga classes on the beach in Hawaii.<br />
<br />rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-8848032384999181952012-10-30T10:51:00.000-06:002014-06-17T16:15:24.873-06:00Standing together...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week Mac and I adventured into the redwood forrest at Muir Woods and came away from the experience with a heightened sense of gratitude and wonder.<br />
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What stood out to me most and I am still thinking about is this one battered down burnt tree. It was charred almost to the core but still standing and hanging in there. What marveled me was how a group of younger trees grew a tight-knit circle around this lonely charred out tree. I like to think that they grew up this way to protect and surround 'the one' to give it strength.<br />
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This beautiful scene in nature humbled me. The more we stand together and help one another, the stronger we are. My heart goes out to the East Coast, I hope you and your families are all safe.rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-9165491155940491532012-10-29T11:09:00.001-06:002012-10-29T11:09:44.626-06:00Music Monday : Alt J<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA2f4svai4XMbM8eIzRWeS2ZBzXK_icpUNQ7A4L4X268T2-7jlp8LzP0PY0xK_gppyh2jQtAebm1mOqI7I2wfjUGpED9XvbU-TjDIKv0NsbliU1RQHVDI1Fx8MWuuJMIXuIA_vmnvl8k/s1600/AltJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA2f4svai4XMbM8eIzRWeS2ZBzXK_icpUNQ7A4L4X268T2-7jlp8LzP0PY0xK_gppyh2jQtAebm1mOqI7I2wfjUGpED9XvbU-TjDIKv0NsbliU1RQHVDI1Fx8MWuuJMIXuIA_vmnvl8k/s1600/AltJ.jpg" /></a><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="355" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aNYjOVo5IEw" width="600"></iframe><br />
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First off, a big thanks to <a href="http://sycamorestreetpress.com/blog/">Eva</a> for filling in for me last week while we were in San Francisco. Her posts were rad, huh? Can't wait to hear about her European adventures.<br />
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Up for Music Monday today is a song called Something Good by <a href="http://altjband.com/">Alt J</a> which is quite stunning. I'm currently listening to their album now as I type this and am loving what I hear. As for the visuals in the video, my husband lived in Spain for a few years back in the day, so we've had some interesting discussions about matadors and the running of the bulls and this clip intrigued me. Happy Music Monday.<br />
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(via <a href="http://wongiesmusicworld.blogspot.com/">Wongie</a> // photo from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=439958952705817&set=pb.200859576615757.-2207520000.1351529932&type=3&theater">Alt J's facebook</a>)rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-58742123614914602662012-10-26T06:00:00.000-06:002012-10-26T06:00:02.478-06:00Finnish Color<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXo87DkjgdgBxl0IQWpWVgKKwhE6-bqOIxsE1ThQ2HMD0df3cUxJQ8TfugJf_Y-3Ak6-tvSiV6yPX9qZq_4owOVLJacav-Rb3ySZnjlRA1PTP9WWi6T5qOF4t1KUySfHZWptNPBfxCKI/s1600/finnish_color_SSP-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXo87DkjgdgBxl0IQWpWVgKKwhE6-bqOIxsE1ThQ2HMD0df3cUxJQ8TfugJf_Y-3Ak6-tvSiV6yPX9qZq_4owOVLJacav-Rb3ySZnjlRA1PTP9WWi6T5qOF4t1KUySfHZWptNPBfxCKI/s1600/finnish_color_SSP-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.6871599496807903" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post is part of the Finnish Design series by guest contributor Eva Jorgensen of </span><a href="http://sycamorestreetpress.com/blog/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sycamore Street Press</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a land that’s dark almost half the year, many designers make up for it by using pops of cheerful color. I feel a little brighter just looking at these lovely objects. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is the final day of Finnish design week and my guest posts for Black*Eiffel. Thanks to Rachel and to all of you for having me! If you’d like to see more of my Scandinavian adventures, design finds, and experiences in letterpress, you can follow me on the Sycamore Street Press blog: </span><a href="http://sycamorestreetpress.com/blog/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Paper Life Love</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/clothes-accessories-clothes-nada-gogo-queen-gogo-tshirt-p-2074.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/lighting-pendants-e27-socket-lamp-green-p-3166.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/tableware-dishware-iittala-kastehelmi-kastehelmi-bowl-apple-green-set-p-4176.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/tableware-coffee-tea-muuto-bulky-bulky-milk-jug-yellow-p-5115.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/furniture-chairs-muuto-visu-visu-chair-wood-frame-p-6147.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/tableware-trays-vattenblank-tray-p-5536.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/outdoor-bicycles-jopo-bicycle-turquoise-p-5803.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/tableware-glasses-iittala-lempi-lempi-glass-dark-lilac-set-p-5902.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></b>rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-40564913396865338242012-10-25T06:00:00.000-06:002012-10-25T06:00:06.656-06:00Marimekko<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvY33FCQwfgVc-srHqwbNdZQSSfXdbEzVEyngpVORBctpSzxTMeY0j9Dv-ATf6b6HTai66gYCdc2CjJec17nsvnvHxnT8Q5abCEnzaOq4ClUzSoITZq0FjWUiQf3MUHamnwQjZPPm4x4/s1600/Marimekko_SSP.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvY33FCQwfgVc-srHqwbNdZQSSfXdbEzVEyngpVORBctpSzxTMeY0j9Dv-ATf6b6HTai66gYCdc2CjJec17nsvnvHxnT8Q5abCEnzaOq4ClUzSoITZq0FjWUiQf3MUHamnwQjZPPm4x4/s1600/Marimekko_SSP.jpeg" /></a></div>
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.6871599496807903" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post is part of the Finnish Design series by guest contributor Eva Jorgensen of </span><a href="http://sycamorestreetpress.com/blog/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sycamore Street Press</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></b><br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.6871599496807903" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A week centered on Finnish design wouldn’t be complete without everyone’s favorite Finnish import, </span><a href="http://usstore.marimekko.com/apparel/tots.asp"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Marimekko</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I wouldn’t mind dressing my daughter in their clothes every single day. </span></b>rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-33929772422256125062012-10-24T06:00:00.000-06:002012-10-24T06:00:05.181-06:00Alvar Aalto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8_-7zDunyxn17YcMKh2SumH1v4Vp8ht5ejFZLHlaeb8aR92BMVXSi6iXU151v6ZDhe1RDttfrrZqDCAFvUbc-LN_Ya0X_fLHMA6edcAP0TfnFaRVtSdmQIbpnDEVXkUZANC1XJWVPF0/s1600/Get_This_Look_Alvar_Aalto_SSP.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8_-7zDunyxn17YcMKh2SumH1v4Vp8ht5ejFZLHlaeb8aR92BMVXSi6iXU151v6ZDhe1RDttfrrZqDCAFvUbc-LN_Ya0X_fLHMA6edcAP0TfnFaRVtSdmQIbpnDEVXkUZANC1XJWVPF0/s1600/Get_This_Look_Alvar_Aalto_SSP.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.6871599496807903" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post is part of the Finnish Design series by guest contributor Eva Jorgensen of </span><a href="http://sycamorestreetpress.com/blog/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sycamore Street Press</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alvar Aalto -- the famous Finnish designer and architect -- is known for the way he considered each project as a whole. When he designed a building, he would also design the furniture, surfaces, cabinets, etc... </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For this look, I drew inspiration from the living room in Aalto’s Villa Mairea. He completed the home around the year 1940, but it still feels current, doesn’t it? </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/souk-rug-b865/?pkey=cpattern-rugs-flooring"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/82970-nearly-natural-philodendron-silk-plant-hanging-basket.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=446210"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/24286205/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/brinkley-18-pillows/f47509"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.svenskttenn.se/sv-se/product/0126/belysning/ba10511/golvlampa-2368-massing-mattslipad.aspx"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82615533/vintage-mid-century-basket-chair-lounge?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_query=wicker+chair&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=7&ga_search_type=all"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="http://www.pbteen.com/products/round-paper-lanterns/?pkey=cchandeliers-pendant-lighting"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo of Villa Mairea by </span><a href="http://larryspeck.com/2010/10/31/villa-mairea/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Larry Speck</span></a></b>rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-28102613163996146532012-10-23T06:00:00.000-06:002012-10-23T06:00:00.547-06:00Kaisa Riivari <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirj0zb528fwNiY4ZDBNH7_kqBf5cyKRvzS7aMN0nmDjhaJK69l_cjlEVVgOsuwWCZaDDQsXn6PsrttZHk2RyoxBJM4S67-HPmfdAZz28Xy0m8wE8zjzw6nMjKFinrLwfz-aEwiyW-_EjI/s1600/Riivari_SSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirj0zb528fwNiY4ZDBNH7_kqBf5cyKRvzS7aMN0nmDjhaJK69l_cjlEVVgOsuwWCZaDDQsXn6PsrttZHk2RyoxBJM4S67-HPmfdAZz28Xy0m8wE8zjzw6nMjKFinrLwfz-aEwiyW-_EjI/s1600/Riivari_SSP.jpg" /></a></div>
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.6871599496807903" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post is part of the Finnish Design series by guest contributor Eva Jorgensen of </span><a href="http://sycamorestreetpress.com/blog/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sycamore Street Press</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></b><br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.6871599496807903" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These bold looks are from Finnish fashion designer </span><a href="http://www.kaisariivari.fi/index.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kaisa Riivari</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, who says she was inspired by “ancient mystics and punkrock attitude”. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love how she combines effortless chic with a little quirk to keep things interesting.</span></b>rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-41640928514514759082012-10-22T15:07:00.002-06:002012-10-22T15:07:47.548-06:00Music Monday : The Dø<b id="internal-source-marker_0.6871599496807903" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I'm thrilled that Eva from <a href="http://www.sycamorestreetpress.com/">Sycamore Street Press</a> is filling in for me while we are in San Francisco this week. She is super talented and has such a great eye -- you've seen the fabulous letterpress goods by <a href="http://www.sycamorestreetpress.com/">Sycamore Street Press</a>, right? Eva and her family is also traveling around Europe this week, lucky! Thanks so much Eva.</i></span></b><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.6871599496807903" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the moment, we are actually visiting Helsinki. Because of that, I decided to dedicate my posts this week to Finnish design. And since today is Monday, I thought I’d start off with a little music from the Finnish/French indie pop duo, </span><a href="http://thedomusic.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Dø.</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My husband is getting a little sick of me playing their song, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Too Insistent </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(from their album </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Both Ways Open Jaws), </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">on repeat. I can’t help it, though. It’s just so good! You can watch and listen below:</span></b><br />
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We stole Mac away from work for lunch the other day at went to Apple Hill (Rainbow Orchards) where we had a weak sugar moment and overdosed on the best Apple Cider doughnuts and fresh Apple juice. Fall is the best! Have a lovely weekend, hope you get to indulge in something fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLLvypZfX6nwA58GVwLNiy3xZgMGDUCpt5awHNcbTiVCCnGZcA4bTNnMTCrJ_Uo7QWUInNgNZ0QWYIejPaJMVcqJmQKxIU6cWj6-zYG5c410AKMHtTKkMGrAlf09fgrD-nA9lFexWg8c/s1600/305144888667652275_4961007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLLvypZfX6nwA58GVwLNiy3xZgMGDUCpt5awHNcbTiVCCnGZcA4bTNnMTCrJ_Uo7QWUInNgNZ0QWYIejPaJMVcqJmQKxIU6cWj6-zYG5c410AKMHtTKkMGrAlf09fgrD-nA9lFexWg8c/s1600/305144888667652275_4961007.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<br />rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-24127328639758891152012-10-16T10:09:00.000-06:002014-06-19T17:49:45.993-06:00Modern Farmhouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Move me in to this lovely beauty! Clean lined modern farmhouse style with those marble counters, le sigh. From the architecture, and great light to the simple modern furnishing most everything about this home is spot on. See the rest of the shots <a href="http://houseandhome.com/design/photo-gallery-2012-princess-margaret-showhome?page=0">here</a>. What a gorgeous space.</div>
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// photos by the talented <a href="http://www.michaelgraydon.ca/">Michael Graydon</a> in <a href="http://houseandhome.com/design/photo-gallery-2012-princess-margaret-showhome?page=0">Canadian House and Home</a> Oct 2012. (found via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/55380270389152602/">Joslyn</a>)</div>
rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-76914792540894497362012-10-11T16:13:00.000-06:002012-10-11T16:13:29.291-06:00Farmer's Market Squash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today's loot from the farmer's market. I had no idea how many types of squash there are until today. I saw tons of French varieties, heirlooms and look forward to trying out a whole new world of flavors. Here are the few I picked up...<br />
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- Dark Green : Buttercup squash<br />
- Orange : Kabocha squash ( it grows in a green shade too)<br />
- Beige : Butternut squash<br />
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What is your favorite squash?rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144976013999744963.post-54905690139406755582012-10-10T00:21:00.000-06:002012-10-10T00:21:42.425-06:00Music Monday : Workout Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Music Monday, a little late ...<br />
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Lately I've been hopping on the treadmill more and although I prefer a good class or going outside, sometimes the only way I can sneak in a cardio moment is when the little one is napping. What makes the treadmill more exciting for me is mixing it up with fresh workout music. Here is what I'm listening to lately. I call it 'T- 30' (Treadmill for 30) but it's actually 33 minutes because I always like to throw in a good cool down song at the end and for this mix it's Ratatat that cues me up to take it slow. What is on your workout playlist mix? I'm all ears.<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:user:1217595456:playlist:2g2WIZgIpHb00qOERxjepx" width="300"></iframe><br />
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*Find or subscribe to this mix here on <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/1217595456/playlist/2g2WIZgIpHb00qOERxjepx">Spotify</a>rachel @ blackeiffelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991534542230676521noreply@blogger.com5