Obsessive List Disorder

Ask Alice Stationery

I have obsessive list disorder. Every Sunday I write a list of all my big ideas and plans for the week ahead. Then, each night I break it down and write a list for the following day. I still can't work out whether it's the act of writing the list or crossing it off that has me hooked.

I'm also very particular about where my lists are housed. Usually it's a Moleskine. But when I went to buy a new one this morning, I ended up walking out with this Ask Alice book instead. Designed and printed in Melbourne, it's made from 100% recycled paper and printed with non-toxic, vegetable-based inks. Plus, there are a few sneaky dividers made from vintage comic books and a secret pocket in the back.

I'm so enamoured with my new notebook that I couldn't wait for my usual evening list-writing fix. So, I did what any self-respecting list addict would do - I made a list of my lists!

AU $26; available online from Ask Alice.

Drip! Drip!

Images: Packaging UQAM

Tissue Boxes

I've been rather annoying to be around this week. With a dry, bark for a cough and a dripping nose, I've pretty much been joined at the hip with a tissue box. Speaking of which, why do they always have such a lurid, hideous design? Does Mr Tissue Box Maker think the sight of fluffy bunnies or sea shells is going to somehow distract me from how crook I feel?

If only these prototypes by a French design class where available and I'd happily be sick for another week!

Calling all Vintage Lovers!

For three weeks from June 30, online maven Claire Inc and her razor-sharp collection of vintage and cult labels, will take up residency at Melbourne fashion institution Alice Euphemia. To find out more about this match made in heaven, check out my article for Broadsheet.

Only 28 more sleeps, and counting!

That Sinking Feeling

Images: National Geographic

Guatemala

Neither of these images have been Photoshopped. And no, they're not from a movie set.

On Sunday, a 30-story-deep sinkhole appeared in Guatemala. It reportedly swallowed up a couple of buildings and appeared in the wake of Tropical Storm Agatha which killed at least 146 people and caused 150,000 across Central America to be evacuated. Agatha coupled with the continuing eruption of Pacaya Volcano (located just 19 miles from the capital) means that Guatemala is in a state of crisis.

Which begs the question: why is this morning's lead story by the majority of Australian media outlets about a former escort's grab for a piece of Richard Pratt's estate?

Makes you think, doesn't it?

Riding the Wave

Images: Kate MccGwire

Installation by Kate MccGwire

This awe-inspiring installation of pigeon feathers is by Kate MccGwire. It also reminds me of how I feel.

In recent weeks I've found it hard to sleep because I have a constant wave of excitement in the pit of my stomach. I'm not sure what's around the corner, but I think it might be amazing....

Found via Prone to Wonder.

Shades of Grey

The days run away like wild horses over the hills

- Charles Bukowski

Last week I came across the idea of keeping a journal that only ever includes one sentence about each day. The thing that I love about this, is that it makes you think in broad brushstrokes. It also makes you remember the fleeting details that make a day perfect - like this moment on our morning walk.

So, today I bought a crisp, fresh notebook and I'm going to try and rein in some of the 'wild horses'...

Carried Away

Images: NY Mag

Patricia Field's Take on Sex and the City 2

Sex and the City 2 is a heartbeat away from appearing on the big screen and I have to say I'm pretty darn happy about that! Sure, it might be all spark and very little substance, but that's the way I like my escapism.

Just as I'm looking forward to seeing what Carrie and the gang get up to, I'm equally excited to see what fantastical threads Patricia Field's will be serving up. More than eye candy, the clothes in Sex and the City have always been a critical part of the storytelling, and as Field's says, "[They] establish and strengthen the relationship that the audience has with these four girls."

For an amazing deconstruction of ten looks from Sex and the City 2 by Field's herself, make sure you visit here. It's a fascinating insight into the film and the mind of a genius stylist.

Give Thanks

Images: thxthxthx

thxthxthx

I'm a big fan of the lost art of thank you notes. So is Leah Dieterich.

From the names Kate and Katie and the 28 year-old girl who hasn't lost her baby teeth, to uncertainty and Spring, thxthxthx is her daily exercise in gratitude - and a joyful note to start the day on! Happy Humpday....

Pimp Your Ride

To all the cyclists out there,

There is no need for you to continue looking like this:

Image: Sydney Cyclist

Just because you have poured yourself into a lurid neon ensemble doesn't fool anyone into thinking you're Lance Armstrong. So why not kit yourself out in accessories the non-riding public actually want to see? Like this matching handlebar bag and seat cover in vintage upholstery fabric from CycleStyle, the home of stylish clothing and accessories for the urban cyclist.

Image: CycleStyle

And while you're at it, drop by Jelly Bean Bikes and for just $599, let them hook you up a rainbow-coloured, custom-made ride. You select the colour of your frame, rims, chain, seat, handgrips, pedals and even the tyres. And they'll whip up a cool commuter that is an extension of your personality. Just add some neon Spokey Dokeys and you're all set!

Image: Jelly Bean Bikes

The Happiness Resolution

Although my parents have had the farm for eight years, this weekend was the first time the whole family has been there at once. Travel and living away from Melbourne has meant that the stars have never aligned and enabled us to share time together in a place that we all adore.

We cooked, laughed, drank, sat in the watery winter sun and fell asleep in the wingback chairs by the fire. Then we cooked some more.

When we came back home, I felt brand new. I realised that in recent months, my heart often feels like it could pound right out of my chest. I always seem to be racing around from one thing to the next. I feel like I need to keep all these balls in the air, but when it comes down to it, I'm the only one creating and putting myself under pressure.

So, today I made a May resolution - to carry the quiet stillness that a precious 24 hours away gave me. To consciously luxuriate in the moment. To simply be.

This is one resolution I'll be keeping.

Want Some Punk With Your Plonk?

Images: Vine Arts, The Age & Bouchon Wines

Wine by Some Young Punks

Today will go a little something like this:

1. Alfie and I are rugging up and heading to the market to do one hell-of-a-big-shop.
2. Home again and I'll spend the day happily chopping, dicing, slicing, cooking, basting and baking.
3. Night falls and six friends will come around for a hearty home-cooked meal.
4. With a belly full of nosh and good booze we'll crash between the sheets.

What could be grander than a day like this?

Speaking of good booze, have you heard of the South Australian wine label, Some Young Punks? Or should I say, have you seen their labels? Inspired by pulp fiction novels, these bottles look as good as their contents taste!

Kid You Not

Images: Shit My Kids Ruined

Shit My Kids Ruined

If you have rugrats, Shit My Kids Ruined, will cut hilariously close to home. From furniture, dreams to once-pert-boobs, this is the place where parents share things their kids have ruined or otherwise made filthy, distasteful, gross or painful.

If you don't have kids, this site is the strongest visual birth control around.

Either way, it's the perfect way to start your Wednesday on the funny side!

A Matter of Taste

Images: The Blog Rules

Edible Fashion by Fulvio Bonavia

Talk about a match made in heaven! Italian photographer, Fulvio Bonavia, takes two of life's greatest pleasures - food and fashion - and combines them in delectable creations for his latest book A Matter of Taste. From eggplant flats to a berry bag and fishy belt, I'm not sure whether to eat or wear these pieces!

Found via.