Words to remember

"No one looks stupid when they're having fun." -- Amy Poehler

P.S. Also, Tina Fey.

(Quote via LOMM)

How to break a habit

In his new book The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg explains that just by recognizing them, you can change your habits.

Personally, I have a nightly habit of a glass (or two) of wine. At first I was like, it's cool, it's European! But I've realized that as soon as Toby goes to bed—ding, that's my cue—I immediately expect that crisp glass of wine. Duhigg shows how to snap out of your routine (and this week, I've just had water).

Do you have a habit you want to break? Doesn't everyone?

(Via Swissmiss)

Citra Sipper

Have you ever seen a Citra Sipper? You just stick it into an orange or grapefruit and drink! What a rad idea. Do you think it really works? (And the company is old-school: It was launched at the 1933 World's Fair by the current owner's grandfather.)

Luggage scooter

Ha, this luggage scooter is awesome.

Because dogs need vacations, too.

Our friends have a dog, and every time they go on vacation, they're bummed to him in a kennel. So this new-ish site looks awesome...

Dog Vacay lets you find a real home where your dog can stay while you're away. Experienced dog lovers can sign up to host dogs for a small fee (starting at $15 per night); often, the hosts have other dogs and big yards, and some are even retired vets or pet trainers. One couple said that your dog can sleep in their bed, if that's what your dog is used to at home. And the cutest part: You'll get photos of your dog's vacation! :)

If you have a dog, would you do this?

(Photo by KalyxCornucopia)

State sandwiches

Design student Kelly Pratt decided to eat her way through the classic sandwiches of all fifty states. Her project is called Stately Sandwiches. So far, she has done the California Powerhouse, as well as...
Read more »

Glow-in-the-dark driveway

How beautiful is this driveway? It's actually doable: It's made of glowstones mixed with gravel. Imagine driving home after a long day at work--awesome.

(Via Pinterest)

Cheese wedding cake

Speaking of offbeat weddings, this Australian couple served a cheese wedding cake. Be still my heart.

What kind of dessert will (or did) you serve at your wedding? We went with chocolate-chip cookies.

P.S. More on cheese:)

(Photos by Jonas Peterson)

Made me laugh.

Oh my goodness, this video is so hilarious. We've all been there.

(P.S. And, don't worry, the guys who did the video said, "This makes us look like bullies. We did catch up with everyone and explained what we were doing. Most people were good sports!")

(Thanks, SW)

About a Little Mole Who Wants to Know Who It Was that Pooped on its Head. (Seriously.)

The funniest thing we discovered in Amsterdam was definitely this classic children's book. The title? "About a Little Mole Who Wants to Know Who It Was that Pooped on its Head." Look inside...Read more »

Raddest bike basket

Holy smokes! This minimal bike basket is awesome. San Francisco designer Feris Elmasu attached four stretchy straps to bent wood, which will hold down anything from a laptop to a six pack of beer. Thumbs up.

P.S. New Yorkers: This bike show is coming up...

(Via The Daily Muse)

What are you good at?

Andy Selsberg's new book, You Are Good at Things, celebrates our secret talents that are typically taken for granted. For example, maybe you have the uncanny ability to always notice when someone gets a new haircut, or make the last drop of toothpaste last for a month.

So, what's your secret talent? I'm weirdly good at knowing exactly what time it is, even if I haven't looked at a clock in hours. (Whattup.) And my little brother can ride a unicycle!

Resume makeover

Loft Resumes will give your old resume a design makeover. It probably wouldn't work for the most traditional workplaces, but would be rad for creative fields, to make your resume stand out. Thumbs up!

P.S. Also: Faxing and drinking.

(Via Swissmiss)

How to make travel WAY easier

Can you imagine boarding a flight with just a wallet and your favorite book? Before you leave for vacation, LugLess will pick up your suitcases from your house and deliver them right to your destination.

A small suitcase costs $39 and a large suitcase costs $59, which are amazing prices considering that most airlines charge twenty-five bones to check a bag. Traveling without luggage would make a trip so much easier, especially when you have a wriggly baby in tow.

Having bags sent ahead is something I always assumed was reserved for the Rich & Famous, but this seems totally doable! Thumbs up, LugLess.

RedBall Project

For the past six years, artist Kurt Perschke has squeezed a huge red ball into cracks, gaps and alleys all around the world. The red ball has visited cities like Barcelona, Chicago, Toronto and Sydney, and it's now heading to England for the summer! (Reminds me of this children's story, do you remember it?)

(Via Apartment Therapy)

Motherhood Mondays: Letter from Roald Dahl

Back in 1989, on a rainy afternoon, seven-year-old Amy wrote a letter to Roald Dahl. Using oil, coloured water and glitter, Amy sent the author a personal gift: one of her dreams, contained in a bottle.

Here's Roald Dahl's wonderful response:
P.S. Roald Dahl stamps.

(Photo by Palayo Lacazette; letter from Amy herself, who is on twitter; via LettersofNote)

Bike bag

The Seil Bag is a genius backpack for bikers. A wireless controller on your handlebars lets you clearly signal to cars when you're turning right, left or stopping, without taking your hands off the handlebars. I'd love to use this while riding around New York. It's just a prototype right now, but here's hoping this rad backpack is made and sold sometime soon.

(Via Go to Public School)

Motherhood Mondays: Baby Names & Faces Book

Pinhole Press has a brilliant new baby photo product: Big Book of Names & Faces. You make one with photos of your child's favorite people. My mom made us one as a gift, and it has become Toby's favorite bedtime story. Since our relatives live around the country, this book helps Toby remember them between visits (and happily recognize them when he sees them again), and I love that the book helps him learn words and names, and show him that he's part of a family that cares about him. Bravo, Pinhole Press!

(Thanks to my friend Laura Ratliff for taking these photos. You might recognize Sharon Beesley's kids in a photo. Pinhole Press is my friends' company and one of my beloved sponsors. )

Maddie on Things

The website Maddie on Things, from the Midwest, made me laugh out loud. Of all the photos I've seen over the past few years, this makes me want to get a dog the most. :)

(Via Swissmiss)

The Venus Project

In her Venus project, Italian artist Anna Utopia Giordano gives the goddess of love a Photoshop makeover. She takes famous paintings of Venus and slims bellies (and increases busts) to fit today's standards of beauty. Fascinating, don't you think? These images make me appreciate the sensuality of curvy hips.
(Via Flavorwire)