spectacular spectacles

scott urban in chicago makes handmade wooden eyeglass frames. his shop is urban spectacles.

Curl up & Read

Lately we've had days that start out really sunny and clear and suddenly we have a huge downpour. Usually, I get all my work done early in the morning and so I can have the afternoons to myself to hike or just be outside. When it's raining though, I love some popcorn and a good book. 

I love to curl up with a blanket like this:


This summer blanket is from Swan Island Blankets. They are based in Maine and have high-quality, luscious textiles.

Key Components

Two photos from Elle Deco | South Africa.


The storage along the ceiling in this kitchen is a great use of space and has the side benefit of creating depth and interest.


I think this bathtub speaks for itself.

Me encanta....

Jelena Behrend is a lovely metalsmith and jewelry designer in New York. A few years ago she made our wedding rings. It was one of the only places we could find to get rings that were simple, made from high-quality materials and crafted by a real person! I got an email from her the other day and had to check out some of her new pieces. While these rose gold hoops aren't part of her newest collection per se, they are stunning and I can imagine how much fun it would be to wear these with a great sundress and bronzed skin.

Maybe next month; waiting for it to break 80 degrees in Heidelberg ~ still in sweaters at night....

More Marije

I can't even get over how amazing she is....
'In the food for love' video from {die gestalten}.
{link to video}

Nose Trio

Elegant fragrance trio from Hermés: Eau d’Orange Verte, Eau de Pamplemousse Rose, Eau de Gentiane Blanche
{via le figaro}

Irresistible Linen

Society Limonta produces high-quality linens from the perspective of touch and colour. Their palettes are soothing and simple and the products invite you to enjoy your skin and surroundings.

These beach towel sets are perfect for hotels; the gauze sheets for the feel of summer holiday in your own home.

Scents from Far West Texas: Marfa Brand Soap

My smart, beautiful and creative friend, Ginger has a line of great smelling (and feeling) natural soaps. If you're not able to make it to Marfa, they will soon be available at Spartan in Austin. 

One of the best parts of the line is the finishing. The logo and packaging -  a simple wrapping of gauze with a rubber stamped logo. It feels perfectly analog and communicates a handmade quality, rich in love and creativity.

French Organic Body

I found these while shopping for hand cream (I'm so dry here from the radiator heating!). I think that the packaging is fantastic and the art on the bottles is simple and on-point. A nice treat to welcome in the sunny weather; smell fantastic and feel good with these scrumptious products from Patyka. 

On a project with the Hotel San José we put together a lovely room service bento box with select food goodies and spa items. I think a room service box with all kinds of yummy body products is a delightful departure from overpriced m&m's and mini liquor bottles.