*bling
Yumm. Also from Vivavi, the undeniably sexy daybed by Pie. $3600. (I think I’ve seen something similar to this in Thailand)

Uber slick children should all have uber slick toy boxes. Box is made with certified sustainable birch wood with all sorts of kid-friendly features like non-toxic paint (in case they lick the box) and slow-closing spring thinggy (in case they stick their heads in it). Brownie points to the use of eco-friendly materials. This piece is versatile and subtle - not too child-like. I love the basic form and ever slightly rounded corners. It will be one that will definitely grow with your kids for a long time. The Fuji Toybox is a part of the Argington furniture line, available for $420 (pricey, but worth the splurge, imho) at Vivavi.

To celebrate the spirit of summer, I’ve posted a new summery header graphic. This photo is taken from lido beach, long island during the shay-day-secret-situation event. I’ve also finally upgraded wordpress to version 2.2. If I don’t get too distracted from the sunny outdoors, you may see new features popping here and there.

Plus41 makes little miniature old skool nike shoes with chocolate and white chocolate. Comes with appropriate shoe box packaging and everything. 30 Euro for set of 3. Awesome. (via notcot)

The Lamborghini of espresso machines. This Gaggia is said to be the best of its breed. At $1299, you better be quite the drinker to make this baby worthwhile. (As seen in Men’s Health Mag)

IKEA just launched the upper crust version of their furniture line. These pieces are still priced for the budget conscious but made with better materials than the usual IKEA stuff you normally get. Trust the Svedes for furnishing the world at the best prices around. (Site, although totally cool with the pseudo flash 3D effect, is not in English, sorry)

For my friend’s wedding I’m planning on baking her the wedding cake. Although I have been baking cakes for over 15 years now, I’ve never done a cake at this magnitude before. I’m totally looking forward to it. Say hello to “cake 1.0 alpha”. This is a really rough sketch (first pass on illustrator) of what it might look like. The inside will be red velvet cake (cakeman raven’s recipe!)with cream cheese frosting. Then it gets a layer of marshmallow fondant in aqua with chocolate brown ribbon trim. Final touches will be little gumpaste flowers in white (you can buy them at SugarCraft), and chocolate bride-groom topper. This is a daisy version that inspired the idea. Click on the links for recipe. In the next week or so I will begin the year-long training to make this cake.

I originally wrote a butt-load on this post but stupid safari just crashed and I’m too sleepy to re-write. Interesting event happening in the meat packing district this month — MPD design week. Looks fun.

Last week was my mum’s birthday and today is my dad’s birthday. Neither of them read this blog, which is fine. I’ve never really been a very good child. Last week I forgot to call her. Not having spoken to dad in 7 years sure doesn’t help either. That said, I am always grateful to have a mum and a dad (albeit far away) so wherever you guys are — happy birthday! Image: eggpress mini card from luxe paperie ($5.50).

Who knew felt + rock = $240. Fantastic toy, weapon, decoration, etc, from molo. Available at Unica Home. Cute.