Design Fun : Lying Eyes

If you, like me, fancy yourself a color theory or design buff, I think you'll enjoy this quick little puzzle over at Wired Magazine. Can your "lying eyes" find the two shades of gray that are the same? Thanks to @willfrancis for sharing this over on twitter.

While you are over at Wired, you might want to check out this fun design tidbit on ambigrams (a phrase written so that you can read it right side up and upside down). Very cool. I can't wait to share the one that reads "Reverse Engineering," with my engineer husband. Hope everyone has a beautiful and design-filled day!

Sometimes it's OK to play with your food...

Especially when it's part of a valiant effort to make mealtime more appealing, or fun for some preschoolers. Spring has officially sprung here and I've been sure (even when it's pouring outside) to serve up a little sunshine on my daughters' plates as a reflection of the season. I'm definitely no Hippo Mum, but I do give it my best shot making healthy and pretty meals for my little girls. And with increasingly picky taste-buds, a little design aesthetic applied to their foodstuffs seems to make everything go down a little smoother, and lunchtime a lot less tiring on this Mommy. How do you spice up your kids meals? With new and interesting tastes? Sneaking in some stealthy and healthy staples? Or do you just fall back on making pretty pictures like me?! Whatever works, right?

The Earth Laughs in Chocolate: John&Kira's

Ever since my sister attended her sister-in-law's chocolate- and wine-tasting bridal shower, I've been meaning to tell you about John&Kira's gourmet, artisan, chocolates. I was especially delighted when said sister gave a box of chocolates to my husband for Christmas and I got to try their delicious, melt-in-your-mouth flavor combos. As if producing incredible tasting, and gorgeous looking chocolate wasn't enough, I also appreciate this Philidelphia business' community involvement and earth-friendly stance. They use local and family farms for their fresh ingredients, and support an urban school garden program in West Philadelphia where the mint for their Garden Mint chocolates is grown. I never thought I'd say this but mmmm....Earth Day.

With other flavors like Lingering Lemongrass, Popohaku Farm Ginger, and Lavender Honey...you know you're in for a unique, and often organic experience when trying these chocolates. Carefully embellished squares of chocolate and beautifully packaged product speak to John&Kira's design sense as well and make their sweets even more of a joy to eat. I was delighted to discover they also offer wedding favor versions of their fine product. I think the lovebugs pictured above would be perfect, and a welcome treat for guests, such an event. So happy earth day (a day late) and why not celebrate with some chocolate!?

"You mean when you were a kid, you didn't have music uploaded directly to your brain?"

Rhett and Link s Dead iPod Song @ Yahoo! Video

If you are my friend on Facebook, you're probably already aware that my 2 year old threw my iPod touch in the (albeit clean, but very wet) toilet a couple of weeks ago. My amazingly awesome engineer husband actually got it to work again for about a week and it functioned almost perfectly (except for a little sound glitch here and there). That was until I let the charge run out completely and then...nothin'. This song pretty much sums up the experience. Except for the 18 months to two years part. I only had mine for (gulp) 3 months...but then again the Apple Care Warranty plan does not protect against water damage or 2 year olds. Needless to say, I am lucky enough to have a shiny new iPod and my tinkering husband is still working on making the old one work so he can use it for himself. We shall see. I also now store it at locations that are shoulder height or higher. Lesson learned.

Bride Design's First Etsy Treasury

I was thrilled to wake up and find my Ring Pillow in Dreamy Cream and Beige was selected to be in a lovely and subdued Etsy Treasury titled "What Dreams May Come" by shop owner diaspora. I love the pale and stirring colors, contrasted with some lovely darks. Also included is some great photography, a gorgeous wedding gown, jewelry and more. I love the hanging art that looks almost like falling ginko leaves as well. A nice way to start a cloudy, rainy Wednesday!