Skirted Roundtable: On Jealousy in Blogland
March 10th, 2010
This week at The Skirted Roundtable, Joni, Megan and I chat about blogger jealousy. It’s an all too human emotion and we’ve all experienced it. So, please join us and let us know if you’ve experienced it and how you deal with it.
Listen here. 
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Skirted Roundtable: On Jealousy in Blogland
March 10th, 2010
This week at The Skirted Roundtable, Joni, Megan and I chat about blogger jealousy. It’s an all too human emotion and we’ve all experienced it. So, please join us and let us know if you’ve experienced it and how you deal with it.
Listen here.
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My Dearest
March 10th, 2010
Dearest Hurricane,
I am sorry to inform you that your twin, the one I purchased at the thrift store when I purchased you, has undergone some cosmetic changes.
You see, while giving her a bath in the kitchen sink I heard a loud pop and noticed a large crack in her base (likely a result of the combination of scalding hot water inside her while she sat on a cold sink bottom).
A few weeks later the crack turned into a severed break! I could not bear to throw her out but instead I placed your twin upside down to mourn her unfortunate state.
Then one day my hubby, desiring to relieve the two of us from our misery, had a wondrous plan! 
He would gently break off the rest of her base and sand down the sharp edges. The plan was successful with one exception, she was still a bit rough around the edges.
Thank goodness a little dressing of burlap and rope could come to her aide and cover her flaws.
She is living a new life. She has blossomed into a beautiful cloche!
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My Dearest
March 10th, 2010
Dearest Hurricane,
I am sorry to inform you that your twin, the one I purchased at the thrift store when I purchased you, has undergone some cosmetic changes.You see, while giving her a bath in the kitchen sink I heard a loud pop and noticed a large crack in her base (likely a result of the combination of scalding hot water inside her while she sat on a cold sink bottom).
A few weeks later the crack turned into a severed break! I could not bear to throw her out but instead I placed your twin upside down to mourn her unfortunate state.
Then one day my hubby, desiring to relieve the two of us from our misery, had a wondrous plan! He would gently break off the rest of her base and sand down the sharp edges. The plan was successful with one exception, she was still a bit rough around the edges. Thank goodness a little dressing of burlap and rope could come to her aide and cover her flaws.
She is living a new life. She has blossomed into a beautiful cloche!
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Bamboo For Baby Is The Bomb! Castor & Chouca Eco-Friendly Baby Products
March 9th, 2010
Innovative French brand Castor & Chouca creates eco-friendly bamboo baby products inspired by innovations in the medical field as well as design. Crafted in France, the pieces and collections combine modern simplicity with futuristic design and a concern for the world we live in.
Their green high end furniture is crafted with ecological and recyclable raw materials (massive bamboo-slat, linen, organic cotton, recyclable components) the furniture is made to last and not to be thrown away.
With products for infants to toddlers to juniors, their lines are broken down into four collections, one of which is actually recycled and repurposed products.
The Hop! Cradle
The Hop! Bassinet Trolley:
The Hop! Sofa kit:
The 1,2,3 Soleil All In One (crib, changing table and junior desk):
The Generous Furniture Baby Cot:
The Generous Furniture Nappy Changing Commode:
The Generous Furniture Junior Bed:
They brilliantly recycle their products as well, so you can choose from repurposed products in their Generation Offer -Recycled collection.
Design Cradle (recycled):
About them:
Castor & Chouca is the child of a french manufacture in Marciac (south of France). Its three founders: Philippe Ossona de Mendez (designer and co-designer of the brand), Jérôme Lasserre and Bruno Flinois wanted a brand to answer new parents’ demand: secure, eco-friendly and nice design products for their families.
Castor & Chouca is an innovative french brand which creates and produces furniture, accessories and textile products, dedicated to the blooming of the children. An eco-design universe, a contemporary atmosphere, a collection inspired by child care in maternity hospitals (practical and safe) and designs in the heart of the parents’ home a line of decorative furniture (innovation and design) for children. Castor & Chouca stands apart as well by the originality and quality of the chosen materials and the evolution of each of its creations which follows the child in his development.
Castor & Chouca
9 Villa des Sablons
92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine
France
T : +33 (0)1 47 22 25 99
F : +33 (0)1 47 22 41 64
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Bamboo For Baby Is The Bomb! Castor & Chouca Eco-Friendly Baby Products
March 9th, 2010
Innovative French brand Castor & Chouca creates eco-friendly bamboo baby products inspired by innovations in the medical field as well as design. Crafted in France, the pieces and collections combine modern simplicity with futuristic design and a concern for the world we live in.
Their green high end furniture is crafted with ecological and recyclable raw materials (massive bamboo-slat, linen, organic cotton, recyclable components) the furniture is made to last and not to be thrown away.
With products for infants to toddlers to juniors, their lines are broken down into four collections, one of which is actually recycled and repurposed products.
The Hop! Cradle
The Hop! Bassinet Trolley:
The Hop! Sofa kit:
The 1,2,3 Soleil All In One (crib, changing table and junior desk):
The Generous Furniture Baby Cot:
The Generous Furniture Nappy Changing Commode:
The Generous Furniture Junior Bed:
They brilliantly recycle their products as well, so you can choose from repurposed products in their Generation Offer -Recycled collection.
Design Cradle (recycled):
About them:
Castor & Chouca is the child of a french manufacture in Marciac (south of France). Its three founders: Philippe Ossona de Mendez (designer and co-designer of the brand), Jérôme Lasserre and Bruno Flinois wanted a brand to answer new parents’ demand: secure, eco-friendly and nice design products for their families.
Castor & Chouca is an innovative french brand which creates and produces furniture, accessories and textile products, dedicated to the blooming of the children. An eco-design universe, a contemporary atmosphere, a collection inspired by child care in maternity hospitals (practical and safe) and designs in the heart of the parents’ home a line of decorative furniture (innovation and design) for children. Castor & Chouca stands apart as well by the originality and quality of the chosen materials and the evolution of each of its creations which follows the child in his development.
Castor & Chouca
9 Villa des Sablons
92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine
France
T : +33 (0)1 47 22 25 99
F : +33 (0)1 47 22 41 64
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Murano Glass Skull Chandeliers By Philipp Plein
March 9th, 2010
For Philipp Plein, the skull is deemed to be a symbol for art, beauty and the celebration of life. The motif plays a central role in the design of the 31 year old designer and is a highlight of the new Murano crystal collection.
above: the giant Swarovski crystal skull in his new Monaco store
At MAISON&OBJET in Paris for the first time PHILIPP PLEIN presented its new Murano crystal collection to the international Interieur scene. Besides the impressive chandeliers the collection includes also drinking glasses and vases, all made in Italy. Every item is unique and intricately crafted by the hands of Muranos best glassblowers.
The shining stars of the new collection are the chandeliers. These appear in the three designs black, white and crystal and in two different sizes of 1,5m x 1,2m and 0,8m x 0,9m. The big one is composed with 105 glass elements, including fifteen delicate skulls, stars and romantic flowers with stalk.
Images of the chandelier in the Monte Carlo store:
additional photos courtesy of Monte Carlo Daily Photo
about Philip Plein:
Starting with a personal vision 10 years ago, by now PHILIPP PLEIN can look back to an amazing track record. It is the passion for the detail, the desire to meet the emotional and intellectual needs of the customer, which affect the 31 year old.
In eleven different lifestyle categories PHILIPP PLEIN offers contemporary luxury, Fashion for Men, Women and Kids, Luggage, Jewellery and Lunettes. The Home Collection includes Home Furniture, Home Accessories, Garden Furniture, Dog Accessories, Lightning and Kitchen. Exquisite materials are combined in our collections, always inspired by the spirit of Rock’ n’ Roll.
Unless otherwise noted, all images are courtesy of Philipp Plein.
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Murano Glass Skull Chandeliers By Philipp Plein
March 9th, 2010
For Philipp Plein, the skull is deemed to be a symbol for art, beauty and the celebration of life. The motif plays a central role in the design of the 31 year old designer and is a highlight of the new Murano crystal collection.
above: the giant Swarovski crystal skull in his new Monaco store
At MAISON&OBJET in Paris for the first time PHILIPP PLEIN presented its new Murano crystal collection to the international Interieur scene. Besides the impressive chandeliers the collection includes also drinking glasses and vases, all made in Italy. Every item is unique and intricately crafted by the hands of Muranos best glassblowers.
The shining stars of the new collection are the chandeliers. These appear in the three designs black, white and crystal and in two different sizes of 1,5m x 1,2m and 0,8m x 0,9m. The big one is composed with 105 glass elements, including fifteen delicate skulls, stars and romantic flowers with stalk.
Images of the chandelier in the Monte Carlo store:
additional photos courtesy of Monte Carlo Daily Photo
about Philip Plein:
Starting with a personal vision 10 years ago, by now PHILIPP PLEIN can look back to an amazing track record. It is the passion for the detail, the desire to meet the emotional and intellectual needs of the customer, which affect the 31 year old.
In eleven different lifestyle categories PHILIPP PLEIN offers contemporary luxury, Fashion for Men, Women and Kids, Luggage, Jewellery and Lunettes. The Home Collection includes Home Furniture, Home Accessories, Garden Furniture, Dog Accessories, Lightning and Kitchen. Exquisite materials are combined in our collections, always inspired by the spirit of Rock’ n’ Roll.
Unless otherwise noted, all images are courtesy of Philipp Plein.
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How An Oscar Statuette Is Made & Other Facts About The Academy Award
March 9th, 2010
In honor of tonight’s 82nd Annual Academy Awards, here’s a look at how the coveted statuette is actually made, from start to finish.
The exterior of R.S. Owens in Chicago:
Casting, Buffing and polishing:
The metal is heated to 960 degrees before pouring into the cast.
The Oscar, removed from the cast, and ready to be polished and buffed:
The rough seams are sanded:
And the statue is polished:
Electroplating:
being dipped into the nickel (the second step, it’s first dipped into copper):
Dipped into the 24k plate, the fourth step (the third step is dipped into silver):
Engraving and Mounting:
Affixing the engraved plate to the base:
a close up look at base:
Placing the felt pad on the base:
Oscar Fun Facts:
• The official name of the statuette is the Academy Award® of Merit
• Oscar is 13½ inches tall and weighs 8½ pounds
• The First Recipient was Emil Jannings, named Best Actor for his performances in “The Last Command” and “The Way of All Flesh” in 1929
• Number of Awards Presented to date as of 2010: 2,701 statuettes
• It was designed by Cedric Gibbons, chief art director at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and sculpted by Los Angeles artist George Stanley.
• The Oscar statuette depicts a knight holding a crusader’s sword, standing on a reel of film. The film reel features five spokes, signifying the five original branches of the Academy (actors, directors, producers, technicians and writers.)
• How Oscar received his nickname is not exactly clear.
The most popular story is that Margaret Herrick, an Academy librarian and eventual executive director, remarked that the statuette resembled her Uncle Oscar, and the Academy staff began to refer to it as Oscar. Although the nickname was used with increasing frequency during the late 1930s, the Academy didn’t officially use the name Oscar until 1939.
• The Oscar statuette hasn’t been altered since his molten birth, except when the design of the pedestal was made taller in 1945.
images and info courtesy of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
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How An Oscar Statuette Is Made & Other Facts About The Academy Award
March 9th, 2010
In honor of tonight’s 82nd Annual Academy Awards, here’s a look at how the coveted statuette is actually made, from start to finish.
The exterior of R.S. Owens in Chicago:
Casting, Buffing and polishing:
The metal is heated to 960 degrees before pouring into the cast.
The Oscar, removed from the cast, and ready to be polished and buffed:
The rough seams are sanded:
And the statue is polished:
Electroplating:
being dipped into the nickel (the second step, it’s first dipped into copper):
Dipped into the 24k plate, the fourth step (the third step is dipped into silver):
Engraving and Mounting:
Affixing the engraved plate to the base:
a close up look at base:
Placing the felt pad on the base:
Oscar Fun Facts:
• The official name of the statuette is the Academy Award® of Merit
• Oscar is 13½ inches tall and weighs 8½ pounds
• The First Recipient was Emil Jannings, named Best Actor for his performances in “The Last Command” and “The Way of All Flesh” in 1929
• Number of Awards Presented to date as of 2010: 2,701 statuettes
• It was designed by Cedric Gibbons, chief art director at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and sculpted by Los Angeles artist George Stanley.
• The Oscar statuette depicts a knight holding a crusader’s sword, standing on a reel of film. The film reel features five spokes, signifying the five original branches of the Academy (actors, directors, producers, technicians and writers.)
• How Oscar received his nickname is not exactly clear.
The most popular story is that Margaret Herrick, an Academy librarian and eventual executive director, remarked that the statuette resembled her Uncle Oscar, and the Academy staff began to refer to it as Oscar. Although the nickname was used with increasing frequency during the late 1930s, the Academy didn’t officially use the name Oscar until 1939.
• The Oscar statuette hasn’t been altered since his molten birth, except when the design of the pedestal was made taller in 1945.
images and info courtesy of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
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