Camilla's Morran

You may remember awhile ago I introduced you to Camilla of Studio Violet? Well, she's a lovely Swedish artist and she has a funny little dog named Morran. She's recently been on vacation in Spain and France (like you do) and her little pup was lucky enough to accompany. She's taken some really fun pictures of her enjoying the travels and I thought they'd be fun to share on this drizzly Tuesday (is it drizzly where you are?).



That's one lucky pooch!
Camilla has done some lovely art with sweet Morran in it.


Be sure to check out Camilla's blog and site and Flickr set and then go hug a (friendly) dog!

Berlin with Brian

Brian Ferry used to live in Brooklyn but now lives in London and is the author of the blog "the blue hour". He's an exceptionally talented photographer with an abundance of interesting and beautiful things and places to shoot. He recently went to Berlin and photographed a wide assortment of goodies. There were just so many things I thought you'd enjoy, so I think I'll get out of the way and let you travel in your mind for a little bit. I'll meet you at bonanza coffee heroes when you're done for a sweet treat and a cup of dark roast (with cream of course).



Favorites: spearmint gum ad, suitcases and shoes, "i feel so funny... is this real life?", cupcakes on lovely blue plates. Let's get out of here!

Water Towers

I've always loved my "Cherry Valley" water tower and as I drove past it last night I thought I'd take a peek around the country and see what else was out there. Thanks to Flickr (yet again!) I was able to find some really great ones in the "save ferris" photo pool. All of these images are from that, except the Cherry Valley tower.

Aces

Close to a year ago I was introduced to Ace Hotel in Portland, Oregon and it's intrigued me ever since. I have this strange obsession with Portland. I say strange because I've never visited nor do I really know anything about it. But as far as I'm concerned it's amazing and beautiful and a city I aspire to live in. Well, it's at least a city I aspire to visit. And in my dreams, I'm staying at this beautiful hotel.

There's a photo booth in the lobby! And green stools! And beautiful tile and wood paneling and a huge community coffee table! What's more charming? Maybe the rooms? Yes...

Of course all of the rooms have individual personality and charm—no generic, itchy floral bedspreads or particleboard tv cabinets or poor man's Monet paintings hanging crookedly over the beds. Just gorgeous wall decals and beautifully designed blankets and a heavenly amount of white. This particular Ace Hotel (there are four all over the country) takes pride in the fact that they've employed local artists to stock the renovated historic hotel with creative and unique pieces. Also, they've made it a point to use a respectable amount of recycled materials in their design. AND it's not crazy expensive to stay (rooms range from $95 to $250 a night).

The Official Manufacturing Company is comprised of a few guys that separately worked for Wieden + Kennedy (stay tuned for more from them tomorrow) and Ace Hotel along with various freelance jobs. Their portfolio includes designs for Ace Hotel: stationery, a gift belt for "sleeping with us", camp badges and other great pieces. Isn't their logo great too? Check out the rest of their portfolio and blog.

If you're anywhere near an Ace Hotel, do yourself a favor and, at the very least, wander in and be inspired. If you're like me and nowhere near one, get your plane ticket asap.