Treehugger Series: Cargo Homes

Shipping containers only have so long of a life span.  What to do with them once they are unusable for shipping?  Some innovative architects have given new meaning to "repurposing"...think: tricked out mobile homes or recyclable pre-fab construction.

My architect husband was conceptualizing a home in the CA desert based on grouping cargo containers together and creating an outdoor/indoor space.  Here is some inspiration I found:

The above photos from Vectro Ave.

The above photos from Coolist.

Photo from Jetson Green.

Photo from Design Building Source.

  

You sure have come a long way from this:

Mewses: the Tuxedo Clan

I am endlessly amused by the dynamics of my Tuxedo Clan.  They're everything a crew of kitties should be: affectionate, cuddly, jealous, manipulative, catty (naturally), exceedingly cool and--most of all--the givers of unconditional love.  Allow me to indulge in the love I can give back to my 3 fur balls.

Mandu

"Crazy like a fox, or just plain crazy".  She's our Savant, not to mention the Alpha...she looks at life a little differently than the rest of us.  And has the most beautiful face and expressive eyes.

All kinds of crazy in that head of hers....

She just knows things.

Poe

She's my special girl.  She's the pleaser and the caregiver...even cleaning the face of her bratty little brother.  I often times wake up to find her laying across my chest.

Not too spoiled, lying in a pile of silk shantung.

Showing off her bobby socks.

Marky

Marky was originally one of my mother's rescues.  When she left us she made sure my brother and I each kept a little part of her love alive by taking care of her babies.  Marky's quite the bratty little brother to the sisters, but a special gift from my mother--a constant reminder of the love she gave so freely.

He knows my husband's office is the man cave.

I promised my mother I wouldn't post him on CatsThatLookLikeHitler.com.  A promise is a promise, right?

The Crew

Occasionally they actually act like they like each other (we know they really do, but they don't want us to know).

Mandu and Marky, enjoying the afternoon sun.

Poe and Marky watching the rare Southern California rain.

Our happy family...

Travel Diaries: Colorful Burano

I haven't been on here in a while--I had other creatively draining projects going on--but I'm hoping to be more consistent now with posts.

When I was in Venice last November, my husband and I visited the island of Burano.  Thanks to Anthony Bourdain, it is probably visited by many a foodie to try the Goh Risotto at Da Romano's.  We had a wonderful extended lunch complete with softshell crabs and the famous risotto (along with a nice bottle of white).  But what really captivated me on this tiny island with no cars, was all the colors of the houses and businesses.  It was a welcome departure from the monotone and grouchy (but still stunningly beautiful) grey of Venice.  The friendliness of the people matched the bright and cheerful colors of the island.  And I really think they use their laundry as decoration (color matching to their houses).  I couldn't stop taking pictures...here are just a few:

I [heart] you too!!

Now THAT'S an Easter Bonnet...

In my almost 20 years in New York I never went to the Easter Bonnet Parade, but I always imagined what I'd wear.  I no longer live there, and regret not having gone but I can still use my imagination to dream up a perfect Easter Bonnet.  The first thing that comes to mind with "Imagination" and "Hats" is Philip Treacy.   He has brought the term fascinator into the mainstream and has been an inspiration for the new interest in hats.  Maybe next year I'll have a post of my own tricked-out Easter Bonnets....

I love me some orchids.  Why not have a giant one on my head?

Being followed by a swarm of butterflies...

The Swarm gets a little more contained.

Carry Bradshaw style.

 

...So you don't have to decide on just one hat.

Nice color blocking and verticality.  I love the colors with the red lipstick.

Again, the color...

And finally, no color, just pure style.

Which ones should I draw inspiration from?

Spring Flower Couture

Being as it's Easter week, not to mention having just seen the Hunger Games and loving the "Capitol Couture", I found the Spring Couture collection of Alexis Mabille quirky, fresh and colorful....like a Spring bouquet.  I can just picture Effie Trinket in one of these outfits.

All photos from Style.com

Happy Spring!!  Enjoy some beautiful colors!