The interweb gods have spoken:
And the winner is Ellen, miss #25!!! Congratulations Ellen! You won a 3 month subscription to book swim. I’ll email you to set it up.
For everyone else who wants to read on the cheap, check out book swims plans Here.
or, mull it over for awhile:
Archive II by architect David Garcia
Don’t you just love give away days? I j’adore them because it makes me look benevolent and kind and awesome and all that junk. Well, today is no exception, I’m going to be looking pretty rad when I bestow one lucky commentor a three month subscription to Book Swim. Pray tell, what is book swim?
I’m so glad you asked. Book Swim is the cure for my shrinking bank account and my increasing amount of laziness (look, I’m cooking an entire human here, it’s work). Book Swim absolves me of all my television watching guilt. In a word: Book Swim is awesome.
Book Swim is the Netflix for Books.
Yes, the netflix. For books. It’s about time, right?
While titles from design heavyweights like Wearstler and Adler are noticeably absent from the Book Swim selection, I did manage to find the above. (Can you guess which ones are in my queue?) For the most part, I’m pretty impressed with their selection, about 80% of the titles I searched for were found in their database, including obscure reference books and random collections of short essays. All and all I’d consider the selection pretty good considering that there must be, like, a gazillion trillion books in the world.
Want to try it out? Of course you do. Leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, 7/1 at 6:00 pm Central time. The winner will receive a free 3 month subscription to la Swim. Check back on Friday when I announce the lucky duck.
If you can’t wait that long to get your read on, go sign yo self up HERE.
Good Tuesday All! I’ve got exciting news: Poketo give away winners are listed below; and lame news: computer problems big time. See, I was actually trying to be a proactive blogger by installing a wordpress update, somehow amidst all the fancy code my computer and my server stopped talking to each other and now I can’t get any work done in blogland or otherwise. Whant whant whant. So, my mac is in the shop and I’m relegated to shamefully using my husband’s yucky PC, which has (gasp!!!!) NO BOOKMARKED PICTURES OF PRETTY HOUSES. It sucks to say the least and now you dudes have to pay the price by reading this short post.
HOWEVER!!!!! These 3 people should be mighty excited:
#31 Anita
#8 Connie
#17 Alma
I know that a couple of these winners are frequent commenters but I want everyone to know that these were the true random number generator results and I actually thought long and hard about spinning the wheel again lest you dudes would think there was funny business going on. I decided that I best not tempt fate and that hopefully you trust a gal who’s been bringing you daily love for 2 years now. Right?
For those of you the random number generator didn’t pick, you can still grab a recycled tote at Poketo here.
And just because I love you all dearly, here’s a picture of my new fantasy wallpaper. I’ve been dreaming of this ever since Nelya posted it at head over heels last week:
stay tuned for a guest post tomorrow…and praise the lord you don’t have to sit through another miserable day of me using Matt’s computer. All should be well by Thursday where I maybe maybe will show you some pics of my backyard remodel.
Praise halleluia everyone, it’s a give away day! Today 3, yes THREE lucky winners are totes going to win a tote from everyone’s favorite accessory shop, Poketo. You know, Poketo, the adorable company we recommended in gift guides here and here. The ones that make these adorable goodies:
note, none of these are included in the give away, you’ll have to scroll down for that, but you can buy the yummy items above by following these links:
crayon rings $12
Secret Tees, pack of 4 $60
Tools of Antiquity Journal $40
Blackbird Fly Twin Lens Reflex Camera $140
Irana Douer Print $48
Last week, Poketo launched a new line of recycled handbags including:
These awesome recycled bubble bags (made from used and donated clothing)
tote bags made out of (wait for it) recycled suits
and finally, the ones we’re GIVING AWAY:
These colorful recycled street banner bags are my personal fave and I’m totally jealous of the 3 (three!!!!!!) lucky winners that get to take one home.
Here’s the deal: you want one? Just leave a comment in the comments section. Comments section is closed next monday, May 3, at 5:00 pm CST at which time la random number generator will pick 3 winners. I’ll announce it on the blog Tuesday and 3 of you will get to do your grocery shopping with a nice earth-saving smug grin plastered across your mug. Got it? Now go, comment.
As Erin mentioned yesterday, next week we will be posting our world famous holiday gift guide. Yep, 5 full days of non-stop recommended shopping action. It’s going to be massive. In preparation for our extravaganza, I suggest you take note of the two shopping rules I live by: 1. Never shop on an empty stomach and 2. Always get something for yourself.
In preparation for the e-commerce bloodbath, The Inglenook Decor is making sure you can check rules one and two off your to-do list. The lovely ladies that run Inglenook contacted Erin and I offering up holiday plates for your dining, self keeping and overall holiday pleasure.
You dudes know the drill: swoon, comment, and maybe maybe win. La random number generator will pick a winner next monday and I’ll contact you via email on Tuesday.
The winner gets his or her choice of either of these two lovely holiday plate sets:
Option 1: Haute Holiday Dessert Plates, set of four* plates in a lovely gift box
*sorry, I had originally posted that there were nine plates but I was mistaken… the plates are 9″ wide and come in a set of 4 
Option 2: Four Calling Bird Dessert Plates with 24 karat GOLD!!!!!! Have I reminded you lately how I love gold? Le sigh! These babies come in a set of four.
If you just can’t wait until we post our guide next week to get your holiday shop on, perhaps you could cross a few names off your list with any of these gems from the Inglenook (note, these items are NOT part of the give away, I just feel like showing them to you. So there)
Clockwise from top:
Gold Leaf Metal Birds Nest With Silver Spoon, $26.00
Amelie Luster Glasses, Set of 6, $36.50
Brown Shanghai Links Needlepoint Pillow, $53.50
Avocado Bamboo Pillow, $77.50
Ok everyone, start your engines… Pick a plate set and leave a comment and hopefully all your holiday wishes will come true.
It’s big winner day! It’s big winner day! I LOVE IT!
Last week we offered up 3 Opart prints to 3 lucky winners, today, the random generator has spoken:
I included an actual screenshot of the generator so you dudes would know there was no funny business. The winners are:
#42: Raquel
#34: AB
#6: Ceci
Congrats ladies!!!!! Hit me up at hollaback@design-crisis.com and I’ll get your shipping info and confirm which print you want.
Everyone else: I’m super tired and I know most of you are busy pumping helium into an oversized cartoon balloon for the big parade on thursday, so I’m just going to leave you with a sweet shot of what you didn’t win and bid you all a very very happy thanksgiving. Erin will be here tomorrow to tell you again incase you read that last line too fast.
If you didn’t win, you can still purchase any of his prints HERE for only $25… psst… shipping is free.
Good morning everyone! Glad to see you all survived a night undoubtedly filled with panic and nightmares after Erin’s haunted house tour yesterday. You guys are some tough kittens and for that we would like to reward you! How about an, um, I don’t know, maybe a GIVE AWAY???!!!
Hooray! Everyone loves a give away. Especially me because it makes me feel like Oprah. We’re very similar if you divide all of her accomplishments, bank accounts and loyal followers by approximately one hundred gazillion. Enough about me, the real Oprah in this story is a lovely gentleman called Tim who sells his affordable photography prints under the name Opart on Etsy. He’s a rockin photographer who wants nothing more than to bring warmth and joy to your little hearts this holiday season.
Here’s how this shit’s going down: I’ll be posting several of Opart’s pieces (I just couldn’t narrow it down) you dudes pick your favorite one and leave a shout out in the comments section. Next Tuesday, I will pick THREE WINNERS via the magic number generator et voila each of THREE WINNERS gets their favorite piece. Don’t worry if another winner also loves your fave, Tim is happy to print duplicates.
Here are your choices:
Carousel 1970, 8″x8″
Street Party, 8″x8″
Happy Holidays, 8″x8″
Zebra Number 3, 8″x8″
Almost a Unicorn, 10″x8″
Road King, 8″x8″
Gina, Venice Beach 1996, 8″x8″
Four Bee Eaters, 10″x8″
Five Humming Birds, 10″x8″
And just incase you can’t wait until the big reveal next Tuesday, you can buy most of these prints for $25, which includes free shipping around the world through January 2010, here.
Happy commenting!
+++++++UPDATE: AS OF 6:30pm CENTRAL TIME, ENTRIES TO THE CONTEST ARE CLOSED. Sorry loves, come back tomorrow to find out who one and next week for a BRAND NEW CONTEST++++++++
Recently Erin and I have been contacted by a few people who are running contests for artists. We normally don’t post these sorts of things but when the winner of one of the contests is awarded a house (yes, you read that right) we had to look twice.
Win a house? Yes. Seriously. I didn’t believe it at first and read the fine print with extra care, waiting to find the words “nigeria” and “bank account.” Thankfully, both terms were omitted and, instead I got “park city, Utah mansion” “lovely art-loving couple” and “send us your art for submission.”
Oh, who wants to read my blabber when you can just watch here for yourself:
If your boss raised an eyebrow at all the noise coming from your office and you had to stop the video, here’s a summary:
It’s been our longtime dream to start a foundation. About a year ago we decided to sell our dream home in Park City, UT for the funds to start The DO Tank. You’ve probably heard, the market is slow so we had to think outside the box to try and make our dream come true. The 200 Story Home was born!
The contest is called “The 200 Story Home” as we are collecting 19,000 “stories” in the form of written stories, photographs, collages, scrapbooking, poems, etc. We’ll narrow it down to the top 200 entries and our panel of judges will pick the grand prize winner who will pick a charity to receive $50,000 and win our home or half a million dollars in cash! Every piece of art will be on our site after the contest closes. We also created some awesome Early Bird prizes: Mini Coopers, Harley Davidsons and cash…it is possible that one person could win 12 Harleys or 6 Minis! (We are giving another $50,000 to our favorite charities.)
Here are some photos of the home up for grabs. Remember, winner gets choice of the house or $500,000.
Oh, I miss the cold weather so much living here in Austin, I think I could get used to having a second, snow-covered home.
Ok, normally, I would take the $500,000 cash (did you catch that the winner gets their choice between the house and $500,000) but that in-door heated pool could tip the scales.
Interested? Here are the rulz:
Be sure to consult the Official RULES and the FAQs for all the details
***********
I know it sounds insane, but I strongly encourage any artists among our readers to look into this. You can see the entire site here: 200 Story Home
Do you dudes remember the awesome contest we did with G Select last week? Well guess what, we have a winner. Random Generator picked #9 (I use this site) so, congratulations Garrick, you just won yourself a tam tam stool! Time for the happy dance
If you didn’t win but are still interested in your very own Tam Tam Stool you can get one here, psst, it’s only $48!!
As for me, I just got back in to town from a long weekend visiting my Mom’s newly renovated (and stunningly beautiful) house so I have lots of catching up to do today. Tune in tomorrow for an awesome guest post from DC fave, Double Takes
You know what we love around here? Love letters. You know what we love even more? When said love letters include an offer for our dearest darling readers. Last week the lovely gents at G Select, purveyors of awesome men’s care products, wrote us with a preview of their newest endeavor: a web store chalk full of awesome home goods. The note got better with the offer of a contest. G Select is giving one of our commenters a fine fine prize from their new shop. Let’s take a look at the goodies that they carry and I’ll announce the prize at the end of this post.
There are 2 key things I look for in home decor: 1. quirky-ness. I love an item that makes me giggle. Or think. Or both. and 2. Clean lines. No fuss please. I’m happy to say that the goodies in G Selects shop kill on both counts. Clockwise from top left:
Hippo Door Mat (psst, they also have a rabbit version)
Ballfinger Floor Lamp in White
Bloom My Buddy Vase
There’s tons on this well stocked site, but the section that caught my eye was appropriately labeled to die for
Oh, I wish they could give all of this away. To me. Here’s what we’ve got, clockwise from top left:
Thomas Eyck Yellow / Purple blanket
Thomas Eyke Red Lime Black Small Blanket
Don’t worry, for our discerning male readers, you can still get all spiffy clean with their well-packaged men’s care line, GESSATO
And now, for the fun part, our give-away:
G Select is giving one of our readers a Tam Tam stool in their choice of color: indigo, red, jade, black, white, or orange.
Leave a comment to be automatically entered to win. You have one week to enter, deadline is midnight central time next Monday (August 17th). I’ll then activate the random number generator and beep boop beep boop: The winner will be announced in my post next Tuesday. How easy is that?
Hidy Ho fair readers! First off, a gigantic HUGE apology for my absence yesterday. I was out of town over the weekend and suffered major flight delays on my return home Monday night. I was so out of sorts that I didn’t even realize yesterday was Tuesday until Erin sent me a gentle nudge asking where the hell I was. Oops! I was sure that it was still Monday and I was well ahead for the post I was planning. So, you guys have to suffer at the hands of the airlines and my flakiness. But, enough about me, let’s get to what you want to hear about: Our Great Rug Give Away winner!!!!
We enlisted the help of Erin’s techy hubby Ben who found us, no kidding, a random number generator. La generator tells us that comment number 74 was the winner so….
CONGRATULATIONS MARMOREE!!!!
Holla! Contact us here to get your rug on.
Marmoree commented that she will be choosing the soft and flowery rug:
As anyone who has been in my home can attest, I love me some grey and white. Good choice, Mam, good choice. Karly approved!
When we were first asked to do the give away, not only did I start fantasizing about which rug I would choose, but also, how I would decorate a room around it. Because I felt like spending my blog-prep time today looking at crap on ebay rather than doing real, ahem, research, I decided to play pretend decorator just a little longer. Here is the rug I chose:
With this rug as inspiration, I gave myself a time limit: THIRTY MINUTES ONLY, a budget: unlimited, and one site to shop from: ebay. Oh, I also decided that my rug was 8 x 10, while our give away version is just an area rug. Here’s what I got:
Ok, so a few key pieces are missing: artwork behind the couch, a bit more lighting, a giant gold dipped poodle statue, but, well, with the clock ticking down from 30, I was RACING. Look, I love you all, but I can get sucked into some ebay, I had to set the timer for the good of my mental health. Here’s the skinny on the goods I did find:
1. The very first thing I decided to hunt down was a floor lamp, industrial, please. I was delighted to find this French bendy twisty number and new we would be best friends forever.
2. La couch: while I wanted to go with vintage, I had a hard time finding the right look that didn’t need to be recovered. White leather is always welcome in my home, so I settled for this Tufted Leather Sectional.
3. I spent far too much time digging up tables, my desktop folder lives to tell the tail, but finally decided that this Baughman end table was the winner.
4. The round glass coffee table made the cut because I passed one up on craigslist once and have regretted it ever since. Note, the ebay version is chrome, but you can bet your bottom dollar that I would have that puppy powder coated in gold faster than you can say “but chrome is so nice.” Note part deux: The ebay table is $599, the craigslist version was $60. I fucked up.
5. While I didn’t have time to find art, I did wrangle these German vases
6. And a few throw pillows here, here and here
Since my pretend walls are still bare, how about you dudes make some suggestions?
Guess what faithful readers?! It’s that time again! I’m out of town at my bestest (non-bloggy) friend’s wedding and you dudes get to guess where I am. What do I have for prizes this time? Well, operating under the assumption that Erin was sick of carrying that baby around in her tummy, I was going to offer up her unborn child (after birth, of course) but, surprisingly, she’s not into it. My cats are also off limits, so you’ll have to settle for something totally badass, sorry. The winning guesser gets THIS AWESOME BRACELET from NAUGHTY SECRETARY CLUB. Hooray!
So, here’s the deal, I’m posting pictures of houses by a certain architect that has designed homes throughout this city. His designs have been sprinkled across a couple of states, but the majority of them are in the same city as lil ole me. This one’s a tricky one, but anyone who has passed through this bizarro town (that I love!) has seen these bizarro houses:
I’ve never seen the inside of these homes, so I was delighted to find this interior shot of the home pictured above (too bad about that furniture, though):
Above is the architect’s personal studio, below is an interior shot (yes, we are still in the same city):
And, just for fun, here are a couple of interior shots from some of his other homes, these may not be within the winning city limits, but they’re pretty, so, whateves:
I know, right!
And, just to tempt your tummies one last time, here’s a shot of la grand prize from Naughty Secretary Club:
Happy guessing, homies. Winner will be announced on Monday afternoon in the comments section of this post. First person to guess the CITY (not just the state) correctly wins. If you can name the architect, you get extra love, but that’s all.
PS. While you’re racking you brains trying to guess where I am, might I suggest checking out the prize giver’s blog HERE