It's that time of year again - The VSW Auction

I think one of my absolute favorite events in Rochester is the annual Visual Studies Workshop Auction. Back in the day, this used to be a smallish event but now...well, it's blossomed into one of the 'must go to' shows of the year. And now, with on-line bidding, everyone can participate. Here are a couple of items I have my eye on..aren't they amazing?!

*Beautiful pieces by Marlene Seidman and available for bidding.

Decorating with books - LCM

You'd think that, as a book lover, I'd be super opposed to the Nook, Kindle and other devices of the like...but I am definitely not. On the contrary, I love them and can't wait to own my very own iPad so I can download books and read and store them in this fashion. Even though I have yet to actually make that transition, I am definitely preparing for the day...how, you ask? Well, by moving many of the books in my own collection along. Donating to the various book sales, et al that I have access to, I have probably whittled my collection down to half. Never fear though. There will always be books that I carry through life and this book on way to use them as 'furnishing' is an absolutely brilliant resource. So many amazing ideas for giving your collection a second life in your home.

Spring fever

Even though the weather is NOT cooperating, I have some massive spring fever...you know how I know...'cause I'm spending a lot of time looking at the Athleta site. It never fails...something about their amazingly in-shape model/athletes and their sporty,outdoor clothing really have me pining for the warm weather. I am really drooling over this look...isn't it the coolest! Actually this is a dress over leggings but how do you feel about that  'tunic and leggings' look. I have to tell you...I'm mad for it!

Bento cuties

Love the Shinzi Katoh bento boxes at Kir DeVries! They have so many adorable designs to pick from, it's almost impossible.

The perfect pieces

This look from Madewell popped up on my email today. You know, I think it may be the perfect summer outfit. Everyone knows how much I love a classic look... one with pieces so fabulous, that almost be called a 'uniform'. Tell me this doesn't come as close to that concept as an outfit can. Smashing!

Simple, sideways heart

...and I could not love this little ring more :)

Sign me up...

...for these new Karl Lagerfeld designed, Diet Coke bottles which will be available in June 2011. Karl L. has a well known addiction to Diet Coke (who doesn't right?) so it's seems only right that he should do the honor of designing this limited edition bottle. Cannot wait for these to hit the stores.

Via Refinery 29

Happy Greek Independence Day

Just in case you missed it...Greek Independence Day was over the weekend :)

Guest Blog - Only in Japan

My boyfriend makes fun of me because of I'm constantly planning my emergency exit from the island of Manhattan should disaster occur. I've considered buying an inflatable raft to get me across one of the rivers and have wondered if they also make inflatable oars. I've now added one more item on my To Do List for Disaster Planning: "Book a Flight to Japan." Why, you might ask? Well, it turns out the Japanese are exceptionally adept at living in the best possible conditions when they're faced with the worst possible conditions. The NY Times reports: "Evacuees here live in a place that can kennel your dog, charge your cellphone, fix your dentures and even provide that nonnegotiable necessity of Japanese life, a steamy soak in a hot tub of water." Hm... now I'm wondering if they make inflatable planes...

~JP Pullos

Too much fun at the Asian Market

Hi all! Did you have a great weekend? Of course it went much much much too fast. I started the weekend off by going to one of the Asian markets we have in Rochester to get a few little items that I am addicted too. First on my list are these Butter Coconut Cookies that my colleague/friend (who was born and raised in Taiwan) says she grew up on. On my gosh, how I love these. They are the perfect blend of cracker and cookie...not too sweet...so delicious! Mmmmmm.

I have to admit, ever since I tried this Mogami soy milk, I am kind of grossed out by the American variety. This soy is so light and smooth ... totally different than the thick, somewhat grainy texture I am used to. This is just super-delicious!

And how much do you love this little, instant bento noodle box. It's so darn cute I hate to bust into it and have it for lunch. But I must, 'cause these are delicious too! (Now if we could just get a Greek market in town that's half as good as the Asian market...life in Roch. would be pretty good :)

One last look...

...at a beautiful legend. I just saw this picture and couldn't resist positing it ... so very lovely :)

.

The weekend music mix :)

It looks as though I am all about making regular features more official today. Of course you know, it's Friday (YES!) and you know what that means? Well, of course I am scouring the car radio stations on my 15 min. commute to work, hunting for that perfect song to get the weekend rolling. Today, I caught a little Climax Blues Band. Check out this link from 'Top of the Pops'. Promise...it WILL make your weekend.

Make it an awesome one kids!

Etsy Artist Friday

Regular readers of Ooh La La Du Jour have probably noticed at least one very obvious thing about this blog...we love love LOVE Etsy. What is not to love? It may be the single greatest shopping website. Period. Of course, Ooh La La also really digs anything handmade and that, of course is what Etsy is all about. Because the Etsy related post are becoming far too numerous and random, I thought I might introduce 'Etsy Artist Friday'. We'll feature one (or more) new (and old) faves from the site and wax poetic about all the talent that lurks out there.

So for the first official installment of this new feature, I chose an artist who REALLY speaks to me. Oh boy...stunningly gorgeous drawings of scrumptious foods et al from artist Lucille Prache simply make me swoon. Check out her fabulous website too. 

For this work, the 'coveted' Ooh La La is an absolute must!

행운을 빌어요 (Good Luck in Korean...according to Google Scholar :)

In honor of the amazing news from KJ, a beautiful and vintage red suitcase to symbolize all my wishes for safe travel in your journey to pick up your son. You've waited for this, for so long, I can hardly believe it is happening...and I couldn't be more thrilled. All my love always, Katiep. 
*Beautiful print by Virginia Kraljevic

saying bye for now....

Hi Everyone!

I finally received the phone call I've been dying to get for months...

My Travel Call!

We are leaving this weekend and will be away for the next week....

I leave the blog in very capable hands and I know Katie will do a great job of continuing on with the most fabulous posts!

I will return sometime in the summer...and hopefully a periodic check-in (and photo) will be in order.

See you all soon!

xoxo,kelly

PS:  The above is part of a video we received of little Jack this week...He's apparently a pianist in training!