Had to take a break from work to bring this to the blog. The Finland-based design company Tunto is making the best-looking swing I've seen in a long time. No plastic, no chains, just old-fashioned wood and rope. Amen. Available here in light blue and red for $250.

I guess it's not a Chicago summer weekend if there isn't some sort of outdoor festival, block party, flea market, fair or concert. I'm really psyched about this weekend because Domino Magazine is is throwing a weekend-long shopping event and festival in Lincoln Park called The Domino Design District. There will be discounts (at least 20%) to shoppers in over 40 stores throughout the Lincoln Park area, plus free classes on everything from flower arranging to how to make your home smell great as well as free ice-cream tastings, pet portraits (going to be first in line for this free portrait, need to get Hambie to the groomer ASAP!) and designer consultations. Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. Click here for all the info, participating stores, and schedule of events.

One of the best parts of realizing that Summer is an approaching reality is invitations for social gatherings that revolve around seafood. "Maine Lobster and Clam bash"? I'm there. "Maryland soft shell crab being flown in"? I'll bring the Old Bay. Anything with pinchers really, and I'm excited, edible or not. I really love these new Thomas Paul melamine dinner plates ($36 for four), perfect for outdoor summer festivities.

This month, the MoMA Design Stores launched Destination: Japan, a MoMA-exclusive product collection highlighting lifestyle products usually found only in Japan—the latest in the MoMA Design Store's popular Destination: Design series. Above is the limited edition Mochi series ($10) which was developed this year in collaboration with Japanese design studio Devilrobots and well-known art toy designer and retailer Kidrobot. Below: Multi-Purpose Scissors by Shokichi Matsutani ($24); travel chopsticks ($10); folding bread board ($75); soy sauce dispenser ($40); pig cooking lid ($18); sushi bar card game and postcards ($30); eye masks ($12); apple jar with spoon ($55).

I think JacksonPollock.org is my favorite website to visit when I'm feeling a little uninspired. It's a flash program created by Miltos Manetas, a London-based painter who believes "Our websites are the Art of our days", that lets you create digital Jackson Pollack look alikes just by moving your mouse. Click once to change colors and press any key to "sign" your painting. Kids will probably really get a kick out of this, and parents will love the easy clean-up (which entails hitting the space bar). My JacksonPollock.org masterpieces might not be "Autumn Rhythm: No. 30" by any means, but yours might be, check it out here.
(via PriscillaWoolworth.com)

Yesterday the L.A.-based company New Editions, which produces limited edition prints of contemporary art for children and their parents, opened a pop-up store in The Brentwood Country Mart. Although the art would be so great in a nursery or kid's room, I'd be lying if I told you I didn't have my eye on a few prints. All of the work is commissioned exclusively for New Editions and each artist creates five works which run in an edition of 100, 60 or 30. It's a great concept and they have some great new work out this Spring. Above: "And then I ate it" by Farrah Karapetian ($345). Below: "Royal Viking" by Brian Wills ($345); "Color List" by Dennis Koch ($90).



A photo sent in from Lauren of opening day!

Tomorrow I'm heading out to San Francisco for a long weekend (yay!). My brother and his fiancée are having their west coast engagement party and my friend Ashley just moved in from London, and has a moving bonus to burn on her new digs. What could be better? I mean, do you really need a reason to visit SF in the first place? One of the stores I am chomping at the bit to see in person is Rose + Radish which I believe is in The Hayes Valley (460 Gough St.) They have such unique items and I've heard the most wonderful assortments of fresh flowers in the city. Can't wait to check it out! I'll be out until Monday, have a great weekend! Below: Anne Black porcelain bowl ($39); Nama Rococo wallpaper ($126 per 38" x 24" sheet) Goose Nodder ($9).

When we got to L.A. Matt asked me if I was going to check out any stores while here. I answered, "I just need to go to Lost & Found". I think it's my favorite store, it's no doubt in my desert island top five. And since they don't have a website (although that may be changing soon), when I'm in town it's a must-visit. The mix is incredible. Owner and buyer Jamie Rosenthal often travels over seas to bring in unbelievable pillows, fabrics, beads, shoes, clothes, and jewelry—she also owns the incredible gallery next door and the children's clothing and accessories one door down from that that will make you say "so damn cute" at least nine times. After lunch Matt and I went with three friends—and we all got so excited when we parked that we forgot to put money in the meter and ended up with tickets—maybe because we stayed for over an hour. Seriously, if you live in L.A. this is a gem. It's been open for 9 years and it always amazes me how under-the-radar it still is. 6314 Yucca Street (cross street: Vine), Hollywood. 323-356-0921.

All throughout middle school teachers would make us write essays about what we thought life would be like in the year 2000 (and this was the 90s). I never felt like those essays of flying cars and jet-propelled Air Jordans ever lived up to the reality, until now. Meet Tengu. Finally! Some futuristic robot technology that is exactly as I imagined it. Took long enough, Japan. Tengu is a USB-powered robot that responds to sound. His mouth will move in response to all sounds in the room. There are also several different versions of his face, which can be changed by blowing on a microphone located on the bottom of Tengu. That's right blow on him and a different version of his face appears. Tengu was designed this year by Crispin Jones. Pick up your own Tengu for $65 by clicking here. P.S. Remember those potted dancing flowers that wore sunglasses and would dance with a ukulele?

No "Guitar Hero 3" on this list, but hopefully plenty of items that parents will love (and maybe the kids will enjoy a little too), like the above Sweet Bella photo album ($60).
Clockwise from top left: Eames Molded Plywood Children's Chair, 1945 ($449); Alexander Girard Wooden Doll #1 ($145); Felt Baby Clogs ($44); Pet Animal rubber bands ($8); Patagonia Kid's Retro Vest ($70); Hippie Tipi Play Tent ($199); Lion photo album ($48).

Clockwise from top left: Hand crocheted Medium Daschund by Anne-Claire ($52); Marimekko Sukkahousut Tights ($35); 3D Drawing Pad ($7); B212 Evolution Baby Bunting ($200); Maharam memory game ($36); Miniature Mercedes Benz W 196 R ($250).

Clockwise from top left: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up Adaptation ($18); Animal scissors ($7 each); New York City in a bag by MUJI ($14); Dwell's "Animals Blossom" stuffed animals ($110 for set of three); Weather-proof Blankie by Rugged Idea ($39-$74); Silicone "Silibib" by Silikids ($20).

I think I started to notice the concept of the designer soccer ball sometime last year, and this morning I finally got enough of them together to make a little post out of it. I think these are really cool just to have around, in an office or something. Great gift idea for a World Cup nut! Above is Sam Flores Limited Edition soccer ball by Upper Playground ($80). Below from left to right: Limited Edition Nike Futsal ball exclusive to Moss ($225); Bucky Ball Soccer Ball by Ryan McGinness for Cerealart ($150); Paul Smith Multi stripe football ($354).

Papa Stour is an online shop that was created about two years ago by designer and stylist Rosie Brown who wanted to make both modern and inspirational Scottish goods accessible. The store includes unique home accessories, gifts, art, baskets, hand-bound books, jewels, cashmere blankets, scarves, feather nests and silver spoons, truly making it "A Collection of Scotland's Finest." I am really loving the above photograph, Returning from the hinds by Glyn Satterley ($149).

This is such a fun bracelet, the Wangle Bangle, which is made of resin and is actually magnetic, so you can stack several into one ($294).

I've really got my eye on the above blue striped throw by Kate Samphier made from 100% Merino Lambswool ($259).

These Dolly birds (which come in a set of five) are so cute, they'd make a great gift for a baby's room. The largest bird is 14" x 12" and the smallest is 6" x 5". Available in mint green or chocolate brown ($182).

I wouldn't want to start off another year of blogging any other way than with a post about my friend Priscilla Woolworth's new online general store. I still remember walking into Priscilla's home in L.A. for the first time five years ago and being inspired to no end by her use of color and objets d'art. As I got to know her over the years I observed her deep passion for the planet, public health, and products that help people live better. You may have guessed by her last name that running a general store is in her blood. Priscilla is four generations away from one of the founders of the Woolworth chain and believes with a little updating, an old-fashioned Woolworth General Store can serve a new set of customers and become much more than just a fond memory. Her goal is to provide the best selection of Eco-friendly products on the market, which are practical, well designed and affordable. Check it out right here! Above: Headscratcher ($5), I've felt this and it is unbelievable, I'll be ordering mine right after I finish this post.

Argentinian Incense Burner ($90).

Natural Parenting Book ($15).

Recycled Aluminum Foil ($5.25).

Golden Rules Painting on wood ($120).

Bio Bags for dogs ($6.50), these are great! I'm glad I have a better online source to order them.