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My Favorite Gifts for Kids: Books

I love giving books as gifts in general, but especially to kids. Children's books that empower and show a range of stories inspire me. Here are a few I recommend, some of which are illustrated by artists I admire, like Ekua Holmes, Shadra Strickland, and Christian Robinson.

clockwise: Green Is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors by Roseanne Greenfield Thong; Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña; Bird by Zetta Elliott; Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement Carole Boston Weatherford; Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell

What I Like Right Now: Collages from Christa David

Recently, artist Christa David made the leap and decided to leave her job to pursue a career as a full-time artist. She shares about her new artist-life experiences and latest inspirations on her blog where she captures her excursions into gallery exhibitions and how she navigates her new found freedom.

When you finish catching up on her blog posts, pop over to her online shop and gallery and get a glimpse of her beautiful collages, prints, and paintings. I love her exploration of color, emotion, and layering of textures. 

I'm eyeing several of her collages for my own collection. These would make perfect holiday gifts, too.

Music for Your Weekend: Been to the Moon

Yes!!! There is new music from Corinne Bailey Rae and it's lovely. She just released her new video for "Been to the Moon" and it's all afro-futuristic with a rocket, glittery space suits, and unconquered landscapes. Right up my visual alley.

The whole video (and song) is perfect but here are some scenes I love. Check out the video and let me know what you think.

What I Like Right Now

A few goodies I'm coveting and diggin' right now (clockwise):

1. Motorcycle Jacket with Fringe - Sooooo, I've be looking for a motorcycle jacket for a few years and when I saw this one at Banana Republic deeply discounted on the sale rack with an additional 60% off I had to cop. It was my size and looks really great on and has become one of my favorite fall finds.

2. Black Licorice from Lakrits Roten (licorice root in Swedish) - while visiting Stockholm we made a stop at Lakrits Roten, a cute little boutique dedicated to all things black licorice, to pick up some goodies. I love black licorice and was thrilled to grab this little bag of some to bring back home. Every little bite reminds me of my time there.

3. New Balance 420 Capsule Composite Running Sneaker - I packed some cute shoes for my trip to Stockholm but ended up wearing these everyday. They went great with jeans, of course, but were a lot of fun with dresses, my favorite leather skirt, and faux leather pants. I highly recommend these.

4. The Fox and the Star - While visiting a bookstore in Durham last week my eyes caught the cover of this lovely book by Coralie Bickford-Smith. Each illustration on every page is beautiful. The pops of orange among the minimal navy and gray palette made me smile all the way through.

5. Glitter Stud Earrings - I love subtle mysterious sparkle, so when I saw these online the other day I quickly added them to my wishlist.

What I Like Right Now: The New Bohemians

Last week I was so excited to finally receive my pre-ordered copy of Justina Blakeney's new book, The New Bohemians (which sadly got sent back because I kept missing the USP delivery). Can I just pause for second to say how I proud I am of Justina? She is a hard working lady and I've always been a fan of her jungalicious style, so I'm really happy to see a fellow creative doing amazing things (and she's super sweet).

When the book arrived, I immediately dived into the delicious pages. They are chock full of great photography featuring bohemian homes photographed by Dabito. The book is broken down into sections of different types of bohemians and after paging through, I would say I am a cross between a modern and nomadic bohemian. Clean lines and neutrals with color pops are my thing, but I am also a bit of a vagabond who loves displaying tons of objects I've collected along my journey of life. 

If you haven't had a chance to check out the book, here are a few sneak peek few images. 


If you have the book I'm curious to know, what kind of bohemian are you? 

Music for Your Weekend

I'm making time for drawing again and with this comes listening to more music. Here are some albums I've recently acquired or revisited:

Ibeyi - I just saw these French-Cuban twins perform tracks from this self-titled album last week. They mix soulful Yoruba lyrics with rich rhythms and beats for a sound that you can't place in time, which I love.

Control - Putting on this classic Janet Jackson album (with its beautiful album cover) every now and then is a must. I have "When I Think of You" on repeat constantly.

To Pimp A Butterfly - Still digesting this music from Kendrick Lamar, but I already know this is an important album for hip hop and music history in general.

The Immaculate Collection - Not sure why but I've been craving some old Madonna. "Vogue" and "Express Yourself" especially. "Like a Prayer" has also been on repeat. I can't help but think about what the response to that video would be if it were released today. I feel the backlash would be so much worse now.

Be Free - So diggin' this laid-back soulful sound of Moonchild. Great for late night tea drinking.

Soyo - Looking for some new Brazilian music? Check out this new release from Dom la Nena. It's lovely.

Voodoo - When I was wrapping up my undergraduate career and spending many late nights up working on my portfolio this D'Angelo album could be heard playing in the background regularly. It's still as potent and beautiful today. "Africa" is my favorite track and then "Spanish Joint" among many others.

Janet - Ahh, no words. Except I will always love "If" and "That's the Way Love Goes."

Nocturnal - This album from Yuna is so delicious! What a great pick-me-up to start your day or jam to while you're cranking out work.

What I Like Right Now

A few goodies I'm liking right now.

clockwise: Queen Latifah tee from Contemporary Negro; fell in love with these Habari napkins at Anthropologie; currently reading Queen Sugar by Natalie Baszile; cute New Balance sneakers in driftwood colorway; porcelain vase from Dana Bechert; delicious Harney & Sons Fine Tea in Green Tea with Coconut; beautiful print I recently purchased at a print fair from Every Day Good House.

What do you like right now?

What I Like Right Now: Black & White for Kids

 

Piggy-backing off of a previous post for ideas for kids' bedrooms, here are a few items using just black. clockwise: Jungle Tiger Blanket; Russian Nesting Animals; All the Stars Print; Sheepish Throw Pillow; Black and White by Tana Hoban; Painted Crosses Quilt.

What I Like Right Now: Gifts for Your Global Little Girl

I'm bad with doing gift guides in time for the holidays. It falls in line with the end of the semester which is always bananas, but here's a small niche one for last minute ideas.

I imagine when I have a little girl I will encourage her to explore the beauty in global cultures. Like my parents did with me as a little one. From Brazil to India, Ghana to Guatemala, here are some fun gift ideas to inspire that global girl in your life.

clockwise: Untitled Yellow Print; Indian Voile Muslin Blankie from Masala Baby; Little Miss Rue: Zuri Doll from Quelly Rue; woven bracelets from Miss Mochilla; Guatemalan worry dolls; Woodblock Rhino by Benjamin Bay; Just Add Color: Brazilian Carnival coloring book by (my homie) Sarah Walsh; Abeo Doll Kit by AskeyPrint; Following My Paintbrush by Gita Wolf; My Elephant from Mirasa Designs; Emi Girl Playsuit.

What I Like Right Now: Flat Black Bags + Pouches

I have a soft spot for hand-made leather bags. Especially when they come in the form of simple silhouettes with flat structures. Check out these luscious leather bags, and pouches perfect for glosses, cards, and phone. (I'm loving the scalloped one from Matine.)

1. The Stowe Laurel Tote 2. Leah Lerner Leather Pouch 3. Otaat Myers Collective Circle Pouch w/ Strap 4. Pine & Boon Convertible Dot Pouch 5. Scalloped Mini Pouch 6. Basic Black Leather Tote Bag 7. Semicircle Pouch Purse

What I Like Right Now: Black & Gold

As you know, I love color. But as I settle into my personal style, I'm realizing that basic neutrals, like black and white, really suit me. Paired with flecks of warm sparkles like a pewter or gold, the combo rounds out the look with edge and flair. With this realization, my wardrobe has become more defined, which makes it so much easier to get dressed everyday. (It really comes down to having pieces I cherish, that I know fit right, and don't speak to a specific trend.) Here are a few items inspired by this new direction.

The Spirit of The Mountain Tote Bag from MilieO - I'm loving this graphic print.

Sewasong Necklace - This is on my wishlist!

African Gold by Timothy Garrard - This was a fantastic find at a used bookstore in Kansas City.  

Studio Ink cards - During my visit at the Hallmark headquarters I was browsing around the Gold Crown Store and found these lovely little cards. They are from Studio Ink, a collection of 

Shape Study earrings - I wear these everyday, my new go-to earrings.

Rebecca Minkoff 'Mini 5 Zip' Convertible Crossbody Bag - I've been wanting one of these for a while. I recently picked up a similar version, but still have a place in my heart for the gold zippers in this one.

What I Like Right Now

Here are a few things I'm into right now, some of which are on my wishlist and one that is on it's way to my home!

clockwise: I totally need a pair of these fun Open the Gate shoelaces for my all black Converse sneakers; this dress from Demestiks is too cute; I love this Rifle Paper temporary tattoo for Tattly; The Spirit of African Design is an oldie but goldie design book of inspiration for the home.

What I Like Right Now: The Little Things

A few little things that make me give a big smile...

clockwise: Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon, I'm finally making time to read this book about Vera Neumann, who for me, is artist and businesswoman inspiration; paint-by-numbers art found at a flea-market, I can't wait to frame them; during a recent visit to Philly I stumbled upon this amazing zine featuring the paper cuts of Jad Fair, you can see some of the pages here; I've been using the Faber-Castell Pitt Pens for my drawings and LOVE them; now carrying fun printed handkerchiefs in my bag when I'm on the go; I was not an earl grey fan until I tried the blend from Paromi Tea, it is sooo delicious.

What I Like Right Now: Black, White & Neon

Stripes, black and white pairings and pops of neon are wonderful together. Here are some fun items that reflect this cool combo.

clockwise from top left, Safari Clutch from Lizzie Fortunato; Striped Throw; Ceramic Vases; Triangle Pattern Notebook; Galactic Head Wood-cut Print; Striped Pumps

Some Favorite Things

Here are a few things I've added to my space, or wishlist for the gifting season.

clockwise,
Remix: Decorating with Culture, Objects, and Soul - This is a great book to add to your design library. I love the tips and sneak peeks into designers homes. As I'm getting my space in order, it comes with great inspiration for incorporating pattern and color.

iPad Cases from Della - I want all of these cases!!! The cases are made from in Ghana from locally sourced materials. You can find them here and a capsule collection on the TOMs website. Della is a socially responsible fashion line based out of Ghana.

Funky picture frames - I'm trying to be better about printing photos and having them up and around me in my space. Because I love color and pattern, I've been looking for some frames that really reflect my style. I've already collected a few but here are two that I'm eyeing: left, Spectrum Picture Frame, and right, Chevron Frame.

Mercado Global Clutches - This brand was showcased at a pop-up shop I recently attended, and I instantly fell in love with their handwoven handbags and clutches.

Neon Glass Clock - I need this for my office. The pop of color is perfect!

Patterned Erasers from Kate Spade - Who said erasing couldn't look fun? These would make a fun gift, and a lovely addition to my office supplies.