(click on the image above to see it larger)
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this weekend, i bought a couple of really great publications that i’m excited about. today, some photos from inventory magazine. this is a new mag from ryan willms and team, who were behind h(y)r collective. they describe inventory as “a curation of ideas in product, craft and culture” and i think this is an apt description of what you’ll find at their website and in the mag.
one of my favorite brooklyn artists, wayne pate, did the illustrations in the 2nd image above. and some of the handsome photography in this issue is from another favorite, ye rin mok.
one thing that i like about inventory is the way it highlights dedicated people doing interesting, quality work. much of the magazine has its roots in men’s fashion, but lifestyle and culture also come into play. the products that are profiled are all well-made, and the people producing these items are thoughtful individuals committed to their craft. there is a great article about yuketen shoes, a small brand of hand sewn shoes, and a profile of daiki suzuki, a japanese designer. i’m not really into fashion per se, i like the way the magazine honors small brands and the craftspeople behind those brands. these days, i see the value in goods that are not mass-produced by a global company. when i started to prepare for my move, i took a long hard look at all of the stuff in my closets and in my apartment, and i’m slowly trying to scale back. i’m trying to be more mindful of my shopping choices – picking handmade or small brands, and having a few well-made things instead of a slew of poorly-made things that will not last for a year.
make no mistake about it – many of these brands are quite expensive and certainly out of my budget. but as an example, when i understand how a pair of shoes was made by hand, using techniques that have produced quality goods for many, many years, then the investment seems worth it to me. these are shoes i will own forever.
if you are interested in the stories behind these goods, you should pick up a copy of inventory – it’s a real inspiration.
in london, you can find it at albam – they will be getting additional copies soon.
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for those of you who were wondering, yes i have been to borough market (i went on my second full day in london, actually — i guess that says a lot about my priorities). yes, it was amazing and yes, i’ll be visiting quite often. 2 of my favorite spots near the market: neal’s yard dairy, and monmouth coffee (one of the best coffees i’ve had here … i am going to be brewing this at home).
i hope your weekend was nice. mine was good, and quite full. i went to a fun christmas party where i got my first christmas cracker (i’m definitely bringing these to the U.S. for christmas this year). i think i’m finally starting to feel a little christmas cheer. i also unpacked a ridiculous amount of boxes, cooked in my own kitchen (!!), spent a long time converting farenheit to celsius and tablespoons to grams, somehow managed to lock myself INSIDE my flat (the lock was faulty) and i blew a couple of fuses when i tried to use appliances from the U.S. (i guess i need more than a plug adaptor … oops). moving abroad has its ups and downs, i’m learning.
but that’s okay, because i picked up a few neat things this weekend that i’ll show you later this week. and i’m on a mission to get myself into the christmas spirit … december is my favorite month and i’m excited to experience the holiday season in london.
more soon!
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i’ve been getting settled in my new office and i snapped a few photos the other day. the walls are pretty bare for now, but the photo postcards i’ve got hanging up are from maria. i love them.
a few very random things to share today…
currently enjoying:
+ saladclub.co.uk
+ sight unseen (such interesting stuff — “a peek into the lives of creatives”)
+ THINGS (i’m usually not big on tumblr sites that compile images, but i really love the images here)
+ it’s nice that
+ the photography from edwin spring/summer 2010
+ and if you are wondering what to buy me for christmas, look no further
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also, last night i had the extreme pleasure to be among 150 other fans at a special mumford & sons show outdoors in trafalgar square, behind st. martin-in-the-fields. and it was damn amazing. there was a huge, full moon hanging overhead and we could see our breath but the rain had stopped in time for the show, so it didn’t matter. they served up hot mulled wine and the band’s family and friends were there. it was such a special, intimate show and i’m thrilled that i could attend. they played a cover of “not in nottingham” from the disney version of robin hood and it was AMAZING. i’ve found a recording of the band singing this song so i have to share it with you today – listen here.
and if you still need to be convinced why these guys are so good, then watch this video. awesome.
have a great day.
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i’ve only been here for about 3 weeks, but there seems to be a vibrant and exciting food scene here in london. i’m not surprised, to be honest. but it certainly makes me insanely happy.
today, i’m sharing some photos from the whitecross street market. every weekday, the vendors set up shop and sell an amazing variety of foods to hungry lunch crowds. the market is on a small side street near my office, and it’s really wonderful. there is amazing chorizo, grilled and served on country bread with roasted peppers and arugula (or rocket, if you’re british). i’ve also spotted thai food and indian curry, a vegetarian table with haloumi burgers and fresh soups, and a cart selling delicious, spicy falafel + hummus pitas. i haven’t tried the burrito truck pictured above because the line is super long, but i’ve heard good things and it’s next on my list. there is a great coffee roaster serving drinks made with square mile coffee (mmm), and a few vendors selling good cheeses and excellent sweets.
my favorite so far is “the roast of sherwood.” amazing roasted pork with fennel, garlic and rosemary, sliced and served hot on a soft bun with arugula and a sweet chili sauce. and if you ask nicely, they will sprinkle some pork cracklings on top for you. unwrap, eat, and you’re in heaven. seriously.
stumbling upon little things like this market is what i’ve really enjoyed about living in london so far.
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also, i was happy to find out that one of my photos was featured on dooce.com’s holiday gift guide for him. if you are looking for a special holiday gift, you should buy some of the wonderful photos in the simply photo pop-up shop today.
i’ll be back here soon to share a few websites i’ve been enjoying lately. cheers!
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those birch trees outside of the tate modern in london are pretty impressive, i must say. i’d seen a few photos of them before, but there is something to be said for walking between the rows of white trunks on a grey afternoon.
and speaking of museums, thanks to those of you who suggested stopping by the museum of everything. i loved it … a great space filled with curious and interesting work. after my visit, i’ve been thinking about art created without the expectation that another person will see it. secret art. how would that change your creative process? i like the idea of making something solely for my own satisfaction and i’d like to do that more often. in this way, a lot of the art in the museum of everything appears to be less of an effort to make a statement, and more of a meditation or a way to navigate a private obsession. (more info about this museum here)
well, enough heavy thinking for me today. i’ve got some food photos to share — see you back here soon.
… and on thursday, i was thankful for stumbling upon this scene after a rain shower.
enjoy your weekend.
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the book photos above are from nigel slater’s newest, “tender” (vol. 1). not surprisingly, this was the first book i bought here in the U.K. (i had trouble finding it in the U.S.). i can’t say enough good things about this book. it’s a must-have for anyone interested in growing their own small patch of fruit or veg. and if you live in a city and you can’t find the space to grow your own, but your heart skips a beat whenever you hit the farmer’s market — then this book is also for you. it celebrates eating in a very straightforward, unfussy way. these are mostly simple recipes that will surprise you – nigel has a way of putting together different ingredients in a way you have not seen before. i think i’ll always remember this as my first proper british cookbook … i can’t wait to get into the kitchen and prepare some of these dishes.
speaking of food and cooking; during this week leading up to Thanksgiving in the U.S., i have to admit that i’m going to miss this holiday! i’m getting together with a group of american expats on thursday night for a thanksgiving dinner of our own, and i’m sure we’ll have a great meal. but it won’t be the same without some time spent in the kitchen on thursday morning. i always love preparing a few dishes for the feast … unfortunately, i can’t do much cooking this year since i’m still in temporary housing. but just as soon as i get moved into my own flat next week, i hope to cook up a storm. i really can’t wait.
so, please taunt me and let me know what you are excited to make for your thanksgiving feast … i’ll live vicariously through all of you!
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this weekend, i…
+ watched an impressive marionette show on the street
+ saw some good art
+ attended a barn dance-themed party, in london, where we drank asahi beer (how’s that for international??)
+ spent some time with good friends
+ did a lot of walking and exploring
+ browsed in a very cool shop, where i had a perfect cappuccino made by gwilym davies of prufrock coffee (who is the 2009 UK and world barista champion … really interesting guy)
+ spotted street art from elbow toe (i thought it looked familiar — also spotted in brooklyn last may)
hoping your weekend was a good one, too! cheers.
top image is mine, a brooklyn sunset.
bottom images: 1. Untitled, by Lotte Scott; 2. morning coffee at St.Peterburg, by cloudsfollower; 3. Untitled, by coquinette; 4. felice anno nuovo, by m a v.
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the sun sets in london quite early … by 4pm, night has fallen. instead of fighting the longer nights, i’m going to try to embrace them. it makes it easier when i see that filtered, golden autumn sunshine during the day.
a few links i’m enjoying…
+ heaven can wait, charlotte gainsbourg & beck (the video is so cool)
+ a father/daughter roadtrip documented on camera, “in search of eustace” (via 2 or 3 things i know)
+ a blog i’m enjoying, dot com dot co dot uk
looking forward to a super weekend around here. hope yours is fun, too! happy friday.
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i just stumbled upon a great new band, called mumford & sons. these 4 guys from west london are good friends and they make amazing music together. they sound like the british version of the avett brothers. you will love their album, ’sigh no more’ – i’ve had it on heavy rotation and i can’t get enough. i also love the photography included in the album insert … these guys are right up my alley.
you can…
+ watch videos here
+ listen to tracks from their album here
+ if you are in the UK, buy their album. i’m not sure if you can find it in the U.S. yet, but i am sure these guys will be taking their act across the pond very soon.
i hope your week is going well … see you here tomorrow for friday flickr favorites (it’s been a while!)
