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Life and Music
A superb little video of philosopher Alan Watt’s recordings brought to life by animators Matt Parker and Trey Stone. I especially love the flying conductor and dancing ballerina who pirouettes into the last frame.
by kathryn 
Back to basics
We’re super busy in the studio at the moment, and it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of deadlines… sometimes it’s nice to take 5 minutes and sit and doodle… anyway, happy March everybody!
by erin My Manahatta
It’s so easy to get caught up in this city… in chaos, in deadlines, in parties and planning and pretty things… so when a project like this comes along, it’s that much more powerful. The Welikia Project (meaning ‘my good home’ in Lenape) aims to change the way we see New York City by transporting us back in time to 1609. Explore the interactive map for yourself – navigate block by block and learn about native animals, local topography, Lenape Indian lifestyles and all sorts of super cool stuff.
by erin Richard III at BAM
I went to see Kevin Spacey play Richard III at BAM the other day, and it was one of the most breath taking performances I have ever seen. In fact the whole cast were just fabulous. The stage production, although minimist was incredibly striking and the music was just phenomenal. If there are any tickets left, I urge you to see it, or at least watch the video so you can see what you’re missing!
by kathryn crazy sexy juice
I just downloaded Kris Carr’s new e-book, Crazy Sexy Juices and Succulent Smoothies, and can’t wait to read it this weekend and try some of her recipes. I read her other book, Crazy Sexy Diet, and now I’m hooked on her savvy health advice. Her book and website both have a plethora of useful information and are so entertaining too! Funny girl. I just love her outlook on life, on feeding your body, taking care of yourself from the inside out. Green juice!
by kirby 
Back to school
In keeping with our new years resolutions, we’re each taking a class at various institutions around New York and learning all sorts of new skills. I’ve just started taking Watercolour classes at The New School and am having a ball! Here is a sneak peak at my homework for this week, which involves painting out gradients of each hue. I’m not quite finished… no copying! Hehe.
by erin la tartine gourmand
La Tartine Gourmande from Unusually Fine on Vimeo.
I just read about La Tartine Gourmand on the Celiac Chics blog. What a beautiful book and gluten free to boot! It was written and photographed by the amazing french blogger Beatrice Peltre. Bon appétite!
by kirby 
911 Memorial
It was an unusually sunny winter’s day, last wednesday when we visited the 9/11 Memorial Park. There are two fountains, both existing in the footprints of the former twin towers that cascade quietly and somberly into the ground. We felt such sadness for those whose lives have been so terribly affected by the events of 9/11, but also pride for their strength, which has been a inspiration to us all. It was both a beautiful and moving experience to stand in the middle of Manhattan and see and feel so much space around us. Afterwards we saw “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” which was such a heartfelt and touching film. We salute you New York, for your courage, support and tenacity.
by kathryn Loved up
To mark the month of love, our February feature is a collection of all things Valentine-y. Check it out and be inspired (or start dropping hints to your special somebody). Also, for anybody who lives in Manhattan, start getting your butt over to City Bakery for their (drumroll please) annual Hot Chocolate Festival! Finally!! Today’s flavour is Espresso and tomorrow’s is Ginger… two of our favs mmmm
P.S Petite Alma Valentine’s Cards are still available and still super cute! Get ‘em while you can!
by erin Before the first dot
THE OBLITERATION ROOM
1: Artist Yayoi Kusama’s perfectly white installation of a traditional Australian living room
2: The placing of the first few dots
3: The Room obliterated by a rainbow of colourful stickers, stuck on by the thousands of children visiting the exhibition
Amazing!
Photographs by Mark Sherwood
by kathryn Stop and Hear the Music
Believe it or not, my turn has yet again come up for inspiration day. Where do the days go? I shared a YouTube video and Washington-Post news article entitled “Stop and Hear the Music”. Reflect on this …”If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made…How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?”
Today, I encourage you all to free yourself from the constraint of your schedule: live a little and open yourself up to the chaos and beauty in the world around you.
by julie food rules
After doing a New Year’s cleanse, I’ve been tweaking the way I eat and have been immersed in reading reading reading about organic food, whole food, REAL food and eating well. Michael Polan’s book, Food Rules, is beautifully illustrated by Maria Kalman and states the basics in a simple, comprehensive way. Now I want to read his other books too…
by kirby Paris vs New York
We love all things Parisian and adore our very own Big Apple, so you can imagine my excitement when I came across this fab little book the other day. The graphics are so gorgeously simple and the contrasts are clever and funny. A little bit of healthy competition is never a bad idea…
by erin Haven’s Kitchen
Erin told us about Haven’s Kitchen, a cooking school just down the street. Not only is it a cooking school but it’s also a specialty food shop and event space. It’s so beautifully done- it’s in a quaint carriage house with an elegant and inviting atmosphere. They have a wide variety of classes from Meatless Mondays to tea tastings- I want to take them all! The classes specialize in delicious, sustainable and seasonal food. Good for you, good for our world!
by kirby Creativity
Today was my turn to present the weekly inspiration and I showed the gals one of my favourite lectures on Ted Talks (best website EVER) by Sir Ken Robinson, who is so likeable, witty and beautifully spoken. This particular talk is an inspiring call to action about educational reform, and about the importance of valuing creativity in all facets of life and never being afraid to ‘have a go’. There are some hilarious anecdotes thrown in there also…
by erin 
What may happen in the next hundred years?
Snippets taken from the article ‘What may happen in the next hundred years’ by John Elfreth Watkins, Jr. from ‘The Ladies Home Journal’ in December 1900
Seeing as it’s still sort of the beginning of the year, and still a time for reflection I thought I would share this with you chaps. A look back at a prediction made over a hundred years ago. It’s eerie how accurate some of Watkin’s predictions are, yet others are quite laughable. I love how certain he was that all foods would be enormous! Anyway, I don’t think that I have the foresight to guess what the world will be like a hundred years from now, except that it will be very very different!
Here’s the original article but if the text is too small, here is an html version for your viewing pleasure
by kathryn Valentine’s collection
Okay gals: Valentine’s Day is nearly a month away and whether you’re planning to wine and dine, hang with friends or cuddle up with George Clooney and a bottle of Merlot, we’ve got a little something that you’ll like: our new collection of photo cards, invitations and kids classrooom cards have launched and are (not to toot our own horn or anything), pretty darn adorable. Enjoy!! Grand bisous…
by erin 
