A friend sent me a link to the NYTimes Style section article on streampuck, whose “definition is loose enough to accommodate a stew of influences, including the streamlined retro-futurism of Flash Gordon and Japanese animation with its goggle-wearing hackers, the postapocalyptic scavenger style of “Mad Max,” and vaudeville, burlesque and the structured gentility of the Victorian age”

It really reminds me of Moulin Rouge – which I watched at a drive in movie theater in Vermont one summer so long ago and loved the infectious energy of it in the mountain air.

My favorite quote: ‘If steampunk has a mission, it is, in part, to restore a sense of wonder to a technology-jaded world. “Today satellite photos make the planet seem so small,” Mr. Brown lamented. “Where is the adventure it that?” In contrast, steampunk, with its airships, test tubes and time machines, is, he said, “sort of a dream , the way we used to daydream. It’s like part of your childhood’s just bursting forward again.”‘

Genius. More here.

I’ll be the girl with the vintage aviator goggles and burlesque stripped tights.

I’m kidding.

Sort of.

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Today I’m presenting on the collection of Cassiano dal Pozzo, a 17th century collector who commissioned over 7,000 paintings of natural history (mushrooms (one shown above), citrus fruit, flowers) and the ancient world (roman ruins, antiquities).

I’ve sort of been obsessed with this image from the Style Files. It just looks clean, comfortable, airy, happy and while not totally my style, I’m thinking of what works here and how to infuse my home with this. I think its mixing the cool (as in cold) modern lines with the warm wooden (not modern) table and all the color, both inside and out. Also, I’m lusting for outdoor space, and this looks to have plenty.

I’m back in the library (I’ve decided I’m a really a citizen of the libraries of New York City), but we had a nice weekend, watching Lars and the Real Girl, cooking tasty mac and cheese with wild mushrooms and TRUFFLE oil (so fancy!) and catching up with an old, dear friend in town from Germany.

NB: Lars and the Real Girl made me cry, and I actually don’t remember a movie ever making me cry before. It’s good, better than the storyline makes you think it will be.

I never grow tired of browsing vintage sellers on Etsy — it appeals to my flea market lovin’, design scouting soul — its almost like I get to visit thrift stores and flea markets all over the country and world via the eyes of Etsy sellers everywhere and the prices are (usually) pretty good. This wooden plaque from seller EstateSale is cheap ($5) and would be a great addition to someone’s photo/gallery wall. I love the seagulls in the front (sort of The Birds like). Now, I know that those related to me by blood (Mom) and those that are married to me (Tim) will decry this as totally tacky. And they are probably right. But it has a funky fresh aesthetic that appeals to me, in the right context — like next to photos from Florida (which this somehow reminds me of) or a great vintage paint by numbers.  I’d hang this and a gallery full of fun framed finds in a laundry room or entry hall. In fact, I’d love to see an entry hall tiled floor to ceiling with framed photos and paintings.

Here is this week’s bouquet — lilacs and peonies are my two favorite flowers.  See the rest of the bouquets here.

Theme of the week seems to be cottages, so I’m just going with it.

Here’s one more via Tinyk:

I’m clearly longing for a green, light filled get away… Happy Thursday.

via Garden Rooms, via Purple Area

I’m playing catch up from being so busy — doing laundry, making lists, finally mailing some Etsy orders.  I’m also thinking about planting the terrace this weekend.  How much would I love a real backyard like this? via fun new Australian interiors blog The House that A-M Built, found via ABT.

Come on, let’s go!  I spied this lovely on Absolutely Beautiful Things, which always raises my spirits.  I particularly like the wisteria growing on the porch.  The house were I grew up had wisteria just like this.  I used to babysit three of the sweetest kids in the world who lived in a tiny cottage about the size of this one.

Today I’m presenting on this Delft tea caddy, and then, I’m so ready for the weekend!

I’m giving a presentation on this 1840’s painted table and I’m thrilled to have my first exhibition review run here!

I came across this tale of a woman who just couldn’t stop buying things via one of my favorite blogs, Yard Sale Bloodbath (yes, it is as good as it sounds).  The hoarding woman went on Oprah, who helped her organize her belongings and sell the rest.  The shot above is from the mammoth yardsale they had afterwards, where they made $13,000.   The story of what they found under the piles of stuff is horrifying (in two words: black mold)! 

This is a duct tape floor, via Crafster, via Cribcandy!  Of course, I’m sure this might leave residue on your floor (duct tape seems to leave residue everywhere) but I love the idea some how.  I’d want to do pink or white.  Of course, I wonder if it might not be better to just PAINT your floor (I’ve seen lovely floors this way), as it might be a whole lot less work (and cost less).  I think paint is cheaper than duct tape.

 Anyway, I’m in the library as we’re in the final stretch of the term, so just a quick break.

I’m a container gardening nut — I spent the morning cleaning our terrace and getting ready to plant them for the summer.  I love the phrase “city gardens”.   I’ll be heading to NYC Grows (a urban gardening celebration) in Union Square tomorrow.

How delicious is this bouquet designed by Nicolette Camille?  I love the light, the furniture, the beautiful green bowl.  Discovered on charming new blog, Urban Flea.