Watch: The Drought

Every day I feel especially proud to live in a city composed of so many talented and passionate individuals. And just sometimes I'm lucky enough to not only admire one of those individuals, but also call them a friend. For example, Mr. Kevin Slack -- the mastermind behind the short film The Drought.

So if you'd like a palpable example of talent, take a look at this film (and pass it along ... inspiration is contagious!):


The Drought - short film from Kevin Slack on Vimeo.

Inspiration

I love a good look behind the scenes almost as much as I do a before + after. So, if you're looking for some inspiration -- or even just a little eye candy -- take a peak at the following video detailing the jewel/bead work behind one of the Chanel collections.

Wish List

I need me one of these around the shop ...

For more giggles, check out this link: Handmade Ryan Gosling

Mail bag!

Do you remember how excited Pee-wee Herman used to get when he got mail? That's pretty much what goes on over here at Kanibal Home. So you can kind of put into perspective how giddy I got when the following images arrived in our inbox this morning.

 

Umm, did one of our customers seriously spell out our name with kitchen utensils? I know, I know. It's the creepiest, coolest thing you have ever seen. I'm still smiling.

I might be like a proud mama blind to their own child's wrongdoings, but I swear that Kanibal Home has the BEST, most creative and thoughtful customers. Seriously, you guys rock my world!

Sunday Inspiration

(via Pinterest)

Vincent

In honor of tonight's showing of The House on Haunted Hill, here's one of my favorite shorts narrated by the delightful Vincent Price:

Scarves: 101

One of autumn's most popular accessories is the scarf. Whether it's solid, patterned, adorned with beads or dip-dyed, these fashion staples keep you toasty while looking chic.

And now that the weather is getting cooler by the day one of the most frequent questions we get over here at Kanibal Home is: How do I wear a scarf? Whether it's bundled under a blazer or worn in lieu of a necklace, the following video does a great job of demonstrating the versatility of these swatches of fabric.

(A special thank you to our friends over at YAY! DIY for bringing it to my attention!)

Something Special

What a lovely surprise from one of Kanibal Home's customers! The bouquet looks lovely in one of our vintage mason jars alongside Handsome Harry (the skull).

WTF of the Week

Rainy Mondays usually inspire me to peruse the inter-webs looking for something to jump start the week. It could be an image on Pinterest or uncovering a new blog or even something silly. Well, today's inspiration is more of a WTF than anything else. But I still love it. I had to watch this promo video a few times to get over the extreme awkwardness of the models, but once I did I came away with this brain nugget: Even extremely successful brands know that it isn't good for business to always be serious. As a wise colleague once told me in public relations, "It's PR, not ER. Lighten up."

Have fun and happy Monday.

Playing with Food

I just had to share this ridiculousness.

From the lady who brought you cookie cameos, we now have embroidered toast.

Totally looks like mold, doesn't it? Crazy town.

And just because this is pretty rad too, check out the cookie cameo:

I have a feeling Judith Klausner's mom was the kind of parent who encouraged her to play with her food. I just applaud her self restraint -- I would have eaten all those cookies before they became art.

Ruminations on Work

At the shop, hidden behind rolls of ribbon next to my desk, is a torn piece of paper with a powerful quote:

"We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry." -- E.B. White, Letters of E.B. White

This particular scrap used to be in my bedroom, also next to my computer, in the early days of Kanibal Home when the store was only web-based. I'd come home from working a long day in public relations and sit down to eat (another meal) at my desk while I updated and toiled away on my pet project. Sometimes until two or three in the morning.

But it never quite felt like work. And I would often glance over at that quote and think, One day I'll be able to do this as an actual job. All day. I never thought it would really be possible. But, in the meantime, I'd keep this late night time to myself as my little bit of joy.

I now work upwards of 80 hours a week. It's not hard to believe that my friends and family roll their eyes (often and unabashedly) and aren't shy in exclaiming that I "work too much." But -- in the long run --if it gives me joy, then what's the sense in stopping or shortening or taking a break? I meet a lot of people in the shop that want to open their own business or become entrepreneurs of some sort. And, you can have all the talent in the world, but I honestly think that it comes down to this: Can you continue to find joy in your craft?

I glanced over at that quote this morning and thought: I know I do.

Home Sweet Home

Usually I'm not a huge big box fan, but I'm really crushing on this new butterfly shower curtain from West Elm. Dreamy, right?

Aww, You're Making Me Blush

Kanibal Home's customers and friends are the cutest. Seriously. I'm a lucky lady to constantly be surrounded by such talent. And it's such a compliment when someone sees something I've constructed in the shop and decided to put their own spin on it.

I'm sure many of you read about how last winter I grunted, cursed and bled while building the shop's wood wall. If you don't know what I'm talking about, here's a quick shot of what it looks like now:

Well one of Kanibal Home's frequent collaborators, Michelle Johnston, loved it so much that she decided (with the help of her boyfriend, Kevin Slack) to create something very similar in their living room. Check out their version:

Didn't they do such a great job? Even the cat seems to love it!

Miss me?

What, you didn't even realize I was gone?! That is soooo rude.

Just kidding. That means the shop was in good hands (a big thanks to Rachael and Sara for holding down the fort). I didn't even call the girls a million times like everyone thought I would. Mostly because my hands and mouth were occupied for four solid days.

Okay, here's the back story. Right around the time I was planning the Rose Cottage event, Shana (from Make Up by Sha) propositioned me with a trip to New Orleans. Usually I would have made up an excuse not to go because I'm a workaholic who doesn't like to have fun, BUT she caught me at a weak moment. I was exhausted. And we would be traveling right after my birthday (so I could rationalize the trip as a present to myself). AND -- this was the main selling point -- we would be going with a small group of my favorite Jersey City folks to conduct an informal tasting trip of the local cuisine. A food vacation? Count me in.

So fast forward to last week. I flew out on Memorial Day and met up with everyone. And this was the first meal we ate:

(Omelet with cheese and turkey bacon topped with chili and a side of hash browns)

Seriously, that's how I started my trip. And it didn't stop. If I could say anything about New Orleans it's that it is hard -- ridiculously hard -- to have a bad meal. From fresh oysters and oyster shooters to po boys and deconstructed crawfish salad at August, New Orleans is a food paradise.

(I was stuffed from breakfast, but still managed to choke down some of this on the walk through the Garden District.)

In addition to the phenomenal food, the architecture and design is pretty inspiring. The French Quarter is studded with brightly-colored homes and intricate detailing. In between eating and sleeping we roamed the streets like a hungry pack of wolves, devouring the local culture.

(The repurposed factory buildings on the way to Cochon Butcher reminded me of Jersey City.)

The "special donuts" (as we heard a Mom at the pool call them) and frozen coffee from Du Monde became a daily ritual that now has me going through powdered sugar withdrawal.

A shot from inside Central Grocery, home of the we-can-smuggle-this-back-on-the-plane muffuletta:

And of course there was more eating. By the time it was time to fly home I contemplated buying an extra seat. I'm still digesting (and planning a return flight).

(Jacques-Imos Cafe, where the sign out front says it all.)

(Translation: If you want more good than you can eat, a friendly waitress and a chef who walks around and greets all the tables then come inside. If you're a stupid tourist, go away.)

(Sipping on a frozen Irish Coffee inside the Erin Rose. Check out that sexy Kanibal Home tote bag! Ask for Jeff -- the best bartender ever. He'll feed the jukebox as long as you pick the right tunes. Hint: He loves Pat Benatar's "Love Is A Battlefield".)

Spring Flowers

I love spring flowers. And thank goodness Irina from IGLGARDEN loves me.

Irina, who also works at Antheia Floral Design, is kind enough to correct my black thumb and provide the shop with some lovely flowers and planters. Yay spring!

Spring Skin Shoot

How could I ever be bored when I am continually surrounded by a fiercely talented bunch  of friends? Case in point, Kanibal Home's resident photographer, comrade and DIY magician Melanie McLean has been up to no good. Combining the shop's curiosities with her own style of photography ... well, this is what happens:

(Vial necklace, available soon)

(Melanie is a master at wrangling pretty women into her apartment. This one is a young Danish model. Dress and scarf available at Kanibal Home.)

(Cork sandals available in a range of sizes.)

(Can you believe these beads are made from coffee beans? Hand dyed and brought back exclusively for the shop from Uganda.)

(Dress by Many Belles Down ... available at Kanibal Home.)

(Available in the shop shortly. The dress, that is. Not the model. We're not in the business of human trafficking, pervs.)

(Melanie and I both live in the same building. Told you she gets women in her apartment easily. Anyone want to guess what building is in the background?)

Human Paint

When the weather gets warm, I can't stop thinking about tattoos. There's something about baring skin that runs a fine line between seductive and slutty; voyeuristic and TMI. A little good and a little bad.

So I can't quite decide how I feel about guys with full body tattoos. I'm a fan of classics, so the below falls into the "seductive" category for me.

(Image via Invicta Magazine)

And I'm fascinated by the dedication and semi-OCD quality of this level of tattooing, but can't help wonder if it falls into the TMI category of skin-baring.

Thoughts?
Hot or not?