Happy birthday to me happy birthday to me. I don’t like getting older, but I do like getting presents, and while I don’t expect to get these presents, I can always dream. (Like my magazine-style image? Ohlala!)

1. iPod Touch. So, of course we’d all rather have an iPhone, but how many monthly bills can you add to your repertoire? I have an old-school ipod nano, so I’ve been visiting the Apple Store online and in my dreams. Sigh.
2. Headphones. Even without the new iPod Touch, I’d love some big-old, colorful, new headphones so that I can drown-out the world. Ear buds aren’t cutting it. (There were some even more colorful ones, once, but I can’t find them anywhere! They were made for me!)
3. Cupcake! They aren’t just cupcakes, they’re beautiful, elegant cupcakes. Making me hungry right now.
4. McSweeney’s Subscription. Beautiful books. Directly in your mailbox. (At least two of these mags were featured in PRINT’S Regional Design Issue this year!)
5. Duffel. Not a crappy-gym-bag duffel! It’s practically a PURSE.
6. Dress. You can do anything with this dress, so it’s really like getting a dozen dresses.

Sigh. Another year older!

Happy Election Day! I guess by now it’s pretty obvious who I’m voting for. I hope by now you’ve cast a ballot for your pick (or are planning to) and I also hope you’ve perused my Election Collection Part I and Part II. (150+ fab election-related links!).

Since my birthday is always right around election day (in fact, I was born the day Ronald Regan was elected prez), and it’s always not far from Halloween, I think of the day as a part of a conglomerate of holidays that kick-off the whole winter holiday extravaganza that ends on New Year’s Day.

My election day is shaping up to look like a less exciting version of the image above. But there is still time to make presidential-shaped snacks and wear pretty buttons! (more…)

Which do you like best? (Some of my favorites listed at the bottom of the page.)

CLICK to open the related page or product in a new window.

Am I missing anything? Let me know! I’ll update the page through election day as I find more relevant links! Wordpress is having trouble with all of the added links, I’ll add links to Part II through election day. Lots more there!

Obama & voting prints, merchandise, blogs, web-pages, posters, maps, and more. Click on each images & it will open the related site in a new window.

Have a favorite? Here are some of mine:

Web-Pages

1. AIGA’s Get Out the Vote Posters: Hundreds of posters made by graphic designers encouraging people to vote. Free and printable.
2. 7-Election: Find out who will win based on the number of McCain / Obama cups purchased.
3. Every Moment Now: Records the number of article references to each candidate in a cool graph.
4. Yes We Can Has: Like our favorite random web-site, LOL Cats, but for the Obama… and cats. It’s not supposed to make sense.
5. The Great Schlep: Sarah Silverman is hysterical. She wants you to convince your Jewish grandparents in Florida to vote for Obama.
6. PalinAsPresident.com: Click around. Very funny.

Clothes

1. Obama Bling form Brookadelphia ($35)
2. Split Decision Vote Shoes by TOMS Shoes ($45)
3. Yes or No? T-shirt for Threadless ($18)

Prints/Posters (besides every other one from AIGIA, also these were quite hard to choose):

1. Census letterpress print from IAmStillAlive ($30)
2. David Choe Hope Print from Upper Playground ($200)
3. Rock the Vote poster (signed by Shepard Fairey) ($100)
4. Obama 08 poster from BarackObama.com ($60)
5. The Tree Referendum print from Threadless ($35)

Other

1. Obama Stencil from Urban Outfitters ($12)
2. Presidential Phyisiques of Modern Times image from New York Times Op-Art section
3. Obama Tea (15.50)

Although I found many of these through my own ventures, searches, and a significant number were posted on multiple “big blogs”, I did find a handful of useful links in the following locations: notcot.org, Urban Outfitters Vote Blog, Urban Outfitters Store, SwissMiss, SeriousEats.

PS VOTE!!!

PPS If you want to link to this post, I’ve got some cool images you can use:

Yes, it’s different! I dyed it red and got bangs. Ohhh… you mean with Stickers & Donuts, well, yes, that has changed a little, too. We now have MORE SPACE thanks to my friend and co-adventurer Misa. I realize that now all of my other pages, formatted perfectly to the smaller width, are a little funny now. Also, I now have to blow dry and straighten my bangs. Change always comes with its share of problems.

As for this week’s current obsessions (for other weeks, click here)…

1. The lyrics to Gravity Rides Everything by Modest Mouse. Listen to the song (a random youtube version), read the lyrics, and then analyze them. It’s fun! If you need help, I’m willing to cheat.
2. Then, listen to Story by Brandi Carlile (if you are pressed for time, 2:52ish is my favorite part!). The lyrics to this one are a little more obtainable. I’ve also been thinking it would be a good wedding song. Not that I’m getting married. I’m just saying.
3. I am in love with Forever 21. It’s inexpensive, but also classy. One of my favorite finds were these black leggings (which actually come in other colors, too) that have little buttons at the ankle! Only $6.50!
4. As you may know, one of my favorite stores is H&M. I am in love with their pointy-black heels ($30) and have worn them every day this week with outfits from skirts to dresses to jeans (to black leggings from Forever 21). Basically, they make any outfit a little classier.
5. Gingerbears! They are like gummi bears, but a little harder and made with the added bite of ginger. I got mine from a mysterious co-worker, but apparently you can find them at Trader Joe’s.
6. Healthy dessert! Greek Yogurt (also called Drained Yogurt), is thick yogurt, drained of most of its water. If you need to make yourself, NYTimes will tell you how. If you can buy it at the grocery store (I can) I recommend the 2% variety (tasty and saves fat, but the no-fat is not as tasty or vitamin-y). You can use this yogurt as cracker dip, for example, but you can also eat it plain, or ADD HONEY. I recommend about a tablespoon of honey for a half cup of yogurt, but you can adjust to your sweet tooth. Mix it in and enjoy!
7. SPACE! As stated in the opening paragraph, I’m excited about our extra-blogging-wiggle-room.
8. If you are wondering about the unicorns, I may or may not have added one to a document at work, just to find out if my document was actually being read (negative!). Sneaky, sneaky.

Okay, you caught me. I’m addicted to AMC’s original series Mad Men (hint: if you need to catch up on episodes slash the entire series slash you tried to netflix it but so did everyone else, this might help.)

Most of the show takes place at an early 1960s ad agency.

Do you wish you were part of the show? Or is that just me? I know I wish, at the very least, that I could drink that much alcohol at work. Also, it would be nice to be alive when Marilyn Monroe was considered the epitome of hotness (great for those of us who want to continue eating).

Here’s a list of the Mad Men-related products shown at the top of the page:

1. They didn’t really have computers back then, if you can believe it. Olivetti Manual Typewriter $140 at Urban Outfitters
2. In Mad Men they drink at work, out of work, and at home. That’s why I love this article from PaperMag analyzing what each character drinks and what that says about their personality. Apparently, Peggy drinks a befitting Brandy Alexander (Cognac, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream).
3. Women in the early 1960s were curvy, wearing clothes that accented, rather than hid, their most voluptuous features. I love this Norma Jean Winter Dress from Mod Cloth ($150). It looks more like a Peggy outfit with a Joan curve.
4. These really popular illustrations of scenes from Mad Men have made their way across the blogs. You can buy prints or use them as free desktop wallpaper. My favorite part is that the illustrator provides show-commentary with every new flickr post. (Ex. commentary from the picture above: “Commemorating the scene and outfit that ended Paul’s status as my favorite character.”) NOTE: Stickers & Donuts later did an interview with Dyna Moe, who creates these illustrations!
5. Gosh, those rotary phones must have broken some fingers back in the day! Luckily Linens & Things knew that Generation Whatever-I-Am is a little more used to “push button technology” (er, do they really need the word “technology”?). Crosley Kettle Desk Phone, $60
6. If you are going to be pretty like 1960s Joan you need thick black eyes and red lips. Imagine 1960s makeup technology? Was mascara even waterproof back then?! Could it lift and separate?! Wait, is that a slogan for bras? I’ve confused myself.
7. Since the Mad Men (and women) work at an ad agency (get it, mAD men), I thought I’d include this ad from maidenform (on the show it’s a Sterling Cooper account!). In fact, AdClassix.com, though it does have a questionable-looking web-site, includes tons and tons of ads (many of which you can purchase) from the 1920s-1970s.

Want to see more? I’ve got a picture of all the characters (I wrote on it with my notes). Also, a general trailer if you haven’t seen the show. (more…)

Hello friends! In my very first issue of currently obsessed, I’d like to share some things that I’ve recently been consuming/listening to/lusting for. As you can tell from all the picks, I am in study mode. Non-mechanical #2 pencils? Check! Candy and coffee? Double check! (Note: My productivity is correlated with candy consumption. Legit.  Kind of like Felicity’s pre-med roommate and her M&Ms, minus the pre-med part.  Or, Michael from the Princess Diaries and HIS M&Ms. ) The Life Aquatic violates this set from being completely study-related (I can only intake a limited amount of David Bowie. Especially when I’m trying to “critically” read.), but this is currently obsessed…so no discrimination allowed. Ciao!

• I got a pack of Ticonderoga tri-writes last month. They are wonderful! I hold writing utensils awkwardly and incorrectly (it’s not my fault!) (my hand basically looks like it is itching to punch someone…I know you were trying to picture my awkward-looking hand…). They sharpen very well (I love my Maped sharpener!). As the name implies, the pencil is triangular- a built in pencil grip! Also, these pencils don’t run away when you throw them down in frustration. How obedient!
• Trader Darwin (Joe)’s Gummi Vites are the best! I have a really difficult time taking vitamins. I never remember, and when I do, I cringe when I see the submarine-sized pills. Bleh. These make taking vitamins so much fun! They might be too much fun, however, because I have definitely been taking more than the recommended amount. :( Trader Joe’s, $4.99 for a bottle of 70.
• Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about Bill Murray. As part of the Chicago Air & Water Show a month ago, he jumped out of a plane. I thought it was particularly funny that the Chicago Tribune chronicled his jump, minute by minute. The search feature of the Chicago Tribune website is stumping me right now (as is Chicago Tribune’s distasteful usa-todayification…which re-affirms the New York Times’ superiority…REALLY? DO YOU THINK I’M AN IDIOT AND NEED A PAGE-BAR TO NAVIGATE A NEWSPAPER?), but here’s the gawker article that mocks the Chicago Tribune’s Murray coverage. Just last week, Bill Murray was in the news again in regards to his apparent approval of an upcoming Ghostbusters film. Anyways, with all this Bill Murray nonsense, I realized that I still did not have the soundtrack to The Life Aquatic. I have been listening to it since I got it this past weekend, and it’s pretty good. I’m not ready to declare where it falls in my personal Wes-Anderson-soundtrack rankings (Royal Tennebaums and Rushmore are exceptionally tight), but this one is great.
• At Trader Joe’s they sell this licorice in 1lb tubs. When you put a twisty chunk in your mouth? Utter bliss. Inspired by this post on Mindy Ephron’s blog, I went searching for a tub of Kookaburra at Trader Joe’s.  Although it may not be Kookaburra, the licorice still tastes like the best masticated-fruit roll up ever.  I can finish a tub, by myself, in less than a day. :( Trader Joe’s, $3.99 for a 1lb tub.
• This is one of the most clever devices that I have ever seen. The Pentel Handy-lineS Memorization Aid Highlighter Set (whew! what a name) includes a green highlighter, an eraser marker, and a piece of red film. As you can already tell, this is not a normal highlighter. So let’s say that you have this monstrous exam on world capitals. You have in your notes, “Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan.” While you’re studying, you highlight “Thimphu,” because you want to make sure it is ingrained in your head. Also, highlighting keeps you from falling asleep. After you’ve reached Zimbabwe on your list, you’d like to test yourself to see how much you’ve retained. Instead of awkwardly covering up your highlighted capitals with your fingers, all you have to do is cover your notes with the red film. Result? The film masks your highlighted text, and you can’t read it! Test away! When you’re done studying, you can even un-highlight test using the eraser. MAGIC! Available at JetPens, $5.70
• Moonstruck Chocolate Company is one of the best chocolatiers. They make really great truffles, and their chocolates are always well-balanced and not too alcoholicy (like Godiva). There used to be a lovely company-owned Moonstruck Cafe on Michigan Ave., but it closed. Womp womp. As a result, one of the only places you can get Moonstruck chocolates downtown is Macy’s. Moonstruck has a few cute signatures, including their ice cream cone collection, cupcake truffle collection, AND critter truffle collection. Similar to their iconic critter truffles, “Election Collection 08″ features elephant and donkey truffles! How patriotic! The elephant is a dark chocolate extra-bittersweet ganache, and the donkey features Moonstruck’s Mayan Ganache (milk chocolate, almonds, cinnamon). Also of note, the last time I was at the State Street Macy’s, the only election truffles left were elephants. I find this amusing and very telling. Available at Moonstruck, $15 for a collection of four.
• Sometimes I go to Caffe Rom twice a day. It has gotten so excessive, that I feel like they know me pretty well. I think I’m on my way from becoming “medium americano girl” to “Tricia.” This graduation is sort of exciting, and sort of embarassing. However, this is one of my favorite places to get coffee. It reminds me of my ex-barista days, and the espresso is good. I gave Intelligentsia a chance (actually two chances), and it was pretty gross. Unwelcomingly sour. And, whenever I go to Starbucks, I always spill. Probably because the hippie free trade coffee gods are trying to punish me. Karma is a bitch when you are wearing something non-black.

This past weekend I went to the biennial Dodge Poetry Festival in Stanhope, NJ. Just forty-five minutes from the rural-ish town (cows > people) where I grew up, this poetry festival is one of the largest (the largest?) in North America. It always features a few poet laureates and other publicly-ordained-people of poetic fabulousness (Mark Doty, Lucille Clifton, Billy Collins, Franz Wright, to name a mere four).

As I walked around the festival this year, I noticed that poetry festival attendees, mostly middle-aged women, are comprised of two main fashion-groups (male-poetry-enthusiast fashion is a different animal!):

1. Those who do not know how to dress, and obviously do not care that they do not know how to dress. (Example: Trousers. Sweatshirt with large word on it. The most functional shoes possible. Glasses.)
2. Those who dress in earth-tones and shop at Coldwater Creek.

Interestingly, both sets contain more long-haired middle-aged women than the American population as a whole. That hair is either: Long, straight, and unlayered. Or long, frizzy, and sort-of-tamed with a silver barrette. (In case you are wondering, I knew that earth-tones would be in at the Poetry Festival, so I arrived aptly dressed in one of the few neutral colored outfits I own.)

Anyway, enough with the stereotyping! Wait, actually, not enough with the stereotyping. First, I have to provide my guide for your How-To-Dress-Like-Someone-Who-Likes-Poetry needs (see image above, links & commentary below).

AFTER THE JUMP: links, commentary. Also, there may or may be not a picture of what I might or might not have worn to the poetry festival. (more…)

Remember back in July when I went laptop-post crazy. I was researching cases because I wanted somewhere light and safe to carry my MacBookPro. Recently, this “9-5 laptop case” has been making its way around the internet, and I think I’d get that monster case if I had a little extra cash.

Anyway, it took me over two months but I finally chose my laptop case. Is it any of the ones I researched? No, of course not! It’s actually an Isaac Mizrahi bag from Target (images from Target.com). (more…)

Luckily, fashion is a season ahead, so when you get to the sales racks, you’ll find in-season merchandise!

If you head over to Target these days, you might find some of the Fall 2008 Richard Chai fashions for cheaper than the regular Target cheap. I love that ruffle-front shirt (far right), which is now $16.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s posts & pictures about the fabulous illustrator Yasmine!

If you like interviews and art, then you’ll be happy to hear that later this month our special columnist Tricia will feature interviews with SEVEN different show-poster artists!

If you miss Tricia, you can visit her school supply posts, which are still loved by all.

Oh, and as for the bracelet above: yes, I kind of love it, in all of its awkward, impaled weirdness. (From regencies.com.) Have a great weekend! (I’m taking another quick trip to Cape Cod for a wedding!)

1. These critters will always be hungry (just like me!).  All four are extremely cute - although I have lukewarm feelings towards the frog’s sleazy white smile…it reminds me of Ross Geller’s teeth, Animal Swing-Lid Cans from The Container Store, $11.99 (Warning! Panda friend is back-ordered.  The frog is too.  Apparently I’m the only one who does not support the frog.)

2. I always need snacks while I work.  I HATE, however, CRUMBS.  Something else that I HATE: eraser boogers.  I use my Staedtler latex eraser incessantly, thus my desk is always littered with eraser junk.  AND THEN!  The eraser junk ventures to the crevice of my book spines, which leads to me obsessing over trying to fish the boogers out with my pencil tip.  Well, if you are a dork like me, you might enjoy this DESK VACUUM DISGUISED AS A ROBOT.  BONUS POINTS: its arms move!  Pretend it’s waving at you.  Hello, robot friend!, Robo Vac Desktop Vacuum from ThinkGeek, $12.99

3.  For some reason, new socks and underwear are always marketed as a back-to-school items.  This has always struck me as somewhat strange.  But, I immediately stop thinking about this great enigma when I stick my feet into new socks.  Sock Dreams is the ultimate place to get new socks- they offer so many varieties, shipping is fast and free, prices are reasonable, and they are packaged well (last time I ordered from them, my socks were bundled with twine and had a cute little tag).  I have two or three different colors of this style (it comes in 20 colors!), and wear them frequently in the winter under/over jeans.  They keep your legs warm!  I don’t like wearing them over my knees- I usually just bunch them down so I can stare at my sock-swollen ankles,  O Basics from Sock Dreams, $6 a pair

4. I feel like this pen holder would go super well with Monday’s Nert Dart pen.  Also, I am not as violent as my picks suggest, Dead Fred Pen Holder from ThinkGeek, $9.99

5. These sticky notes are silly.  The “Seize the Day” option may sound ridiculous, but I used to live with someone who would write this/things like this on sticky notes.  (Dear person in question: Don’t hate me; I love you!), Knock Knock “Don’t Forget To” Sticky Notes from Lula Mae, $3.25

6. Most of the time, I cringe at the sight of very busy prints.  As a result, I am not a fan of LOUD backpacks.  This one is lovely, simple, and grey (triple victory!), Enjoi Delivery Boy Backpack from Turntable Lab, $44

7. Clever to the max!  This Klever (…that ‘K’ is QUITE necessary) staple-less stapler punches a neat little hole, which ultimately results in a clean paper bind.  Oh!  I can hear your “But I don’t be wanting any holes in my paper!” whines.  Well.  What are your feelings on that unsightly staple hole-barf that appears after you remove a staple?  HMM?  If you use this magical contraption, your document corners will no longer look like they were chewed up by a yeti, Dog or Cat Staple Free Stapler from Hapa Culture, $8

8.  These gummi bear erasers/sharpeners look like they are Power Rangers about to be attacked by zombi gummi bears, Gummy Bear Eraser/Sharpener from See Jane Work, $2.50

9. So when I hear the word “drip,” my Family-Feud response is “nasal passage.”  NOT “nose.”  “Nasal passage.”  I think that a nose-paper clip dispense would be the tightest desktop accessory, ever.  I guess, however, that miniature sinks are cuter than miniature noses, Drip Clips Paperclip Holder from Perpetual Kid, $7.99

10. This alarm clock turns off when you shoot the target with the included laser remote.  I would fail miserably at this; I have horrible vision AND bad aim.  Maybe I DO really enjoy violent school supplies, Laser Target Alarm Clock from ThinkGeek, $17.99

11. A wonderful screen-printed messenger bag!  Be sure to check out her other prints too! (the robots and flowers are pretty cool), Black Bird Field Bag from rainbowswirlz, $20

12. CRITTER RUBBER BANDS!  I hate it when things fly at me, but if someone flung one of these at me, I’d probably exclaim, “A present from the critter fairies!  HOW ADORABLE!”, Pet & Zoo Rubber Bands from See Jane Work, $7

Cue in Europe (…or Gob), because this list includes the final bits of the school supplies series.  I’m sad that this is the end, but Labor Day is almost here.  Thus, I’m sure I’d conjure up mad beef with people if I rattled about sweet pencil sharpeners in November.

To see other school supplies posts, click here and scroll!

Quick! Wear one of these before the summer is over! Er… actually… not so fast… first you have some choices to make…

a) Cotton Spandex Jersey Bandeau Bodysuit, $33 (Sizes XS-L, 7 colors)
b) Sheer Jersey Bandeau Dress, $43 (Sizes XS-XL, 7 colors)
c) Cotton Spandex Jersey Polka Dot Bandeau Pencil Dress, $41 (Sizes XS-L, black or white)
d) Le Sac Dress, $38 (One Size Fits Most, 8 colors with more on their way, comes with black ribbon); Additional Ribbon for La Sac Dress, $10 (11 colors/patterns — including lime green!)
e) Cotton Spandex Jersey Bandeau Pencil Dress, $41 (Sizes XS-L, 17 colors)
f) Cotton Spandex Jersey Bandeau Dress, $43 (Sizes XS-XL, 19 colors)

I love when regularly stationery items become suddenly interactive: when flaps can open on cards, pictures can pop-out of books, and paper can be folded into 3D glory! But imagine one dress with the capability of twisting and folding into about thirty other dresses… that’s a whole level beyond pop-ups and flaps.

The dresses above, all from American Apparel, can twist fold and bend into multiple outfits. B & C and E & F all work in a similar way, along with choice A which is more limited (these are all called Bandeau Dresses… or Bodysuit). Choice D (Le Sac Dress) is a new dress I’ve just discovered (because it’s new and I may or may not stalk the American Apparel web-site…), and I absolutely love it!

If you are indecisive, this dress is going to be your arch nemesis. First, you have decide which style dress you want. Then, you have to decide which color. When you finally get home, you have to decide which way to wear it! If you have the Le Sac Dress, you can also buy ribbons in different colors, and then you have to choose which ribbon to coordinate with your outfit!

You can watch a cool video online that shows you step-by-step instructions for how to turn the bandeau dress into 15 different styles. I own dress B (when it happened to be on sale… of course…), and it’s the most fun dress I’ve ever owned!

1. For the bicyclists who want their shorts to nearly double as reflectors!
   Nylon Tricot Bike Short in Lime Green, American Apparel, $28
2. To take down your speedy running times.
   Nike Yellow Chisel Watch, Urban Outfitters, $110
3. Okay, scrunchies are horribly ugly, but the gymnasts didn’t seem to get that memo. So, we can still wear them with a little irony, no?
   Custom Sequin Swirl Two Color Hair Scrunchies (choose your own colors!), She Plays Sports, $5
4. Running shoes that will keep your spirits bright on mile 10 (unless you are keeled over like I would be…).
   Adidas Technicolor Runners, Urban Outfitters, $88
5. Much less boring than most tennis racket cases.
   Tennis Racket Carrying Case, Fred Flare, $30
6. Yes, a really brightly colored suit from Speedo (there are other ones, too)
   Women’s Ninja Leaderback Swimsuit, Speedo, $55
7. For you back handsprings.
   Cotton Spandex Jersey Bodysuit, American Apparel, $36
8. A gold medal! Okay, so it’s a gold locket (er, actually brass), but you can pretend!
   Large Etched Locket Necklace, Urban Outfitters, $34

Okay, so I know that the Olympics are a classy event, which is why the Olympians show up in opening ceremonies in perfect, Ralph Lauren style. And I know that Olympians have the fanciest of running shoes, the specialist of swim caps, and they are always all decked out in home colors. Olympic fashion ranges from super-cool, to significantly ugly. Usually, bright colors are left behind for a more subdued look, but since you and I are probably not Olympians, we can be in the Olympic spirit without such constraints! Lime green and hot pink here we come!

1. Two tofu cubes that will guard your pencils with a smile, Phoophile Kawaii Shop, $16.75

2. Pigs that defy gravity (ps- THEIR SNOUTS ARE UPSIDE DOWN HEARTS! gasp.gasp.heart palpitations.), Rohmer, $16

3. Reminds me of Richard Scarry’s Busytown and various anthropomorphic critters (Lowly Worm is my favorite! What a sad belittling name for a worm that can drive an apple car…mad skills), San-X Sweet Street Pen Case from One Good Bumblebee, $13.50

4. Squeaky and classic, Pottery Barn Kids, $9.50

5. I want to be a hedgehog in love. Womp Womp, LeSportSac Hedgehog Case from Karmaloop, $23

6. Too cute! Wooden slide-y pencil case, The Small Object, $12

7. Zipped up, this case looks pretty conventional. BUT! UNzipped, it magically transforms into a standing pencil holder. So, basically, it is the alpha pencil case. Imagine all the “sweet pencil case” comments you’ll get at the library, when you have THIS displayed on your desk. Watch it in action on YouTube!, JetPens, $12.99

8. This past year has been a good year for robots. Flight of the Conchords. Wall-E. A talking Roomba. Keep the robot celebrations alive with a robot pencil case, Rohmer, $16

9. Nonsensical Asian stationery is the best. Viruses = GLORIOUS, Morning Glory, $4 (comes in pink and blue too)

10. For the person who has always wanted to encase his/her pencils with a taco, Fred Flare, $14

11. According to Wikipedia, ”Tenorikuma” in English apparently means “bears that fit in your palm.” Like all other Sanrio characters, Tenorikuma have very detailed personas. The large heart-eared bear-bee is “Latte,” a cafe manager. Then there’s Chai, Frap, Maple, and Macchiato. All bears are identifiable by different colored scarves. Last, but *definitely* not least, there’s Mister Steam and Muddler. A steam cloud and a spoon, respectively. Oh man, Sanrio. Idea. What if Latte, Chai, and Mister Steam decided to engage in a little ménage à trios? Consider THAT, Sanrio, $10

Although the Stickers and Donuts crew will not be returning to the classroom this fall, we love school supplies. One of our favorite parts about returning to school is the excuse to get new school supplies. Perfectly un-creased notebooks? Delightful. New package of pens? Bliss. Since it is August, it seems only appropriate to feature a series of posts on school supplies. Hooray!

The first pencil case I ever owned was a plasticizer-smelling, magenta and teal SpaceMaker. My pencils bounced from that to multiple metal-y and fabric-y Sanrio (Hello Kitty, Kerropi, Pochacco, Marron Cream, Badtz Maru, etc.) pencil cases, and then to a plain plastic snap case when I became a little punkass and considered myself above Sanrio. (FYI- My pens and pencils currently reside in a Hello Kitty pencil case)

Anyways, I went on a scout for the most baller pencil cases to share with you and I’ve selected my favorites. Enjoy!!!

Some of my favorites from last week! (Links in the list below; right click to open in new window.)

• A book of a guy comparing his silhouettes to famous silhouettes (via SwissMiss).
• A hysterical inscription on The Book Inscriptions Project blog from a book entitled “Doktor Bey’s Suicide Guidebook.”
• I really just want to put my feet into these rugs from the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich (via Cool Hunter).
• I love, love, love Chris Benz’s colorful clothing lines, and his web-site is pretty cool, too! (via Oh Joy!)
• A pretty awesome chair, good for seat crunchers, via Smashing Magazine. (I’m not sure that you can buy this; it has made its way around the blogs, but I think it was originally part of a show.)
• An awesome flea market guide from Design*Sponge, listing all of the flea markets in a variety of my very favorite states (Connecticut, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and Massachussetts)!
• Cool photographs of naked Olympians! (via Crap We Like)
• Another cool Smashing Magazine find — a retro phone that you talk into instead of your cell phone.
• I love this ASL (American Sign Language) pattern (and the tank top, which isn’t availible for sale, unfortunately!) in a book which includes designs from Julia Rothman (from Julia’s book design blog, Book By Its Cover).