My New Year’s resolution is to try to stop doing 30 things at once and “live in the moment” a bit more. It has been suggested that, in the end, I might even get a few more things done. So, here’s a photo of me (taken by the fabulous Misterarthur) making my first attempt. Wish me luck.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

Hi! I’m supposed to be relaxing at the beach. But I found this great site called Plan Canvas and decided to post a Chair of the Day. It should probably be called Chair of the Week.

Anyway, this site sells plans for furniture that you make yourself. So, if you got power tools for Christmas and are itching to use them, maybe this is for you.

This particular chair is called Chair 00004. I think they need to work on the names a bit. You can buy the plans, which are downloaded, for a mere $3.99. What a deal!

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays, and continues to do so. My family and I are relaxing at our beach house (available for rent!), Chum Bucket. It’s raining, so I’ve been catching up on all the sales. Here’s what I’m checking out.

FinnStyle is having a huge sale on Marimekko and Iittalia. I bought some of iitalia’s Origo pattern cups for Arthur. They come in four colors - Petrol blue is now 60% off.

You can also save on lots of Marimekko things at FinnStyle. Some of their fabrics, such as Fiesta, are marked down from $36 to $26.60.

January is traditionally White Sale month. Design Public isn’t missing out. For example, Inhabit’s Oxygen duvet and sham sets are on sale for $105, down from $170.

Finally, Hable Construction has many off their fabulous Christmas Stockings marked down. But, don’t forget their pillows and other home accessories. For example, this felt applique pillow, on sale for $90.

This is my final post before Christmas. We’re off to Virginia to spend Christmas with my wonderful family. I thought I’d share this beautiful photo taken last year on Christmas night by the fabulous Misterarthur. I’ll be writing on and off through-out the next week, but as the spirit arises. Stay tuned!

To all my readers, I wish you all a festive holiday season, and a wonderful New Year. If we can’t have peace in the world, let there be peace in our hearts. Cheers!

American artist Cheryl Ekstrom has created this steel sculpture of the famous Swan Chair for Fritz Hansen. The chair sits in the reception area of their headquarters in Allerød. And, it’s the only Swan like it in the world. The chair is part of a series of 5 iconic pieces: The Charles and Ray Eames’ lounge chair and ottoman, George Nelson’s Marshmallow sofa, the Gatti, Paolini & Teodora Beanbag chairs and the Swan chair by Arne Jacobsen.

You recognize the style, but probably don’t know the artist. It’s Gary Grimshaw, who could be fairly given credit as the originator of the psychedelic style normally associated with San Francisco and the summer of love in 1967. Gary executed the above poster in 1966 for the Grande Ballroom, a legendary Detroit music venue. Gary became the design director for the Grande, producing posters and flyers that have become Rock icons. The one below may be a little difficult to read here, but it promotes a 1967 Cream, MC-5, and Rationals show.

Gary’s work wasn’t limited to the Grande Ballroom, of course. Here’s a brilliant poster for what now seems, unfortunately, like an oxymoron; a 1967 Love-In on Detroit’s Frederick Law Olmstead designed park, Belle Isle. Take that, Central Park.

Just goes to show you that Detroit ought to be known for more than Tail Fins and the Supremes. And Gary Grimshaw deserves more credit for the invention of an entire art movement.

Today’s chair is part of Alexander Girard’s eponymous group designed for Herman Miller, and produced from 1967-1968. Girard is much better known for his interior design, fabrics, graphics, and the introduction of ethnic motifs into modern American design. His designs are much less restrained than some of his contemporaries, let alone his compadres at Herman Miller. That said, this armchair, unlike some of the designs in categories mentioned above, still looks fresh and clean. The chair pictured here could be ordered with different fabrics for all the surfaces, including Girard’s own designs (like Checker, pictured above.)

Well, it’s too late to order things through regular mail, or so I understand. This will therefore be the last of these posts. Here’s something that would be on everyone’s Wish List if they knew about it. And, you can buy it at the grocery store!

It’s Batter Blaster. It’s also organic! I think that must be some sort of joke. What does it have to do with decorating? Well, I’m thinking body art. I’m thinking “fun at parties!” Made even more fun once you add the maple syrup.

I really like Swedese, but not everyone is perfect. Take the Glove Chair. Please! This chair, designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby won a big prize at last Fall’s 100% Design Show in London. I really can’t figure out why. Maybe it was the puke green wool nestled into the Soviet Apartment Block seating structure. And, just like said Soviet Apartment Block, it looks like the whole thing will fall over if you sit in it. Who could resist?

Just in case you need a visual for the Soviet thing.

I’ve got to keep the posts really short today. Time got away from me (2 hour wait at the doctor’s office today). So I’m way behind. Anyway, I found this fun blog called Finkbuilt. It’s chock-a-block full of fun projects to tackle over the holidays. They include Build Your Own Light Saber which look like they might make nice sconces. And everything you need to know in order to throw your own Water Rocket Party. Sounds like good old fashion fun. If you don’t agree, turn it into a Water Rocket Drinking Game Party and it will be. Cheers!

This year why not make a resolution to reduce your energy bill by switching to fluorescent light bulbs? They’re not awful like they used to be and GE makes a dimmable version.

Get started now, because 100-watt incandescent light bulbs will soon be a thing of the past. Congress on Tuesday gave final approval to an 822-page energy bill, which ixnays the bulbs (among other things). They sent it to President Bush in a hybrid Prius.

I can’t think of a single light source in my home where I would actually use a 100-watt bulb, but I’m sure that as soon as they’re unavailable one will surface. Fortunately, we’ll have guilt-free fluorescent and LEDs as alternatives.

Hans Wegner designed his Oxchair in 1960 for manufacturer, Erik Jorgensen. He was inspired by oxen (obviously), but also by Picasso’s work. The chair not only looks like an ox, it’s upholstered in ox hide as well.

Apparently, this was Wegner’s favorite chair. I can see why. It’s masculine, comfortable and has beautiful lines. Sadly, Wegner passed away just this year.