Man Made DIY

Even if you're not a graphic designer, you interact with letterforms all day long. You read, certainly: newspapers, webpages, work documents, signage, advertisements. You use type in your emails, on your blog, at your job, in your art projects. So, "whether you’re a professional designer, recreational type-nerd, or casual lover of the fine letterform, typography is one of design’s most delightful frontiers, an odd medley of timeless traditions and timely evolution in the face of technological progress."

Maria Popova gathers ten essential books on typography, "ranging from the practical to the philosophical to the plain pretty."… read more

Artwork. For my money, it's the number one way to add personality to a room. Sure, a $25 can of paint can make a big impact, but I'll take a white room with loads of art over boldly painted walls any day.

But, of course, you can't just go to the artwork store and scan the aisles until you find just the right piece of scale and color that matches your decor. Real art takes time to create, and fetches appropriately not-cheap prices, and isn't widely available at the local shopping center. Sure, family photos are nice, and an artfully framed poster will do, but don't you dare head to that kitchen and bath supply shop and paw through the faux-Tuscan paintings.

Instead, make your own. Quickly, easily, inexpensively, and no artistic ability required.    … read more

"Masculine decor" (whatever that means...) is often so serious: lots of dark colors, too much technology, and not a ton of fun. But, if there ever was a "manly" designer with a sense of humor, Antonio Ballatore is your guy. The fourth winner of HGTV's Design Star and star of The Antonio Project simply gets it, combining color, texture, and good times into some pretty inspired places. His is the only show I watch on HGTV, which, as a full time design and decor writer, is saying something. Dude knows his stuff.

He dubs his downtown LA spot, "Medieval cave dwelling meets modern loft living." And, sure, the guy has a pretty big budget and lo… read more

Damnyouautocorrect.com is a website that catalogs all those funny, irreverant, and often embrassing things that happen when you send someone a message on the iPhone, and it corrects your spelling or word choice into...well, something you definitely didn't intend.

The editors of the site have rounded up the fifteen most popular from their archives. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of conversations with Moms.

There's certainly a canon of beloved [Western] children's stories: those fairy tales, fables, and books that our parents knew, we loved, and are still ripe to pass along to the next generation. My niece and nephew know all about the Wizards of Waverly Place, but they still know what the Tin Man and the Scarecrow each wanted, or what Jack traded in for those crazy beans.

Chicago-based artist and designer Christian Jackson pays homage to that great history by creating, "hyper-minimalistic posters of the children's stories we grew up knowing and loving."

  … read more

Rooftopping, which the Daily Mail calls, "a new heart-stopping photography craze sweeping across the globe," looks mostly dangerous, and kinda the most awesome thing I've seen in a bit.

"Those brave enough to give it a try must go to the tops of the world's tallest buildings, shimmy to the side and then hang off the edge in a bid to capture the perfect picture.

Travel photographer Tom Ryaboi has spent his life dangling from buildings trying to achieve what he calls the ultimate rush. He said: 'When you climb to the top of a skyscraper and open its hatch for the first time, a pure rush of adrenaline hits you as you overlook the city from above."… read more

I'm not a huge dessert guy. I mean, I like sweets as much as anyone, but I don't crave them often, and would much rather waste the calories on salty, savory foods than baked goods.

Well, except for one thing: pudding. Well, doughnuts, too, but those aren't really desserts. But pudding, mousses, chantilly creams, custards, and other whipped and airy delicious sauces in a bowl? Gimme please.

So, last night, I tried this chocolate mousse. It was the most amazing one I've ever tried, took me four minutes to make, and involved only two ingredients.   … read more

Each Wednesday, I post some of my favorite can't-miss links, images, and otherwise mindblowing goodies from across the web.

Professional cyclist Georgie Hincapie leg after fifteen heats of the Tour de France. Does anyone… read more

You know...in case you need one.   … read more

Artist and Flickr user d.r3sto* has created a clever series of dinosaurs dressed up as superheroes, including Captain Ameritops, Paracyclophus, and AnklyTHORus. 

       … read more