Ok, so the holidays are coming up, and the economy is starting to pick up again, but lets face it, not fast enough.  So, for today, I present to you a collection of items that can spruce up your place or make for some great gifts, all on sale.  That’s right, every single item below is on sale!  Granted some sales are better then others, but a sale is a sale! So please peruse the goods and save some money!  Click each number under the images to get to the sales.

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Its Tuesday and you know what that means… my top 3 Etsy store picks for the week.  Each week its different, depending on what I can find that will help you out with small details for around your home, office, outfit or even crafting project.  Have an Etsy store that is filled to the brim with designed goodies?  Send me your link so I can take a look at all my crafty readers!

The first shop for today is filled will all kinds of crafting goodies.  Now that the holidays are coming, and most people are starting handmade gifts (if you aren’t into making things yourself, buy handmade, its good karma!) and Nothing Elegant has some great little additions to make your projects even better.  From tapes to stamps to envelopes and even fabric, there is something for everyone.  Everything is from Korea and is worth a browse through all the interesting and new designs! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Also check out Hye Kyung’s blog, for fashion finds throughout Korea.

Next up are the works of Michelle Brusegaard from North Dakota, and boy is this lady talented!  Just a look at all she does is enough to make me tired, a painter, fiber artist, card maker, screen printer and photographer just to name a few of her many talents.  And over in her shop, design is everywhere.  With so many talents, its no wonder there are so many items for sale, just a few that I was loving… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 And be sure to stop by her blog and say hi, or join her mailing list for discounts!!

And last up for this week is the findings from Vintage Chevelle.  Aside from an awesome name, this shop has some lovely finds that would be perfect for a little change around your place.  Keeping accessories dust and clutter free are a must, but collections are always fun to have around.  Sitting on my bookcase I currently have a wedding photo, our guest book, a framed music page with a song written by my father in law to my husband when he was little, a painting and two Simpson bobble heads (can you tell which was the addition from the hubby?!).  As long as it makes sense to your personality, the collection doesn’t matter!  And Vintage Chevelle has all kinds of little trinkets to make a house a home. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Did you know Our Designed Life has a Facebook page?  No, well head on over and become a fan!  Along with all the fun from the blog, I will also be uploading photos each weekend as to how the hubby and I are living our designed life here in L.A… now I just need to find the camera charger!  So whether you are a return reader, or just want to know what I am up to on the weekends, be sure to stop by, say hi, and become our friend.  Plus, you may get a heads up on sales, discounts and products!

For most of the world, a corporate office is where you spend most of your waking hours yet the design is almost always the same; white/beige walls, dark carpet and a few “art” pieces on the wall.  Art being used loosely.  And its everywhere, even the art college I went to, grey carpet, beige walls and white boards… the perfect environment to be creative.  Yeah right.  So when I stumbled upon architects Selgas Cano from Madrid, my mouth literally dropped.  Located in what seems to be a wooded area, the office is actually submerged into the ground with floor to ceiling windows along the entire side.  Creating a tube like working environment, workers were given amazing views as well as an amazingly creative design.  And the colors!  I love how they broke up the “working” area into a white minimalist area while all the storage areas are brightly colored, making it perfect for getting your inspiration while still having the blank slate to create.  And with views like they have, Im sure this firm is constantly coming up with amazing spaces!  To see more photos of the Selgas Cano office, check out photographer Iwan Baan’s portfolio.  What I would do to work in a place like this!!

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Do you guys ever just come across something and think, absolutely amazing.  It just happened to me via my twitter friends and just had to give you guys the link too.  Have you heard of Pomplamoose?  No, its okay, I just found out about them, but I am already and instant fan.  Jack Conte and Nataly Dawn are some seriously talented musicians who like to make covers.  Really really good covers.  Plus they are from San Francisco, pretty much the only other place I would ever want to call my home.  So sit back, grab a friend or two and press play, its totally worth it.

Its no wonder why I love photography so much, not only does it inspire, its capturing a moment that you cherish.  No matter what the subject matter, photos always have a way of capturing an audience, and the shots from photographer Mads Mogensen are perfect inspiration.  At first, I was drawn in by their interior shots, surprise surprise, but further browsing led to some fascinating stuff.  All shot by Mads and styled by wife Martina Hunglinger, each photo was clearly thought through and came out beautifully.  So whether you are looking to get inspiration or simply love a nice shot, do stop by and browse Mads’ portfolio, you won’t be disappointed!

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A little Tumblr Thursday for your viewing pleasure.  Click on each photo for the source

I heart this costume!

I just love all this social media, this morning I woke up to several new followers on Twitter, hi guys you are all so talented!  I just had to share about Adam from Strong Emergence Studios.  I have always loved wall panels, I even worked for a firm who’s main objective seemed to be to put panels on everything, and it always looked amazing.  These panels are however a little different.  Made to look more of like a sculptural wall piece, Adam takes nylon cord and aluminum panels and creates these fun and geometrical shapes.  When I was a wee one, I used to draw, all the time.  My favorite thing would be do draw these exact shapes, over and over.  These panels are a perfect way to add some dimension and create a modern look, plus they are held to the wall with magnets for easy changing.  Very cool.

If your a frequent reader, first, thanks, second, you know of my fascination with mixing modern and traditional elements to create an amazing space.  And boy to I have a perfect example of it today!  Designed by Mo Man Tai’s Ulrike Jurkles and Roel van Hove of Etsprit, these tables are simply stunning.  Made using recycled tables, Ulrike created a lacy design and had it etched into stainless steel to create a modern touch to an ordinary tabletop.  I fell in love with the tables, until I started perusing her products, I will take one of everything!  The Luminaire Travia, below is a perfect way to add a touch of detail and give off light in some amazing patterns.  In addition to all the etched work, Mo Man Tai (which is Cantonese for No Problem!) has also created a series of canvas collages.  Meant to bring affordable artwork to everyone, these guys come in several sizes and are in  limited circulation only.  For more info, be sure to check out their site.

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Its Tuesday and you know what that means.  My top etsy picks for the week.  A little home decor, a few ceramics and some wall vinyl.  Its a good Tuesday.

I can’t express how much I love mixing traditional and modern designs, and these ceramics from Nina in Vorm are impressive.  Nina has a great eye for details in her custom screen printed ceramics and vintage “redecorated” ceramics.  What a great way to enhance all those old dishes!  Each of her pieces is very handmade, using a combination of slipcasting and hand shaping.  The result, one of a kind pieces that are just so much fun to look at.  I think each time I look, I find something new in her designs!  If you are loving her work as much as I do, you must check out her blog.  Hello color.  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Next up are the findings from Sky Parlor.  If you have a love for vintage and quirky little additions for your home, then you must stop by and take a look around.  All of their items have a slightly worn feeling, in a good way.  Little accessories are a good way to create small vignettes in your home.   Its a great way to show off a collection or showcase your favorite pieces, and because it is small, you can often change it out without spending a dime!   A few of Sky Parlors items that I wouldn’t mind finding a place for in my house… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

And last but not least today, how about some wall graphics?  Designer Michelle Christina has some pretty fun wall vinyl and stickers that can really make an impact on any average wall, glass or even toilet.  Just check out her blog for some ideas.  I just love the fun factor of her designs, who said that wall graphics have to be formal and always grown up anyway.  And those stickers for glassware are a perfect way to add a little pizazz to your ordinary cups.  I think those pink jellies are my favorite, I could see them adding some fun to any bathroom! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7