"Congratulations, Kate. I want to reward you with five minutes of uninterrupted eye contact."

Last night I stopped by Blockbuster on my way home, in the mood for some stupid humor. I picked up Baby Mama, a movie that I'm sort of embarrassed to admit that I rented. But, surprisingly, it was laugh-out-loud funny.

Tina Fey stars as Kate Holbrook, a career-minded woman who put having a family on hold to work her way to an executive position in a Whole Foods-esque grocery chain. Desperate to have a child, Fey seeks out a surrogate played by Amy Poehler - an immature obnoxious whirlwind. Somewhat predictably, their personalities conflict and some pretty funny moments ensue.

By far, the funniest character in the film is played by one of my favorites - Steve Martin. Martin stars as Barry, Kate Holbrook's boss - a "belligerently New Agey entrepreneur with an unkind ponytail" -- as described in the New York Times. One of my favorite Barry lines is the subject of this post - "Congratulations, Kate. I want to reward you with five minutes of uninterrupted eye contact," and proceeds to put his forehead on Fey's and stare at her for an uncomfortably long period of time.

All in all, if you're in the mood for some silly humor with some clever lines, Baby Mama is worth a try.

Tea-Off! Design Competition

I happened across this "Tea-Off!" Tea Kettle Design Competition online and thought I would pass it along. It's sponsored by World Kitchen. Deadline for submission is Tuesday, January 6, 2008. The winner receives a large cash prize (3 prizes of $5,000 in total will be awarded) and an all expense paid trip to Chicago for the Home + Houseware Show in March. World Kitchen will also conduct a PR campaign and exhibit featuring the winning tea kettles. The catch? Designing a tea kettle completely - including construction.

If this contest isn't your "cup of tea" (sorry, couldn't resist), check out this link I found with a host of other upcoming design competitions.

Let the games begin!

Fine | Put Him in the Ground - Films by Jonathan Buiel

This Just In!

Jonathan Buiel, producer/editor/director and owner of Man in the Hat Productions (who also happens to by my cousin) will have two films featured in the upcoming New Hampshire Film Festival in Portsmouth, NH. The event takes place October 16-19 at various venues in the Portsmouth area. So, if you're in the mood for some film, take a trip up to NH and check out some up and coming filmmakers along with some fall foliage!

A still from Fine, a 2007 short film by
Jonathan Buiel.

Synopsis: Matt loves his wife, but is love enough? Everything with her is “fine,”
but Matt wants it to be better than that. He wants it to be the best. How far
will he go to be better than fine?

Jonathan Buiel, Producer

Cook Your Way to the Good Life with Jamie Oliver

I am a Food Network fanatic...I love all people and things that are Food Network related. So, this weekend as I perused the shelves of Borders, I inevitably ended up in the food section. I came upon this beautiful new cookbook - Jamie at Home by English chef Jamie Oliver.


For you non-foodies, Jamie Oliver (known as the Naked Chef), has a cooking show on the Food Network called Jamie At Home. The show is set in Jamie's backyard garden shack and the style of food is very rustic and natural (ex: whole herb stems, rough chopped veggies.)
The content of the book is great, based around the four seasons with recipes featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, and has cooking tips and organic gardening information.

But more importantly...the design of the book is beautiful - it's hardcover, features beautiful photography, hand-lettering & illustration on uncoated paper on 400+ pages . As always, the picture doesn't do it close to justice - so do yourself a favor and check it out at your local bookstore. You can see Jamie cook at home on the Food Network, 9:30 am on Saturdays.

Note: I can't for the life of me find the designer on this book. The publisher is Hyperion Books.

Lush Homemade Cosmetics

In select malls around the country, you can find Lush - a cosmetic company selling fresh, handmade hand & body cream, soap, shower gels, et cetera.


I stumbled upon this little gem of a store in the Providence Place Mall in Rhode Island. They offered a complimentary hand treatment that both my mom and I tried - it was FANTASTIC! A succession of four or five products were used to exfoliate, soften and moisturize our hands to perfection.

Lush is worthy of mention here at Hello, Elements! because not only are their cosmetics excellent in quality, but instead of individually packaging soaps, body butter, bath bombs and other solid products -- Lush chops a chunk off of a huge brick to cut down on wasteful packaging materials. All of their products are handmade using fresh ingredients and few preservatives - some of the face masks even have expiration dates and require refrigeration.

Lush products are made from fresh organic products without animal ingredients or petroleum, they don't test on animals, print their own labels and make their own fragrances, and believe in "long, candlelit baths, filling the house with perfume, the right to make mistakes, lose everything, and start again."

Order some of Lush's signature Dream Cream at Lush.com.

Oh So Pretty

Philippe Starck's Baccarat Zenith 24-light Onyx Chandelier takes my breath away. Price: $82,800.00 (plus $450.00 to ship) makes me want to faint. Starring longingly at the picture will have to do. Sigh. (New aspiration: to one day design my own black onyx chandelier).

Spin your way to better health, and generate watts at the same time!

Ridgefield Fitness Club in Connecticut has hooked up with The Green Revolution company to implement the neatest feature on their stationery bikes. Now, as you pedal off those calories, you can also generate power that goes back into the Club’s grid, or back into the community grid if cyclers generate more power than the Club needs. Members of the cycling classes are generating more than 3,000 watts an hour. A class of 20 cyclists can generate more than 3,000 watts an hour. Over a month's time, their combined output can provide enough power to light six homes for a month.

A simple device attaches to bike and uses pedal power to generate energy, and includes a small readout so that the user can see what amount they are generating, bringing the spirit of competition to the classes.

The Green Revolution will use this test to refine their product, and then the company hopes to begin marketing the system nationally by the end of the year to independent health clubs, then approach the national chains by 2010. They will also be talking to universities and corporations about installing them in their fitness centers.

Horrendous Holiday?

Here at Elements, we have been brainstorming some ideas for the upcoming holiday season.

By mere coincidence, we received the following sample holiday card from one of our vendors, a financial institution. This is a sample of a card we could order by the hundreds and send them out to our clients, vendors, and friends to wish them well for the holiday season. Can you imagine if Elements sent this out as a "shining" (pun intended) example of our great design ability?

You can't even get a full idea of the tackiness here...really shiny gold HOLOGRAM foil - and it's embossed. I think this card was born in 1982 - and it's time for it to retire.

PS: Not only is it terribly designed and completely devoid of creativity...there's a "stock" typed message on the inside that says "During the Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. And in this spirit, we say simply but sincerely, Thank You and Best Wishes for the Holiday Season and a Happy New Year - Your imprint appears here - maximum 45 letters & spaces per line," -- caps and all.

I can't think of a better way to say to our clients, "Have a horrendous holiday!"

Oh baby, it's cold outside!

Beautiful invitation designs and press kits created for Woolrich by Italian firm D-sign (who were obviously given a generous budget!). Found via The Dieline, a favorite package design blog.

Vintage Candy is Still Delicious!

Just yesterday as I made a late-night trip to Walmart (which I don't like to do, but in this case it was a necessity), I notice this little guy in the checkout aisle candy rack.

Digging the vintage packaging, I did a little research on the "new" 3 Musketeers look. According to Mars.com, "the 3 MUSKETEERS® Bar [was] the third brand produced and manufactured by M&M/MARS and it was introduced in 1932". The original 3 Musketeers bar contained three bars in one wrapper, each with different flavor nougat (hence the name of the candy).

I dug and dug, but all I could come up with is that this vintage look is a nod to their original packaging from the 1930's. Pretty cool. Apparently, Mars has done the same for Snickers.


Comments from the blogosphere are touting these candy bars as vaguely Soviet - but really, the star was part of Mars's original logo.


Fun Fact: I studied abroad for 6 months during high school and attended St. John's International School in Belgium, and the Mars kids went to my school.

Note: Thanks to CandySnob for the images.

Sidewalk Art...

To expand on Amy's post about street art, here are some images of 3D street paintings by master artist Kurt Wenner. His work is inspired by anamorphism, a technique used in frescoed ceilings to create the illusion of height, according to his website kurtwenner.com.



The best part about Wenner's work is that it is so accessible. Street art gives people the chance to interact with the artist as the work is being created. Anything that brings art to the masses is great in my book. It must be amazing to watch these masterpieces evolve as they are created.

Wenner's art has been commissioned by brands such as Absolut, Kraft, Schick, Dunkin Donuts, and Cadillac to promote their products. Wenner creates the art as a demonstration - gathering hundreds of people to his work sites.


Check out this stopmotion video of Wenner creating yet another masterpiece for Microsoft's Gears of War video game.

If you'd like to check out some student street art in person, the Savannah College of Art & Design hosts an annual Sidewalk Arts Festival during the month of April in Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA.

Street Art Monday

These "installations" are by artist Roadsworth and created on the streets of Montreal. They make me happy and remind me to look for opportunities to seek humor and creativity in my everyday surroundings.

Be Nice Today

Serendipity is a wonderful thing. I was watching a 9/11 program last night and crying again about the firefighters and other EMS personnel who died trying to help others on that horrible day. This morning I came across the best website, Operation Nice, and learned that today is the Second Annual National Day of Encouragement.

From the article Second Annual National Day of Encouragement Calls for Americans to 'Pay It Forward': "The date of September 12 was selected in hopes of balancing the discouraging feelings of 9/11," said Andrew Baker, organizer of the National Day of Encouragement and executive director of the Encouragement Foundation, a group that raises the awareness about the benefits of encouraging others. "Our goal is to challenge people not to just think about the idea of encouragement, but to do something that will encourage someone else ... even if it's simply speaking a kind word."



The Operation Nice blog is an offshoot of the Pay It Forward concept, and features different altruistic ventures that people might like to get involved with, ranging from simply thinking about the things that make you happy to donating your time, unused items, or money to various good causes.

The About Us on the blog reads “Don't you love it when people go out of their way to be nice? Like when someone waits to hold the door for you. Or when a stranger waves you into a line a traffic. Or even when a coworker shoots you a friendly smile along with a "have a nice day." If everyone was a little bit nicer to the folks they encountered each day, perhaps the world would be a more pleasant place. Operation NICE was initiated to remind you that a little NICE goes a long way.” I love that!

So I encourage you today to give someone a compliment, to pay for the order of the person behind you at the fast food drive up window, or to just think about the things that make you happiest and walk around with a big smile on your face.

8:46 AM | 9:02 AM | 9:37 AM | 10:06 AM 7 Years Ago...

Today is a day of memorial and remembrance for America as it marks the passing of seven years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

On Tuesday, architect Craig Dykers revealed the latest designs for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum pavilion. He drew inspiration from American architect Minoru Yamasaki who designed the original Twin Towers.

Two 90 foot tall tridents that survived the collapse of the north tower
will be incorporated in the atrium of the museum's pavilion.

Snohetta, Dyker's New York/Olso based firm says the tridents are meant to convey "strength, fortitude, resilience, survival and hope".

The pavilion will be the only above-ground portion of the museum.

As Dyker describes, light will hit the building at different points of the day and change its appearance. “At times," he says, "You'll see yourself in the building."

The pavilion is slated to open on the 10-year anniversary of September 11, 2001. For larger, more detailed images of the museum pavilion, visit the Snohetta website.

Note: CNN calculates that 2,646 Americans were killed in the four plane crashes on 9/11. 327 foreign nationals from 53 countries also perished.

Splatters, Shapes and Colours



Radim Malinic is the artistic vision behind Brand Nu.

His work has been featured on magazine covers and in major ad campaigns, and in his own words “…is one of the most sought after, internationally renowned creative artists working today, with an extensive and diverse clientele." Nothing like a little self-confidence!

Check out an overview of his work here: http://www.brandnu.co.uk/home/showcase.php


I love the bold colors, and how his style can encompass everything from an illustration of a CEO to product advertising, as well as general graphic illustration of an idea or concept.

He is the author of Splatters, Shapes and Colours, with a follow-up book coming out at the end of this year.

iStockPhoto interviewed him about the development of his style and his working methods.

You know you're from _____ when....

This post is dually inspired by my own personal move from the Granite State to the Nutmeg State, and by a story I told yesterday about my true New Hampshire-ite best friend from high school receiving both a tank of premium snowmobile race fuel and a Coach purse for her birthday (and being truly, equally ecstatic about both).

Here are some humorous home state musings to look through...I can't quite speak for all of the Connecticut statements, but the New Hampshire ones are tried and true. Feel free to add your own!

You Know You're from NH If...

Your idea of a traffic jam is 10 cars waiting to pass a tractor on the highway.

You measure distance in hours.

You know several people that have hit deer more than once.

You know at least one person who has hit a moose.

You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again.

You drive at 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching.

You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over his snowsuit.

Driving is better in winter because all the potholes are filled with snow.

You know all four seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction. (and maybe a 5th -- mud!)

You've pulled over to let a flock of wild turkeys (or pheasants) cross the road.

You refer to the Patriots as "we".

You consider Manchester exotic.

You can actually pronounce "Kancamagus" and know what it is.

You can recognize someone from Massachusetts from their driving.

You can actually pronounce and spell "Winnipesauke".

You know where Contoocook is, and how to pronounce it.

You only know three spices: salt, pepper, and ketchup.

You're proud of the only NH President, though he's not remembered for much.

You've visited the homestead of Franklin Pierce, because he's the only President from New Hampshire.

The local paper covers major headlines on one page, but requires four pages for local sports.

You think the start of deer season is a national holiday.

You Know You're From CT If...

You think that the only highways were 91, 95, and 84.

You think everyone couldn't buy beer after 8 pm.

You actually thought that Hartford was big.

You or someone you know has attended UCONN.

You drive a VW Jetta.

You still think that the Whalers are cool.

You have been to Misquamicut and to that little hot dog place.

You don't have an accent when you talk

You love Hilton Kaderli and your mom cried when he retired.

UConn basketball rules and no one can tell you different

You still don't understand why people say that Connecticut is the richest state.....

Your mom works at Travelers and your dad works at Pfizer.

You have been drunk at the Meadows and don't remember the concert.

Your parents actually care about the Governor, the Patriots coming to Hartford, the lights at Christmas in Hartford & Channel 8 news.

You think Niantic is a shore town.

You've been to Cape Cod or Block Island.

You root for all the New York sports teams, except for the Red Sox!

If anybody asks, you're from just outside of New York.

You can proudly tell an outsider about Nutmeg.

You weekend either on the Cape or Rhode Island at a summer home.

You have ever said... " I'm in a good location... Between both Boston and New York."

"The New Girl

I could not be prouder of my best friend, Jennifer, who recently directed Episode 5 (ironically titled "The New Girl") of the awesome award-winning show Mad Men on AMC Sunday nights. Read her interview on the AMC blog about her first time directing debut. Go, Jenni!

The CNN Grill

A few days ago, I received an email from Brian Collins to check out his recent project: CNN Grill. During the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, CNN took over a restaurant, flew in a celebrity chef, built a broadcast studio and it quickly became the hot place to be seen and heard.

The concept was born when Brian asked some friends, "What does politics mean to you?”

Answers were sent to CNN.com. Here are a couple examples:

“Respect and unity.”

“My small voice making a big difference in the future of my children.”

“A chorus to change the world.”

The public's voices brought life to - were the base for - a great design concept to cover the facade of the building. The CNN Grill became, as Brian describes it, "a restaurant / broadcast studio hybrid opened at both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions as a haven for finger licking and politicking".

The Grill provides a forum in which guests may engage in political conversations while sharing a meal together. Its great to see a company, such as CNN, have the foresight and resources, to see such a creative project through and to be such a success.

Why America Is "Graphically" F**cked

*Warning: Lots of profanity, but worth it to make this important point. This dude is dead on.

Dot Pattern Black MacBook

I stumbled across this awhile ago on Flickr. This MacBook has been custom engraved by the artist who I only know as EngraveYourTech. They also do iPhones, iPods, and Moleskin notebooks. Don't you want to have this done for all your gadgets?

Dot Pattern Black MacBook
Originally uploaded by engraveyourtech

A Classic Brand Reimagined

Coca-Cola is a mainstay in American pop culture -- though it seems they struggle with a cohesive brand strategy when it comes to advertising. We see the polar bears at Christmas and occasionally lifestyle-esque ads - a montage of the daily happenings of their target demographic.

Advertising aside, it seems like this could be a step in the right direction as far as design is concerned. Coca-Cola has developed new coolers that are more sculptural in form.

Not only are these coolers more attractive than your basic point of purchase beverage cooler, but they have an ergonomic door handle, feature shelf-embedded LED lights, and use 40% less electricity than traditional coolers.

Coke also created a line of aluminum beverage bottles designed by Chinese artists for the 2008 Olympic Games. The WE8 line launched in June - (WE8 short for West East 2008). The concept was to "foster cultural and artistic exchange between artists from around the world, to express the global connections embodied in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games."

Each bottle design also has an accompanying song composed by one of eight different musicians from around the world. All eight bottles will be available in the US at selected Simon Malls.

For more information on how Coke is revamping their brand, check out their blog, Coca-Cola Conversations. Or, design your own Coke bottle at Coca-Cola.com.

My Secret Obsession

It's nice to know someone else shares my secret design obsession of French manhole covers ... and covered it so well. Wonderful photography, beautiful designs.

This is why the box of 5 was never enough...

As a kid, for me, back to school meant the thrilling prospect of supply shopping - which, ultimately, meant a new box of crayons.

2008 marks Crayola's 64-box 50th Anniversary and to celebrate, they have a neat Crayola Color Quizzer on their website. Try your hand at guessing all 64 colors. I guessed all of them with only 12 mistakes. To be fair, some of the colors were absolutely developed after my prime coloring years. But - it's amazing how many names will instinctively come back to you.

It's funny -- I had flashbacks to sitting at my desk in first grade, wondering how yellow-green and green-yellow were classified as different colors. (The designer in me knows better now).

Note: Thanks go out to traciedesigns for the heads up on Crayola's anniversary.

Place Sticker on Forehead...Smile.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little blue sticker to brighten your day.

A few weeks ago, I was peeling my morning banana when this little darling peered up at me...

After a little investigation, I found that Chiquita has been adding creative little stickers to their bananas since 1963.

Maybe you remember Chiquita's 50th anniversary
commemorative sticker from 1994...

Or their Christmas promotion
from 1991...

Or how about these ones - that I like -
that are just for fun.

So, have yourself a little potassium, and thanks to Chiquita, a little fun!