In the Dollhouse: A Twisted Barbie & Ken

This series of 10 photographs shows your not-so-average "perspective" of Barbie and Ken from Vancouver-based photographer Dina Goldstein. The series "In the Dollhouse" looks at their not-so-perfect lives.

B is a super doll, the most successful doll in the world. Her partner K is grappling with his sexuality and finds himself in a loveless marriage. He struggles with his position in the household and faces his lack of authenticity. (source)

The series starts out as a clever parody and then takes a dark turn. It adds such a dreary and unexpected twist to the picture-perfect plastic pair.

I personally enjoy it since playing with Barbies was my favorite game as a child (and I still resent the fact that my Barbie Dream House was prematurely sold in a garage sale). I always knew that Ken had a wandering eye; I just didn't know it pointed in that direction. It doesn't mean that I don't to borrow his pink heels though...

Only one thing concerns me: who's going to take care of their dolphins, seals, tigers, dogs and horses when they split?

Embrace Your State's Cuisine

{State of the Art Sandwiches}

Arguably enough, I live in one of the coolest states in America, but I'm a little biased obviously because I've lived here practically my whole life. However, these two series are fantastic ways to embrace your state no matter where you live.

Stately Sandwiches

The first one, State of the Art Sandwiches, is a collection of prints deconstructing the sandwich that each state is famous for. Of course the California one is a vegetarian sandwich with avocado and sprouts on multigrain bread (because all we eat here is tofu and kale, right?). Other sandwiches include the Philly cheese-steak and the New York Reuben. Prints will be available soon - I may snatch one up for my kitchen.

State-of-the-Art Cutting Boards

The second series is a collection of adorable cutting boards from AHeirloom (and you can get 10% off with this code from A Cup of Jo). You can choose to have a heart, star, or any sweet shape you prefer to mark your favorite city or the state's capital. They are handmade in Brooklyn, and quite fantastic if you ask me.

{California Cutting Board from AHeirloom}

Embracing Summer

With June commencing tomorrow, it's officially summer. I realize that summer doesn't officially start until June 22, but here in Los Angeles, June marks summer for all of us (even though summer is actually year round here, they don't lie). I'm looking forward to a summer filled with weekenders, weddings, and getting great use out of my wet bar.

This is also the first time in six years that I don't have to move in June to a new residence! I think that calls for the best summer ever...

These photos from photographer Paul Costello capture the true essence of the season and encourage you to embrace summer in a Palm Springs in the 1960s meets Abercrombie & Fitch sort of way. What a great way to say goodbye to May and hello to June?

And if that doesn't do it for you, here's 20 ways to open a beer bottle.

Art with Heart: Satirical Illustrations by Pawel Kuczynski

The best kind of art is art that makes you think. This series of satirical illustrations by Pawel Kuczynski does just that - it makes you think. Since 2004 Kuczynski has been working primarily with satirical illustrations and has won countless awards for his depictions of society. Common themes seen throughout his artwork include greed, poverty, wealth, and other controversial social issues. He takes serious subject matters and portrays them with his cartoonish charm that adds a sense of whimsy to otherwise heavy subjects.

More photos after the break. Do these photos get you thinking as much as they get me thinking? These illustrations are brilliant.

Friday Favorites

{Life summarized in four bottles - source}

It's Friday and while I may or may not win upwards of $600 million tonight I still wanted to share my favorite internet finds from this week to help you transition into your weekend. This weekend I'm cooking some sort of quinoa concoction with the boyfriend tonight, and then going out to celebrate one of my best friends getting into vet school at UC Davis on Saturday. Sunday brings the dreaded April Fools' Day (look up gullible in the dictionary: you'll see a picture of me - I prefer to call myself a concerned, empathetic person... not gullible), but for I'm spending the day in Los Angeles with my dad and my sister who is finishing up her spring break. I hope your weekend is relaxing and fulfilling! I'll be enjoying the overcast, slightly cool weather here in Los Angeles (I embrace any change in weather I can get!).

{I may have to attempt to make these decadent Raspberry Coconut Macaroons}

{Is this Burger King ad female-friendly?}

{Definitely making these spicy micheladas this weekend}

{Create your own "space" artwork - source}

{Baby Otters}

{Donnez-moi these dainty rings}

{A wild book for civilized people - source}

{Indulge in this Chicken Liver Mousse}

Social Satire: 21st-Century Subcultural Tribes

{Popcore dork is stoked on life}

Now this just may be my favorite internet gem (it's just too funny!): social commentary turned illustration-diagram at it's finest.

Have You Seen This Insanely Creative Video?

I have to admit this week wasn't the best for me. My car broke down all the way across town, and it's been sitting in the shop for the last 48 hours while I walk my booty to work (luckily it's only two miles away). Nonetheless, it could be worse! The walk is gorgeous (you really appreciate your surroundings more when you're not in a rush), and tonight I have a lovely dinner party (or shall we call it a wine party?) where a handful of us each prepare a dish, and sit around the table family style. It will be just what I need.

In true Friday fashion, I want to share with you this internet gem to share the love. Let's be honest a good video or macro really does put a smile on my face. This little video series is one to go down in the record books.

Edible Spray Paint: Eat the Golden Apple

Erm... tomato. Eat the golden tomato.

German company The Deli Garage Food Cooperative helps you pimp your favorite foods. Their "edible spray paint" line allows you to color your food in case you feel like chewin' on your bling. Right now there are four colors: red, blue, silver, and gold.

Check out this product description:

Fine silver cutlery, gold-plated cups - there are some things in life you just can't see enough of. As of now, the same applies to a good steak with Food Finish, the most stylish way to refine your culinary creations...

Well that just made my weekend. I can't wait to eat a golden steak with some blue broccoli and red mashed potatoes. Dream come true.


Have a great weekend!

(Source)

Everything's Better in Paris

Everything's better in Paris...

I stumbled across this blog via one of my daily reads (A Cup of Jo) that compares Paris and New York. Although it makes New York seem impersonal and neurotic, and it makes Paris seem completely fabulous and delicious, I find these comparisons extremely clever and accurate.