If you read this blog with any regularity you also know aside from writing this blog, and running peppersprouts, I also work full time as a graphic designer. So it’s safe to assume I’m a sucker for anything pantone related. These little espresso sets feature some very vivid pantone colors and are just waiting to be filled with caffeine infused liquids that will keep me going to finish that logo new site design that has been sitting on the back burner. These sets come in two amazing colors variations, warm and cool. I can safely say that if your looking for a gift for that kooky designer friend of yours, this is a safe bet! Available at pop-deluxe.

Ever wanted one of those ultra-modern coffee tables but didn’t want to shell out the big bucks for them? Well if you are a true D.I.Y.’r then check out the furniture plans over at the Plan Canvas shop. If I had a garage and some powertools I would have a new project this weekend. But maybe you do have the setup ready to begin making your own furniture! Consider me jealous.

Fidoodle makes some really amazing objects fro children. Centered around the art of storytelling, their objects are sure to entertain both young and old alike. Their illustration style is whimsical and quirky while remaining both age and gender neutral.  I would love to have a set of their mini city blocks to adorn my bookshelf, but i also want to buy a set to send to my cousin who just had her first child. All of the Fidoodle goodies are of course handmade with natural materials and non toxic ink so there’s nothing stopping the little ones from putting the occasional block in their mouth. Fidoodle is another one of those little companies that just makes me smile.

I love autobiographical comics. Especially the ones that make you laugh out loud on the subway so that everyone turns their head and looks at the crazy girl sitting by herself holding her stomach and trying to keep those chuckles inside. Will you still love me if I wet the bed by Liz Prince is a glimpse into the daily life of the Liz herself. Filled with offbeat banter and the adorable and gross relationship with her boyfriend this little book is just perfect. It’s one of those random books that I picked up off the shelf and knew I had to take home immediately. I can promise you that you’ll want to share this little gem with your significant other, even if they are the type that feels out of place in a comic store.

I like giving gifts much more than I like receiving them. What can I say I really like to make other people happy! So this year to celebrate my birthday I’m giving you the biggest discount ever offered at Peppersprouts! A whopping 29% off your order over at the peppersproutdesigns shop! But hurry it’s three days only! Happy birthday to all of us! Just enter code”BIRTHDAY” at checkout.

If you know me at all you know I am not a fan of warm weather. Give me a pair of jeans, a hoodie and a high of 65 I would be set for life. I do however love the changing of the seasons, spring included. That time of year when  the colors come back into the world. Perch! design also seems to have a strong attachment to spring as well with their beautiful glazes they use on all their pieces. My two favorites are of course the Frida desk lamp and these mini fade pots. How cute would these be lining your windowsill or sitting on the back deck? Now if only I could buy a green thumb to go with them!

I found Alex Dukal’s portfolio site while tromping around the internet looking for something completely unrelated. I just love those happy little accidents don’t you? Born an raised in Patagonia, Argentina, Alex’s style is like a breath of fresh air. I just feel that his work is really fresh and isn’t laden with other artistic influences. All of his work puts a huge smile on my face which is so very nice early in the morning. You can also check out his blog and stay on top of his upcoming projects.

I am loving these little spot illustrations by Stephanie Cox. These little watercolors have a lot of style within their freely painted lines. I can definitly see these gracing the pages of Martha Stewart or even inStyle sometime very soon. Stephanie is definitely one to keep your eye on!

The Vancouver Olympics have come to a close, but in case you haven’t had your fill of Canada I suggest The Complete Essex County by Jeff Lemire. This edition combines his three essex county graphic novels into a hardcover collection. Each of these stories are based in a farmland town in Essex County Ontario, Canada where small town values are rooted in tradition, family, and just getting by.  While each story on its own is filled with heartfelt emotion, combined they remind you that everyone is connected in some small way. Jeff’s storytelling combined with his loose, almost rhythmic drawing style makes for a fulfilling read. It left me examining my bonds with the people around me, and maybe a tear or two left on the page.

Whatcha readin’ is a brand new feature to upstatefancy and I really hope you like it. If you have suggestions for a great book, graphic novel or any other printed materials that you think I’d enjoy please let me know!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend. We have about 2 feet of snow in Brooklyn and it’s still falling. This morning we took einsetin through the park and as he bounded through the snowbanks it reminded me how snow days felt as a child. That extra special day where you didnt have to go to school and instead made snowmen with the neighbors and trolloped through the woods looking at animal tracks in the white powder. In brooklyn it’s a little diffrent I think this print by Lauren Castillo gets it just right.