Simple Pleasures

The lovely and timeless scent of roses. Andrew gave me a beautiful bouquet of roses for Valentine's Day and they're still going strong — love how they delicately perfume the room.


(photo by Cindy Prins via Paris Hotel Boutique)

Buffet

This week's links. Enjoy.

Handmade Hats
The near-century old Paul's Hat Works in San Francisco is a very rare shop indeed — they actually make hats on the premises by hand. It almost ended in 2009 — until four female hatmakers (now known as the Four Pauls) took over the business. So great to see an old tradition carried on with such style and energy!

Back to the Future
This is so fun and clever. Photographer Irina Werning has people reenact their old childhood photos in her fab photo series Back to the Future, with fascinating (and funny) results. Slightly NSFW — one brave soul poses partially au naturel, just as she did as a carefree toddler! Via the wonderful for the art of it (on twitter).

Why We Need Art
Seems that in the US, arts funding is once again poised for cuts (as is happening here in Canada, too). Here are some compelling reasons from the science and business sectors as to why this is a bad idea.

The Diary: Three Centuries of Private Lives
The Morgan Library has a fascinating exhibition on right now that looks at 300 years of diaries and private papers — have a peek at the thoughts of notable writers like Charlotte Brontë and Sir Walter Scott. Follow the link for a selection from the show. Via brainpicker.

Going Underground
There's all kinds of curious stuff being stored deep underground these days, from sensitive information and files of rare photographs to tons (literally) of Kraft cheese. Via Andrew (thanks!)

Natural Beauty Guru
Whole Living plays 10 Questions with natural beauty guru Janice Cox. I'm definitely going to try out her favourite recipe for a facial mask, which she describes as "... found right inside my refrigerator — I like to use plain non-fat yogurt with a teaspoon of honey. The lactic acid in the yogurt really deep cleanses and softens your skin, and the honey is great for adding moisture and keeping your skin clear." Sounds wonderful.

Penny Dreadfuls
Design Observer has a cynically amusing slideshow of penny dreadfuls and vinegar valentines — 19th century insult greetings sent out on Valentine's Day. Later examples of the genre are included, too — political correctness is definitely a recent phenomenon (I shudder to think that anyone actually got one of these in the mail).

Eggplant, Ricotta and Parmesan Bake
A delicious one dish recipe from the wonderful Donna Hay. Perfect for a winter supper.


(photo from kitka via the brick house)

Monday

Hope your Valentine's Day Monday is stacked with sweetness.


(gorgeous photo by katie quinn davies via it's mary ruffle)

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Whether you celebrate with a loved one, family or friends, may it be filled with warmth and happiness.


(Little Flower Personalized Hearts framed artwork available from sarah and bendrix on etsy)

Smile

A sweet print by LoveSugar on etsy.


(via Elle McCall on pinterest)

Sponsor Spotlight: Valentine Edition

Linda of the wonderful vintage etsy shop Odd and Old has a valentine just for automatism readers — 10% off on purchases until February 14 2011! It's a perfect opportunity to pick up some vintage French loveliness — Linda is an English antiques dealer based in France — just enter the coupon code AUTOMATISM at checkout to enjoy a little sweetness.





White Moth Jewelry has a special treat for you this Valentine's Day — a chance to win this gorgeous Vintage Key Necklace on a 30" Brass Chain from their new Vintage Utility Collection (a value of $85.00)! Enter here before January 31 2011 — and you might just be wearing something new for your special night out!





If you're looking for something special for your Valentine's Day ensemble, hurry over to the lovely shop of Ayse Kozaci, where you'll find a great selection of the prettiest heart-themed jewelry — a perfect way to celebrate a day dedicated to love! Shown here are Ayse's Deep Heart Earrings, made of fine silver with sterling silver wire — a look that's both romantic and modern.





Wondering what to give the guy who has everything? How about art — such as this beautiful limited edition giclee print by Kareem Rizk, called Lincoln No4. Find more loveliness at his shop here — and see more of Kareem's work at the Busacca Gallery in San Francisco, the Cutters group show in Cork Ireland, and in the new book Cutting Edges!





Liza of the lovely Small Equals shop writes: "Even though the New York company Cardboardesign is now out of business, I still have four of their amazing heart shaped wish boxes for a special Valentine's treat. Each box comes with a linen pouch filled with colored paper, to write a wish, roll it up and fill the box. How perfect to give as a present to a loved one. You could even fill it with your wishes before you give the gift." Check out Small Equals for other unique and wonderful gift ideas, too!