Urban Phunk is a Kenyan fashion line started by Alvin Mei. A friend of mine was proudly wearing one of his designs on a casual night out in Nai. Not only are Urban Phunk designs fresh, they are also of high quality. They have everything from t-shirts to handbags and every piece is made with love. Sadly for me, the African print bomber jacket was going to a friend (but I at least got to try it out around town (with permission) and it was amazing)!

If you find yourself in Nairobi, definitely check Urban Phunk out...and tell Alvin: Nadi says hello :-). If you're feeling generous, I would never turn away an Urban Phunk gift ;-). Haha!

I have a confession: I walk around with a tape measure in my bag. I have done this for 3 years and counting, and there is likely no end in sight. It all started when I was figuring out the interior design of my space and nesting. I recalled how useful tape measures can be and invested in a portable version. It has proved to be most useful!

For example, when I was looking for a coffee table, the tape measure became an extension of myself. After intense searching and frequent visits to various places like The Collector's Eye and The Look Interiors, I came across a unique bookshelf at The Look Interiors. Not only was it natural wood (I love raw materials!), it had pieces of birch bark included in the design (#nhstatetree).

I remember telling the sales associate and designer that I loved the bookshelf but it felt like a table to me. She helped me set it on its side then its back and gave me space to vision and meditate on the decision. After a few wonderful moments, I shared my thoughts on modification. She was excited; I was inspired and hopeful. She reassured me that the bookshelf's creator, a skilled carpenter, would be thrilled to help me achieve my vision. A few weeks later, the former bookshelf now coffee table graced my space (and still does!). It also serves as a reminder to continue to think, vision, ideate and create unconventionally.

Plant envy is a real thing, especially when your little sister sends you a message with a picture of one of your plants stating: "omg your tree isn't doing so hot."

A few years ago (yep, I know) I bought a cute little condo. What that meant is that I had the opportunity to revisit my custom walls. This time, it is a melange of the wall accessories. While all of the patterns may seem hectic, they actually work together really well resulting in an calming effect. In fact, that little corner is one of the coziest (dare-I-say hygge?) spots around!
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Wall accessories by nnk & edk
Painting by AM
Chair is from Ethan Allen

Spotted in Boston.
Wish I knew what the letters and numbers stood for, but I can speculate:
​Protect the Heart? Parathyroid Hormone? 423 hearts? 423 artists?
Nevertheless, the message is wonderful:
protect your heart (take care of yourself) and protect your art (creativity matters) <3!

This is the most intriguing NPR story I have come across in a while. The thumbnail on NPR's main page was all that was needed to lure me in to read the whole article. The article is a feature on Iké Udé, a Nigerian-born artist now based in the states. He blends his interests in fashion and photography in a most creative and fascinating way. It is surreal! Check out the story and his website to catch a glimpse of some of his pieces of work.

Just remixed my couch cushions using a no sew technique. Great use of random and excess fabrics (without a need to necessarily cut the fabrics). Came out kinda fun and the pillows can easily be remixed and fabrics reused again and again. If interested in learning how, these are the instructions I followed.

I just might go around remixing everything now. Haha!

Originally remixed and written on 8 August 2014.

A few years ago, I made wall tiles using some cork board, cloth and a stapler. These wall tiles inspired my next custom walls exploration.

My sister (E) helped me fulfill the vision. We used some needlepoint/embroidery hoops. I have no idea if that is the proper term for the hoops, but, at the least, I believe it is an adequate description. We outfitted a diverse batch of hoops with fabric then decorated some walls!

Even small swatches of really cool fabrics make for some fun and easy projects!