Time Out, SF!

We've started a new feature here each Wednesday at sfgirlbybay, brought to you by the lovely Erin Loechner, editor at Design for Mankind. Erin has an amazing design blog, and if you've never visited you have to pop over there and check out her beautiful finds, and uplifting and inspiring posts. Erin sent me her first installment of Time Out, SF, and I couldn't help but notice how timely it is, with the economy what it is right now, and I think you'll see what I mean. People are doing much more entertaining in their homes these days, and what better way, than, well....read on....

Greetings! I've made a bit of a resolution to myself for '09 to spend less time behind my computer monitor [my eyes are thanking me already and it's only February!]. Enter 'Time Out, SF', your new Wednesday guide to passing time without the computer.

Today's assignment? Enlist a few friends and bring back game night. Our favorite is "The Game of Things" and is, surprisingly, verrrrrry easy:

A player begins round one with a topic of his/her choice, i.e. "Things you should never say to a pregnant woman," or "Things you should do in an elevator." Each player secretly writes their answer down and puts it into a hat. The topic initiator then reads each answer aloud and everyone must guess which answer belongs to which player!

It's a riot to play with your creative friends and quite the stress reliever. Especially when your topic is "Things I wish I could say to my boss."

Time out, SF!

*Vintage game image from Small Treasures; Vintage Bingo image from Norththreads; Word Fun from diann0605.

Time Out With Erin: DIY Paper Envelopes.

I'm not the most crafty person. Really, it's true. I don't have the patience, the posture or the hand-eye coordination, so when I'm taking time out for myself, it rarely involves anything remotely crafty.

But lately, I've been downloading free craft ideas from The Small Object left and right, and I have to tell you--- they are SO easy. And so cute. And relatively foolproof, which is perfect for a clumsy gal like me.

Tonight I plan to tackle these paper envelope sleeves for organizing my receipts. And tomorrow? Tomorrow I'll be hashing out these thumb-wrestling championship belts for a thumb-wrestling party I plan to host this weekend. See? Being away from your computer isn't half as bad as you thought it would be... ;)

*In case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is the fifth fabulous installment of a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!

Time Out With Erin: Pack a Picnic!

It's official; picnic season is upon us. Tonight, forgo the usual TV dinner and surprise your family [or yourself!] with a fun little outdoor picnic. For inspiration, check out Elsa's most recent picnic photos, and prepare your feast with these essential picnic ingredients. Don't forget your camera and sunscreen! Be good, now.


*And, in case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is another installment of a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!


*Beautiful photos both courtesy of elseachelsea.

Time Out With Erin: Make a Mixed Tape.

Make a mixed tape. You know, old school style. Sit down with a nice beverage, a few floor pillows and a radio. Grab your old cassette player and go to town! There's something fantastic about the combination of scratchy air time and the ever-present radio DJ that can take you back to a specific moment in your life. Capture that and know that you'll have it for years to come. For inspiration, read Love Is A Mix Tape by Rolling Stone contributor Rob Sheffield . It's a goodie, I promise.

OR, check out these fun mix tape goodies from around the world:
Mix Tape USB Drive from SUCK UK.
Mix Tape Zine from Leeloo.
Mix Tape Tote from Perpetual Kid.
Mix Tape V-Neck from Urban Outfitters.
Mix Tape Pillowcases from ModCloth.
Mini Mix Necklace from Buy Olympia.

Enjoy, and rock on!

*And, in case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is another installment of a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!

*Photos courtesy of revs&audy and jk5854.

Time Out With Erin: Dollar Days!

So, the economy's sort of in a funk lately, and we're all pretty aware of that. BUT... your decor doesn't have to be. With a bit of time, creativity and some dollar store finds, you can spruce up your home in no time!

A few of my favorite dollar store hacks can be found right here. I love the plastic serving ware chandelier, container sconce and ruler placemats. Ready, set, create!



*And, in case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is another installment of a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!

Time Out With Erin.

Happy Wednesday! It's time to start documenting your inspirations in the form of a scrapbook. Face it, you've always wanted to give it a go, and there's no time like the present. For a swift kick in the pants, check out the scrapbooks of one of my favorite independent fashion labels: Iefke de Roos.

Wouldn't you love to have an organized collection of each creative catalyst in your life? What an invaluable resource this could be. Go get 'em, tigers!



*In case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is the fourth installment of a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!

Time Out With Erin: Let's Go Fly A Kite!

The weather's never been better, so pack up your umbrellas and head to your local park with this kite flying kit. I love the packaging and adorable design; perfect for kids or adults. Before you head to the park, don your favorite picnic skirt and flats, grab a camera and prepare for your photo opp! You'll want to hang onto this image for a loooooong time.

Editor's note: I saw this adorable floral print kite at Cath Kidston in London, too!


*And, in case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is another installment of a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!

Time Out With Erin: Sew What.

I have no idea how to sew. I remember practicing as a child with the shoelaces and cardboard tools [you know the kind, right?], but nonetheless, I still couldn't wrap my head [or nimble fingers] around the concept.

BUT. Something tells me I need to face the music, bite the bullet and learn to sew. After all, wouldn't it be fantastic to sew a love letter to my husband a la Twig & Thistle? Or memorize scientific theories on a hankie? And stitch all cast members of The Breakfast Club?

Come on! The possibilities are endless. Off to dust off that Singer my grandmother gifted me years ago...


*And, in case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is another installment of a Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!

Time Out With Erin: Wall O' Doodles.

Dry erase your wall! You know you miss the days of algebra algorithms on your teacher's whiteboard [or wait - is that just me?], or maybe even scribing messages of love and hate on your ex-boyfriend's college dorm room door. Either way, dry erase paint calls for an easy and affordable transition in any home.

Not sure what to doodle on your new wall? Try your own take on Andre Jordan's comical series entitled 'Postcards I May Send.' Or perhaps come up with some exciting New Math problems a la Craig Damrauer. The possibilities are endless!


*And, in case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is another installment of a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!


*Photos courtesy of Hannah Beth; and Love, Loren.

Time Out With Erin.

Hand Shadow Bird card, from Honeylux.

When was the last time you drafted a handwritten note? (And no, grocery lists do NOT count). Sadly, I recently realized that in 2008, I had sent perhaps three birthday cards and a few get well soon's. Not gonna cut it for '09, I decided, and have promised myself to send a card once/week this year to someone who deserves it. (Last week's card was illustrator Rebecca Horwood because it was her birthday!).

Big Red Thank You, from YeeHaw.

Hello There, from Pistachio Press.

So far I've stuck to my once/week goal fairly well, especially after ordering these cuties from Paper+Cup. They make me feel like I'm in grade school again and I have to admit, my penmanship has greatly improved. ;)

Today, write a letter to someone you love. Maybe even two. It'll give your brain a rest from the dreaded computer and you'll be making someone's day at the same time. Two cards, one stone.

Have a Cupcake Notecards, from Tara Hogan.

Fishbowl Card, from Dee & LaLa.

Early Bird Card Set, from Roll & Tumble Press.

Congratulations, from Sycamore Street Press.

*In case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! And thanks Erin!

Time Out With Erin: Upholster and Away!

Okay, this Wednesday does require a bit of skill involved, but hear me out: I love, love, love the work of textile designer Eleanor Young. And if you can afford it, I highly encourage you to take a leap and purchase one of her pieces. And if you can't? Do it yourself.

Take a chair [preferably a chair that you wouldn't mind ruining should the experiment go awry], an iron and these transfers [because everyone needs a bit of Mike Perry in their life]. Then....go to it! Face it - not everyone's a quick study in the sewing machine department [myself included], so fake it! You're sure to have a totally original chair and a whole lot of fun. Enjoy!


*And, in case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is another installment of a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!

Time Out With Erin: Rooftop Dinner Party!

Feeling the mid-week blues? Throw a chic, grown-up dinner party a la Jordan Ferney. Jordan, of the fab blog Oh Happy Day!, enlisted a few friends, her rooftop, and a bubble machine to celebrate a very lucky man's birthday this past weekend! What a beautiful night it turned out to be!

To make it your own, try these invitations, this dish and a few party favors [yes, I get a bit carried away...]. Lovely party, Jordan!


*And, in case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is another installment of a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!

Time Out With Erin: Volunteer!

Do some charity work. I was recently inspired by a young gal named Carolyn Rubenstein, who began her nonprofit organization at the ripe age of 14. Seriously. 14? Craziness. She's having an art auction here if you're interested in aiding the organization, but this post isn't about her --- it's about you. National Volunteer Week is commemorated April 19-25, "Celebrating People in Action", so no time like the present.

From Carolyn's Art Auction.

Get off your buns and volunteer for a local organization, or start your own volunteer project, or heck -- a nonprofit like Carolyn. Why not? There are plenty of opportunities to be found right here.

"Service to others is the payment you make for your space here on earth." - Mohammad Ali.

*And, in case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is another installment of a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!


*Photo courtesy of daniel douglas.

Time Out With Erin: Create Your Own Library.

Start a library. Surely you have enough books laying around between couch cushions, stacked by your fireplace, stuffed in random closets and cabinets. Why not make sense of your collection and do a bit of literary organization?

There are a number of well-designed book plates, library cards and organizational templates free for your library-creating pleasure. Now--- get inspired, get started and enjoy! Here are a few of my favorite free library templates!:

Book labels [via How About Orange].
Library card and pocket [via Creature Comforts].
DIY Library kit [via Craft Log].

And of course, a complete library kit available from Knock Knock [$16]. Happy booking!

*And, in case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is another installment of a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!

Time Out With Erin: Road Test Party.

It's Wednesday night, and you're both exhausted from a busy week, but restless for weekend playtime. There's no better night for a fun little night of experiments, right? Invite your favorite friends over for a 'Road Test Party'! Each friend is asked to bring their favorite item from your choice of categories, whether it be cheese, wine, or even t-shirts! Provide a few of your favorites as well to ensure a good selection is present.

Then, simply take turns "testing" each item until a winning item is chosen! It may not be the most scientific method, but it makes for fun conversation. The bolder the item, the more fun it gets [anyone feel like testing which china dish is most durable when dropped, or discovering the hottest chili pepper on earth?]. And hey, who knows? Maybe you can submit your findings to Real Simple: the home of the official road test method editorial!


*In case you're unfamiliar, Time Out is the sixth fabulous installment of a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! As always, thanks so much Erin!


*From top to bottom, photos courtesy of vanya novikov ★; Molly | Orangette; the black swan archives.

Time Out, SF!

Today's Time Out, SF tip? Start a collection. Whether it be things you find around the house or stuff you collect on your walks, inspiration is [literally] everywhere. What to do with your collection later? Photograph and upload it to Flickr's organized collection pool, because face it--- inspiration isn't quite as inspiring if you don't share it!


*In case you're unfamiliar, Time Out, SF is a new Wednesday column brought to you by Erin Loechner, Editor of Design for Mankind...dedicated to tearing you away from behind the computer monitor and on to enjoying the simple things in life. Enjoy! And thanks Erin!

*Photos courtesy of Camilla Engman.