*my trip to space and back w/ U2

I had the privileged of seeing the USA launch of U2's 360 tour in Chicago at Soldier Field. If you haven't seen any of the images or video from this tour you will be blown away. It's an amazing spectacle to say the least. I found appreciation in its production value, lighting, stage design, etc. Plus it was one of my bucket list items to see U2 live. And it was awesome! It was definitely the best concert I have ever and will ever see when you consider all the elements. I like to be amazed by an awe inspiring spectacle.

Check out image of U2 360 at Soldier Field:



*word t-shirt from Veer


I must have this. New to the wonderful collection of Veer merch is this totally rad t-shirt. Not only does it use the all-inclusive, universally useful phrase "Word", but it also is a great design and color. $22 is a little expensive in my cheap-skate book for a t-shirt, but I may have to splurge on this.

*color pencils

What can you do with 500 colored pencils...make art with your art supplies? Have a look at Social Designer's 500 pencils. Put in this display case, creates a visual wall display for a creative space.
...how about a color roll-up
...or a color wave?
...only problem, you can't get them quickly or cheaply. Social Designer offers the pencils only by a monthly subscription, 25 pencils per month for 20 months! But if you have the time and the money, it is a sweet collection!

*dirt + art

While most people write "Wash Me" in the dirt on the back of a car, artist Scott Wade has taken that to a new level.
Check out more of his work DirtyCarArt.com

*music: a sunny day indeed

Fans of Sunny Day Real Estate have two reasons to celebrate this month. First, the Seattle emo pioneers' original lineup is back together and heading out on tour. Second, the group's first two albums, 'Diary' and 'LP2' have been reissued with bonus tracks and all new liner notes by writer Jonathan Cohen.
From Spinner.com
I love Sunny Day Real Estate. They are the epitomy of 90's emo music, when emo was good. What's hard to believe is they are back together, from what I've heard, they have a hard time getting along. But it sounds like Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters bassist) was persistent in a reunion of the masters. Take a listen to the newly remastered album Diary at Spinner.

*make your own chalkboard paint


Seth took a shot at using chalkboard paint on some lockers a few weeks back. I would say it was a success and he would say the same. It's a great way to repurpose an old item that's lost its luster or needs some coolness factor. But, did you know you can create your own chalkboard paint using any color you'd like?

Martha Stewart's site (marthastewart.com) explains how to make DIY chalkboard paint with just tile grout. Plus, her site offers some seriously inspiring ideas on how to implement chalkboard paint in all sorts of spots around your home.

*very cool guide to des moines from design*sponge


Design*Sponge has put together a rather impressive guide to Des Moines, a city I love and call home. It forced me to put together a list of items around town that I need to either revisit or visit for the first time.

Some of my personal favorites on this comprehensive list:
Smash
Beaverdale Books
Gateway Market
Great Harvest Bread
Flying Mango
Fong’s Pizza
El Bait Shop
Tasty Tacos
Java Joe’s
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile
Hessen Haus
Star Bar
PappaJohn Sculpture Garden
Science Center of Iowa
Des Moines Art Center
Des Moines Public Library
Hoyt Sherman Place
People’s Court Avenue
Vaudeville Mews
Des Moines Art Festival
Des Moines Farmers Market
80/35 Music Festival

*bike typography

I ran across this bike font, it's a typeface make from bits of a bicycle.