Best of the Web + Ellipsograph 9 by Erik Barthels

by Grace Bonney

As this week draws to a close I find myself so thankful for warm moments at home. The “Polar Vortex” that came to the East Coast this week meant a lot of freezing mornings (I’ll brave any weather for Hope) and fumbling on the computer trying to type with chilly hands. Amy and I are braving the weather one more time today to check out the New York Ceramics Fair so we’ll report back next week with our favorite finds. In the meantime, here’s some beautiful artwork to help us coast into the weekend: Erik Barthel’s ‘Ellipsograph 9’ collage. I love the colors in this piece. It takes my mind off of the grey and white world that is Brooklyn right now and transports me somewhere much warmer and cozier. Sending you all warm wishes for a toasty weekend. If you’re heading outside please bundle up and be safe! [Side note: if you’re interested in helping out those without a warm home to take comfort in, please check out Common Ground and help if you can. We’ve seen them helping people without homes get out of the cold all week long and it’s a wonderful group.] xo, grace

The 10 Best of the Web this week:

The Success Template by The Minimalists: In light of our essays on mindfulness, I’ve been investigating ‘minimalism’ as a movement more lately. This post on what success really looks like (and means to everyone individually) sums up the best parts of minimalism for me. “What’s important, then, is to construct a life that aligns with your values and beliefs, your interests and desires. A life that makes you happy and adds value to others. Because if it doesn’t, the shiny facade will eventually rust from the inside.”
100 Years of Noxema Packaging by The Washington Post (animated gif): I’m a sucker for packaging design and this fun animated image of how such an iconic brand has changed is fantastic.
Coco-nutty Chocolate Fudge Recipe on Oh Joy: Nuff Said. I’m eating all of this.
Hamish Bowles helps Lena Dunham get ready for her Vogue shoot: hilarious, so sweet and adorable. I’m going to work “late Kate” into my vocabulary now.
What City Should You Live In?: I got Portland. Sigh. It was lovely, but I’m sticking to Brooklyn.
The US Olympic Uniforms by Ralph Lauren: Really, Ralph? That sweater is so busy. SO busy.
6 Simple Habits to Keep You Happy (Fast Company)
This woman figured out the best way to season a cast iron pan and the results are crazy (via Kottke)
A way to fight back against piracy (Fast Company): Saddleback Leather’s CEO Dave Munson teaches exactly how to knock off his bags.
Immunity Soup!: Heidi at 101 Cookbooks always masters healthy clean cooking.