A technology reality check, Paleo-Future features "past visions of the future," dating back to the 1800s. What did people in the past think the future would be like? Posts are categorized by decade--so you can head back to 1882 to see the prediction that in 2000, we'd all be traveling to the opera by flying bus; check out the lunar colonies envisioned in 1969 and the 1988 videos from Apple's "Project 2000." Of course, some of the predictions haven't had a chance to come true yet--want to know what'll be playing at the movies in 2019? Click here. And here's what our movie theaters were supposed to be like: "Some movie theaters of A.D. 2000 may be dome-shaped, with ceiling and walls arching together like the sky." We're still holding out for flying cars.
Got a favorite blog you want to share? Leave it in the comments!
Information is beautiful, and so is this blog! Writer and designer David McCandless finds gorgeous ways of illustrating information: "I'm interested in how designed information can help us understand the world, cut through BS and reveal the hidden connections, patterns and stories underneath. Or, failing that, it can just look cool!" Check out the posts on the oil spill, Twitter, and selling music online. McCandless also highlights the work of other cool designers. The blog even has a fun interactive games section--all beautifully designed, of course. We love that this visual approach to information helps us look at the world in new ways.
The motto of zen habits: "Smile, breathe & go slowly." Even the blog's homepage is calming, with its minimalist design and lack of ads. zen habits focuses on living simply--check out posts like "Simple Living Manifesto: 72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life" and "75 Simple Pleasures to Brighten Your Day." Where other lifehacking blogs might focus on multitasking and tech-y ways to speed up your workday, zen habits is much more, well, zen, recommending you "eliminate all but the absolute essential tasks" and even go on a media fast. Wait...doesn't that mean getting off the computer? Well, yeah. So if you're going to read just one blog, you might want to make it this one.
You know how it goes when you're flipping through a cooking magazine: You think, "I should make that sometime!" And then you never do. The writers at
The Bitten Word actually do try out those tempting-sounding recipes, and then they tell you which dishes are and aren't worth your time or money (or how to tweak them to make them worth it), as well as highlighting the best from these magazines (just in case you don't subscribe to all of them). You can sort by magazine (
Bon Appetit,
Saveur,
Martha Stewart Living, and lots of others) or by cuisine. We think the site is a great way that traditional forms of media can be combined with the new, and we love that Clay and Zach feature their own photos of the dishes they try alongside the professional ones from the mags.
How About Orange is a non-intimidating decorating-and-crafts DIY blog. You do not need to be Martha Stewart to create the projects here: Anyone with a little bit of patience and time really can make these 5 things with crepe paper, or make decorative thumbtacks, or create gift bags from envelopes. The projects aren't hard, but they look good when they're done and they are no less impressive for being easy. How About Orange also offers tons of free, stylish downloads, including Twitter backgrounds, printable invitations, and cute fonts.
Visit Design For Mankind and you'll immediately feel a bit cooler: Even the blog's layout is stylish. The blog describes itself as "always quirky, never reverent...a daily addiction for design lovers across the globe." Posts highlight inspired, unusual art, products, and trends from around the web--always from new and interesting sources, not just the same old design blogs you're probably familiar with already. And because the site doesn't stick to just one type of design, you never know what you'll come across here: editor Erin Loechner features everything from sand drawings to weird YouTube finds. We particularly like her emphasis on works from artists' websites.
Also check out Design for Mankind's recent posts on MyLifeScoop:
Cute (Clean!) Finds For Your Computer Top 10 Daily Tech Problem Solvers
You might actually look forward to renovating your house if you've got Remodelista bookmarked. But even if you're not giving your home a major makeover, this home design site has tons of ways to make your living space more beautiful. "We love Ikea as much as DWR; we believe a mix of high and low--and of vintage and new--animates a space," the editors write. "When we need to make a daunting investment decision (ever bought a couch?), we research it to the ends of the earth. We favor classic and livable over trendy and transient; streamlined interiors over cluttered environments. Our style is minimalist but not monastic. We choose thoughtfully designed products over mass-market, disposable goods." In other words, they'll do the work for you and your home will get the compliments. You can browse the site by room, or check out the "10 Easy Pieces" posts, which highlight the best of everything from colorful modern deck chairs to white freestanding bathtubs. When you find something you particularly like, you can digitally "clip" it and stick it in your own virtual design file.
Check out Remodelista's story on Design-Worthy Cord Control Solutions on MyLifeScoop!
Green Baby Guide is a blog focused on down-to-earth ways parents can save time, money, and the planet. The blog is written by two friends who got pregnant at the same time; they write that they had questions like, "Am I insane for considering cloth diapers? How will I manage to use this scary-looking breast pump between teaching English and social studies to unruly seventh graders? Will my baby suffer if I don't buy her a vibrating bouncy seat that lights up and teaches her the alphabet?" Posts are aimed at families and cover topics like eco-friendly laundry, green pregnancy, and baby food. You'll find tips on simple homemade teething solutions, cloth diapering, and green strollers. You might want to start by checking out the roundup of penny pinching posts; there are also giveaways for household stuff like organic baby products.
Omiru is "a style and shopping guide dedicated to real style for real people," and by "real people" they mean "you can actually afford this stuff." The site consistently spots fashion trends that are truly affordable (the "What to Wear May 2010" post, for example, featured items ranging from $16 to $168 and included "a number of pieces that exemplify the key trends of the moment -tie dye (very Proenza Schouler), liberty style prints, a basketweave bag, and slim cut joggers (aka sweatpants)." The ongoing "Figure Flattery" feature suggests clothing for different body types and answers reader questions. Street Style calls out fashionistas on the street, and Q&As answer questions like "What's the best way to keep clothes looking new?" The site is also unusual in that it offers many clothing tips and trends for guys.
Design*Sponge is a blog dedicated to modern home and product design, run by a former Domino editor. The constantly updated site has been around since 2004 and is a veritable treasure trove of stylish tips for your abode (and life). We love the product guides (for stuff like wallpaper and mirrors under $100 and modern flatware, plus the most stylish holiday gift guides around). "Mini Trends" posts highlight hot trends, and there's plenty of material for those on budgets and DIY-ers (like a paper clock and Ukrainian eggs). Our favorite feature is "Before and After," which spotlights readers' efforts to give tired rooms and furniture makeovers--the results, and everything else on this site, will inspire you to make changes in your own house.
