UK -> NY

When it comes to a British Invasion, I'm all for it.  Give me the street markets, quaint bookstores, kids with accents talking about the Queen's jewels.  Lay it on me Union Jack.
That's why yesterday at Union Square I was pleasantly surprised to see the implementation of an Oystercard-style Metrocard.  It's been in the works since last year, when one of the brainchilds of the Underground hopped the pond to be a chair of MTA.  London's got most American cities whooped with their highly efficient transportation system.  The tube goes all over, and the bus goes everywhere you're too lazy to walk to.  With the tap-and-go system, you're in and out of there.  They're trying out some kind of debit/credit card chip system first, which I have but it never works.  So looks like they're getting the kinks out now.  I'm glad however, that they're calling it a Smartcard instead of naming after seafood.
Accordingly, the Brit section of ICFF was my favourite.  Including this trompe l'oeil bookcase wallpaper by Deborah Bowness and a plethora of cool tiles by Dominic Crinson (this one's a Cityscape on London but he had a Manhattan one on display). 

Top Notch

I've been paying a lot more attention to interior photography lately.  When I saw photos by Tom Judge, I was totally taken by his skill.  At work, I'm learning that there's way more steps from taking a shot to when you see it on a glossy page or on a website.  So I'm trying to learn things from photos that I like... starting with these gems.

How your eye follows the curve.
Also those stairs are a.ma.zing.

Materials.
That looks like chocolate.

Detail.

Perspective.

Surprise.

GOOOAAAALLLL

In the World Cup spirit, Puma created a pop up store and lounge in South St. Seaport. Designed by architects LOT-EK, the space held events, performances, and game viewings during the frenzy. It launched in June, but I only went last week for a dj I wanted to see.

I'm a big fan of pop-ups.  They're a chance for a company to do something creative with a low budg.  Most times it's a little more daring than the stores a brand usually has.  Picture lots of MDF, neon lights in kitchy sports themes, foosball, ping ping, etc.  I liked the big chalkboard wall- entertaining. 

Also, might I add, Puma has recently created a non-shoe box using 65% less material than their previous boxes.  These are more of a sleeve over a cardbord frame.  I don't have any Pumas, but I'll consider it after this.

Back on Track.

I'm finally feeling organized.  I'm using a combination of Toggl - an app that is like a timer that keeps track of the hours you spend working on a project (you can also manage multiple projects/tasks) - and FreshBooks.  The latter is very similar to QuickBooks but 1. free, 2. web-based, and 3. really simple.  The free version allows you up to five clients, and since I only have two right now, it's perfect.  You can also create invoices (in a lot easier way than the ones I designed a few weeks ago... although I must say those were better looking than the template ones that come with FB). 
This desk is on sale for $100 at CB2 and I want it but have no space-

Even though I just installed the one I'm using now.  Though I do know exactly how the glass one is made.

Also! My buddy Omar's new album just dropped- download for free here. He's genuine, so take a min and enjoy.

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Quick Tips

I just found this article that gives great advice (seemingly) about managing freelancing, including organization and financial advice.  Def worth the read.
Accordingly, they recommend a bunch of helpful apps!