BuzzSugar

Movie Preview: My Kid Could Paint That

BuzzSugar — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 14:00:00 PDT

The description for this documentary caught my eye back in January when My Kid Could Paint That screened at Sundance. The film examines the school of thought that instead of being "genius," abstract art is really a sham, simple art that could easily be done by a child.

Four-year-old Marla started making paintings that were soon being compared to Picasso and other respected artists. "60 Minutes" aired a piece casting doubt on Marla's work, and her family's reputation changed instantly. Her work started selling for thousands of dollars.

Soon, however, this ability of Marla's was called into question: Is she an ordinary child just making paintings that are being misinterpreted by art critics? Or is she truly a child prodigy? And why are we so hungry for child geniuses?

The trailer for My Kid Could Paint That has hit the Web and it looks like an intriguing documentary. The movie comes out October 5 in limited release, so to watch the preview,

Source

2007 Sundance Film Festival: Documentaries

BuzzSugar — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 15:20:36 PST

The Sundance Film Festival has been in full swing for a week, and everyone seems to be having a grand old time out there in Park City, Utah. I've highlighted some of the comedies, dramas, and dramedies that look most promising at this year's festival. Now let's face reality and take a peek at some of the documentaries that have piqued my interest.

My Kid Could Paint That
This movie looks genius, and yet, it causes me to examine the very definition of "genius." It follows a middle-class family in Binghamton, New York, that was shot to international stardom when 4-year-old Marla was billed as a child prodigy for her "abstract expressionist" paintings. The family raked in $300,000 for the paintings, and Marla was heralded as a young Pollock or even Picasso. Then, "60 Minutes" aired a piece casting doubt on Marla's work, and the family's reputation changed instantly. The documentary examines what we consider art, and why our society is transfixed by (and hungry for) child prodigies.

Two more, so

War/Dance
In the war zone of northern Uganda, the rebel force called the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) have made life terrifying, as children live in fear of being abducted by the LRA looking to fill their ranks. This documentary focuses on the journey of three children - Dominic, Rose, and Nancy - as their school in the Patonga refugee camp makes its way to the finals of Uganda's music and dance competition. Song and dance are used to capture the strength of the human spirit to rise above incredible brutality and grief.

Hear and Now
Apparently, this documentary received a standing ovation at Sundance, and I can easily see why. Paul and Sally Taylor are a 65-year-old married couple who have shared a satisfying life together, though they haven't heard a minute of it. The two are deaf and have raised a family and been active members of the deaf community. At 65, however, they both decide to undergo a controversial medical procedure to restore their hearing. The film explores how the Taylors' lives change from this procedure: what it means for their relationship, their place in the deaf community, and their sense of identity.

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Takes Playtime to a Whole New Level

Rebecca M Gruber — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:27:17 PDT

For 44 years, kids have been racing Hot Wheels cars around their homes, on the sidewalks in front of their houses, and, if they're my kids, down the slides on the playground. Playground play aside, most die-cast car play has been strictly horizontal since that time. Now Hot Wheels is shaking things up - really up! - and moving car play vertical! Hot Wheels Wall Tracks, the company's new line of wall-mounted race tracks, literally takes playtime off the floor and onto the walls. The company sent me the Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set ($32), one of four playsets in the collection, and I took it for a test run with my two car-obsessed kids. Here's what we thought!

Who is this product designed for? The manufacturer suggests that race tracks are for kids ages 4 to 8 years old, but my 2-year-old is having a very good time playing with it, too.

What sets it apart? For generations, car racing has been limited to floor play, where intricate tracks were laid on the ground to facilitate races, crashes, and general play. For the first time, that play moves up the wall, helping to clear the clutter of toys on the floor, but also creating a new play experience. Using 3M Command Strips (which are safe for painted and wallpapered walls - I tested it!), the track supports easily stick on the wall to create vertical, complex race tracks that eventually lead cars to the ground. The enclosed templates make setup a breeze - within 15 minutes of opening the box, we were ready to play!

What could be better? Unfortunately, the 3M Command Strips can lose their "stickiness" pretty easily, and if they do, the entire track falls down - quickly. This problem is easily remedied, though, by simply purchasing additional strips at an office supply store.

Keep reading to see how long the tracks entertain youngsters and for more views of the toy.

Jeff Andrews Shares the Inspirations and Sources Behind This Gorgeous Library

Elka Karl — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:00:52 PDT

Los Angeles-based Jeff Andrews has designed homes for Ryan Seacrest and America Ferrera, among other clients, and his timeless, elegant, and inspired designs are a hit with design fans, shelter magazines, and design insiders. One of his most recent projects is featured in the May issue of Traditional Home, which will hit newsstands on April 17.

Today, Jeff is sharing a preview of one of the rooms featured in the magazine with us - a lovely library. Jeff reveals the inspiration behind the design, and the process of creating the look with us. Keep reading to get inspired to make changes in your home library space!

Deciding upon the color palette

The wood paneling was an existing element and rather than fight it, I decided to just go with it. The area rug is the one and only piece that the clients brought with them from their previous residence, and luckily it found a great home in here. I chose colors that enhanced the rug and wood paneling stain color and the rest followed.

On the repetition of curvaceous lines in the space

When I started the project, this room seemed so linear and flat. I didn’t purposefully add "curves," but as the design process evolved, I was drawn to patterns that added movement and life to the space. It’s interesting how in design, sometimes things are selected individually and end up working in harmony to create an overall feel.

Using two tables in this space

The writing desk is used daily by the homeowners for correspondence and the other table is used as a library/game table, which I could see being used for her and her friends for a glass of chardonnay, or him and his buddies for a game of poker.

Creating animal intrigue for vegan clients

One of the only restrictions given to me by my client was no fur, leather, or animal products as they are vegan. But knowing their love for animals, as I shopped to accessorize their home, I was drawn to animal motifs. I didn’t set out to create a "zoo," but throughout the house you’ll see touches of real animal love!

The story behind that gorgeous desk chair

The first day I shopped with the client we went to a showroom sale and picked up several pieces, and this little gem happened to be one of them. It’s one of the few pieces in the room that is not vintage.

Where to commission a painting as lovely as the one in this library.

I sourced this painting from a local artist, Angela Dickerson-Lee, who also happens to have an amazing vintage store, Bonita Interiors, at the Pasadena Antique Center. She’s got a great eye.

On where to source the gorgeous pouf

It’s a Jeff Andrews-Design original.

Input from the homeowners

It needed to be comfortable, kid- and animal-friendly, timeless, and completely finished and move-in ready by the time it was complete. It also had to be on budget and done within six months. Check!

To tour the rest of the home, pick up the new issue of Traditional Home.

21 Disposable Products You Can Reuse

Wise Bread — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:00:39 PDT

Even when the product is supposedly "disposable," you can always reuse it. Wise Bread shares awesome ways to reuse these 21 disposable products.

It’s said that we live in a disposable society. But the word "disposable" is a misnomer. Disposable is considered throwaway, something you use once and dump, regardless of the life that may be left in it. As a frugal shopper with a concern for the state of our environment, I think that just won’t do.

I often reuse many so-called “onetime-use” items, and I asked friends, family, and colleagues to tell me which disposable items they squeeze more life from. Here’s my list, including some of the surprising ideas I was given.

RELATED: 25 Things to Throw Out Today

1. Butter Wrappers

If you’re like most people, you unwrap your butter, pop the stick into your handy holder, and throw the wrapper away. But wait a second - instead of trashing the wrappers, keep them in a sandwich bag. The next time you need to grease a baking tray or dish, you’ve got something all ready to go.

Read on for more.

Todd Oldham to Bring Kid Made Modern to Target With New Line of Art Supplies

Rebecca M Gruber — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:04:55 PST

Art supplies and crafts collection, designed by a real-life designer, at Target prices? Sign me up! When Todd Oldham first published Kid Made Modern ($16) almost three years ago, he created a minirevolution in the world of arts and crafts. Inspired by the most influential midcentury artists - including Alexander Calder, Charles and Ray Eames, and Marimekko - he sought to teach lil ones about their creativity through 52 projects kids could do at home, everything from creating flowers out of wire (Calder) to making polka-dotted book covers using bubble wrap (Marimekko). The projects all used a combination of household items and store-bought crafting products.

This Spring the designer is expanding his drive to inspire creativity in kids through a new partnership with Target. On May 20, Target stores nationwide will introduce more than 50 Kid Made Modern art supplies and kits, all designed and tested by Oldham himself. I got a sneak peek at the line last week and can already tell you that it will be on your must-buy list! The beautifully made products - including crayons in various shapes and sizes (the pyramid one was my favorite!), board book-making kits, gorgeous wooden blocks primed for painting, and learn-to-sew kits that feature Charley Harper's gorgeous images - are all artfully packaged in recyclable boxes (many of which double as display cases) and will all be priced under $20 (talk about great birthday presents!).

Stay tuned for more details in May (including my interview with Todd as he walked me through his favorite products). Until then, take a peek at a few of the highlights from the line!

What's on Your Toddler's "Potty List"?

Rebecca M Gruber — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:17:32 PST

Every season my kids and I create a "bucket list" of activities we want to do before the weather changes. Right now, given that it's Winter, that list includes everything from building a family of snowmen to learning how to play hockey (never mind that my son doesn't know how to ice-skate yet!). While some moms I know have their own "40 before 40 lists" of the 40 things they want to do before hitting the big 4-0, I never thought about actually creating age-specific lists for my kids.

Across the pond, Cow and Gate, a British baby-food maker, surveyed 1,000 parents to see what they wanted their kids to do before they turned 3. Among the top 10 items were "making a mud pie" and "climbing a big hill." Nowhere on the list were the ultracompetitive milestones often overheard on the playground here in the states. Rather, the parents named timeless experiences we could all desire for our kids.

Keep reading to see the entire list and, tell me, what's on your toddler bucket list?

Holiday Wish Lists: Practical or Tacky?

LearnVest — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:15:58 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

Ah, the wish list.

It made a lovely debut when we were little, often addressed to a certain Mr. Claus. It had a good run for a few years, but retired itself in adulthood as the stuff of kids and dreams (with the exception of weddings and babies, when they take on the adult guise of “registry”).

And now that we are adults, wish lists (outside of those socially acceptable registries) are at best silly and at worst mercenary, right? That’s what many think.

Are We Becoming More Mercenary?

A recent New York Times story discussed the recent trend of the wish list-it’s back, along with more mercenary attitudes towards gift-giving, like a desire for gift cards instead of actual gifts. (According to the story, for the last five years, gift cards have been the most requested gift, according to National Retail Foundation surveys.) A study released earlier this year showed that people who receive gifts they had requested actually derive more pleasure from them and appreciate them more.

Read on for more on wishlists.

Su Casa: A Master Bedroom Makeover

Casa Community — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:40:00 PDT

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member YBandD from the Su Casa group:

Last time there were adventures in Zero VOC paint, and this time it's adventures in spray paint; I know, classy huh!

The new bedroom at the beach rental is finally coming along. I officially still hate moving, however, I am loving my sweet new office slash sunroom slash all-around chill-out space with “peekaboo” views of the ocean (peekaboo meaning there are a few houses pretty much blocking my entire view of the ocean except for that small sliver of blue). But, I really can’t complain, now can I?

Once I got all my furniture in, I quickly assessed the new space. The main difference is this room has a lot more windows to deal with than my previous room, plus sliding glass doors separating the bedroom from the office. The window above the bed is also not centered on anything in the room, making it difficult to achieve any semblance of balance.

The new gray coat of paint looks oh so cozy with the furniture in. I decided to drape the glass doors at the opening between the office and the bedroom. The drapery softens the opening and is also functional, so that I can keep all the blinds raised in the sunroom on a permanent basis. I also draped the off-center window at the bed head wall with one panel to play up on the asymmetry. After a quick trip to Target, I found these modern, almost Chinese lattice-framed mirrors. The mirrors would reflect light, which actually could start to balance with the light coming in from the window. However, they were a faux sponge painted bronze color, which is not exactly what I had in mind. Insert adventures in spray paint, Take One, here.

Continue reading to hear more about how Kelly updated her bedroom!

13 Signs You’re Too Busy

LearnVest — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:15:38 PDT

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

There’s busy.

Then there’s too busy.

Busy is running from one appointment to the next. Too busy is running over someone on your way to the next appointment (physically, vehicularly, whatever). Busy is leaving your cell phone behind at the grocery store. Too busy is leaving your kid behind at the grocery store.

And then there’s the biggest of all ironies-we want to cut back, but frankly, we just don’t have the time to figure out how to do it.

Sound familiar? Well, we’re here to do an intervention-a time intervention. Today, we’ll help you figure out if your life is starting to burst at the seams when it comes to your time. If it is, you need a wake-up call to reset priorities, because there is no shakier foundation for healthy, balanced living (and healthy, balanced money management) than not having the space and breathing room that time provides in our lives.

If you’ve crossed over the line into too busy, you’ll need to reset your foundation: Maybe it means taking a day off from work to reassess your life priorities. Maybe it means evaluating what your time is worth and outsourcing chores like housekeeping or laundry. Maybe it means taking a break from social engagements for a little while to focus on building the right foundation.

Here are 13 signs that you might need a time overhaul in your life-and easy tips on how to get started, today.

You Spend a Good Amount of Time Worrying About Your Time

If your time is preoccupied with, well, your time, you might be: endlessly cycling through your to-do list in your head, spending a lot of time arranging and rearranging your schedule, or wishing throughout the day that you had more time.

If you've worried about your schedule or wished you had more time more than three times a day, you need a break from time itself as a stressor in your life.

Try this: Take a mental break. Remove one thing from your schedule for today that is the least important-it might be putting off doing the laundry or postponing a work call. Spend that time instead totally luxuriating in something in the present moment (like eating a macaron or listening to your favorite song) and not thinking about your schedule, or future plans, at all.

Read on for more.