The No Good, Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad Week

Have you ever had a time in life where things get so bad it is like time is standing still? I am happy to be back and while there is still a lot to deal with, it is nice to be able to let my mind wander online and well, my wandering led me to check out some "Very Bad Day" pieces:

My brother introduced me to Exploding Dog and I am obsessed. Robots and sarcasm - does it get much better?

Sometimes you just feel like the rain cloud is hovering over your head. Illustrator Riikka Kurka designs some beautiful pieces, but I am drawn to the Huono Päivä (translated: "Bad Day") T-Shirt she made for a TaiK school project. 

Wow octopus AND robot prints in one post. A moneky would be the holy trinity, but really...who wants to see a sad monkey? Tuesday Was A Bad Day by Emma Klingbeil just makes me smile. 

My sentiments over the last week exactly lol.  Love this - the "F*ck the Rain" umbrella seen on the Cool Hunting Guide. 

Some days a girl can't even bear the thought of going out of the house without a bag over her head. 

The Large Lucy and her Bad Hair Day Doll by Poppy Seed Tree is adorable. I love her paper bag disguise and want to just give her a big hug and tell her "tomorrow is another day."

Keep smiling and I will see you tomorrow!

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Without The Rain, There Would Be No Rainbows

Rain coats are cute, but I LOVE umbrellas. They can enhance the look of an outfit, express personal style and be whimsical, romantic, mysterious and even trend-setting.  They can be used in decor, art or yes....even to keep youself dry on a rainy day.  Bring on the rain:

Images above courtesy of The Crooked Brains Blog who created

an amazing gallery of umbrella art installations.

This graffiti appeared in New Orleans, USA in August and was part of a spree of new Banksy Graffiti to mark the anniversary of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

This high-quality print is from Visual Creatures on Etsy. 

The Umbrella by luminatii evokes sadness and loneliness in its beauty.

And just the opposite, Fashion Fucsia's Marie and Umbrellas is pure happiness.

Art Shark Design's City Love prints are sooo sweet.

I can't wait until they do a Florida set!

Ready Made Magazine gives instructions on how to make this retro-inspired umbrella pendant lamp. I am a little superstitious though (about opening umbrellas inside)...does this lamp trap the bad luck in between? ;)

And some of my favorite umbrellas:

Bella Pagoda B&W Pinwheel at Umbrellas.net

Illegal to own, but really badass

guy de jean's sexy umbrellas - produced by guy de jean for jean paul gaultier, 2006 -2008

Courtesy of Popgloss

My inner geek adores this very much - it looks like a lightsaber!

 LED umbrella

Sleek, modern, playful and space saving - Splash is the most design-versatile piece on the market.  Created by Japanese designer, Yasuhiro Asana, this umbrella stand is shaped like water splashing out of a puddle and can store both wet and dry umbrellas. (Great find from http://www.lushlee.com/!)