Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

It's been awhile since I've done a Happy Friday post, mostly because I've been so busy. But I have some exciting news that I couldn't wait to share. I finally hired an intern, her name is Nicole and she starts in a couple weeks, which I'm beyond excited for! 

Since I posted about hiring someone a few weeks ago I've been so impressed and honestly humbled by the response, it was a really hard decision to make because there are some seriously awesome candidates out there! So thank you, all of you who applied, for inspiring me and liking Conundrum enough to want to work here.

I'm sure you will start learning more about Nicole in the coming weeks, but for now check out the newest Design Conundrum team member on her instagram, pinterest and blog.

Now I will leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week. (links below image)

image via Nicole Lee's instagram

1. Did you guys hear that Victoria of Sf Girl by Bay has her own App now?! All her favorite shopping picks in San Francisco are now on your phone! It's my new favorite guide to the city.
2. I need to try this perfect summery, grilled asparagus recipe over at Rue Daily.
3. Thanks to Calivintage I'm now obsessed with San Francisco based brand Tradlands.
4. Eva Black has the best summer essentials round-up over on her blog.
5. My dear photographer friend Audre recently came to visit and her blog post chronicling the trip, makes me love living her even more.

Laurent Chehere

When I came across the Flying House series by French photographer Laurent Chehere, I instantly fell in love. Each image is so intriguing and whimsical, and I can't help that it reminds me a little bit of the movie Up :)

New Rue + Rue Cooks Feature

Hooray! Today is the launch of Rue's first ever Pacific Northwest issue. The day an issue launches is always an rewarding one but this time I'm extra excited because I got to team up with the amazing Eva Kolenko on our Rue Cooks feature this month. Below are a few outtakes from our fun day making bagels and lox. Make sure to read the issue to see the whole story and get the recipe.

Bricolage no. 4

This storyboard is a celebration the natural beauty of food. From a stunning biscuit styling, to simply half cut apples, isn’t amazing how a single radish can become a piece of art on its own?

-Contributed by Stephanie

Avocado biscuits  //  Grapefruits  //  Carrots  //  Fancy bites  //  Apples  //  Lemon tart  //  Rainbow Radish

Pintastic People: Amanda Rodriguez

I love the Pinterest boards of Amanda Rodriguez because she has such a clear vision and aesthetic. Each board and pin is curated perfectly. And coming from the design centric city of Stockholm it's no surprise she has such an impeccably eye for that Scandinavian minimalism style I can't get enough of. Below she answers a few of my questions about Pinterest, style and living in Sweden.

How did you get started on pinterest? 

I heard about it from a friend and got hooked immediately!

Your pinterest has such a clean and minimalist style, when you started was that a conscious choice or was it just what you ended up pinning based on taste?

I have always loved the clean and harmonic feeling in a picture, but I think it grew more with my time on Pinterest, which made my style more clear.

Photo by Elin Stromberg Styling by: Amanda Rodriguez

You are also an interior stylist, do you use pinterest for inspiration for your job? 

Absolutely.

Who are some of your biggest style and design influences?

I specific interior designer is really hard to choose, but my favorite painter is Hilma AF Klint and photographer is definitely Francesca Woodman.

You are from Stockholm, a city known for great design, how does your city inspire you?

Tons, the city has a lot of hidden places and details that people often just pass by but if you look harder there is so much inspiration.

And what are a couple local spots you'd recommend to visitors to Stockholm? 

Definitely the area Södermalm, you have all the beautiful parks, cafes, restaurants, bars and people. Can you ask for more?

Photo by: Line Klein via Amanda's Pinterest

What are your favorite things to do when not pinning or blogging? 

Dance, ride around on my bicycle, listen to magic music, hang out with my loved ones and just try to be as creative as possible every single day.

Last but not least, who are a few of your favorite pinners?

Nina Blume  |  Stefania Mancini  |  Adela Milosova  

Design Conundrum is Hiring!

I've put a lot of thought into it and I've decided that to really give 100% to everything I'm working on I need a little help. Which is why I've decided to hire a part time editorial intern for the blog. If you read my post from last week you know things are shifting a little here, and I want someone who can help take the blog to where I want it to be.

I am looking for someone who is passionate about design, photography, food and fashion. Who is familiar with blogging and social media, particularly the blogger platform. Can easily mutlitask on jobs such as handling advertising and press inquiries, write and edit copy, assist on putting together photo shoots, etc.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in and you are located in the San Francisco / Bay Area please contact me at maiamcdonald@gmail.com I’ll be happy to provide more details or answer questions.