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One of my favorite booths from The Big Crafty was that of a suitcase peddler. Final Approach takes funky vintage suitcases (you know... the wheel-free ones our moms and dads actually CARRIED) and turns them into one-of-a-kind works of art. Each case is hand stenciled / painted individually with pop culture icons, famous quotes and vibrant colors. Aren't they eye-catching? Imagine walking through the airport wielding a statement like that!

The company is located in Eastern Tennessee, but they regularly ship orders all over the US and they even take custom orders. So if you have a case you'd like painted, or particular design you're interested in commissioning, Final Approach is happy to accommodate. I think Not Made In China needs a trunk show upgrade with a custom briefcase (how sick would that be!?).  

Don't forget to "Like" Final Approach on Facebook for updates and info on local appearances.

(my personal fav after the jump!)
 
 
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While visiting family in Montgomery, Alabama over the 4th of July, I managed to make a quick stop at the local antique mall. Check out the latest additions to my milk glass collection.
 
 
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Get free stuff (you only pay for postage) by sending a SASE to The Farthing Collective, or use paypal to pay for the postage. More info here.
 
 
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These illustrated band coasters by Retro Whale are literally fantastic. (via Incredible Things)
 
 
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Only 4 days from the WORLD CUP!  Check out these awesome fan shirts for the the Dutch team. (via Fubiz)
 
 
 
 
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Great pop culture finger puppets from abbeychristine.
 
 
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Since 1975, BMW has been commissioning artists to create one-of-a-kind Art Cars. The masterpieces-on-wheels were originally intended to be raced, but have since been leveraged by the German automaker to prove BMW's presence in the creative community. Of the 17 designs, the 1991 Art Car (above), by Ester Mahlangu, is my favorite. 
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Contrast the 525i BMW Art Car with my 2000 Saturn SL1. It's depressing really. I drive the most generic, bland, uninteresting car in America. It's a white, 4-door sedan, with manual windows (you should see my forearms), and no style whatsoever. A few years ago, in a desperate attempt to separate my vehicle from the Saturn herd, I started calling it "Uranus." "Everyone pile in Uranus"... "Man, Uranus sure is roomy"... "Uranus is full of gas"... I know, I know, it's a cheap laugh, but it made me feel better about my car for a little while. 

Now Uranus is on the eve of turning 100,000 miles and I'm fantasizing about giving it a new look. Should I paint it? Design some sort of car wrap? Bedazzle it?  
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Then today, I came across this picture on Flickr. Apparently, somebody felt the same way I do, and got a little sticker happy with their SL1. 

I'm starting to think I'll just celebrate the mileage milestone by getting my car washed instead.
 
 
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I've always been attracted to Moroccan design... the rich bold colors, geometric patterns, gorgeous fabrics, and traditional old world feel... mmmmm I'm drooling on my keyboard. Since I can't afford a trip to Morocco, this book will have to suffice. It's less than $13 on Amazon; "Add to cart!"

(more drool-worthy pages after the jump)
 
 
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I love vintage cookware... even though I don't like to cook. It's like people who buy expensive golf clubs, but can't make a hole in 12. I currently have a collection of two antique bowls. One is a Fire King Jadeite mixing bowl, and the other is a milk glass bubble bowl. There's just something about the semi-opaque glass that opens my wallet right up.