I’m about to retire to my sofa for the rest of the day (I have officially decided to take a sick day). I just couldn’t leave my computer, however, without expressing my excitement over this year’s Best Foreign Film Oscar award going to Argentina for “El Secreto de Sus Ojos.” (The secret in Their Eyes). Congratulations to director Juan José Campanella for this incredible film! It’s always so thrilling for me when Latin American countries are recognized in such a big way for their artistry.

I don’t know if everyone managed to catch his message at the end (it was in Spanish with the “wrap it up” music playing over it) but director Juan José Campanella made sure to send his love and well wishes to his fellow Latinos in Chile. I was so overcome with emotion. What a great Oscar night for Argentina! Congratulations!

*photos from Peru.com

I’ve been completely glued to the daily updates about Chile after the shocking and devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit on Saturday. The aftershocks and tsunamis that have hit the area since have made the situation in Chile even more dire.

With Chile’s needs becoming increasingly larger, it’s important that we all give this devastated nation a helping hand. To donate, please contact the American Red Cross here. You can also donate and find information about loved ones in Chile through the Google Crisis Response here. Chile needs our help! Please give what you can.

*photo by Chilean graphic designer Juan Pablo Vasquez Villanueva

UPDATE FOR OUR SPANISH SPEAKERS: I just spoke with Pamela Villamar of Grafikk Studio (based in Santiago) and she has passed along some information on more ways to donate and find out information about specific areas in Chile. Please visit the Chilean Red Cross by clicking here to donate and find out other ways you can help. You can also listen to an online radio stream for up to the minute information.

These polaroid collages by Colombian photographer Juan Felipe Rubio are STUNNING! I wish I could fly him up to Oakland and have him shoot my engagement photos (not that I’m engaged but I plan to be some day). Until then, I’ll just enjoy these beautiful love stories told through Polaroids.

Just wanted to say hello on this busy Monday with a gorgeous image by PinkFlor. Stay tuned to meet one our newest LAMA designers later this week! Happy Monday!

I was recently introduced by the incredible Sara Jensen of Lost Bird Found to the most stunning blog belonging to Riley, an incredibly talented textile designer, ceramicist, and photographer. Roe is full of Riley’s gorgeous photography which has the most tactile quality to it. I just want to reach out and grab her work. I especially LOVE her gorgeous photography from Peru. It really takes me back to my own time in South America, walking around the Andes trying to snap shots of the gorgeous Alpaca. Oh, to be there again…

Check out this MUST see blog here.

Like many of you, I have been feeling completely devastated by the recent events in Haiti. The reports and coverage of the earthquake have been so heartbreaking. It has been so inspiring, however, to hear the stories of people like you and me who rise to the occasion and do their best to help out when others need it. I was so excited to hear that the lovely Jenn over at Indie Fixx has decided to start a silent auction over on her blog.

Jenn will be auctioning off some gorgeous merchandise generously donated by indie crafters, artists, and designers. 100% of the proceeds from Indie Fixx’s silent auction will go to the Red Cross International Response Fund. It’s for a great cause so head over to Indie Fixx and bid bid BID!

Based on customer feedback, we have decided to handle orders from Canada in the same way we handle all international shipments… on a per order basis! Originally, we thought it would be best to charge a $10 surcharge on shipments to Canada (shipping to Canada can get expensive) but we have come to realize that this isn’t best for all orders. SO, from now on, if you are a customer from Canada and would like to make a purchase from LAMA, let us know what you would like and we’ll send you the best possible shipping rate we can find (no more surcharges). Yay!!

flickr photo from meddygarnet

Thank you to our Canadian customers for your kind feedback and suggestions. We greatly appreciate you taking the time to make us an even better LAMA. LAMA loves Canada!!

If you happen to be fortunate enough to be in Buenos Aires this weekend, I highly recommend checking out the Sustentable Diseño y Ecología Festival 09.

Here’s a brief description about this very cool event: Sustainable Design is an organization that seeks to work in activities and initiatives that cross the activity of design with environmental awareness. The group stems from the interest of its founders on issues related to ecology and responsible lifestyle with environmental issues they believe will become the most important trend of consumption and lifestyle in the coming years.

Located in the stunning Jardin Botanico Carlos Thays, this event, which is free and open to the public, “aims to disseminate sustainable sustainable design strategies implemented by designers and organizations, and in turn link to designers, marketers and producers to promote the development and discussion of responsible practices in the design.” I’m personally excited that this event will feature LAMA designers Vacavaliente and Violraviol. How I wish I could trade in my Fall Oakland weekend for a Summer weekend in Buenos Aires filled with amazing designers and the coolest sustainable products in Argentina. Maybe next year. In the meantime, I’ll just admire these photos from last year’s event:

I just want to give a special thank you to the very kind and talented Lizette Greco who was sweet enough to contact me and let me know about this event. Thank you Lizette!

Based in Argentina, Les Croquants is just plain sweet. I know where I’ll be next time I head South. Mmmmmm…..

Yesterday was my first day back to LAMA after an epic two week vacation through Germany and Egypt (cool photos to be posted soon). It was amazing to get away for a while but I have to say I’m thrilled to be back! Going through my inbox yesterday, (speaking of epic), I came across an email with fantastic images of the Fiesta Del Papel going on in Portugal. Sadly I could not find a lot of information about this event but I think the photos say a whole lot. Oh, to see this in person! Amazing. Here are some of my favorite images:

To view all the images, click here to check out the full slide show.