By Jennie Nunn, Sunset Associate Editor

    Growing up, I spent a lot of time visiting my grandparents in Palm Springs.When I came across Newport Beach–based design duo Pal+Smith's Sui armoire (shown below in citrus lacquer), I couldn't help but flashback to their mid-century modern house with bright Florence Broadhurst-like patterns, Chippendale chairs, and armoires painted in bright, bold cobalt blue hues.

This makes me happy just looking at it.

Thanks to Pal +Smith's new e-commerce site, it's now available online at shoppalandsmith.com.

by Jess Chamberlain, Sunset home & design writer

Last weekend at the Caboom Design show I was thrilled to see the much blogged about Cool Haus ice cream truck on location! These are modern-architecture-themed ice cream sandwiches—yes, desserts from a truck that are hip enough for grown-ups.

And I'm going to go ahead and say it: This was the best ice cream sandwich I've ever experienced. After a little deliberation, some fun Cool Haus history from Freya (the company was born from an architecture-meets-food school assignment), and a hike to find an ATM, I chose the chocolate cookie with mint chip ice cream—which they call "mintimalism". Heaven for three bucks.

Some snaps:

Follow Cool Haus on Twitter to see where they're headed next!

And if you're drooling, but no where near LA, here's a Sunset recipe for making your own ice cream goodness.

by Allison Arieff, Sunset editor-at-large

Most women are addicted to shoes, right? Well, books are my weakness. Not a week goes by when I don’t buy one (or four). One could have worse vices to be sure but I was excited to discover discovered Better World Books. Because now I can buy books and have the money go to support literacy programs! And every order is shipped carbon neutral with offsets from Carbonfund.org. Founded in 2002, the organization has raised over $6 million for global literacy to date.

Better World may not have the inventory of Amazon but their offerings are substantial. There’s a broad range of books on green homes and interior design (and many are $25 or less). As my vegetable garden is on the verge of exploding so I was excited to find Ball's Complete Book of Home Preserving. For my cupcake-obsessed daughter, there’s Hello, Cupcake!

Forgive the library pun but why not "check it out?" You're bound to find the perfect beach read for this holiday weekend. Happy 4th!

By Jennie Nunn, Sunset Associate Editor

I love writing letters. And, I'm always on the hunt for good paper and letterpress stationery. That's why I was so excited to find Linda & Harriett's letterpress designs. The thank you lace cards, created by Brooklyn–based founder and designer Liz Coulson Libré, (with calligraphy by Jenna Hein), are so bright and cheery.

$14 for set of six; lindaandharriett.com.

by Jess Chamberlain, Sunset home & design writer

There's something about hot summer nights and backyard dinning that begs for some bright color on the tabletop. If you happen to have some bold accessories from a recent trip to la Mexique, lucky you. If Mexico wasn't on the itinerary (or in the checkbook) this year, it's time to check out Emilia Ceramics.

Emily Brown (Emilia of Emilia Ceramics) is a San Francisco-based advertising-marketer-turned-artisan-ceramic-importer (one of those made-a-dream-come-true gigs) who launched her San Francisco-based company a year ago. She imports hand painted pottery from Mexico, Spain, Italy, and France through relationships she's fostered with local artisans in each region. —Detailed, beautiful, soulful products that support the craft of true artisans. I love it.

Here, read about the ceramic artists behind the products featured below—a collection which Brown refers to as "authentic Mexican flavor with modern sophistication." We couldn't agree more.

"El Verano" tall candle holder and "Fiesta" tall candle holder, $24 each


"Fiesta" jewelry box, $18 each


Votive candle holders, pair for $28


Short candle holders with handles, pair for $36

By Jennie Nunn, Sunset Associate Editor

There's nothing better than a great water bottle—just in time for summer. I was so excited to hear about Blue Q's new collection including this 20-ounce adorable "I heart water" design (pictured below).

$17.99 each; Available at blueq.com.

Vintage car photo note card ($3.50) by "Eqinoxphoto" on Etsy

Father's Day gift ideas under $30 on Etsy

Candle lantern how to on Diggin Food

Before & After: Outdoor Hideaway on design*sponge

Weeder's digest: DIY Wedding Flowers 411 on design*sponge