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The Princess Nerd •

What I Watched In A Week: The Pitt Hype & The White Lotus So Far (TV Edition)

What I Eat in a Day/Week videos have become a common phenomenon in today’s social media-driven society. Whenever I think of these types of videos, I remember Don Draper’s quote from Mad Men: "People want to be told what to do so badly that they'll listen to anyone." I believe this sentiment is entirely accurate. Since my diet isn't exactly worth recommending, I thought I could provide some valuable insights on what to effectively spend time on in front of our screens.Not all the content I watch...
DesignSpec •

The Most Glamorous Cafe in West Hollywood: Conversation with Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar of Adean Studios - DesignSpec

Interior design is not just about constructing an aesthetically pleasing environment. For companies like Adean Studios, it’s all about creating an immersive experience within a space that the world has yet to discover. Recently, DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli sat down with Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar, the founder and creative director of Adean Studios. They discussed Adean’s recent exciting project, Cafe Goldie, their brand philosophy, and how DesignSpec is helping streamline the company’s work...
The Princess Nerd •

What's the Point of The Substance + 2025 Oscars Predictions

With the Oscars ceremony fast approaching this Sunday, I wanted to write a short article about one of its nominees, The Substance. Written and directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, the movie gained considerable recognition over the past year and became the first body horror film to be nominated for Best Picture. Normally, I hate to be a critic, but I have several issues with this movie. While I recognize that many viewers were turned off by its excessive sexual content, nudity, and stale...
The Princess Nerd •

Anora is For Light: The Most Sincere Oscars Contender

There are many compelling aspects to this year’s Oscar nominee for Best Picture, "Anora." It’s not a crowd-pleasing film; its themes are uncomfortable and controversial. However, director Sean Baker presents the story in an incredibly raw and honest way. I’m thrilled that the movie is gaining momentum in the Oscars race after its win at the Critics’ Choice Awards. It’s wonderful to see such outstanding films being celebrated and appreciated, especially this year."Anora" opens with an extended se...
The Princess Nerd •

Random Oscars Rant and February 2025 Content Plans

Some people (including myself) might argue that the awards season is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the time to reflect on the past year’s best films and television shows, cheer on the favorites that received recognition, and passionately defend the ones that got overlooked.March is fast approaching, and with it comes the biggest, most prestigious film award show of all, the Oscars. The highly anticipated event will take place on March 2. Over the last decade, the perception of this s...
DesignSpec •

Shower First: Conversation With David Corle and Leigh Berberian of HMI Glass - DesignSpec

DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli recently sat down with David Corle, the Director of Hospitality, and Leigh Berberian, the Creative Marketing Director of HMI Glass. HMI Glass believes that quality glass showers are the centerpiece of a modern space. The company is dedicated to demonstrating the boundless potential that glass offers for interior design. During the conversation, the team looked back on the company’s extensive history, highlighted the numerous advantages of digital printing, a...
DesignSpec •

Design, Art & Function: Conversation with Loic Kessl of FOROM - DesignSpec

The age of mass production and consumerism has made it increasingly difficult to maintain originality and quality in the field of interior design. However, companies like FOROM are intentionally bringing back the importance of authentic, thoughtful, and practical furniture design. Recently, DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli sat down with the FOROM founder, Loic Kessl, to delve into the behind-the-scenes creation process of their furniture collection.Role and BackgroundPlease tell us a little...
DesignSpec •

Beautiful, Functional Art: Conversation with Kyle Rottet and Sandra Sharma of Rottet Studio - DesignSpec

Every designer aspires to create work of lasting value and quality. Rottet Studio‘s core principles are centered around achieving precisely that. Recently, DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli had the pleasure of engaging in insightful conversation with Rottet’s Global Director Sandra Sharma, and Director of Marketing Kyle Rottet. They discussed the inspiration behind the studio’s design aesthetic, delved deeply into the process of creating their furniture collection, shared their vision for fu...
DesignSpec •

Customization is Key: Conversation With “C to C Tile” Owner Steve Stringfellow - DesignSpec

DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli recently sat down with Steve Stringfellow, owner of C to C Tile and one of the founding partner-vendors for our upcoming DS Сollection. C to C Tile supplies tile for classic and contemporary projects. The company  offers excellent customer service and superior products that will stand the test of time. During the conversation, Steve shared insights into his journey as a company owner, discussed his unique approach to the craft, and offered valuable advice to...
GoldDerby •

Can Netflix’s ‘Baby Reindeer’ match the Emmy success of ‘Beef’?

Amidst fierce competition in the TV landscape, Netflix continues to strike a cord with Emmy voters. The streaming giant consistently captivates its audience with stand-out shows that ignite widespread conversations and become essential viewing. This year, the wildly popular limited series “Baby Reindeer” is poised to match or surpass the success “Beef” had at the 2023 Emmys.
The Netflix premiere of “Beef” in April 2023 was met with instant acclaim. Starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, the Korean-A...
GoldDerby •

Emmy spotlight: Paul W. Downs and Meg Stalter (‘Hacks’) are a ‘dynamite’ duo worthy of recognition

The ensemble cast of “Hacks” has once again demonstrated stellar acting work in its third season. The television academy has shown love for the Max comedy actors before, with Jean Smart taking home two Best Comedy Actress Emmys in 2021 and 2022. Supporting players Hannah Einbinder and Carl Clemons-Hopkins have each been nominated. This year, it would be nice to see Paul W. Downs and Meg Stalter get their due as a standout dynamic duo, bringing the laughs each time they share the screen.
The Seas...
DesignSpec •

A Year In Review & Gazing Into The Future Of

Since 2018, our company has been dedicated to staying at the forefront of the design industry, collaborating closely with top-notch design professionals to ensure that our design software tools are precise, customizable, and indispensable for realizing design projects of all scales. In the past year, we listened to our design enthusiasts and rolled out some significant updates based on their valuable feedback. The DesignSpec team has an array of updates lined up for you in 2024, building upon ou
GoldDerby •

Why Rachel Brosnahan is poised to win Emmy bookend for ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’

Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”) has become a clear frontrunner to win Best Comedy Actor at the Emmys. His latest performance in the biographical drama “The Iron Claw,” recent Golden Globe win and the captivating Calvin Klein ad campaign prove his star only continues to rise. However, the race among the leading females in the same genre is still highly competitive. Though the Best Comedy Actress lineup is pretty tight this year, Rachel Brosnahan has a few advantages over her peers that could help
DesignSpec •

Designing A Narrative: Insight Into Post Company’s Original Interior Collection

Finding elegant and functional interior design pieces that work in harmony with a space can feel like a treasure hunt. It’s a journey of discovery that many people undertake with care and passion. With Post Company’s new Post Collection, the pursuit of special authentic interior items becomes much easier but no less compelling. The collection comprises pieces ranging from tables to sofas that exude a deep sense of history.

Post Company is an award-winning New York design firm founded in 2012 an
DesignSpec •

Design software for the people: a conversation with CEO & Co-founder Graham Sanipelli

Following an insightful interview with Fiona Sanipelli, the creative mastermind behind DesignSpec, meet the tech expert who built the platform, Co-Founder of DesignSpec, Graham Sanipelli. The siblings founded the company in 2018 after identifying a pressing need for better design specification software. After building and iterating for years while incorporating designer’s feedback, the software platform is one of the most advanced specification writing platforms in the marketplace today.

“We’re
GoldDerby •

2023 Emmys: ‘Jury Duty’ can make a case for Best Comedy Series

On July 12, 2023 we witnessed a true act of justice. “Jury Duty,” the Amazon Freevee cinéma vérité-style sitcom from creators Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky (“The Office”) swiped four Emmy nominations including Best Comedy Series. Despite a disclaimer stating the exploration of the American judicial process is its primary goal, “Jury Duty” ends up achieving so much more. But can it pull off an Emmy upset?

The comedy category is a tricky one. Voters love to follow the multiple-winner trend (“
DesignSpec •

Flagstaff’s High Country Motor Lodge Design

This boutique mountain retreat is the perfect sanctuary for adventurous spirits.

The weight of the modern world has awakened a deep need for getaway destinations. If you’re ever in Flagstaff, Arizona, be sure to check out the High Country Motor Lodge. This hospitality gem is inspired by the mountain landscapes and the 1960s roadside culture, with references to contemporary architecture and vintage style. The concept was realized by John Grossman of ownership group Marc & Rose Hospitality and de
DesignSpec •

Introducing Raf’s, Post Company’s redesign of Nolita’s Newest Dining Room & Bakery

Using DesignSpec software, The Post Company team brought to life a unique bakery preserving its French-Italian heritage.

France and Italy are well-known for their rich history, beautiful architecture, and divine cuisine. Post Company has brought this all together in a new restaurant & bakery called Raf’s, located at 290 Elizabeth Street (the former home of Parisi Bakery). The space features a European-style patisserie and dining room with both French sensibility and Italian heritage indicative
GoldDerby •

‘Barry’: While Sally’s career crashes, will Sarah Goldberg’s benefit at the Emmys?

The final chapter of Bill Hader’s HBO comedy “Barry” started off strong and is only getting better each week. The season’s third episode, ironically titled “you’re charming,” explored the uglier parts of the show’s messed-up characters. It’s with this method that Emmy nominee Sarah Goldberg‘s character, Sally Reed, places all her bets to revive her acting career. Sally’s attempts to return to the Hollywood map have been unsuccessful. Still, the actress that plays her seems to only thrive on her
GoldDerby •

Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon could have ‘Leftovers’ reunion at this year’s Emmys

The HBO drama “The Leftovers” (2014 – 2017) created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta remains arguably one of the most Emmys-overlooked shows of all time. The series received only one Emmy nomination during its three-season run, and not even for the universally acclaimed lead performances by actors Justin Theroux or Carrie Coon. The duo might have had bad luck back then, but they’re both returning to overtake the Emmys this year in the Movie/Limited Series acting categories.

The acting was und
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