This week's links. Enjoy.
Favourite Book Cover Designs of 2013
The New York Times asked people in and around the world of graphic design to name one of their favorite book covers from 2012 and briefly describe its appeal — follow the link to see a slide show of their picks.
Step Away From the Electronics and Be More Creative
Having trouble working on that art or writing project? From Kevin Charles Redmon's article in the Pacific Standard: "New research suggests that stepping away from the shiny Apple product and into the woods can have a big impact on creativity and problem-solving." Via Arts Journal.
Covet Garden Issue 30
The latest issue of the beautiful Covet Garden is out — make yourself a cup of tea and settle down for another lovely read.
Unusual Books: January 2013
Robert Birnbaum shares his interesting book finds on the Virginia Quarterly Review — lots of fascinating stuff to add to your book list.
Unbored: The Power of 'Making' in the Classroom
Via Boing Boing: "Joshua Glenn and Elizabeth Foy Larsen, editors of the fantastic kids' activity book Unbored have an article in the Huffington Post about the power of making in the classroom. Their finding: 'Decades of research confirm that making and doing things cement knowledge in ways that lectures can't.'"
Bon Appétit Food Lover's Cleanse 2013
With gorgeous photos by Stephanie of The Year in Food, Bon Appétit's third annual two-week meal plan is a great way to reboot your eating habits after indulging over the holidays — it's about healthy eating rather than deprivation. I especially like the emphasis on whole foods. Day one's menu: breakfast of Pomegranate-Walnut Oatmeal, lunch of Kale Salad with Tuna and White Beans, snack of Apple-Blackberry Smoothie, dinner of Black Cod with Swiss Chard, Olives, and Lemon plus Red Quinoa with Pistachios followed by a dessert of Salted, Seedy Chocolate Bark.
On the Approach to the New Year
Lovely reminder from an astronomer to keep things in perspective by looking up at the stars every so often.
The Versatility of Spinach
Looking to get more dark leafy greens in your diet? Check out these suggestions in the New York Times Recipes for Health column — Spinach and Millet Timbale With Tomato Sauce, Spinach Gnocchi, Penne With Mushroom Ragout and Spinach and Garlic Soup With Spinach are just a few of the delicious recipes on offer.
(photo by readyluck. via ruffled by way of modern hepburn)