Thursday, December 15, 2011

Design*Sponge!



I was super psyched to open Design*Sponge today to see Fleurir's before & after featured. So awesome! Design*Sponge has long been one of my favoritest blogs, so it's a total thrill for me to see them post something that I had a part in--ego massage for sure.

If you still haven't tried some of Fleurir's awesome chocolates, it's time to pull the trigger. I stopped in last week and just about fainted over a sea salt carmel. Amaze-zing. 

Monday, December 12, 2011

still life 99-- debut

Growing up with an artist mother, I liked to study the still lifes (is it still-lives ??)  and interesting objects that she set up to paint or sketch on the dining room table or on the wobbly planks of our wrap around porch. Today, I still find myself stopping to admire the little "moments" placed around homes. Even my own. Actually I think that is what I like best about home, the simplicity of haphazard (and let's be honest, many times intentional) collections and the ordinary, sometimes imperfect objects that make me pause and appreciate the privilege of actually having a home.

So, although I've never been particularly awesome at sticking with a series, I'm going to try. The premise is that we don't need a lot of things at home, but what we do need should be beautiful. They should be worthy of being noticed. And so, here. it. goes...

I delight in little containers. Functional ones, even better. It struck me the other day as I cleaned these magnetic spice jars (first time ever I think) what an unexpected pleasure it is to be able to take pleasure in something mundane and ordinary. Sometimes I think it sounds extreme when I say it to the people I'm working with, but I really do think there's something to William Morris's advice: "have nothing in your home that you don't know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." When I decided to try to follow that, it was truly transformative. Life is short, and there really isn't any reason we have to live with ugly things. If you're as visual as me, it makes a difference when you surround yourself with beauty even in the things that you think don't really count.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

slices of slow advent

I don't know about you, but Christmas always comes too soon. I love it, of course, but as my fondness for Thanksgiving has increased in recent years, I've found that the transition right into Christmas the very next day is just too quick for me. I like to draw things out so that I can really have the chance to enjoy them. And I like things to last. I'm a savorer.

Last year was the first year that I deliberately tried to slow down (at least at home) during advent, and it made all the difference in the season even after the Christmas season had come and gone. There was a peacefulness about it in our home that was genuine and much needed.
 This year we're following suit. The girls and I do one small advent decoration or project/activity each day like setting up the advent wreath...
 and making hostess gifts...
 and hanging up garlands...
Of course, we are still enjoying the awesome parties and upbeat events that come up this time of year, but it has been so nice to just do small, unhurried things at home. We'll transition into the good old Christmas kitsch when the big day gets closer, but for now I'm savoring slow. The girls favorite parts are still the advent calendar and paperwhite bulbs which are now everywhere, pictures of those to come.

ps- my table clay pot "wreath" was inspired by (ok, blatantly stolen from) the very talented and very lovely Kjerstis Lykke who if you haven't checked out you should. Incredible! Makes me want to take a little Scandinavian getaway stat. 

Monday, December 5, 2011

out-takes

well we've accomplished the monumental task of a Christmas card picture, but I think my favorites are the the outtakes...



 happy advent friends!
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