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Fall Envy

by marianne on September 25, 2012

Today it’s finally cloudy in LA for the first time in a loooong time. It’s been consistently over 80 for a month now. But, today. Oh, this glorious day…it’s cloudy and only 70 degrees.

A few days ago, as I sat in 91 degree heat feeling like I needed to put on sunscreen to sit in my own living room, I found myself pining for autumn in Michigan. My absolute favorite time in the midwest is late summer/ early fall. The crisp air…the way the light filters through the newly changed leaves. Sigh. If I could, I would spend 6 weeks around this time back home every year. But, can’t. So, I focused my daydreaming on to creating my very first Etsy treasury. You can check it out here. I’ve highlighted a few items below.

Vintage Pendleton Throw, $124

Crochet Boot Cuffs, $39

Fringed Circular Scarf, $45

Green Hooded Cape, $109.99

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Neon Love

by marianne on July 12, 2012

in home, style

I am super ok with the whole neon trend. Neon paired with natural materials/color? Basically my favorite. In general, I am someone who tends to prefer pops of bright color versus a total chaotic color party.

Here are some things that have caught my fancy recently:

Neon pink camper pillow! Yes, I’m still obsessed. Buy at mamamiehippie.com Does this qualify as neon? I think I’m just looking for an excuse to post it because it kicks ass. Harhar. Also, it’s sold out, and I have no clue how much it costs, but, c’mon. I <3 it. ikoutschuss Donkey Blanket

The neon yellow stripes are absolutely perfect on this pillow. PALEOLOCHIC

Wood + Neon = Love. vozclothingandart

I want to try and make some of these salad blows for myself. I would use them for display, though…not eating out of. Until I can find a good source for unfinished wooden bowls, there is always WindandWillowHome.

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Slanted Mansion

by marianne on May 30, 2012

in decor, design, organization, photography

A while back I found a great post by Miss Moss about Siobhan Frost’s Slanted Mansion, a site dedicated to photographing the natural, un-styled spaces of creative people all over the world.

This morning, over a delicious cup of coffee, I’ve finally been able to take the time bask in these wonderful creative spaces. I love getting a little glimpse into people’s lives and processes, and I’m pretty much obsessed with the work spaces of creative types. This obsession likely stems from the fact that Sean and I are trapped in a tiny one bedroom apartment while starting up our business. It’s very crowded in here — I swoon at the thought spreading out in a workspace of our very own.

My favorite space featured is from the wooden toy makers and artists, Gonzalo Arbutti and Matias Resich. Their set up is ideal for me…lots of airy covered outdoor space, great storage, and beautiful blues and greens. Also, there is a kitty cat. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Now I want more. Let’s hope Siobhan Frost is busy out there taking more photos of wonderful spaces.

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Natural Light

by katie on May 3, 2012

in decor, home, kitchen

There have been many many times when I’ve whined about how little natural light we have in our apartment. I miss waking up to sunshine pouring through the windows.

But then there are days like today when I finish a muggy run and am completely drenched in sweat. I walk into our apartment, and a wave of cool air washes over me. Yeah…never mind. I can deal with this.

For now, I think I’ll just admire other spaces with a whole lot of natural light instead.

via Wetpaint

via Design*Sponge

via freshome

via Emmas DesignBlogg

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Spring Book Wish List

by marianne on April 16, 2012

in great outdoors, home

It’s just about killing me that I don’t have a yard RIGHT NOW. I remain optimistic that Sean and I will somehow find our perfectly affordable abode in a highly desirable neighborhood at a price we can afford because I like to “shoot for the stars.”

As a result of my yard-ly ambitions, gardening related books are speaking to me. Below are a few new ones I’m thinking about checking out.

Handmade Garden Projects - This books seems to be the perfect mix of rustic-modern-vintage-DIY-relaxed-cool goodness that I would strive for in my very own backyard. I want a comfy, cozy, and, I guess you could say, ‘raw’ space, but I also don’t want you to have to feel like you need to get a tetanus shot after you leave. Pro Tip: There are a lot of pages available to view on the “click to look inside” feature on Amazon for this title.

Tiny World Terrariums - I actually took the plunge and bought this book. I don’t yet have it in my possession, but it looks like a good one.

It’s written by the ladies over at Twig in Brooklyn. They do some really cool stuff. Also, I have a personal terrarium-related announcement coming up soon.

Small Space Container Gardens - In the event that Sean and I do not find our perfect future living arrangement with a yard of our own, we will certainly find a space with a patio, porch, or balcony.

I’m not super into the cover of this book, but after looking at the publisher’s site, and at the author, Fern Richardson’s blog, Life on the Balcony , it seems that this book might be ripe with the kind of outdoor inspiration we will need.

Concrete Garden Projects - Sean and I have a future craft-date (after Coachella) with our friends Shannon and Brad to make some bitching concrete planters together. We were going to reference these two tutorials on how to make concrete planters, but it would be fun to advance our projects further with this book.

In related news, I recently discovered a new blog, Dearest Nature. All of the content is inspired by nature and there are lots of pretty pictures. Also, somehow I missed this, but Apartment Therapy recently did a round-up of garden related blogs. You can check it out here.

Now, get off of your computer and go outside. It will do you some good.

Disclaimer: If you click through on any of the books we link to on amazon.com and then purchase said book, Katie and I will get 4% of that sale via the Affiliate Amazon Associates program. You have our word that we will only recommend books that we are genuinely interested in and that our decision to share books isn’t because of the affiliate program. That is just a tiny little bonus. Besides, both of us are library girls, and we always recommend that you visit your local library.

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Charley Harper Prints

by marianne on April 12, 2012

in art, decor

I am pretty much obsessed with Charley Harper’s illustrations.

His style is…just perfect. It’s described as “minimal realism.” To me, it’s playful and fun and beautiful and it simply makes me happy. It doesn’t hurt that he’s done a lot of prints featuring robins, which were a childhood favorite of mine.

His prints bring me back to trips to the library as a little girl with my mom. Actually, birds in general make me think of my mom and her father, so there is a lot of added sentimental value. He also spent a lot of time in the Midwest. So, you know…we have that in common.

I had trouble narrowing down which prints to feature because I love so many of them. I think his work from the 50′s might be my favorite, but there is good stuff from beginning to end. If you like the few I chose, you should check out the full shop at Charley Harper Prints. Also, you better believe I’m going to check out Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life from the library.

Vigilant Vireo, Lithograph

Black and White Warbler

Blue Jay Breakfast, Notecard

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Baltimore Oriole

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Checkered Tea Spoons

by marianne on April 9, 2012

in home, kitchen

I am simultaneously drawn to and repulsed by these acrylic tea spoons. My first thought is, gingham! Which my brain reads as cute/adorable. Then I think, “eww…acrylic tableware that HAS to be toxic and bad for the environment.” Then I look at them some more and I want to put them directlyintomymouthrightnow!! Then I think about Anthro’s corporate policies and I feel queasy. And then, finally, I remember that I would never in a million years spend $24 on a set of four plastic spoons.

But, hey. They are cute.

Checkered Tea Spoons via Remodelista

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Kara Weaves

by katie on March 27, 2012

in home, shops

I’m always so excited to post about people I actually know, and I can’t help but feel proud of their amazing talents (I often feel like Buddy the Elf and want to scream “I KNOW HIM/HER!”)

Today’s post is about co-founder and artist, Chitra Gopalakrishnan, of Kara Weaves. She teamed up with Indu Menon, a social anthropologist and author of Women’s Weaver, in 2008 to keep the age-old tradition of hand-weaving alive. Check out their video on the process. It’s incredibly beautiful.

Here are some of my favorite pieces from their site (ayoooo free shipping!):

Icelolly Tablecloth

Pomegranate Tablecloth

Zigzag Tablecloth

Dots Bathrobe

The Hair Wrap (I LOVE these. And they’re ON SALE! Must order one)

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Interwebs Roundup

by katie on March 23, 2012

in fashion, home, style

It might almost be the weekend for the majority of you, but I have to work both Saturday and Sunday! Hmph. I do have today off, though, and it’s pretty much perfect so far because my cat is snuggled up next to me, and it’s raining! I love spring rain, especially when I was planning on seeing The Hunger Games this afternoon anyway. It sets the mood perfectly.

Here’s some random stuff that I was digging from the Interwebs this past week. Hope you all have an amazing weekend!

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Jaw-dropping dress by Marit Fujiwara

Adorable Generic Surplus sneakers via Tomboy Style

This is pretty much all anyone needs right? A big bed, a bicycle with a basket, and some french press coffee.
via The Pursuit Aesthetic

Rooftop Gardener. I want this woman’s life! And her outfit!
via bleubird

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Smitten Links

by marianne on March 16, 2012

in art, home, kitchen

Here are a few random things that caught my eye this week:

1. Vintage Printable - This site is kind of the most awesome thing ever. It is a beautifully curated collection of out-of-copyright scientific illustrations. It’s seriously amazing. Do yourself a favor and take a look around.

Vintage Printable via The Jealous Curator

2. Niels Datema’s Bread Scoops - One scoop from each spoon with its labeled ingredient is supposed to make the perfect dough for a delicious loaf of bread. I don’t see any pricing, so we have to assume they are quite pricey and/or not actually attainable. They are, however, adorable.