FarmHouseUrban

Things I'm Digging - summer to fall

Well hello stranger... I'm working from home this week. I decided a mental health break from the office was in order. I'm still technically working FOR SURE (hello clients that read my blog!), but I needed to buzz around town so much this week, that I decided to work from home in between errands and appointments. I must say, it's been nice to wear sweats (cute sweats mind you!) and fuzzy socks, a pot of tea at the ready.  

With summer drawing to a close, but fall not quite here, the 'theme' of this list of things I'm digging is reflective of this time in between.

Here you go...

The Family Love Tree

First, they had me at the name. Then they had me again at the logo. Ever since I discovered this Australian based company this summer I've been mildly OBSESSED. I have thought about these headboards many times and when/where/for whom I can use them. I find them so incredibly nostalgic of summer homes of my youth.

 

 Since I haven't found a place for them yet, I've decided that I must use them myself...someday...whenever I get a Stinson beach house. Two of these will go in the 'girls' bedroom.

 

Boho chic Peacock Chair. Love it.

Janus et Cie Outlet

If you're not already familiar, Janus et Cie is a high-end outdoor furniture company. Their lines are on the contemporary side, but they also carry some classic pieces that will appeal to the traditionalists. I recently discovered they have an online outlet that offers 70% off!

I love the settee below. It was originally $3,757 and is now only $1,350!

Artisian Sheds

I would love to add a shed or out building to our property. Whether it's a potting shed, artist studio, office or just a destination, there is just something about being able to escape to your own little cocoon. This company makes shed kits in a few sizes and offers packages for the intended purpose - guest house, gardening, etc.

Mottega 

Finding just the right lamp can be difficult. It's an accessory that is both practical and decorative and often is one of the last pieces to be added to a room. Recently I needed a pop of purple in a gray family room. I was thrilled to find this new line of custom lamps that only take two weeks to make! They are on the pricey side ($900-$1,000/ea), so I didn't use them for this client (otherwise I would show you!), but I bookmarked it for future reference. (I realize this is one doesn't fit in with the 'theme', but the jewel tones they offer made me think fall. Plus, I wanted to share it anyway and it's my blog:-).

Mottega offers a choice of glass or ceramic bodies in many shapes, several shade options, and choice of material for base and finial.

Weekends Away

It's been a little cooler here in California lately, so I'm finding myself getting in the fall spirit and daydreaming about being here...

And here...

 

Wearing something like this...

Doing things like this...

and eating things like this (pumpkin pancakes)...

last two photos via Honey & Jam

Then going back to places like this...

Happy Fall and a wonderful weekend to you!

Cool stuff I'm digging.

I keep promising that I will blog more often and here it is over a week since my last post...  I'm actually currently on a little vay-kay, the kind that's non-stop rather than relaxing, so that's my excuse.  I get back home on Wed, so I'll update on the latest news then.  In the meantime, I thought I'd share some things I've recently discovered that make me happy. Maybe they will do the same for you!

1. Did you know that the talented crew at Remodelista have started a new blog - Gardenista??? For the landscaped challenged like me, this is a God send! 

2. Nike app for iPhone. Map your runs, track your progress! 

3. No. 6 clogs.  My most fashinable girlfriend has been telling me about these shoes for months. I finally got this peep-toe pair below and LOVE them! So comfortable and the perfect mid-heel.  Incidentally, I have never received more shoe compliments! Someone even took my picture the other day (sadly, no, it was not The Sartorialist, but I will keep hoping). 

4. Fran's Salted Caramels. I am a severe chocoholic, but have recently decided I needed to cut back (is there an anon for that?) Now, when I do give myself a treat of chocolate it has to be the best most intense chocolate experience possible. While I have known and loved the Seattle based Fran's for years, I only recently discovered the lightly salted dark chocolate caramels. They are the perfect quick fix to my chocolate cravings and they ship in two days.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! 

Taking the Mystique Out of Selecting Wine

Selecting wine is not easy. I find that I usually rely on the staff recommendations at the grocery store or else I go with one of my standby favorites. When I want to try something different however, or I'm looking for a pairing with a particular dish or perhaps need something special to give as a gift, I'm usually stumped. 

Luckily for me (and now everyone else!) I've been able to call on my friend Elizabeth to help me pick a superb wine even when I'm just looking for an 'everyday' type of thing.

I'd like to introduce you to a new wine resource  ~ Elizabeth's List ~ a weekly offering of personal favorites chosen by someone well versed in the Northern California boutique wine community. Consider her like a girlfriend you can trust who truly knows wine and the winemakers behind them.

Let me first say that Elizabeth is not only my dear friend, Tuesday morning running partner, mother of three, Southern Belle and all around terrific peron, but she reeeaaallly knows wine.  I often call her from the store saying something like, "What should I get that goes with chicken strips?" or "We're grilling steaks, what's your recommendation?" and she always gets it right.

In her own words...

How did Elizabeth's List come about?

I have been in the wine business for 3 years selling boutique, small production wines to restaurants and wine bars in Marin and Sonoma County.  When I travel and go back east to see friends and family in the summer people were always asking about the wines that I was drinking, what the trends were.... how they could purchase some of these wines.  After two years of this I asked a wine sales web company who I worked with, Porthos, about doing my own web sales company.  They asked me to work with them...Elizabeth's List was then created.  

How does your relationship with Porthos benefit Elizabeth's List?

 

Porthos has been in business for 10 years and are first class.  They are the wine concierge for Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report and highly regarded in the wine community.  They taste over 10,000 wines a year.  So I have access to the small production farm to table wines that are so popular right now and then have access to all of their wines too....domestic and imports.  It is the best of the best.
No minimum order.  Porthos handles all the shipping, which is free on 6 or more bottles to anywhere in the US.  Tasting notes come with the wine as well as pairing recommendations.
Elizabeth's List offers a wine selection each week or two.  I feature a wine and tell a bit about the program.  Clicking the link to purchase takes you to check out.  Very easy and Porthos is super professional.

How do you select wines for Elizabeth's List?

I choose a wine by the following..... one that I have tasted and love, like the wine program and people, see that the wine is getting good press ( and agree with it), and from what great restaurants and wine bars are pouring  across the country.  

How can we find you and sign up for your weekly Elizabeth's List offers?

To sign up for my offers go to www.ElizabethsList.com  or e mail me at elizabeth@elizabethslist.com

A snippet of what a typical weekly offering delivered to your email (no cost) might look like... 

Happy weekend! I hope it invloves something nice to sip. A votre sante!

next to a rock, inside an apple there is a pearl

Rockefeller Center

Up until a few days ago I was unaware that my expectations of having a completely positive hotel experience in nyc were extremely low.  I am what you'd call a hotel snob. I would rather stay home than go just about anywhere and stay in a not-so-great hotel. What I realized a few days ago, was that it really never occurred to me that somewhere, if I looked hard enough, there existed a hotel that possessed my two basic requirements (1. well kept - as in really clean and not shabby or rundown and 2. super quiet)  plus a slew of non-essential, but highly appreciated extras all at a not exorbitant rate.  That is, until I found a little pearl...

This may be my best nyc discovery ever.

The Pearl Hotel 

233 WEST 49TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10019 | TEL: 800-801-3457 OR 212-245-4000

I had never heard of The Pearl Hotel, which opened in Oct 2010 until I happened upon it on Expedia, which offered a rate of $175/night and included wifi, continental breakfast, daily wine reception (never went to it, so I have no details).  The reviews on Tripadvisor, Expedia, Google, etc were all excellent, so I thought I'd try it.

I checked in, and was immediately upgraded. Without asking. I shit you not.

photo from website

When I saw my room was on the 3rd floor, I asked if it faced the street (incidentally, I always prefer and request rooms in nyc that face brick walls or are so close to another building you could reach out and touch it.  It means they're quiet!  A view from a nyc hotel room is a total waste on me. Hawaii is another story.) The friendly front desk receptionist explained that they use a special 'sound proof glass' so even if there was noise outside my window I probably wouldn't hear it.  Sound proof glass?  Ha! Right! If there were such a thing, why wouldn't fancier hotels that rhyme with 'Alice' where I normally stay install them, at least on their lower floors???

The first thing I do when I check into any hotel is open the windows.  Judge away!  As I opened the incredibly heavy window, the street sounds came barrelling in as quickly as the blast of cold air.  I closed the window. Silence. I opened it again. Honking, sirens, etc. Sound proof glass is a beautiful thing.

Are you noticing the cleanliness? 

Carrera marble countertop on the bar area.  Fridge below and microwave above. Keurig coffee maker and to-go cups.  

photo from website

Many of the rooms have patios. I don't mean balconies, but full on lounge-chair-equipped-have-a-little-party-outside kind of patio.  

Nice big full-length mirror.

The bathroom was awesome! Spacious shower and standard size tub, the shower had an overhead faucet.  There was also a tv in the bathroom that faced the shower and tub.


Yes, those are Philosophy bath products!!!

photo from the website

There is a fitness room too.

I was in nyc to attend the Gift Fair, so as I was delighted to find out that the shuttle to the Javitts Center picks up at the Marriott Marquis only 3 blocks away.  

Another great surprise about this hotel is that it is directly across the street from the theatre where Book of Mormon is playing.  Tickets for this show are booked a year out.  Every day they offer 22 front row seats for that night's performance.  You just have to show up and put your name in a box and they will draw the winners 15 mins before the show.  The crowd I saw out front was at least 100 people.  I wished I had time to see a show and this one would have been my first choice.  

For more info on The Pearl Hotel, click here.

As far as the Gift Fair, I found some great new vendors for the shop and for client projects.  I posted a few finds on our FarmHouseUrban Facebook page.  Please find us on Facebook (button is on the right side of the blog) and like us to see the behind the scenes stuff!

cool things

I'm on the train from DC to NYC, finishing this post. It's the first time I've had internet access since Thurs! I've just spent a few days with my darling grandparents at their home in McLean, VA where there is no wifi, salt or oil of any kind. If you happen to have an ache or pain, however, they've got you covered. So lucky to have them still...

Whenever I find something that makes my life easier, cleaner, or is delicious, creative or a great product or is even just an ok product, but the packaging is awesome, I like to share it.  I've got a sweet little list of things I think are cool that has been stacking up as of late. I hope you enjoy them too!

1. Apps. I recently found two apps that I adore.  They are perfect for the foodie and/or traveller.  The first is 'Chef's Feed' which lists the favorite dishes of the best chef's in top US cities and the restaurants that serve them.  The cities include; Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, NYC, Philadelphia, SF, Seattle and Washington DC.  To get Chef's Feed, click here.  It's free!

A page from the San Francisco chef list.

The second app is a city guide from Gweneth Paltrow's newsletter goop. What I especially like about it, is that it maps all of her favorite picks - restaurants, home decor stores, 24-hour pharmacies, yoga centers, etc so that you can see what's nearby where ever you happen to be.  The app just came out in Dec 2011 so, the only city guide offered currently is NYC, but it looks like she will be adding London and LA soon. To get the goop app, click here.

2. Harry & David. During the holidays, we received a gift box from Harry & David. Having ordered from them several times, I think this was the first time we were recipients. When the box arrived, I was fully expecting their signature Riviera Pears, which would have been excellent, but instead it was an entire box of sweet treats!!!  

 

The packaging had me at hello. The sturdy box protected each individually wrapped treasure from crumbling or breaking. My favorite was the lemon poppyseed cake.  

Harry & David is located in Medford, OR.  They deliver a high quality product, packaged to perfection and I can't recommend them highly enough.  

3. Plastic Emeco chair. I was looking for a hard-working chair for a breakfast nook/kitchen project I'm working on and wanted to show my client the iconic and perennially cool 1008 Navy chair which first made it's appearance in 1944. When I went to the website I discovered a new version that I think is just brilliant....

In 2006 Coca-Cola approached Emeco to collaborate on a project to create a new version of the 1008 Navy chair made entirely out of plastic recycled Coke bottles. To be exact -111 recycled bottles per chair.  In May of 2010 they became available to purchase.

The company's commitment to providing long lasting products still holds true. The new 111 Navy Chair is available in six colors: Red, Snow, Flint Gray, Grass Green, Persimmon and Charcoal.  Snow, Flint and Red can be used outdoors.

To find out where 111 Navy Chairs are sold click here.

vitamin i

For those of us whose job requires creativity as well as those who appreciate being surrounded by beauty, we all need regular doses of inspiration to keep the juices flowing.  A shot in the arm of something beautiful whether it be a swatch of fabric, a meaningful story, or a pretty photo just makes us feel better. 

I thought a good way to start off the week is to share what has given me inspiration in the last few days - my 'vitamin i' - so to speak! I hope they inspire you too...

I've had this photo for a really long time and don't have any recollection of where it came from.  If you do, please do tell!  It's so fairytale-like isn't it? A reminder to look for opportunities to be whimsical in design and in life.

I'm going to nyc in a week and just started to think about what to pack. Last January when I went, I did not pack my Wellies thinking they would be too un-chic for nyc and I so regretted it! It snowed and the puddles at the curbs were like a foot deep.  I found this photo after I got back and saved it to remind me of how cute (and yes, chic) they can be and how everyone wore them with thick leggings and parkas. I realize it won't be snowy by next week, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't giddy about the cold weather outfit options!  

This is - ok brace yourself - pear, almond and chocolate cake!  Sin on a plate I tell you. I discovered this recipe and this gorgeous blog Honey and Jam recently and am hooked on the recipes and the amazing photography.  My own food photos are usually pretty bad, hard as I try to improve, so my appreciation for good food photography is quite high. This blog doesn't disappoint and has great props too!!  Do me a favor and don't read her "About" page until after you've looked through her blog. You won't believe how old she is!

Does anyone else get the Flor catalog? I've been getting it for years, although I don't usually pay much attention to it until something on the cover recently caught my eye. When I opened it, I was quite literally "Flor-ed".  The styling is superb.  Made me actually want to buy those carpet squares for a second! To get inspired, click here to see their online catalog.

Have a wonderful Monday, and as I tell my kids every morning 'be your best self', and of course, don't forget to take your vitamins!

A few new loves

In an attempt to post more frequently, I'm going to try to be less wordy...

Some things I've been lovin lately and thought you might too...

1. Garden & Gun 

I cannot believe I forgot to tell you about my most amazing discovery during our Southern States vacation!! Named after a 70's era nightclub in South Carolina- the South's equivalent of Studio 54 - Garden & Gun magazine is about the new South - food, art, design, people. The writing is darn good. and you thought I was going to say I'm into horticulture and firearms... Check out their blogs too - awesome.

 for the full article click here.

 for the full article click here.

2. Penguin Water Carbonation Device

We drink a lot of sparkling water (or bubbly as we call it).  Let's just say our carbon(ated) footprint was shameful until we discovered this incredible gizmo.  It allows you to carbonate your own water - adding just as much or as little fizz as you want - then storing it in lovely glass bottles.  They come with one CO2 canister that makes 60 bottles of water.  When it's empty, return it and get the replacement at half the cost of a new one.  We got ours here, but the canisters can also be purchased/exchanged at Crate & Barrel (prob other places too). Williams Sonoma sells flavors to add to the water so you can create your own custom beverage. Personally, I think it tastes best straight up with a twist.

3. Branda 

I recently received an email from two sisters in Argentina who knit beautiful accessories. They are chic yet have that homespun one-of-a-kind feel.  I think I might have to have this poncho.

and maybe these cotton cuffs..

and maybe this merino wool hat...

You can find Branda here.

4. Industrial Parsons Desk

West Elm's newest version of their iconic Parson's Desk. Metal. No words.

More info click here.

Simply Beautiful Rugs

While I was in New York last week, I had an opportunity to visit and tour the Manhattan showroom of Elizabeth Eakins Rugs. It was by far, the best take away of the trip. Are you familiar with these gorgeous rugs? I wasn't - or so I thought. I was just cleaning out my magazine stash yesterday and the first magazine I opened - a 2008 House Beautiful - had an Elizabeth Eakins rug in one of the featured homes!

The rugs come in five different material options to choose from.  All of them are handmade, some of which are woven in their Connecticut studio. Budget, amount of use, and personal preference are the deciding factors.

 

Below are from the "Weft Woven" line made of all wool.  The collection offers 80 color choices and approximately 10 pattern options.  They can be combined in any way you wish, or just in a single pattern and color. These have a slight roughness in texture, but less than a Seagrass or Sisal rug. They work well pulled tight in a wall-to-wall carpet. The samples that are laid out flat on the ledge show some of the 10 patterns offered.

Above and below are samples from the "Wool Wovens" collection. These rugs are fully customizable.

The runner below is from the "Teff Collection" and is one of my favorites. It would be fantastic as a runner and would add just the right amount of softness to a modern home. This collection is made of wool and linen and is incredibly soft.  

More samples from the Wool and Linen Collection.  Aren't they gorgeous?

Below are runners from the Cotton line.  These are great rugs for areas with less foot traffic like guest rooms, or second homes. They sure say Beach House to me!  

The top-of-the-line collection is the "Hand Hooked".  The skies the limit with size, color and pattern!

Rugs are a great starting point when designing a room. They also buffer sound and noise. My own personal preference is for muted colors and subtle patterns.  To further inspire, here are some photos from homes that have Elizabeth Eakins rugs...

photo via Stylelinx

 

above two photos via House Beautiful - Designer David Mitchell

photo via House Beautiful - Designer Joe Nye

dining room of actress Candace Bergen

Elizabeth Eakins runner in a Hampton's beach house.  Photo via Architectural Digest

Photo via Architectural Digest - Designer Victoria Hagan

photo via Country Living

For more information about Elizabeth Eakins rugs click here.

great books

One of the best things about a vacation is all the time you get to spend reading.  It's always nice when the reading material that you've given up precious space in your carry-on to take is exceptional. Such was the case on our recent vacation to Cabo. 

Has anyone read "Homer & Langley" by E.L. Doctrow?  It's a vividly detailed story about two brothers born at the turn of the century in New York City.  The book's third character is the 5th Avenue mansion they live in and how it (and they) goes from the the epitome of aristocratic wealth and prestige to a dilapidated and derelict condition.  The odd cast of characters that come and go from this house is what keeps it upbeat and even occasionally funny.

I also adored "Little Bee" by Chris Cleave.  If you enjoy books with strong women protagonists, this book is for you.  The back cover requests that details about the plot not be shared... So I'll honor that, but will give you just a brief snippet to decide if it's of interest.  Two disparate women find themselves in a horrifying and life altering situation together and what happens to each afterwards.

The magazines were great too if they're still on the news stand you should pick them up. I keep thinking about the Vera Wang article in Harper's Bazaar.  She is such an inspiration and at 61(!) she looks fantastic!  Heard her interviewed on CNN on Friday after the Royal Wedding to weigh in on the wedding dress. Really interesting and insightful.  She said Kate was making a statement that she is more about elegance than being fashion forward. Wasn't she just stunning?  I am rambling now...

I need a new book!  Any recommendations?

 

Spring is Finally Here

Here is the 'guest' post my daughter did a couple of weeks ago that had some technical difficulties.  We figured them out, so I'm republishing.  What a perfect day, given the images she selected.  Happy Easter!

Yesterday while grocery shopping, I picked up a few bunches of daffodils for the kitchen table.  When my daughter Lily came home from school and was eating her snack she commented how the color yellow is so spring-y and such a happy color and maybe I should do a blog post about the color yellow - she would even help me :)  I don't choose yellow very often in design, clothes, etc, but sometimes seeing something through another person's eyes allows you to see it differently.

Anyway, I left to go pick up my son from Rugby practice and when I came home my daughter (age 12) had made a Word Document 'Blog Post' for me.  It's so sweet and cheery, I'm posting it verbatim.  I hope it brightens your day!

Spring is Finally Here

              

 

             

 

                         

 

               

 

         

 

                

 

               

                

 

 

 

 

 

 "O thou with dewy locks, who lookest down

Thro' the clear windows of the morning, turn
Thine angel eyes upon our western isle,
Which in full choir hails thy approach, O Spring!

The hills tell each other, and the listening
Valleys hear; all our longing eyes are turned
Up to thy bright pavilions: issue forth,
And let thy holy feet visit our clime.

Come o'er the eastern hills, and let our winds
Kiss thy perfumed garments; let us taste
Thy morn and evening breath; scatter thy pearls
Upon our love-sick land that mourns for thee.

O deck her forth with thy fair fingers; pour
Thy soft kisses on her bosom; and put
Thy golden crown upon her languished head,
Whose modest tresses were bound up for thee."

   -By William Blake

I got inspired to do this post on my mom's blog when she brought home some beautiful yellow flowers. These are a few pictures I picked out, that to me represented Spring.

                                                                 Lily