housemartin

Perfect Pitch: Tent Living

With October in full swing and another week of sunshine in the forecast, we’re delighted with everything that makes a long summer so memorable. So much excitement over the return of pumpkins, spiced drinks, and the familiar, evening-smell of wood smoke! Every new season deserves the perfect space in which to enjoy the mood it brings. With so many fun and versatile ideas for tent living out there, we’re dreaming up ways to pitch our own and make the most of a few sturdy sticks and lovely old quilts for the fall.

We love this classic safari tent out at the renowned El Cosmico campground in Marfa, Texas.

 

We're loving these lantern-lit gypsy-chic patchwork tents. More of these floral tent tapestries can be found here and here.

Lace adds a pretty glow to this cozy tent. Design by Rubyellen Bratcher.

These FieldCandy tents makes us want to grab a backpack and a typewriter and go!

Another splendid, woodsy design by FieldCandy.

We think this lovely sketch of Huck Finn's raft fits right in to the wonderful world of tent-living!

(written by Holly at ink & peat)

retreat

I like the idea of taking time early in the year to regroup and be creative. Take a look at this fabulous trip my friend Jewel - owner of Passionflower in Eugene - is organizing. A wonderful creative retreat in Oaxaca - what better way to start the year! Hurry - it is filling up fast!

Natural Christmas with Sibella Court

Doesn't this sound like a blast? Following Sibella Court through the fabulous gardens at Glenmore House in Australia to make an eclectic and natural tablescape? A lovely lunch and picnic made from the garden's bounty is included. What fun! Info is here.

 

visual overload

In about a few days, I am about to embark on my first trip to Italy. I have to say I am overwhelmed by all there is to do in Rome, Tuscany, and Florence. I am pretty convinced that I will want to get up at 5 am evey day just to try and fit it all in! So many churches, old buildings, vistas, hill towns, and the food - dont even get me started on the food. Let's just say that gelato will probably become a staple and thank God for those Spanish Steps! Let me know if anyone has a spot not to miss in any of those locations. Ciao!

(photo of gelato from here)

heartstrings

I am a HUGE fan of Sibella Court. I have poured over her book "etc." more times than I can count - feeling the perfect crispness of the paper, drinking up the sensial colors she chooses, and marveling at her well-curated collections of curio. I snapped up "The Stylists Guide to NYC" only a few weeks before my trip and as per her ususal, discovered you don't really need to be going to NY to enjoy this book. It is a visual feast. If you are going - some of my very favorite plavces are in there all gathered up. Some things are eerie, who knew the chopped salad at Barney's was one of her perennial favs too? NY bound or not you will enjoy this book. And we are so thrilled to get her newest book Nomad to sell at ink & peat in a few months.

whimsy

Maira Kalman is one of my all-time favorite illustrators. Last week I went down to San Francisco for a little break and was thrilled to see that she had a show at the Contemporary Jewish Museum. I can't believe it, but this is the first museum survey of her work. Let's just say, I got weak in the knees upon entering the gallery. Have you ever had that feeling where you appreciated an artist's work so much that when you actually saw a real painting  "in the flesh" you were awe-struck? I almost had to turn away. Anyway if you are in the area, you MUST go (closes Oct. 26). You will laugh and be inspired by her charm and whimsy. Oh, and sense of color.

 

antique heaven

You enter into a meadow with tall grasses and wildflowers. Goats, chickens, and kittens run about. You come to a clearing and notice a collection of the most beautifully displayed antiques...painted wood, silver, white linen. Suddenly a woman in a white ruffled apron whisks by with an enormous silver bowl of frothy whipped cream. No, you are not in a dream...you are at the  Barnhouse flea in Battleground Washington! We had so much fun at the Barnhouse summer flea market last weekend! All of the 20+ vendors outdid themselves with gorgeous displays - you wanted to take EVERYTHING home! The vintage patina on every shelf, table, book, vase, and garment is alway so charming - a whitewashed pearly glow of goodies. I was so fortunate to meet the lovely and talented Heather Bullard - editor of Flea Market Style magazine. And they were serving up the best coconut cake I have ever had. You really can find an excuse to eat cake at 10am when it's THAT GOOD! Let's just say my Honda Element was full on the way home. Thanks Joe and Jermonne (the Barnhouse Boys) for making a beautiful event for everyone to enjoy! (Debbie and Laurie, the lovely ladies of Worthy Goods, have more pics of the event here).

 

 

on the road

I am going to be headed down to the San Francisco Bay Area this weekend. Headed for some sun and family time (yes, it's still 55 degrees and rainy in Portland - hello, Summer, are you there????). Does anyone have any fab new shops or lunch places I should go see in SF or Berkeley? I always love shopping tips! Thanks in advance!

know your abc's

I am not sure how I missed this but at some point this year ABC Home and Carpet in NY launched its online store. Go take a look at all the goodies. Not quite the same as wandering around the actual 8 jillion square foot space in Manhattan, but it will do!

 

wondrous

I love it when my customers give me tips about lovely shops around the world. Several months ago a shopper told me about this lovely one in her city of Chicago - Asrai Garden. There aren't many home and floral lifestyle shops - which I obviously have  a passion for -  so when she told me about it I was excited to see what it was like. Their website doesnt disappoint! A shop full of natural wonders, home deocr, gifts, finerie, and flowers. Owner Elizabeth Cronin has an amazing eye and has been sharing her vision for 11 years. Floral arrangements that are natural, unstructured, and gorgeous. My heart goes pitter pat. If you are ever in Chicago do go by and check out this wondroous place. and get a hand tied bouquet while you are there.