I leave you for the weekend with these dreamy images from opart. Artist and photographer, Tim Faichney creates beautiful art with old cameras and a variety of old lenses, some lenses he's even made himself.
Ever since I was little my Dad had a mammoth vegetable garden. No matter what size yard we had, he always managed to make an amazing garden there. He'd spend summer nights with a small radio, listening to the ball game and tending the garden. But a few years ago, he just grew tired of it, and he planted grass where a once freshly tilled garden would wait to be planted with pumpkins, squash and many other veggies. He began asking me to make a smaller garden design for him--one that was more manageable and closer to the house. This year I will surprise him with just that. Coordinating behind his back should prove to be challenging.
WHAT'S SUMMER WITHOUT A TRIP
Making a guest room comfortable is all in the details. The room should be a cozy haven for friends and family. The bed should be as comfy as a cloud with crisp sheets and plenty of pillows. I always put fresh flowers by the bed, along with a bottle of water and a little note. I leave towels and guest soaps in a little basket at the foot of the bed. My most recent addition is this adorable Bird Transferware Dish for the dresser. I love it's vintage design, and it's just the right size for guests to put their accessories just before they hit that cozy cloud. I'd love to hear what you do to make your guests feel at home.
I wanted to make something patriotic looking for my Memorial Day celebrations. I found this Berry Mousse from Tartelette. Doesn't it look scrumptious? I might have to go all out and put tiny little flags on top. Find the recipe here.
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Anais Nin
Whether you're off to the beach, the farmers' market, or a weekend getaway, this handwoven Cotton and Hemp Grain Sack Tote is a stylish way to go. With leather handles and a fully lined interior, it's the perfect companion for any summer jaunt.
This Teacup Chandelier is recycling at its best. Found via Design Milk. Made by Domestic Construction. Happy Friday!
I'm so in love with this Fresh Produce stationery by YeeHaw Industries, which I just found via Etsy's guest curator, Katie Woolsey of Country Living.
Hi Everyone! Well I've finally joined Twitter. Come follow me. Can't wait to see you there.
How much do you really know about where your food comes from? It's easy when you buy local and shop the farmers markets, but if you're heading to the supermarket you might want to watch this trailer from Food Inc. This new documentary takes a close peak at an industry that isn't necessarily looking out for the consumer, the farmer or our environment. It's another reason to learn more about supporting local farmers and how CSA can help you put healthy food on your table.
We went to the Crescent Park Carousel yesterday as part of our Mother's Day celebration. The Crescent Park Carousel is a place filled with smiles, laughter and old-fashioned fun. The carousel, a nationally recognized masterpiece, has been around since 1895. We had three generations of riders there yesterday. It was magical to see my daughter enjoying this gorgeous piece of history, just as I did. In fact, everything about it was magical--from the ocean breeze coming in through the carousel doors, and the sun sparkling on the stained glass windows, to the sounds of the organ playing its cheerful carnival tune. Listed as one of the top ten Carousels in the US, Crescent Park is one of only 15 to still have a brass ring game in operation. My daughter actually got the brass ring and won a free ride. I've ridden it so many times, and I have never caught the brass ring. She talked about it all the way home.
Faithfully restored in the 1970's, the carousel really is an amazing work of art and history. I hope you get to take a ride on it someday.
Dear Mom (pictured on the right),
I hope you get to go fishing this Mother's Day, or dancing, or swimming, or whatever it is that brings you joy. You so deserve to bask in the sunlight and realize all you have accomplished. You've done good. Thank you for being you.
I'm sure you've already heard of The Lettered Cottage. Layla has an impeccable eye for design and a lovely, warm spirit that shines through everything she touches. If you haven't stopped by I highly recommend you go NOW, because she's got a great giveaway of this personalized burlap runner by Coastline. The contest ends at midnight tonight, so skedaddle on over.
It was a lovely gift to learn Farmhouse Wares had been posted about over at Cynthia's Cottage Design. Cynthia wrote about our Glass Milk Bottles, which are definately a favorite of ours too. Cynthia's blog is beautiful. She has an AMAZING way with all things vintage, decorating her home with total charm. Take her little shelf (pictured above). She's made the Damier Red Cherry Bowl, which you can also find at Farmhouse Wares, look like a page out of Country Living. I love it! Speaking of magazines, I'm still mourning the loss of Country Home Magazine, but now I have Cynthia's Cottage Design to turn too. Thank you Cynthia.
I woke up this morning with Richard Avedon on my mind. I have no idea why. I actually met him in Boston while he was touring with his In the American West collection, which is an incredible and powerful collection that you can check out at the Richard Avedon Foundation. He was kind enough to autograph one of his prints, which I gave to my friend, Ana, because she turned me onto him.
The baby chickens have arrived! They are too cute and very friendly (so far). We got Rhode Island Reds and Plymouth Rocks, and we're very much looking forward to our first eggs. They're all cozy in their new coop. I just checked on them, and they were all sleeping under the warmth of the heat lamp. Life is good.
Thank you to Daryl of Vermont Cottage and Joy from On Finding Balance for nominating Farmhouse Musings for the Lemonade Stand Award for great attitude and gratitude.
