Brown Bag It in Style!
Packing your lunch every day can be good for your wallet but not great for the earth. Have you ever wondered how many plastic sandwich bags get tossed in the trash every day? Over 20 million!!
That is why I heart these reusable sandwich bags from Lunchskins.com. Not only are they good for the planet, they are super cute too. And they come in a variety of sizes, Snack size (perfect for some grapes), sandwich size, and sub size! Check out all the colorful designs. These innovative little baggies are made from the same stuff used in pastry bags and are even dishwasher safe. Think of all the money you’ll save over the years on those little plastic baggies.
You will want to have a couple of these so when one is being washed you have another ready to go. Purchase at www.lunchskins.comor for my friends lucky enough to live in Alexandria stop by Contessa’s Garden at 1906 Mount Vernon Ave.
I also stumble across Rebel Green a company that offers adorable reusable lunch totes. They are made of organic cotton and even include a cotton napkin to further reduce waste. I love the design. And the wrist strap is adorable.
Now does anyone have any suggestions on how I can store my produce? I hate when a recipe calls for half an onion, because then I am using (you guessed it) disposable sandwich bags…
Filed under Things a little bird told me | Comment (0)The Family At Home
I recently spotted this book via Remodelista. The Family At Home by Anita Kaushal is about living in your space and sharing that space with kids as one big happy family. I’ve only seen a few images from the book but it was enough to make me want more! As a design conscious soon to be new mom I would love to have a copy of this book. I wonder if I can get frequent buyer miles at Amazon?
Tell me that doesn’t look fun!
This space is equal parts sophisticated and inviting for any child or adult alike.
I want my own reading nook/bunk bed!
What I love the most is that these rooms are inviting and welcome children into the home without being too precious. If there is one thing I don’t like it is overly “sweet” rooms. So, who wants to come help me re-design my entire home?
Filed under Things a little bird told me | Comment (0)Green Design Doesn’t Always = Good Design
I am usually on board with almost everything posted on one of my favorite blogs, http://www.materialicious.com/ They have great modern design, products, homes, architecture, you name it. But I recently spotted one product that I just think is BAD (and not in the Michael Jackson way.)
The Essent’ial EcoArmchair and EcoPouf are just the type of products that used to jump to my mind when I first heard the term “green design.” It looks like a Home-Ec project gone wrong. Don’t get me wrong, I have grown to embrace and love green design, when done well. I even like the concept, re-using cloth that was originally used to clean printing presses and giving the fabric a new lease on life but the execution is lacking.
I just think it looks frumpy and dumpy. I wonder what Heidi would say if one of the designers on Project Runway put something like this down the runway… perhaps “I am confused and not in a good way…”
What do you think?
Cabin Fever
Like many people in the colder months, I have been hibernating the past few weeks. I can spend days in a row never leaving my apartment! I generally love winter but I have had no get up and go! So whats a girl to do? Look around her apartment and see a million things she wishes she could change of course! Actually, for the most part, I love our place. Maybe its the cold talking or the hours spent staring at the same light fixture but I am desperately in want of some warmth and texture in here! So today I spent a few hours visiting some of my favorite spots online to find some items I am now dreaming of owning, its nice to dream!
Incidentally, everything I have discovered today is textured and wool, must be something in the air… First up, a fabulous light fixture from one of my haunts, Anthropologie. The coiled felt pendant is so pretty, I would hang this just about anywhere. It is so romantic, ethereal, and light, the best part its on sale for $199, I just may splurge on this item!
Next, I came across a great area rug from Designer’s Guild. This hand tufted wool rug is made in New Zealand. I just heart the simplicity of the raised pattern and monochrome scheme. But with a price tag of $1250-$1785, I’d have to think twice about putting this in my home. I have a very bad kitty who has little taste for good design!
And finally, the crowning touch to my new living room makeover is this super cool pillow sent to my by my friend Aliza. This wonderful project is found on Etsy, with complete directions! Now, you would think that someone who is doing nothing but sitting around would have plenty of time to create one of these beauties… We will see.
I would love to hear how you are warming up your home this winter!
Filed under Feather Your Nest | Comment (0)Oh Christmas Tree!
Goodness, I have been very lazy about updating my blog. I suppose with winter on the horizon I have been hibernating a little. But last weekend I went home to Pennsylvania and had the chance to enjoy my first real snowfall of the year (in case you don’t know, I love snow!) and we also got to decorate the house for Christmas.
Home Sweet Home
Christmas is my favorite time of year and I love all the decorations, lights, and fun that surround it. So you can imagine how much I enjoy decorating the tree. Justin and I make an evening of it with hot spiced cider, candle light, and classic Christmas records (records, not MP3 player people). Nothing like Robert Goulet singing “Oh Holy Night” to remind you what the true meaning of Christmas is!
I used to stress about having the “perfect” tree with beautiful ornaments, all coordinated and placed just so, but I never enjoyed decorating the tree. So one year I just started picking up the old Shiny Brites and other ornaments from that era (check out your local thrift shops now). They are so bright and colorful and fun, I really love the history behind them too. I sometimes wonder how many trees they have adorned in the past before becoming part of my home. I joke that my tree is tacky but I really don’t care because it makes me happy.
Finally the best part about our tree is the “shared history” we enjoy when decorating it. Justin has his engraved bear from when he was a child, that sits near the ornament given to us by his parents for our first Christmas as a married couple, and sprinkled in are all the special ones we have bought together on our travels. The tree has become a history of us and every year brings a smile to our faces as we remember our years together. This year was extra special as we lovingly placed ornaments that belonged to my Great-Grandmother (Nana) it was a wonderful time of remembering her. We like to think she was there with us as we hung he beloved ornaments on the tree (no one loved Christmas as much as Nana).
However you decorate your tree, make sure it is a fun time for you and your family!
Filed under My Nest | Comments (4)I Like Pie!
As we near Thanksgiving, food is on the mind of everyone I talk to. Side dishes, turkey and dessert, so much to think about. My Mother-in law makes 5 different kinds of potatoes alone. So who has time to make pie? That is why, this year, I am thankful for Mom’s Apple Pie Company with locations in Occoquan and Leesburg.
A few weeks ago, I wrote about Leesburg Restaurant and the pie I enjoyed there. This sent me on a search to find the pie shop that created the delectable delight. So I may have found the location by accident (don’t ask) but the delicous pumpkin muffin I ate while choosing my holiday pie was a well planned treat!
I am sure the Bourbon Walnut Pie I picked up will make me the most popular girl at the dessert table. I think this could be the start of a beautiful relationship.
I can’t wait to try several other pies, almond amaretto cheese pie, chocolate pecan pie, and sour cherry crumb pie to name a few. While it is too late to order your pies for Thanksgiving, I would pop in and grab anything you can from their case. You will not be disappointed.
I know a woman who gets paid for being an ice cream taster. I wonder if Mom’s Apple Pie Company is looking to hire an expert pie taster…..
MMMMMMMMMMM
Holy Awards Batman!
Last week I posted about my friend Michelle, who you can thank for the new look, by the way (also shout out to Justin for making it work). Well, not to be out done by his wife’s success, her wonderful husband has also been busy animating a super cool short called “The Mouse that Soared.”
Check out the website to see images and the trailer. It really made me want to see the whole thing. I can’t wait for the day when this is available to the masses. Also check out the impressive list of awards this little film has racked up!
Congrats Joe, what amazing talent! I love my Psuedo celebrity friends!
A New Look, Coming Soon!
My super cool, super talented friend Michelle has worked up a new graphic for my website. I can’t wait to see the website with the new fabulousness! Here is a preview for you.
Ooooohhhhh! I can’t wait!
I guess I know what my patient and loving husband will be doing this weekend. Check back soon to see the new look.
By the way, not only is Michelle talented but she is the closest thing I have to a celebrity friend. She has worked on “Veggie Tales”, “Jimmy Neutron”, and recently the amazing “Coraline”. Check out her website and tell her you love my new artwork!
http://www.michellegorski.com/
http://sierrafaylynn.blogspot.com/
Filed under My Nest | Comments (3)Vintage Beauty
I love to hunt out new sources for unique finds. This past weekend we went to visit my Mother-in Law for her birthday but I feel like I got a gift! She introduced me to Divita, located at 2350 N. Reading Road, Denver Pa. This store is a must see!
The owner purchased 15 tons of jewelry out of a warehouse. The shop is chock full of costume jewelry from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. I had so much fun going through every little nook and cranny of the shop and I know I only saw about 20% of the beauties hidden throughout the store.
Not only was it fun to dig through all the treasures in the shop but Anne and Sophie, the ladies running the show are so much fun! My only regret is that I didn’t have more time and money to spend there.
One word of warning, the pricing is not marked on each individual piece (hey what do you expect when there are several tons of jewelry in one place). You gather all of your finds and then head up to the counter for your pricing. Unfortunately, my greed had gotten the best of me and I had to put a few items back (so sad). But hey that is just insurance I will be going back. I left with a bag of fantastic finds for less than $70. In fact not one item I picked up was priced higher than $15. So grab some cash and your Christmas list and head out to Divita. I have a couple of friends I know will be up for a road trip when they hear about this place!
Moving Day!
As many of my friends already know, I am about to become a small business owner (very small 10′ x 10′ to be exact). I am opening a space at the local antique mall. Located right on Mount Vernon Ave in Del Ray, Potomac West Interiors and Antique Gallery will be my new “home.” www.potomacwestantiques.com
Growing up, Mom had an antique business and we always had so much fun spending our weekends with the vendors and shopping. I was the only girl in my graduating class who had a full set of china. So my love of the old and unique runs deep.
With nothing more than the promise of pizza and beer, I managed to drag my husband and three wonderful friends into helping me move into my space.
Moving Day!
There was plenty of heavy lifting, and lots of unwrapping to do. Not glamorous stuff but my good friends stuck with me. When all was said and done, I learned a very important lesson, 10′ x 10′ is much more space than you might think. I need more stuff!
Have a great Weekend!
Filed under My Nest | Comments (7)