CopyStrands

Lovely Outdoor Living

2013-03-15T13:16:00.002-07:00

Lounge chairs, twinkle lights, fire bowls, what more could you want when hanging outdoors on your patio? Living outdoors is a Be Green do! And Restoration Hardware just released their dreamy outdoor catalog and I want to climb inside the pages and hang out!

Photos: Restoration Hardware

Sunshine Bound...

2013-03-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Vacation here I come. The Hubs and I are SPG members and we had points to use before they expired. So The Hubs booked a warm weather destination. I'm headed out today to go play in the sun. Time to dry out and soak up some rays. Here is a glimpse of our vacation plans:

We will lounge next to this crystal pool:

We will play here:

And we will shop here:

Sunshine here I come!

Photos: Mission Hills

Dream Picnic...

2013-02-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

This spring and summer I plan to go on more picnics. We live near the best park in Seattle where people picnic all the time with a view of the Space Needle. And then I saw this photo on Pinterest and got inspired:

Isn't it lovely?

Photo: Pinterest

Spring Sandal Love...

2013-02-27T14:58:00.003-08:00

Aren't you excited for spring? It's right around the corner. Here are some cute sandals to get you excited for warmer weather. I recently bought my first pair of wedges (pictured in the last photo) and I love them!

Photos: Nordstrom

P.S. They are having a shoe clearance sale!

Brilliant YA Books

2013-02-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of these books? Where were these books when I was growing up? "Miss Pell Never Misspells" is chock full of memory tricks from grammar to math, "Thirty Days Has September" offers cool ways to remember stuff, and "The Girls' Book How to Be the Best at Everything" is a lifestyle manual for girl's who are coming of age. Brilliant!

P.S. There is also the Girls' Book of Glamour. The Daring and Double Daring Book for Girls. The Boys' Book How to Be the Best at Everything. The Boy's Book of Survival. The Dangerous Book for Boys.

Photos: Library

Be Green: Reclaimed Goodness

2013-02-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Anthropologie of gardening, Terrain, has done it again. With another store open in Westport, CT, I can't wait to see it this summer when I am in the area for a friend's wedding. Love the reclaimed board swing, WWII-era Army surplus canvas bag, and cherry wood bicycle crate with cup holder. Summer can't come soon enough!

Photos: Terrain

Love a Classic: The Music Man

2013-02-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

"You watch your phraseology!" Meredith Willson's, The Music Man at The 5th Avenue Theatre features every classic line and song from the entertaining musical set in Iowa. In case you've been living under a rock the show stars a traveling salesman named Harold Hill who arrives in River City, Iowa in the summer of 1912 with the intent to scam the local people. Highlights of the show include Laura Kenny who plays a very funny Mrs. Shinn (pictured above in green), Laura Griffith who plays Marian Paroo sings like an angel, and Noah Racey who plays Harold Hill dances so light on his feet in the library scene that that scene stole the show! (Both pictured in first photo.)

Overheard in the seats: "I thought the start was slow, but the ensemble is incredible."

Favorite scene: The library scene, so entertaining!

Get your tickets to The 5th Avenue Theatre's The Music Man.

The show runs through Sunday, March 10. One intermission. Rated: PG.

Photos: Mark Kitaoka

Disclosure: As is common in the media industry, the writer was provided with complimentary press tickets for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, CopyStrands believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

Cool Cabin Designs

2013-02-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

Someday when I have a vacation home I will be inspired by these rad designs. I adore floor to ceiling glass, a clever bedroom design, an outdoor pool, vertical cubby walls, scenic picture windows, and floor to ceiling cozy fireplaces...

Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5

The Prettiest Travel Swimsuit

2013-01-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

Are you going anywhere warm this winter season? I'm going on a few tropical trips this year and I ordered the most beautiful navy lace swimsuit to join me on my travels. These gorgeous pieces are from Lilibon Swimwear. And the suits come zipped tight in a waterproof pouch. Brilliant!

Photos: Lilibon Swimwear

Seattle Has Norovirus

2013-01-29T17:28:00.002-08:00

You have a choice. First choice, to be uninformed and sorry later. Second choice, to be informed and prepared for what is hitting people all over the United States. It's called the Norovirus. And it's in Seattle.

I now know this virus firsthand. I am officially done with eating out during the winter time. This past Sunday I was with two others and we all ate lunch at a restaurant in Bellevue, WA. The next day, within hours of one another, we were all suffering with the repercussions of Norovirus. We caught the Norovirus from contaminated food. The Hubs called the offending restaurant to tell them they might want to find out who is sick in their kitchen. And instead...the Hubs was asked if he was "trying to get something for free." What!!! No, offending restaurant, he was trying to warn you that something is wrong in your kitchen and you might want to fix it (and you're lucky I'm not calling you out by the name of your restaurant right now)! Obviously someone went to work sick, didn't wash their hands, planted germs in the kitchen, and then delivered the germs to three innocent people via hot food. It is the worst virus EVER.

If you don't know what the Norovirus is listen up:

1. It hits you fast and symptoms vary! It is worse than the flu, it is worse than food poisoning, and you will spend your entire time hovering over and on a toilet. I vomited every 20 minutes for six hours straight. I was so dehydrated I thought I was dying. I couldn't even keep water down so I sucked on ice chips. And for the next two days I had a horrible fever while my GI tract made awful gurgling noises. By day three I was afraid to EVER eat again but after sleeping most the day I now feel much better the only thing I can keep down is applesauce and Saltine crackers and water. The other two infected with the same virus reported that they vomited about every hour and suffered with diarrhea at the same time, both are recovering as I type this. The Norovirus will last between two and three days and it will only attack your stomach / GI tract. Not your respiratory tract (like with the flu). You will vomit so much that you will lose weight. One of us lost six pounds from vomiting.

2. The Norovirus is HIGHLY contagious. The only thing that will kill the virus is BLEACH. Not hot water, not soap, not hand sanitizers. ONLY BLEACH. The Hubs scrubbed our WHOLE house with bleach and bleached all our linens in the house. Fingers crossed he doesn't catch the Norovirus too. You are contagious before symptoms arrive and up to three days AFTER symptoms disappear. Which means if you get sick with the Norovirus you MUST quarantine yourself for at least three to five days and do not cook for others for at least a week from when symptoms start. Even this Pinterest feed shows that the Norovirus can live on plastic bags up to a week! Eww!

3. You can catch Norovirus again in your lifetime and you can die from the Norovirus. A few people in the Seattle area have already died from the Norovirus. Be sure if you catch it that you drink water as soon as you possibly can to replenish your system. Ice chips are your friend in this situation. And start slow when re-introducing liquids, you'll thank me later. And don't think you are immune to it once you've had it. There are many strains of this dangerous virus just waiting to invade your system.

P.S. You can thank Sydney, Australia for giving the virus to the United States. It is nasty and a I would not wish it on ANYONE. If you don't believe me here is a video of Dr. Sanjay Gupta talking about how dangerous the Norovirus is just yesterday on CNN.

Have you been infected with this awful virus? Please help others with your tips in the comments.

And a HUGE thank you to The Hubs for taking care of me while I was in my own personal hell.

Photo: Pinterest

Olympian Galen Rupp at UW

2013-01-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

I watched 2012 Olympic silver medalist, Galen Rupp run a 3:57.15 mile around the Dempsey indoor track at the University of Washington this past weekend (Jan. 2013). Wow! After the race he hung out with his coach, Alberto Salazar.

Remember when I watched 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, Shalane Flanagan and 2007 World Championship bronze medalist, Kara Goucher run at Dempsey in 2011?

In other track news, remember this name: Mary Cain. This high school junior from Bronxville High School in New York has been breaking high school records left and right. She won the women's 3000-meter race at Dempsey Field this past weekend in 9:02.10. Double wow!

Photos: CopyStrands

"Six to Eight Black Men"

2012-12-19T13:25:00.001-08:00

The funniest holiday story I have ever read is titled: "Six to Eight Black Men" by David Sedaris. The story highlights how Christmas is celebrated in the Netherlands. I have mentioned this story before. The Hubs and I over the years have read this story to family and friends. Now it's your turn to curl up on the sofa with your family and friends this holiday season and read this hysterical story by David Sedaris:

Six to Eight Black Men
By David Sedaris

"I've never been much for guidebooks, so when trying to get my bearings in some strange American city, I normally start by asking the cabdriver or hotel clerk some silly question regarding the latest census figures. I say 'silly' because I don't really care how many people live in Olympia, Washington, or Columbus, Ohio. They're nice enough places, but the numbers mean nothing to me. My second question might have to do with the average annual rainfall, which, again, doesn't tell me anything about the people who have chosen to call this place home.

What really interests me are the local gun laws. Can I carry a concealed weapon, and if so, under what circumstances? What's the waiting period for a tommy gun? Could I buy a Glock 7 if I were recently divorced or fired from my job? I've learned from experience that it's best to lead into this subject as delicately as possible, especially if you and the local citizen are alone and enclosed in a relatively small area. Bide your time, though, and you can walk away with some excellent stories. I've heard, for example, that the blind can legally hunt in both Texas and Michigan. In Texas they must be accompanied by a sighted companion, but I heard that in Michigan they're allowed to go it alone, which raises the question: How do they find whatever it is they just shot? In addition to that, how do they get it home? Are the Michigan blind allowed to drive as well? I ask about guns not because I want one of my own but because the answers vary so widely from state to state. In a country that's become increasingly homogenous, I'm reassured by these last charming touches of regionalism.

Firearms aren't really an issue in Europe, so when traveling abroad, my first question usually relates to barnyard animals. "What do your roosters say?" is a good icebreaker, as every country has its own unique interpretation. In Germany, where dogs bark "vow vow" and both the frog and the duck say "quack," the rooster greets the dawn with a hearty "kik-a-riki." Greek roosters crow "kiri-a-kee," and in France they scream "coco-rico," which sounds like one of those horrible premixed cocktails with a pirate on the label. When told that an American rooster says "cock-a-doodle-doo," my hosts look at me with disbelief and pity.

"When do you open your Christmas presents?" is another good conversation starter, as I think it explains a lot about national character. People who traditionally open gifts on Christmas Eve seem a bit more pious and family-oriented than those who wait until Christmas morning. They go to mass, open presents, eat a late meal, return to church the following morning, and devote the rest of the day to eating another big meal. Gifts are generally reserved for children, and the parents tend not to go overboard. It's nothing I'd want for myself, but I suppose it's fine for those who prefer food and family to things of real value.

In France and Germany gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve, while in the Netherlands the children open their presents on December 5, in celebration of St. Nicholas Day. It sounded sort of quaint until I spoke to a man named Oscar, who filled me in on a few of the details as we walked from my hotel to the Amsterdam train station.

Unlike the jolly, obese American Santa, Saint Nicholas is painfully thin and dresses not unlike the pope, topping his robes with a tall hat resembling an embroidered tea cozy. The outfit, I was told, is a carryover from his former career, when he served as the bishop of Turkey.
"I'm sorry," I said, "but could you repeat that?"

One doesn't want to be too much of a cultural chauvinist, but this seemed completely wrong to me. For starters, Santa didn't used to do anything. He's not retired, and, more important, he has nothing to do with Turkey. It's too dangerous there, and the people wouldn't appreciate him. When asked how he got from Turkey to the North Pole, Oscar told me with complete conviction that Saint Nicholas currently resides in Spain, which again is simply not true. Though he could probably live wherever he wanted, Santa chose the North Pole specifically because it is harsh and isolated. No one can spy on him, and he doesn't have to worry about people coming to the door. Anyone can come to the door in Spain, and in that outfit he'd most certainly be recognized. On top of that, aside from a few pleasantries, Santa doesn't speak Spanish. "Hello. How are you? Can I get you some candy?" Fine. He knows enough to get by, but he's not fluent and he certainly doesn't eat tapas.

While our Santa flies in on a sled, the Dutch version arrives by boat and then transfers to a white horse. The event is televised, and great crowds gather at the waterfront to greet him. I'm not sure if there's a set date, but he generally docks in late November and spends a few weeks hanging out and asking people what they want.

"Is it just him alone?" I asked. "Or does he come with some backup?"

Oscar's English was close to perfect, but he seemed thrown by a term normally reserved for police reinforcement.

"Helpers," I said. "Does he have any elves?"

Maybe I'm overly sensitive, but I couldn't help but feel personally insulted when Oscar denounced the very idea as grotesque and unrealistic. "Elves," he said. "They are just so silly."

The words 'silly' and 'unrealistic' were redefined when I learned that Saint Nicholas travels with what was consistently described as "six to eight black men." I asked several Dutch people to narrow it down, but none of them could give me an exact number. It was always "six to eight," which seems strange, seeing as they've had hundreds of years to get an accurate head count.

The six to eight black men were characterized as personal slaves until the mid-1950s, when the political climate changed and it was decided that instead of being slaves they were just good friends. I think history has proved that something usually comes between slavery and friendship, a period of time marked not by cookies and quiet hours beside the fire but by bloodshed and mutual hostility. They have such violence in the Netherlands, but rather than duking it out amongst themselves, Santa and his former slaves decided to take it out on the public. In the early years if a child was naughty, Saint Nicholas and the six to eight black men would beat him with what Oscar described as "the small branch of a tree."

"A switch?"

"Yes," he said. "That's it. They'd kick him and beat him with a switch. Then if the youngster was really bad, they'd put him in a sack and take him back to Spain."

"Saint Nicholas would kick you?"

"Well, not anymore," Oscar said. "Now he just pretends to kick you."

He considered this to be progressive, but in a way I think it's almost more perverse than the original punishment. "I'm going to hurt you, but not really." How many times have we fallen for that line? The fake slap invariably makes contact, adding the elements of shock and betrayal to what had previously been plain old-fashioned fear. What kind of a Santa spends his time pretending to kick people before stuffing them into a canvas sack? Then, of course, you've got the six to eight former slaves who could potentially go off at any moment. This, I think, is the greatest difference between us and the Dutch. While a certain segment of our population might be perfectly happy with the arrangement, if you told the average white American that six to eight nameless black men would be sneaking into his house in the middle of the night, he would barricade the doors and arm himself with whatever he could get his hands on.

"Six to eight, did you say?"

In the years before central heating, Dutch children would leave their shoes by the fireplace, the promise being that unless they planned to beat you, kick you, or stuff you into a sack, Saint Nicholas and the six to eight black men would fill your clogs with presents. Aside from the threats of violence and kidnapping, it's not much different than hanging your stockings from the mantel. Now that so few people actually have a working fireplace, Dutch children are instructed to leave their shoes beside the radiator, furnace, or space heater. Saint Nicholas and the six to eight black men arrive on horses, which jump from the yard onto the roof. At this point I guess they either jump back down and use the door or stay put and vaporize through the pipes and electrical cords. Oscar wasn't too clear about the particulars, but really, who can blame him? We have the same problem with our Santa. He's supposed to use the chimney, but if you don't have one, he still manages to get in. It's best not to think about it too hard.

While eight flying reindeer are a hard pill to swallow, our Christmas story remains relatively dull. Santa lives with his wife in a remote polar village and spends one night a year traveling around the world. If you're bad, he leaves you coal. If you're good and live in America, he'll give you just about anything you want. We tell our children to be good and send them off to bed, where they lie awake, anticipating their great bounty. A Dutch parent has a decidedly hairier story to relate, telling his children, "Listen, you might want to pack a few of your things together before going to bed. The former bishop of Turkey will be coming tonight along with six to eight black men. They might put some candy in your shoes, they might stuff you into a sack and take you to Spain, or they might just pretend to kick you. We don't know for sure, but we want you to be prepared."

This is the reward for living in the Netherlands. As a child you get to hear this story, and as an adult you get to turn around and repeat it. As an added bonus, the government has thrown in legalized drugs and prostitution - so what's not to love about being Dutch?

Oscar finished his story just as we arrived at the station. He was an amiable guy - very good company - but when he offered to wait until my train arrived I begged off, claiming I had some calls to make. Sitting alone in the vast, vibrant terminal, surrounded by thousands of polite, seemingly interesting Dutch people, I couldn't help but feel second-rate. Yes, the Netherlands was a small country, but it had six to eight black men and a really good bedtime story. Being a fairly competitive person, I felt jealous, then bitter. I was edging toward hostile when I remembered the blind hunter tramping off alone into the Michigan forest. He may bag a deer, or he may happily shoot a camper in the stomach. He may find his way back to the car, or he may wander around for a week or two before stumbling through your back door. We don't know for sure, but in pinning that license to his chest, he inspires the sort of narrative that ultimately makes me proud to be an American."

P.S. You can also listen to David Sedaris read his short story, "Six to Eight Black Men."

P.P.S. Sedaris' book titled: "Holidays on Ice" is a must read. He also shares his adventure working as an elf at the New York City Macy's store, it is h y s t e r i c a l !

Photo: Pinterest

The Story of Husky Claus

2012-12-19T12:42:00.000-08:00

My Hubs surprised me this year with what he called the "Six days of Courtney Christmas." It was a fun idea he had to play "Husky Claus" and surprise me with small gifts one week before Christmas. It was a blast to wake up each morning to a letter! Each day there was a letter rolled up for me on our tree. It would reveal a clue on where to find my gift. Then Husky Claus would tell me: "You never know what Husky Claus will bring next! Woof, woof, woof!" On day three, the letter had a misspelled word, when I told Husky Claus he said: "I think Husky Claus was sauced the day he wrote that, he's Santa's drunk younger brother." LOL! The photos tell the story of my six day adventure (thanks Husky Claus, what a fun game!):

Photos: From my Instagram page.

Our Christmas Cards

2012-12-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Hubs and I have received so many fun comments about our Christmas cards this year. Remember last year's card? Here are some fun comments we've received about this year's card:

1. I L O V E the photo of you holding the Merry Christmas sign! (P.S. When that photo was shot a man in the park asked our photographer, Amanda, what catalog she was shooting for. Amanda said it was not for a catalog it was for our Christmas cards and the man said "yeah, right.") LOL!

2. Loved the photos! Especially the one of the two of you laughing :-)

3. Guess what - we got the best Christmas card ever in the mail! You guys are so fun - I love the shot of you guys laughing :)

4. Got your XMAS card today. I loved your hat and dress Court. You looked like the silent film actress Clara Bow.

5. I liked the clothes.

Photos: Art of Subtlety photography by Amanda Waltman.

Disney World's Fantasyland

2012-11-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

We took a trip to Disney World to visit dear friends (thanks P & BK!) and we got to see the new Fantasyland section (it is on a soft open, construction is still going on). Here are some pics from our Disney adventure at the new Fantasyland wing:

Photos: CopyStrands

Hysterical: Inspecting Carol

2012-11-29T09:06:00.000-08:00

If you go to one holiday show this season, make it this one! Seattle Repertory Theatre has a new slapstick funny show: Inspecting Carol by Daniel Sullivan and the Seattle Repertory Theatre Resident Company; directed by Jerry Manning. The show is set behind the scenes highlighting the struggles of a small theater's annual holiday production of A Christmas Carol. Some hilarious struggles include: Tiny Tim is too big, Scrooge speaks in Spanish, and theatre funding is on hold pending an inspection.

Overheard in the seats: Laughter, laughter, laughter.

Favorite scene: Good things come to those who wait...the end of this show is hilarious! I've never seen the Hubs laugh so hard at a show.

Get your tickets to Seattle Rep's Inspecting Carol!

The show runs through Sunday, December 23.

Run time: Two hours and fifteen minutes with one intermission. Note: Contains mild profanity.

Photo: Chris Bennion

Disclosure: As is common in the media industry, the writer was provided with complimentary press tickets for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, CopyStrands believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

Holiday Gift Guide 2012

2012-11-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

This year, after Greed Thursday (as the Hubs calls it), Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, I couldn't help but think what's next? This Christmas, the Hubs and I are slowing down. We are going to the coast to relax in a beach house and cuddle by the fireside to sip hot cocoa and eat popcorn. Can't wait. Last year's gift guide (2011) was popular with my readers. I've received emails already asking for my guide this year. Here are my picks for the holiday gift giving frenzy. (Please note: I do not receive payments or handouts for any content on my blog. I post out of the love of sharing only.)

Hunter Original Tour Boots ($135): What makes these Hunter Boots special? They are packable! They smash down to fit in your suitcase thanks to a light, flexible sole. Perfect for the jet setter in your life.

iPad Sleeve ($98): A waterproof wax canvas iPad sleeve by Ernest Alexander is made in America and features 6" exterior zipper pocket. Brilliant for techies.

JilRo ($150 and up): Ranging in sizes from 0 to 24, the JilRo brand (sold at Neiman Marcus) designs beautiful dresses for all including curvy women.

Catch All ($42): The Fellowings Everything Catch All by SCAD Alum Elyse Marie Welcher makes a stylish place to stash small things like a wallet, keys, or iPod headphones. Call SCAD in Savannah, GA to order one: 912-525-5180 (as it is not sold on their website). There are three interior colors to choose from.

Clarisonic ($119): Winner of the Allure Magazine Best of Beauty Awards, there is a Clarisonic system for every skin type. The Mia is good for those without major skin problems. Give the gift of beautiful skin.

iPhone5 Case ($40): Practical and useful this iPhone5 wallet case by Hex will be loved by men (and some women). It even has a perfectly positioned hole for the camera. Brilliant!

Classic Derby Car ($70): FAO Schwarz sure knows how to tug at nostalgic hearts. This foot pedaled Classic Derby Car is perfect for kids ages 3 and up (also comes in red). And the Angry Birds Building Set ($30) by K'NEX is a hit with kids ages 5 and up.

All Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker ($249): This slow cooker has a non-stick insert that can also be used on stove tops to brown meat or re-warm pre-made dishes. A one pot wonder! Then surprise the cook in your family with one of my favorite crock pot recipes: Ham and Potatoes, Pulled Pork Tacos, or a Whole Chicken.

Main Photo: ArchitecDecorating

Welcome Beyond Travel

2012-11-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't you love to stay here? It's in France. When I travel I like to stay in places like a local. This site is chock full of boutique-style hotels to make your next trip more fun than staying at just any old hotel. Introducing Welcome Beyond. Where you can book this room...

Photo: Welcome Beyond

Same Kind of Different as Me

2012-11-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Bookworm doesn't do justice to my reading habits. I inhale books, I read more books a year than most people, and my reading tastes are diverse. I guess that makes me a Bookwhale. It's not very often that I come across a book that I devour in just a few sittings. This book touched my heart, made me laugh, made me cry, and I didn't know it existed until now. Do yourself a favor and read "Same Kind of Different as Me." Then read this article. Wow.

What are you reading? If you want to see what I'm reading next, follow me on Good Reads.

P.S. The Book on Books

P.P.S. The Literacy Laboratory (no joke, their van was parked outside on my street last week!)

Photo: CopyStrands

My Grab List

2012-11-12T09:00:00.001-08:00

Have you heard of The Burning House? The idea is to take a picture of the things you would want to take with you if your house was on fire. Most of my valuables are in a fire-proof safe. But intrigued, I decided to snap a photo of what I would take if my house caught fire. What would you take?

Pictured:

My iPhone5 (because I never have the latest in technology!)
A small vase (my grandma's) and miniature owl (my grandpa's)
Polaroids from my travels
A favorite photo of my Hubs
A vintage copy of the book: Hot Cross Buns
The bracelet my Hubs used to propose to me
Great-great grandma's black and white vintage necklace
Grandma's gold small bead necklace
Yellow Helena, Montana map necklace my sister gave me (love it!)
Grandma's vintage "silhouette" necklace
State of Montana necklace (adore)
Vintage high heel shoes (I wonder what woman owned them before me?)
The first doll my papa ever gave me, thanks dad!

Not pictured (but locked in a fire-proof safe): My passport, a cross and rosary my grandpa gave me, my grandma's yogo sapphire and diamond ring, diamond earrings plus vintage pearl necklace my Hubs gave me, and family photos.

Photo: CopyStrands

Chic Cycle Designs

2012-11-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

I'm always keeping an eye out for chic cycle designs. I ride my bike a few days a week and I like to wear skirts and dresses. The new designs by Seattle-based Iva Jean are fab.

Check out the Reveal Skirt and the Two-Way Reflective Vest:

Photos: Iva Jean

Travel Tips: 5 Accessories

2012-11-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

When you go on vacation you don't want to be fussing around. It's a time to relax and feel the sand in your toes. Make your trip easier with these five travel accessories.

Bubi Bottle: A collapsible BPA-free reusable water bottle. Perfect for travel. Stay hydrated!
Grid It: Organize your gadgets (or toiletries)! No more searching for your things.
Shelves-To-Go: Pull out shelves for your suitcase. A favorite of pilots and flight attendants.
JetBag: Transport liquids safely (great for wine bottles) and it's reusable! A Be Green do!
Violight Slim Sonic: A chic travel toothbrush, it offers 22,000 strokes per minute (I ♥ mine).

P.S. 14 clever travel hacks.

Photo: My Modern Met

Boutique Crush: Ruche

2012-11-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the new lookbook for Ruche? It's called En Pointe and it is perfect. It's romantic, athletic, with a touch of travel whimsy. Makes me want to climb into the pages and live there.

Photos: Ruche

Boutique: West Elm Market

2012-10-25T16:06:00.003-07:00

There's a new General Store in town. West Elm Market just opened and I adore everything in the store. Including this throw back fridge (it looks very similar to one my grandparents had). The prices are so affordable a perfect place to shop for holiday gifts this year!

Photos: West Elm Market

From Garage to Home

2012-10-15T17:44:00.003-07:00

Fabre/de Marien, a French architectural firm, converted a 441 square foot double garage into a residence. The result is stunning. What do you think? Could you live in 441 square feet? Sometimes I think it would be fun to sell everything and live in a tiny home. This place would sure be easy to clean!

Photos: Intralld