Heather Bullard

Blog Break

2012-05-11T08:42:06-07:00

Hello Friends! Happy Friday and Mother's Day Weekend! I hope you have something wonderful planned and have time to celebrate with those you love.

I'm going to be taking a little blog break. Not sure for how long. I've been feeling the tug to step away for a bit and think now is a good time. My schedule is really loaded up with several amazing projects, one of which is a wedding book I'm working on and deadlines are looming. And I have 5 shoots lined up in the coming weeks for other projects.

But mostly, I want to unplug. To not be tied to the computer so much. I want to spend what little free time I'll have puttering in the garden, going to the farmers market or flea market, maybe even take in a movie or two. Nothing extravagant, just savoring time at home. Will miss you guys! But I know you're an amazing group of friends who completely understand and know what it's like to need some time to "just be" without any added pressure. xo, H

Grand Summer Tents

2012-05-07T08:10:02-07:00

Image: Anthropologie
If you receive the Anthro catalog you've seen the amazing Altair Tent. I think it's so romantic and exotic looking. I can just picture lavish parties being held in it. I also love the unexpected and simple styling of placing the tent directly in the sea. You almost forget it realistically won't work this way and the hefty price tag. ;)

I found more affordable Canvas Bell Tents for those of us not throwing a big event. If I were to go tent camping this would be my cup of tea.

Images: Soul Pad
I suppose all this daydreaming has to do with my long standing fascination with glamping. Someday I think I'm going to give this a whirl. And I'll be hanging pretty pennant banners across the front. You know...to welcome the bears in style!

Instagramming It

2012-05-04T09:03:20-07:00

Random bits of my daily life through Instagram. (Username is: heatherbullard)
I absolutely LOVE the incredible aquatic displays at Anthropologie right now!
I think my scuba diving husband would also appreciate them. Maybe I'll drag him down there to and find out. Another excuse to go, right?

This charming vine covered brick building was smack dab in the heart of downtown LA. They weren't open and there were no signs...I can't wait to go back and find out more. Those tables and chairs are there for a reason. Any of you recognize it? It's near 3rd st.

My awkward attempt at taking my own photo. I'm much more comfortable behind the lens. I really don't enjoy being reminded of the loosing battle I'm having with my wrinkles.

Gorgeous lilacs at Clementine Floralworks. They're so divine with their heavenly scent. How I wish I could grow them.

I love the vivid color and graphic pattern of the tile at Intelligentsia. It makes me want to take a trip to Marrakesh. Or rip out our bathroom floor.
Whichever is less expensive. ;)

Have a great weekend everyone! xo, H

Field Trip: Jimtown Store

2012-05-02T07:00:00-07:00

Jimtown Store is an old fashion country store and cafe located in the vineyards of Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. They have delicious soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts all created in house from scratch. It's the perfect pit stop while road tripping through California wine country. We love stopping here for a little rest, relaxation and refueling. I especially love their small outdoor patio.

Their iconic 1955 Ford pickup is always parked out front. And their chalkboard menu greets you at the front door announcing their specials for the day.

Along with the full service cafe and deli you can shop their selection of Jimtown Goods, pick up fresh local produce, fun nostalgic toys or a few great cookbooks.

There's plenty for everyone in the family! You can read about the story of Jimtown Store or even better, stop by the next time you're in the area!

Jimtown Store
6706 State Highway 128
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-433-1212

Garden Party Favors

2012-04-30T07:16:28-07:00

Garden season is in full swing and I've been thinking about having a small luncheon out on the back patio. I thought these simple seed packet favors would be nice to send home with my guests. They're very easy to make and budget friendly. Oh, and you all know how much I adore repackaging things! ;-)

Supplies: Your choice of assorted seeds, twine, small wax, paper or glassine bags, adhesive labels, scissors and a pencil or pen.

Cut a small portion of the seed packet label off the top. I think it looks nice to leave a little bit of the photo of the plant too. You can tape or glue the planting instructions to the back of the label.

Slip it into the wax bag, add the seeds and seal. Repeat with the other packets.

Stack your seed packets, wrap several times with the twine and tie a small knot.

Add your label. I chose to name my "summer herbs" since the seeds I chose are used in lots of summer recipes and meals. And once planted, they'll be ready to harvest in the summer.

I also came across these beautiful seed packets which are wonderful just on their own. They're certified organic by Seeds of Change. (I'm planting both of these!)

Resources:
Twine: May Arts
Seed Packets: Lowes
Red Labels: Martha Stewart with Avery
Bags: Purchased at Merci. Here are similar: wax bags, glassine bags and kraft bags.

Friday Favorites

2012-04-27T07:41:08-07:00

Friday came so quick this week! I'm looking forward to spending some time in the garden this weekend. We have radishes popping up along with plenty of weeds. I also want to finish planting around the coop fence. And since we moved my viburnum it's been growing really well...maybe I'll plant another one. I can't help but take a few cuttings whenever I can. Pretty soon it will be a stub if I don't stop. ;)

Here's my Friday Favorites from around the interwebs this week, enjoy!

I love the simplicity of these beautiful gift toppers.
This magical evening....memories of a lifetime.
This family traveled the globe for a year. Amazing.
I'm really into stripes right now. These would be perfect for summer.
My friends passion to build a well for those without water.

How To Use A French Press

2012-04-25T07:09:57-07:00

This post may seem silly to some of you. But I remember when I thought the French Press was a little intimidating. I thought I might ruin the coffee by using the wrong measurements, wrong size of grind, or length of steeping time. So this is for those of you who have always wanted to try using one but haven't. And maybe a reminder to those who have them tucked away in the deepest, darkest corners of your cupboards to pull it out and make yourself the best cup of coffee ever!

1. You will need: French Press, freshly ground coffee, tea kettle to boil water, wooden spoon or skewer, mug and your favorite coffee accoutrements.
Notes on coffee: Freshly ground beans will give you a more flavorful brew. I prefer a dark roast with medium acidity but use your favorite, it will be delicious too. The coffee should be coarsely ground and not finely ground (as in espresso). This will keep it from going through the mesh filter.

2. Begin by heating the water amount needed to almost boiling. (8oz per serving)
3. Use 1-2 tablespoons of freshly ground coffee per serving. I like 2 but this would depend on how strong you like your coffee. Try making it both ways to see which you prefer.

4. Slowly add hot water making sure you saturate all the coffee grounds.
5. Stir a few times with a wooden spoon. Never use metal, it will break the glass.

6. Set the filter lid onto the pot but don't push down.
7. Steep 2-4 minutes depending on the size of pot. Steep 2 minutes for smaller pots and up to 4 for larger ones.
8. Begin plunging the filter straight down. Go slow so coffee doesn't spurt out.

9. Pour yourself a hot steamy cup.

10. Add a little half & half, sugar...whatever makes your coffee sing.

And for you, would that be one lump or two?

Country Living Fair in Austin

2012-04-24T07:21:36-07:00

The Country Living Fair is coming this weekend to Austin, TX! It's not too late to grab your friends and spend a day shopping the amazing vendors, grabbing some serious bbq and seeing all the great venues and guest appearances.

Our Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Gray Miller will be there to sign your favorite Country Living book or magazine.

And Brent Ridge from The Fabulous Beekman Boys will be sharing his adventure of moving from the big city to a small town farm.

And if you still need a little incentive...
Here are the Top Ten Reasons to visit the Country Living Fair!

Instagramming It

2012-04-23T06:51:28-07:00

Here are a few of my Instagram shots from a weekend that went by all too fast! Spring is in full bloom and it makes me want to dig in the dirt.

My sister and I met for a late breakfast. The egg white frittata with tomatos and feta was delicious. And the cappucino was almost gone before the meal arrived. ;-)

I will never grow tired of buying flowers for a shoot. Or for any reason really.

I'm finally getting around to framing some of the antique ephemera I bought at the Paris flea markets. Going through all the lovely papers makes me want to take another trip...pronto! I say we all plan a girlfriends get-away!

PS. My Instagram user name is heatherbullard.

Friday Favorites

2012-04-20T06:29:01-07:00

Happy Friday! Hope you have something fun planned for yourself!
Thought I'd share a few Friday Favorites that caught my eye this week.

Stuck in a blog rut? Here's a great post on generating topics.
This absolutely gorgeous flower arrangement. Stunning.
Have you ever heard of an Irish Sandwich Cake?
Very, very excited about the release of this book.
This family is chasing their dream and moving here.
These wares would be perfect for any farmhouse.