Green and Pretty

Teen Idols.

2010-07-27T13:08:00.000-04:00

Who did you listen to at 17?

(Videos: Brand New, Midtown, Saves the Day)

At the Farmers' Fair

2010-07-26T07:33:00.000-04:00

Ethan and I spent the greater part of our weekend at a local farmers' fair. He worked a booth for the company he's landscaping with for the summer. I had a more leisurely role, fetching iced coffee, visiting the cows, and people watching. Farmers' fairs make me really happy even though I still don't quite get the concept of a tractor pull.

I think I was a dairy farmer in another life, or maybe I just secretly want to be one in this life. Regardless, there are a few things I know for sure - I'd much rather hang out with a bunch of cows than sit through an episode of Mad Men, and I get more of a shopper's high in Tractor Supply than I ever have in J. Crew. I should probably be denounced from the design blog world right this instant.

P.S. A few things I learned about cows: they have insanely strong tongues, cannot get enough of our skin's salt, and may on occasion decide to grab hold of dresses. I have a strained hand muscle and slobbery skirt to prove it.

The Daily Vintage

2010-07-19T10:09:00.000-04:00

This jewelry from That Old Blue House is certainly making the world a prettier place! I love the idea of wearing vintage quilts and pieces of lace captured behind glass. The upcycled textiles are my favorites, but That Old Blue House has such a stunning selection of jewelry made with a variety of materials including glass, paper, buttons and more. And there's free shipping until the end of July.

(Images via That Old Blue House)

Ethan Barber Photography

2010-07-16T12:30:00.000-04:00

When I recount our trips in the woods, I tend to focus on the mammals. Face to face moments with them are so fleeting that any one glimpse is worth a mention. Anytime we're able to look into their eyes, in their own homes, and acknowledge that we're face to face with something wild and powerful, soulful and undeniably beautiful is life-changing. Or at the very least, life affirming.

But it's the smaller creatures that truly pepper our experience, and the frogs in particular never fail to make my day. They sit along the banks, occasionally sparring which always ends with deceptively large splashes into the otherwise mellow pond waters. Mostly they seem to chirp at random and with abandon, but when they join their voices together, it's the most delightful treat. Some sound suspiciously like tractor trailer horns, others like lawn equipment. As the little opening in the forest lifts and swells with their voices, I grin with ecstasy and long to stay in that very place forever.

Ethan took most of these photos the other day on his solo trip into the woods. I think that they are so lovely!

The Daily Vintage: Sushipot

2010-07-15T11:18:00.000-04:00

The work of Suzanna Scott makes me so happy that I can't help but flash a broad smile and my head fills up with a jubilant chorus of Yay! How bright, how clever, how utterly adorable. I am in major swoon mode right now, and I don't see the feeling fading anytime soon. Between her original artwork in Sushipot and her vintage collections up for grabs in Sushipot Parts, there's a little something for everyone. Or, a lot of somethings for someone like me. Suzanna has a bright and inspiring blog too. You'll want to get to know her work because it's just the thing to add some pop to your days.

(Images 1 and 3: Sushipot Parts, Images 2 and 4: Sushipot)

Note: For some reason, "Sushipot" is like a tongue-twister for my fingers. If I've mistyped it anywhere in this post, I apologize. I'm slightly embarrassed to admit how many times I typed it only to realized I'd spelled some ridiculous variation of it. Oops.

Interiors via The Design Files

2010-07-14T09:08:00.000-04:00

For some reason, I didn't have The Design Files in my blog reader until just now. I've spent a bit of the morning catching up on homes that I'd missed, and realized that I really don't want to miss any more of Lucy's posts. My morning pursuit of interior inspiration resulted in two distinct categories of images - light/airy and rich/earthy. I like light and airy in theory but these days I feel that I'm more about deeper color schemes and grounding spaces. What about you?

(Images via The Design Files)

The Daily Vintage (Or Upcycled)

2010-07-13T13:44:00.000-04:00

These darling pendants from Spotted Canary are making my day! They are crafted from the pages of vintage books, and are oh so adorable. I love the birds most of all but there's such a variety of designs to choose from in the shop. The photos are really fun, aren't they? What a clever way to style the pendents.

(Images via Spotted Canary)

Beaver Hunt: Part Three

2010-07-12T11:54:00.000-04:00

I know, I know. We're a bit nuts over the beavers, but it's really not all about them. There's just no better place to spend a free afternoon/evening than alongside a secluded forest pond, especially since Ethan has a new camera that he's dying to play with. This time we went into the woods a bit more prepared (but still forgetting the flashlights). Ethan set up a little rain shelter in case of another storm, and though the weather remained clear and dry, it made for a relaxing lounge pad as dusk settled over the water.

We weren't in the woods ten minutes before we saw a bear. Actually we walked right past him but had no idea until he crunched some sticks and leaves. We stopped and turned around, and I said jokingly "Is it a bear?" expecting the source to be a bird or chipmunk. Imagine my surprise when Ethan replied, "Yeah, it is!" I'm sure he was well aware of our presence, but just to be on the safe side we called out to him and watched as he wandered back over our trail before we continued on. We didn't get any photos, but I would like to point out on the record that I did not run away.* Perhaps I have made a bit of progress in tarnishing my reputation as bear bait.

We spotted a beaver again, probably the same one we encountered the previous night. He swam silently across the middle of the pond, seemingly indifferent to our presence. How cute are they? Oh my goodness, I just love them! Once on the other side, we lost track of him (or her). Though we began to see lots of bubbles indicating activity under the surface of the water, we wouldn't catch a glimpse of any other beavers until we packed up to leave.

Speaking of which, our little shelter gave us a great view of the opposite side of the pond, but we couldn't see anything to the left, right or behind. Once we made the decision to leave for the night, I crawled out of the tent to scan the pond one more time for beavers while Ethan started to get things together in the tent. I looked over to our right and saw a golden reflection in the water that I immediately assumed to be a deer, until my eyes focused on the shore and I saw...a coyote! And then another one, a bit further up the bank.

I hurried Ethan out of the tent and he snapped a few photos. They are such stately creatures, I immediately fell in love. I'm not sure what I expected a coyote to look like in the wild, but these were gorgeous and noble, very healthy and in control. Surprisingly, they seemed unfazed by us and actually continued along the edge of the pond in our direction. I'm thankful to report that before they got too close, a beaver hopped into the water and used his tail to create an affirmative kaploosh kaploosh, which was enough to send the coyotes back up the hill.

We then set into hustle mode to get packed up and on our way. The bittersweet part about the pond is that it stays light much longer than the forest we walk through to get there - and we really didn't desire to encounter any of these animals in the dark - so we had to be on our way and couldn't stay to watch the sun set a bit more. I glanced up at the top of the bank to find a huge doe staring straight down at me. We locked eyes for a few minutes as I tried to get Ethan's attention again. When he looked up in her direction, he saw her coloring and immediately thought she was one of the coyotes. Isn't it funny that they're the exact same color?

I think she'd have walked right by us but as Ethan looked through his camera to get a photo, she took off. I don't blame her. It's like trying to have a conversation with someone in sunglasses, you know? When I can't see someone's eyes, I'm instinctively a bit less trusting, I feel much more vulnerable.

A glorious way to spend a Saturday night if I do say so myself. I hope you all found fun and love and beauty and adventure over the weekend too. Here's one of Ethan's photos of a great blue heron just for fun. Isn't is amazing how they can stand so still on the tippy top of a tree?

* Last year we had a bear encounter that I handled with less grace. We went for a walk in the woods across from our apartment and decided to turn around and back track up the trail we'd just come down instead of looping around. I led the way (as I tended to do at that point in time) only to see two bears running down the trail towards us at a very fast clip. I never expected to see two bears together. Running down the trail we'd just come down five minutes earlier. Plus, I think I overestimated the distance between myself and Ethan on the trail at that point. Needless to say, I turned and ran, flying past him whispering "There's bears! There's bears!"

The bear in front was as spooked as myself and promptly dove into the woods. The second bear slowed but hesitated leaving the trail. We soon found out they were being followed by a great big mama bear. She took all the time in the world getting off the trail. I know that they had no intention of attacking us, but hello Courtney, you cannot outrun a black bear even if it does want to eat you. It turns out that it wasn't a "pack" of bears as I imagined, but just two yearlings and their mom. The same bears that we'd occasionally spot in our yard, and they were playing with each other, not hunting us. And that's that. I don't think I"ll ever live it down.*

(Photos of the animals all by Ethan)

Beaver Hunt: Part Two

2010-07-10T10:50:00.000-04:00

We went back to our new favorite place last night, determined to see beavers. We did (yay!) but not until we were huddled under a tarp in a downpour (boo). We contemplated waiting out the rainstorm but with cameras in tow, the sun on its way down and our flashlights forgotten in the truck, we decided to call it a night. I'm sure we were quite a sight, picking our way through the forest while each wrapped up in a tarp, and I think we made the right decision since it is still raining today. I hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

The Daily Vintage

2010-07-09T15:59:00.000-04:00

Did you know that the last two sales in my shop have been butterfly-themed? I thought today might be a good day to explore the theme a bit further and see what I could find nesting within Etsy's vintage categories. Butterflies are generally irresistible to me, and these items are no exception. Especially that clutch in the top photo - it is sheer perfection as far as I'm concerned.

(Photos via Squash Blossom Vintage, Dime Store Vintage, Sea Glass Vintage, Haleah Jet)

The Daily Vintage

2010-07-08T14:36:00.000-04:00

I don't think I've ever tasted rhubarb. Ridiculous, right? But if it's anywhere near as delightful as the Etsy shop Rhubarb and Apples then I am definitely missing out. Aren't the photographs beautiful too? It's as though the heavy humid air has leaked from the outdoors right into my computer, coating everything with a dreamy haze. Love it.

(Images via Rhubarb and Apples)

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2010-07-08T08:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I came across this lovely treasury on Etsy and was reminded of how much I love Rilo Kiley. I bet there are very few girls out there who are not completely smitten with Jenny Lewis, and boys too for that matter.

Their first two albums are the best, but I'm partial to less polish and more existential angst. I'll probably be 60 and still listening to Science vs. Romance on repeat. Sometimes I think that all of my favorite songs have already been written and that's why I'm slow to embrace new music. Do you ever feel that way?

The Daily Vintage

2010-07-07T14:47:00.000-04:00

I'm super excited about this new shop, Ghostly Ferns, and I bet you'll agree...

Meg's photographs are perfectly dreamy, and so far I would love to have everything from her shop! If only those boots were in my size...

P.S. She has a really cute blog too!

(Photos via Ghostly Ferns)

The Search for Beavers

2010-07-06T09:03:00.000-04:00

Have you ever seen a beaver in the wild? I don't think I have, and neither has Ethan. So after learning of a secluded location where a group of particularly over-achieving beavers is known for working all day long, we packed up some snacks and set out to find them.

Though we didn't see any of the actual beavers, the pond was so beautiful that sitting on its bank for a few hours would've been more than enough. But since we were all the way out there, we decided to take a seemingly quick walk around the water before heading back.

It turned into a full blown adventure and I wish I'd thought to take photos here and there instead of focusing on the next step the entire time. After passing some large bear scat and tracks, we kept the conversation going constantly. Usually I'm one for quieter walks, but forging through thick brush sometimes taller than myself meant that we could easily come across anything and not even see it till it was too late. Really I've just been talking a lot of trash on the people getting bit by bears in the Smokies, and felt in some superstitious way that it was (literally) going to come back to bite me. (Thank you universe for keeping us safe).

Definitely most exciting was the colony of Great Blue Herons. It's funny because we'd seen two while hanging out at the pond, and we were more than thrilled with that sighting. So to come across a swamp of 70 + birds was just unbelievable. Surreal, really. We accidentally gave them a bit of a scare, and dozens flew over our heads to their nests. They watched us for a bit, but knew that we were no real threat, especially compared to the bald eagle that kept terrorizing the group. We'd heard some blood curdling cries while sitting at the pond, and though puzzled, we brushed them off. When we heard them again, we were approaching the colony, just in time to see the eagle taking off away from the herons. Later we spotted him circling smugly above the pond, very sure of his power over most living things in the area.

It's funny how we can hike trails to the tops of mountains, but a few hours trekking through back-country wilderness is infinitely more exhilarating. We left with such an overwhelming sense of primal energy and while definitely a blessing, it makes the regular human world feel especially dull and chock-full of meaningless distractions. (That said, I'm in love with Comedy Central's 2 hour block of "It's Always Sunny" on Monday nights. Anyone else?) Anyway, I'm so thankful to have such an adventurous partner in Ethan. He's the best. I hope you all had a fun weekend too!

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2010-07-02T10:17:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! Here's a peek at a treasury I put together this morning...

I created this particular collection while listening to Liars, which may explain why it's a little on the darker side of the spectrum. Do any of you like that band? They're one of my favorites, for sure, but I have a hard time finding fellow fans.

Related notes of interest:
- A few of my items have recently been featured in gorgeous treasuries. Do check them out here and here. Thanks Donkee House and aforfebre !
- Did you know that there are entire albums available for your listening pleasure on Myspace? I did not. The advertisements are obnoxious, but I appreciate the opportunity to reconnect with my favorite bands. Thank you, Myspace.
- Ethan and I alternated between episodes of The Haunted and The First 48 last night, for hours I think. Does this make us morbid? I definitely fell asleep with goosebumps, but both shows are just so strangely compelling!
- Remember that while you're watching fireworks this weekend there will be countless dogs, cats and horses (not to mention wildlife) freaking out, hiding under tables, in corners, basically convinced that their lives are about to end. Since having a cat, I've reverted back to my high school view on fireworks - they're obnoxious, excessive and downright dumb. Bah humbug, fourth of July.

(Images via Groundwork, Brydferth, Thisyearsgirl, and aforfebre)

The Daily Vintage (Or Upcycled)

2010-06-30T08:22:00.000-04:00

"New things made from old things"

Via Foundling. I'm dying from all of the cuteness, what about you?

(All images from Foundling's Etsy Shop)

The Daily (Musical) Vintage

2010-06-29T16:07:00.000-04:00

How were the Peel Sessions so darn good, every single time?

Dinner at the Deer Head Inn

2010-06-29T09:20:00.000-04:00

We spent last Saturday evening at the Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap. We originally went for the jazz, recommended by one of Ethan's friends. To be perfectly honest, watching live jazz has all the appeal of a root canal to me, so I was more than happy to take the hostess up on her offer of front porch seating. There we were able to watch the sun set, breathe in the fresh water gap air and people-watch a health mix of inn guests, Appalachian Trail hikers and friendly locals.

And best of all we could still hear the music perfectly well, but in the background. Even I have to admit, it wasn't half bad. Plus, the food was delicious! Definitely would go again, and hope to soon.

Treats from Sara Norris Photography

2010-06-28T09:24:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday. I just wanted to let you all know that I've won a giveaway from Sara Norris Photography! Take a look at my lovely new gifts...

A set of mini-notebooks, a set of greeting cards and a beautiful summery photograph, all compliments of Sara herself. You might remember that I featured Sara on my blog here and here, and I've been such a huge fan of her style and vision, that it was really such a treat to add some of her work to my collection. I won this giveaway simply by signing up for her monthly newsletter - if you're not already a subscriber you can sign up too, at her blog. I highly recommend that you do. It's always so nice to receive updates from favorite artists, isn't it?

Sidenote: I notice that I automatically delete most newsletters from magazines and large companies, but when it comes to artists and bloggers, I can't wait for the monthly treats to arrive in my inbox and I savor them with glee. Are you the same way?

I want to say a huge thank you to Sara! And remember that you can all find Sara at her Etsy shop and her blog, and her website.

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2010-06-24T17:37:00.000-04:00

Sometimes inspiration comes in the most unexpected of places. While I meant to accomplish a great deal today, the universe decided to step in and throw me a few curve balls, setting my game back a day or so. No biggie, but it did leave me in an itty bitty funk. I clicked mindlessly through my inbox this afternoon, half sulking, half scolding myself to get over myself, when I came across an email from Mountain Rose Herbs. This photo in particular caught my eye. Isn't it lovely?

I must confess that I've subscribed to the Mountain Rose newsletter for months now, but in all that time I've barely given it a second glance. However today I decided to go through and catch up on the wealth of information they've been sending every few weeks and I'm suddenly excited (!). Tons of recipes, wellness ideas, and soothing photographs. Insert content sigh. Every girl's dream, right?

I pulled a few more photos from the Mountain Rose Facebook page. So lovely.

The Daily Vintage

2010-06-23T16:08:00.000-04:00

I love these beautiful pillows, handcrafted out of vintage chenille bedspreads. Seriously now, aren't they some of the prettiest pillows you've ever seen? Visit The Pink Palace immediately to engulf yourself in pillow bliss.

(Images via The Pink Palace)

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2010-06-21T14:36:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd have some celebratory swooning to do over the official arrival of my favorite season. But upon awaking this morning, I felt incredibly anti-climatic about the solstice. I tend towards the summer aesthetic all year long, and it's as though I've become so helplessly enamored with the season that I've completely lost touch with how it won my heart in the first place.

But then I found Dr. Kennedy Jones on Etsy and suddenly it all came back to me. Her lovely collages remind me of summer's special ability to meld sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches into a united delicious sensation that at once seems utterly timeless and frustratingly fleeting. It's a place in the world where magic and science and experience and imagination collide, and it's such a soothing kind of sensory overload. I just want to lap it up forever and ever.

So I hope you all enjoy your first day of summer the best that you know how. If you're looking for some suggestions, well I recommend that you take a peek at all of the art-magic located within the Dr. Kennedy Jones shop. I think you'll really enjoy it.

(Images via Dr. Kennedy Jones)

Wonder and Wanderlust

2010-06-18T11:42:00.002-04:00

I just finished Sarah's newest Kundalini class on Yoga Today - a Sequence to Eliminate Fear. Can I just tell you all again how much I love Kundalini? Along with the exercises themselves, the mystical aspect really appeals to me. It's story-time, a physical workout and meditation all wrapped into one blissful hour.

Sarah always says that practicing helps you to feel younger, and I can attest to my renewed sense of wonder, especially when it comes to the natural world. Last weekend we visited Dingmans Falls before our forest getaway came to a close, and it's a place that truly captivated my imagination. There's a boardwalk leading to the base and then stairs taking visitors up to the head of the falls. Once you reach the top, there's opportunity to climb even a bit higher where the terrains seems suddenly seems pathless and uncharted. And that's the area I'm dying to go back to explore. But in lieu of going there right now, I thought I'd share a few pieces from my favorite Etsy shops that embody a similar sense of awe and beauty.

(Images: "Continuum" via Labyrinthine Nature, "Spring Sprig Necklace" via Jewels in the Hay, "Midsummer Natural Perfume Oil" via Faunfare)

The Daily Vintage: Raccooncat Creations

2010-06-17T11:41:00.000-04:00

Everything about Raccooncat Creations appeals to me, from the charming name to the wonderfully imaginative works of art made on and/or out of vintage fabrics and wallpapers. I am always excited to come across fellow vintage enthusiasts, especially those like Tracy who really take things to the next level and create something totally adorable and unexpected from their vintage finds.

(Images via Raccooncat Creations)

The Daily Vintage

2010-06-15T19:50:00.000-04:00

I picked up a Better Homes and Gardens book on crocheting and knitting today at the thrift store.

Eventually it'll go into the shop, and I've enjoyed admiring all of its wonderful 70's styling this afternoon. How perfect are the top two rooms in the bottom set? The woodsy browns are so grounding for a bedroom, I think.