Oak + Lotus

This is For You

2009-10-15T10:36:00.000-04:00

This book by Rob Ryan is simply gorgeous. (As is everything he does.)

Brave Space Design Coat Range

2009-10-14T08:24:00.000-04:00

A creative way to hang your jacket...

Night Owl Print

2009-10-13T10:16:00.000-04:00

I love pretty much everything Night Owl Paper Goods does, especially this Golden Folksy Floral Rosette Print, printed on a Heidelberg windmill letterpress (which I would also love to have!)

Washi Paper Masking Tapes

2009-10-12T09:06:00.000-04:00

These masking tapes come in the most gorgeous colors, and the fact that they are pretty washi paper makes them just that much cooler.

Alarm Clock

2009-10-09T08:47:00.000-04:00

I little hippie, but I would think waking up on a cold, dark morning would be a lot nicer to soft chimes than a screeching buzzer.

Tumbleweed Lunch Kit

2009-10-08T09:37:00.000-04:00

I covet this stainless steel lunch box set at Abe's Market, complete with reusable snack bags.

Musical Fruit

2009-10-07T14:26:00.002-04:00

I want both of these....

Reuseable Snack Bags

2009-10-02T10:32:00.001-04:00

Super cute, washable and well-designed...

Bulk Food Bag

Snack bags

Alicia Block

2009-10-01T10:29:00.000-04:00

half full

a very good morning

Lunaria

Respite

Alicia Block photographs outdoor and nature/botanical scenes using antique Polaroid cameras. Good thing they are affordable, because I want pretty much every single thing she does...

Artecnica TranSglass

2009-09-30T10:52:00.003-04:00

TranSglass is glassware made from reclaimed wine bottles, and is part of Artecnica's Design with Conscience collection.

Personally I would love to have the Handcut Carafe and Matching Tumbler on my nightstand.

They are made in Guatemala and come in either in a clear finish, or this lovely glowing satin.

Fall nesting

2009-09-29T11:20:00.003-04:00

Woolrich has recreated the blankets that they provided for the troops during the Civil War, and they're even making them in the same mill as the originals. I want one of each: one for an afternoon picnic on a sunny day, one for snuggling on the couch, one for sitting the front porch in the evening, and one for my bed on a chilly night.

Fort Sumter

Gettysburg

Calvary

Artillery

VivaTerra Bells

2009-09-28T10:05:00.001-04:00

I would love to have a Fall garden just so I could hang these from the trees....

Temple Bells

Mini Temple Bell Garland

Dream Big

2009-09-25T10:44:00.002-04:00

Of course I want the Herman Miller 'Eames Folding Screen' - even if it is $1,945.00.

Recession-special River Stone Mat

2009-09-24T10:54:00.003-04:00

I wanted one of these mats for the longest time, but I didn't want to spend $80 plus the (considerable) shipping that they were selling for a couple of years ago. The economy has obviously had some issues in interim, and I found this exact same one at T.J. Maxx for $30 a few months ago. You can get one here at CB2 for only slightly more. It's held up nicely and is very comfortable to stand on. It certainly isn't a frilly pink bath mat, so Husband likes it quite a bit. The only downsides: 1. It weighs a ton (as you might imagine - it is a bunch of rocks after all) and 2. If you plan on having a door open over it you'll need some clearance. It works just fine in our bathroom, and I'd like to get more to put in other places around the house...

Porcelain Ornaments

2009-09-23T10:54:00.002-04:00

Acorns

and Blossom s online at Noun.

Elum wrapping paper

2009-09-22T16:16:00.003-04:00

Elum makes eco-friendly wrapping paper that is actually affordable. This is Nocturnal Bloom that I picked up at The Village Invites.

Good ideas

2009-04-30T09:27:00.005-04:00

I got the Kapoosh knife block as a present for my husband. He happens to be fond of fairly expensive German knives, and our old knife blocks were poorly-made garbage from college days. Instead of individual slots, the Kapoosh has a block of rubber rods so you can slide the knives in any which direction - even oversized items like cleavers and scissors. (The version we have differs from the one pictured - ours has a smaller section set below the larger one for paring and steak knives. I like having the separate section for easy access to smaller knives.)

The rubber is more gentle on the knife edges than wood, and you can slide the block out and stick it in the dishwasher. It holds quite a bit more than a traditional block, too - because you can (carefully) pack the knives in closer we were able to get rid of a whole extra block! Hopefully they will make replaceable rubber inserts in case they start to break down over time, and you can avoiding having to buy a whole new set...

2009-04-23T09:45:00.002-04:00

I love this self-watering vertical garden called Vert!

Rainbow bookshelf

2009-04-09T13:19:00.005-04:00

I found this image by Chotda on Flickr today, and think it's a beautiful and creative way to organize books. I love the color of blue they chose for the walls...

(Cute pug, too!)

Found and lost

2009-04-06T10:10:00.002-04:00

We spent the weekend at a cabin in Bushkill, Pennsylvania, and happened upon this little garden store on the way back from a flea market. I can't remember the name of the place, but I did take a few pictures and bought a hod while I was there...

Succulents

Cloches

Buddha

Stones and branches

Doily!

2009-04-01T10:45:00.002-04:00

How cute are these coasters made of of recycled newspaper?

100 for $16 at Charles & Marie.

2009-03-29T18:15:00.004-04:00

I wasn't aware that Starbucks has a program where you can pick up free coffee grounds to use as fertilizer your garden. It's fantastic for acidity-loving plants like blueberries, and deters lots of garden pests like slugs and ants. Just don't overdo it or it'll change the pH of your soil pretty drastically. Ask at your local coffee shop - Starbucks or otherwise - I'm sure they wouldn't mind handing over something they were throwing out anyway.

Little Birdies

2009-03-20T09:34:00.005-04:00

In a perfect world there would be a Roost retail store, and I'd get to live in it. I particularly love this "Flock of Swallows" mobile that you can find at Velocity or Tiny McSmall (who win the blue ribbon for Cutest Name Ever.)

Happy Spring!

"Vertical Gardens"

2009-03-19T13:22:00.006-04:00

Exit Art has put together what seems to be a really interesting exhibit of "architectural models, renderings, drawings, photographs and ephemera that depict or imagine a vertical farm, urban garden or green roof."

It opens on my birthday, so I think I might just have to go... ♥

Exit Art
$5 suggested donation
475 Tenth Avenue @ 36th Street
Opening: March 28, 6-8 p.m.
Runs through May 23

Sneaky trees

2009-03-18T16:06:00.001-04:00

Nicolette Brunklaus Large Shady Tree Lamp Shade

Chrysanthemums on Etsy

2009-03-17T13:06:00.012-04:00

A little green for St. Patrick's Day!

Pretty cabochon

Vintage Dress

Chandeliers and Chrysanthemums Bag

Adorable Hair Clip

Sesen glass water bottles

2009-03-12T15:52:00.006-04:00

I am completely obsessed with Sesen glass water bottles. I love the ice pack that keeps the water chilled, and the bag made out of recycled materials. It's like a Nalgene that grew up, moved to the city and started dressing better. More refined, if you will.

Don't get me wrong - I still love my wide-mouth Nalgene. It's indestructible, ergo it's always going to be the better choice when hiking and camping. It's just that the Sesen bottle would look a little more elegant in the 'fridge door, or sitting on my desk at the office. A little more grown up.

For the Birds

2009-03-11T10:34:00.012-04:00

The birds have been making their way back to New York City! We've had a couple of nice days in a row where I've been able to throw open the windows to let the warm air and chirping waft in. It's always been the best and happiest indicator that spring really is just around the corner!

Here are a few things that will give them a warm welcome after a long trip home...

Glass Donut Bird Feeder from Uncommon Goods

Pretty, modern and easy to see when it needs a refill!

Copper Birdbath from Plow & Hearth

This birdbath is great for a couple of reasons: First off, it's solar-powered, so you can put it anywhere in the yard and you don't have to worrying about wiring. Secondly, the moving water discourages mosquitoes, which keeps down the bug bites.

Gourd Birdhouse by Amish Gourds

My mom has always grown birdhouse gourds. As kids, it was a fun project to make them into Spring birdhouses. After waiting all winter for the center to dry out, my sister and I would have a fierce maraca session before we finally cut open the "little birdie front door." All that was left was to hang them up and wait for the birds to move in. Fun, biodegradable, renewable. About as eco-friendly as you can get!

Recycled Glass Hummingbird Feede r at TurningLife

Several different hummingbird species are endangered, mostly because they are incredibly sensitive to changes in their environment. Give them somewhere both pretty and safe to eat, and you'll get to watch these amazing birds up close! (If you have cats, make sure the feeder is hung well outside the reach of hungry paws.)

Audubon CopperTop Cedar Bluebird House

from Bird & Home

Am I the only one that built these in elementary school? Well, mine certainly didn't look this good, and definitely didn't have a copper roof. Anyone can put one up - even if you aren't handy with a saw and hammer. (The ideal location for these is on a five foot pole at the edge of an open area.)

Buri Collection at Smith & Hawken

Beautiful colors and shapes that look more like pieces of art hanging from the branches....

Springtime Nest Bell Jar at William-Sonoma

If you don't have a yard or balcony, this pretty little nest in a cloche is a lovely substitute for the real thing!

Gifts for Gardeners

2009-03-06T11:26:00.008-05:00

My daffodils are poking up through the snow, and this weekend I'll be sowing hundreds of seeds that will eventually be planted in the two potagers I have planned for this summer. Needless to say, I've got gardening on mind in a big way!

Amaryllis Copper Rain Chain at Overstock.com

These are a beautiful alternative to the
run-of-the-mill white metal downspout.

Moon Jar at Uncommon Goods

Since they are waterproof, they can be left outside
and would be dreamy dotting
your garden pathways at night -
no wiring or electricity needed.

Vintage Garden Tool Set at Bed Bath & Beyond

I love the look of these, and the fun, vintage carrying case.

Purple and Black Tomato Set
at Tasteful Garden/MotherEarth News

No gardener would be dismayed at receiving these as a gift,
and hopefully they'll pay your generosity back
with some yummy tomatoes!

Rain Barrel at Smith & Hawkin

Wonderful (and cute!) way to conserve water!

Birdfeeder at Branch Home

Fun shape, and it encourages birds
to hang out in your garden
and snack on pesky bugs as well!

MOMA goodness

2009-03-04T16:01:00.006-05:00

Forest Cup set

Bamboo Desk Clock

Folktale Flowers notebook

Recycled Paper Memo Pads

I.dear Speakers

Lotuses

2009-02-23T15:06:00.009-05:00

Bowls by Koo de Kir

Bag by PlusOneDesign

Cards by PaperPumpkin

Wind Chimes

2009-02-15T18:29:00.004-05:00

The wind has been blowing in New York like the Lion of March, and it's caused me to notice just how many plastic pastel butterfly and seashell wind chimes are out there. Here are some options that are lovely to hear and see....

Pinecone Chime at Patina

Moon Bell Chime at Smith & Hawken

Baxter Chime at Goose Rocks Designs

Encore Bells at Woodstock Chimes

Nag What?

2009-02-11T21:26:00.003-05:00

I hosted a Naked Lady Party this past weekend, and my world-traveling girlfriend pulled out this box of incense to throw into the mix of clothes and bags. I took a whiff, and immediate started blathering on and on about how much I loved it and had been trying to track it down.

"Where did you find this..." figuring she got it in Sri Lanka or Myanmar.

"It's Nag Champa" three of my other friends said in unison, looking at me like I had grown a second head asked them who the President was. "You can get it down the street."

At least I came up with the idea of the river pebbles in a glass jar as an incense holder.

Faux Bois Rugs

2009-01-29T10:39:00.003-05:00

On sale at West Elm, and I'm hoping that I might find one on the floor of the studio come my birthday morning ;)

Patina Wood Postcards

2009-01-26T11:55:00.004-05:00

I've loved wood postcards ever since my Dad got me a set decades ago while he was on a business trip. They are very simple - it's the image and name of a tree printed on a thin piece of that particular wood. They've last all these years, and I keep them displayed on a shelf in our studio. Patina has a few different really cute cards (along with a lot of other adorable eco-friendly stuff) in their Go Green section, and now I'm going to have to go and buy them all....

Asquith & Somerset

2009-01-21T15:40:00.004-05:00

These are huge bars of soap that come in several different intensely delicious scents. Bonus - they come packaged in a really cute tin.

2009-01-15T19:31:00.004-05:00

Back (finally!) in the New Year!

I love these self-adhesive canvas fabric labels from theartistscloset
for book plates, labeling mason jars, photo albums, anything.

Happy New Year!

Missing the falls leaves today...

2008-12-30T09:58:00.006-05:00

West Elm Leaf Bowl & Platter

Cornia Bedding Collection at Wrapables

Silver Branch Necklace by kgarnerdesigns

Leaf Scrubbie by exysByTMK

Terrain at Styer's

2008-12-29T13:19:00.007-05:00

I'm back from Christmas with my family in Pennsylvania, and one of the highlights during the time away was my trip to Terrain at Styer's, which instantly became my favorite store of all time. The day after Christmas there were tons of things on sale at 50% off, including the Sagaform Cheese Slicer I picked up for under $10...

...as well the white textured porcelain bisque votive holders, asymmetrical glass bud vases, and the dozen or so over-sized pine cone, twig, eucalyptus leaf and turkey tail fungi tree ornaments. And their coffee is pretty delish, too.

Pictures tomorrow, once I've recovered.

Chiyogami yumminess

2008-12-19T06:46:00.000-05:00

Chiyogami paper sample pack giveaway - 637 different gorgeous patterns.

Buzz Buzz

2008-12-18T15:51:00.003-05:00

Kristen, fearless leader of Buzz Buzz Designs, scours the world to find original vintage pieces that she makes into incredibly beautiful (and environmentally friendly!) jewelry. She's recently started a line of handbags from vintage materials that are perfect hostess or Christmas gifts.

Clean

2008-12-17T15:51:00.005-05:00

Lovely smelling soaps (that actually work) by Simple Green. 100% natural, non-toxic and biodegradable.

Hand Soap (Herb Garden)

Dish Washing Liquid (Fresh Squeezed Citrus)

Snow Day....

2008-12-16T15:19:00.003-05:00

It's snowing here in New York, so instead of the usual post, how about I while away the rest of the afternoon looking at some really pretty pictures instead?

Illuminating

2008-12-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

Skeem Sweet Pea & Vanilla

Lumia Organic Evergreen

Joya Hibiscus Watermelon

Illuminations Twilight Jasmine

Village Candle Juniper & Cedar

Green Christmas

2008-12-12T13:15:00.009-05:00

Blond Owl Petite Gourd Ornament from Lucuma

Pomander ball by Instructables

Tree Garland from Arcadia Home

Green Holiday Elephants from Novica

Amenity Holiday Tree Skirts

Benjamin Paul

2008-12-11T09:42:00.002-05:00

I picked up the beautiful Benjamin Paul letterpress 2009 Koi Fish Calendar, and I must have gone through it a dozen times already. Each card is such a perfect little work of art that I want to frame and hang each and every month on the walls of my studio. The colors are sublime, the texture of the paper is velvety, and the images are quite cleverly done.

I'm particularly fond of their arboretum, fantail, koi and sympheria card designs as well.

I believe the calendars are a limited edition. If you are in New York you can purchase them at The Village Copier - and they are 20% off of the already absurdly low $22 price tag.

Willows on Etsy

2008-12-10T10:04:00.009-05:00

Organic Fabric Pillow Cover with Wool Accents by FeltedStyleFabric

Pussy Willow Bracelet by LaurenRamirez

Willow Trees Earrings by WoodenBirdhouse

Willow Hairpins by beadsss

Grey Industrial Felt Willow Cushion by modernwool

Cast Pussyillow Necklace by GretchenWalker

Twigs Tee by ellembee

Pussy Willow Flat Notes by EasternSunPrintworks

Twig Scarf by ellembee

Melancholy Tree - TheIntuitiveGarden

Willow 3 by Expressingyou

Willows (sea green) by papermoth

Weeping Willow Necklace by MD sparks

Sleepy Time

2008-12-09T14:30:00.009-05:00

These are sumptuously soft...
Crate & Barrel - Organico Sheets

Pottery Barn - Cherry Blossom Duvet Cover & Sham

Eden Home - Blue Ottoman Bedding by Plover Organic

Cute for kids...
Target - Organic Flower Sheet Set

Faux Bois & Real Wood - Etsy Holiday Cards

2008-12-08T09:45:00.005-05:00

Take a Seat

2008-12-05T14:33:00.007-05:00

Fir tree root stool at Uncommon Goods.

Turned wood stools by Alma Allen at Allen Pierce.

100% cork Sway Stool at Branch.

Reclaimed enterolobium Twist Stool from Clipper Trading.

Beautiful Birds

2008-12-04T10:52:00.007-05:00

Felt birds by Branch.

Lovely business card holder from ellenstreasures on Etsy.

Birds in Flight Pendant Necklace from candysart on Etsy.

Set of four square salad plates from West Elm.

Branch bird pillow.

Letterpress Happy Holidays card from larkpress on Etsy.

Hable Construction Lily Pad design

2008-12-03T20:01:00.006-05:00

I picked up this bag at the Hable Construction sample sale here in New York this past spring, and while I'm not quite sure why they call it a "Baby Box," it is a great sturdy little canvas purse.

It's making me covet the matching wall art...

... and cot. Much nicer than that AeroBed you keep shoved in the back of the closet, and would make a lovely indoor/outdoor bench....

I love almost anything faux bois....

2008-12-03T19:33:00.004-05:00

How cute is this door mat from Pottery Barn?

And on sale for only $14.99.

New beginnings

2008-12-03T15:09:00.010-05:00

I've always felt more comfortable outside.

I've hiked the Appalachian Trail, climbed the Adirondack Mountains, and have spent weeks on end sleeping on the ground and bathing in lakes. It's my bliss, and I can't live without it.

That said - while I wish I could pack up my apartment in New York City and transplant myself to the Sierras, the south coast of Hawai'i, or the southern cliffs of Big Sur - I have a good job, family and friends that keep me here for the time being.

How do you mesh the two, so that life is not just livable, but something that gives you joy? Where you look around your home and see the things you find in nature that make your soul feel whole?

You bring the outside in.

Love,
O+L

P.S. - I covet these Shawn Lovell bed frames - they remind me of a modern version of the traditional Adirondack frame, and I imagine lying in them would make you dream of sleeping under the stars....

Tree Bed - $15,000

Branch Bed - no price listed