Twigs and Scraps: Ideas for Nesting

Mystery Plants: Peonies?

2011-04-18T12:44:00.002-04:00

These plants started popping up in our back garden a couple of weeks ago. They started out as deep red stalks, and the tops looked like asparagus spears. We had no idea what they were. We asked friends and neighbors, and they didn’t either (we’re all gardening novices). The plants were not here last year—so either someone planted them (we didn’t) or they are wild. I finally sent a photo of them to my Mom (who has a lot of gardening experience), and she says they are peonies! How amazing would that be? I hope she’s right. In the meantime, I’m going to do some research.

Maiden & Moonflower Wallpaper by Kiki Smith

2011-01-05T16:54:00.002-05:00

"Maiden & Moonflower" by artist Kiki Smith is one of the coolest wallpapers I've ever seen. I can picture this whimsical, woodblock-like print in a powder room, art/craft studio or little girl's room. At Studio Printworks.

Holiday Décor: “Eco Stockings” from TheBeeHivery

2010-12-16T11:25:00.005-05:00

We bought three of these stockings from the TheBeeHivery on Etsy last year, and we are still loving them. They’re made from free-trade coffee sacks and have a great rustic feel -- so on-trend (though I hope sustainable décor isn’t just a passing fad).
We have them hanging from our mantel and they go perfectly with our woodland Christmas theme. They’re on the small side, but that works for us (12.5” long, $18 each). If you want even smaller ones, she offers mini stockings, too ($15 each, 8.5” long). BONUS: she’s offering free shipping right now.

Gift Pick: Miix Spoon Set at MoMA

2010-12-01T22:36:00.005-05:00

The Miix Spoon Set by Chi-Wing Lee would be a sweet hostess gift. And at $24, these bone china spoons would be a great holiday gift for any girl on your list who's into vintage/design/unusual things. At the MoMA Store.

Vintage Find in Falls Church: Funky Crewel Sofa

2010-11-18T15:49:00.003-05:00

I noticed this sofa when we drove by the Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Falls Church yesterday. It caught my eye because of its cheery, orange crewel-style fabric. The sofa’s not in very good shape, but at $20, you could just salvage some of the fabric and make a few fun pillows.

Even Better 'Best Cocoa Brownies'

2010-10-06T22:50:00.006-04:00

This chilly weather has put my cravings for comfort food into overdrive. After not baking for months, I’ve baked twice in the last week. On Sunday, I made Alice Medrich's Best Cocoa Brownies. But this time, in addition to toasted pecans, I added a little bit more kosher salt than the ¼ teaspoon the recipe calls for and stirred in a handful of chocolate chips right before I put the pan in the oven.

O-M-G, they tasted so good I thought I might cry. Each bite was a little piece of sweet + salty-chocolaty heaven. The other night, I let our 2-year-old try a little piece. He usually eats like a bird, even when it comes to sweets. But he downed that brownie so fast and asked for more (“choc-o-lit? choc-o-lit?”) before I could even cut myself a piece.

They’re long gone now, but I'm still craving them. I might have to make another batch this weekend.

Falls Church Target – ‘Fresh Grocery’ Oct. 14

2010-08-27T11:20:00.006-04:00

I’ve become a big fan of Target during the last couple of years. Partly because of their partnerships with the likes of Dwell, Orla Kiely, and John Derian (who has a new line launching with Target September 5 -- can’t wait!). And partly because you can pretty much get everything you need while you’re there (is it possible to walk out of there without spending more than $100?)

And soon, Falls Churchians and Arlingtonians will be able to get even more at our local Target when “Fresh Grocery” becomes available October 14 -- a full line of groceries, including meat, produce, bakery and dairy. I don’t think we’ll start doing our regular grocery shopping at Target, but I can’t deny it will be convenient and, most likely, affordable. I’m looking forward to checking it out.

Twig Pick: Love Letters Bedding

2010-08-20T13:59:00.003-04:00

I'm loving the new Love Letters Bedding (by Ruffian) at Anthropologie. It's very sweet -- maybe too sweet with the bows. But if you're gonna decorate sweetly, a bedroom is the place to do it. $228 for a queen duvet; $88 for two standard shams.

This Weekend: Arlington County Fair

2010-08-19T22:41:00.007-04:00

The Arlington County Fair actually started on Wednesday, but it runs through this Sunday. So if you haven't made it there yet, it's not too late. We have so much fun every time we go. It reminds me of the bigger county fairs we went to when I was a kid, even though it's on the small side and so close to the city.
And, of course, they have all the classic carnival rides and food, including deep-fried Oreos (sooo good). The Racing Piglets is a fun event, especially if you have little ones.

Thomas Jefferson Community Center
3501 South Second Street
Arlington, VA 22204
Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sun: 11 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Twig Pick: Bird Cage Lamp

2010-08-13T11:16:00.003-04:00

While I was searching for something else, I came across this Bird Cage Lamp at save-on-crafts.com -- a steal for $39. If you’re not into the whole decopauge/vintage-imagery thing, you could easily swap out or reface the included lamp shade. Perfect for a sun room, covered porch or bedroom.

This Weekend: Bella Vita Designs Grand Opening

2010-08-12T12:10:00.004-04:00

Bella Vita Designs -- vintage, hand-painted furniture and accessories by Cally Apicella and Kelley Yeomans -- will be opening their first storefront this Saturday and Sunday, August 14 & 15 from 10 am to 6 pm at 6 W. Potomac St. in Brunswick, MD.

Before, they only exhibited at events like the Lucketts Market and DC Big Flea, so you'll no longer have to follow them around to see their affordable, pretty wares.

My Post on Shelterrific on the Branchelier

2010-08-11T10:54:00.004-04:00

Check out my post about Deanna Wish's Branchelier on Shelterrific.

Heirloom Tomato Festival @ Terrain 8/21

2010-08-04T23:07:00.008-04:00

I wish I could go to this! It's at Terrain at Styer's -- the pretty nursery/cafe/landscape design company in Glen Mills, PA. Some of the activities include tomato tastings, a canning workshop and a sunprint workshop by artist Jessica Durrant. What a lovely way to spend an August afternoon.

CSAs, Patio Tomatoes & Okra

2010-08-04T15:31:00.008-04:00

Earlier this year, we decided to join the Jug Bay CSA with a couple of our friends. A CSA (community-supported agriculture) is a program where you can buy seasonal produce and herbs directly from a local farm. You pay up front early in the season, and then your “shares” are delivered weekly. With Jug Bay, you can either pick them up at the farm or at their drop-off spot in Capitol Hill.

Aside from always being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of produce we get (we end up sharing a lot of it), it's been a good experience overall. One of the benefits is that it inspires you to prepare food you might not have otherwise.

For instance, okra, which has been plentiful lately. Okra dishes are not a part of my culinary canon -- my family is Italian and I was raised in northeast Ohio. But Chris (who lived in the south for several years) suggested we make stewed okra and tomatoes. Sounded like a good idea to me.

So I did a quick search and found this basic recipe.* Turns out, this is a quick and simple way to enjoy okra. Fortunately, you don’t need to do much to good-quality, fresh ingredients. This is my kind of cooking.

Making this dish has also been a good way to enjoy all of the patio tomatoes we’ve been harvesting from our garden. I highly recommend these tomatoes, by the way. We're novice gardeners, but it's been suprisingly easy to grow them. And they have a great tart flavor. The ones we have are by Herb Herbert's Traditional Herbs. We got them at Merrifield Garden Center.

* I modified the recipe by sauteeing the onions in olive oil, using fresh tomatoes and cracked pepper, and not using green bell peppers.

Twig Pick: Vintage Blue Bird Light Fixture

2010-07-30T12:21:00.002-04:00

My friend Mia sent me this vintage light fixture on eBay. It’s too cute. You can buy it now for $299 (+ $54.99 for shipping -- that seems a bit steep).

The “Crow Room,” Rokeby House, by Robert Chanler

2010-07-29T10:35:00.013-04:00

I nearly jumped out of my seat on the train when I saw this photo of the “crow room” by Robert Chanler. It's in the New York Times’ article about Rokeby House, a 195-year-old home on the Hudson River. Chanler painted it in the 1890s.

It’s beautiful….and so contemporary. This is the aesthetic that Anthropologie (and others) strive for -- and here is the real thing in all its lovely, decaying glory. Amazing.

Before and After: Our Patio

2010-07-27T15:46:00.018-04:00

There were a lot things that made us fall in love with and buy our house last year. Like its 1940s charm and screened-in porch. But definitely not the patio -- it was an eyesore and actually kind of dangerous with its uneven flagstones (we think it was the handiwork of a previous homeowner).

So we decided to renovate it this past spring. We wanted to reuse the flagstone -- they were in great shape, it was the "green" thing to do, and it would help us save money. And all of the contractors who gave us estimates were more than happy to comply.

We ended up going with Simpson & Company Landscape Designs (based in Falls Church), and we were not disappointed. Their estimate was the most competitive, they were easy to work with and they were QUICK -- both in terms of providing an estimate and completing the work. They laid the flagstone on top of a concrete base, and refaced our concrete steps with flagstone and fieldstone. We are so pleased with the results.

When the patio was finished, we realized that the rusted, old railing on the stairs didn't cut it anymore, so we had two new railings installed. (You really do always end up spending more than you planned no matter what type of reno you're doing.) We went with Reliable Rails (based in Manassas), which was also an incredibly smooth experience that yielded great results.

I'm still working on decorating the space, but so far we've added a potting table from World Market (no longer available online) that we use for entertaining as well as potting plants, and the Rock Lake Bistro Set by Country Living.

It's been a few months since the reno and we've been spending so much more time out there compared to last year. No more "homeowner special" -- we now have a little escape in our backyard. It was definitely worth the investment.

Twig Pick: Farm-Stand Flowers

2010-07-20T11:32:00.003-04:00

There are things I love about each season. For summer, it’s the long days, the beach and farmers’ markets. One of my favorite things to pick up at the market is a colorful bouquet from one of the farm stands. There are always such pretty options at the Falls Church market, which is where I got the ones on our patio, above. Ahh….summer. And zinnias!

Vintage Ice Cream Parlour Sign @ Georgetown Anthro

2010-07-13T13:20:00.004-04:00

I love this vintage ice cream parlour sign ($1,640) at the Georgetown Anthropologie -- it's so whimsical and cheery. And French. (And I love how Anthro has one-of-a-kind vintage pieces in each store.) It would be so cute in a kitchen, or even a patio.

My Post about Decorati on Shelterrific

2010-07-01T12:49:00.006-04:00

Check out my post on Shelterrific about using the remote design services of Decorati. These photos are the "after" photos of our master bedroom. As you'll see in the post, I ended up not taking any of the designer's advice and just completely re-did the room. But I would still use the service again, as it helped me think about the room in a different way.

My Post Today on Shelterrific

2010-06-30T14:52:00.002-04:00

Check out my post today on Shelterrific about the ReSnackIt....

Watering Tips from Terrain

2010-06-29T17:18:00.006-04:00

I’ve kind of been obsessing over Terrain at Styer’s website ever since I first heard of them in the spring of 2009. And even more so since they launched their online store last fall. Terrain is a nursery/café/landscape design company outside of Philadelphia. I’ve never been there, but based on the site, I pretty much like everything they design and sell. It’s owned by the same folks who own Anthropologie, so I guess that explains why. They have that whole French/vintage/cottage/boho aesthetic going on.

In their Bulletin, which is basically a blog, they often have useful gardening tips. Their latest one is on watering during the summer. As a newbie, I found it pretty helpful.

Incidentally, they’re also having a 30%-off sale on outdoor furniture right now. Very pretty stuff!

My Mom's Garden

2010-06-23T14:41:00.010-04:00

For Mother’s Day one year I got my mom a card that said, “Everything you touch grows.” This statement describes her perfectly: she’s extremely nurturing -- and an insanely good gardener. I can only hope that gardening talent is something that’s inherited. Both of her parents are/were very good gardeners (my grandfather grew the best tomatoes), and I think I’m starting to get the hang of it.

These photos are of the front of my parents’ house (they live in the Cleveland area). Not only is something always in bloom in the spring and summer, but whatever is blooming is vibrant. That pop of lime green against the dark green, purple and pink in the first photo is fantastic! And the house is surrounded by big, old trees. When I was growing up, each spring my front bedroom window was filled with light-pink crabapple blossoms. But the real stunner is their back garden and patio. It’s a beautiful, restful little haven -- it looks like something out of a magazine. I hope to have photos of that space to share here soon.

I wish I had had more of an interest in gardening when I was younger and living at home. I could have learned so much, and perhaps I would have become interested in entering a field having to do with horticulture or design at a younger age (before I went to college and grad school for other things). I guess I was too worried about hanging out, getting my homework done and participating in the five million activities I was always a part of.

At least I picked up on a few things. And I have sweet memories from when I was really little of helping my mom plant gladiolas and marigolds (I can recall that scent at any time), and of being amazed at her roses that twined their way up to the balcony off of my parents’ bedroom.

My mom's name is Rose; maybe she was destined to be a good gardener. My namesake is not a flower, but I still hope to reach her level of skill someday.

Twig Pick: Enameled Tinware on Sale @ Viva Terra

2010-06-22T23:15:00.003-04:00

These cheerful tinware bowls from Viva Terra ($29 - $32) just exude summer (and vintage style). I think of picnic lunches in the park and dinners on the patio. You can also get a coordinating pitcher, cups, plates and tray. They're all on sale until tomorrow, June 24.

This Summer: Outdoor Market @ Stifel & Capra

2010-06-16T21:48:00.010-04:00

Every Saturday through August, Stifel & Capra (260 W Broad St, Falls Church 22046) is holding an outdoor arts and vintage market in their parking lot. It's like an addition to what they have inside -- which is a great selection of vintage goods, jewelry (artisan and vintage) and affordable art.

I didn't hear of this gallery/shop until we moved to Falls Church last year, which is a shame. I've found some wonderful vintage jewelry, kids' decor items (like this switchplate cover ($7) we put in our son's room) and wacky things like a 1950s BBQ set in perfect condition ($18). They also have a large selection of pretty vintage linens, including tablecloths. You should definitely check them out.

Twig Pick: Hooked Wool Rugs by Hable for Garnet Hill

2010-06-14T14:35:00.003-04:00

The Hooked Wool Veggie Rug by Hable Construction for Garnet Hill is just about the cutest rug I've ever seen. Perfect for summer, especially in a kitchen or sunroom, or even a hallway. The Garden and Sunflower Rugs are sweet, too. $128 for 2'6"x3'6" and $178 for 2'3"x5'10".

Twig Pick: Anthro’s Tudor Garden Bench

2010-06-10T13:33:00.008-04:00

Once again, I’m obsessing over something expensive and absolutely unnecessary from Anthropologie. This time, it’s a round, metal garden bench with a canopy. Because of its charm, it could easily transform your (or my) garden into a beautiful and romantic space. However, we really don’t have an appropriate spot for it in our yard -- and I don’t need to be spending $1,698 on it. But I do like looking at pictures of it.

Cord Control Ideas from Designers Call

2010-06-07T14:46:00.002-04:00

Desigers Call posted a really helpful cord control round-up last week. Cord clutter drives me absolutely crazy, but I haven't been able to come up with a satisfactory solution for our home office yet, where we have a "leggy" desk (and we moved into our house over a year ago!). I'm definitely going to give one of these ideas a shot.

[Photo: Apartment Therapy - Boston, via Designers Call]

Glorious Grilling Recipes from Washington Post

2010-05-25T11:36:00.007-04:00

My husband likes to grill and he's good at it. So I was intrigued when he told me about these grill/sautee recipes by Tony Rosenfled he recently saw on washingtonpost.com. We decided to try out a couple of them on a beautiful evening a few weekends ago and, OMG, they were so good. It took a lot of time -- they require a lot of chopping, and it's a two-part cooking method (grill, stove) -- but it is so worth it. It's helpful to have one person handle the grill and the other ready to take stove duty (not an easy feat when you have a toddler, but we managed).

We made the Ratatouille with Toasted Garlic and Thyme and the Grill-Braised Red Wine Onions.

The onions were ridiculous. We could not believe how rich and buttery they tasted, even though there is no butter in the recipe.

We accompanied the veggies with burgers and gorgonzola and a nice bottle of pinot noir. Yum. We'll definitely be making these recipes again, especially when we have people over.

Washington, DC DiggersList

2010-05-24T10:53:00.003-04:00

A friend recently sent me a link to the Washington, DC DiggersList, which is kind of like a craigslist for homeowners and contractors. You can find listings for used appliances, building materials and tools, as well as listings for contractors and designers. In addition to DC, it's in about 16 other markets, and one of the goals of the founders is to keep as many building materials as possible out of landfills.

It's new, so there isn't that much up yet, but I think it could be a really helpful resource. I hope it takes off.

Update: Thanks for the shout-out, DCBlogs! (In DC Blogs Noted 5/25/10.)

Garden Notes: Hibiscus and Rhododendron

2010-05-07T10:15:00.005-04:00

I'm so proud: It's been 4 weeks since I planted some hibiscus in pots in front of our house, and not only are they still alive, but they are still blooming. Quite an accomplishment for this novice gardener.

I've been making sure not to over-water them, which I think has been my problem in the past with potted plants. I only water if the soil feels fairly dry about 2 or 3 inches down into the pot. So simple. But before I watered on a regular basis and didn't bother feeling the soil.

And on to other garden news, our azaleas have faded, but the huge rhododendron bush in our front garden is in full bloom (and I didn't even have to do anything to get it to this point). I can't believe it wasn't damaged by the crazy snow we had.

Merrifield Garden Center: An Explosion of Spring

2010-05-03T21:55:00.011-04:00

I was at Merrifield Garden Center this past weekend (a couple of times, actually). I have a lot of ideas for our front and back yards, but I'm not really sure what's feasible. I am such a novice gardener. Thankfully, the staff here is very knowledgeable and willing to share what they know, including the landscape designers. I also appreciate how it's is organized, with annuals and perennials clearly marked. And they have educational pamphlets throughout the nursery on things like how to care for specific plants or your lawn.

I took a few snapshots on my phone (I was at the Merrifield location) that I think just capture the season. I am trying to relish spring as much as possible this year (though it's been feeling like summer the last few days).

In addition to plants, they carry accessories and furniture for the outdoors and in (for example, the painted-wood potting table [$249], above). They are definitely pricey compared to some other nurseries in the area and big-box stores. For instance, I'm looking for a basic, 22" terracotta pot. I found one at Merrifield for $69, but I found a similar one at Home Depot for $49. For some things, though, I think it's worth the extra cost for the quality and design. And you just can't find some of the things Merrifield has at other places.

And I really like this trellis/lawn ornament (couldn't find a price).

Just being there inspires me to learn more about gardening. I'm looking forward to doing just that this year.

Julie Kubal: Beautiful Baby Photography

2010-04-29T22:45:00.005-04:00

Last June, shortly after we moved into our house, DC-based documentary child photographer Julie Kubal came over to take photos of our little man, Cashion. We wanted heirloom-quality photography to help us remember his first year, and that's exactly what we got.

Julie's work is vibrant and striking -- and not just with regard to color. She was able to accurately capture our son's personality, and she has a great sense of composition. On top of that, she's really easy to work with and is a mom herself, so she knows how to interact with little ones. We highly recommend working with her.

We bought individual photos as well as a 5x5" album (see photos above). It's a great size -- it's portable, yet big enough to appreciate the images. And you have a choice of several lovely fabrics for the cover.

It's been almost a year since the photo shoot, and we love and appreciate the photos more and more as time passes.

I Heart Sarah Richardson

2010-04-27T13:15:00.013-04:00

Ok, I just need to talk about how much I love Sarah Richardson, the Canadian designer. I first heard of her a few years ago when I came across the show Design Inc., which follows her and her team (including her sassy design partner, Tommy) from the beginning to the end of a project that her firm takes on. This year HGTV has been airing Sarah’s House (and its sequels) here in the U.S., where she buys a house, guts it, and then renovates and designs it. I am mesmerized by the show whenever I happen to catch it.

I love how she mixes contemporary with vintage; color and pattern; and affordable, chain-store furniture and accessories with one-of-a-kind, custom pieces (e.g., I believe the duvet, above, is from Pottery Barn). Her designs are well put together, yet accessible.

My dream home would be something designed by her—top to bottom, inside and out. (Well, I'd want a little input.) I love almost everything she does.

The curtains in this nursery are from Ikea. We have the same ones in our house in our family/play room!

[All images are from www.sarahrichardsondesign.com.]

Thomas Paul Design Kits from Decorati

2010-03-04T22:12:00.003-05:00

What a great idea! Decorati's kits for Thomas Paul's new fabric designs (for Duralee) would be incredibly handy if you're trying to design a space and you're not a designer. (And maybe even if you are a designer.) For $20, you get fabric samples, paint suggestions and design schemes. The fabrics are available to the trade only, but Decorati offers a buying service to consumers, or they hook you up with a Design Advisor who will purchase the products for you.

My favorite kits are Palms (above) and Winter (below).

Twig Pick: Nicola Woodland Ferns Pillow @ Garnet Hill

2010-02-04T12:46:00.007-05:00

I am loving this pillow by New England-based designer Nicola Manganello for Garnet Hill ($78 + insert). I'm trying to think of way to work it into our house. It's needlepoint (a trend I've been enjoying) and the sides are made out of purple silk. It really pops with with the green Killarney Quilt ($228) and yellow-and-white Sunday Morning shams ($40 each) -- and that adorable yellow-painted bed. I wonder where I could get that? Maybe it's vintage....

Twig Pick: Birds!

2010-01-15T16:18:00.009-05:00

For my first post of 2010, a quick "Twig Pick." Anyone who knows me knows I'm a fan of birds (I guess my bird tattoo gives that away). And anyone who's been paying attention to fashion and home decor trends the last several years knows that birds have been all the rage. It's been kind of fun because there's been so much to choose from in the marketplace. (Though I know some people are pretty sick of it.) I think the trend might be at its zenith, though. Have you seen all of the bird accessories Pottery Barn has released for its spring collection? If you do a search for "bird" on their site, about 25 things come up. It's cute stuff. I especially like the "Bird Nest Chargers" ($16 each) and "Bird Salad Plates" ($40/set of 4) (see photo above). How sweet for an Easter brunch.

And look at this dining get-up from PB. I guess it's a little bird overkill, but it's still cute.

I'm so ready for spring!

A 1st Birthday, Outrageously Tasty Ice Cream Cake and Sweet Party Favors

2009-09-13T21:50:00.019-04:00

Our little man turned one early last week and we celebrated the big day last Sunday at our house. My parents were in town, a bunch of our good friends were over, and the weather was absolutely perfect. Originally, I was going to bake a cake or brownies for the party. But we recently discovered the Frozen Dairy Bar here in Falls Church, and they have the most unbelievably rich and creamy frozen custard. When I was there a couple of weeks ago, I saw a sign advertising cakes and couldn't resist getting one for Cashy's birthday.

We were not disappointed. We got the large (see photo above, $35), and it was more than enough for the 12 adults at our party. They make your cake the morning of the day you pick it up -- and you could tell. There is chocolate custard on the bottom, crushed Oreos in the middle, vanilla custard on top and then frosting. The cake decorating was okay, but the taste and texture more than made up for it. Cashy loved it and, of course, got it all over his face and most of the rest of his body. It was super cute.

My Mom, Rose -- Crafting Queen -- made the sweet party favors (above). She dreamed them up and created them within about a day after we decided we were going to have the party. She's so crazy. In addition to being a self-taught crafter (she's also an excellent scrapbooker and makes bouquets, boutonnieres and wreaths, among other things) she is an insanely good gardener, a great cook and has an eye for interior design and fashion. I will show you more of her handiwork in future posts.

Speaking of cooking, I made baked rigatoni for the party and it turned out REALLY well (if I do say so myself). Most importantly, Cashy loved it. He's definitely part Italian :) The recipe, which I'll include it in a future post, is based on my Mom's. But I still need to write it down. (I'm finding that I'm more like my grandma and mom than I ever thought -- so many recipes are in my head and I just "eyeball" the ingredients.)

Thanks to our families and friends for making last Sunday a lovely and memorable day!

This Saturday: Arts on Foot, FSt | Arts

2009-09-09T22:16:00.011-04:00

Now that Labor Day has passed, the fall event season is in full gear. There is so much going on this weekend. One of the most enticing events is Arts on Foot in Penn Quarter at 7th and F Streets, NW. The Art Market is today and tomorrow from 11 to 7 and Saturday from 11 to 5. And the full (and free) festival is on Saturday from 11 to 5 and includes food and wine samplings, entertainment and stuff for kids.

In conjunction with AOF, the folks at FSt | Arts are hosting an open studio on Saturday from 11 to 5 (923 F Street, NW). In particular, artist Mimi Masse will be showcasing her work in Studio 301, along with guest artist Mia Lavorata.

Lavorata, a painter, glass artist and graphic designer (among other things), is the proprietor of the Etsy shop NineteenO'three -- "the shop for the steampunk and Edwardian traveler." The Rockville, MD-based crafter refurbishes and repurposes vintage train cases and other items into beautiful, fanciful storage pieces that you can use at home (in the bedroom or powder room, for example) or, of course, while traveling. Above is a detail of her Gibson Girl Train Case (I love the edge of the mirror).

DC-based Masse, a sculptor, jewelry artist and graphic designer (among other things), creates bold pieces made of -- and inspired by -- natural materials. Her Bowl Ring (wood and metal), below, is even more stunning in person. And while this is a piece you may want to keep on display only, it's surprisingly comfortable to wear. And how nice would it be to have a portable piece of artistry to admire every time you look down at your hand?

Twig Pick: Anthro's Forest Canopy Bed

2009-09-03T11:28:00.009-04:00

I am trying hard not to let this blog become all about Anthropologie -- there are plenty of those already! -- but I am going absolutely NUTTY over this beautiful bed and feel the need to talk about it. I was never really into fairytales or fantasy, even as a kid. But I can just imagine that lying in this bed every day would make you feel like you're living in some sort of Sleeping Beauty or Tolkien-inspired woodland, which is suddenly really appealing to me. At $5,298 for the queen size, it's a bit out of my price range. But it doesn't cost anything to daydream about it.

Vera's Back -- Again!

2009-08-31T21:45:00.014-04:00

I was at Macy's last weekend and, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that distinctive little ladybug drawing on a display table. I was excited to see that, sure enough, some Vera table linens were for sale. This is something new for Macy's. The Imprint collection, above, is on sale right now from $19.99 to $49.99. And the Turning Leaf collection -- leaves in gold, green and burgundy on a white background -- goes for about the same price.
During the last few years, there's been a resurgence of interest in the work of Vera Neumann (1907 - 1993), the artist and textile designer best known, perhaps, for her scarves -- and her ladybug "signature." This renewed popularity is due in part to a woman named Susan Seid who (to make a long story short) bought the Vera trademark and rescued thousands of scarves from a warehouse in Georgia in 2003. In 2005, Seid started The Vera Company. Earlier this year, the company teamed up with Anthropologie on scarves, clothing and home items under the label We [Love] Vera. And it looks like their relationship with Anthro is going to continue, as there are some Vera designs in their fall collection (see below).

Vera's iconic scarves are also available for sale on The Vera Company's website. My favorite design is Central Park ($98, below). But there are many affordable, vintage Vera scarves and linens on Etsy and eBay, where most of the scarves start at around $9.99 and napkin sets start even lower.

The Teal Boho 1970s Scarf from theluckyfish on Etsy ($46):

Old or new, Vera's cheery designs are just as fashionable now as they were 20, 30 or even 50 years ago.

Furniture Sale at Red Barn Mercantile

2009-08-28T10:26:00.011-04:00

Through September, you can save 25% on custom sofas and chairs -- like the yummy Serena Love Seat, above ($2,025) -- at Red Barn Mercantile in Old Town Alexandria. The furniture, which is made with environmentally friendly materials, is by Cisco Brothers -- the same company that makes the furniture for John Derian. Some floor models will also be marked down. The rustic/country/French-inspired shop also sells antiques, home accessories, tableware, bedding and stuff for kids. Some of my favorites are the 15-Gallon Stoneware Crock from the early 1900s ($250):

The hooked Tricycle Pillow ($79):

And the Primitive Child's Stepback Cabinet from the late 1800s ($325).

Cheap & Cheerful Window Seats

2009-08-26T09:14:00.017-04:00

The top level of our house -- a renovated attic that serves as our guest room and office -- is starting to come together. It has four windows, two of which are dormer windows, and it has a tree-house feel. The dormers were just begging for window seats. But given all the upgrades we did to the house since moving in the spring (like replacing the windows), custom window seats were out. (We don't know how to do that work and don't have time right now to learn.) So I searched the Web for some pre-fab, storage window seats with drawers or a seat that lifts up to reveal storage. But most of what I found was either too expensive or too big for the space, which is about 42.5" wide.

Next I searched for benches with cubbies. We'd still get a seat and some storage -- it would just be exposed. In addition to a general search, I looked at kids furniture stores. You'd be surprised at what you can find at places like PB Kids and Land of Nod that works for adult spaces. What I finally settled on was the Winslow White Twin-Size Small Cubbie Bench from Overstock.com ($100.99 each, free shipping, 20" h x 36.25" w x 15.75" d), which, interestingly, is marketed for kids rooms.

The two cubbies arrived in about a week and were easy to put together. I did it myself and it took about 45 minutes for each one. The final product is surprisingly sturdy and they have a nice presence in the room. I topped them with pillows from Persnickety Home made with Anna Maria Horner's Sketchbook in Blue fabric ($26 for two, plus inserts), and used some woven baskets I had from Pottery Barn to store craft and office supplies. Cashy loves sitting there with me and at looking out at the big, old maple tree in our front yard. And they just help make that room feel more finished now.

Twig Pick: Anthro's Chateau Lamp

2009-08-20T09:47:00.008-04:00

I am loving this lamp. This is not surprising, as I love most things from Anthropologie. (In some circles, I'm actually referred to as "Anthropologie girl." Is that good or bad?) Anyway, I can see this lamp on a sideboard in a funky, boho dining room or kitchen, or in a sun room for some late-night light and pretty shadows. But such charm and whimsy doesn't come cheap: $1598 at Anthropologie.com.

Alice Medrich's 'Best Cocoa Brownies'

2009-08-18T11:24:00.005-04:00

I swear, these really are the best cocoa brownies -- ever. They are by Alice Medrich, the Queen of Chocolate, after all. The inside is so buttery and fudgy, and the top has a delicate, flaky crust. And on top of that, they're easy to make. I made this most recent batch with toasted pecans -- which tastes amazing -- but they are fantastic without nuts, too. I've made them about 10 times now, and they've been great every time. The photo I took above does not do them justice.

And, by the way, you should check out Medrich's book, Bittersweet: Recipes and Tales from a Life in Chocolate. The recipes and photos are wonderful, there's a lot of great info in it about chocolate, and it's neat to read about her experiences as a dessert-maker. Chris gave me this book a few years ago...it's a great gift for someone who loves chocolate and baking.

Best Cocoa Brownies

From Bittersweet by Alice Medrich

Makes 16 large or 25 smaller brownies

10 tblsp unsalted butter1

1/4 c sugar

3/4 c plus 2 tblspoons unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 cold large eggs

1/2 c all-purpose flour

2/3 c walnut or pecan pieces (optional)

8-in square baking pan

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides.

Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa and salt in a medium heatproof bowl and set in a wide skillet of barely simmering water. Stir from time to time until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and hot enough that you want to remove your finger fairly quickly after dipping it in to test. Remove the bowl from the skillet and set aside briefly until the mixture is only warm, not hot.

Stir in the vanilla with a wooden spoon. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one. When the batter looks thick, shiny and well blended, add the flour and stir until you cannot see it any longer, then beat vigorously for 40 strokes with the wooden spoon or a rubber spatula. Stir in the nuts, if using. Spread evenly in the lined pan.

Bake until a toothpick plunged into the center emerges slightly moist with batter, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely on a rack.

Lift up the ends of the parchment or foil liner, and transfer the brownies to a cutting board. Cut into 16 or 25 squares.

Small-Space Solution: Bathroom

2009-08-14T13:27:00.006-04:00

I love our little 1940s bathroom. A lot of the original details have been retained (and maintained) over the years by our home's previous owners, including the black-and-white tile floor and pedestal sink. And while we do have a medicine cabinet, it's just not enough to hold all of our toiletries and other bathroom necessities.

Enter Ballard Designs' Piccola Cabinet ($249). At just 10" deep, it's the perfect size for a small -- and narrow -- space. But it's wide and tall enough to hold everything we need to store (like washcloths, razors, lotion and toilet paper). We've been using it for a few months now and it seems to be well made. I also really like its vintage, built-in-cabinetry look. It comes in distressed black, distressed white (the color we have) and Italian green. It's delivered fully assembled -- you just have to install the adjustable shelf.

Twig Pick: Natural Curiosities Sale at OKL

2009-08-13T09:23:00.003-04:00

Right now you can get a set of 14 gorgeous prints by Natural Curiosities at One Kings Lane for more than 60% off the retail price (the sale ends 8/15). Regularly $168, you can snag some vintage-style beauties for just $59. To be able to shop at OKL, you have to become a member, but it's free and easy. They have a new sale every day and feature brands like 1891 by Sferra, Ankasa and one of my absolute favorites, John Robshaw -- starting today!

Quick & Healthy Couscous Salad

2009-08-11T09:05:00.001-04:00

I keep finding myself coming back to this Bell Pepper and Mozarella Couscous recipe from the July 2004 issue of Cooking Light. It's super-fast -- it takes me about 20 minutes for prep, cooking and clean-up -- and it's delicious. The combination of all of the bold flavors (roasted peppers, basil, kalamata olives, balsamic vinegar) is a nice complement to grilled chicken -- and it's a satisfying lunch on its own. I usually multiply the recipe by 5, add about 6 oz of garbanzo beans for extra protein and flavor, and then we use it for lunches and dinners throughout the week. I think it tastes best at room temperature.

1/2 c water
1/3 c uncooked couscous
1/8 ts salt
1/4 c chopped bottled roasted bell peppers
1/4 c canned artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped
1/4 c (1 oz) fresh mozarella
1 tb chopped fresh basil
1 tb balsamic vinegar
1 tb extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 ts freshly ground black pepper
2 kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan; gradually stir in couscous and salt. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

2. Add bell peppers and remaining ingredients; toss gently to combine. Cover and chill.

Twig Pick: Ulysses S. Grant Poster

2009-08-07T07:40:00.005-04:00

Chris and I are huge fans Diana Sudyka's screenprinted posters. I love her intricate, nature-inspired designs and the ink she uses -- especially the colors with a subtle, metallic sheen. We have the Jeff Tweedy and Neko Case posters (soon to be framed and hanging somewhere in our house). And I also recently bought her Ulysses S. Grant poster. Maybe I was inspired because Chris is reading Shelby Foote's The Civil War: A Narrative -- I don't know -- but this is the coolest poster I've ever seen and there's something about it that is so "right now." $20 on Etsy.

Twig Pick: Porcelain Branch Pitcher

2009-08-06T10:14:00.002-04:00

I can picture this pretty pitcher sitting on the table on our screened porch filled with ginger-peach iced tea. I can also picture it sitting on our kitchen table in the middle of winter filled with something warm. $82 at Shoestring Home.

DC Big Flea Finds

2009-08-03T11:00:00.004-04:00

DC Big Flea was more antiques market than flea market -- which is totally fine, it's just not what we were expecting. But there was a lot of fun stuff: vintage chocolate molds, old footballs, toys, weird medical things, jewelry and, of course, furniture. We didn't find everything we were looking for, but we did leave with some goodies. We found a great old table fan for our bedroom ($18), and Chris found a couple of baseball cards and a postcard. I found this pretty necklace ($25). It's Czech and the glass beads and phenolic plastic flowers are pre-1927. It's very Anthro, isn't it?

Here are a few things that caught my eye. The first piece was my favorite. It's an 1890 botanical print from Edinburgh:

Abe and Rikki found a few records, but Mia and John had the most luck -- they found a bunch of things, including a beautiful sideboard. It's the nature of these things, of course, to be hit or miss...we're definitely going to check out the Big Flea again.

DC Big Flea

2009-08-01T09:50:00.004-04:00

First off, a HUGE thanks to my good friend Rikki Campbell Ogden -- the talent behind pixiedesign -- for designing the beautiful header for Twigs and Scraps! She's also the designer-extraordinaire behind my band The Hickories' CD Lost in Pennsylvania and all of the related collateral. She is so down with my aesthetic. Am I lucky or what??

Today we are headed to DC Big Flea at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA, which comes around six times a year. It's from 9 to 6 today and 11 to 5 tomorrow. We are newbies, but we'll be meeting up with our steampunk-fabulous friends, Mia and John, who are veterans. We'll also be meeting up the aforementioned Rikki, and her husband Abe and baby Harper. If you're a newbie and thinking of going, here are some tips from Mia:

Bring your checkbook -- smaller vendors prefer checks and cash (there is a bank machine there if you need it).
Credit cards are accepted when buying bigger-ticket items.
Bring measurements if you are looking for something in particular.
Don't forget a tape measure.
Don't forget to wear your most comfortable shoes and a cardigan -- the buildings can get cold.

I can't wait. I'll let you know what we find!

Ships in the Home

2009-07-31T09:42:00.008-04:00

I have been digging all of the ship images in home decor lately. I'm not completely sure why -- it must have to do with my fondness for all things vintage, because I've never been into sailing or anything like that. Anyway, I recently bought this fantastic little vase by Diana Fayt that's screenprinted with an image of a ship (above). It's sitting on our mantel and, despite being just 4" x 2.5", it adds a dignified feel to our living room.

Some other ship-bearing items that I love are the Night and Morning Sky Shadowboxes from Wisteria:

Thomas Paul's Seafarer pillows:

and John Derian's oval plate:

All this talk of ships makes me want to re-read Wide Sargasso Sea.

Thursday Design Fix

2009-07-30T12:34:00.004-04:00

I like Thursdays for many reasons, two of which are the New York Times' and Washington Post's home sections. I like to read them the old-fashioned way -- on paper while riding the Metro.

In the Post, I love "House Calls." I don't think I can ever get enough of before-and-afters. Plus, you can get a lot of tips on how to solve design dilemmas and some great finds at stores you may not have known of. Today's is a family room re-do by local designer Iantha Carley. What a huge difference. I love the activity table she chose, and I love how she worked in furniture from Ikea and Target.

The Times' article The New Antiquarians is, of course, spot on. I have been loving this trend. I don't embrace it completely -- full on, it's a little too dark for me -- but I like to mix it in to our colorful cottagey/vintage/eclectic decor (not sure what to call it...it's probably just "contemporary").

[Image: nytimes.com]

Welcome

2009-07-30T10:40:00.010-04:00

I'm excited to finally start Twigs and Scraps: Ideas for Nesting. I meant to start it back in January 2008, but that's when I got pregnant with our little boy, Cashion -- and the most intense, mind-numbing tiredness I'd ever experienced kicked in. I was barely able to wake up, shower and make it to work everyday; there was no way I could keep up with a blog, too.

So, here I am, more than a year and a half later. Our little one is almost 11 months old, we are now first-time homeowners and I work full-time. I don't have a lot free time -- who does? -- but I do have more energy now.

My background is in literature and econcomics, but I have a strong interest in all things "home" -- design, decorating, homekeeping, cooking, baking, gardening -- the focus of Twigs and Scraps.