SJV on Instagram

If you've noticed my absence on the blog the past couple of weeks, I just needed a breather. I'll get back to it next week. In the meantime, I've also been posting on Instagram if you'd like to follow along. You can find me here...

SJV on Instagram

Seems like I've been posting more on Instagram than the blog lately. It's just so easy! You can follow me here...

Gunta Stölzl

Ever since we visited Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater home last year, I've been focused on searching out interesting testiles to fill our home. Seeing all the textile's in Lauren's Apartment Therapy tour last week reignited my search.  Along the way I discovered the work of Gunta Stölzl.  Gunta was the only woman among the masters at the Bauhaus, one of the 20th century's most important schools of art, design and architecture.  She was a textile artist who played a fundamental part of the school's weaving workshop.  Now her work can be seen in museums such as the Albert and Victoria Museum and MOMA in New York City.  Obviously her original pieces are far out of my reach, but I love the colors and patterns in her work and for my own decorating purposes, will keep my eye out for similar designs that are inspired by her work. 

Paper Moon

photo by Tom b.

Thursday night Tom and I headed to Hinesite Vintage for champagne, finger foods and some vintage shopping.   Three of my favorite things at the same time!  I had a chance to play dress-up in this gorgeous 1930s silk kimono and have my photo taken with a paper moon.  I also came home with a pretty red kimono in an Asian cherry blossom print.  More on that later...

Wren x Minnetonka

I'm never quite sure if I want to buy a pair of Minnetonkas or not.  They seem so comfortable and easy to wear, but for one reason or another, I've never pulled the trigger on buying a pair.  Now that they've teamed up with Wren for a special collection, I may have to take another look. 

Very Cheesy

Last week Tom was away on a photography assignment in Madison, Wisconsin for a couple of days.  Before he left, I jokingly told him to bring home some cheese!  Well, little did I know he would take that seriously and return with a bag full of artisan cheeses that he picked out from Fromagination.  We waited to unwrap and devour each one until we had some perfect weather last night for a backyard picnic.  Along with a bottle of wine and a bowl full of fresh strawberries we had Cave Aged Bandaged Cheddar, Foenegreek Gouda and Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar.  They were all amazing, but I think the Cave Aged  Cheddar was our favorite.  I don't know if either of us will end up back in Madison any time soon, but if we do, a trip to Fromagination is definitely on our list of places to visit.

Heirloom Vintage

Hollister and Porter Hovey, the ladies behind Hovey Designs, have put together a book that "lays out the family influences, experiences and stories behind the homes of our own immediate and extended family."  I always love peeking into other people's spaces, especially when those spaces are filled with antiques and collectibles passed down from generation to generation.  If the family photos from the accompanying Tumblr are any indication, I'm going to have to get my hands on a copy! 

Mad Men Season 6

Are you ready?  It's almost time for a new season of Mad Men.  The two hour premiere is April 7th.  Isn't it strange to see how much the style has already changed as we move into the late 60s?  A few thing to note:  Megan's hair is kind of crazy, Betty is skinny again, Ginsberg and Stan are still around (check out the beard on Stan) and so is Peggy, although she seems to be on her own.  Can't wait!

The Chick and The Duck

Over the weekend Tom and I experienced a bit of cute overload.  We were visiting friends who just happen to be transferring a dozen chicks and four adorable ducklings to their new enclosures.  They were outgrowing their old accommodations and the spring-like day we were having was the perfect opportunity for the little ones to explore their new homes.  Baby chicks are awfully cute, but man, I've gotta give it up for the baby ducks in the cuteness department.  I wanted to take them all home with me.  Of course, that would not have gone over well with the cats.  For helping with the transfer, we got the honor of naming two of the ducklings.  The little yellow one with the pink bill is named... Pink!  So of course the other one (on the far left) is Floyd. 

Folk Fibers

I've always been fascinated by the art of quilt making.  Not the big machine, mass produced ones, but the hand stitched, one-of-a-kind variety.  I have a few family quilts that have been passed down and they count among my very favorite possessions.  Perhaps that's why I'm so very taken by the quilts created by Folk Fibers.  I have much admiration for the work and talent that went into creating these hand-dyed beauties.