Pinning This!

Simplicity.

It's all it's cracked up to be.

Too much excess anything- whether it's baggage, words, design elements, or what have you- it can  start to weigh things down.

It's something as a designer and communicator that I am constantly reminding myself of over and over again. Does it really need that? Does 'that' make it better?  I've talked about simplicity here before (here and here) and I most definitely will again. Some things just bear repeating.

Here's a little simplicity to remind you (and I) that less really is more.

cafe intergral /  thymes / terrain / tainia rollond

Simple design can be so pleasing to the eye.

Gorgeousness, yes?

Then again I'm a bohemian colorful gal at heart. What to do? What to do?

Strive to seek balance.

What have you been pinning lately? In addition to simplicity I've also been leaning toward gardening and outdoor room pins too. You can tell where my head is.

Have an awesome day.

Ciao for now,

PS- if you didn't get a chance to check out yesterday's What Inspires You Wednesday post, I think when you're done watching the video, you'll be glad you did.

Pin Worthy

In Need of Color

Currently, it's a gray rainy day. Though it does look like the sun is trying to make the slightest go of it. Not sure if it will be successful or not, but sure would be nice. 

In case it doesn't though, I thought I'd offer up a little color explosion via some of my pinterest pins. Just to give my day a necessary infusion of color to push the grays away.

sources:

Vintage Revivals/painted plywood wall  

I am pascal/taped stairs 

luxe and lilies/colorful dining area

the mod collective/multi-color pottery

sources:

the marion house book/jenn’s bedroom walls (Benjamin mooredark harbor)

photo by kristins jaarda

iron and wine/tour poster

naniiro/fabrics

I feel better about the rain already.

Yoga update:

So, I have finished week 2. I met and exceeded my goal of 5 days with yoga practice. I didn't get practice in on Monday because it was a very busy day. I was not happy (this is a good sign) about that.  This meant I had to fit a practice in on my weekend, which is fine, but I'd rather know I met my goal before heading into the weekend. Well, in all honesty, it didn't matter. I wanted to take time with my mat on Saturday and did. I also wanted to practice Sunday too, so I did. Progress, not perfection. I did well focusing on my form and listening to my body and not pushing too hard. I had a couple of practices where it was hard to quiet my mind, which if you've never done yoga, is essential or you'll just topple right over.  I was able to get a handle on the mind jabbering and ended the week quite happy with where I am after two short weeks. It feels great to be back on my mat.  

I found this video on pinterest last night and was completely amazed at this woman doing yoga. I can't even imagine ever being good enough to do even half of what she does. All I can say is I am gobsmacked. What the human body has the ability to do, is really quite mind blowing and beautiful. 

She is really something. She is my inspiration for the week. Be forewarned she's only wearing bra and undies.   Click here if you're reading via email.

My goal for the week is to practice 5 days.  To practice at the start of the day, if at all possible. And again, work on form and mental focus since that was a challenge last week. I also need to drink way more water.

How are you doing on the 'be good to yourself' front?

Ciao for now,

Pin Worthy: Better Late Than Never

Pinterest Awesomeness

Hey gang. Yesterday's planned post is now today's post. Never did quite figure out why on earth my pin worthy image was saving with weird lines in Illustrator. Worked around it in Photoshop. Where there is a will, there is a way.

So, without any further ado, here are some my favorite pins of late.

Top row left to right:

underwater photo by Jacob Sutton via This Is Collosal
ceramic tube necklace via JullMade
hendricks gin and tonic via drizzleanddip

Middle row left to right:

firefly long exposure photo by Kristian Cvecek via adventure-journal

thistle field photo via lee’s whimsy

Bottom row left to right:
mixed media art via messy bed studio
wood stove/living room via house and leisure

tomato risotto arancini via drizzle and dip


As you can see, I need to add drizzle and dip to my bloglovin' feed. Two pins and I had no idea they were from the same place.



It's another glorious day here today.  Rinse repeat. Yesterday when I took a break from my desk and went out to water the garden and get some fresh summer air, I met some new friends. Well, sort of. I think they were more likely asking, 'why does this girl have a biggo lens in my face?' They were patient none the less.

Today, I took a break before I started and had a nice second cuppa out on the patio. There is the most glorious breeze today and I wanted to enjoy it for at least another minute after taking the hound for his morning walk. Ah...................



Freeform Friday

Have I told you lately how happy I am that you're here?  If I haven't, I am. Happy that you're here.  Here's to you. I'm glad you came. Click here if you're reading via email.




That song just makes me happy and makes me want to dance.

Only plans so far for the weekend included celebrating our good friend and neighbor Gerry's birthday. I won't say how old because, well, we really like love him and want him to remain a friend. Ha!

Other than that, enjoying summer downtime.

What about you?

Ciao for now,

Still Life: Wildflower

 

Spring Whites

 

I was out in the yard collecting whatever was blooming for some little vases and a touch of color, when I spied this pretty little flower just over the stone wall in the woods.

 

 

 

 

Lovely, isn't it? I'll have to search around to see if I can find out what it is.

Still Life is one of my Pinterest boards. Sometimes we're rushing and time is going so fast that we forget there is much beauty to behold in still life.

If we're not connected on Pinterest yet, you can find me here.



I also found our lone tulip in bloom. There used to be many more, but the critters have taken care of them in the last couple of years. I guess I'll have to plant some more.

Enjoy this Spring day if you're in our hemisphere, and if you're not, perhaps it's time to start a fire and enjoy what the cooler weather brings.

Make it a good one wherever you are.

Ciao for now,

 

 

PS- one day left to purchase my Grow Love print to support Bucks for Bauman, a fund set up to assist Boston bombing survivor Jeff Bauman. Thank you SO much to all those who have supported this effort. It's nice to do something to help someone who will be facing many challenges in the days ahead, yet still exudes such a positive spirit. 

Pin Worthy

Color & Composition, et al

My eye has been roaming all over the place on pinterest lately.

Don't you love the way I say this as if it's a completely new phenomenon on pinterest?

I'm hear to tell you, that's one of the things I love about pinterest. The sheer variety.

These a multitude of reasons.

Shall I list a few?

Color, composition, simplicity, practicality, magicality (did you like that? I mean, look at that art installation!), shapes, design.............

top row:

left/marais side chair via industry west;

right/marc jacobs chevron scarf via net-a-porter
bottom row:

left/art installation ‘between th air’ via yokota kada

right/fisherman’s salt via anthropologie

 

Let's hook up on pinterest if we haven't already. I love seeing what you all are pinning.

Although you can't tell by the pins above, I seem be starting to pin lots of garden stuff........I think it has something to do with cabin fever.

I am also willing to admit that I've been pinning like a mad woman on my smart phone, especially if the other half is watching something on TV that I'm not interested. I just sit there a pin away.......

Am I the only one?

A big thanks to each and every one of you who have pinned something from Mercantile Muse or Bates Mercantile Co.  I really, really appreciate it.

See ya on the flip side.

Ciao for now,

 

A Good Egg & Pin Worthy

 

Chucky Egg

 

I can't tell you why, or what the origin truly is, but my Gram who was from Yorkshire, England called a soft boiled egg a 'chucky egg'. There are different opinions on what gave the chucky egg its name (maybe the 'chuck chuck' sounds chickens make), but it appears to have orginated in the midlands of England.  That is not to say that people from other places don't call it a chucky egg, because it seems that some do.

 

A chucky egg is usually served with a bit of butter in it and salt and pepper of course (what would an egg be without salt a pepper?).  It's often sopped up by skinny pieces of toast, sometimes refered to as 'toast soldiers'. Perhaps because their stiff and seem to stand at attention like soldiers? It's anybody's guess really. 

 

 

Since my Gram served me chucky eggs when I was very little, I've loved them.  They're still one of my go-to eggs (not that I've met an egg I didn't love), though I don't always put a dollop of butter in them or eat them with toast soldiers. Always with salt and pepper though. Some people cut up their chucky eggs, and mix it with butter and bread in a mug. I've always just eaten my chucky egg perched  nicely atop an egg cup.

 

 

I often eat my egg from my father's Chucky Egg cup.  My great Aunt Dora, my Gram's sister sent it to him from England for his first Christmas in 1930.

 

He's seen a lot of use, but I love that he's part of my Chucky Egg ritual.

 

Chucky Egg

 

Bring water to boil. Put egg in and boil for three and half minutes. I then turn the burner off and leave the egg to sit for another 15 to 30 seconds. (You don't have to if you like yours extra soft). 

 

Perfection.  Serve in egg cup. Gently tap around top of egg with knife and lift the top off. Spoon out chucky egg onto toast or stick toast soldiers into egg to sop up.

 

Yum.

 

 

Pin Worthy

 

Just sharing some things I thought were pin worthy on Pinterest.  If you're on Pinterest, you know how what I mean. There is just so much that is pin worthy. 

 

If we haven't connected yet on Pinterest, you'll find me here.

 

 

sources: 

flokati on rocking chair via nordic design from my homeward bound board

driftwood photo display via morning creativity from my craft it board

beautiful flowers via merci new york from my styling love board

thoughtful packaging via one fine dae from my packaging board

 

Do you secretly wish someone would pay you to pin things all day, or is it just me?

 

Did I just say that outloud?

 

 

Freeform Friday

I absolutely love this. Beyond the fact that it makes me miss NYC, I think it's quite amazing. So much talent every where.  Enjoy. If you're reading via email, watch here.





Hope you have a great Friday. Happy weekend!

Ciao for now,

 

 

Pinning with a Helping Hand

Perhaps We Can Help Each Other Out

Are you on Pinterest yet? Damn. I just love it. It's as simple as that. I still can't get over the fact that guys thought of it.  It's not that I think they couldn't , but I bet for the most part, women were cutting things out of magazines and putting them into idea files or pinning up on bulletin boards more than men. Of course, I've been wrong before. Those guys I was talking about, there were not wrong about Pinterest. I see it growing and growing and growing.  I  also see it as another way for us small independent shop owners to support each other.

I want to throw something out to you, I want to Pin you. Yes, I do. I want my boards to not only reflect my likes, but I want them, like this blog and my facebook page, to support independent shop owners.

I have a board for my Etsy Favorite Finds, but it sure could use some more pins. I also pin other Etsy favorite finds onto boards, but I want more!   

So, if you're up to it, let's do this: I pin you, you pin me and let's see where these pins may take us. It's an easy way to lend each other a hand.

Of course, you don't have to have a shop on etsy. If you have a website or a blog and you'd like me to pin something from there, just say the word.  All anyone has to do is leave a comment or link below. If you have something specific you'd like me to pin, again--let me know, otherwise I'll just browse and pick something of yours to pin. Remember to leave a comment or a link though, or I won't know you want to be pinned. Let's boost the reach even more....if you have a facebook page or twitter account, hit share to facebook or twitter after you pin when Pinterest prompts you. It'll be a Pinterest Wave!

And, if you don't have a shop, but love to pin on Pinterest, join the fun and see where the comments below take you. If you find something you like, Pin It!

I'm game. Are you?

PS- if we haven't connected on Pinterest yet, you can find me here.

Pin This: Doable Design

via country living

Must Pins

Hi gang.  If you haven't jumped on the pinterest bandwagon yet, might I suggest that you do. It's a seriously fun way to find all sorts of things across the web, and organize them as you see fit on your very own 'internet bulletin boards' so to speak. It's hard not to love it. I mean really love it. If you're already on Pinterest, than you know I speak the truth. 

It's also one more way for us to connect with each other and get the most out of this social media thing. Social media is all about connecting after all. Even on this world wide web, it all comes down to people connecting with each other. Funny how that works.

Back to Pinterest.  I have boards with titles like 'craft it' for things I might want to try making, 'food glorious food' for things I want to cook, 'say what?' for quotes that are worth remembering, and today's topic, 'do-able design', among others.  Narrow it down even further. I'm going to share with you some upcycled do-able design I've found via Pinterest.  I am so inspired by the projects people come up with that turns one thing, into something even more fabulous.

It makes me hit my forehed with my hand and proclaim, 'Why didn't I think of that?'

Just check this stuff out. Go ahead, guess what that gorgeous chandelier is made out of? Go on. I'll wait (seconds pass while she taps her foot). Give up? Sunglasses. Just like the lamp next to it. Can you stand it? Talk about fabulous. It catches the light just beautifully.

1. door shelving with light via bulb to blossom ; 2. pallet shelving via domesticdoozie 

(Here's two for ya! check out the price tags)

3. pallet chair 10,000 kr or $1,500 via gen by design 

& 4. scrub brush pencil holder $65!!!! (really? I want to find everyone who has bought that because I have a bridge to sell them) via anthropologie

5. shutter organizer ($2.....more my style) via life as a thrifter

6. pallet sign (love that quote) via blooming homestead

7. mini paint chip organizing pockets & tumbler cloches via country living

8. drink station (though I would think you could use this for storing things in a fun way too, and even go bigger on the cabinet) via country living

9. lighting with glasses via the optical visionite  

So many awesome ideas...how will I ever find the time to try them all?

Are you on Pinterest? If you are I'd love it if you shared one of your recent pins, and also if you connected with me there. There is a little button with a 'P' in my sidebar (under my profile) that will bring you to my Pinterest page. And, if you like this post or any others on the Muse, you can pin them easily via the little Pinterest button directly under each post.

Have you repurposed anything lately? Was it a hard project or an easy one? I have a stack of shoe boxes behind me that are just itching to reinvented.  Hmmm, what to do....what to do......

Safe Pallets

Since a few of these projects are made from pallets, I want you to know that not all pallets are safe to use as they have been treated with various chemicals. This article I found via Domestic Doozie, gives you some good guidelines to go by. 

NEWS FLASH

There is less than one week to enter the September giveaway for more than $180 in handmade and vintage prizes. Don't miss your chance to win. That would be a bummer.

Ouch

You know that thrift score I told you about? You know...this one.  Yup, the behemoth of a blanket chest that currently sits in the middle of my kitchen for lack of a better place? Remind me not to turn all the lights out before I head to the bed. It might be big, but it is invisible in the dark. My toe can attest to that fact.

Ciao for now,

Pinning for Do-able Design

via sweet paul

It Doesn't Have To Be Complicated

The thing with design is that quite often, people over think it.

I believe that the design that makes your house a home should be easy. It should reflect your personality, should be easy to do and should feel easy, like a comfortable chair. Even if you have a more classical and less about cozy comfort, it doesn't mean things have to hard to execute.

I mean, why complicate things? 

Today I'm sharing some things that I've pinned on Pinterest because I love their simplicity. I love the touch that they can give a home without being complex, hoity toity or completely out of reach.  This stuff is easy, inexpensive and do-able. It doesn't matter what your design style is. There are ways to make things less complicated and incorporate them into your home.

1. Talk about clever. How about a cd rack turned bathroom organizer? I think this idea could be used in just about any room of the house including the bedroom for jewelry or perfumes, the pantry for spices, or the office for pens, pencils and what not.

via the polohouse

2. I've talked about doing this with my sofa for ages. In fact, I think I've even shared this pin before. But hey, I'm not shy when I find a good idea. I don't have to keep it all to myself. Painters drop cloth as sofa cover? Hell yeah. Who the heck would care if the dog got on the drop cloth covered sofa??

via Lisa Torp

3. How about using things you can find at any hardware store to change up some of your decor? Like rope for instance. Get the hot glue gun out and you  could transform any old plain jane mirror. 

via country living

(ps. check out the price of the one country living featured....I bet you could make this for under $20 bucks. just sayin')

4.  Ah, the wonders for decoupage. You can transform just about anything. If you don't dig the sheet music, choose something else.....stationery, wrapping paper, old newspapers, old book pages, scrapbooking paper.

The possibilities are endless.

via miss mustard seed

5. This is as simple as a bouquet gets. Baby's breath and a glass with a little lace around it. So lovely.

via style me pretty

6. Do you have old jewelry that you don't know what to do with? Been looking for a new memo board?  Here's the answer.  Glue magnets to the back of old bits of jewelry you have no use for anymore. You can also find plenty of inexpensive old jewelry at flea markets, thrift stores and antique shops. Use an old metal tray as your board and your new magnets to hold everything to it.  Pretty darn easy.

via sweet paul

Have you pinned any easy, do-able design elements? If you have, share a link to your pin or board in the comments.

If you're not pinning with me on Pinterest yet, you'll find me here.  If you are on pinterest and like this post, you can easily pin it with the 'pin it' button just below this post.

Rainy day here. It had to happen sometime.  Make it a great one whether it's wet or dry.

See you on the flip side,

I Like It, I Pinned It

This Week On Pinterest

Sharing a few good things I found on Pinterest this week.

Original 1920s hand blown and gilted wine containers. Gorgeous. Thanks Brenda for finding this one. By the way, if you haven't stopped by Brenda's blog Champagne & Macarons, do yourself a favor. She always features the most gorgeous things.

via restoration hardware

Thanks for this one too Brenda.  Prettiest ice cubes ever.

via a fanciful twist

Fabulous packaging. Simple, clean, effective.

via the die line

Personally, I love Dolly. One talented, smart cookie.

via natural curiosities

Love this color. Fabulous.

via justlena

Seriously affordable, to boot.

I am now drooling on my keyboard.  Proscuitto, peach and goat cheese pizzas.

via epicurious

Oh man, am I gonna try that one.

Are you following me on pinterest? If you're not, we should connect. You can find me here.

I'm off to Hampton to see my cousin Margie, who came up for a surprise visit. A little brekkie on the Frechette's patio please. Why yes, thank you.

Have a marvelous Sunday.

PS- in case you haven't noticed before, you can pin anything you see here on the Muse. There's a pinterest button at the bottom of each post. It's that easy. 







Inspired: Design

via skonahem

Geometrics

Hi guys. Have I told you before that I've had geometric inspiration on my board for ages? I think I was ahead of the trend curve. Maybe it's because I have a soft spot for geometry. You see, I wasn't so good at Algebra. I mean, I am talking downright awful. I stayed after school for extra help, had my Dad who was a missile engineer help me with my homework which would bring me to tears, but it was all for naught. I just didn't get it. 'But WHY does x + y = z' and 'why the hell is pi a mathematical constant'? However, in his ultimate wisdom, my Algebra teacher Mr. Bennett allowed me to take Geometry even though my Algebra grades weren't good enough to send me on to Geometry. Well, he made and exception and go figure, I rocked geometry. Seriously. Hello As.  It was all so logical. I think geometry was the only math class I ever liked. 

Ode to my favorite math class.......let's get back to inspired: design. Geometry is all over the place and in our face everyday, so to see it as a major design trend (again) makes me smile.  

rectangular crate bed tray via monchihic;

square vintage vera scarf via fox and fawns; chevron shirt via zzouzi;

triangle and sqaure bracelets via laurenmanoogian; argyle purse via toriska;
triangle bowl via skonahem; circle necklace via  justlena;
multicolored-leather rug via scad; triangular bowls with squares and rectangles

I've am inspired by geometry and you'll see that I often incorporate it into my illustrations.  I'm currently working on another, but it's not quite done. Here's a sneak peak of a small portion of 'In Flux'.  

via batesmercantileco

Are you on the geometric bandwagon or do you like things a little more soft around the edges? Personally, I have wicked varied tastes ranging from shabby chic to ultra clean and modern. Hey, variety is the spice of life, right?

Shoutout

I am taking part in a giveaway over on simplesurber. Lacy is celebrating her year of blogging and put a notice out that she was looking for giveaway participants via etsy forums. I happened upon it and the rest is history. So, if you want a chance to win the Grow Love print from Bates Mercantile Co., pop on over simplesurber and find out what you've got to do!

Say hi to Lacy while you're there and let her know I sent you.

Are You a Facebook Friend?

I'm beginning to realize I'm connected to a lot of people on the internet, but sometimes in different ways. Some I'm connected to via etsy, some via Mercantile Muse, and some via Facebook.  I'd love to connect with you all via Facebook, as I post even more bits and pieces there that I think you'd like. So if you don't already 'like' Bates Mercantile Co. on facebook swing on by and hook up.

If you're on pinterest and not a follower of my boards yet, you'll find me here. I'd love to see what you're pinning too!

Have a fabulous Monday. Mine is chock-full, but I'm checking things off the list as I go, so that's a plus.

Thanks, as always, for being here.

Over and out,



Oh What You Can Find on a Lazy Sunday

via muffintop

Take A Look

Just sharing a few things I've come across this week, that can go on the 'I love that' list.

This 'brioche honeycomb sweater' pattern. If I could work the needles, I'd make this. It's so me.

via karenclements

Easy as 1-2-3 photo craft.

via funkybeardecor

1. photo.  2. olive oil. 3. Mason Jar.    Cool, huh?

Upcycled sweater totes.

via angella eisman design

I think I'd use one as an everyday bag, and not just a market tote. Long enough strap to cross over too.

How's this for easy, cool organization or display?

via decor8blog

I like that it can organize and look cool.

And, a couple of things from our Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party.

Oh-so-romantic.

from kazoovintage

Blue lace.

via lacytreasures

Beautiful felted and hand embroidered purses.

via muffintopknits

Have you found anything fabulous lately? I'm constantly finding things I'd love to do, make or have on pinterest and on etsy.

If you're on pinterest, you can follow me here. 

I am now going to remove myself from the computer, since I spent the entire day here yesterday. Still not done with the 'housecleaning' on the Muse, but it's enough for the weekend.

Have a lovely Sunday.

See you Monday,