mongolia or bust? new anthropologie catalog sparks wanderlust
Among the pile of September catalogs ready to launch us into the fall is Anthropologie’s stunning Issue 9. We’re not entirely sure where it was shot, but a story from Stylist last year hints that creative director Trevor Lunn and his crew were heading towards Mongolia. Judging from the vibrant textiles and textures sprinkled throughout, we’re guessing that’s right. If you’ve ever seen a story about a Mongolian Yurt (like this one on Flickr) or the movie Babies you will recognize the gorgeous patterns and embroidery. We’re keeping our eyes open for more behind-the-scenes info on this catalog (let us know if you find any), but in the meantime, we’re gonna drool over this one till it gets sloppy.
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dreaming of: end-of-summer barbecues
Am I the only person who seems to have missed barbecue season entirely? I’m inclined to blame Portland’s extremely brief summer this year — we really only started seeing sun regularly a few weeks ago. Still, with Labor Day fast approaching, I feel like my charcoal grill is a ticking time bomb — if I don’t get out there now, I’ll have to wait an entire year for a batch of my husband’s legendary barbecue ribs.
To solve the problem, I’m thinking an “end-of-summer” barbecue party is in order – after all, if you invite other people, it’s that much harder to flake. Of course, inviting people means decorating…and I have my eye on a few last-minute additions to my yard that would make this one sweet reward. I spent some time daydreaming over at Horne yesterday, and came up with all the pieces I’d need to make this party extraordinary.
Who doesn’t want a fire pit in their yard? Especially now that I no longer have grass to compete with, I’m sorely tempted to install this pretty version, complete with a removable grill top, at Horne. It’s the perfect opportunity for S’mores, don’t you think?
I love the plush, rich feel an outdoor rug gives to any alfresco event. At $49, this Turkish-inspired version is cheap enough to spend time in my dog-friendly yard, but luxe enough to feel special.
I’ll need a tablecloth, of course, but rather than going for a traditional option, I love the idea of using a few vintage blankets, or even a Mexican serape (which you can snag for as little as $20, in all different sizes). It dresses up the table, adds color and style, and is just as easy to wash after the big event as your favorite tablecloth.
I’m not much for yard tchotchkies as a rule, but a modern set of wind chimes does a beautiful job of setting the scene when the weather’s right. This version from Pigeon Toe Ceramics has been on my wishlist for a year now.
And, speaking of the gorgeousness at Pigeon Toe, these ceramic replicas of classic Kerr mason jars would be amazing lined up on the table after dark, don’t you agree?
Do you have any end-of-summer barbecues planned? We’d love to know what’s on the menu! — Becki S.
want it now: i.dear speaker
This summer, I am hitting the beach whenever possible — book in hand, husband and sunscreen in tow. How nice would it be, though, to bring along some tunes for us to enjoy while basking on our favorite near-secluded beach? When I spotted the uber-tiny, USB powered I.dear speaker by MOMA at Velocity Art and Design, I knew I had to have it. Standing at less than 2 inches tall, the I.dear can pump out some seriously warm sounds, thanks to its wood construction. And at $36, I can still afford the gas to get to the sandy shore! — Megan B.
traveling in style: vintage soap cases
I bought my first aluminum soap case on a whim, not knowing what to do with it but liking it all the same. It sat on my desk for a month, maybe more, until I figured out it was the perfect size for my phone earbuds and a flash drive. (Since I take both with me for work, they always ended up floating around in the depths of my purse. Not anymore.) Soap cases are also the perfect size for stashing business cards, corralling coins or any number of small oddities. My latest find? A vintage Girl Scouts soap case. You can find the aluminum dishes for under $10 on Etsy or eBay. Other pressed metal cases start in the $30s, like this one on Ruby Lane. Lastly, there’s silver soap cases. I’ve seen examples starting at $100, but this $500 Gorham case takes the cake. — Sarah L.
everything you wanted to know about hammocks (but were afraid to ask)!
When the dog days of summer hit, there is literally nothing that sounds better to me than lying in a shaded hammock, reading a magazine and sipping iced tea in a perfect summer breeze. Take a moment and picture it. Yep, it’s that good. Trust me… your midsummer naps will never be the same.
It’s not nearly as unattainable as it sounds. This is the modern age! No more are hammocks limited to those of us with plantation-style backyards, or two perfectly-spaced mature trees. Even the smallest of outdoor spaces, and virtually any budget, will set you up for total hammock nirvana.
The easiest, of course, is the stand hammock. You’ll need a 15×8 area to set one up, and to allow room for swaying blissfully in the breeze (though 20×10 would be more comfortable). But if you have the space, the rest is child’s play. Get creative – use a side yard, ditch a dilapidated patio set, or repurpose a long front deck to house your hammock. The least expensive stands are metal, while wood is a pricier (but prettier) option. Metal also wins on durability, though; a wood version is more vulnerable to the elements. Be sure to check the assembled dimensions before you buy. And also check weight restrictions…if you want a two-person hammock, be sure your stand can handle it. Last, buy the stand separately from the hammock, and you’ll likely get a better quality version of both.
If you happen to have those two perfectly-spaced trees, of course, all you’ll need are a pair of hammock straps – webbed straps with carabiner attachments. You’ll see chain kits out there, but chains are very damaging to trees. The flat webbing is a much kinder option. You can also go with screw-in hooks, just make sure you’re using a hardwood tree like an oak or pine. Softer woods may not hold the screws over time, and being dropped on your backside does not make for good naps.
The actual hammock is the next piece of the puzzle. Decide whether you want a two-seater or a single (I say, the more room, the merrier). Next, you’ll have a bevy of materials to choose from. Rope is the classic, of course. It’s also the least expensive and easiest to keep clean (since dirt and water can’t stick). It’s also the least comfortable. Cotton rope will yield more comfort, while polyester rope yields greater durability – it’s a toss-up. For my money, I prefer the quilted canvas versions. The colors do fade in the sun (though you can find versions in Sunbrella fabric that would reduce that considerably), and they have to be hosed off a few times a summer, but the comfy factor is unparalleled. Do yourself a favor and spring for the matching pillow.
If neither of those options work for you, don’t fear – no one goes hammock-less on my watch! Consider a hammock swing. Sure, it’s not the sexiest thing on the block, but there’s an excellent case to be made for function over form in this case. And you can hang them using either a stand or an eye hook drilled into your roof eaves or the ceiling on your porch. Enlist someone handy for an aerial installation – you want the hook installed into a stud so you don’t go flying! Again, I love the upholstered versions, and they happen to be much easier on the eyes than their rope counterparts. But they’re pricier as well – you can score a rope version for under $100. There are nylon versions out there too, but they’re so unfortunate-looking, I can’t even bring myself to show them to you.
A few final tips from a hammock old-timer: I recommend buying a couple of carabiners to attach your hammock to its stand or hooks – it makes it so much easier to attach and detach for shaking off and for storage. You can even install a large eye-hook in the ceiling of your garage or under your roof eaves and store the hammock there during the winter months, leaving the stand assembled and pushed out of the way. Also, be sure to double check length measurements of both the hammock and stand before you buy. Most are a standard size, but it’s always good to double-check.
And last, grab that magazine and iced tea before you settle in…once you’re in the hammock, you’ll be amazed at how quickly being anywhere else in the world sounds like too much work. — Becki S.
