Globally Inspired: Wynwood Arts District, Miami

One of the highlights of our visit to Florida was spending a day down in Miami chasing butterflies at the Fairchild Botanic Gardens (aka, Jurassic Park) and taking an obscene amount of photos in front of the amazing "Wynwood Walls" murals. So much color! Since tropical plants and awesome art districts aren't exactly abundant in Orange County, California, I loved getting a big dose of both during our trip. Over the past few years, street artists from all over the world have transformed old industrial buildings into colorful canvases and an area that was once an eyesore into a larger-than-life gallery that is totally free for everyone who visits to enjoy! 

Goals. 

Our tour guides, Alex and Drea

We love them, too!

Love this incredible piece by Kobra, his work is amazing.

Aside from the immense talent and skill (and paint supply!) needed to execute these incredible images, one of the things I love most about street art is that it challenges the idea that in order for art to be considered valuable it needs a fancy frame, special lighting, and a prominent spot on a wall in a well-known museum or gallery. Street art says "this is for everyone", whether they drive past it on their daily commute or see it from their office window in the building across the street. We have certainly put enough concrete on this planet over the last several decades, why not let it serve a dual purpose and add beauty and delight to a neighborhood? This is the same concept we look for in all of the products in our shop- that they are beautiful inside and out. 

Speaking of products, after the new year, we'll be re-stocking the shop with lots of new goodies so be sure to check back soon. Until then, have a very happy and colorful rest of 2015!

Enjoy the process!

Hailey

The "New" Old Fashioned Way!

I mentioned that a few weeks ago, that we attended a holiday cocktail exchange party with some of Dan's coworkers. The best part is that not only did we leave with a complete set of ingredients to make a new signature cocktail, we also were inspired by the other creative concoctions people shared. One of which was a twist on an old-fashioned known as a Ward 8 cocktail, which uses citrus and pomegranate juice. I knew right away that this would be the perfect drink to serve up on Christmas Eve, but I wanted to use ingredients that we had on hand, thus resulting in what I call the "New" Old Fashioned! The perfect drink to get you rockin' around the Christmas tree!

Ingredients: 

2 oz. Slow & Low Rye Whiskey Liquor

Juice from 1/2 each lemon, lime, and orange

1/2 oz. pomegranate syrup*

To Make:

In a shaker, combine 1/2 oz. simple syrup and 1tbsp pomegranate seeds. Muddle seeds well. Add fresh squeezed citrus. Add 2 oz. Slow & Low with ice. Sake well. Strain over ice. Pomegranate seeds to garnish.

Eat, Drink, and have a very Merry Christmas!

Hailey

The Process of Living: A Colorful West Palm Beach Bungalow

Two weeks ago, Dan and I flew to Florida to spend a few days with my friend Drea, her man Alex, and their amazing five-year-old daughter, Marlowe, at their colorful bungalow in West Palm Beach. My friendship with Drea is unlike any other in that I followed her blog for a few years and finally met her in India this past March! A mutual love of Indian food, sarcasm, and ridiculous youtube videos bonded us pretty quickly and now I'm happy to call her my friend in real life.

Drea and her husband Alex are both insanely talented chefs- like, professionally- he works at a major destination resort and she recently published her own cook book, and clean eating and simple living are huge passions of theirs- they even grow their own produce in their backyard garden. Unfortunately  Drea's health took a major, sudden, mysterious dive shortly after our trip to India, but she has been sharing her recovery journey and new relationship with food over on her blog. I have always admired Drea's eclectic, effortless, and unique style and decor, but after visiting her house, it's obvious that she has poured a lot of love and thought into creating a colorful and cozy place for her family to call home. Since cooking at home is obviously a big part of their life, a lot of my favorite memories from our visit revolved around their beautiful dining table that was layered with patterned textiles, bowls, serving dishes, and colorful jars of goodies at every meal. Check out our breakfast spread below.

As is common in Florida, most of these photos were taken on a rainy morning, and I just loved the dark, moody lighting and rich colors in every room. The two floral couches are definitely Drea's signature design pieces, and a collection of handmade rugs are layered across the living room floor gives the room a bohemian vibe. And plants. Everywhere. The house feels as tropical and peaceful indoors as it does out- we spent a good deal of time drinking espresso (thanks Alex!) and listening to records in this room. It was pure magic.

Thank you Alex, Drea, and Marlowe for welcoming us into your home and letting us crash your lives for a few days! You guys are beyond amazing and we can't wait for a West Coast reunion soon. xo

You can find Drea on Instagram, Pinterest, and on her blog. 

Enjoy the process!

Hailey