Starting with a blank slate and a grand plan is one of my favorite parts of the beginning of each new year. I love making lists and resolutions, and planning projects to accomplish. It feels so freeing and full of possibility to leave the old behind and start out on a new project. (I also love that we get to do this four times during the year, each time we start a new issue of Anthology.) In the last week or two, I’ve been particularly inspired by some of the projects I’ve seen others undertaking as 2013 has gotten underway as well.
One of our favorite illustrators, Lisa Congdon, teamed up with writer Maria Popova for a project I’m sure I’ll be watching all through 2013. Each Monday the pair is featuring a particularly inspiring female from history with an illustrated portrait and quote by Lisa, and short biographical essay by Maria. They’re selecting trailblazers who have shaped the world through their contributions and fearless spirits. The combination of the incredible illustrations, the sentiment of these women, and the interesting history lesson is perfectly packaged. I might make it a resolution to visit The Reconstructionists every Monday as an inspired way to start my week.
{Illustrations by Lisa Congdon via The Reconstructionists}
As Alexis mentioned on Monday, the Anthology team kicked off the new year with a little retreat in Yountville, California. In addition to Bouchon Bakery, a gastronomical highlight of our trip was dinner at Redd Wood. But I was as impressed with the interior design as I was with the food! The talented designer behind it? Erin Martin. (Redd Wood’s gigantic dome-shaped light fixture, pictured above, is a buoy that has been cut in half and spray-painted.)
I’ve been a fan of Martin’s work for some time now, having seen her work at various San Francisco showhouse events over the years. And every time I’m in St. Helena, I pop into her shop and marvel at the cool furnishings and accessories. Her portfolio includes so many gorgeous spaces; the following are just some of my favorites.
{ Residential photos from Erin Martin Design }
When wanderlust strikes, I have a tendency to set my sights on far off destinations like the Pontine Islands and the Faroe Islands. But the Nashville travel story in Issue No. 9 reminded me how many interesting places there are closer to home that I have yet to explore. I’ve been pondering some drivable trips from the Bay Area, and there are a few warmer weather places that would make perfect getaways while we still have cool, grey weather this winter.
Sunny Palm Springs has long been a popular getaway for Californians with its year-round hot desert weather, beautiful mountains and mid-century charm. It’s out-of-the-way location in the Coachella Valley has helped Palm Springs keep its small town feel despite a steady stream of vacationers. The thing that’s got me wanting to plan a trip south isn’t any of those things though—it’s the kaleidoscopic Saguaro. Just up the road from the famed stretch of Palm Canyon Drive that is home to many popular shops and restaurants, the Saguaro looks like a modern oasis. I think it would be impossible to be anything but happy at this hotel with its rainbow hues.
{Images from JVD Hotels}
One of my all-time favorite Anthology stories has to be the “Conversation” with Amy Sedaris, which was published in Issue No. 7/Spring 2012. I’ve long admired the work of the actress, comedian, author, and crafter. Well, this month, Sedaris can add textile designer to her list of accomplishments. Her collaboration with Windham Fabrics—a collection called “I Like You” (also the name of her first book)—is now available.
Not surprisingly, the patterns are bold and a bit offbeat. I can totally picture using these designs to whip up some fun kitchen wares—such as aprons, potholders, and oven mitts.
Of course there had to be a gingham print in the collection. In the photo below of Sedaris in her NYC apartment, her fondness for the motif is evident!
{ Photos of Amy Sedaris by Todd Oldham for Anthology Magazine. Swatches from Windham Fabrics. }
This weekend, the Anthology crew gathered in Yountville, California, for a team meeting and to kick off the new year together. We had a wonderful time relaxing and exploring Yountville. One of the highlights was Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery, which was so delicious it warranted not one, but two trips during our short stay.
Despite stopping in twice and my best efforts, I wasn’t able to try everything Bouchon had to offer. But what I did have was so mouthwateringly good that I decided acquiring the Bouchon Bakery Cookbook was a must. While I wait for it to arrive, I’m planning to try out the well circulated recipe for the namesake confection, the Bouchon. These tiny, dense chocolate cakes dusted with powdered sugar are studded with dark chocolate. They sound like an ideal dessert to have on hand for a Monday night. I think I’ll master those before moving on to the more advanced croissants and macarons.
{Images via Bouchon Bakery}
