Fall time is so intoxicating. While I may not always love change, I anticipate and relish in the predictable changes that happen every fall. It’s my favorite time of year.
Our nesting goal for August was to fly the coop! We set out to relax and find inspiration in nature, and boy, did we ever. We spent a good while at the Ojai Retreat. It’s quiet bunch of casitas nestled in the Ojai Valley. Some say the word Ojai means ‘bird’s nest,’ while others believe Ojai means ‘Valley of the Moon.’ Either way, the name fits. Nature quietly rules in Ojai and it really feels like you’re in a lush nest, surrounded by mountains on any side. We spent our first anniversary here and have since returned when in need of some major relaxation or some space to reflect and meditate. Drinking fine wine in Chinet set the mood each evening as the sun set and we took in the famous pink moment.
Take the jump to see photos of our Ojai escape.
We wed five years ago in August. It was a balmy, dreamy Virginia day. We’ve taken this month to reflect. Really reflect and take inventory of the things we’ve experienced, accomplished, relinquished and acquired. Marriage is notably different for every pair. Ours is no more remarkable, difficult or perfect than the next. When we embarked upon our journey as united souls, we consciously committed to helping each other grow and develop into better versions of ourselves. When we started Domestic Nest a year ago, I wondered if creating and maintaining a business together would help or hinder our partnership. I wondered if we’d have a common creative vision. I worried we’d become too busy and fill our lives with too many to-do’s. My worst fear was that starting a small business would take away from the time we spend together. Being in business together has been such a fun and rewarding extension of our union. All the time, we get to tackle challenges together, fuel each other’s creativity, and support each other as we take risks. Being on this tiny team of two keeps getting better. Every year.
Wanna hear what really happened on our eco honeymoon? Read more by clicking below.
Our newest product was inspired by my dad. He’s one of those hard-to-shop-for guys who has pretty much everything he needs. He always requests handmade gifts. So I got to thinking of what he would use daily and decided to make him a mousepad. I had so much fun making it that we decided to list it in our leather shop. I think this would make a swell gift for a student, a businessman, or a blogger friend. I mean, just about everyone uses a mousepad. And we all know what happens to those cheesy fabric ones over time. Wanna know something? About a year ago, my father-in-law gave us some of his old leather working tools and some scrap leather when he heard we were interested in learning how to work with leather. We scavenged through his stuff and found a really handsome piece of sturdy, thick, unfinished leather. We set it on our desk and have been using it as a mouse pad ever since. I love the way that sunlight and time have darkened the leather. It’s a little bit rustic and a whole lot of functional. As long as we condition the leather, there’s no reason why we’d ever have to buy another one of those cheap-o plastic ones again.
We built a sidewalk! Before we took off for some R & R, we worked to the bone to get this sidewalk completed. Why? Because we had a pesky little flowerbed that we ran into every time we got out of the car. With groceries or dogs in tow, it was impossible to navigate to the front door without shoulder-checking the gutter beside the garage. Some seriously hard work has led to a much more functional and eye-pleasing front yard. Take the jump below for the details of how we did it and how much money we spent.
We’ve really been enjoying our time in paradise! This is a photo of our surprise fish pedicure. Matty knew the way to a secret swimming hole. When we got there, we found the most pristine pool and couldn’t help but plunge in head first. The fish kept surrounding our feet and ankles and nibbling until we said “uncle!” due to our ticklishness.
More to come on our relaxing retreat!
July’s nesting goal required digging a huge trench and ordering a dumptruck full of gravel and sand. We’ve been improving the function and aesthetic appeal of our front yard. Our project is almost finished. More details and photos to come.
August’s nesting resolution is to fly the coop! We’re taking a vacation together (to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary!) and we’ll enjoy a break from home improvement for a few weeks. We’re headed for a retreat without TV’s or phones in the serene Ojai Valley. We’ll look to the beautiful natural surroundings for inspiration that will hopefully leave us renewed and give us some ideas for future nesting goals. We’ll let you know what lovely things we find.
Going to Etsy’s Craft Night was like a dream come true for this west-coast crafter! I’ve always wondered what Etsy Headquarters (in Brooklyn) looks like. I’ve also wondered if Etsy admin are as fun and funky as they seem in their e-mails and blog posts. Well, Etsy Headquarters is as whimsical, unique and creative a place to work as one could ever imagine. And, yeah, the admin are as fun and funky as you think they are. I was so star-struck by Etsy that I just took it all in, without looking through the camera lens very much. If you’d like to see the inside of Etsy’s main offices, take a peek here. If you’d like to attend a craft night, check out Etsy’s events here. If you’d like to see an example of a craft night project, click ‘read more’ below.
For anyone remotely interested in design, the Cooper-Hewitt Why Design Now? exhibition is the perfect place in New York City to learn about the newest and best in the American design realm. Themes include energy, mobility, community, materials, prosperity, health, communication and simplicity. You’ll leave wanting more, so buy the book or visit online. If you’re looking for a small dose of design and just want to enjoy the Cooper-Hewitt’s lush terrace, drop by on Fridays for cocktails between 6 and 9.
Take the jump for more photos of the Cooper-Hewitt.
This is where you board a FREE ferry to Governor’s Island from Manhattan. Governor’s Island is rich in military history and was an active Coast Guard base until 1995. In 2002, the island was sold for $1.00 by the U.S.A. to the people of New York. The island is now open to the public between June and October. It’s a popular venue for private and public events of all sizes, but is best known for being a readily accessible, FREE escape from the bustle of Manhattan. It provides 172 acres full of parks, beautiful views, historic buildings, and a 2-mile promenade where you can take or rent a bike. This is an oasis not to be missed if you find yourself wanting to get away from the city, even if it’s just for an hour.
Take the jump for more photos.
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