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.
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!
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.
This is what my sister sees every day just outside her office window.
Oh, hello Brooklyn. Wanna hang out some time? How ’bout now? I’ll be right over.
How does she get any work done?!?
This was on my car when I got home from a little vacay this week. I was already super excited to be home, but to be greeted by such a sweet neighborhood family was so wonderful! Thanks, gang!
It’s been a childhood dream of mine to live in the Big Apple. Home of the Yankees. The melting pot. The city that never sleeps. Capitol of the world. I stopped pursuing this dream when I made a quick decision to head out to Los Angeles a few years ago. But my baby sister (definitely not a baby anymore) lives and works in Manhattan. The pride I take in her courage to conquer the subway, land a high rise office on Wall St., and nest in the cutest apartment in the West Village is even more than had I accomplished it myself. As much as I couldn’t wait to return to this magnetic metropolis, my greatest joy during the trip was celebrating my sister’s life in the big city.
More to come on our NYC adventures.
The kids in our neighborhood decorated their bikes and put on a parade to kick off an all-day block party that will leave many guests recovering well into the week.
Matty & I spent the evening in the San Diego Bay aboard a friend’s boat. There were at least 6 displays of fireworks going off in different communities all around the bay. It was a sparkly, magical evening. We happened to be on the boat with two men who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces, one who will graduate as a Navy SEAL in a few weeks. I couldn’t help but tear up, thinking about how they are willing to risk their lives and dedicate their talents in service to this great nation. It made me so grateful to live in a country with such abundant opportunity. I hope your holiday weekend was safe and relaxing!
The Domestic Nest Blog
