The Perfect Oversized Flower...

The other night over dinner, my friends and I were discussing how to grow hydrangeas. A random topic for a table full of city girls, but everyone seemed to have something to contribute about how much light hydrangeas need, or how to get hydrangeas to turn a deep blue color.

Growing up, my grandfather had a huge hydrangea bush by the side of the house. He didn't water it, or really do anything to it, but every year it produced the most fabulous bright blue hydrangeas.The key he said was to put a couple of nails in the soil. I'm not sure if this theory is actually true, but it seemed to work. Regardless, I love the oversized blooms in the summer...

 

 

(Photos courtesy of  Narou0720 on Flickr and Sido on Flickr)

Patterns Everywhere!

So recovering from my 30th birthday celebration at Market Table and the Ace Hotel on Monday night, I spent a lot of time on the couch yesterday, laptop in hand. Trolling for images, I noticed that there were a lot of great bohemian/ tribal patterns emerging from mainstream companies like Wisteria, Pottery Barn and Anthropologie.

The first thing I found was this fabulous black and white settee from Wisteria. I absolutely love bold pattern and scalloped edge. Plus the graphic black and white could really fit in anywhere. If I had more space, this would be already be on it's way to my apartment...

(Resources: Black and White Settee, Black and white triangle rug, Diamond ottoman, Diamond dhurrie, Diamond napkins, Paper Sketch Vases, Black and white dot pillow, Festival Rug)

The Big 3-0 Wishlist...

So I turned the big 3-0 today! I thought I'd celebrate the first day of my thirties, by pulling together my dream list of items that if I had a bigger apartment (and of course the income) would be mine in a heartbeat!

Taking the rest of the day off to enjoy a little sunshine! Have a wonderful day!

(Photos from left to right: Jonthan Adler chair, Huffy Beach Cruiser, Nikon D90 SLR camera, David Hicks fabric from Lee Jofa, Bensimon sneakers, a black lab puppy, Dorthy Draper Espana Chest)

Friday Obsession- Gourd Lamps

Happy Friday! With the short week almost over, I can't wait to dive into the weekend! This weekend I plan to spend a little time, finishing some projects in my apartment, including giving my living room a little upgrade.

Lamps are a great way to update a room, without making a major commitment. Recently, I've been obsessing over gourd lamps. I love the unique shapes and the vibrant colors.  Vintage styles are fantastic, but modern versions in bright colors are also available from West Elm and Home Goods.

Loving Missoni...

While on baby duty in DC, I had a lot of time to search for cool items for my home. Already a huge fan of Missoni, I immediately fell in love with the bold, graphic pillows and outdoor fabrics in the Missoni Home collection.  Now if I only had the beautiful wooden boat to go along with them...

Be sure to check out the entire catalog for more fantastic images...


(Photos courtesy of Missoni Home 2010) 

Oil Spill Response Market

The Oil Spill Response Market is up on Poppytalk Handmade and Octavia & Brown is featured seller! Be sure to check out the market between July 5 and July 30th for approximately 70 designers, artists, artisans and vintage shop owners are each donating one item from their "virtual tables" to help the cause. 

Each vendor will have an item listed "oil spill item" at their virtual tables (many of these items were specially made for this fundraiser). Once sold, they will be donating the proceeds of that sale to help the vulnerable communities threatened by the oil spill through Oxfam America who has a special online donation section. Click here for more info and here to visit the online fundraiser.

I'm Back...

Bet you all have been wondering where I've been...

It's been a super busy week at Octavia & Brown! I've been down in DC visiting my brand new nephew! I couldn't be more excited to be an aunt again!

Back in New York, I am prepping items for the my virtual "table" in the Poppytalk Handmade Marketplace. My "table" will be up in their Oil Spill Response market July 5- July 30. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Oxfam America who has set up a special donation page online. Be sure to check it out! Items will be available on Monday.