To Do List

Birch Obsession

Latest issue of Elle Decor:

The walls of this gorgeous house in Aspen are lined in a birch veneer. 

Obsessed.

Best Before

Today I heard about something call "The Death Watch". At first, the thought of a watch that counted down the days until my life expired gave me a bit of anxiety, but the more I sat with the concept, the more I realized I might be it's perfect candidate.

For those who know me very closely, you could describe me as someone who has a lot of ambitions, but doesn't always follow through with them. (I'm working on changing this, I promise) How many more thing would I accomplish if I had a constant reminder of the little time I have left? 

Alain de Botton's Atheism 2.0

If you had the chance to look into my past, it might not be obvious that I would consider myself an atheist as I got older. I spent 7 years in the catholic school system (prayer's in the morning and all) and was forced to 8:45 Sunday mass by my mother every week. However, by the time I was 16 - through a form of teenage rebellion - I became very farm removed from the Catholic Church.

Now that I'm in my mid-20's, I've started to feel a need for something more in my life. Some sort of structure that doesn't revolve around a career.

I spent some time in a Presbyterian church and learned that the minister could marry and have children..who knew?! It was so great to listen to his sermon about life and death and relationships. He was able to experience life the same way I was so I felt more of a connection.

I dabbled in some Buddhist teachings and began to truly understand the reasoning for suffering in life and what it means to truly be compassionate.  Meditation and yoga were new past times.

However, there was always one problem - the supernatural.

In walks Alain, de Botton, considered to be the philosopher of the everyday life, with a new perspective on religion and atheism. 

He argues that as an atheist we don't have to disregard all aspects of religion, but borrow bits and pieces. de Botton's ability to put to words to exactly what you're thinking, or feeling is truly extraordinary. Take a look at this inspiring TED talk that just might restore your faith (no pun intended) in atheism.

 I believe in being kind

I believe in always expanding your mind

I believe in the power of the sea

I believe in reading the Sunday paper

I believe in taking care of the earth

I believe in spending time with yourself

I believe in questioning

I believe in taking care of your body 

I believe in walking barefoot 

There may not be a religion that compiles all my beliefs exactly, but that's ok. I'm on the path to self-knowledge and at twenty-four, that's all that matters to me.

For more about Alain de Botton, visit his website here. To purchase "Religion for Atheist", click here.

Quote: Anne Lamott

Found this beautiful quote on Brainpickings.org. Non-fiction writer, Anne Lamott, on why we read and write:

"Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand out senses of life: they feed the soul. When writers makes us shake out heads with the exactness of their prose and their truths, and even make us laugh about ourselves or life, our buoyancy is restored. We are given a shot at dancing with, or at least clapping along with, the absurdity of life, instead of being squashed by it over and over again. It's like singing on a boat during a terrible storm at sea. You can't stop the raging storm, but singing can chance the hearts and spirits of the people who are together on that ship."

The funny thing is, reading Anne's quote brought about the same emotions that she was articulating.

Delightfully Lost: My First Visit to Terrain

As an avid follower and customer of URBN Inc (Urban Outfitters, Free People, Anthropologie & [the newest] Terrain) when I heard of their newest concept, Terrain, I had to check it out for myself. With a day off, I took the trip up to one of their two locations in Westport, CT - the other in Glen Mills, PA - and found myself delightfully lost in an eclectic collection of plants and home and garden products. An employee even mentioned that at times she finds people wandering for hours. To completely tie in all your senses, there is a cafe and garden terrace that showcases local and organic meals as well as coffee, tea and sweet treats. (I indulged in an iced coffee and mini chocolate & vanilla cupcake) 

While still a new concept - the Westport location has only been open for a year - I believe that we will be seeing new Terrain locations very soon. Can you say Brooklyn? California?

For a little more insight, take a look at what caught my eye:

The Merrit Parkway North

Woolly Pockets

Who doesn't love a vertical garden?

Purchase Here

Faux Bois Cement Chairs

Wall Display

Sun Printing Kit: Silk Scarf

Purchase Here 

Sun Printing Kit: Large Paper

Purchase Here

United States Chalkboard Map

Purchase Here

Even the Restrooms were beautiful!

Loving this faucet

 Driftwood Wreath Candleholder

Purchase Here - On Sale!

Rope Handle Planter

Purchase Here

There is alway something special about a round dining table.

Tufted Linen Chair

Purchase Here

Concrete by Leonard Koren & William Hall

Purchase Here

Pin Drop Pendants 

Purchase Here

Detail

Tomboy Style: Beyond the Boundaries of Fashion by Lizzie Garrett Mettler

Purchase Here

Everyday Handy Notes

Purchase Here

Just one of the few workshops Terrain offers. 

I cannot wait to see the list of offerings for October!

For all events in Westport, click here.

My Final Purchases: 

I'm always a sucker for awesome books and anything that smells delicious!

1. Past & Present: 24 Favorite Moments in Decorative Arts History and 24 Modern DIY Projects Inspired by Them by Amy Azzarito Forward by Design*Sponge's Grace Bonney

2. Brooklyn Makers: Food, Design, Craft and Other Scenes from a Tactile Life by Jennifer Causey

3. Bring The Outdoors In: 20 Garden Projects for Decorating and Styling Interiors by Shane Powers

4. Rosy Rings Pressed Flower Sachets in Black Vetiver & Oak - Purchase Here

5. Il Frutteto Soap in Olive & Tangerine - Purchase Here

While I didn't get to check out the restaurant, I will definitely be back up soon. Perhaps for a Sunday brunch, workshop or just to get delightfully lost again.

Unexpected Combinations - Dior & Rob

Never really liked Rob Pattinson until this video...