Monthly Archives: November 2010
So Grateful
| November 24, 2010 | Posted by Linsi Brownson under announcements, holidays |
We so often get wrapped up in holidays to the point that we forget what they’re really about. All the hustle-bustle that starts now, from shopping to parties to simply getting the day off of work, we tend to elevate holidays to a much greater stature than their original design. I actually enjoy how these days have evolved, and I love this hectic time of year. But I do think it’s important to realize that we created a day for being grateful, and we should honor it.
I have so much to be grateful for. And taking a moment to reflect on it all makes life a little sweeter. So here’s my Thanks to You:
- Thank you to the readers of our blog. Knowing that people actually care what we say makes it fun, and we appreciate all fun we can get.
- Thank you to my amazing Guest Bloggers. You all know that I couldn’t do this without you. You are inspiring, talented and my life is better with you in it.
- Thank you to the vast supporters, shoppers and genuinely nice people that come to Redefine Home. We are honored to have a store that you like. We are grateful for so many customers who take the time to let us know that they appreciate us and are happy with what we are doing. In starting this business I wanted it to have a sense of community, and that is exactly what I got. I am amazed at how many people I’ve been able to connect with personally and I am truly grateful. It is these connections that have kept us going when things get tough (and they certainly have gotten tough). I will never forget our first year in business and how much I have learned about the world.
- Thank you to my dog and my husband, who help keep me sane but let me stay just crazy enough to make great things happen.
I have countless other gifts to be thankful for, but I’ll keep these on hand for our dinner guests on Thursday. Thanks again and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Ps, We’re doing some great sales this weekend, beginning Black Friday. So check us out, in between meals of course!
Photo found at wallpapers.com
Thankful for…opportunity.
| November 19, 2010 | Posted by Morgan G under announcements, Guest Bloggers, Inspiration, See and Do, Sustainable Living |
Depending on how you look at it, turbulent times can lengthen or sharply stunt one’s To Be Thankful For list. In a time where many of us seem to be having a rough go of it, there’s one thing that we can all be thankful for…opportunities, especially those of the once-in-a-lifetime sort.
I am so proud to share that my colleague, Faradee Rudy, has put together an almost unbelievable speaker series lineup in her first year as Executive Director of the Center for Living Peace. Ms. Rudy’s group is making it possible for Orange County, California locals (and visitors, too!) to engage in conversations with international leaders committed to making the world a healthy, sustainable and compassionate place. Which leaders, exactly? Theron as in Academy Award winner Charlize, Branson as in Virgin Records founder Sir Richard, and Lama as in His Holiness the XIV Dalai. Ms. Theron kicks off the event on December 4th at the UCI Student Center Pacific Ballroom. While ticket prices for Sir Branson and His Holiness’ engagements are yet to be announced, you can hold court with Ms. Theron for $10.
So, if you’re a Southern California resident, take this opportunity for some in your face and in your backyard inspiration. If you’re not a resident, why not pick a speaker and make a pilgrimage out of it? Local or not, you’ll need more information than I have provided here. You’ll find it at www.livingpeace.uci.edu. Off you go!
So Much Cooler Than a Snuggie
| November 18, 2010 | Posted by Linsi Brownson under accessories, favorite things |
I am all about being wrapped up in something warm these days and it doesn’t really seem to matter what – college sweatshirt, fresh laundry, if it’s warm I’ll snuggle into it. The poor dog is no exception. She gets cuddled whether she likes it or not!
But I would toss them all aside for this blanket, err, shield of wings.
There is just so much greatness here. Gorgeous textiles all layered together, elegantly made and yet totally fun. I mean who doesn’t want to wear wings around the house? It sure beats a houserobe (yeah I do own one. In fact, I’m in it now…not proud)
It’s 100% Pure Icelandic Wool meaning it’s natural, antimicrobial and obviously cozy. At $290 it’s a little pricey but definitely in the realm of what nice blankets (i.e., shields of wings) run these days. Find it here.
Design Down Under: The Henry Jones Art Hotel
| November 4, 2010 | Posted by Lauren Moss under architecture, Guest Bloggers |
We’re traveling abroad this month to take a look at architecture from a particularly unique destination… Tasmania, Australia’s only island state, is located at the southernmost tip of the continent and provides a glimpse into how culture, history and ecology can provide a platform for contemporary design, sustainable architecture and innovation.
‘Green’ is an intrinsic part of the social and environmental context, with environmental stewardship as a way of life; almost half of the island is designated as parks and reserves.
The capital city of Hobart is home to the majority of Tasmania’s population and serves as the island’s economic center, with a harbor that continues to function as one of Australia’s deep water ports. The 19th century warehouses along the waterfront remain where they stood hundreds of years ago, carefully preserved and retrofitted as restaurants, art galleries and working studios, and, of course, one of the most unique and architecturally inspiring hotels in Australia.
@morrisnunn.com.au
The Henry Jones Art Hotel celebrates Tasmanian heritage while embodying the ideological concepts of adaptive reuse. The structure originally served the port as a military supply warehouse in the early 1800’s and underwent its first transformation in the 1860’s, when was redeveloped as the headquarters of H. Jones & Co. Jams IXL.
Completed in 2004, the historic site’s current iteration as Australia’s first art hotel pays homage to Tasmania’s rich cultural history, while embracing the state’s thriving, progressive art movement. The jam factory’s original sandstone walls and structural timbers are exposed, and provide a backdrop for bold contemporary art pieces by local artists.
Designed by local architect Robert Morris-Nunn, whose practice is focused on collaboration, ecology, and the social impact of architecture, the Henry Jones Art Hotel has been celebrated by artists, travelers, and historians alike. Partnership with local artists from the onset enabled a meaningful and deliberate integration of art and architecture.
Protecting the existing structure was of key importance, and the adjoining open space has been given a new identity, housing several shops and a restaurant (not to mention the architect’s own office) under a soaring glass enclosure.
Even the machinery used in the jam-making process has been preserved, another reminder of the site’s intriguing history.
The reinvention of this significant historical landmark is a beautiful, innovative, and self-aware implementation of preservation and reuse, true to not only the existing building and structure, but to the richness of culture and heritage.
Doesn’t good design make you happy, too?
Lauren Moss is an Architect and Co-Owner of MYD Studio in Aliso Viejo, CA. Check out her blog and learn more about MYD’s gorgeous and inspiring sustainable projects.
A Source of Inspiration and Ideas: Gifted Magazine released today
| November 1, 2010 | Posted by Linsi Brownson under gifts, holidays, i heart this blog, Inspiration, magazines, press, Read, redefine home, Seasonal |
Yay! It’s arrived. I am so excited for the launch of Gifted Magazine, an awesome holiday mag from Ez over at Creature Comforts. She’s been working like crazy to gather sources of holiday inspiration and put together a gift guide that will surely be a go-to resource for holiday shopping this year.
So grab your coffee, tea or first cup of ‘nog and flip open your online issue – be sure to check out Santa’s Workshop, a behind-the-scenes look at how some retailers (including yours truly) get prepped for the holidays.
Happy Monday, Happy November and Happy Gifted Day!
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