Craving Florals

April 9, 2015July 6, 2015 alamedamarketbotanical, floral, frances palmer, mia carameros, shel silverstein, topiaryLeave a comment

“I once had a garden filled with flowers that grew only on dark thoughts- but they need constant attention- and one day I decided I had better things to do.” – Brian Andreas

One of my favorite things to do during a busy week is take a little break and buy myself some flowers. During these crazy last few weeks of school and paper writing (almost there!) I’ve come to depend on my weekly bloom purchase for short breaks to stop and smell the roses (and if I’m being honest, it’s done wonders for preventing mental breakdowns and preserving my sanity). Taking ten minutes to stretch, empty my brain, and appreciate something beautiful is a much needed reminder that I should never be so busy that I overlook the simple wonders that surround me.

For all of your floral needs:

One of my favorite Shel Silverstein illustrations.

Frances Palmer creates the dreamiest vases- and has a wonderful Instagram as well.

Rosemary topiary via Terrain.

Hand painted botanical by my dear friend Mia Carameros… A hilarious, insanely talented, encouraging friend who is making work that is just GOOD, you know? (Image via her Instagram which is also fabulous!)

Springtime Hustle

March 10, 2015July 6, 2015 alamedamarketbruce springsteen, de la soul, delilah, fleetwood macLeave a comment

Does anyone remember the radio show Delilah? For some reason I think about it every spring. My room at my grandmother’s house (the one on Midwestern with the fabulous bronze lions- Mamoo moved A LOT but after this the lions always came with us) had a bathroom with a sitting area where I would spend hours looking in the mirror, singing along to the songs Delilah would dedicate to the lovebirds that called in, drawing, playing dress up, dreaming, and exploring.

Springtime is my most favorite because everything is blooming, growing, and starting fresh. The whole world seems to have a childlike excitement about being here. Spring is all about celebrating the little things, being thankful for an end to the long winter, dreaming big dreams, and being open to the beauty of life happening just the way it should (mysteriously and wonderfully).

These are the songs I’ve been listening to non-stop for the past few weeks. I’m no Delilah but I like to think that she’d dig it.

(Can we talk about how magical Stevie Nicks is?!??! That’s a whooooole ‘nother post)

dope

March 2, 2015July 6, 2015 alamedamarketbiyan, floral, georgia o'keeffeLeave a comment

(Biyan via Net-a-Porter)

“Nobody sees a flower – really it so small – we haven’t time, and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.” – Georgia O’Keeffe

Jacques Grange Vitrine

January 27, 2015July 6, 2015 alamedamarketjacques grange, vitrineLeave a comment

(Image via 1stdibs.com)

I came across this gorgeous case ages ago on 1stdibs. It seems like it belongs in a small ivy covered shop in Paris, cosy (but not crowded) with treasures waiting to be found throughout. I imagine that the old shopkeep has trouble parting with many of his offerings, and when he does he surely gives the new owner a thorough history of the item after ensuring that the person will play the role of the fit caregiver in the item’s new life. The listing for this piece describes it as an “important bronze vitrine,” and I would have to agree.