It really is hard to beat summer in Seattle. The warm sunny usually not-too-hot days, the long evenings, Lake Washington and Puget Sound beaches. This year in particular, summer here seems especially good. A few summertime essentials that are contributing to the good life...
Salad greens from the garden. Last spring we got rid of our lawn and built three raised beds. It was the best decision we ever made. Not only is it fun to plant and watch things grow and enjoy in the bounty, it is incredibly low-maintenance. If you'd like to do the same, these are the guys to get you started. They make it so easy to figure it all out and get growing.
Heirloom tomatoes with Maldon salt and olive oil. (By the way, California Olive Ranch is a fantastic basic everyday oil. Delicious, not too expensive and widely available at PCC, Whole Foods and even our local Thriftway.)
These killer American made classic lawn chairs are a new addition to the garden. Perfect for lounging...
And this small but powerful fan. Thanks Omar. You really should know about Omar. He knows about all the right things that you too should have in your life. Thoughtfully designed, well made things that make your everyday life better. My only caveat is that you will find yourself buying pretty much everything he tells you to. Consider yourself warned.
That small, simple speaker above is a Jambox. It may be small at only six inches, but the sound is incredibly clear and worthy of supplying the music for your dinner party. It is also wireless, using bluetooth, which makes it utterly portable and versatile.
I take it into the kitchen when I am cooking dinner or washing dishes and play whatever I am in the mood for on Pandora, streaming from my phone. Or listen to one of the always interesting podcasts from Radiolab while taking a bath. Take it with you wherever you travel...
(It also has the capability to be used as a speakerphone, which is handy when your two-year old starts singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and you want the grandparents to listen in.)
Aran's incredibly beautiful blog and book are two of my favorites. Reading her post this morning about finding home in Seattle really struck a chord. Especially this...
“I think what lies under this sentiment is also a sense of growing up. Realizing that I am the only one who can create my community that I was craving so much, to find the jobs I want or to surround myself with beauty. It is all up to me. And it only took about 20 years for me to finally realize this.”
It seems strange that it took me so long to consider a tool to care for my wool sweaters as they are a somewhat daily uniform during Seattle winters. But just this year on a whim I bought a sweater comb from The Laundress. And now I wonder how I ever got along without it.
Along with my OXO sweater racks and Eucalan wash, this little tool has been a lifesaver and works beautifully to remove all those unsightly little balls keeping my sweaters, scarves and delicate knits in good shape. From the Laundress blog, "pilling is a direct result of wearing. When fibers become loose, they form little balls, which are commonly found on loosely woven woolens, knitted synthetics and blends."
I just ordered the Sweater Stone which is specifically for heavier wools like outerwear, thick sweaters and even upholstery and blankets.
"The idea was simple. They would create a home that was big enough for the two of them, but small enough so that it would be easy to maintain, environmentally responsible and inexpensive to operate. And that would allow them to free up their time and funds for intellectual and recreational pursuits. Own less, live more: It sounds like a platitude, but it became their strategy."
Inspiration on living with less and the personal freedom it affords you. Read the article here.
I've long followed Remodelista, a "sourcebook for considered living" and I love their tips for being a good host during the holidays. Two of my favorites:
1. Declutter, declutter, declutter. Reining in chaos around the house is never a bad idea. Before your guests arrive, vanquish piles of clutter: if it’s useful or beautiful, keep; otherwise, toss. You and your visitors will be more comfortable.
and
10. Allow plenty of time for holiday decompression. Remember that a good host allows space for the guests to do as they please. For your visitors, as well as for yourself, take time this holiday to simply relax, restore, and renew.
