Nesting the Journal

santa monica

As mentioned a few posts ago, we were just down in so cal for a quick visit. So I thought I'd share some fun picts that were taken on a walk to the beach in sanata monica. A little brightness and inspiration on this glumey monday.Is anyone else in love with the color yellow right now?

love transforms

Woke up grumpy...(Its grey and wet out. I'm beyond tired. Miss Lucie has yet another cold. Mr O seems to be in an eternal fog. We are somewhat broke. It is 10:00am and all I want is a bath, and maybe some red wine. Did I mention that it is 10:00 am!)

I know, wrong day of days to be grumpy.

Especially when I have so much to love.

So I remind myself with this below.

Spring is indeed around the corner.

My parents are so unconditionally proud and supportive with everything that i do.

My little bits- a button and a hunk

 

Happy Valentines Day to all you lovely people. Take comfort and indulge.

the genius that is gherry

Just spent a quick few days down in so cal with my lil lady lucie and my dad, visiting some fam and friends. It felt so good to have the sun on our backs and toes free from the constraints of woolly socks and boots. Although the trip was quick and not as chill as times past (15 month old + trying to walk + clingy mamasville = very little time to me self!) it was still so nice to get away.

We mainly just strolled through neighbourhoods in venice and santa monica, ate yummy meals (meyer lemons are in season!), and hung with fam. But we did get to one site that was breathtaking. Frank Gherry's Disney Concert Hall. Next time your in LA it's definitely worth a visit. And if you cant get there this documentary on him is also fascinating.

home grown hero- the beautifier

A mom/designer chats with us about the balance of font choice and branding over hang time with her sweet little gal. If only all our lives could be so clear of intention.

Who: Nerissa Goco

Where: Tsawwassen, BC

What: Mom and Designer

Believes: in living where work, life and inspiration are all integrated. Inspire & Be Inspired.

Q: The New Domestic is one of my favourite on-line shops- how do you find time to do all that you do being a mom?

A: I've been asked this question many times especially when Luna was just an infant. I really believe that if there is something you love to do, you will find the time to do it. Even with a toddler in tow, I just continue doing all the things I've always loved to do. Luna goes to daycare a couple times a week so I have two full days to myself to work. So when I have Luna, the days are more laid back and I just squeeze in some work time while she naps. I really love being able to spend a lot of time with Luna watching her grow without sacrificing my creative endeavours.

Q: Where do you go for unconventional design inspiration?

A: I love driving around farmlands and being surrounded by nature. There's something about abandoned barns, rolling green hills & so much open sky that just makes me happy. I also love perusing thrift stores, going to our favourite places to eat, watching a good film and surrounding myself with people I love and admire. I really take inspiration from life itself and all the adventures it brings.

Q: You do some freelance graphic design work (thank you nesting re-brand!) who are your fave types of clients to work with?

A: I've worked with such amazing people who are so passionate about what they do. Branding is about giving products personality and telling stories visually. The common thread with my favourite clients is they have great stories to tell. My job is to capture it and reflect it back.

Q: Current Projects that have excited you?

A: Two in particular. I have truly enjoyed working with is Rosie Daykin of Butter Baked Goods. Butter has a strong brand that makes you fall in love with it immediately and brings you back to your childhood eating old fashioned sweets. Rosie approached me to re-brand a new product line which is totally separate from the Butter brand. It's been fun working with Rosie creating a brand from ground bottom
and coming up with fun ideas for it's packaging, presentation and messaging.

Heather Cameron of Missing Goat Farms is also one of my favourite clients. Heather and I met during the photoshoot of our home for Anthology Magazine issue #3. We hit it off right away and a few months later, I was re-designing her delicious Missing Goat jams. Heather wanted to capture the look of country homemade jams but with a modern, whimsical, sophisticated twist. The classy script used in the logo mixed in with a handwritten typeface gives it an old and new world look. The design is confident with a lot of personality – sophisticated, but not stuffy & boring. It has a homemade feel- Like every bottle is made with love.

Q: I know you like typography- is there a font you are currently loving?

A: My current favourite is Eames Century Modern which I use for The New Domestic brand. But there isn't one typeface for everything, each one has it's own form and personality so it's all about finding the right typeface for each individual project.

Q: How do you define good design?

A: Honest. Beautiful. Communicates. Makes our lives better.

Q: Your home has been feature in many on-line publications (anthology, design sponge, bloesom kids, apartment therapy and poppytalk), what room is your biggest design challenge and why?

A: If I have to choose the most challenging room in the house, I think it would have to be the living room. Perhaps it's because we've set it up as a formal space. Therefore, it's the space in the house we spend the least time in. We are thinking of re-decorating it by moving furniture around, maybe painting some walls and making it a more inviting space for us to gather as a family everyday.

Q: Your little Luna is too cute for words- how does she help shape what your home is about?

A: We haven't actually had to change much in our house since Luna was born except for moving dangerous objects. The challenge of having kids at home is being able to blend in their toys and play space and still keep the home looking like it belongs to the family and not solely to the kid. What has worked out for us is storing Luna's collection of toys in felt boxes, Ikea baskets and gorgeous handmade baskets from Ghana. It works out really well while doing double-duty as a decorative objects.

We also typically just buy pieces that are minimal and with a nice splash of colour. This way, her things will grow with her and they blend nicely with everything else we have in our home. For example, for Luna's first birthday party, I made her bunting flags that we hung in the dining room. We've left it up there since then as we love the festive look of it. In our studio/workshop room, we have a mobile hanging from the ceiling showcasing all her artwork. It's all about celebrating life and growing together as a family.

Q: What is your go-to birthday gift for a kids party?

A: I'm all for cute wooden toys but as much as I can, I love giving kids presents that captures their imagination and are also productive. For our friends girls' birthday, I created an artist kit. I filled a personalized wooden box with all sorts of art materials then bundled a little white canvas and wrapped it with bakers twine. It was so fun putting it together and also know that an amazing piece of art from 3 year olds will come out of it!

Q: When you are not designing you are...?

A: Going for long nature walks with my family, eating at our favourite spots, baking or trying out a new recipe, going for long scenic drives in the countryside or simply watching reruns of Jamie Oliver and Anthony Bourdain.

hotties

Its a snow day. Well actually looking like a snow week. Stay warm all you westcoast nordic folk. Here is a little DIy project for the winter-y crafters out there. I made a few of these as christmas gifts this year for friends- and kept one for myself.

These hot water bottles aka "hotties" (as our british friends like to call them) are great if you just cant get warm. The kinda chill when only a bath will do to warm up your cold bones. If a bath isn't an option and you want something portable to take with you in the car or at the office- these are a great cozy addition.

I found the orange hot water bottles at a nieghbourhood dollar store (I like the orange color as they are a bit different then the standard red). I picked up some fuzzy oatmeal wool at a local discount fabric store. And then got busy sewing it up. It is a pretty easy template to follow. And the durable wool means no top stitching or finishing needed. A personal touch was adding a button to the top from Regional Assembly of Text.

This make a great housewarming (literally) gift or a nice little afternoon project to warm you up.

on the waterfront

South False Creek also known as the Olympic Village is one of my new favourite walking destinations. Not only does it have an amazing view of the city, the mountains and the water- it has a beautifully designed community center, some forward thinking architecture and some amazing park spaces... not to mention the commitment to building sustainably. Here are some shots of this cool hood about 15 mins from our door! Vancouver- on a sunny winter day you make me remember why we love in such a dynamic city.

haaaapppy new year

To pretending i am somewhere tropical and sunny with palms, a warm breeze, sand in my toes and a blue ocean.

To a new year.

happy holidays

a santa wishlist- for him

Here is part two of this weeks Santa Wish List. This one is for the dude in my life- Mr O. If only we had enough dough that i could treat you to a $500 man ax. Actually come to think of it I'd rather pool that into a weekend away in the woodsy woods somewhere. Nevertheless- some manly goods to make you smile.

1. Whiskey- Nothing says a mans man drink like a good ol bottle of whisky. This small batch distillery based in NY has great branding and spicy spirits.

2. Apron- Not just any apron, but a great woodworking apron handmade locally, for tough cuts and the odd meat roast on the barbeque in the winter months. A little blood never hurt anyone. Available at Union Wood Co.

3. Bike Wine Rack- for those summer picnics when the bag is just too full of farmers market goods to fit in that bottle of good stuff. This wine bar rack is ingenious and so subtle.

4. Chocolate- Husband and wife team who just launched Beta 5 Chocolates is creating quite a buzz around town in the decadent foodie circuit. Great name and I love the branding of these bars.

5. Man Tote- Ok, in all honesty, I would use this bag 90% of the time. But it could double as a great day bag to lug work gear and lunch wares to and from the ol 69' ford. Available at Mr Lees General Store.

6. Rainboots- Cheesy I know but she needs some... and so does he. I like how lightweight these are for trogging around in the slush or rain in. And Natives are locally made and available at Walrus.

7. Cologne- Last time we were window shopping at Old Faithful we came across this amazing smelling cologne. The name just fits the bill "Burning Barbershop" Neither O or I are a huge perfume fan, but this one is so subtle and old worldly it stuck with us for days. yummm.

8. Vintage Map- A little second hand shop hunting is always a fun adventure. This year I'm on the hunt for some inexpensive DIY type wall art for O's new wood-shop that he is making in the new year. I'm thinking some antlers, a plywood inspiration board and some vintage maps could fit the bill. Plus he can pin all the places we have been in the world and dream of trips ahead.

9. Bow Tie- I love these quirky bow ties from Something is Hiding in Here. Such a fashion statement for winter party's.

10. Ax- A true woodsman needs a good tool. These famous axes come in a range of sizes and are an investment for a well stoked fire. 

a santa wishlist- for her

This holiday, really i'm most looking forward to that good ol' fashion family time. Christmas has always been a special time of year in our house. Lots of fireside time, reading, giggling and eating too much indulgent food. This year O and I are tyring to make all our gifts by hand. It has been fun and very rewarding. However I have to admit I've been to a few craft fairs and favourite stores and had my eye on some fun things. So here's my wishlist- to Santa Clause of course, who else would be able to deliver all this good stuff to one gal:

 

1. Rainboots- Living in Vancouver, with a stroller, a gal needs some good water proof boots. Ive had my eye on Hunters for the past few years. I like that they are tall and stylin'. Plus their timeless and built to last.

2. Calendar- I got one of these last year from Janis Nicolay at Pinecone Camp. I just love the cheery photos that greet me each month by my desk.

3. Maple Syrup- Little known fact about me: I have waffles and bacon pretty much every sunday morning. It is a ritual for O and I. He hates them, but loves how much joy it brings to my day. Would love to try some of this Noble bourbon barrel matured syrup.

4. Necklace- Not just any necklace. A local designer Henderson Dry Goods makes these sweet long chains. I love the old world quality and mixed medium process. Jane Austen is always good to wear close to the heart.

5. Soap- I am a total soap snob. There you have it. I love french triple milled soap and anything that leaves your skin buttery and smelling of a fresh shower. My favourite scents are: lavender, olive, musk and milk.

6. Yoga Pass- Before I had Luce I did yoga at Semperviva at least once a week, if not twice. I love the various studios and teachers. I am craving getting back into this again in the new year. Nothing like a few long hold poses to kick you back in shape.

7. Pencil Jar/ Flower Vase- I definitely don't need this by any means, but I have always loved Hayday Designs porcelain mason jars. So unique and delicate and great for multipurpose use.

8. Tea- I am a tea drinker. About 3 cups a day. I love all types, but my fave for an array of interesting selections are at David's Tea.

9. Print- I have come across this artist Jeannette from The Beautiful Project so many times, and always pause and stare at her amazing cards and prints. I couldn't find an image of the print I love (called Good Morning Sunshine), but her stuff is amazing.

10. Book- One of my most favourite authors, Adam Gopnik, has a new book out, fitting with the season called Winter. I heard an excerpt from this at the Massey Hall lectures and it sounds amazing.

home grown hero- the illustrators

Two shop owners chat with us about the belief that good design, really good design is long lasting. Big things. Small things. Always a pleasant surprise.

Who: Brandy Fedoruk & Rebecca Dolen

Where: Vancouver BC

What: Artists/ Store Owners of Regional Assembly of Text

Believes: All the best things arrive by mail.

Q: Can’t live without? 

 Brandy-  Olives.

Rebecca- Currently… Spice Box Whisky.

Q: Music or radio station currently coveting?

Brandy- Silence.

Rebecca- I’ve recently rediscovered CITR. Hello!

Q: How long have you been doing what you do?

6 ½ years. Yikes.

Q: What word best describes you?

Rebecca- Good Cop.

Brandy- Bad Cop.

Q: Perks and yucks about being self employed?

Brandy- Likes: seeing people appreciate what we do. Dislikes: book keeping.

Rebecca- Likes: having a totally flexible schedule. Dislikes: answering the phone.

Q: What advice do you have for recent art graduates?

Brandy- Follow through with your great ideas.

Rebecca- The possibilities are endless, for real.

Q: Your Illustrations are truly amazing- where do you go for inspiration?

Brandy- Old books, vintage packaging, dictionaries, travel.

Rebecca- Me too.

Q: Worst idea ever?

Brandy- agreeing to give a speech about our business. (don’t like that public speaking thing)

Rebecca- waiting almost a year before hiring someone.

Q: You guys are both friends and business partners- how do you make this work?

Brandy- Rebecca is good at telling me that I am doing a ‘good job’ about 10 times a day. And we have the same priorities when it comes to what we want from our business. Ie: Lots of travel time. Getting out of the city is inspiring and keeps us sane.

Rebecca- We really enjoy each others company, some of our best ideas have been thought of during off time over beers at the legion. Being that, talking business is our favourite past time, I’m so glad we have each other, or we’d drive our other friends crazy.

Q: Its coming up xmas time, my fave time of the year in your shop, what fun new goods do you have this year for sale?

 We screen printed some lovely tea towels this year. And have new cards and wrapping paper too.

 

out on the prairies

Owen here- For the past 40 or so years, my dad has been driving east to Saskatchewan for his annual bird hunting trip. The average trip lasts about 14 days. He has spent 1 ½ years of his life out there. Despite his pleas to have me accompany him and his friends on their trek across the frozen flatlands, I never went… until this year.

Fortunately, I have a 1 year old girl, so the past year made the 4:30 am wake up call to set out the decoys in the cold darkness manageable.

I wish I had a truck all to myself so that I could’ve brought home a load of salvaged goods.

I feel that I should add a disclaimer here because our generation has lost interest and understanding for hunting.  My dad and I have never been “trophy” hunters, only food hunters to fill the freezers for the long winter.  That sounds ‘sappy’ but it’s true.  Besides the delicious goose and duck meat, the Hutterite Colony, who clean the birds, make blankets from the down feathers.  Oh, and don’t forget what pate is made from!  Nothing is wasted and at least they have a chance to get away (especially with my aim)… the same cannot be said for a chicken.

antique-ing

So is anyone hooked on the show american pickers? K so there is no question about it. Simply put- they are serious dorks. But come on- so fun to watch all the great old finds that come their way in middle america farm land. In lieu of our current obsession with this show, I thought I would share with you some of our favourite places to go pickin or antique-ing round here.

GARAGE SALES:

or "sailin" (as our aunty c likes to call it) are really the ultimate best places to score old goods. The seller has no overhead, usually wants to get rid of the goods that day, bargaining is free rain, which = mega scores at a fraction of the cost. The key is to get there early, get in and out and move onto the next and if you come across an estate sale- you've hit the motherload. A little secret- the best g sales are south of the border. I go every time we visit our cousins in seattle, and blown away by the finds.

USED BUILDING SUPPLY STORES:

The best one near vancouver is Jacks Used Building Supply. We often check this out when doing a "salvage design" garden projects for clients who want some vintage feel to their landscape. Finding old sink basins for planters, old signage to conceal a sight line, and old farmhouse lighting for a patio space.

Another good salvage store is the Restore. These are nationwide, but the two week like best are in Bellingham and Ballard WA. The one in ballard has a friendly cat named Ferdinand and some crafty staff who arrange the vintage items with such pride.

 VINTAGE YARDS:

I dont even know if this is the right term. Maybe, self proclaimed "Horders". These are the peops you see on American Pickers. The sentimental folk, who have an insane collection of goods, claim to be open for business, but then when you try to offer them a price for an item, they hold onto it like they never had any intention to sell in the first place. And rightfully so. They are really just collectors who want to invite you in, tell you the stories of the yee old days and then let you be on your way. Bless them. Nevertheless, worth a stop, and if your lucky, you may get to buy some gem after all. Granny and Grumpas is the best known secret in the valley. If you have an afternoon, head out to this farm yard of vintage goodness. Grumpa is slow & grumpy and granny is pretty much 100% deaf. They yell and bicker at one another, but love the company. Its quite a treat.

These last few images are from a trip I took two summers ago with my dad to Cooperstown NYC. We came across this neat old town, just in the outskirts. Met this wild guy, who was a true american collector. He even gave me an old dairy bottle to take back as a momento for our time back east.That's my dad below, peaking to see if anyone is home?

our bebe turns 1

Its truly hard to comprehend how a whole entire year has passed. But here it is- Lucie Ella Black, officially 1 years old, just crawling, as sweet and cute as the first day we met her. Thinking fondly back to her birth, how powerful and magical the whole process was. A real little baby. A moment so clear and still, a frame in time that will never be lost. Crying, laughing and full of more love than we could never have known. She was perfect. Half of me, half of o. Happy Birthday sweet girl.

 

We had so much fun crafting out a farm/harvest theme party. Luckily we had sun, so the 30+ peops could fit into our tiny house.

Craft Table. Designed for the range of ages newborn- 5 year olds.

Eatz- we wanted to keep it simple so we served finger food and bowls of chili.

Outside drinks station

Squash bowling alley.

Bowlers at play.

We had tossed around the idea of renting a small pony, but given that luce will likely not remember much about this day, we opted for home made hay bale rides in o's wheelbarrels.

Ready for a ride.

The race.

Baby Francesca, not quite sure what she thinks of it all.

Scary Sachi with his face painted.

Grace blowing bubbles.

Youngest guest, baby Liam.

Blowing out the candle.

Cupcake, am I allowed to try it?

Yum, sugar.

Wow tastebuds.

Cupcake Cakes half eaten.

Farm animal parting gifts.

Presents!

nesting gets a rebrand

A long time coming, but we finally did it! With lots of great input and help we present " the new and improved nesting journal". Ok, so there are a few small kinks that we are still working out, but for the most part, done. Some really beautifully designed blogs that inspired us for change:

bloesom kids, bookhou, canelle et vanille, follow studio, poppytalk.

Below is an image of where the creative process began. For all our design projects we start at the inspiration board. Being the super duper magazine collector that I am we had loads of inspiration images to pull from.

It is always a fun journey to re-brand and so interesting being on the client end of things. We wanted to keep the site still feeling like a journal blog and less like a website blog (if that makes sense). The challenge was how to keep it simple, with lots of white space, slightly pastel and girlie but still fit into our overall business brand with aloe. Without getting too descriptive and design geeky I will say simply this: We love it!

Thanks to the new domestic for some creative stylin, the font king mr matt kilburn & the techy master chris smith at aloe designs. Nice work team. Without your crafty skills it wouldn't have happened.

Tell us what you think. What works, what doesn't. We'd love your feedback.