Daniel & the Tomatoes

Sometimes I think I get my hair cut just so I can spend an hour with my stylist Daniel, who is possibly one of my favorite people in Manhattan. (He's responsible for this 'do, among others.)

Nevermind that he has styled the tresses of the casts of Spring Awakening, South Pacific, and Wicked. Nevermind that he has a seemingly endless knowledge of literature and film. Nevermind that he collects retro cookbooks and cool ashtrays. Who cares if he's this hidden gem in the middle of Midtown that my most connected friends know about.

THIS is why I love me some Daniel: When I asked him about how he's decorating the loft in the barn he's just built upstate with his partner, he replied, "'Stevie Nicks in Big Sur in the seventies.'" And that, he explained, "just means that there's lots of shawls."

Then, at the end of the appointment, he handed me five handpicked tomatoes that he grew in the garden near that barn.

And also he made my hair real pretty.

Does it get any more delicious?

(While I turn those tomatoes into a small batch of this, contact me if you want his info. I can share him; but don't ask for any the tomato bruschetta--that's alllll mine).

Who is HARRY?

I am not usually in support of artists who go by one name (you know, whatever, besides like Madonna and Prince) (and also maybe Cher. MAYBE Cher.). But there is something really intriguing about Nashville-based artist Harry.

I am always drawn to art that's a little off-kilter, and this stuff fits the bill. I like his use of color, and I am always smitten with acrylic on wood that incorporates writing using a lead pencil.

After a little digging, I found out that his full name is Harry Underwood. And I also discovered that Etsy seller My Favorite Plum sells some of his work on her site. Given his narrative-y artwork and her clear cuteness, I'm finding myself wondering about the nature of their relationship--especially since she seems to be selling some art he may have made especially for her (check it out here. Do you agree?).

I am, of course, jumping to conclusions. But that's just one of my many character flaws. Either way, I think there's a story there. (Let's just hope he keeps writing it in lead pencil. Love!)

 

The Temperature of Infinity

Candy Cars

 

Southern Energy Home

Wishful Thoughts Avenue

Potatoes in a Cup

Another Southern Energy Home

All images linked to their sources. Art by Harry.

Fireplace Mantels 123

The other day, someone asked me about the kind of restaurants I liked. This is what I said: "Cool, local, and delicious. The kind of place that has chill music at its Sunday brunch and lights a cozy fireplace when it's chilly."

The next day, I got an email from my very first advertiser, Fireplace Mantels 123.

(My first advertiser! I know!)

It was interesting timing. You can already sense a teeny, tiny bit of autumn in the air around here--just teeny, tiny, but enough to be noticed. I'm not totally ready for it, but I will admit to thinking about buying a few cute new sweaters. And maybe even a scarf. (And definitely, always a cup of hot cocoa.)

The company sells, of course, tons of fireplace mantels, but they've got loads of accessories that are filling the Cottage of My Future. I've been mining the site and finding tons of things I am dying to have--for one, a fireplace (duh). But also fireplace kettles! Steamers! Chic log holders!

That Cottage of My Future cannot get here quickly enough.

Above is a roundup of some of my favorites. Below is the info. Now click on over there and start your autumn a little early. And tell them I said hello.

1. Pacific 2.5-Quart Porcelain Coated Black Kettle / 2. Basel Pewter Fireplace Log Rack / 3. Donato Medium Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen / 4. Creede Solid Brass Match Holder / 5. Capitol Stainless Steel Log Hoop / 6. Meeker 3-Quart Porcelain Coated Blue Steamer with White Speckles / 7. Chiusa Antique Brass Andirons / 8. Fletcher Leather Gloves / 9. Antero Heavy Weight Canvas Log Tote

Bikes + Baskets

I don't know what it is--the idea of escape, summertime still in the air--but I just can't help myself when there is a bike with a basket sitting around begging to be captured by my camera.

(All taken in Brooklyn and Boston)