content & travel: Bali

I've been dreaming about going to Bali for years.  Not in an Eat, Pray, Love kind of a way, but more in an Exotic, Serene, Beautiful kind of way. My father used to go to Bali for work when we were kids and he would bring us home the most curious treasures (I still have a quirky paper stick puppet I think is so cool) and there were always tales from people in California going there to surf.

And while I am going on an incredible trip in less than two weeks now (stay tuned for those adventures!), I can't help but thinking about stowing away to Bali, especially when two cool things that relate to Bali popped on my radar already this week.

The first is this video my boss sent me, which we both really enjoyed, about building bamboo cities in Bali. Not only was it well done in tone, pace and story, but it just made me want to go see this structures! Check it out:



The other cool thing I saw was this great coworking space, Hubud, which gets it's name from "Hub in Ubud." Expats from all over the world come to work here and I have been thinking about it all day - wouldn't it be great to take some time, not off, but to work in such a different environment? Imagine the creativity that could pour out...  Check out their video:

2014: this just in

This year, I will explore people, accept myself instead of working on myself and just be, live, love, grow. Let's see what happens.

invent your future

I believe in human creativity.

I was totally inspired by this video on BostInnovation's website today.  I wish I had the brain for science.



Such amazing things happening right across the river, expanding passion to creation (or as I like to say as you know, turning dreams into plans).

Here are some inspiring images that came out of the lab.

 (using lasers to activate neurons in the brain)

 (animated billboard design created by the MIT Media Lab)

(an all fabric keyboard)

("Colorful Dreams" created by the Lab using an I/O brush)

(Kismet, a sociable robot, created in the late 1990s, now on display in the Lab)

(entry way to the Lab)

(The MIT Media Lab)

channeling the southwest?

Why do I want this scarf from Silvia66's shop on Etsy?

And why can't I stop thinking about how to fit this rug into the Berkeley Penthouse from Ikea?

And why do I keep telling myself I do not need to visit Boot Barn the next time I go home to Las Vegas?

It's got to be the same part of me that dresses like I could jump on a horse any second in the fall.  Or my impending trips home to the west...

get to work

Changes are a'coming.  When it starts to turn to fall, I turn inward and reflect.  I also get this apprehension feeling like something big is coming.  Well, maybe I need to make it come.  I must sit down and simply get to work and turn those dreams into plans.    Thank you for your support while I make it happen.

*Images courtesy of Apartment Therapy, Marie Claire Maison via bubbles & banjos and Scarlet&Sterling

ZOMG - FURBISH!

I am quite the fan of Jamie Meares's blog ISuwannee and ever since she opened her home store Furbish down south, my roommate and I dream about running Furbish Boston for her (can't you see a couple of us Yankee gals selling all her lovely brightly colored furniture, candied accessories and fabulous finds?).  But listen - you can buy her stuff NOW!  She launched her online store ShopFurbish.com.  Delight in her pillows, lamps and all things happy.

light and dark

Hi.  My name is Arestia and I really like to buy furniture.  Never mind that my south end apartment can't hold anything else - it doesn't stop me from constantly thinking about what I might change next.  We've already seen my newest purchase and taken a peak inside my boudair.  Well, rooms with light and dark contrasts with some pops of color are currently on my brain.  I've never been one for matching furniture sets anyway.  Pieces should be special and unique - if they are, it'll all come together....

(damn, Jonathan Adler, you have such an eye)

(an interior shot from interior design photographer Michael Partenio)

Perhaps I just crave balance.  Perhaps I think there is two sides to every coin.  Perhaps I'm feeling antsy.

D. all of the above

dreaming green...

If I had it my way, my home would be full of maiden hair, window boxes would be colorful, a garden would be in my daily routine and various other plant projects would be the norm.  Unfortunately, my life and my apartment don't allow for such things.  Ok.  Fine.  I also kill everything I bring into my home.  Many an orchid and basil plant has suffered and died under my care.  My newest purchase is a succulant plant, not unlike these:

(With little water needed, I think I can handle this little guy)

If you have green dreams (and a knack for plants), head on over to Apartment Therapy's 7 Great Container Garden How-to's. You can even learn about making a summer salad window box for those in small spaces like myself.

Don't worry.  I will be merciful and not attempt. 

*photos courtesy of House to Home, House and Home & Apartment Therapy