tink makes art

these aprons by Studiopatro

and those tea towels by Untold Imprint

It seems enchanting, “The Simple Life,” but how do we achieve it in today’s world lead by consumerism, corporations, and individualism?  I’d love to have a garden and some animals, but I work everyday. How am I supposed to manage a small farm when I am not even home the majority of the day? I’d love to live on several acres in the middle of nowhere, but I love the convenience and culture of city life too. Bah! How do we achieve the mentalities and activities of “The Simple Life” while living in a modern society? Thoughts?

Photos: 1, 2, 3 (unknown)

Last week, I helped friend, blogger, and stationary designer, Ellie Snow of Mint and Hello Tenfold, plan out her studio space at Golden Belt. The biggest design dilemmas were 1) providing a floor plan to open up the small space while creating several “areas,” 2) creating a space that functioned as an office, a store, and a meeting place for clients; and 3) assessing the dire need for additional storage.  Knowing heavy patterns and lots of color get old quickly, Ellie wanted to keep the space mostly neutral with slight nods to an existing red cabinet. To keep the budget low – and to add some fun personality! – DIY projects were welcomed.

The above photo was my design inspiration. See what design solutions I came up with and what furnishings I selected after the jump…

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The BRAVE. mix by the flower child dwelling. I love Music Mondays! (Yes, I know. It’s Saturday.)

brave. from theflowerchild on 8tracks.

Tracklist:
Lately // Memoryhouse
Dust Bowl III // Other Lives
Hollow Talk // Choir of Young Believers
Brave // Jesse Thomas
Cold Wind // Among Savages
Heavy Heart // Madi Diaz
Autumn Skies // Lake Forest
Can’t Help But Smiling // Devendra Banhart
Pure // Blackbird Blackbird
The Man of Paper // Older

This photo is so inviting! For the next 30 days or so I can’t drink any beverage other than water (40 Days of Water!), but as soon as I can, I am going to use my stove top espresso maker for the first time and serve a couple shots up with some vanilla ice cream!

I finally looked up how to use my espresso maker after having it for over a year (SAD!). Below are how-to steps in case your wondering, like I was, “How in the world do I use this thing?!” Do you have one? Do you like it? Any tips for brewing fabulous espresso?!

How to use a stove top espresso maker…

• First, grind your dark roasted whole bean coffee until it is a fine powder. Don’t have a grinder? I suggest purchasing one. They are fairly inexpensive and a great investment if you enjoy fresh coffee! If you don’t have one/buy one, you can usually grind the beans when you purchase them at most grocery stores…and, they usually have an espresso setting, which is helpful.

• Fill the base of the espresso maker with water. The water should come to just below (not past!) the steam valve, which is the small hole on the outside of the base, near the top.

• Place the funnel into the base and fill it completely with ground espresso.  Level the grinds, but do not pack them.

• Screw, tighten, and secure the kettle to the base. The top kettle should still be empty and dry.

• Heat the espresso maker on the stove on medium to medium-high heat. The gurgling or steam spray sound means your machine is working properly, forcing fresh espresso into the top kettle. Once the sounds stop, approximately 5 to 10 minutes depending on the size of you machine, the espresso is ready and should fill the top kettle.

• Remove from heat. (Turn off the stove!) Serve, and enjoy!

Note: You must fill your espresso maker completely with water and grounds whether you want to make 2 shots or 12. There are small and large size makers, so buy the size that best fits your drinking style.

Photo from Sunday Suppers

How cool is this sleeping bag?! I love it. Designed by Eiko Ishizawa, The Great Sleeping Bear is unfortunately not for sale. Boo!

“It’s not always about trying to fix something that’s broken. Sometimes it’s about starting over and creating something better.”

Art Print “Healing” by Shira Sela

Quote by Marc and Angel Hack Life