Facets, facets, everywhere..and I don’t mind at all 
1. Terrarium by Score and Solder
2. Building by Råk-Arkitektur
3. Brass paperweights by Masanori Oji
4. Lori Bracelet by EVRT Studio
Read MoreAre you in winter doldrums? I am. Today, it’s actually warm in NY – a spring tease – but the weekend was cold, snowy and rainy which left me planning my next trip. I’ve been having a lot of dreams about water – mystical, enchanting water. I’d love to go somewhere with water like the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, but less touristy. The island of Santo Antao, Cape Verde, looks beautiful..has anyone out there been? If so, leave a comment about your experiences. Until then, I’ve got my Cesaria Evora playing and daydreaming about water…
Happy New Year! I think 2012 is going to be a great year! I feel like 2011 was a “plan it” year, and now 2012 is the year to “implement it”. So many exciting things in the pipeline for Merchant No. 4, but today, I’m thinking about #8 on my personal ‘To Do in 2012 List’, which is….revamp the bedroom. You know how bedrooms can sometimes be that last thought in the house? The room that becomes more utilitarian above all else? So although the title of this post is quite the opposite of what I want to do in 2012, here are a few inspirational bedroom photos. Which one is your favorite?
We’re preparing our Holiday Gift Guide…lots of new things in the shop coming up! Stay tuned….
Say hello to Mr. Cooper – new at merchant4.com. Designed by Kate Stokes of Coco Flip Design Studio in Melbourne, this gorgeous copper pendant was inspired by the old tin can telephones or “lovers telephone”. Complete with antique herringbone fabric chord, this light has us reminiscing about a time when life (and design) was simple and honest.
Loving these Motley II pieces designed by London-based, Samuel Chan of Channels. These are now being showcased at this years 100% Design London.
Remember when we blogged about this David Chipperfield light back in March? Well, its finally on its way to the US, and we’re so pleased to have it in our collection. The W102 light is manufactured by Swedish brand, Wästberg, who makes only a handful of amazing lights designed by extraordinary designers such as Ilse Crawford and of course, London-based architect, Chipperfield. The W102 light will be available on October 1, 2011 and is available for pre-order now. We’re offering free shipping on all pre-orders through September so check it out!
Last year I blogged about artist Jim Denevan. His site led me to the “farm to plate” dinner event he started in 1999 called Outstanding in the Field. I was intrigued by the concept of bringing Michelin star chefs out to the fields to prepare meals on farms using the locally grown produce. I was also mesmerized by the beautiful photos of meandering tables set on various backdrops across the country, ready to serve up to 250 guests. I had to go!
Luckily, I was able to get 2 tickets to attend this years event at Blooming Hill Farms in Chester, NY where the chef was Bill Telepan of Telpan in NYC. Unfortunately, Mother Nature gave us rain that night, but we had to roll with what we were dealt and although we had to sit under tents, the sun eventually did come out and the delicious food made up for all that rain. Here are a few photos I took of the event…
Guests enjoying some prosecco before the farm tour
Thats Farmer Guy Jones who owns Blooming Hill Farms. He gave us a tour and educated us on some of the techniques organic farmers use, the produce he grows and how important it is to support local farmers who face challenges daily in growing their goods the natural way.
Off to the table to enjoy the food….
Where chef Telepan and his team made it happen. We had trout with tomatillo salsa & corn, roasted lamb with oregano potatoes and grilled zuchinni and nectarine crumble topped with creme fraiche. Every course was paired with delicious wines (or beer).
At the end, everyone’s plates were washed and left with some fresh vegetables that Guy had left for us to take. Overall, it was a wonderful time though I was too busy eating to take any photos of the actual food! I highly recommend, and I’m looking forward to next years tour!
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