Archive for the ‘inspiring’ Category

It has been 2 1/2 years now since Joanne & I started abitare. Sometimes we work so hard I don’t take time to reflect on all that we have accomplished! But now that we’ve hired some wonderful employees, I have a little more time lately to pat myself on the back and enjoy. What brings me the most joy & fulfillment are the relationships that we have built with many incredible artists & artisans. I think because we are two women who love art and making things ourselves, we are drawn to the work of female artists. Of course we carry plenty of “man-made” products as well, but it brings me special satisfaction to feature the work of these amazing women! So over the next few weeks I will post about some of our favorite female artists.

Skinny laMinx is an illustrator, designer and writer living in South Africa. The images on these 100% cotton tea towels and aprons are screen prints of her own illustrations.

“Borrowed Spoons” in Red & Stainless Steel
This design is inspired by Skinny’s own wooden spoon collection. Tea towels $16/ea, aprons $25/ea.

“Orla” in Dark Charcoal Grey & Chartreuse
An homage to Orla Keily’s famous stem pattern. Tea towels $16/ea, aprons $25/ea.

This little bird looked so perfect in my parents barn in Massachusetts, I just had to snap a picture of it!

I just got back from 2 weeks in Asia. I meant to blog while i was away but I was too busy enjoying myself and soaking everything up! Matthew and I went to Singapore to meet my brand new nephew, then to Bangkok and Laos. We fell completely in love with Laos and came home feeling so inspired by everything we saw and experienced. Now we are back and I am feeling totally rejuvenated and excited for spring at the store! Isn’t travel the best? Here are some photos from our trip:
Matthew getting Kampong fish therapy on his feet. Check it out if you’re ever in Singapore! http://www.kampongfishtherapy.com/

Bangkok street food

Muay Thai

Luang Prabang street

Monastery in Laos

Sweet ride in LP

If you find yourself in Luang Prabang, check out my friend Tara’s museum dedicated to the ethnic cultures of Laos, http://www.taeclaos.org/. And if you are looking for a very special place to stay in LP, www.residencephouvao.com is amazing.
Phou Vao pool at dusk

Well, first let me tell you that I can’t believe I’m blogging! Yes, it’s true and I think it’s pretty damn exciting! You can find blogs on almost every subject if you look. I am partial to the New York Times Fashion blog, the food blog, and last but not least, the political blog .I’ve even made comments on them. It’s very liberating. I also love reading design blogs. I was just reading an article in the New York Times about small businesses and the writer said that blogs can be a great way to get maximum exposure, even more than having a website.

So, on my blog I want to write about my experiences on opening a store, having a website with blog and starting my own business at the age of 54. Of course it helps to have a business partner who’s in her 30’s! She’s the one who I count on to bring me up to speed with the latest technology. She understands how daunting all of this can be and has an infinite amount of patience with me. To be continued……

In trying to describe our shop to my Danish friends, I learned a wonderful new word: ‘hygge’. Hygge doesn’t have a direct translation in English but means something close to: living simply but living well, taking time and energy to create a beautiful living space, surrounding yourself with things that inspire you. Hygge is to the Danes what Chic is to the French. It is a way of life that has always been very close to my heart but I never had a word for it, until now! My Danish friends were pleased with the explanation that the shop sells hygge to Americans. So was I! Here are some items that might increase hygge in your home:

white flower hooks for your wall from a wonderful young swedish designer.

ceramic egg cup & adorable felt egg cosy (coming to the shop fall/winter in lots of great colors!)


ceramic votive holder. gives off the most beautiful light.

birchwood tray & trivet set. perfect for serving dinner to friends!


reuseable nylon shopping bag. take one to the farmers market. very hygge!
(only $8 and available in red, aqua, olive, fuchsia and grey)

Design can be art.
Design can be aesthetics.
Design is so simple, that’s why its so complicated.

Paul Rand