6.11.2010

Blogger's Favorites -- Alexis of Fern and Feather + A Little Giveaway



One of the most rewarding (and surprising and lovely) aspects of blogging is all the other blogging kindred spirits you meet along the way...

I've loved getting to know Alexis through this little blog world. She's super lovely and creative and inspiring (hello art barn!)...one of those ladies I'd love to have coffee with in real life! I also love how similar our blogging stories are. Like Alexis, I started Simple Lovely while I was on maternity leave with Millie, sitting at my computer during epic nursing sessions, longing for a little creative outlet. So I'm thrilled to have Alexis her sharing her favorites this week...

And... (because she's so kind) she's also offering up a little giveaway -- a paper lunch bag full of Art Barn treasures (pictured below), including: 1 stamp, an antique key, 5 yards of baker’s twine, 3 vintage buttons, the ‘bee killer’ page out of the dictionary, a page on how to crochet, a photo of a little girl circa 1948, Boiltex paper wrapping and 2 milk caps.

Just leave a comment on this post by end of day next Thursday the 17th and I'll announce a winner on Friday!

giveaway treasures...

So without further ado, herewith Alexis' favorites. Enjoy!


***

little story... I got into blogs in the days when my son was up feeding every two hours {aka... up all night long}. Some nights I would just surrender to the experience and believed that there was no difference between day and night. I would sit with my lap top, my ‘breast friend’ {if you don’t know about this wacky piece of baby gear you are missing out ;)} and I would tune into a few blogs that I love. First stop: Simple Lovely. I was so tired, worn out and let’s face it, FAT, and it was so much fun to dive into a world that felt so far away; wedges, NPR pieces, Sondre Lerche, wallpaper, letter press. I felt like there was hope that I would soon become myself again. So once we started sleeping again and the Art Barn was complete, I started my own blog using the name of my interior design company... Fern & Feather. Anyway the moral of the story is that I adore Joslyn and Simple Lovely. It is amazing how someone you don’t know can encourage and inspire you to do something that you love. With that said I am beyond honored and humbled to share my list of favorites with you.

our love story. {here is the short version} My husband and I met when I was 14 at the beach in Del Mar. We were friends for 10 years {this is where the story can get long}. I got engaged {to someone else} and right after the proposal Ross and I were at a friend’s wedding. As we were walking to the reception together he said “I heard you got engaged... {pause}... why didn’t you wait for me.” I called off my wedding { this is another part of the story that is long}. And we got married 16 months later in our backyard. More gets written everyday. I love our little life and I am so grateful for the story we have to tell our children and grandchildren.


handmade gifts. Whether I make the gift, or I receive something that has been made by someone else, I love handmade gifts. Have you taken the pledge?


lens flare in photos. The sun has to be shining a certain way and your lens tilted perfectly. Technically it’s a mistake but I think they a re so beautiful and lovely.


handwritten notes. A note can be saved forever and it can be read a million times.


the Art Barn. This is a 10’x15’ structure in our backyard, built by my husband and a few friends. It is a little slice of heaven for me. I can spend hours in there, painting, sewing, wrapping, stamping, gluing, cutting, playing and creating .


the fourth of July. Watermelon, smell of sunscreen, salty eye lashes, buried kegs, castle making, burgers, bocce ball, old friends and sitting on the sand with your lovey watching the fireworks.... it is magical.


adventures. Going somewhere to do something you love and coming home forever changed. I have had 2 of these adventures in my life and I am having a 3rd this summer with French General {in 34 days!!}.

35 comments:

clk said...

My 2 favorite blogs - Simple Lovely and Fern and Feather together! This was such a treat to read this morning!

Lauren said...

your love story was sweet. I also have a great one and its a thrill to tell!

Lenore @ Lather. Write. Repeat. said...

Great story! I think I need my own Art Barn....must tell my fella right away!

XO
Lenore

stephanie. said...

love your love story. i want to hear the long version. =)

Unknown said...

Awww! I so heart Alexis (even though I only know her through blogland) An excellent list from an excellent guest...and love hearing a little bit more about her background...
(ps - Little L used to fall asleep on the "my breast friend" and I would wake up later still with it on!!)

bink and boo said...

I love it, I LOVE it, I LOVE IT!

Flora said...

Thanks for introducing me to another lovely blog! Does anyone know where those dark blue sandals are from in the ocean pic?

torrie said...

a very inspiring 'favorite list'...I too want to hear the rest of the love story:). I've never seen Alexis' blog, but will be heading over there right after I leave here!

hi said...

just love it!! really, this is one of the best giveaways ever. if we don't win can we purchase it? i love the collector-ness of it :)
have a great weekend and thanks for sharing!!

jillian said...

what a lovely and inspiring list... a perfect start to my day!

Zoƫ said...

such a beautiful list and lovely little giveaway :)

strandedhero@gmail.com

Meghan said...

I love her list! The love story sounds right out of a fantastic movie. And the art barn!!!

Leiah said...

Very Cute! :-)

Unknown said...

love it:) such a beautiful story of love, sounds like it could be a movie.

Leah Elspeth said...

My favorite list yet!

Tamara said...

wow, fantastic list. such a sweet story!

rose said...

Wow!! I just swooned at reading your engagement story. I live in the mountains (Santa Fe), and love experiencing pieces of the ocean through your words/photos. All the best!! Rose

Sophie said...

I love how you and your husband got married, such a perfect movie love story that happened in real life :)
I hope to win this!

rikshaw design said...

Me! Me! I wanna win!! Alexis ur love story got me teary!! I love your favorites so sweet just like you!xoxo

Fern and Feather said...

you are all too kind! I have a bit of a skip in my step from this little highlight... thank you.

PS. I got those little 'salt water sandals' from teacollection.com {they come in orange too!!!}

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Simply adore ALEXIS and cannot wait to meet her in person next month!

Hoping to get the scoop on that love story ~ sounds saucy and fun!

Sarah Engel said...

this is perfection. it totally get goospebumps everytime i hear the how we met and ended up together story;) xoxo

~Grace Happens~ said...

oh i know alexis is on cloud 9 right now! she was just raving about you and your blog over dinner last night. i am so happy for alexis right now! she is a beautiful person inside and out and the art barn is even more spectacular in person!!!

Unknown said...

I never knew the story between you and Ross! Love it:) Great list Alexis! And so great to know Simple Lovely now too:)

jennie : the white barn said...

i am also in love with 'lens flare' but i call them 'sun stars'...and i can't wait to hear all about your adventure in france!

CBC said...

The Art Barn is SUCH a great idea. I'm completely smitten! ccsimplyme@gmail.com

jenna said...

Aw, Fern & Feather is one of my favorites - I've been reading it for just a few months but it feels so familiar. These is a great, vivid list!

Estelle Hayes said...

Ah, Alexis is the best. Such a fan of her and now I'm loving knowing more about her life.

Heather Feemster said...

Fabulous Alexis!! Love this connection you have, it's so beautiful.

cerebral e said...

This is a darling little interview and list. Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

I have found a new favorite blog to follow in Fern + Feather. Love it!!

heidi said...

thanks for the introduction! what a find!

Oh, My Darling said...

Agreed that handwritten notes are a delight. Great giveaway!

Anonymous said...

An art barn sounds dreamy :)
Thanks for sharing your list and super sweet story :)

la la Lovely said...

Oh love Fern & Feather...and an art barn is just plain dreamy.