Working from home has thrown up lots of interesting clothing debates recently - including whether people will just stop caring, as we discussed recently . Another interesting one, I think, is the idea of comfort. As in, ‘It’s just so comfor... > Read more
I posted this fiddle leaf fig tree on my IG Stories and got a lot of DMs from people asking if it’s real. Actually, one of my close friends texted me and asked the same thing. They are reaaallll! As you can see, since the pandemic I find joy and self-worth by keeping plants and cats alive. This new hobby became a real obsession. I’d bounce back and forth between working on Artemis and reading about plants. A lot of reading. Forums, garden clubs, books, YouTube videos, blogs… you name it, I was knee deep in it.
I’m a plant enthusiast, and by no means an expect. But if you’re interested, I can create a plant care post specifically about the Fiddle Leaf Fig tree. From my personal experience and what I’ve read online and in books, there are many schools of thought in regards to care for this particular tree.
I know it’s a little strange to talk about plants and not touch on plant care. But in this post, I just want to introduce you to my new green space. It’s actually my therapy space. I sit in that chair everyday with my kittie Sam, and it’s incredibly calming.
I learned a lot in the pass few months about designing with plants, and would love to share some of my thoughts with you.
Designing a Modern Green Space
1. When creating a green space, the more plants the better. When you look at that IG pic and go… whoa, that looks amazing. Usually more often, that image transports you to another place. To create that feeling, you have to see and be surrounded by greenery. Grouping plants together (which can also help increase the humidity which is beneficial for your plants) can create that transformative experience. When my fiddle leaf fig tree was there by itself, it was ok. But the space felt decorative. When I added more plants around it, the space came to life.
2. Consider vertical space. Plants that come down from above, like my philodendrons on the shelf, can help create that majestic and immersive feeling. Whenever you see a waterfall, it feels grand. It feels pulled in and as though you are part of that story. Also with vertical space, consider plants at different heights to create a canopy look.
3. Design the space around a statement piece. An accent chair, a dreamy bed, a statement table… whatever works for you. This not only is functional (a place to relax and sit, a place to find peace and sleep, a place of serenity while working), it also gives you more opportunities to interact with the plants. Because I sit in this space everyday, I observe and actively monitor my plants. I can see how wet the soil is, if new spots are developing, any bugs appearing, etc. The care becomes more interactive and meaningful.
4. Design with personal items. Instead of a plant stand, consider using a stack of books and/or boxes. Instead of using a planter, consider using a candle vessel. With my jewel orchid above, it’s in a 2.5 inch grow pot that fits nicely inside the candle vessel.
5. Don’t be afraid to mix faux with real. When lighting conditions are not ideal, consider mixing faux with real. For example in the case of my heart vase, the area is too dark and there’s really no plants that I can put in it. I still wanted to continue the theme of green in that area, so I added faux ferns. Consider experimenting and playing around with small accents of faux plants before moving into bigger items.
Please keep in mind that these design tips will be more fruitful if your place has the lighting conditions suitable for the plants you want. For example, if I move my fiddle leaf fig tree to the other side of the shelf, a few feet away from the window, it will most likely not do as well.
I hope you enjoy this post. If you have any questions about plant care or design elements, please let me know. And as always, thank you so much for reading!
A beautiful collar is a flattering detail that can really make a statement. I’ve been drawn to oversized collars this past year to soften lines and add a feminine touch. This lace one adds a vintage and one-of-a-kind feel to the soft cropped cardigan. A stand-alone collar can be worn on almost any top or dress for the same unique effect. There are crystal embellished collars dainty floral finds, and simple, subtle styles that share the same appeal of an oversized collar. Wear any of them with denim, leather pants, or a skirt for an extra special everyday holiday style.
As an Aries, I’ve always felt an affinity for Sagittariuses (Sagittarii?) — we’re a zodiac BFF match, after all. So I’m more than happy to be moving from intense and introspective Scorpio season into the adventurous and optimistic sign of the archer on November 22. Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com, says Sagittarius season (which lasts until December 21) will feel like a breath of fresh air — something we all need.
But we’re not letting go of the brooding vibes that characterized Scorpio season just yet. “We’ll still have the intuitive and water element present, since Venus enters Scorpio the same time Sagittarius season starts,” Montúfar explains. Still, our introspection will be lightened somewhat, thanks to the characteristic optimism of Sag season.
We’ll all be feeling happy and hopeful for at least one reason: The sun moving into the sign of the archer marks the final stretch of 2020, and after a long, exhausting year, we’re more than ready to turn over a new leaf. To help us do that, this month we’ll be sitting through two eclipses, Montúfar says: a penumbral eclipse of the moon on November 29, and a total eclipse of the sun on December 14. “Eclipses are the way the universe creates change in our lives. They open and close doors,” she explains.
Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer at Keen.com, says that some of these changes may involve removing people from your life. “Freedom is the theme,” she says. “You may feel strongly that you want to cut the ties with any person or thing that seems to hold you back.”
Give yourself a moment to take a look back at this past year — what, or who, hasn’t served you? It may be easy to pick out what’s been holding you back, whether it’s a stagnant relationship, a demanding job, or even your mindset. The urge to cut ties is strong, and honestly — it’s a good time to do it.
Break up with your partner who admitted to voting for Trump. Start looking for a job that actually makes you want to get up in the morning. Move somewhere new. Get a dog or a daring haircut. Whatever you think will make a substantial difference to your life, now’s the time to set that in motion with the energy of Sag season and the eclipses behind you.
It won’t be all forward momentum, though. “The sun will align with the South Node of Destiny for the first twenty days of Sagittarius season, which means that we may feel a little insecure and not want to be in the spotlight,” astrologer Lisa Stardust says. “There’s a hesitation with moving forward now, which may make us all want to stand still.” She also notes that on December 9, elusive Neptune will square the sun. Stardust says this will make us extra indecisive. The key? Check your most deeply held values. “As long as we stay true to our beliefs, we will be able to power through it,” she says.
The one drawback that lurks in the life-changing energy of Sag season is a risk of falling into a “me, me, me” mindset — and coming across as overly blunt. You’ll need to communicate clearly with others as well, Stardust cautions. “Choosing our words wisely is important over the next thirty days. More often than not, we can put our foot in our mouths during Sagittarius season,” Stardust says. “Think before you speak or send that text, it may save us all a lot of drama throughout the month.”
Right at the tail end of Sagittarius season, Jupiter and Saturn will both leave Capricorn to enter Aquarius. Jupiter moves signs every year, but Saturn only does every two and a half years. “The fact that both of these social planets switch signs around the same time says there are big changes ahead for the collective,” Montúfar says. On December 21, we’ll experience the Great Conjunction between these two planets — something that happens only once every 20 years, and usually signifies historic change.
It might just be my Sagittarius moon talking, but I have a good feeling about this upcoming month. Change is brewing — and it’s for the better.
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Shopping for men can be a challenge, especially around the holidays since so many are minimalists when it comes to shopping for themselves. For the past several years I’ve recruited Thomas to share some insight on what gifts he thinks men want most. This has been a win-win each time, since the list usually reflects items that he is secretly hoping to receive. This year we are including Thomas’s favorite gift ideas again, as well as other unique and fun suggestions for gifting to husbands, boyfriends, dads, brothers, grandfathers and more. I hope it makes shopping for the men in your life easier than ever this holiday season!
Apple’s newest speaker, the HomePod mini, is a great gift for the music-lovers in your life or anyone who wants the capability to use Siri to check on things like weather, news, or complete everyday tasks.
Wallets get so much use that it’s nice to have a refresh once in a while. This leather wallet is simple, sleek, and can be monogrammed for a special touch.
Treat the spice-lovers in your life to a variety pack of our favorite hot sauce, Red Clay, which includes their signature Hot Honey which we love to add to cocktails.
