A Change of Environment

This weekend, I took time to compose myself, and let the world around me sink in. Inspiration is everywhere.  I’ve been so busy learning and working, that I rarely have time to take a look around.  I’m also starting to take my environment for granted.  A city away from home and away from NYC awakened my senses and I’m slowly feeling the creativity running back through my veins.  I even had an original song in my head this weekend, and I subsequently had a dream about recording it.  There is something that really can clear your mind about getting away, even if only for a day!

On Saturday, I met with Nicole, a friend from college, for some brunch and window shopping in Montclair.  We admired the shops, and had quite a visual and tactile experience in our shopping.  We especially fell in love with a store called Semplice, for their interior furnishings.  The weather was really nice (it’s unseasonably warm this November, no?), and I found myself really inspired as we walked door to door.  I feel like I discovered a hidden collection of beautiful objects and places on Bloomfield Ave.

Here’s Raymonds, where we had brunch.  The building was PreWar (yay) and had pentagon floor tiles and colorful spray bottles on the shelves.  The restroom had a mirrored wall with metal framing.  I really loved the atmosphere.

This photo was taken outside of an outdoor decor shop.   I vow to one day have a tin barn star in or outside of my home.

Anthropologie never fails to charm me, and their Christmas ornaments this year are inviting in that handmade way.  Although they look handmade, the ornaments somehow manage to become decadent and lavish pieces for a Christmas tree.  It so inspired me, along with Nicole talking about her ideas for making her own ornaments,  that I think I’ll try and make ornaments this year with Anthony.  I love their antiqued turquoise and snow white color scheme.  I especially loved the feathered ornaments.

Finally… More feathers.  A wreath, of all wondefully designed Christmas things!  I wish I had a bird that would sing songs for me to put words to and that would shed bright lustered feathers for me to play with.