saguaro national park (+ hello again)


Hey there,

It’s me! I know, it’s been a really long time. About 7 months, give or take...a lengthy absence, which in the online world usually translates into blog death. But what can I say? I’ve been enjoying life and I thought it would be best to spend my small amounts of free time away from the computer, actually living in the moment instead of writing about it. But I have a more relaxed work schedule now since many of our clients take time off during the summer, and with the craziness of Design Week behind me I thought it would be fun to get back into it.  

The other reason for the long break has a lot to do with the difficulties of last year. I typically spend the end of December/early January being reflective and writing some sort of “wrap up.” But 2014 was a doozy and I really didn’t know where to start. I faced the biggest challenges of my life, for it was the year my father passed away. But it was also a year where I grew closer to my friends, my children and my family in ways that only death can bring people together. The "silver lining," if there can even be  such a thing during such a relentlessly strenuous time, is coming to understand how fortunate I am to have such an incredible community around me. Also, tragedy has shown me what truly matters and what doesn’t. Life is pretty simple when you boil things down.

Anyway, here we are and 2015 is already halfway over…



It seems silly to start things off with a backtrack to February, but as I think about the highlights of the year thus far, our trip to Saguaro National Park this winter stands out. We put together a really fun and inexpensive trip (thanks frequent flier miles/hotel points) and had a blast hiking through the cacti groves, investigating the small details of succulents, watching desert sunsets, eating really good Mexican food and swimming in our hotel's outdoor pool. This was by far our most successful adventure as a family of 4 to date. There were shockingly few meltdowns and everyone’s behavior (mine included) was A++. As my mother frequently says, “Pooh, pooh, pooh. May it continue…” 

It's good to be back.


xx, 
Batya 

Food for thought: Ed Ruscha's Cactus Omelet from T Magazine/The New York Times.

Book for thought: How to Raise a Wild Child
And give a listen to this great interview.






friday favorites: hexagons



I'm not sure if it's because I'm the daughter of two mathematicians, or because I'm fascinated by honeycombs, but my obsession with hexagons (the coolest geometric shape) is at an all time high! Here are some of my favorite hex designs. Enjoy your weekend and I'll see you next week!
xo,
Batya
HEXAGONS 
1. Hex Spora by Light + Ladder
2. Grid Set by Valvanera Arrieta via Design Milk
3. Grid Set by Valvanera Arrieta via Design Milk
4. Half Hex from Dwell Tile Pattern by Heath Ceramics
5. Low Hex Stool by Sixinch for Studio Stegers
6. Gold Hexagon Bracelet by Sarah Loertscher 
7. Hyve System by Herbst Produkt 
8. Glitz Medium Round Plates by dbO Home via Cooking Light 
9. Modular Hexagons by Form Us With Love via Apartment Therapy
10. Hexagon No. 1 Print by Martin Isaac for Society6
11. Dechirer Hexagon Tiles by Patricia Urquiola for Mutina via Stone Source
12. Kaleido Trays by Clara von Zweigbergk for HAY via ArchiLovers (available at DWR)

Thank you to Carly Loman, my colleague at DLD PR, for helping me put this collage together! 

friday favorites: succulent + cactus planters (you're welcome)



Succulents + cacti are a great way to add a bit of texture and green to a room. After a string of rather unforuntate plant-related issues, my succulent collection is (finally!) thriving. And if I can care for these little cuties, you can too!
Here's a wrap-up of some awesome planters that will satisfy your design cravings and serve as a little home for your cacti or succulent.
Please let me know if you have any favorites that were omitted. Cuz you know, I'm always in need of another planter!

1. Boxcar from Revolution Design House
2. Hive Ballast planter from Light + Ladder
3. Hex Spora from Light + Ladder
4. Hexagon Pot from Ferm Living
5. Pastel Mini Planter from Leif
6. Terrarium Collection spotted on Oh So Pretty
7. Faceted Hanging Tray from Pigeon Toe Ceramics
8. Hanging planters from Tina Frey Designs

Thank you Carly Loman (of DLD PR) for your collage assistance!
Please note: I have no financial or business relationship with any of these companies. I just l-o-v-e what they're doing!