Here We Go // Hawaii Recap :: Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
May 19, 2013 § Leave a Comment
There is something so motivating about a genuinely refreshing, relaxing and beautiful vacation. Travis and I got back from Hawaii yesterday morning – with both a sense of deep sadness (that it was over) and a renewed sense of determination, inspiration, and motivation (oh, and total excitement to see our dogs). Our time in Hawaii was truly wonderful – dare I say near perfect (except for 3 straight days of rain). Here, I want to share with you some highlights and recommendations for those of you that travel to the land of Aloha.
We arrived very late on the first evening, so we set out early our first full day into the Upcountry area, our first stop being Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, which was a top highlight for me of the entire trip. Hard to beat since it was our first excursion!
There are three things that I really love: succulents, lavender (bathing in it, cooking with it, plain ol’ smelling it), and Protea. Nearly two decades ago I visited Hawaii and a trek to a Protea Farm stood out vividly in my memory. It was a wish for me to visit another, and AKL Lavender just happened to have the most beautiful gardens full of Protea, succulents, lavender, pineapple, and more. It was a plant lover’s Utopia.
For only $6, we were allowed entry into the gardens, but unfortunately all of the tours were sold out for the day. I would recommend snagging a spot in one of these tours, because tour guides cut the most stunning bouquets straight from the garden for you to take home. (See above, right, a lucky couple got to take this bounty home)! But this left us free to roam the grounds, take our time, and take in the view. (Below, we picnicked at this exact spot on a Leoda’s lunch – more on that later). Now back to the plants.
I had a fantastic conversation with the founder’s son about propagating succulents, and he let me take a few leaves and buds home so I could [hopefully] propagate my own Hawaiian succulents.
Travis above on aptly named Lover’s Lane in the gardens. (Cheesy, I know). If you’re heading to Maui, definitely make a stop at AKL Lavender – it’s so worth it. Pack a picnic, take your time on the beautiful drive, and don’t forget to smell the lavender!
Friends :: Stir Crazy Baked Goods
October 10, 2012 § 4 Comments
Well, my first two “Friends of Blue Eye Brown Eye” posts have been bakeries – it seems I only like to befriend those that concoct delicious, sugary delights. Not such a bad thing, huh? I met Robbie from Stir Crazy Baked Goods last October at the Fall 2011 Arts Goggle and it’s amazing to see how far Stir Crazy Baked Goods has come since then. From selling her amazing Adam Bombs and more at markets around town, to opening her very own bakery this year only to be voted Best Bakery in the Fort Worth Weekly, Robbie is making it happen and I couldn’t be more happy for her success! She helped me out at The Swoon earlier this year and made some really beautiful (and tastey) treats for my booth. Remember that ombre cake? Amazing.
So the next time you’re over off of South Main, stop in to Stir Crazy Baked Goods and grab yourself a treat. You deserve it!
Garza Furniture
August 15, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Leather chairs sunning
While Travis and I were in Marfa we got the really neat opportunity to visit with two artists that I adore. Jamey and Constance Garza are the talents behind Garza Furniture, a bespoke furniture shop in deep West Texas. I’ve loved their work for ages, and while in Marfa I got in touch with them for a potential visit. Luckily, they graciously opened up their studio and showed us around. Not only was I just thrilled by their talent and furniture, but also found them both to be so warm and genuine – truly wonderful, open, hard-working, and just plain nice. You can find Jamey’s work at the Hotel San Jose in Austin as well as The Thunderbird in Marfa. Definitely check his work out – and I’ll be darned if I don’t get my hands on one of those petite leather chairs some day. On my top 10 wish list!
Marfa, Take Two
August 8, 2012 § 4 Comments
Travis and I took a small trip to Marfa, Texas this past weekend – a little change of scenery for us. It was our second trip, and we’re already planning our third visit. It’s this magical place for us – as it is for so many others. Here are just a few images from our trip this past weekend. For our first go, you can see images here.
We spent a large amount of time at the pool at the Thunderbird.
Always, always visit Food Shark if you can. Amazing food.
I’ll never get tired of Prada Marfa. One of my favorite works of art ever.
We always enjoy throwing darts at Planet Marfa. Home of the teepee.
This trip, we stopped at Balmorhea State Park to swim in the natural spring. Very cool!
The Swoon Ticket Giveaway
March 19, 2012 § 2 Comments
It’s an exciting week here for Blue Eye Brown Eye because The Swoon event is finally here! This Saturday, March 24th from 4 – 9 pm, come out and enjoy an array of unique wedding vendors, ideas, treats, and most of all, the party! If you’re a bride or groom-to-be, a lover of wedding blogs, or just a creative person that likes to be inspired, this will be the event for you! Anna and I will have a booth together, and we have lots of surprises up our sleeve!
Because I’m so pumped for this event, I’m giving away two tickets (one for the winner and a guest) – that’s right, save your money for the bar – your entry will be on me! Here’s how you can enter (doing one of the below is an entry, enter as many times as you’d like):
- Tweet about the giveaway and be sure to include my twitter handle, @blueeyebrowneye
- ‘Like’ the Blue Eye Brown Eye Facebook page and leave a little note on the wall so I know you’re a new Facebook friend!
- Leave a comment here on the blog – be sure to include your name and a way to get in contact with you.
I’ll announce the winner (which will be selected at random) on Friday, so get to entering! After you win, you’ll need to let me know the name of your guest, as well.
For a little more info on the event:
For the Day
February 22, 2012 § Leave a Comment
The Cream Austin, A Recap
January 24, 2012 § 1 Comment
Sunday Anna and I packed up our bags and hit the road for The Cream in Austin. For those of y’all that don’t know, The Cream is a curated wedding event showcasing the best of the best in the wedding industry. Hosted by the amazing ladies of Bash, Please, The Cream is truly a gem of an event. The styling was impeccable, the cocktails were flowing, and inspiration was everywhere. Not to mention, I’ve never seen so many cute, stylish people in one place.
There were tablescapes (like this one from Byrd Collective), tastings, paper examples, and even a make your own bouquet station. This tablescape had tiny little gold animals on it, which I adored.
Bunting everywhere
Bake Sale had the sweetest set-up, not to mention delicious treats. I tried the mini strawberry pop tart. Anna and I had the pleasure of seeing Bake Sale in action at Carla’s wedding last fall.
A very exciting moment was the BHLDN fashion show that showcased all of their brand new spring pieces. There was so much to gush over. Anna and I met the BHLDN girls from Philly and they were the cutest, most stylish girls. Watch for them on Mosey!
Other great highlights:
- Dancing to tunes by The Flashdance (and might I add that Anna and I won the dance competition and a two night stay at Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach)!
- Meeting Brian from Shark Pig. It was sort of a big moment for me, I love his work.
- Chatting with the girls from Moon Canyon Design Co. in LA. They had the most beautiful sugared fruit on their tablescape. If you’re getting married in the area, look them up!
- Shaking hands with Krista from Blue Eyed Yonder, a vintage event rental company based out of Atlanta. Check her blog!
- Finally meeting Amberly from The Swoon. Have you become a vendor yet?
- Taking pics in the Smilebooth, can’t wait to share those with ya!
Studio Sweet Studio
January 16, 2012 § 2 Comments
Last Friday I finally moved my Kluge out of storage, became the official owner of a Vandercook press, and moved into my first studio space. (Yippeee!) It was a whirlwind of a week. What began as a week prepping our shed in our backyard swiftly changed directions into organizing everything for a move into the new studio. I’m 100% thrilled to have my presses in place and start printing large scale jobs. I couldn’t be more excited to see the space grow and the opportunities it will bring. I plan on really expanding my letterpress classes, for one, and I’m looking forward to seeing their new direction. It’s going to be a work in progress – so bear with me – and I’ll keep you posted on updates. Until then, here are just a few images of the space, located at 207 East Broadway in Lander’s Machine Shop.
Type Truck
December 12, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Tomorrow night (December 13) the Type Truck is rollin’ into Fort Worth, and you should be there! Kyle Durrie of Power and Light Press (located in Portland) has taken her truck across the US in an effort to educate the masses about the wonderful world of letterpress printing. You, too, can be a part of this fantastic journey at Piper Hall tomorrow. It’ll be fun. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Please join us for a holiday party…
November 21, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I’m so excited about this: Anna and I are throwing a Mosey! Holiday Party at Bess & Evie’s Vintage in Fort Worth on December 14th! Mark your calendars, it’s sure to be a ton of fun! Bess & Evie’s is providing a 20% discount on all purchases (holla!), and we’ll have a raffle full of great goodies! Spread the word, all are welcome. Oh, and dress in your best! We’ll be looking to snap lots of photos for Mosey! For more info, visit our Facebook event page.
