This year, I'm excited to add botanical elements to my gifts and these photos provide wonderful inspiration. Because I'm traveling for Christmas, my wrapping kit includes a few items that will add the finishing touch to my simple craft paper wrapping: pressed leaves, small fir boughs, twine and yarn, washi tape, and tags. 

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During the early 19th century, the German (and especially Austrian) interiors style known as Biedermeier became popular as focus shifted to the importance of nature in an urban setting. During this rise in urbanism, decorative arts and interior design focused on developing the Biedermeier "lifestyle" of curated nature scenes. These included a menagerie of greenery, elaborately tiered houseplants with birdcages and fishbowls, and light-filled bay windows with seating. Nature motifs were carved in fruitwood furniture (moving away from metals), as well as nature scenes hand painted on glass and porcelain. 

The essence of our modern notion of "outside in" is not much different. While the overall style has developed with time, we still practice a love for houseplants. There are health benefits, but I believe urbanism plays a big role in our love for indoor greenery. And, of course, it's fun to watch plants grow!

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There is a bit more chill in the air, fewer flowers blossoming, and the sunrise now appears after I am awake. All signs point to the end of Summer. It's been a delight and I am sad to see the long evenings fade, but Fall will bring her own delights. How about cozy lakeside cabins? A vacation with your favorite books? And a birthday soirée? Yes, please.

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I have had the same desk since grade school. I picked it out at an antique shop and still love it! It's big, painted white, with carved flowers and brass pulls on all the drawers. It's role has changed with me over time, but it will always be a place where I feel creative and focused.

My focus this month is on the way I work at my desk and the tools that I frequently use. Having a space, however small, that can be designated for work/play is a real treat. The way we use our space is a personal process, but I love being close to a window. The sunlight keeps me motivated and also lets me know when it's time to wind down for the day. I've gathered these images to see how other people create their beautiful space. 

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Enjoy!
Julia

Last weekend we took an outing that I was looking forward to for months in advance: picking flowers and berries on Sauvie Island! Specifically, I knew I wanted lavender and blueberries. What I didn't know was how many hours I would spend wandering through a flower farm fields! It was a feast for all the senses... 

Our first stop was the Sauvie Island Lavender Farm, where I picked bundles of lavender while D. picked a basket of mulberries. There were lots of happy bees and we also came away with lavender honey!

Neighboring the lavender farm is Sauvie Island Farms, where they offer many different kinds of U-pick fruits, vegetables, and flowers!

Our focus here was blueberries, but I couldn't resist bringing home a couple bouquets. And spent about an hour wandering through the flower fields. The dahlia hill was magical. 

This is what 11 1/2 pounds of blueberries looks like! :)

Each farm offered the tools required for picking: pruners, bands for flowers, and containers. I did opt to bring a bucket for water to keep lavender fresh while we picked blueberries. Note that most of the Sauvie Island Farms flowers are sold per bloom and not per stem.