Over the weekend, I came across these breathtaking (literally, for me) photos from the Cliff Diving World Series. Did you know that was a thing? It’s incredible! Divers leap from platforms 90 feet high—three times that of the Olympic high dive—and reach speeds of 50 miles per hour. It takes about three seconds for them to hit the water—in which time they do complex rotations before returning to a stick-straight, feet-down pose.
I’m curious how people relax. Do you like to curl up with a good book? Take a walk outside? The other night, after working until very late, I found myself up past 2 a.m. watching clip after clip of Jimmy Fallon on YouTube and doing that endless Instagram scroll. I just could not relax!
It makes a world of difference, whether I let myself get to that point where all I can do is passively stare at a screen, or whether I put down the phone and pick up a book. I would have closed all of those tabs in my head much sooner and fallen asleep. Had it been earlier, maybe a bath would have helped. Maybe with a glass of wine or with some dark chocolate. Wouldn’t that be lovely? I don’t do that enough.
That night, what finally ended up getting me to sleep, I realize in hindsight, was putting in earplugs. It’s not loud in our room. The dog makes funny little breathing sounds now and then, but Aron doesn’t snore. But when I have earplugs in, I hear my own breathing and it can be calming. I first started doing this when our room actually was loud: we lived on 14 th street in Manhattan, and even though we were on the 12th floor, the sounds of the city would make their way into the room.
Thinking about this one small habit of mine, I started wondering what others do to relax?
I’ve been partnering with Ghirardelli this month to spread the word about their Savor the Dark Book Club—Ghirardelli is pairing their premium Intense Dark chocolates with author-signed copies of new, seasonal book releases—and it occurred to me that after the kids are in bed, the other thing I usually reach for is something sweet and indulgent. Chocolate and a good book… sounds like a perfect way to end a busy day.
by Anna Smith of Annabode + Co.
It’s that time again! (The time where I spill all my top-secret sources for modern, eclectic, and bohemian decor.) We’ve already talked rugs and lighting, so this week is all about pillows. The following are my all-time favorite Etsy shops for modern pillows, and their goods run the gamut from mud cloth to kilim, Hmong to shibori. These are the same shops I use when sourcing for clients—so you know I mean it when I say I love ’em!
1. Tshaj
Based in Thailand, this shop wins for its incredibly large selection and range of colors and fabrics. Truly incredible kilims and excellent lumbar pillows.
2. Boho Pillow
Monica of Boho Pillow has been so lovely to work with. Her shop has a beautifully curated selection of pillows crafted from both new and vintage textiles (plus, there’s free shipping!). I most recently used her pillows in my little boy’s room.
3. Maewoven
Amelia of Maewoven can always be counted on for a small but excellent selection of mudcloth pillows—she has a great eye for pattern!
This French shop features work by Japanese artist Fumika Dubois. According to Fumika, these ethereal pillows explore the dichotomy between the stability of a home and its changefulness. Gorgeous!
This UK-based shop run by Amy Clare is exactly what you’d expect from its name—a sea of blue-hued pillows (with some pinks, for good measure). Its organization by pillow size makes shopping oh-so-easy.
6. Pure Home LA
A great source for affordable pillows in trendy fabrics (with mudcloth pillow covers as low as $39!).
I’ve long been a fan of Elizabeth’s pillow collections, which include mudcloth, Hmong, and dip-dyed beauties like the one above.
Erin’s shop has such a playful mix of patterns and textures, with an excellent selection of Chinese batik and embroidered pillow covers.
Leslie’s shop is a new discovery of mine—I love how she mixes faded indigos with brighter fabrics, which she appliques to her designs. She brings a new take to Hmong pillows that is just beautiful!
The mecca of kilim pillows—truly affordable prices (I’m talking $5 pillows!) and over 5,000 options to choose from.
Thank you, Anna!
Anna Smith wants to live in a world where good design is accessible and affordable for everyone. An interior stylist based in Denver, Colorado, she creates modern homes for clients across the country through her firm Annabode + Co. When not buried in swatches and throw pillows, you can find her elbow-deep in renovations at her own fixer-upper. Work with Anna.
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