Green Umbrellas

I took two little photos with my iPhone camera about 3 hours ago. No filters or crazy lenses. Just a moment fascinated by the beautiful green umbrellas in my mother's backyard, and wanted to share them with you.

Cantinetta & Epulo Bistro

I have discovered two long-lost sisters: Cantinetta in Wallingford and Epulo Bistro in Edmonds. They dress the same, talk the same, look nearly identical.

I happen to know Epulo even considered buying the same lamps hanging above the Cantinetta bar.

I have a confession, however. I have a wild favorite! It is okay to have a favorite between twins, right? A darling? One that tugs your heart and one that leaves your heart a bit ... still?

I went to Cantinetta for the first time last night. I know, I know, I'm a year behind the curve.

(Cantinetta, 2009)

It was everything I wanted and expected. A warm ambiance, approachable wine selections, Italian influence oozing from its cheese selections, and a choice of espresso or limoncello to finish the meal.

Last week I went (for the ump-teenth time) to Epulo Bistro, where I experienced very similar cuisine, a bit more liberal pours of Italian wine, and a nearly identical atmosphere.

At BOTH Cantinetta & Epulo I:

- Ordered Roasted Cauliflower. Both topped with Grana Padano.

- I drank dirty Italian wines.

- I sat under nearly identical decor, from the rustic flooring to dark wood. The candles burn the same flame. They're both a bit too loud.

- I visited their websites, which look similar.

- I even sat by some of the same diners at both restaurants.

However, there's a genuine hospitality at Epulo Bistro that can't be mimicked or improved upon, even with all-organic ingredients. It's a sense of friendship when you walk in the door, as the owner comes up to you and asks if he can make you comfortable. It's an inborn sense of true warmth and welcome that comes from a pure heart that actually, truly enjoys another's companionship. Cantinetta looked a bit put out when we asked them to fix our table, which was rocking like a boat during a monsoon.

Epulo Bistro moved tables out of the way when we wanted to make part of the dining room our dance floor.

Nature's Chandelier

(Photo compliments of this site)

Remember the first time you walked into a ballroom and saw the huge, glittering chandeliers? Weren't they splendid? Weren't you splendid sharing a room with them?

Well, for an event at Overlake Christian Church I wanted to turn a quite-sterile space into a room ready for music, for dancing, for gaiety. Unfortunately, a church budget would barely let us buy a used lamp from Ikea, so improvisation was required - but what fun!

To make my chandeliers I was inspired by the strong form of the still-bare branches all over Seattle. Why could they not form the base for the lighting? I called around and eventually found a tree trimming company out in Woodinville that had excess branches, so The Non-

Scotsman and I tramped down there one morning to fill his pickup. Little did we know that the trees would be piled WHOLE and that they would be piled on two-three feet of gooey mud! The Non-Scotsman, while carrying a whole birch truck, tripped and fell face-first into the thick brown slop - I haven't laughed that hard in weeks!

FSA (Floral Supply Syndicate) would be a good alternative to purchase branches, should your budget allow - manzanita are best.

The Northwest Wholesale Florist was kind enough to order me more than 500 glass crystals to my liking, and I had the makings for my chandeliers.

During this process, I found so many gorgeous things you can do with branches:

A clothes rack:

A minimalistic chandelier:

A rustic chandelier:

A framing design element:

A bedframe:

However, we hung them in the attic of the church and proceeded to fill them with crystals.

(Our hard-won, free branches)

Then, I stole an idea from Anthropologie where you take sheets and tie them into long organic and vibrant columns.

Anthropologie doesn't tell you how many unpaid interns it takes to make one. Hours, upon hours, upon hours, of tearing and tying sheets in my condo. Also, it is harder to find good sheet colors at thriftstores than one would imagine.

(Sheets in piles)

(Sheets hanging from my window)

(Sheets in more piles)

(And still hanging)

But once you get enough of them they really are quite magical!

(Hanging on a glorious day outside!)

I'm ashamed I have no pictures of the final outcome at Overlake- but hopefully I'll get some soon.

I think what I keep learning is that "tight budgets lead to creative bursts, long hours, and satisfied sighs."