Terrariums

So maybe I'm a little late on the terrarium train, but I've caught the fever. I had the pleasure this weekend of happening upon a little place in the city called Workshop. They offer daily classes for anything you can dream of, from screen printing to bike maintenance. I was lucky enough to partake in glass jar terrarium workshop and I am hooked!

Now for those of you who, like me, find yourself unaware of what exactly a terrarium is, it's a transparent globe or container in which plants (that generally prefer high humidity) are grown. Basically, you can have your own mini jungle. What I found to be most exciting is that you can grow a terrarium in almost any kind of glass enclosure, be it a mason jar, coffee pot or my favorite, a bell jar.

I selected a beautiful carafe from our store to begin with:

From there you have to put several layers before you begin to plant, all of the layers combined should take up about one third of your container.

1. A bottom layer of rocks, colorful glass, porcelain; something to provide some sort of drainage for your plants.
2. You put a thin layer of activated charcoal
3. And finally a thicker layer of soil.

From there you can get as creative as you'd like, put some colorful moss, add some pebbles and plant terrarium friendly plants using either chopsticks or a pencil if, like mine, your container isn't big enough to use your hands. Arrange it, then rearrange it until you're happy with your own little Ferngully. Seeing as this was a beginner class, we used succulents because they are the most easily spawned and you can practically break off any size piece of a succulent and it will sprout roots and grow freely with little encouragement. From there you water about once every 2-3 weeks and ta-da you have your very own mini ecosystem.

Though the options for terrarium containers are endless, here at Bae we have some recycled glass bottles that would give a vintage vibe to your terrarium as well as striking glass domes in various sizes. So come in today to gab about your new favorite hobby and see what sorts of creative terrarium containers you can find!

4th of July Discounts!

We here at Bae sincerely hope you all had a safe and happy holiday weekend!

In the spirit of this great holiday we have decided that now until July 20th ALL FULL PRICED ITEMS will be 15% off. This discount includes full priced furniture, lighting and accessories! As always, if you don't find what you're looking for in the store we are more than happy to special order it for you. Don't forget, we also have items on clearance consisting of accessories, linens and select furniture pieces. So when you stop in before July 20th, just mention our promotional code SS11 and to get an automatic 15% off your full priced purchases. We hope to see you soon!

Summer Sale!

Over at Bae we are offering some seriously enticing markdowns including but not limited to select linens, furniture and florals. The best deal we're

offering is by far our beautiful floral charts.

Running about 35cm x 59 cm the photos really don't do them justice. Printed on distressed canvas to give a vintage appearance, these floral prints are surrounded top and bottom by a rustic wooden frame. Originally $310 we are offering 6 different prints of these charts at a jaw-dropping $160!

They are versatile and add a natural serenity to any home, so come by Bae to see these and other charts and find out what else we've marked down. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to find unique treasures at unparalleled prices. Stop in or give us a call and see what we can find for you!

Eighth Wonder of the World?

With summer swiftly approaching I'm sure many of you are planning (or dreaming) of exotic vacation getaways. While most people are drawn towards beaches, tropical weather and palm trees others sway towards the seven wonders and the amazing architectural and artistic points of view from countries throughout the world. I myself have a top ten list of places I'd love to explore, but after some research I am reassessing that list to include some rather spectacular monuments that easily hold their own against Stonehenge.

Spread throughout what was once Yugoslavia, these architectural sculptures were commissioned by President Tito and designed by various talented artists and architects. These innovative and futuristic sculptures are spread throughout what is now mostly Bosnia and Serbia, but have fallen into disrepair due to neglect. The inspiration behind these pieces is speculated upon: some say they mark pivotal WWII battles, while still others say they were a way of promoting artistic expression and further drawing the line between a more Western Yugoslavia and Stalin's Soviet influence.

Some argue that these sculptures are relics of a harsh history for Yugoslavia and believe that they should be left to decay and crumble as all things do, but I believe that these monuments are inspiring depictions of a pivotal time, not only in Yugoslavia but throughout the world. Whatever the true motives behind them, they are indisputably breathtaking and the condition of these monuments covered in graffiti and rust is truly saddening.

There are a total of twenty-five of these spectacular monuments and if you are a history buff, architectural enthusiast or just somebody that can admire beauty when they see it, you had better add this to your travel list and quick because without much tourist interest who knows how long these relics will remain.

Royal Wedding Fever

Lately the world has gone a little crazy over the royal nuptials, and why not? Is it not a little girl's dream and the plot for most Disney movies that we'll one day be swept off our feet by a prince on a white horse and become a princess in a beautiful castle? To see that dream become a reality for Kate Middleton is pretty unreal and it brings back all the magic of childhood, but for once it's not animated! In light of the royal wedding fever, we've got a few things at Bae to bring some of that magic to your home.

Vagabond Vintage Crown Votives

Large Crown: $48

Small Crown: $42

The 2 Karat Mug in Silver and Gold: $21

Vanity Lid Jar: $28

All of these pieces are great for a little royal self-indulgence or a creative gift idea, so stop by Bae today to see what else we have to help you recapture the magic.

Namaste

Spring is synonymous with renewal, rejuvenation and undoubtedly, redo. With the arrival of some very Moroccan and Indian themed pieces from Vagabond Vintage I've gotten the itch, that nagging feeling you get when you look around your room and feel bored, the colors are blasé and you wonder what it says about you.

I want to lay on a bed covered in pillows with rich prints and vibrant colors, surrounded by silk drapings, candles and someone feeding me grapes...Maybe I'm getting a little carried away, but with a few of these pieces as my inspiration I've begun piecing together an Eastern themed bedroom that will ease my design woes.

So far I've started with these Lotus Flower Candle Bowls

Small Lotus Bowl is $21

Large Lotus Bowl $46

Pouf from Vagabond Vintage for $127

works great around a small, low side table for a splash of color and a little extra seating in a tight space.

and lastly, the accent piece that (in my opinion) every home needs:

a great Buddha statue like this fabulous

White Meditating Buddha for $375

Clearly my bedroom makeover has a long way to go, but with a solid color palate and great pieces like these to start with the rest should come together in no time. Don't forget to come by to see the rest of our Eastern-inspired merchandise and get your hands on these one of a kind poufs before they're gone!

I'm sure by this point you're all aware of the devastating natural disaster that took place in Japan two weeks ago. With loved ones trying to get back to the U.S. and thinking of the natives beginning to repair their broken cities with the overwhelming statistics increasing daily, it's been heavy on my heart and my mind.

(traditional japanese brush painting interpreting the four seasons)

This is predicted to be the most expensive natural disaster in history,

estimated to cost up to 310 billion dollars. I felt this would be an appropriate time to discuss the important role that the Japanese have played in the evolution of modern interior design. Before Asian influence, wealth and status was expressed through abundance and extravagance. Rich textures, patterns and colors covered intricate and embellished furniture.

With the rich culture and inspiring attitude towards life, Japan brought their take on sophisticated design. Understated and flexible rooms, simplistic with natural colors and materials, they taught us that a room can be chic without being arrogant. Confident in its simplicity, Japanese design is all about minimalism and functionality.

Traditional Japanese homes generally include sliding partitions to make rooms more flexible with the possibility of more privacy or open space as needed. Furniture, particularly tables, are traditionally low to the ground with family members sitting down to meals on cushions rather than chairs and the walls and/or partitions are sometimes adorned with the difficult and beautiful art of Japanese brush painting.

Japanese culture is inspiring in so many ways, not merely their ancient yet innovative design techniques. The people there are facing an uncertain future and a long and difficult rebuilding process. Many would like to help, but don't know where to start or where their money and efforts will really be properly utilized. The American Red Cross is a great place to donate money that will directly aid those in Japan; also, here are a number Bay Area businesses trying to help and ways that you can too just by just participating.