"I am what I am"

To quote Popeye! I recently have been collaborating with a graphic designer to improve the look and feel of The Loaded Trunk. Working alone, it is difficult at times to find my voice. Instead of design, I have found her ability to listen and help me focus invaluable. Linh also has a blog, Bristow Fresh, and she posted some photos of my home that made me see "I am what I am." Click here for a sneak peek!

Print from artist Yelena Bryksenkova.

The Collector

I spent Memorial weekend with a fellow traveler, collector and friend. Her house is an old arts and craft style with lush foliage, a pool and two great dogs, "the boys." We listened to music, laughed and she showed me her newest obsession, Phulkari.

These beauties are a textile junkies dream.

• • • • • • • • • •

Cascading roses

• • • • • • • • • •

Mary's Arts and Crafts Bungalow

• • • • • • • • • •

"The Boys" Parker and Duke

• • • • • • • • • •

This is my one of my favorite places. The true sign of a committed collector, the chest filled with Hmong Blankets (soon back on the loaded trunk), Suzani, Mexican bedspreads. Did I mention she is also one of my biggest supporters?

Mimi & Meg Loaded Trunk Give Away

I'm giving away a vintage Suzani pillow over at mimi&meg. Leave a comment by June 4th over at their blog and the winner will be announced June 5th. If you're not the lucky winner, don't worry, I have more at the shop. These fabulous pillows add a great Bohemian vibe to any home. Good luck!

the sweet spot

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate...

We have no Trader Joe's in Kansas City. Can you hear us Trader Joe's? I opened my pantry this morning and saw that I was down to one large dark chocolate bar. Then, I turned on the radio and our local NPR station was doing a piece on the history of candy in Kansas City.

Who knew Kansas City had such a history of these wonderful indulgences! Valomilk, Christopher Elbow fantastic artisanal chocolates and ice cream, Russell Stover's, Bitterman's, and Andre's where they have the most delicious marzipan.

Have a safe and thoughtful holiday weekend.

Ikats and baskets (pictured above) are available at the loaded trunk.

Eastern Visit

I have lived all over the world and I travel continuously for The Loaded Trunk, my global boutique; yet every time I go to the east coast of the USA, I feel like I have arrived home. Perhaps because both NYC and Washington D.C. seem like I could be in one of those countries across the globe I often find myself in.

I am visually excited by the people, art and architecture. I get dizzy by the selection of amazing food from every country and yes the biggest draw, my family.

This trip crammed it all in-trunk shows, family milestones, graduations, art, people watching, and the unexpected wonder of Tibetan monks making a sand mandala at St. John's Cathedral.

Crocodile

photo by Oh Joy!

Over at Oh Joy! today, Joy posted about some cupcakes she received via post for her birthday. But what caught my eye was the silver crocodile eating that cupcake. We have gorgeous pewter crocodile staplers in the shop, they'd probably love some yummy cupcakes too.

Decorum

A little decorum would be nice, wouldn't it?

Signage from Katch Valley, Gujarat. Photo by Ryan Jaco.