For the Cabin: Nature Inspired Style

 I will be spending this weekend up in the north woods.  I think this outfit would be the perfect layered combination, not to mention the fantastic shoes and must have purse.  Have a great weekend!

yeah by Amzy H featuring boyfriend denim shorts

Summer in Minnesota

Good Morning!  It has been a busy week and even busier weekend.  Summer officially started, I took a little blogging break for my birthday and spent a splendid weekend with my family at a secluded cabin in the woods in northern Minnesota.  It is Monday already and even though it seems like I have been slacking on the blogging front, there are big things happening on Wind and Willow Home's end.  I hope to be able to update you all on the exciting happenings soon.  In the mean time I will be doing some more traveling through northern Minnesota to spend much needed time with friends and family (you know us Minnesotans need to enjoy our summers while we have them) in the next couple weeks so I may not be posting every day.  Here are some outdoor images you are sure to enjoy. 

Image via Adventures

Image via Secret Forts

Image via That Kind Of Woman

Image via sfgirlbybay

Image via Birch + Bird Vintage

Happy Summer Solstice!

Today marks the summer solstice  (in the Northern Hemisphere) which not only marks the 1st day of summer it also signifies the longest day of the year.   Sol + stice derives from a combination of Latin words meaning "sun" + "to stand still." As the days lengthen, the sun rises higher and higher until it seems to stand still in the sky.  As I mentioned in my post yesterday Summer is by far my favorite season and it is these long days with warm evenings that never seem to end that make a long winter and what seemed to be an extended spring all worthwhile. 
So here is to Summer, may the sun be warm on your face and the water cool on your toes.

 

Image via we heart it

Image via Melissa Sal

Image via The littlest things

Image via Sunday in Bed

Image via -34

Chicken Coops, new back yard architecture

With the green movement and food prices on the rise, urban farming has been growing.  According to Back Yard Chickens.com, the following is a list of why raising chickens has been steadily increasing. 
1.  Chickens are Easy and inexpensive to maintain (when compared to most other pets) 
2.  They produce eggs that are fresh, great-tasting & nutritious
3.  Chemical-free bug and weed control
4.  Manufacture the worlds best fertilizer
5.  Fun & friendly pets with personality (yes, you read that right)

What better excuse to build a beautiful, miniature piece of architecture in your own back yard.  If you were a chicken where would you live?  Would you call a modern sphere home?  How about a Gothic tower or a country cottage?  Would you build your nest in a retro inspired space or something reminiscent of  more tropical terrain.  No matter what your style these coops are sure to please you and your feathered friends. 

Image via Nogg

Image via Lord Marmalade

Image via Treehugger

Image via Life of an Architect

Image via Carolina Coops

Image via Back Yard Chickens

Image via Rainier Valley Post

Sure signs Summer is on it's way

After a long, cold, snowy Winter and what seems like a never ending Spring a few sure signs of Summer have begun to suddenly pop up around my neighborhood.  What is your favorite sign of summer?

Blue Skies

Lilacs

What's your favorite sign of summer?  Please leave a comment or email me with photos at   wind_willowhome@hotmail.com

If you were a bird: Unique birdhouses

The sun is shining and the birds are chirping.  Could they be bragging about their new home? If you were a bird, which birdhouse would you live in?  Would you live in a vintage camper, modern globe in the sky or a whimsical chateau?  A bright bold work of art or would you be trendy and transitional in the trees?  The choices are innumerable.  No matter your choice, any bird would be in pure bliss living in one of these unique houses.
 

Find it at  Jumahl- Strictly for the birds

Find it at  Kerri Ferrari Marchese

Find it at All Modern

Find it at Studio Liscious

Find it at Hollywood Art Studios


How about living in the trees anyways... 

image via dornob

Do you know of a product that you would like to see featured here?

Are you looking for a special gift that we might be able to help you find?

Please contact Wind and Willow Home

Wall Garden

This is a great way to keep some live plants in your home throughout the cold Winter months.  This vertical wall garden box frames your plants like they are a work of art.  Box comes with 20-40 succulent plants of various shapes, sizes and textures.  Find it at Sea Side Garden. 

Do you know of a product that you would like to see featured here?

Are you looking for a special gift that I might be able to help you find?

Please contact me here: I want it! - nature inspired

Make it yourself Monday - Outdoor Ice Candles

These beautiful luminaries are so easy and virtually Free.  All you need is a cold Minnesota winter, water, candles from around the house and a plastic container.

Step 1.  Fill a plastic container with water, within an inch of the top.  (ice cream pails work great).
Step 2. Place the pail outside (or in a freezer) on top of a blanket, rug or towel (to insulate the bottom) when the temperature is below freezing, 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3.  Once most of the outside edges of the water are frozen (but the inside is still water) move inside to a  warmer temperature so the edges can loosen from the plastic container a bit.
Step 4.  Once the ice is loose from the container flip it over and dump out the water that was on the inside.  This will leave a nice open space to place a wax candle.
Step 5.  Remove the ice from the plastic container, place outside.

Place a wax candle on the inside and there you have it!

These candles are perfect for lighting a walkway or adding sparkle to your front porch.  Make a grouping of multiple sizes for a glowing statement.

*Add food coloring, leaves and branches or fresh berries for a festive touch!*

Did you try it?  If you have any tips for this project share them in the comments section below.

Share what you made! Send your pictures to me:  email me at I want it! Projects and I will feature your project.

Elegant- sustainable- outdoor lighting

Glowing lanterns hanging from a large tree as they illuminate an outdoor scene of friends chatting at a fall dinner party.  These unique Soji lanterns are not only beautiful but are solar so they don't need to be plugged in. These stunning lanterns can be found at Earth Tech Products.