Snapshot: Spring 4

Nothing says Spring to me more than blossoming trees. Living in the Pacific Northwest, the grey skies can get mighty glum after a few months (or, as in my case, a few minutes). So when the trees begin to bathe the air with their soft scent and dappled pink light flickers overhead it's like a rebirth from the inside out. And a gorgeous reminder that, no matter how grey things may get, Spring will always have its day.

— Bradford of The Bedlam of Beefy

(photograph by Bradford)

Buffet

This week's links. Enjoy.

Socks: Between You and Your Shoes
The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto has a new exhibit that's all about socks, tracing their evolution from a replica of a shoe worn by the 5,300-year-old Neolithic man discovered in the Alps in 1991 (his "socks" were bunches of grass stuffed into the shoes) to distinguished socks worn by Queen Victoria and Napoleon. Follow the link for a little slideshow from the exhibit.Via NPR.

Guest Post
In case you missed it, I had a guest post this week on Caitlin's Sacramento Street blog, while she's off getting hitched! Caitlin asked a few of us to talk about our favourite rooms, so you'll get a peek at mine (and my influences) in the post.

Salone del Mobile
Have a look at a slideshow of this year's entries in the Salone del Mobile — lightness and longevity were the main trends, while origami shapes, paper, and recyclable and sustainable materials were also popular. Via WWD.

Does Counting Sheep Help You Fall Asleep?
Interesting sleep research about what helps people to fall asleep — and some good tips if you have occasional bouts of insomnia, too. Via mental floss.

Two Year Letter Delivery
If your mail delivery seems problematic, read on about how difficult mail was in the old days — the story of an ill-fated Pony Express rider in 1860, and a letter that took two years to reach its destination.

10 Authors Every Jane Austen Fan Should Read
A great reading list for fans of Jane Austen's novels. I've read Barbara Pym, who is wonderful — and I'll definitely be checking out these other suggestions, too.

Kick-Ass Movie Heroines
A list of films that feature strong, kick-ass female leads. Inspiring and fun.

A Glamorous Time
Photographer Mark Shaw shot fashion in the 1950s and 1960s for Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain, Coco Chanel and others — as well as taking photos of such glamorously famous people as Audrey Hepburn, Jeanne Moreau and Jackie O. Have a look at his gorgeous work on this gallery site. Via @brainpicker.


(lovely dining room from The Brick House, via sfgirlbybay)

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day! Embrace the natural world today.


(the lovely photo of the japanese garden is by ngoc minh ngo)