The Sara by Sara Galactica

May 31, 2017 | Lounges

This Lounge styled by Sara Holodnick of Sara Galactica

“I’m a writer and storyteller based in Bellingham, Washington. I love finding ways to tell stories through unexpected mediums such as original cocktails, events, tarot, and more.”

Sara is as colorful of a person as the ink on her arms. A writer by trade she has her talented hands in many different pots around Bellingham. You may find her at one of our favorite spots, The Temple Bar, whipping up a custom cocktail for a Twin Peaks screening, or throwing lavish costume parties. She is fun, she is creative, she is a #girlboss. Making it happen everywhere she goes and she is one of the most welcoming people we have met on our journey thus far. We invited Sara out to the warehouse to style a lounge that represents her and the business empire she has created. Sara is a creator of custom cocktails, after styling a bar and seating area she came up with Halfway to Marrakesh. (Recipe Below) The story that inspired this creation was almost as good as the cocktail itself. We asked Sara a few questions about her lounge and her personal style. This is what she had to say: Tell us about the cocktail you created? Halfway to Marrakesh is a take on traditional Moroccan mint tea: A sweetened combination of gunpowder green tea and fresh mint. My cocktail infuses those flavors into a simple syrup which is combined with gin, lime juice, and muddled with mint and lemon balm… And an absinthe rinse. It’s surprisingly simple to make (and way cheaper than a ticket to Tangier).  What style would you call your lounge? I would describe my lounge as late 1960s Moroccan bohemian. What was your inspiration? The fabulous green bar reminded me of vintage photographs of Morocco from the 1970s. I could see the brilliant green and gold hues of mosaics and fabrics and knew I had to fill my lounge with brass, wicker, and tapestry-like rugs. Describe your personal style? I take a somewhat minimal approach to my own personal style. I wear a lot of permanent color on my body with my tattoos, so I prefer dark neutrals like black and grey and classic silhouettes over trendy designs. The same goes for my aesthetic at home: I gravitate toward interesting shapes and silhouettes instead of bright colors. I love the look of mismatched brass candlesticks against grey. For me, style is all about balance (and the same goes for great cocktails).  How would you use this lounge? I would love to use this lounge for a backyard summertime cocktail party. The wicker chairs, floor pillows, and rugs would be perfect seating tucked away under trees or umbrellas, and Halfway to Marrakesh is a tasty sipper ideal for sunny days. What is your favorite piece? This is a tough one! I’m in love with the bar, but I’d have to say my favorite piece is probably the curvaceous, large brass vase I chose to sit on top of the bar. I love the shapely look of this– it would be so versatile to decorate with and would fit right in with my little collection of brass pieces. How does this style represent your business? When I meet new people I introduce myself as a writer because I see all of the facets of my work as modes for telling stories. This styled lounge represents my business because it encourages imagination, transporting people to another place just like a great piece of writing can.

SARA GALACTICA

Moroccan Mint Tea Syrup 1 cup organic cane sugar 1/2 cup water 4 tablespoons loose gunpowder green tea 1/2 cup fresh mint

1. Combine sugar and water in a pan. 
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring often to dissolve sugar.
3. Bring just to a simmer and reduce heat to low. 
4. Add green tea and mint sprigs. Allow to simmer for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove syrup from heat and steep for 10 minutes. 
5. Strain syrup into an airtight jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

  Halfway to Marrakesh 2 oz gin 1/2 oz Moroccan Mint Tea Syrup 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice 2-3 full sprigs of mint 2-3 full sprigs of lemon balm (optional) Absinthe (to rinse)

1. Place sprigs of mint and lemon balm in the bottom of an empty cocktail shaker. Mash the herbs with a muddler (or a wooden spoon) until well bruised and aromatic. 
2. Pour about a teaspoon of absinthe into a rocks glass and swirl it around so that it coats the inside. Shake what’s left into the sink (or your open mouth, I won’t judge). Fill with ice and set aside.
3. Add gin, syrup, and lime juice and fill shaker halfway with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled (about 20 seconds). Strain into your cocktail glass. 
4. Garnish your glass with fresh mint. Enjoy!

  Party tip: Preparing cocktails for a crowd? Muddle fresh mint and lemon balm (about a 1/4 cup each) in the bottom of a pitcher. Add two cups of gin, 1/2 cup Moroccan Mint Tea Syrup, and 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice to pitcher. Fill with ice and stir well. Strain into absinthe rinsed, ice-filled rocks glasses. Serves 8-12. 

The Morgan by Momad Productions

May 31, 2017 | Lounges

Morgan Henry, a curator of elevated events and owner of Momad Productions

“I’m good at turning nothing into something great! Mapping it out, collecting all the pieces then watching the vision come to life!”

You may recognize her at one of the many events she coordinates for the Downtown Bellingham Partnership like the Commercial Street Night Market, Morning Jam, or pulling off the perfect PNW-Centric event for private clients. She is a creative consultant available for wedding coordinating, event styling, photo shoot coordinating and corporate events.

There are many things we love about Morgan, we respect her style for one, but that is just a start. Integrity, attention to detail, brings things to the table that you wouldn’t think of. If you don’t know her, you need to know her. She is a connector and a cheerleader. Hard worker. A lover. We respect her as a woman, as a business owner, a community activist and an organizer. #Morganize

We invited Morgan out to the warehouse to style a lounge that represents her and the business empire she has created. We thought Morgan might lean toward a mid century lounge and she crushed it, and then we crushed 2 bottles of wine. We asked Morgan a few questions about her lounge and her personal style. This is what she had to say:

What style would you call your lounge? I chose a very mid century casual mad men meets badminton in the Hamptons kind of vibe. 

What was your inspiration? The Wander Collection itself inspires so many ideas! I wanted to tap into a look that would be unexpected for example I used a long bench as the table in front of the couch. I could see old life magazines, cocktails, old cameras, writing pads with pencils there. I love spaces  that are androgynous, cool and interesting.

Describe your personal style? Denim is my Jam! I love mixing different textures like I did in this lounge which combined wood, the pinecones, lambskin, the textile of the two end and the rolled picnic blankets and the metal tool box. Its interesting but simple, not fussy and very approachable. There is a familiarity about it because it feels nostalgic.

How would you use this lounge?  I would use this lounge for an elevated glamping weekend, at a pop up whiskey tasting, a mad men themed summer party, for a mustache wax or beard oil release party.

What is your favorite piece? hmmmm, that’s a hard one. The couch is outstanding! I’m also a big fan of throwing a lambskin over basically anything that would stand still so.

How does this style represent your business? I am MOMAD, I am my brand and this lounge represents my natural aesthetic which is innately me. Approachable, cool, creative, not fussy. I am a curator of elevated events and spaces. Through creative consulting + coordination + design + planning I help you bring YOUR unique vision to life!

Style Icon Lounges

May 31, 2017 | Lounges

Introducing our Styled Lounge collection

We recently got together with 4 of our favorite girls bosses and asked them to style a lounge that reflects both them and the powerful brands they have created. They came out to our warehouse and used our collection to put together distinct and beautiful lounges that you can now rent as packages here.  

Click on each lounge below to find out the story behind the style . .. . 

A big thank you to our  favorite photographer Katheryn Moran. She is fun, quick, talented, and so much more. Everything we admire in a #girlboss

“I love moments.  Days and hours and minutes are great, too, but the good stuff happens in moments – spontaneous, unexpected, and fabulous. My goal as a photographer is to capture those moments, to sneak them from their day or their minute and make them eternal.” – Katy 

The Michelle by Mi Shoes

May 31, 2017 | Lounges

Romantic boho lounge by Michelle of Mi Shoes

This Lounge styled by Michelle Bouma, owner of Mi Shoes and Heroine Clothing

Michelle Bouma, certified retail therapist and creator of Heroine Clothing owns 2 of the most stylish business in our area. Mi Shoes, with locations in Bellingham and Lynden and Heroine Clothing, an on trend boutique with both a mobile shop and a beautiful brick and mortar in downtown Bellingham. We love a curated collection and that is exactly what you will find when walking into one of her shops. Quality? You know she’s got it. We always feel excited at the possibilities when entering one of her spots.

We invited Michelle out to the warehouse to style a lounge that represents her and the business empire she has created. As the lounge came together it was obvious Mi Shoes was the inspiration. Romantic, collected, and comfy in the best possible way. We asked Michelle a few questions about her lounge and her personal style. This is what she had to say:

What style would you call your lounge? I loved the term you guys used when I was styling the lounge. Collective. I don’t even know if it needs to be called Collective Boho. I think the term Collective sums it up. It makes me think of how I want my house to look when I’m a grandma. Everything I’ve collected and cherished over the years. Different elements and textures all displayed together like a collage. I love it!!

What was your inspiration?My inspiration was that blue couch!! Which funny enough I ended up covering up with the sheep skin! The green chair is sort of the focal point. The horns definitely took it in that new direction.

Describe your personal style?My personal style is a bit ‘Collective’ too. I love feminine pieces…and I have to be comfortable. But not the comfortable that looks like sweatpants or yoga pants all day. Maxi dresses in the summer….soft cozy sweaters in the winter. I love soft fabrics and quality construction…if it doesn’t feel good I won’t wear it. I like neutral colors….and colors of the sea….but usually you’ll find me wearing mostly black!

How would you use this lounge?I would LIVE in this lounge if you’d let me! 🙂 I think it’s a great conversation lounge. Put it in the corner at a wedding reception so guests can get cozy and have an intimate conversation. Maybe put your grandparents in this lounge while everyone is arriving so they can be greeted….but don’t need to be on their feet.

What is your favorite piece?My favorite pieces (cuz I can’t choose just one!!!) are the green chair, the screen, the trunk and the peacock feathers!! I love them all so much I can’t pick favorites.

How does this style represent your business?This style started out representing Mi Shoes….but very quickly involved elements of Heroine as well. I didn’t think they would mix as well as they did. I love the antique furniture and natural elements (horns, sheepskin, wicker…) combined. Very textural. Very cool. It made me appreciate the evolution of my businesses as well as the evolution that’s happened within myself.