'My Nest' Amy Symonds

This fortnights 'My Nest' is the Home of Galaxy Mountain Mama Amy Symonds. This home is another I have been drooling over on Instagram (calamitypasstradingco)for some time and I was so pleased Amy agreed to take part..... SO here are her 10 questions

Where do you live and what do you do for a living?

We live in an isolated cabin in the Colorado Rocky Mountains within a few miles of the Wyoming/Colorado border.

I am a wife, a mother, an artist.  I am the owner of Calamity Pass Trading Company where I make, curate and sell a rugged collection of western jewelry, bags, painted animal skulls and vintage goods, mostly online.

What attracted you to your current home

Oh soooo many things!! 

I grew up at a remote abandoned rock mine only about two miles from this cabin.  So when we first looked at it, I immediately felt I had come somewhat full circle.  It had the exact same unbelievable mountainous view from the living room window as my childhood living room had, and it had the same smell of sagebrush mixed in the wind.  It gave me the same feeling of soul stirring happiness that I had as a kid watching the circling hawks above the aspen trees that fluttered against the blue sky.  

In essence, This property gives me the same sense of freedom I have always had throughout my life, to run wild, to live outside of society and live close to nature instead.

Beyond emotion though, we loved the fact that with just a few adjustments, the cabin could go completely off (or on) the grid. This was an important aspect for my crazy-ass prepper husband!

I loved the skylights, the lofts and the sunshine.

I have always loved living in the woods, in places that were alternative and special. Like a crazy little cabin with a bathtub in the kitchen- or an antique railroad caboose with a hand made oil-drum wood-stove and a crooked porch. Places that have history and character….aaaand usually involved freezing treks to an outhouse.   I love that this property has that same pioneer feeling, as it is an historical mountain logging camp from the 1800’s. There are two very old homestead cabins in great shape on the property that we have been fixing up to accommodate guests.  The cabins are awesome, rugged, preserved relics of the American Wild West and are probably my favorite aspect of the property.  Aaaand yes, there is an outhouse (with a badass view!).

We also really liked that it is 23 acres surrounded by national forest and the independent lifestyle that kind of location can accommodate. I want a greenhouse, some more dogs, a sauna -and we’ll see about chickens!

How long have you lived there/ will you live there?

We have only lived here for about three months!  I plan to live here forever….forever!!!
 

What is your favorite/ most treasured item?

My most treasured item is a collection of my sister’s paintings.  They capture everything pagan and renegade we felt as girls growing up in the wild, and also encompass everything we dream to be as powerful, magical, earthy women. They add such contrasting element to my home with their striking colors and masterful textures against the logs.  They are very far away from the predictable elk-herd-western-landscape artwork you would usually find showcased in this style of home.

Where do you buy most of your furnishings

I have been trying not to buy, but instead, purge!  I collected so much stuff over the years from the attics of old local barns, things dug from forgotten dumps on ranches. I scavenged from Wyoming thrift stores and roadside yard sales on forgotten highways. Such cool stuff but I am so ready to simplify!

 Its been really freeing to actually edit and I’ve found an appreciation for how an emptier space can accent what you love- more than just cramming in more of what you love!  What I really love is: things from nature and relics that tell of western history with a little gypsy mama mixed in….old tiny bottles, an interesting tree stump as a coffee table,  found hellish looking cow skulls, a good beat up leather chair with handmade tapestry or piece of fur tossed into it’s lap.  I love letting the simple, aged architecture and weathering of the cabins be the focus, along with the view and the rugged surroundings of where we are.

 I have shopped, though! Not gonna lie! For key pieces.  It’s important to realize the long term value in investing in these and try not to second-guess it.  I try to buy from my favorite artists and avoid the manufactured crap that doesn’t add any soul to any space.  I’ve actually found so many amazing artists on instagram…I love the connections with others made possible there and the one of a kind creations I have been able to bring into my new home.

How would you describe your style?

 Galaxy Mountain Mama meets Rustic Bonfire Tramp meets Rogue Gypsy Queen. Ha! I don’t even know! But I guess that’s what I hope it is.

What or who inspires your home style and decision making when buying a new piece? 

I do it sometimes, but buying an actual new piece is very hard for me…like a couch or bedding, or whatever.  I’m more inspired when I can design from what I already have or something I can re-purpose.  It’s like an innovative two part puzzle of collecting things and then figuring out how and where to use them.   If you gave me an empty room, a huge budget and sent me to Ikea, I would have a decision–making, over-analyzing melt down!!

What and Where would be your dream home?

This is definitely it. Except I would have preferred old square logs instead of round in our new (to us) home (finicky bitch)…and…. I  kinda really wish there was a natural hot springs on the mountainside. Not much to complain about though! I feel very blessed to be here.

What was the last item you brought?

  We just bought a huge buffalo (head) mount for our living room. (remember I was justifying…for myself…investing in key items) It was a big decision.  It was hand made by an artist I know.  The area we live in was nicknamed the “Bullpen” by the Ute Indians who used to summer here.  They would come each year to harvest from the abundant buffalo herd that ascended to this high mountain plateau every year.  So I thought it was an iconic, spiritual, beautiful piece to add to our home. 

Any wish list items?

Yes! That Hot Springs! And as soon as it warms up I will be working on campfire circles for each cabin.   I think this will be one of the most fun projects I have in mind.  I am also hoping I will find the perfect spot for our Tipi and…. that’s where you’ll find me this summer!

A massive Thank You to Amy for showing us her beautiful cabin and taking the time to answer the 10 questions. 

If you have or know of a beautiful home that you think Moon to Moon readers would love please
#mynestmoontomoon on instagram or email me at moontomoon@live.co.uk

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'My Nest' ... Andrea from Gypsy Yaya

cat

Our family "nest" that we set up for lounging and movie watching together.

For the Third part in The 'My Nest' series we are off to Houston, Texas to the home of Andrea from Gypsy Yaya blog. This beautiful home is full to the brim with beautiful textiles and great vintage finds, not to mention that beautiful red Sofa!!

1) Where do you live and what do you do for a living? 

I live in Houston, Texas in a 1970's era townhouse with my husband, our baby daughter, one sweet dog, two sassy cats and a parakeet. I spend most of my time being Mamma to a very busy 15 month old, blogging at GypsyYaya and hawking my vintage wares in my Etsy shop. My husband {who works from home} and I do a lot of DIY-ing and are striving to be as self sufficient as possible in our little urban homestead so that we are able to live comfortably on his full time income.
 
2) What attracted you to your current home?

Houston has a very limited selection of older/historical homes with character and soul. Especially when it comes to renting. We were just looking for anything at all that had some quirky or interesting design elements rather than the usual new beige box apartments. 

Our 70's pad has {painted} diagonal natural wood accent walls, wood floors, a very 70's floor plan, little built-in shelves, a private brick patio and a balcony off the master bedroom. All of which suits my design aesthetic perfectly and allows for a little green thumbing. It's about as groovy as it gets in Houston with our current budget. 
 
3) How long have you lived there/ will you live there?

Well, when we first moved here from New Orleans we only planned to live here for a year. Then along came baby. Now here we are into our third year. I have finally started to tackle projects that I previously ignored because I thought we weren't staying long. We ultimately would love to buy a house somewhere near Houston where we can get our garden on and I can have completely free reign with the interior. I'm sure that opportunity will present itself as soon as I "finish" this place. I bloom where I'm planted, then I uproot and bloom where I'm planted again. It's a vicious but very fun cycle. 

 
4) What is your favorite/ most treasured item?

It's hard to pick! I just love old things, they have so much soul to them. My red velvet vintage couch is probably at the top of my list, closely followed by my peacock chair that my Mom bought us as a wedding gift. I love anything vintage, artful or handmade! Oh and my plants. I love my plants. When my daughter first learned to wave, she waved at us, the animals and also the plants. 

5) Where do you buy most of your furnishings and accessories?

I am a thrift store addict through and through. Also garage sales, estate sales, flea markets...I love the hunt! I'm not above the occasional curbside/dumpster find either. Some of my coolest pieces have been found that way! Etsy and Ebay are old friends too.  

6) How would you describe your style?

It depends on the room! Bohemian always. Global & Vintage always. 

My main living areas are usually very hippy, 70's, modern/ surf shack/ jungle. My bedroom is Southwest meets Olde New Orleans Bordello with a touch of opium den. When my daughter has her own room I want it to be bright colored, vintage Scandinavian/whimsical wonderland. I'm all over the place haha!  

7) What/who inspires your home style / decision making when buying a new piece?

I like things that tell a story. Old pieces with age, that were made better than things are now. Things brought back from far flung corners of the globe. Items of quality that will last another 50 years or more. Things handmade with love always capture my heart as well. If an item has all of these qualities combined, well I'm smitten.

8) What/ where would be your dream home?

I have multiple dream home scenarios. A 200 year old grand and a bit decrepit home near the French Quarter in New Orleans. A tiny magic cottage in the forest. A vintage A-Frame near the beach. Traveling all over the Americas in a vintage air-stream with my little family. 

In real life it will probably be an older home in the Texas Hill Country in need of some restoration on a huge lot so I can garden into madness.

9) What was the last item you bought?

I just bought a darling vintage chair upholstered in an Indian print linen. It has bamboo styled wood legs and arms and it was $22. I adore it. Perks of having a Mother who also loves vintage and knows your style perfectly. She found it at a local thrift shop and alerted me immediately.  

10 ) Any wish list items?

 My current wish list is all things I hope to come across in a thrift store for next to nothing. Or free on the side of the road. A mid-century credenza for under my TV with space for all my husbands techie components inside. A vintage leather chair with nail head trim for his office. A vintage dining table and chairs {that don't have to match} And a giant kilim rug. Some large scale modern 70's art. A Hoya plant. And a gypsy caravan. 

'My Nest'... Laura from Fat Lama Vintage

A selection of Laura's Kantha Throws which she sells in her Etsy Shop Fat lama Vintage

Welcome to tthe second part of the 'My Nest' feature here on Moon to Moon. The aim of the new 'My Nest' feature is to get a glimpse into real life readers homes. That means no stylists re-arranging furniture and adding props, and no fancy photographers with light meters.... All photographs are by the owner ensuring all the 'nests' are the homes as they really are, lived in and perfectly imperfect, dirty dishes and all. . Alongside the photos there is also a set of 10 questions to get a bit of juicy background on the property and the family.

Laura.....

The image of the meditation room is one of my all time favorite images. Everything about that room is just perfect. I have featured Laura's beautiful house on Moon to Moon before but now a couple of years later Laura has opened up her beautiful front room, I have one of her beautiful Suzani's from her Etsy shop Fat Lama and we are now proper facebook buddies!!

So it seemed logical that Laura's beautiful home feature in the 'My Nest' series..... I was also just desperate to find out more about her influences and sources!!

1) Where do you live and what do you do for a living? 
 I live in Reading, Berkshire (England) and have done since I came here to start Nursing training when I was 18. I have left several times, but always seem to find my way back.

 2) What attracted you to your current home
I work part time with homeless women with substance abuse issues, and I run Fatlama on Etsy.

3) how long have you lived there/ will you live there
 Nige and I were mooching around town one day and we saw a sign saying outside an estate agent saying that we could probably buy a house for the same price as renting, so we went in....ours was the first house we looked at, it just had a really good feeling about it...it seemed to say 'ah, youre here at last!' we have been here for 22 years now. I'd find it hard to move as the place has a lovely vibe and has cared for us so well over the years.

We do plan to move to India when we have paid off the mortgage, but we will probably keep the house and rent it out.

4) what is your favorite/ most treasured item.
My most treasured physical item is a beautiful hand painted 1930's Thanka of White Tara....it hangs over the fire place. We bought it in Nepal when we were traveling for a year.

5) where do you buy most of your furnishings and accessories 
I buy most of my furnishings and accessories second hand, or on ebay. I find you can get everything and more from Ebay, I have have some fantastic buys and I love it!

 6) how would you describe your style?
Mmmm, my style would be probably boho-electic-rustic I like touches of industrial too.

7) what/who inspires your home style / decision making when buying a new piece.
Who inspires me...hmm, most of my inspiration has come from my travels to to India and Nepal, Bolivia and Peru, many places. My style comes from wanting to re create those places around me, cos those were the happiest times of my life 

8) what/ where would be your dream home?
My dream home...mm it would be in India, somewhere, probably Himachal Pradesh. Just a cosy little place in the mountains with my bloke although I am very happy here too...      

9) what was the last item you bought?
The last item I bought was a lovely Azilal Rug from Danielle Donker of Beyond Marrakech great prices!

10 ) any wish list items?
wish list items...mmm, I need a new bathroom desperately! I'd like a Moroccan style wet room with Tadelakt walls. yum.
Also I'd rather like one of those African Ju ju hats!   

 

My Nest: Megan Starr

Vintage Indian Gauze dress Collection

Welcome to the new 'My Nest' feature here on Moon to Moon. The aim of the new 'My Nest' feature is to get a glimpse into real life readers homes. That means no stylists re-arranging furniture and adding props, and no fancy photographers with light meters.... All photographs are by the owner ensuring all the 'nests' are the homes as they really are, lived in and perfectly imperfect, dirty dishes and all. . Alongside the photos there is also a set of 10 questions to get a bit of juicy background on the property and the family.

So to Kick off the 'My Nest' feature I am really proud to introduce the rather glorious Alaskan home of Megan Starr and Family aka @Ramblinstarr on Instagram. I for one am smitten with this beautiful eclectic home, and was really thrilled Megan agreed to take part... So over to Megan...

1) Where do you live and what do you do for a living?

I live in Anchorage Alaska and I am currently a stay at home mom.

2) What attracted you to your current home

This is actually the home that my family used to live in, they were here for almost a decade and now that they're all moving out and elsewhere my husband and I are buying it. I love that we've been coming to this house since before our children were even born so it feels extremely natural for us to now live here. Some of my favorite things are the vaulted ceilings, the massive amount of natural light thanks to all the windows, the gorgeous pale lavender the whole interior is painted and how big the place feels. We lived in a tiny 2 bedroom apartment before this so having all this space is such an awesome thing. 

3) how long have you lived there/ will you live there

We've been here for almost a year now and fully plan on spending the rest of our lives in this home. After moving around and living in apartments for the last 14 years I'm so excited to put down roots. 

4) what is your favorite/ most treasured item.

My vintage 1970's 'I Want Peace' Uncle Sam poster that my husband gave me for Christmas a few years back, I really love it. 

5) where do you buy most of your furnishings and accessories 

Almost everything we own has been bought at the thrift stores or through craigslist. Every once in awhile I'll find something on Etsy that catches my eye though! I really dig that we've been able to fill our home by slowly finding things we love and fitting them all together.

6) how would you describe your style. 

I would describe it as retro bohemian hippie probably. 

7) what/who inspires your home style / decision making when buying a new piece.

I'm so inspired by old 70s homes, overgrown plants all over, some mid century modern, Moroccan influences and a bit of Americana. Since I pretty much only shop secondhand it's always just a gut feeling and how thrilled I am to have found something, oh and of course the price! With a mortgage and three kids I like to spend as little as possible when it comes to decor, I'm all about being thrifty!

8) what/ where would be your dream home?

Honestly I think my home is! I'm having the time of my life turning this place into exactly what I've always dreamed of calling my home. Some places that I've always obsessed over though would be Barbara Hulanicki's studio, the house from Practical Magic, Erin Wasson's home and definitely the Eames house.

9) what was the last item you bought?

I found a gorgeous peacock chair for super cheap on Craigslist last week, so stoked! I'm thinking that it will look great in my daughters' room.

10 ) any wish list items?

 I've been on the hunt for a Moroccan leather pouf, a vintage Letterman triptych painting and a macrame curtain panel for the staircase that leads to the bedrooms upstairs.

I would like to say a massive thank you to the Lovely Megan for the beautiful photographs and taking the time to answer the questions. I am totally inspired by her beautiful Nest... and am wearing my Indian Gauze dress today :)

 
If you are interested in taking part please tag me on Instagram and send me an email...