If these etsy crush posts were indicative of my etsy browsing tendencies then 95% of them would feature pillow shops. It’s true. I spend most of my time on etsy looking at pillows. It’s what I do. HH’s reaction is always the same “are you looking at pillows again?!” The majority of the time, I’m not looking to buy. I just really like looking at pillows. Like, really like looking at pillows. I am a pillow researcher. Yes, that is an official title. And I’m fond of all kinds of pillows: patterned & solid, shabby chic & graphic, vintage & new, cutesy & sophisticated… you get the idea. I think it’s pretty amazing what pillows can do for a room. Whether there are two or ten, they can totally “make” a room.

This week I couldn’t resist sharing a pillow shop. I recently purchased a pillow cover from Oriental Tribe 11 for our master bedroom and I’m so happy with it! Take a gander at which one lives on my bed now…

Oriental Tribe 11 features pillow covers made from tribal textiles – many of them from traditional Hmong batiks. I love all the unique patterns, colors and embroidery work. They have a casual vibe with a playful, bohemian look. I can’t help but think of Amber’s design aesthetic. These are definitely pillows that could carry a room.

So now tell me, are you a pillow researcher too? I can’t be the only one.

images: Oriental Tribe 11

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.*

Congrats to Susan who enjoys entertaining with friends on her deck overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains!

T minus 8 days until the official first day of summer! Are you ready for some outdoor entertaining? I’m with you. For al fresco dining, paper products are convenient and budget-friendly but sometimes lack style. Not so with the new MADHOUSE collections from Michael Aram.

MADHOUSE is a line of upscale yet affordable, disposable and semi-permanent serveware. The graphics are modern, elegant and inspired by nature. The cutlery even resembles twigs! Perfect for eating outside. I asked if MADHOUSE would be up for a little giveaway and they are happy to hook up one lucky reader – just in time for summer’s start. See entry details below.

PRIZE: dinnerware and cutlery from the MADHOUSE Lemonwood collection {my personal favorite!} to serve 8. Includes 8 paper dinner plates, 8 paper luncheon plates, 16 luncheon napkins, 24 beverage napkins, 16 guest towels, 2 cutlery sets and an all purpose melamine bowl. {$60 retail value}

RULES: You must be at least 18 years old and have a shipping address {no P.O. boxes please} within the U.S. One entry per email address.

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post proclaiming “STICK A FORK IN IT!”

DEADLINE: Enter before noon EST on Monday, June 17th. One random winner will be announced later that same day.

WHILE YOU’RE AT IT: What outdoor entertaining do you have planned for the summer? Pool party? Casual cookouts with friends or neighbors? Outdoor movie night? C’mon summer.