Secret Gardens

It's only just a rustic wood ladder, two empty terracotta pots nestled together, the first slates of a stone walkway, and the hints of green plants, but to me this corner is my secret garden. In the urban jungle of home, memories of this place remind me of a time when things were much simpler, when life was filled with just the people I loved the most, and when I was entirely captivated by the raw beauty of Italy.  

And you still continue to captivate me, my secret garden, but now only in the lazy daydreams and fading memories that so frequently plague my afternoons. Until next time, my friend, until next time. 

Love, Eileen

Transcendant Earth

First things first. I was/am not prepared to do this. I've basically been bamboozled out of time. I've also noticed that's been happening a lot. The bamboozling. 

Anyways, as I was looking for something I came across this one particular picture that I didn't remember taking. I knew it was from a local cove that my friends group had taken a hiking excursion to once, but those successive weekends that we had decided to take up this long and arduous (wow do you see that SAT vocab A+ Rishita 10/10 use) activity all seemed to blur together at the seams. 

But then it hit me. This moment was a blur in the seams. A crack transcending the ocean, or maybe even the same melancholic sky. What was probably once earth now struggled to gasp for air, barely making it through the seemingly tranquil waters. Mother Earth just isn't an entity, it's like a gateway to an entirely different dimension; a dimension that exists not only in tangible space, but also in the mind.   

Who knows. Maybe it's just me going a little crazy. Maybe it's just me bringing a favorite musical piece back to life. I really don't know. 

Rishita

Rita's Italian Ice

Hidden in a strikingly average strip mall in the city of Redondo Beach is Coffeestroke's favorite place to grab a frozen treat. Rita's Italian Ice quickly becomes a local favorite for all ages. The famous gelati-Italian ice topped with a swirl of custard is the ultimate frozen concoction. 

A quick tip for the dedicated Rita's lover is to download their iPhone app to take advantage of their rewards program! It's always exciting to get free treats. 

Also, if you have a groupon account, they are currently having a 50% off special for Rita's gift cards. Pay $14 to receive $24 (4 gift cards worth $6) worth of money towards your next Rita's run!

Sweet & Crisp

For the past few months, I've been giving my friend a ride everyday to and from school, band practice, and football games. It's not really a hassle since our schedules are so similar and he lives ten feet away from me. 

A few weeks ago, as we were leaving to go to a football game, he climbed into my car with a brown Whole Foods bag and said, "This is from my mom." Inside the bag was a case of a dozen apples with an envelope attached to it that read, "Thank you Vanessa!" How sweet! Assuming that there was a letter inside the envelope, I asked my friend to read it to me since I was driving. Unfortunately he told me there was no letter in the envelope. 

Later that night at the football game, I saw his mom and thanked her for the apples. She thanked me for driving around her child and asked, "Did you get the $30?" I was so confused and asked, "Uhhh... What $30?" She said, "There's $30 in the envelope for gas! Don't throw it away!" and she ran off. WHAT. She's so nice! Anyways, Mrs T if you're reading this, thanks for being as sweet as your apples! 

Love, 
Vanessa

Fashion: Flannels

On the long list of classic "closet essentials," there is a special place for that perfect flannel. It's the one you grab on those rushed Monday mornings where you need something that will make you look semi-put-together, fast. But, it's also the staple you pick when you're feeling more adventurous and want to layer up different tops for a cozy, yet chic look. And that's one of the greatest things about flannels-- it's versatility. 


Here's two looks perfect for the transition between fall and winter!







A big thank you to our models, we really appreciate thier help and love to feature their unique styles on our blog!  

Calm After the Storm

The tranquility that often precedes a catastrophic event is known as "the calm before the storm." Before the waves of an impending storm begin to rock the boats of our lives, there lies moment of peace, of silence, of suspense. 

Often ignored, however, is the calm after the storm.  It's an entirely different experience. Your boat is badly scratched; perhaps the strong winds cut a hole through your mast, but you made it through-- it's all over now. There is a moment of peace as you recollect yourself and realize that the storm has passed.

The little boy in the picture had just made it through a small, but significant storm. Cruising down the Mississippi River in central Louisiana, he encountered one of his greatest fears-- the alligator. As his tears dry up, he looks out the boat to realize the danger is past; nothing is going to harm him. The calm after the storm has arrived; he is safe now. 

Love,

Eileen

Rifle Paper Co.

Novelty is exciting here on Coffeestrokes, and this week we are starting our latest post series-- Brand Focus. We owe the countless interior designers of the beautiful displays at Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and countless other stores thanks for all the creativity they have inspired in us over the years. Much of the products they stock appeals to our inner design nerd because of its minimalism and vintage flair. Today, we are going to share with you guys one of the brands that we love the most, Rifle Paper Co. 

Rifle Paper Co. produces lovely paper products with a large range of selection. What really makes their products stand out are the retro designs-- bold, but simplistic at the same time.

Here are our top 5 product picks from Rifle Paper Co:

Botanical Journal Set

2014 Flip Around the World Desk Calendar

Assorted 'Hello' Cards

'Get It Done' Notepad

Jardin Weekly Desk Pad

This last item is a favorite of Eileen and Vanessa. However, we do not own this current edition of the weekly list, we have the last edition that we both purchased at our nearest Anthropologie. It's an essential item of our crazy lives. Not only is this just a notepad to plan out the week, but it also functions as a mousepad! Our favorite part of this notepad is being able to tear off the page after conquering yet another hectic week. 

Thanks for reading!