Meet the Maker: Araya Jensen of Wind & Willow Home

Apr 24, 2014

Guys, we’ve finally found someone who loves color as much as we do (and we really love color). Meet Araya Jensen, the founder of Wind & Willow Home. We are head over heels for this Minneapolis-based designer’s collection of modern gifts and housewares. I mean, can we talk about her line of color-dipped home goods for a second? We’ll take one of everything ;)

Fellow color lovers, we’ve got some good news. Araya will be joining us at Re:Make Austin on May 3rd and 4th! Stop procrastinating and be sure to register for FREE here! You won’t want to miss it. Okay, ready to hear more from Araya? Here’s her story.

First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a wife to my best friend, mother of two beautiful babes and a creator. My love for all things nature-inspired started early on as I grew up in Minnesota along the North Shore of Lake Superior. I now live near Minneapolis, MN where I design and create my line of housewares.

Why did you decide to start Wind & Willow Home?

I can’t say that I completely decided to start W&WH. After having a successful career as a Kitchen and Bath Designer for over twelve years, I was laid off due to the housing market crash. I started creating my simple yet modern housewares as gifts, started getting requests for them and that is how Wind & Willow Home began.

In five words or less, tell us why you love to make.

It just feels comfortable.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get a lot of my color inspiration from nature. My family and I love exploring national parks and I recently purchased a macro lens for my camera, which is incredible for exploring the tiny details in nature.

What does the making/creative process look like for you?

Most of my ideas come to me either in the shower or right before I’m about to fall asleep. I usually try to write them down in some form or another (bath crayons are a staple in my house). If the idea is good enough, I start to test it out. Sometimes it fails and sometimes I love how it turns out and I continue testing. Lots of trying and failing and trying again.

We love your dipped housewares! Tell us a little more about that line.

Thanks! I begin with beautifully turned bowls and carved spoons and slowly hand dip each in a soft rubber that I custom mix. The beauty is in the uniqueness of the natural wood grain and the reaction between that wood and the rubber creating bubble patterns as it reacts to the process, ensuring each item is completely unique. I make each colorway or grouping in small seasonal batches ensuring you get a truly special product. Each color or combination is created by first curating a coordinating collection, then mixing each color until I am completely satisfied with the results.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other makers?

Don’t think too much. If it feels right, just go for it.

What other creative hobbies do you have?

Right now my business is my hobby. When I have a little extra time, I can be found working on DIY projects around my home. You can check out a few examples here and here.

We hear you’re launching an Indiegogo campaign. Tell us more about that.

Yes, I am so excited that it has come to fruition. My project is multi-faceted and geared toward raising the necessary funds for the start up material and other costs to bring to life a line of soft goods that I have been working on for some time. This exciting new line will include tea towels, pillows and table linens to complement the organic modern style of my wooden housewares. In addition to adding new products, I also want to take this opportunity to add a giving aspect to Wind and Willow Home. The Bowl Full project aims to feed those in need, near and far.

What’s up next for you?

A Day in the Life of a Female Winemaker

Cambria Estate Winery

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Hi there! It’s Sarah Sherman Samuel, interior designer and blogger. I recently moved from LA to Michigan, but a couple weeks ago I had to travel back to LA for work, and I got the chance to zip up north to partner with Cambria Estate Winery! I sat down with their winemaker, Jill Russell, to chat about the art of winemaking and the importance of female leadership at Cambria. I often get asked where I find inspiration and one of my main sources is by learning about a different artistry or craft. Nothing can dig me out of a creative slump quicker than delving into a new type of skill, and I did just that with an afternoon at Cambria.

I drove up from Los Angeles for the day, meandering through roads of open fields and vineyards, stopping for lunch in Los Olivos on the way while very excited for the day ahead. I haven’t been alone in the car sans one or two kids for a very long time, or have been able to do anything alone for that matter, so I really took it all in. Arriving at Cambria, Jill had a wine tasting all set up for me, complete with a beautiful cheese plate from Fromagerie Sophie with wine pairing notes, and we dove right in.

After the tasting, Jill took me on a full tour of the estate, and we dove deeper into the history of Cambria and what it is actually like to be a winemaker (and we tasted grapes, played in the dirt, and took a few Boomerangs…as one does).

Cambria was founded by wine icon Jess Jackson and his wife Barbara Banke in 1986. Their daughters, Katie Jackson and Julia Jackson, grew up among the vines and continue the family business alongside Barbara. Jill was hired as winemaker in June 2017 to continue Cambria’s legacy of talented women winemakers. Cambria has strong women in leadership roles and out in the vineyards, and I thought it was interesting to hear that the female vineyard workers were sometimes preferred, as they were considered to have a more discerning eye and attention to detail when harvesting grapes.

So, what does a typical day look like for a winemaker? According to Jill… it is “Busy!”

From Jill: “During harvest, I arrive at the winery around 5:30am, check in with the teams and get to work calling picks, writing work orders for various fermentation activities including punchdown schedules, yeast additions, and so forth. I’m constantly walking the vineyards, checking the crushpad and making sure things are running smoothly for when grapes come in. Post-harvest, it’s all about the tanks and barrels – here I’m tasting wines, seeing how they’re progressing and running blending trials to determine the final blends for our wines.”

I was curious how one can get creative in the wine business since Jill mentioned that it is part farming, part artistry and part science. She explained how her favorite way to get creative is running new blending trials and the freedom of considering, “What happens if I try this? or this?” There are so many variables to get creative with. Her mind is always thinking of new methods or blends to test out.

As Jill talks about what she strives for in her winemaking, I can’t help but see the parallel in the work I do as a designer, as well as the work of other artists and makers across the board. For example, the search for that harmony or balance. I talk a lot about how I strive for balance in interior spaces —just replace flavors and tannins with visual weight, pattern, and colors, and she could have taken the words right out of my mouth. Then when it comes to “energy,” it is even more apparent. I always want whoever experiences my work to feel something, and feel the love and the story behind it. The same goes for the wine of Cambria. Jill wants the wine to make you feel the energy, and know that the wines you drink from them are lovingly made by a team of passionate wine lovers.

As a fan of Pinot Noir,Julia’s Vineyard has this amazing “Santa Maria Spice” as Jill explains, that isn’t the traditional sweet spice you may find in other red wines, but something a bit more savory like Chinese Five Spice. It really achieves that harmony in texture that Jill is so passionate about it! On the other hand,Katherine’s Chardonnay has this beautiful bright acidity and pretty citrusy floral notes. This isn’t your mother’s oaky, buttery Chardonnay (not that there’s anything wrong with those), but it truly tastes like the place. The tour of the estate and vineyards with Jill really illustrated how these single-vineyard wines are able to showcase the terroir they come from in the glass. This isn’t a blending of flavors from different areas, this is Cambria’s rocks, earth, fog, and wind all neatly captured in a bottle.

Interested in getting into the wine business? I asked Jill if she had any advice for someone who thinks he or she might want to work with wine. Her answer was the same that I often give to people interested in getting into design — and that is to just get working! She advises, “The best thing you can do is get a job at a winery, whether it’s a part-time gig at a tasting room or a full-on harvest internship. No matter where you start, you’ll learn so much about the industry and can start to forge your own path in where you want to work whether it’s in the vineyard, in the cellar, in operations, marketing or working with customers.”

FEATURED PRODUCTS

2016 Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay

$22

2015 Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir

$25

Thank you for following along, I loved getting to learn more of the origins of some of my favorite wines and I hope you did too! I will definitely be back.

Would you consider being a winemaker? Share your thoughts on Instagram using #britstagram.

Author: Sarah Sherman Samuel

OMG A New Dunkin’ Winter Menu Was Just Leaked & It Drops This Month

Dunkin’s winter menu for 2025 is lookin’ pretty sweet. Seriously – per recent menu leaks, 3 out of 5 new drinks (allegedly) coming to the menu are inspired by cake. Since there’s little I love more than a good, decadent dessert (other than coffee, of course), I’m especially excited about this speculated lineup!

The Dunkin’ winter menu leaks also report one sweet snack and an iced espresso drink that are both hauntingly similar to what Starbucks has to offer. Is the competition heating up, or is it just me?

Rumor has it that the Dunkin’ winter menu will drop on December 31, just ahead of the new year. This new menu leak is not to be confused with Dunkin's holiday menu, which dropped on November 1.

Let’s officially get into it. Here’s everything rumored to join the Dunkin’ winter menu for 2025!

Drinks On The Leaked Dunkin' Winter Menu

@snackolator

NEW! Lava Cake Signature Latte

Lava Cake Swirl flavoring, whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and hot chocolate powder. Now that's a mouthful! That's exactly how this new rumored drink is built – with tons and tons of chocolate. If you've got a strong sweet tooth, start marking your calendar for December 31 (AKA when the Dunkin' winter menu is rumored to drop).

@snackolator

NEW! Lava Cake Coffee

Dunkin' is also rumored to feature the new Lava Cake Swirl flavoring in this creamy coffee. It looks like it'll be available to order hot or iced!

@snackolator

Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso

Um, Starbucks dupe, anyone?! Dunkin's version of the famed Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is rumored to follow a very similar recipe to the Starbies way: espresso (shaken until frothy), brown sugar syrup, and oat milk. I can't wait to try this one and see how it measures up to my routine Starbucks order.

Dunkin'

Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte

Per menu leaks, it also appears Dunkin' will offer two new in-app exclusive drinks, the first being the Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte. It's like your average iced matcha latte, amped up with some brown sugar syrup and oat milk. Yum.

@snackolator

Raspberry Lava Cake Coffee

The second in-app exclusive drink on the leaked Dunkin' winter menu is the Raspberry Lava Cake Coffee, which features a dose of Lava Cake Swirl alongside a raspberry flavor shot and cream. You'll be able to order this one hot or iced.

Food On The Leaked Dunkin' Winter Menu

@snackolator

NEW! Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut

Now, onto the good stuff. The Dunkin' winter menu leak suggests that a new donut is on the way! The Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut will feature a halved glazed chocolate cake donut that's filled with vanilla whipped buttercreme icing and topped with a cute lil' buttercreme rosette.

Dunkin'

Iced Lemon Loaf Cake

Okay, yet another Starbucks similarity! The menu leak speculates this zesty-sweet snack will return on December 31. Dunkin's Iced Lemon Loaf Cake is moist as can be, and is topped with a thick layer of lemon icing.

More Leaked Dunkin' Menu Items

Dunkin'

Dunkin' Valentine's Donuts

The menu leak that announced the Dunkin' winter menu for 2025 also dropped some hints about the chain's Valentine's Day offerings.

According to the leak, the Brownie Batter (pictured above) and Cupid's Choice donuts will return on January 29. What's even more exciting is that a new iteration of Dunkin's Munchkins will be available, too!

The new Valentine's Munchkins will reportedly be made from glazed chocolate donut holes coated in Valentine's-esque sprinkles. I'm craving them already!

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Monica Barbaro Says Meeting Timothée Chalamet On 'A Complete Unknown' Was A "Beautiful, Magical Day"

A Complete Unknown finally rolls into theaters on Christmas Day (you know..like a rolling stone?) but the cast is already generating serious buzz. Timothée Chalamet snagged a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Bob Dylan, while Monica Barbaro just won the Astra Film Awards' Breakthrough Performer Award. But when I sat down with the actress, I couldn't help but go all the way back to the first day of filming the December movie.

Here's what A Complete Unknown's Monica Barbaro had to say about meeting Timothée Chalamet and learning guitar for the role of Joan Baez.

Monica Barbaro loved working with Timothée Chalamet on 'A Complete Unknown.'

Monica revealed in a Rolling Stone interview that she met Timothée Chalamet a week before filming — and that he was already more-or-less in character. "The first time we met was a music rehearsal," she tells Brit + Co exclusively. "So we just really launched right into it, which was nice because I admired his work so much from afar and any level of intimidation that I may have had, I could just sort of funnel into music prep, which was great."

"It was a beautiful experience of getting to hear our voices harmonize as these characters and hear the accompaniment of our guitars," she continues. "And we were able to kind of like anchor ourselves in the music and have sort of a meeting of minds that was maybe a little more similar to Joan and Bob because they met in the music scene as already very proficient musicians. So that was a beautiful magical day. And then we like launched right into filming."

Monica Barbaro (who you'll recognize from Top Gun2) stars as musician Joan Baez, and even though Monica had to learn how to play guitar for the role, you'd never guess just by watching the film. She carries herself with such confidence and ease that I'd have believed she'd been playing her whole life. And the fact her voice sounds like a Disney princess is just the cherry on top.

"I'm not a singer, I didn't play guitar," she says. "So there was sort of this introductory level thing going on where I just had to figure out how to form my hands and in some way, I thought about how she might have done that at like 14, I think, when she first picked up guitar. But that was just like an overhaul of everything — I mean, all my time just poured into that training."

She was doing her own research, but also worked with vocal coach Eric Vetro, who's also worked with Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Shawn Mendes. "He encouraged me to consider what the lyrics of songs meant to her," Monica says. "Because the best musicians are storytellers and that's one of the best things about he renditions of these folk songs is you feel the story of the song."

And because of that, focusing on the lyrics "was also a part of the character development. So there were sort of siloed things like voice, guitar research, and then her speaking voice," she says. "And then all of those things started to just kind of like meld, you know. You have to play and sing at the same time and tell a story and do it from the perspective of Joan. And so so they just sort of over time kind of like bridged."

But no matter how much prep Monica, Timothée, and Elle Fanning (who stars as Sylvie Russo) did for the film, they still had to film in the middle of New York City, which came with its own set of 2024-specific challenges. "It was interesting to be filming and have people sneaking videos and posting them on the internet," she says, admitting that she "really just tried to turn all of that off to the best of my ability."

The film highlights the tension between celebrity and fame, considering we meet Bob Dylan right before he becomes, well, Bob Dylan. "It's a privilege to have to have so much attention and excitement on a project and I appreciate the intent, but you kind of just sort of turn it off a little bit and disengage," Monica says, "especially when you're talking about just a very different kind of fame in the sixties."

Read up on 23 Hilarious Tweets About The Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest That Timothée Crashed for a good laugh.

interview pop culture movie

14 Press On Nails You'll Be Glad You Skipped The Salon For

I can't always make it out to the salon when it comes to my nails — and I definitely don't have the time to give myself a full-blown manicure at home — so I'm always looking for cute press-on options to wear. From almond-shaped to abstract designs, there are so many sets I can't get enough of.

But I have a secret: I've also figured out how to make them last a little longer. I mean, that's always everyone's gripe with them, so why not share what I know? So scroll on to find all my favorite press-on nails you can find right now — plus the best glue to use to make them stay!

Find all the best press-on nails that'll save you a trip to the salon!

Olive and June

Olive and June Pink Checker Party Press-On Nails

This one's for the girls who love a little mix-and-match nail art and don't want to wear anything unless it's festive or bold. These easy-to-apply nails are the quickest way to achieve nails you'll be proud of without sitting for hours at the salon.

SALT

SALT French - Merlot

Content Editor Haley Sprankle says these nails are the realest looking press-ons she's ever used. Honestly, she feels like they look more real than some full sets she's had done at the salon! And with clear glue, you don't have to worry about having a bunch of white glue all over your fingers once you're done applying them.

Lilac St.

Lilac St. Seeing Stars Press-On Nails

These short and sweet almond nails are the classic French manicure we love to see, but there's also a bit of sparkle to them. They'll take you from your 9-5 to dinner with your friends without feeling like they're making too much of a statement.

Olive and June

Olive and June Linear Hearts Press-On Nails

Valentine's Day has come early with these short and sweet press-on nails. They have a minimal feel that'll also work with all of your winter outfits. I love the cute little hearts because they're not overly stated, but still manage to hold their own!

Amazon

KISS imPRESS No Glue Mani Press-On Nails

If you've finally sifted through Christmas dresses to find the perfect one to wear to that holiday party you've been waiting on, wear these cute press-on nails to complete your look.

P.S. Wear the sparkle design on your ring finger if you suspect you may get a surprise proposal.

Ulta

OPI Feelin' Capricorn-y xPRESS/On Big Zodiac

These press-on nails are strictly for Capricorns who are patiently waiting for their birthdays. Everyone you know will be green with envy when they see you wearing them, but that won't be your problem.

Amazon

Chillhouse Sea Siren Press-On Nails Kit

Are you waiting for the day you'll be able to take a dip in your pool or the ocean during vacation? I hear ya and know just what you need to hold you over until summer: reflective sea-inspired press-on nails.They may not completely cure your longing, but they'll look cool against your skin and outfits.

SALT

SALT Butterfly Press-On Nails - Red

Isn't this design so adorable? Content Editor Haley Sprankle wore these for her birthday this year, and she'd never gotten more compliments on her nails before! Definitely grab these to make a darling statement!

Amazon

Glamnetic Press-On Nails

No one ever needs a reason to wear super girly nails, but I'll give you one anyway: you deserve to wear something that feels carefree and quirky every once in a while.

Amazon

PaintLab Press-On Nails Manicure Kit

Tortoiseshell nails are such a vibe in my eyes. They're the moody accessory you'll fall in love with and can apply at home in no time!

Amazon

Chillhouse Fruit Hoops Press-On Nails

Ah, more fun abstract nails! They also remind me of summers in the sun so I'm sure I'll personally be stashing them in my beauty draw until the beginning of spring.

Walmart

Salon Perfect Glazed Press-On Nails

Give yourself the gift of metallic press-on nails that feel on par with the holidays. They're short enough to allow you to do everyday tasks, but have the right amount of shimmer for date nights.

Walmart

KISS imPRESS Holiday Press-On Nails

Need more Christmas inspo? These press-on nails are going to give you that and then some. They remind me of the sweet treats I see at my local bakery, but I don't suggest anyone try to see if they taste good.

Walmart

Paintlab Reusable Gel Press-On Nails

Sometimes you just want to wear nails that feel like your niece or young cousin could've designed them. Actually, I'm sure my niece drew something similar this year.

Ulta

OPI Nail Heart xPRESS/On Nail Art Press-On Nails

These nails have a hint of color that'll match your rosy cheeks this winter. The more I think about it, the more I feel it's a great idea to use them as beauty inspo for your next makeup look.

Amazon

Here's what to use if you want your press-on nails to stay put

Most press-on nail kits include a standard nail file/buffer and nail glue, but I've recently discovered something that makes sure nails don't budge: brush-on nail glue.It's easier to make sure the glue doesn't spill over the sides of the nails when you press down on them and it seems like they're made of the strongest ingredients that makes your temporary manicure last longer!

Glamnetic Super Strong Brush-On Nail Glue

Amazon

Makartt Super Strong Nail Glue

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