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Transplanted from London to Boulder, CO for a year in my 20’s, I became a volunteer at the Boulder County Humane Society. It turned out to be a wonderful and eye-opening experience. The highlight of my volunteer shifts was walking the dogs – giving them some much-needed exercise and a temporary reprieve from the confines of their kennels. Some were shy at first, while others bounded out of the kennel with excitement. Walking in the dry heat of Colorado, mountains rising toward the vast blue sky, was quite a culture shock – a far cry from the cloudy skies and busy streets of London!

These walks were as much a treat for me as they were for the dogs. They were so grateful for the social interaction and playful outdoor exploration, and I was more than happy to spend time with some amazing pups. Bonding with so many dogs over my time there, it was all I could do not to take them all home.

One beautiful young collie in particular stole my heart: Ben. When I heard that he was going to be euthanized, I desperately wanted to adopt him. But as that was impossible (knowing I was returning to England the following year) I was determined to find a home for him, and I did. He became the perfect addition to a family in Boulder. Though I missed him so much, I was content knowing he had found a loving home.

I’ve always been passionate about animal welfare – even as a child I refused to eat anything that looked like an animal. But my experience in Boulder was the start of my particular interest in the plight of rescue dogs and homeless animals worldwide.

Back in London the following year, I finally adopted my own dog from Battersea Dogs Home – a beautiful collie mix with a black and chestnut-colored coat and the sweetest personality. Formerly a stray on the streets of London, she was skinny as a rail. It took months before she stopped scavenging for food on our daily walks in Richmond Park. But with some training and much love, she settled into her new home quickly. Several years passed before I moved to the States, this time to the East coast. She, of course, came with me.

Now, I have two rescues at home, Biggs and Tam. As well as being our beloved family pet, Biggs has now become the namesake of my brand new dog bed and blanket collection. The Biggs Dog Bed features my brand new, mid-century-inspired Charley pattern (available in three colors). And the Biggs Fleece Dog Blankets are designed to perfectly color-coordinate with the beds. Both of our pups are already enjoying their new beds and blankets as I write!

I’m excited to announce that a percentage of profits from every dog bed and blanket sale will go to Humane Society International. HSI is the international branch of one of the foremost animal welfare organizations in the United States. They do excellent work for animals worldwide, including working in South Korea, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam to put an end to cruel dog meat farms. HSI has also developed humane, sustainable solutions to improve the lives of dogs across the globe, with dog and cat welfare programs in 25 countries. I’m thrilled that Lupin Studio will now be supporting this important work.

I hope you’ll check out the new collection, with a pup by your side! 

J xo

 

The English Lake District has a very special place in my heart. A national park in the northwest of England, the Lake District is known for its stunning glacial ribbon lakes and rugged fells (the namesake of our Lakes & Fells collection). Growing up in England, I visited the area with my family numerous times. And now, as an expat, I endeavor to return whenever I visit home. 

Dotted with picturesque towns, beautiful bodies of water and majestic mountains, you can’t go wrong. And if you’re ever lucky enough to visit, I thought I’d share my two cents (or two pence) worth:

• Don’t venture out without your cagoule! The British term for a weatherproof raincoat, your cagoule will keep you dry in all that Cumbrian rain. It rains in the Lakes – a lot – but don’t worry; it only adds to the charm and drama of the natural landscape.

• Have your camera at the ready. Dramatic skies and breathtaking vistas are guaranteed no matter what the weather brings.

• Hike in the hills amongst the purple heathers and stone walls.

• Feel the cool water lapping against your feet as you stroll along the shoreline of Derwentwater (my favorite lake).

• A boat ride on one of the lakes is a wonderful way to see the changeable and expressive hues of the water. Varying depths and ever-changing skies can make the water appear dark and threatening or light and playful. Whatever its mood, it’s beautiful.

• The little pubs dotting the countryside are not to be missed. With window boxes full of flowers in season, original timbers, pub food, and English beer, they’ll give you a generous dose of local life and old-world charm.

• If you see Queen of Puddings on a menu, order it! A traditional British dessert involving cake, jam and meringue, it’s a scrumptious way to complete your visit.

Each of these experiences have helped to shape my Lakes & Fells collection. But most notably, it’s the natural beauty and character of the Lake District itself that has influenced each pattern and colorway. If you’re curious about the complete story behind each design, take a glance through our product pages!

J x

Not sure whether it’s the unseasonably mild autumn we’re having here in Boston, but my thoughts have been straying to this past summer and my first visit to Sweden – in particular to an evening spent at a wonderfully unique eatery in Stockholm, so special I thought it worth sharing with you.

Found quite by accident while exploring the island of Södermalm, Woodstockholm Bistro sits on the corner of one of the prettiest squares in Stockholm, Mosebacke Square. With a classical fountain, stone terrace, and wooden tubs overflowing with pink flowers, it’s the perfect spot to while away a warm summer’s evening.

Owned by Chef Elias, the bistro is a neighborhood haunt frequented largely by Stockholmers, and it has the feel of an incredibly stylish farmhouse kitchen with a magnificent chef! Featuring classic Scandinavian light wood furniture and lighting fixtures, a large painting on one wall, and snug seating that includes a communal table and L-shaped bar, it’s a truly intimate gathering place.

Using local and sustainably sourced ingredients, Woodstockholm plans its menu around a theme, changing it up every couple of months. The night we were there, famous Swedish chef Tore Wretman had furnished the inspiration behind the cuisine, and a hardbound book with his recipes sat on the bar next to us for customers to browse. A small chalkboard, shared amongst the patrons, featured the menu – one meat entrée, one fish, and one vegetarian option, along with an array of side dishes, and unique and decadent desserts. Needless to say, all of the dishes, presented to us personally by the chef, were phenomenal – each morsel a medley of distinctive and wonderful flavors.

Last, but by no means least, the staff were wonderful. Informal, friendly, and welcoming, they had an easy rapport with one another, and they took time to talk with us at length about food, Stockholm, and Swedish culture. They even enquired about our favorite places in Stockholm so they could inform future patrons.

Stockholm is such a delight. I could extol the beauty of the architecture, the warm and welcoming residents, and my personal recommendations of places to see and things to do. But we’ll have to save that for another time :)