Homestead Modern

Homestead Modern, a developer and vacation property manager in the High Desert communities adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park, and Halcyon High Desert Holdings LLC, a design-focused investment group, have completed two 560-square-foot single-family residences dubbed Pause House that were developed to serve the short-term vacation rental market.

The name Pause is meant to suggest that visitors take a pause from their everyday lives and tune into all that the desert has to offer – and do so in a comfortable and inspiring setting. One of the homes, Pause House AM, features a light-colored design motif inside and out while the other, Pause House PM, features darker tones.

Both homes are now available for vacation rental and can be viewed on www.pausehousejt.com, with booking provided by either the Airbnb or VRBO / HomeAway platform. The properties had a soft opening on June 19, and quickly achieved 100 percent occupancy through mid-July.

"Many of the guests at our properties are couples and we believe they will readily embrace these smaller and decidedly hip homes," said Dave McAdam, founder and co-owner of Homestead Modern. "Additionally, the Pause House project is a tip of the hat for us to the spirit of the original jackrabbit homestead cabins that proliferated in the High Desert after World War II. We see Pause House as bringing that much-loved vernacular into the modern era. We always anticipated that a high-end hideaway on five acres would be attractive to couples seeking a pause from their lives in the city, but the allure of these properties is even more pronounced in the current environment," McAdam added.

Both Pause House AM and PM feature an open-plan configuration, including compact but full kitchens, and can be thought of as luxury hotel suites. Glass doors open from the showers directly to private outdoor showers. Lending a contemporary vibe are polished concrete floors and upscale plywood walls and ceilings. The homes feature smart TVs, Casper mattresses, Frette linens and organic bath products from The Body Deli.

The noted Los Angeles design firm Hammer & Spear is responsible for the distinctive interiors, as well as the outdoor furniture.

Outdoor amenities include patios shaded with unique punched steel sheets, outdoor dining tables, cool dip "cowboy" tubs, propane fire features and built-in gas barbecues. A four-person hot tub is offered at Pause House AM.

A single-car carport at each of the adjacent five-acre properties doubles as a location for solar panels. Those panels push electricity back into the electric grid when the sun is shining and make the Pause House properties nearly net-zero electric consumers. Each carport also offers a Level 2 electric car charger.

Until relatively recently, most jurisdictions in California required new single-family residences be a minimum square footage — typically around 725 square feet — or more. Now many of those jurisdictions have reduced or eliminated those minimums entirely, driven in large measure by the statewide housing shortage.

The Pause Houses are in an unincorporated area of the county of San Bernardino just north of Joshua Tree National Park. San Bernardino County no longer has any minimum square footage requirements for single-family residences.

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Photographer Michael Satterfield goes to the Fair with a Southwestern Gringa

Model: @southwesterngringa

Photographer: Michael Satterfield

Location: Heart-O-Texas Fair, Waco, Texas

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A Conversation with Cheryl McMullen, Founder of Double D Ranch

by Jennifer Burnett photos by Michael Satterfield

Since 1989 Cheryl McMullen has been styling her own vision of the west with her brand Double D Ranch (DDR), building it into one of the most recognizable fashion brands in the western market. In an era when major names in fashion are filing for bankruptcy the independent fashion house based in Yoakum, Texas has carved out a niche of loyal customers many of whom traveled to the remote Texas town for Double D’s annual sale this past August. Far more than a sample sale the event is held over three days and includes BBQ, Music, and a chance for fans to interact with the entire team behind the brand.

Cheryl describes the brand as not a “western brand” but a brand — inspired by the west — yet incorporating the latest trends from New York and Paris. Blending modern fashion sensibility with retro western themes allows the brand to constantly evolve and reinterpret what “inspired by the west” means which each collection. Each garment from Double D is telling a visual story, the design team goes to great lengths to ensure that each new design has a historical perspective.
DDR has carved out niche appealing to high-end buyers who appreciate style, exclusivity, and thoughtful designs. “When they (DDR Customers) see another person wear DDR there is some sort of kinship or bond like they are part of the pack. The brand is aspirational, women can tell you what their first jacket was and how long they saved up for it. We get stories about women evacuating Hurricane Katrina and takings their pets and their DDR jackets and other stories about being in an auto accident and the “jaws of life” cutting them out of the wreckage and the driver telling them not to cut her DDR jacket” McMullen said.

The event at DDR headquarters drew customers and fans from around the country and grew out of the brand’s Facebook Fan Page. Now in its second year, the event is held over four days and includes special shopping events, live music, BBQ, tours of the Shiner Brewery, a Jacket Signing where fans can have their jacket documented, signed, and registered. Cheryl sees this event as an extension of the online community they have built with their fans on the DDR Addiction group on Facebook. The private group boasts over 5,400 fans of the brand and the entire DDR team interacts with the members directly. That tight-knit group of customers make up the bulk of those who attend the live events, taking the relationship offline and into the real world. These relationships go far beyond a retail transaction, Cheryl shared stories about how the group has really become a community that supports one another, and the customers really enjoy that they can have a direct connection.

The sale was held in the DDR at their dedicated outlet, which Cheryl describes as a work in progress. Being over 100 years old space needed a lot of work before it could open to the public, but the result is a space that not only helps move overstocked inventory but also showcases the branding and merchandising that is DDR. While few of the brand’s retailers have visited the space, it may be used in the future for mini-conferences which would include sessions on social media, display, styling, and marketing. DDR has a strict vetting process for its retailers and each one is carefully selected. The retailer needs to understand the product and be and, have excellent customer service, and be able to cater to a higher-end clientele. 

She added, “The retailers need to understand that the end consumer has money to spend and has a choice on where to spend it. The end consumer loves to post pics on social media of a DDR retailer that has lovingly wrapped their purchase, added a thank you note, and included a small gift.  This retailer just got a customer for life and all it took was an extra 15 minutes, some wrapping paper, a notecard, and a $10 gimmie gift. Great service allows a small brick and mortar shop in Podunk, TX to compete with big box stores like Zappos just because they made a connection and took an extra 15 minutes and used some wrapping paper.”

Unlike many brands, DDR is also actively encouraging consumers to seek out gently used DDR products, and have even created a Facebook group dedicated to buying and selling used DDR. The lower price point of pre-owned garments allows a new younger customer to develop a relationship with the brand, and a long time DDR customers started out buying their first jacket on the secondary market. No matter if you have a vintage DDR jacket or the latest coat off the rack, you are a member of the DDR family.

DDR has also expanded its brand through strategic collaborations and licensing agreements, first with their footwear partner Old Gringo and later expanding into partnerships with Greeley Hat Works, Peyote Bird Collection, and even home furnishing fabrics. Next on the agenda is belts, handbags, jeans, and maybe even a tiny home project.

“The DDR family feels very blessed to have been doing what we love for almost 30 years.  We have an amazing staff that is like a family that we couldn’t do without. God is good. Also, there is no ‘one’ answer to any of this, but a lot of hard work, mistakes, learning from those mistakes and moving forward.”

For more visit DoubleDRanch.com

Follow Jennifer on her site www.growinguptexas.com

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Five Online Gift Ideas for a Special Mother's Day

Staff

Delight in Spring's beauty with a Garden Party Wreath from Balsam Hill, renowned worldwide for superbly crafted, lifelike Christmas Trees inspired by nature. The wreath is woven from an array of lifelike faux flowers including white throatwort, queen of lace, lisianthus, tulips, lavender, snowball, ferns and eucalyptus set on a natural twig frame, perfect for indoor or covered outdoor décor. The Garden Party Wreath measures 28x6-inches and is $159 with free standard shipping in the contiguous US. Available at www.BalsamHill.com.

Fête Mom with the Brunch Gift Basket from Stonewall Kitchen, producer of delicious specialty foods and home goods. They put together a wide variety of brunch-inspired taste treats to enjoy, tucked into a beautifully crafted Nantucket-style basket for a fantastic presentation.  The basket includes jams, syrups, scone mix, waffle and pancake mix and, of course, Bloody Mary mix. The Brunch Gift Basket is $79.95 with standard free shipping. Available at www.StonewallKitchen.com.

Moms who adore chocolate will be in seventh heaven with 18 Bars of TCHO, an assortment of their single-origin dark chocolates, pure milk chocolates and all their pairing bars (chocolate and delicious ingredients such as nuts, freeze-dried fruits or toffee).  The package includes Almond + Sea Salt Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut Chunk Milk Chocolate, Mokaccino Milk Chocolate, Triple Berry Dark Chocolate, Mint Chip Gelato Dark Chocolate and more. Available for $64.99 at www.Tcho.com.

Celebrate Mom with a bottle of highly-regarded Olema Rosé, 2019 vintage, only now beginning to arrive in the US.  Smooth, elegant and the perfect balance of color, body and bouquet, Olema Côtes de Provence Rosé has soaring aromatics of fresh strawberry, cranberry, watermelon rind and honeysuckle that jump from the glass. Olema Rosé hails straight from France's legendary grape growing region, where their winemakers work hand-in-hand with families who have farmed the land for generations. Suggested retail price is $15. Available at www.OlemaWines.com.

Wrap Mom up in a sublimely soft throw from Garnet Hill. Available in several charming colors, the throw is crafted in 100% cotton that's brushed for a cozy, fleece-like feel and finished with refined fringe. All Garnet Hill products are beautifully designed and responsibly sourced.  This exquisite throw is valued at $99. Available at www.GarnetHill.com.

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Stuck At Home? Virtual Farm Tours Allow Kids To Visit Dairy Farms Without Leaving The House

While school closures continue and millions of kids are stuck at home, dairy farmers share a unique opportunity to visit a farm without leaving the couch.

Virtual Farm Tours, produced by American Dairy Association North East (ADANE), are available for children in grades Pre K – 12 and use video technology to connect children to dairy farms and the farmers who own and operate them.

From the milk in their cereal to the cheese on their pizza, most kids don't know where their food comes from or how it is produced. Last fall, three virtual tours were filmed at Dutch Hollow Farm in Schodack Landing, N.Y., Will-O-Crest Dairy in Clifton Springs, N.Y., and JoBo Holsteins in Gettysburg, Pa., to educate kids on agriculture, animal care, and sustainability. Additional Virtual Farm Tours can also be found on ADANE's YouTube page.

For more educational materials, visit ADANE's website to download lesson plans.

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Bentley Mulliner Continental GT Convertible Equestrian Edition.

CD Staff

Bentley Mulliner has added to its new car limited edition Continental GT Convertible to the line-up, the Equestrian Edition.

This one of a kind Continental GT Convertible embodies a myriad of distinctive features, building on the strengths of Bentley’s iconic open-top Grand Tourer. Inspired by the greatest racecourse in the world and home to the most exhilarating and prestigious event of the horse racing calendar, The Cheltenham Festival, the sole example of the Equestrian Edition has been specially commissioned by Bentley Bristol and hand-built by Bentley Mulliner in Crewe. To celebrate the car’s inspiration, it was recently photographed at Jackdaws Castle – the famous state of the art equestrian training facility and home of Jonjo O’Neill Racing, just 10 miles from Cheltenham Racecourse.

Horse and rider silhouettes adorn all four seats, that are finished in the aptly named sustainable Saddle hide. A Cumbrian Green secondary hide complements the bespoke theme. The same horse and rider silhouette accompany the Bentley Mulliner branding in the front fascia, where lavish gold detailing stylishly accentuates the straight grain Walnut single veneer and boxwood inlays.

Continuing the interior theme, the diamond quilting now synonymous with Bentley Mulliner is crafted utilizing an authentic Tweed fabric, with a contrasting light blue stitch introducing a modern touch and providing a distinctive feature to the door inlays and rear quarter panels. Bentley Mulliner has applied its trademark branded treadplates to complete the bespoke interior of the Equestrian Edition.

To the exterior, a specially commissioned and distinctive shade of green called Spruce is paired with Blackline Specification, which replaces bright chrome with gloss black versions to all exterior bright ware, bezels, radiator grill, and exhaust outlets. Bold 22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification wheels in gloss black complete the specification.

The car comes equipped with both suites of Bentley’s state of the art driver assistance technologies namely; Bentley Touring specification that includes Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Bentley Safeguard Plus, Night vision and Head-up display, and Bentley’s City Specification incorporating Top view camera, Traffic sign recognition, City assist, Pedestrian warning, Reversing traffic warning, Automatic dimming mirrors and Hands-free boot opening.

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Featured Cowgirl: Bobbi Jeen Olson

by Mike Satterfield

Bobbi Jeen Olson practically grew up on the back of a horse, riding with her mom before she could even walk. So it is no wonder that she has made her living as a cowgirl. Better known as “The Arizona Cowgirl” Bobbi Jeen is an actor, model, and perhaps most interesting Stuntwoman.

She always wanted to be an actress, like many she started out as an extra but her talents behind the reigns and in front of the camera quickly landed her some key roles. The stunt work started out with Walker Texas Ranger (the episode where Walker goes back in time and plays a ranger in the 1800). Bobbi Jeen was a featured Saloon Girl and the stand in for Jamie Rose, when the director needed a stunt double for Jamie Rose, Bobbi Jeen quickly stepped up and told the director that she could do it. That impromptu performance as a stunt rider has allowed her to rob armored stage coaches, throw spears, drive “runaway wagons” and many more adventures.

Bobbi Jeen has worked on projects for CBS, Animal Planet, PBS and a number of other networks and film projects. But it’s not all glitz and glamour the life of a hard riding stuntwoman has its costs. “While jumping off a cliff for Animal Planets-I Shouldn't be Alive, I knew they hadn't brought the right bag yet I jumped anyways. The first jump the bag sucked me in and I couldn't roll out of it, hurting my ankle..the next jump got me good and I was rushed to the hospital. It took out 6 months before I was working, riding & roping again…We have those gut feelings-those little voices for a reason and when we do, we should listen!”

In addition to her work on film, you might recognize Bobbi from her print work in magazines promoting some of the top brands in the western world. Being one of the top requested western models in the county means that Bobbi Jeen has represented brands like; Cowgirl Kim, Country Life, Lone Eagle Studio, and Meredith Lockhart there is good chances you have see her work in countless regional and national publications.  Her love for the western lifestyle is her driving force. Promoting the western lifestyle through, acting, modeling, stunt work and TV hosting that promotes the values of the west has made her career more difficult, but it has its rewards. “Being able to  pick and choose the projects that will BEST represent who I am and the positive, inspirational, motivational message that I'm trying to convey; Stay true to yourself, be anything and everything you want to be, treat others the way you want to be treated, lead by example and Dream so big , if only half of it comes true, it's still amazing!”

Many industry insiders told Bobbi that sticking to her guns would mean she could never make it in the entertainment industry, but her long resume of film accomplishments and her upcoming roll in the feature film Deadly Sanctuary alongside Daniel Baldwin would suggest otherwise.

When she is not on the road Bobbi resides on her family ranch near Stanfield, Arizona, transitioning from fashion model to cowgirl. Once owned by legendary film star John Wayne the working ranch is Bobbi’s daily connection to the western way of life that she promotes in the hope to pass the values and heritage of the American Southwest on to the next generation. On any given day you may finder her working cattle at the ranch, speaking at local events, teaching youngsters the cowgirl/cowboy way of life, or riding off into the sunset on the silver screen. No matter where you know Bobbi Jean from you know she is living life the cowgirl way.

Connect with Bobbi Jeen at bobbijeen.com

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Stetson and Resistol still made in the USA

by M. Satterfield

This story was made possible by our friends at Chevrolet.

There is something romantic about a cowboy hat, originally designed out of necessity as our forebearers explored the vast and wild west, it quickly became a style icon inextricably linked to the American individualist... the cowboy, the adventure, the hero. Mainly thanks to the advent of the moving picture and the rise of western film stars in the 1920s. Hats have always been used as symbols in popular media imbuing their wearer with intent and reflecting personality traits from the tall crowed 10-Gallon hat worn by Hoss on Bonanza to Indiana Jones' famous fedora. So when the opportunity to tour the factory of two of America's most storied hat brands, Stetson and Resistol,  I jumped in the Suburban and headed to Dallas.

The Stetson legacy started in the early 1860s when John B. Stetson was traveling the Great American West, having grown up the son of a hatter in New Jersey, he fashioned his own fur felt hat while exploring the territory of Colorado. The story goes that a cowboy in Colorado saw Stetson in his wide-brimmed hat and paid him a $5 gold piece for it, and the first "cowboy hat" was sold.

Upon returning to the east Stetson opened his own hat company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he would release the first hat to bare his name, he called it "The Boss of the Plains." To sell his hats Stetson sent samples to retailers across the Southwest with a letter asking for a minimum order of a dozen hats, the hats were a hit and in less than a year, Stetson built his first factory. By 1886 Stetson was the largest hat maker in the world, expanding his US factory and opening factories abroad to meet demand. Stetson hats would go on to become the official hat of the US Calvary, Royal Candian Mounted Police, and some of the most famous cowboys and cowgirls in the world.

The Resistol brand was founded in Dallas Texas when in 1927 hatmaker Harry Rolnick and millionaire E.R. Byer launched the brand under the Resistol name some say it is because their hats could resist all weather, others say it was because of the unique headband design that made it resistant to sweat stains. Either way, the hats were a hit thanks to the brands focused on producing the highest quality and fashion-forward hats of their day.

With Resistol acquiring its own fur cutting and felt processing plant as well as a rough body production plant, allowing them to be one of the only manufacturers in the world to control the hat making process from raw material to finished product. The quality spoke for itself and Resistol hats could be seen on the likes of John Wayne, Henry Fonda, and even LBJ which helped solidify their reputation as one of the finest hat makers in the world.



Today Stetson and Resistol are still manufactured in the USA by Hatco Inc, using some of the original machines from the Resistol factory dating back to the early 1930s. Each hat passes through the hands of several employees, just as they did over 100 years ago. The company is still making their own felt hat bodies to this day, making them the last manufacturer in the USA to produce fur felt hats from start to finish. Straw hat bodies are made by artisans overseas, but the unfinished hats are shipped to the Garland, Texas factory to be shaped, trimmed, and finished by hand.

As the largest traditional hat maker in the world, Hatco Inc. produces hats under the Stetson, Resistol, Dobbs, Charlie Horse, and Wrangler Hat brands. If you happen to be in Garland you can swing by the factory outlet to pick up a hat direct, but to shop online or find a retailer near you visit Stetson.com or Resistol.com.

Enjoy more photos from the factory below:

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Rodeo

by Kathy Satterfield

Rodeo. Just the word alone conjures up visions of rough and tough cowboys, wild horses and bucking bulls.  But Rodeo is much more than that.  It’s more than a sporting event that tests the skills of cowboys and cowgirls.  Rodeo helps keep the Wild West American heritage alive, romanticized perhaps; but it does stir up a deep feeling and longing for days gone by.
Rodeos entertain crowds all over the world, drawing people from all walks of life. Each rodeo offers different attractions like livestock shows, clay shooting competitions, beauty pageants, mutton busting, concerts and other events.

The connection between man and the love of the land; ranching, riding, and roping, is stirred at a rodeo. It is inspiring to watch the competition between animal and man.  The discipline the cowboy and cowgirls have to overcome their fear, fear of riding fast, fear of falling off as you grab the steer horns, fear of getting your boot stuck in the stirrup as you leap from your horse to tie a calf, fear of 2,000 pounds of bull stepping on your back or leg…this is a dangerous sport.  These cowboys risk a lot to entertain the audience, even if the reward is great when you win.

You also see deep respect for the rodeo animals, be it horse, bull, calf or steer. I would go so far to say that the animals are pampered, and why shouldn’t they be? They work hard or should I say play hard for their keep.  The health and happiness of the animals is important not only for their owners but for the riders and audience.

Something you will see at the beginning of most Rodeos is the parade of athletes which are the cowboys and cowgirls riding in that day’s events, also the Rodeo Queen and her court and the singing of the National Anthem.  This is a proud group, proud to be Americans, although not all participations are Americans, proud of the cowboy/cowgirl way of life, proud for many to be people of faith and proud to represent their sport.

It’s a way of life that sticks with you even when you are no longer participating in rodeo events.  It has a way of working its way into your very being, attitudes, and beliefs.  A firm foundation for a good life and endeavor.

Original Cowgirl® Clothing is right there too. The rodeo, ranching, riding, roping mindset is embedded deep within each of us here at Red Barn Ranch. You’ll see it in our tees, tanks and thermals, and other products, each celebrating some aspect of the cowboy/cowgirl way of life.   Long live Rodeo, and the cowboys and cowgirls who keep it alive.

Happy Trails,

Kathy Satterfield
Co-Founder - RBR Inc.

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Original Cowgirl® Blends Modern Trends & Retro Style With New Vintage-Inspired Collection

RBR Wholesale today announced the launch of a new collection, a line of vintage-inspired graphic tees, tank tops, and accessories that embody a retro period-specific vibe.

The collection includes exclusive licensed apparel from western fashion designer Jess Snell. Jess is force behind Rockin' B Clothing, which creates one of a kind western wear for stars like country music stars Kacey Musgraves and Stephanie Quayle, and TV Personality Sabina Kelley.

"We love partnering with Jess, she is an amazing talent and it is exciting that Original Cowgirl® can offer her fans something of she has designed that can be worn every day." - Kathy Satterfield, RBR Wholesale.

The line also includes designs from the RBR Creative team that call back to the styles of 50s, 60s, and 70s. Inspired by road trips, the southwest, and the ranch where the brand was founded.

For retail, the collection is available immediately on OriginalCowgirlClothingCo.comand select retailers across the USA, Canada, and Australia.

Wholesale Inquiries should be directed to RBRWHolesale.com.

About Original Cowgirl®

Launched in 2007, Original Cowgirl Clothing Company was created to serve independent and boutique retailers in the western lifestyle marketplace.

About Rockin' B Clothing

Rockin' B has designed bespoke pieces for country stars Kacey Musgraves and Morgane Stapleton; designed for VH1, CNBC, as well as multiple film projects, music videos and fashion editorials.

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One-of-a-kind Henry Rifle Being Auctioned To Benefit The New Cody Firearms Museum

Henry Repeating Arms and Baron Engraving of Trumbull, CT have partnered on a one-of-one hand-engraved New Original Henry Rifle which is being auctioned off to benefit the newly renovated Cody Firearms Museum, boasting the most comprehensive collection of firearms in the United States.

Baron's master engraver, Rob Bunting, embellished the rifle using a design inspired by a Samuel Hoggson factory-engraved 1860's era Henry rifle found in the collections of the Cody Firearms Museum. The full coverage engraving features Hoggson's signature large grape leaf motif, a classic buck scene, and leafy scroll cuts. The serial number denotes the rifle's unique and collectible status, 01CFM2019.

Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms, says, "The Cody Firearms Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in firearms or American history. It's truly an extraordinary collection, and we're very proud that we're able to be a part of the Grand Re-opening." Imperato continues, "Firearms play such an integral role in our nation's history, so we had to jump at the opportunity to ensure that this collection stays around for more generations to enjoy."

The New Henry Original Rifle is a line-by-line reproduction of the first lever action rifle ever put into production, which was patented by Benjamin Tyler Henry in 1860, except for concessions needed to utilize a caliber other than the now extinct .44 Henry Rimfire. It features a brass receiver and crescent buttplate, extra-fancy American Walnut furniture, and a polished blued steel octagonal barrel.

The rifle is a featured auction item on Gunbroker.com, item #816952721. Online bidding will close during the Grand Re-opening ceremonies at the Cody Firearms Museum on July 6, 2019.

To complement this one-of-a-kind rifle, a unique collector's series is also being offered to benefit the Cody Firearms Museum. The first offering of the series is a unique rifle built on Henry's award-winning Golden Boy, engraved by Baron Engraving. These rifles are available to retailers exclusively through Davidson's of Prescott, AZ and are available to the public at Davidson's Gallery of Guns.

Together, Henry Repeating Arms, Baron Engraving and Davidson's are expected to raise more than $100,000 to support the revitalization of the Cody Firearms Museum.

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