Our home is one of the most personal visual statements we can make and I think it's pretty safe to say that most of us want it to be a beautiful representation of who we are and how we live. Regardless of what stage we are at in reaching this aesthetic goal, we can get so caught up in the act of doing and achieving, that we forget to stop and smell the aromatherapy. Let's face it, there is always something to do or tweak when it comes to maintaining our homes. Even if your the most traditional person who avoids updating for trends sake, I can assure you that a few gallons of paint will still be waiting for you after seven years of daily living. My point? Live in the now. Find the time to celebrate the simplest joys and rituals that cost you nothing but time and effort. Regardless of how overwhelmed you my feel, these are the very moments that we can draw from for strength and perspective. Give yourself the gift of time for the soul purpose of giving back to you. Life isn't perfect and the next day is never guaranteed. Let's stop waiting for the "perfect time" or "the perfect space" to appreciate what we already have. Enjoy and create special moments whenever you can. Create a continuum of beauty that goes beyond the aesthetic. Indulge in the small pleasures that feed your spirit.
Yellow Ribbon Wedgewood
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One of the ways I take pause, is when I have my daily tea. This particular cup and saucer was given to my by a very dear friend. I can't help but think of her and what she means to me when I use it.
Make the time you spend at the table with loved ones or alone special. Set the table and use your best dishes. Why wait for guest to enjoy your home, when you can celebrate everyday.
Celebrations can be quiet. A calm and soothing focal point can be achieved with the simplest floral arrangement. Just walking by it can be a mood changer.
Revisit a cozy spot in your home, then use it! I love this daybed from Mohr & McPherson.
It's calling me and my favorite book. "A Year In Provence" by Peter Mayle
Use your outdoor spaces if your lucky enough to have one. Dine alfresco and have a staycation.
Take a long bath and recharge.
Listen to music and elevate your mood. If you get the urge... DANCE! One of my favorite artist to date is Esperanza Spalding. Beautiful and amazingly talented with musical maturity beyond her years. Music is similar to reading a book, it has the ability to transport you to a different place. In the age of "Slow Home" this is a great way to reduce stress and our carbon foot print:)
Yes, we should strive for beautiful surroundings, they will inevitably enhance the way we live. In the meantime, don't put yourself on hold or wait for your home to be perfect, enjoy it now! Alone or with friends make the most of ordinary times and turn them into extraordinary moments. You are your homes most valuable asset, realizing this is what makes your home truly beautiful.
"I actually love this thought. It's about surrounding yourself with beauty and not just waiting for "guest company" to do so. It keeps one in a continual state of finding wonderful inspiration..."
Breath new life into your space by adding textile gems that make a statement. Pillow options are a great and inexpensive way to revitalize a stale environment, transforming a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Make selections that support the palette without always having to be paired and matched exactly. Mix it up! Create more visual interest and be fearless in giving your home personality. Remember that diversity in texture will heighten the luxury and warm-up your space.
1. Trina Turk Embroidered Shanghai Links Pillow. {via}
As a guest of the GE Monogram Designer session, I gained new knowledge of what I thought was Louisville, KY. Until recently, bourbon, thoroughbreds and "The famous Louisville Slugger" were the only things that I associated with the southern charmer. Well, I know better now. Louisville is a cultural city with a strong artistic presence. Home to 21C Museum Hotel, one of the most highly regarded boutique hotels in the country, Louisville has a chic pulse that beats loud and clear. Currently the hotel is hosting the "Cuba Now" exhibit in addition to other featured artist. I was particularly drawn to the work of Guerra de la Paz and his mixed media sculpture "The Four Seasons," 2004. All four representations were made of assorted cloth to symbolize the changing seasons.
"THE FOUR SEASONS"
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
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"THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE"
Ann Peabody also grabbed my attention with her incredible installation "Wheel Of Fortune, " an aerial sculpture that hangs above the atrium overlooking the lower gallery. On April 3rd, 1974 a tornado leveled Louisville and this is her artistic expression of the event. Ironically, a tornado came eerily close to the hotel during our stay in Louisville. Do you think the "Wheel of Fortune" dabbles in performance art?
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New Friendships
The welcome reception was a highlight for me. I finally had a chance to connect, share laughter and converse with this great group of home experts I have come to call friends. It was a great time had by all, filled with many memorable moments and inspiration.
Yes, there was time spent in the classroom learning all about what GE Monogram had to offer. However, those moments were flanked by hands-on cooking sessions led by Chef Joe and Chef Brian . I found this to be the most effective tool to showcase GE Monogram's quality and high performance. When you can experience the end result and it is in the form of a delicious meal, you know that GE is putting their money where there mouth is. And just to keep it real, we also prepared some of our own meals to gain a full understanding of product capability. I must say, the Advantium Speed cooker has my vote. I fell in love with this wall oven. I didn't think that could be possible. The browning capability and speed blew me away!
What do Chef Joe and Chef Brian like about the Advantium oven?
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The Menu
The first dinner by Chef Joe and Chef Brian was absolutely brilliant!
Beautifully prepared dishes that were cooked and paired to perfection.
The meal was beyond memorable. I didn't want it to end...
Cobia with Salad of Cucumber and Celery
Curry Aioli
Joel Gott Chardonnay, 2008
Grilled Tenderloin of Beef with Braised Gnocchi and Tomato Fondue
Veal Jus with Parsley
Saldo Zinfandel, 2009
Capriole Farms Goat Cheesecake
Roasted Plums and Caramel
Banfi Rosa Regale, 2004
AMAZING!
The bottom of our menu's read:
"Good wine is a necessity of life for me."
-Thomas Jefferson
(I wish I could show you all the dishes, but a camera was the farthest thing from my mind.)
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Then it was our turn!
Our cooking team and I had a blast whipping up meals. "The Brooklyn Contessa" - Nicole Dufour, Michelle Drenckhahn of "Spacial Adapt", Architect Sean Culman and Building Moxie's (he's the one behind the camera:) JB Bartkowiak.
For close to thirteen years now, I have been taking long weekend trips to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. I usually go before Memorial day weekend in order to avoid the summer rush. Rain or shine no matter, it's all about reconnecting with life long friends and creating special moments with new ones. Regroup, Relax, Remember and Recharge.
Views like this one always get my attention. Nothing like an arbor to create curb appeal to visually draw you in. Framing out the entrance to your garden can add beauty and architecture to your outside space. Even on a cloudy day, I found this to be inviting.
Walking through Edgartown, Ma. I spotted this newly built charmer resembling the old familiars that have been there for a hundred years. The brick driveway leading up to the weathered gray shingles make an attractive entrance to this setback residence. So classic, so simple, so New England. I spoke with a lovely lady named Dorothy who has lived in the area for 30 years. I felt as though I had known her before. A brief encounter can sometimes leave a lasting impression. Thank you Dorothy for the heart felt laughter we shared. Those are the daily gifts that feed my spirit. That's what weekends like this are all about.
I love the way this garden meanders along the walkway. A feeling of integration as opposed to soldiered up scrubs. Elements like flow help to create a more inviting and connected landscape.
Black pots and containers are always so attractive. Especially when dressed with a colorful bounty of plantings.
Old friends Lisa and Linda from N.Y. stop and pause for a moment before venturing in to buy delicious cupcakes!! Thankfully this time they weren't mistaken for cupcakes:) XO
Pristine street scene.
Peaceful and calm are the walks along the shore.
Back at the house Heather begins to dip up chocolate covered strawberries for that evenings dessert!
There's no stopping her once she gets started! Fruit tarts anyone!
All I can say is, delish!! So great to have such talented friends who constantly feed you yummy treats!!
It was a great weekend had by all and the old "Black dog" still stands guard on the island:)
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"Don't wait for the storm to pass, learn to dance in the rain"
