Dinner at Lauren’s – our Julia Child
“Dining with one’s friends and beloved family is certainly one of life’s primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal.” Julia Child Just added a fun light fixture to Lauren’s apartment (from OneKingsLane). Fabric from Kravet, chairs and green dishes are Lauren’s great grandmothers, polka dot dishes found in London, vases Anthropologie. Stash the ugly lighting to rehang when... Read More
My Aha Moment – a tough personal share encouraged by Newell Turner, House Beautiful, BlogFest 2012
In the “About Us” section of my website it states that I left high tech sales. August 1998. My bright, beautiful 5 year old daughter had a brain tumor removed and was left blind, nonverbal, and almost vegetative. For four years I went with her to rehabs, hospitals, doctors, school. (Literally all over the world) I witnessed her character, wisdom, suffering, unconditional love…her greatness. It inspired me to try the things I always... Read More
Dinnerware – big bowls and soup!
One can hardly talk about design without getting to lifestyle. While we are all having a another month or so of cold weather (OK not so much in LA), I want to mention bowls. Nothing like an over-sized flat bowl…either for your soup in the winter or a salad in the summer. I have a wonderful set from Villeroy & Boch…one of the best presents my mother-in-law has given me. Nothing like a big bowl with a ledge on it that you can balance... Read More
Inspiring Moments
Inspiration…Sometimes the moments in life that take one’s breath away can be so simple yet so inspiring. A blanket of snow along with the sweet taste of warm apple cider enhanced by the smells of wood burning in an open fire is all it takes to bring a rush of childhood memories. Who knew that a recent trip to Denver in October would be filled with Brownstones, great food indulgence, and fantastic conversations with friends and relatives! Walks... Read More
Using Your Family Heirlooms In Your Home Design
I love to mix in family heirlooms in rooms I create. So wonderful to interweave your own history into décor, and yet, the room can still be fresh and modern. The quilt shown was made by my Great-great-great Aunt Mrs. Ordelle C. Howk, who was born in New York in 1831, and crossed the plains with her husband in 1852. Per our understanding, she was the first white woman to enter Sierra Valley over the Downieville trail in June 1853. She... Read More
Personalized Art Work To Decorate Your Home
Nothing like a piece of art personalized to the person for a big present! Commission a piece to reflect something important in a person’s life like their business, school, family, or house. Or commission a piece that reflects something unique about the receiver of the gift such as a passion, talent, or accomplishment. Galleries who really work with their clients and artists alike are the perfect place to get ideas about which artist for a specific... Read More
Favorite Christmas Gifts
My three favorite gifts from last Christmas are shown below. And no, I am not just humoring the three wonderful people in my family by stating so! My daughter Kristin who is blind and has multiple disabilities painstakingly made the ornament – this gift was an act of love, with the help of her caregiver and teacher. I am a believer in saving your favorite hand-made ornaments by children and grandchildren! If you think your main tree has a theme... Read More
