31 December 2013

SCENES FROM OUR COTTAGE.

2013. I can't even believe that it's over. What a whirlwind of a year it was...filled with amazing, unfathomable happenings and blessings. I have this tendency to wish time away. I'm always, always looking forward to the future: planning, dreaming, trying to make my life happen (the curse of the creatives, it seems). I'm forever trying to change things. And this house. Can we talk about this house? It's in a constant state of disarray. Living in a construction zone can be chaotic, at best.

So as 2014 commences, I want to start anew...with the old. Appreciate what I have. Be grateful for everything in my life...yes, even the moments of limbo/chaos/confusion/what have you. Because isn't that where we find true happiness? Relishing in our 'haves' instead of furiously seeking our 'have-nots'?
And yes, my house is still chaotic. Don't let me fool you. Who knows when this reno will boast serene surroundings...but at least it's on its way. But today I decided I would appreciate what I have...and the way things are...and start really living in this house...and enjoying it. So here are some scenes to prove that I am doing just that:















So, there you have it: objects, furnishings, updates, vignettes, works-in-progress...and things that make me happy...in and around my house :)

Happy New Years Eve, my dear friends!!! I hope you spend every moment rejoicing over the moments of 2013, and relishing each and every new minute of 2014! I hope your New Years is nothing but extremely blessed!

HAPPIEST 2014.






19 December 2013

VACATION.

My Maple turned 30 last week, and we were fortunate enough to celebrate such a momentous occasion at our favorite house in the world, and with a handful of our dearest, most amazing friends. It was the trip of a lifetime, and it could not have been any more perfect. And perhaps the highlight of the entire occasion?  Bahamian 80's Day. Yes--for Corey's birthday--we surprised him by appearing for breakfast decked out in 80s garb. And then we hit the beach in...you guessed it...80s swimsuits. And then we had an 80s outfit change for lunch. And of course the night cap was our 80s dinner attire. It was nothing short of amazing. And if TSA had ransacked my suitcase they would've have been wildly confused by its contents. But it was hilarious, and perfect...and, as Maple so eloquently put it...the very best day of his life. Success!
































Do you spy the unfathomable interiors work of the Tom Scheerer? He decorated the club at Lyford Cay in Nassau, and each time I visit I find new and noteworthy design elements to drool over.

And, do you spy some amazing 80s attire? If you look closely enough, you may just catch the glimmer of some relatively famous gold shorts...

HAPPY THURSDAY.


04 December 2013

LATELY.

So, it's been a while since I've given you a lately. Perhaps it's because life hasn't been super exciting as-of-late, which, quite frankly, has been...nice. I'm a person who needs to stay busy, but I also relish (and pretty much live for) those fleeting moments in time when you can simply relax...put your feet up...and enjoy where you are in your life...the people who are in it...and all that you've worked so hard for. So here's a little glimpse into my relatively quiet lately.


Escapades through greenhouses have been quite frequent as we, at the studio, have been wrapping up and styling design projects.


Lots of time has been spent drinking espresso + relishing my harlequin kitchen floors.


And...lots of time has been spent kissing these nephew cheeks, and those of my six little nieceys.


A vintage inlay desk with brass hardware, and one of my highly coveted Panton chairs (I finally got my hands on originals as they are somewhat of an oddity to other Kentuckians...aka...not ornately carved mahogany upholstered with...horses) found their way into a cozy corner of our bedroom.


I painted. It required me being alone with my wine, and this tail that kept thinking it was highly involved in the artistry. I can't say it turned out well, but I think I needed that creative freedom.


It snowed. Far too early in the season, but it was oh-so-pretty.


The most gorgeous bevy of Aerin candles arrived at my doorstep, from the most generous Howard Slatkin, who I hope to have the good fortune of actually meeting someday. He is brilliant...his work is exquisite...and his kindness unfathomable. 


And design happenings in the studio have been accompanied by their creative counterpart...coffee.

All in all, my lately has been so incredibly good.
Hope the same rings true for yours.

HAPPY WEDNESDAY.