Full disclaimer: I am not someone that usually gravitates toward quotes and inspirational affirmations. Quotes are nice and all, and can serve as motivational and enriching levers, but I don't usually make a point to keep them close to me or recite them in conversation. With the unfortunate news of the ever so eloquent Maya Angelou's passing, social media was abuzz with various tributes to the prolific woman (including Tory Burch's blog, above). I must say, this particular quote is one that really resonates with me. I've found myself coming back to it as it truly does give me pause. We are in absolute control of who we let in to our lives and I continually focus on surrounding myself with those that make me feel valued, respected, inspired and thirsty for living. Life is too short otherwise, don't you think?
Office Inspiration: Grégoire's Gem
One of the perks of now working at an interior design firm is the sheer joy of being surrounded by tangible inspiration all day long. I am deeply affected by the landscapes in which I live and work in, and my new work environment makes me truly happy. Instead of the interior rigidness of a financial institution, I am now surrounded by a flood of rich fabrics and textiles, architects drafting elaborate blueprints, a sea of French antiques, and, a library full of auction and design catalogues. Thus, I bring you my latest obsession. If I could jump in to this landscape, I would. The images come from the French design publication Côté Sud and depict the most idyllic residence on the French Riviera. The vacation home belongs to Grégoire Gardette, legendary photographer, designer, publisher and graphic designer. Now all I need is a new white bikini, my Bain de Soleil and a tall glass of Pellegrino - dreamy!
In addition to salivating over the serene scenes above, be sure to view Grégoire's portfolio, here: http://gregoiregardette.com/fr-en/
Summer in Bloom
It sure does feel like summer has officially commenced on the east coast. The harbor filled up considerably this weekend, neighborhood children are playing in their yards until sundown, and the Sky Bar in Newport was in full force Saturday evening.
I'm loving these blue delphiniums in my Mother's kitchen bouquet. Nothing makes me happier than fresh flowers and I just love a fresh summer bloom!
Dear Slim,
Those close to me know that there is one man that will forever make my heart pitter patter. The man of course, is none other than photographer and King of the jet-set era, Slim Aarons. I suppose it's his photography that captures me, rather than Slim himself...Given that it's a Friday and I'm on vacation, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites. Bon Weekend!
A Flora Flop
Behold, the catalpa tree. Very few gardeners have planted one since the financial crisis (the one in the 1930s), perhaps due to its messy nature. The seedpods it drops are abundant and pesky and its blooms are shortlived. The catalpa has company though. According to Wednesday's article in the NYTimes, American homeowners have stopped spending money on all types of trees and shrubs. In the four years after 2008's financial crisis, landscaping purchases dropped by 46 percent. Among other floral flops? The Poppy, the Firethorn, the Fig tree and Crinum. I highly suggest reading the article and skip to your nearest garden shop.
Get On The (Green) Wagon!
As "millennials", we're at a stage in life where we begin to see our friends and peers do some pretty cool things in life. Living in San Francisco, we're especially privy to some unique innovators, dreamers and doers. However, let's face it, that pool of innovators is getting larger and so, when we discover a good thing, it can be transcending.
On the subject of transcending, it gives me great joy and an immense amount of pride to introduce you to Green Wagon, the brainchild of my dear friend Brittany. Green Wagon is a delivery service of organic and gluten free snacks to businesses and homes. Each delivery, (weekly, every other week or monthly- you chose) is a curated box of delightful eats, all 100% organic, gluten free, vegan and non-GMO. Genius. When I discovered how well my package of dried persimmons complemented my afternoon cappuccino at work yesterday, I started plotting my healthy afternoon snacks for the rest of the week. (Think: coconut chips! chocolate covered goji berries! rosemary garlic pistachios!)
The concept truly does re-define snacking as the brand preaches and better yet, you can snack yourself to your heart's content with the satisfaction of knowing Green Wagon donates 1% of annual revenue to a hunger cause. Get on the Green Wagon!
A Pacific Heights Classic
I loved the feature in Lonny this month detailing Susan Greenleaf's home in Pacific Heights, San Francisco. The brick 1867 Georgian-style home was once the residence of a French government official and now, a vibrant family home. An interior designer, Susan's style is playful yet traditional which seems logical given her roots abroad in London and her husband's career in the tech space. You'll find shades of citrus in geometrical art throughout the home, canary yellow upholstered Louis XVI chairs, and whimsical Scalamandré wallpaper in the powder room. This is, however, a home that lends itself to functionality, vitality and growth - she and her husband have eight year old twins. Read on about the home, here.
Mark Your Calendar: SF Decorator Showcase
The Decorator Showcase is my favorite annual event in San Francisco. This year, I am particularly excited about the house selected, as I have been mesmorized by the ivy-covered home ever since my first walk in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. Last year, the home sold for $18M making it one of the most expensive (residential) real estate transactions within the year. It should also be mentioned that it sold above asking price. (For those unfamiliar with the San Francisco real estate market, this is more common then you would think).
The Decorator Showcase will be open from April 26 - May 26 this year, showcasing the work of over twenty six interior and landscape design firms. The event, open to the public, is a fundraiser for the San Francisco University High School. Last year, the event raised over $622,565 (net).
I reccomend attending the event on a weekend morning or after work. It's a wonderful event to go to with friends who appreciative design, and also makes for a fun pre-dinner date activity.
To learn more and purchase your tickets, visit here.
More Than Just Margaritas...
NET-A-PORTER's THE EDIT does a fantastic job of showcasing new travel destinations. The latest? A nod to Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño who is behind the vibrant beach resort in Mexico called Las Alamandas. The private suite-only resort is painted in a palette of tropical sorbets, the property dotted by palm trees, jasmine and lush gardens. The property lends to vitality in spirit and landscape - one that will certainly make my "Mexico Must" list.
Below, a few packing options to get you on your way (all available on NET-A-PORTER, naturally)...
Oscar de la Renta's Embellished silk kaftan via 
Kenneth Jay Lane Hammered gold-plated earrings via 
Alexander McQueen Punk Skull embellished satin clutch box
Charlotte Olympia's Triton embellished metallic leather sandals via 
Karla Colletto Rosettes appliquéd underwired swimsuit via 
Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato tote via 
Hervé Van der Straeten's tiered hammered gold-plated brass necklace via
Lisa Marie Fernandez's Poppy Bandeau swimsuit via 
Marni gold-tone tassel clip earrings via
Blue Skies & A Rustic Calling
While getting caught up on my WSJ Real Estate section, I couldn't help but be drawn to this unique 360 acre ranch in Stanley, Idaho up for sale. The sprawling property features breathtaking panoramic views of mountains perfect for hiking and skiing, converted sheep wagons for a rustic sleep retreat and best of all, a geo-thermal hot spring that flows into an outdoor tub. Pack your boots and whiskey, time for an adventure! Yeeeee-ha!
Images via.