Plant a seed and lighten up

Inspired by The Beekman 1802: Boys A Seat at the Table book I thought, “Why not host an open house showcasing the local artisans featured in my last column?” It was during one of my busiest weeks. My house wasn’t decorated except for a few Poinsettias. No time to make appetizers or signature cocktails. It was a run to the store for food to thrown on my table and felt like a deer caught in the headlights. This was not my plan.

What did I learn? It didn’t matter. Everyone had a great time, friends brought food and drinks and the vendors sold merchandise. Everyone was relaxed but me. It was a great turnout. My new mantra is ‘lighten up’. Life is hectic but if you are spending it with people whose company you enjoy, that is all that matters.

A seat at the table

When Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell both lost their jobs in the Recession of 2008 and decamped to a small farming community in upstate NY to start their lives over, they relied on the help of their neighbors to teach them virtually everything they needed to know to start a surprisingly complex “simple life”.

As their farm grew, so did their collection of artisans that make up the lifestyle company they created and named Beekman 1802.
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Nesting time

With cooler temperatures, I find myself wanting to stay home. Nesting season is upon us and to create a comfortable environment at home, it helps to free up the space of things that are no longer working for you.

Portraits of your favorite pet

When you meet an artist who hands you a business card and instantly fall in love with a painting of a dog on the card, you want to know more. That is exactly what happened when I met artist Robert Lucy of Woodstock.

Tips to transition into autumn

This fall seems to be more like summer. It’s hot then chilly then hot again. Change is definitely in the air even though summer is lingering. This is the optimum time to get ready for nesting season. Here a few suggestions that may inspire you.

Clean + De-clutter = SOLD!

September has always been the start of a new year for me. Unlike January and new year resolutions, the weather is more civilized so you can set goals and create action plans to get things done. I’m ready to get back into a routine that includes cleaning and editing.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness. A clean, organized home feels good and if your home is on the market, clean sells homes. Everyone has degrees of what is acceptable or even qualifies as clean. The reality is this: you may be able to tolerate your own unkempt home and let things go but no one can stand someone else’s uncleanliness. In fact, it is a big turn off.

Eco friendly handcrafted furniture

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.” – Joseph Campbell

That is one of my favorite quotes and it defines the driving force behind Blissopia Furniture. Established in 2012 by Monika Vokoun and Dylan Akinrele, Blissopia is the realization of their dream of a furniture company that creates eco friendly handcrafted furniture.

Time to clear the energy of the house

After years of staging homes going on the market I decided it was time to work on my own house. For those of you who have remodeled while living in your house, you know the stress level is high.

Beautifully imperfect way to sell your house

Life is messy. Our homes are our own reflection and if we are worn out and tired; our homes may feel that way too. Actives lives and families can lead to a house that looks lived in. There is nothing wrong with the ‘lived in’ look unless you are trying to sell your house.

The Patina of the Country Living Fair

Definition of Patina: A surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age or use. Or a green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or artificially (as by acids) and often valued aesthetically for its color.

The 3-day Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck has become my annual trek. The fair is filled with antiques, vintage, flea market, rustic and handmade items. The pages of Country Living Magazine come to life beautifully.