Hit the refresh button
Hibernating bears are onto something. The frigid cold snap had me nesting and staying home. When the temperatures soared to 35 degrees, it felt spring.
The 2018 colors of the year
Happy New Year! Here are the 2018 Colors of the Year. Get ready for pops of color.
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.
Shop small for the holidays
As much as I love the convenience of shopping online, I love to support local artisans and small independent business owners. Some have storefronts, studios, are web based or by appointment only.
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.
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.
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.