photo credits:

cadrian l. lure dress by theory, kali strap cuff by john hardy , tirza clutch by derek lam , parton high heel by rachel zoe

These super rough sketches are key to a successful start on all our projects. It’s how I play with space. My awesome assistant designer will computer render before I edit them again.

Recipe Links:

Spring Salad with Baby Carrot and Radish

Strawberry Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Asparagus Gruyere Mini Quiches

Laduree Macarons

Meyer Lemon Crepe Cake

Mariage Freres French Breakfast Tea

Grand Champagne Cocktail

I’m still doing the smoothie thing, though a few times a week instead of every day now! While I wait for all the great summer fruit to come into season, I am still eating apples. This smoothie is a protein source for me, since I am a vegetarian. Very light and refreshing too! Here’s the recipe:

1/4 cup almonds ground into powder

1/2 scoop Bluebonnet Whey protein powder

1 apple, peeled, cored, cut in cubes

3/4 cup almond milk (Pacific Brand tastes best)

Put all ingredients into a blender and blend on low speed for 1 minute, or until thoroughly blended. Serve over ice if you like your drink really cold. I like mine at close to room temperature so I don’t get a chill!

Finishing out an otherwise unused corner of a large room with a painted folding screen is a beautiful way to delineate a small seating arrangement and make a visual statement. The key components are; the screen, an eye-catching chair, a spot table, and some accents. Here I love the way this pillow is in keeping with the colors, but adds a modern touch.

1/ Asian folding screen: With an antiqued silver background and hand-painted bamboo motif, this screen telegraphs quiet sophistication.

2/ Belle chair: Pretty feminine lines go current with gloss white frame and weathered grey beige leather.

3/ Pillow: This graphic pillow keeps the whole look from getting too serious by adding a bright playful note.

4/ Spot Table: The chunkier lines are a good foil for the curvy chair.

1/ I eat Fage yogurt at least twice a day with a spoon of maple syrup mixed in for semi-sweet protein boost.

2/ Marc Jacobs sunglasses. Now that we are headed for sunny weather I am all set. I love the color.

3/ My yoga mat. I am addicted to Sheila’s yoga classes at Motion Fitness so I started keeping my mat in the car so I never miss it.

4/ Cocktail ring. I wore this at my photoshoot last month and couldn’t part with it. I’ve been wearing it almost every day since!

5/ Balenciaga bag. I really needed a new handbag, but never like anything I see, so I broke down and finally bought the bag I’ve been pining for. Why I love it: great go with anything color, non-flashy hardware, can be worn on the arm or cross body, and, it looks perfect on me!

This season I was inspired a lot by tea. The color. The concept of leisure and luxury all wrapped in one. My first board is called honey and black. The honey tones extend to corals and even deeper, and the blacks are an off black with brown undertones. The glint of metallics chimes in. That is the color palette. The vibe of this board to me is romantic but still edgy and artistic. Soft flowy clothes pulled off with an attitude. Dreamy spaces with edgy details. Things that are beautiful but still cool. Hope you like it!

This board is a sweeter version of the honey and black inspiration board. There are warm coral tones, but they lean more towards blush colors, which are very popular this spring. The lavender tones are very grey in undertone. Instead of black there are warm browns, making the whole look softer. Some of the images are more feminine. The vibe is for the girl that lives in the city, but loves to go to the country for the weekend. It is about blending an urban feel with a more earthy aesthetic.

Photo Credits

Row 1: Andrew Gn Spring Collection 2012, elledecor.com, pinterest.com

Row 2: pinterest.com, elledecor.com

Row 3: elledecor.com, musingsinfemininity.tumblr.com, marthastewart.com

This inspiration board is about the contrast between dark and light. While I generally prefer light, airy spaces in a home, I feel it is important to contrast that with one or two darker spaces. This season I am feeling dark, dark blue. Spots of white and golden light interject. The overall vibe of this board is ultra-cool with my typical earthy elements added in for a well-grounded feeling.

credits: row 1: pinterest.com, tumblr.com, theory.com

row 2: marthastewart.com, elledecor.com

row 3: witanddelight.tumblr.com, pinterest.com, pinterest.com