Happy New Year + Shelter Loves - a decade in review - Interior Design 2016

WOW, what a year!! I had a wonderful year professionally. I completed a number of beautiful projects and I look forward to sharing them with you in 2020! Personally, this was a doozy for me. I made some very difficult but necessary decisions over the course of year. 2019 was full of uncomfortable moments, loads of self reflection, gratitude, travel, growth and finally, peace...

I typically share what I've learned over the past year but I'm going to keep it sweet and simple this year. I will leave you with this thought and quote by Yung Pueblo - "True power is living the realization that you are your own healer, hero and leader".

Thank you so much for reading my blog and for all of your support over the years, I truly appreciate it and all of you.

I thought I'd share some of my favorite things from this incredible decade. Here they are. From the top, left to right.

I have a really good feeling about 2020. Wishing you all much love, peace, health, prosperity and joy! I plan to read more books, continue to exercise/run and experience new adventures, travels & experiences this year!  xx


DECADE LOVES:

1. Favorite Show: MADMEN!! I miss this show and all the amazing characters.
2. Interiors Trend: Sustainable design, unique lighting and interiors that are inspired by nature with hand crafted furniture.
3. Fashion: The "Athleisure" movement!! I still enjoy dressing up but the array of leggings, COOL SNEAKERS, jackets and sweatshirts available over the past ten years has been fabulous. They are flattering, comfortable and multifunctional.
4. Cultural Movement: Women and diversity were celebrated. Hooray! I was lucky enough to participate in a Women's march.
5. Royal inspiration: Kate and Meghan are both bright, sophisticated, inspiring women that are doing wonderful charity work. I looked up to Princess Diana as a little girl and as a grown woman, I am equally inspired by these two. Their classic style is also always a treat to see.
6. Podcasts: The Daily, is very well done.
7. Social Media: From a business and organizational standpoint, Pinterest has been a game changer. I love it!!
8. Bottled juices and juice shops. I eat very healthy during the week and drink fresh juice all the time. I almost always have one in the car on hectic work days.
9. A favorite album: I'll start by saying, I'm a HUGE music fan and I listen to an array of genres on a daily basis, so this was not an easy choice. Lemonade - it's varied, emotional and original.
Whether you're a fan of Beyonce or not, she is wildly talented and proves it with this album.
10. A favorite Musical Artist this decade - Adele. Her voice soars.
11. Instagram - It's positive and connects me with so many talented designers and creative types.
12. Sparkling Water - It really took off, need I say more? Polar is my "go to" in a can.
13. Fashion trend 2 - Faux fur. It's cozy and fun.
14 - Book: I enjoy reading but I had two very young children over the past ten years so I did not read a book a week, like in the past. I could not choose one favorite book that I loved. I do plan to read more this year and have a list of books to dig into!
15. Movie - I also love movies but enjoyed too many to select one! I created a "must watch list" for 2020.



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Gift Guide - for the chef - Interior Design 2016

Today, I am sharing one of my favorite guides. I'm not sure if I like to cook or having beautiful kitchen gadgets more, in any case, a nicely equipped kitchen is not only a treat but very functional! Here are my picks for the chef, baker or entertainer, I use some of these items in my kitchen when cooking. There are still a number of fabulous sales and enough time left before Christmas to sneak in your orders. xx

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Mindfulness: Tea as ritual - Interior Design 2016

Melissa Green Photography : Tea as ritual and mindfullness practice

Having been a chronic sufferer of anxiety and a long term appreciator of aesthetics it is no surprise that I came to the practise of mindfulness with welcome arms. Taking a step back to appreciate the environment as it is brings an almost immediate stillness to my somewhat chaotic mind.... right now for instance..... I can hear the ticking of my little clock and the whirling of the laptop fan, I can smell the spicy aroma of my tea (yogi Himalayan ) and I am observing the dance of steam as it circles and swirls up from the mug below it .... and with a deep inhalation..... I am calmer. I am in the moment not my thoughts.

........ although I try to keep this sense of calm with me throughout my day it isn't always that easy, contentment too is impermanent. Life happens, work can be hectic, children have tantrums, and Christmas shopping left too late, means battling though busy shops,  loud Christmas music and neon lights overwhelming my senses. So the big question..... how do we bring mindfulness to these situations?

For me it is a work in progress, I am trying to catch myself in these moments and bring an awareness to the feeling of overwhelm and the rush of adrenaline, and take a step back to observe...is it serving me? At work sometimes the answer is actually yes..... on a busy hospital ward I need the adrenaline to keep me going, but whilst Christmas shopping.... nope!. I am just allowing myself to get carried downstream, feeling the powerful pull of the hive mentality.... must consume, panic buy!!!

So although moments like this when I am sat having a cup of tea, appreciating the smells, tastes, sounds and vision of my little house, may seem small, they are actually the starting point of something bigger . It is returning to this practise every day that is beginning to help buffer me from the outside world and the trap I can easily fall into. It is my reset button.

So how about you? How do you recharge and find stillness? :)

Tea as a mindfullness pratise

One Fine Morning via Flickr

Stillness and Immediacy

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Gift Guide - health and fitness - Interior Design 2016

Today I'm sharing gift ideas for the health and fitness lovers in your life. I've been doing barre class twice a week and I love it! I know most of my friends would appreciate a new pair of work out pants. I especially like the ones with a pocket. 

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Gift Guide - My wish list - Interior Design 2016

It goes without saying that my wishes are for a happy and healthy holiday for all... but it is kind of fun to round up a "wish list" (even though some are just a dream or a goal to purchase for myself), a few are items I actually need, like the ski mittens, I managed to lose one last year in Stowe.. Hope you're getting into the holiday spirit and enjoying time with friends and family! xx

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Gift Guide - For the hostess - Interior Design 2016

I always tell my children, never go to anyone's home for a party empty handed. I love picking up a thoughtful gift for the host or hostess of a holiday gathering. Here are some ideas that won't disappoint. 

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Deck the halls - Interior Design 2016

I plan to decorate my house for Christmas this weekend.. I am partial to natural greens and have, in the past used - fruit, white lights, candles and pine cones to finish off the decorating. I also have a mix of animals, porcelain homes, candles and bottle brush trees. Here's some beautiful inspiration, I tried to include looks for everyone! Merry Weekend! xx

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Gift Guide - Tween Girl - Interior Design 2016

Time for another gift guide! I got a request for gift ideas for "Tween" girls. This one got my nine year olds' stamp of approval! Most girls don't love receiving clothing unless they deem it fun or "cool". Cozy items are a big hit with most. Good luck and once again, happy shopping! I have a blast shopping for my daughter. 

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Giving Tuesday - Interior Design 2016

The holiday season is truly about giving. We all know how good it feels to give to others in need or to support a cause near and dear to you. Today is the international day of giving. I have made an effort to donate to a few favorites myself. Many business are also matching donations or donating a portion of your purchases to their selected cause. 
I will also bring my children to the local community Christmas to drop a toy, hat and mittens. 

There are so many wonderful charities and causes. Here are a few that are doing amazing things:

1. Doctor's Without Borders
2. Books for Kids
3. Dana-Farber - Is doubling today's donations 
4. American Humane  

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Gift ideas - for him - Interior Design 2016

Ahhh, cyber Monday. I had every intention of posting this earlier but I was in meetings for most of the day. I will however, be sitting down with a glass of to place orders for the next hour or so. With all these great sales, it seems silly not to take advantage of the savings while there are still options in stock. I don't have a "him" in my life at the moment (well besides my family + friends) but I always enjoy to shopping for men..... Here's a round up of great stylish finds for the men (man) in your life.

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A speaker is always a fun idea

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Holiday Gifts - For Her - Interior Design 2016

Hello, hello!! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for and that includes all of you, long time and new readers, who take the time to enjoy my weekly dose of inspiration and ideas. I truly appreciate it. 

I am recuperating after hosting yesterday. Everyone helped make the day special, my Mom makes the most wonderful baked goods and my Dad is a pro-dish washer and organizer..Today, I'm kicking off the holiday season with my twelve days of gift guides. My first guide shares ideas for the women in your life. There are so many fabulous sales to take advantage of and items are selling quickly, especially at sites that are having steep discounts, such as J.Crew.  Happy Shopping! Cheers to a magical and peaceful holiday season!! I know I could use one... xxx

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Thanksgiving table ideas - Interior Design 2016

I'm going to focus on Thanksgiving before we hop into the Christmas chaos. I'm hosting this year and need to pull together my table decor today and tomorrow. I always create my own flower arrangements and honestly choose what inspires me on Wednesday. Here's a gorgeous dose of inspiration for your Thanksgiving table. Have a wonderful holiday and safe travels. (Friday kicks off my gift guide ideas on the blog!) xx

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