Biscuit Home - Interior Design 2016

We all have certain designers that speak to us for one reason or another. I'm actually drawn to an array of styles and looks - from modern to classic. And it's definitely in my wheelhouse to create both or a seamless blend of the two for my clients. I do however, find that interiors and architecture that have a sense of history and meaning, soar. Bailey does just that with her business, the prints and designs have a classic foundation but feel fresh, new and never stuffy. I will also never tire of a good monogram. I recently selected one of the sheet prints as the starting point for a little Southern girl's bedroom. I always love to see what she has up her sleeve. Biscuit Home added a much needed bedding source to the market and I continually visit her site for design pieces that include bedding, accessories and furniture. I love to use color on my projects, so her love of color is much appreciated too. I thoroughly enjoyed, House of Harper's interview with her. Bailey's boutique, aptly named Biscuit Home, is beautifully executed!! Her home is also stunning. 

I used a similar blue color on my bedside tables and I'm thinking of mixing it with lavender in my daughter's room revamp this Spring!

💙💙💙💙

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Hope for a brighter morning! - Interior Design 2016

A good morning it is indeed. It seems lately, many things are pointing in the direction of hope. I love starting my week and year off on a positive note.  If you have not had a moment to watch Oprah's Cecil B. DeMille award acceptance speech, please do. It made my morning, scratch that, week! She is truly an incredible person, an inspiration and a gifted speaker. THANK YOU, OPRAH! Watch it here. #TIMESUP  At this point, I could care less what everyone was wearing. ;)

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5 minutes with.... Semra From Mama Moon Candles - Interior Design 2016

Moon Ritual: Mama Moon Candles

Today on Moon to Moon we are lucky enough to have Semra from Mama Moon candles telling us about her journey from Stylist to candle maker!! I first discovered her beautiful candles a year or so ago via Instagram and have been intrigued to know a little more of what goes on behind the scenes for a while....so...

1)   Hi Semra, Can you tell us a little bit about yourself  and what led you to making candles?

Hey, yes sure… I am a very sensitive and loyal scorpio! I like to practice feel good magic.. I love the whole psycho- spiritual aspect of it.  I guess I would consider myself an eclectic witch who uses a little of this and a little of that! 

My journey to making candles has been varied, I was a fashion stylist for about 11 years, I wasn’t enjoying it for multiple reasons.  I decided to quit and go to University to study psychology, I loved learning all the theories, but the whole rats and stats of it all was something that I couldn’t cope with.. I’m way too spiritual! … So I quit and my best friend and I decided to do something courageous and bonkers and set up a kickstarter and raised money to buy a motor-home and perform our comedy show in the back of! It was a total passion project and was so much fun, stressful at times, but wouldn’t change that experience for anything..

While I have had my various jobs on the go I have always been in to healing, rituals and mixing oil blends and herbs… all this is very natural to me and has really helped and empowered me through some of life's rocky times,  I wanted to create something that would make people feel good and was an accessible way to create a mini ritual at home.

2) What is different about Mama Moon soy based candles to the mass produced ones available in big shops?

Big machines aren’t mixing them up, I am! I’m in my kitchen,  I’m heating the wax and mixing in the oils that have been infused with crystals, and I'm  pouring them in to the jars all myself… Each one is individually made by me, with love, care and magic!..  I create a protective circle and put a lot of positive intention in to them.  It’s a very personal experience and I love that my customers really feel that connection with them…

3) You have mixed together two of my personal favorite scents oud and rose in your 'Love Manifestation' candle. What was the inspiration behind the scent and what led you to this combination ?

The first time I ever smelt oud was on the glamorous Arab ladies in the cosmetics department in Selfridges! The smell is so powerful and potent, a total heady aphrodisiac, which is why it goes so well with rose which is the  universal go to smell that has signified love for centuries… Together they can be quite  hypnotic!!

4) What candle do you light when you have had a stressful day? 

Oh my its so hard to decide! Moon Ritual is my number one  its so warming and comforting... If I'm  having a bath it would have to be Healing and Meditation ( thats my cats favourite one too!)

5) Other than light a candle , what other ways do you like to relax at home?

I love cooking… now its cold, I’ll be cooking stews or soups – getting cosy in my pijamas, chill with my cat and watch some netflix!

Mama Moon Candles

6) you left a successful career in styling to start Mama Moon . what advice would you give to readers thinking about starting a small business?

If you have an idea GO FOR IT!  Remember that you don’t have to start with a big professional product launch you can start small and that way it is really easy to learn from mistakes and see what works and what doesn’t. Don’t sabotage yourself with perfectionism, as it is a form of procrastination in disguise! Share your ideas with friends and family, don’t be shy about it! If you are feeling a little un-confident book in a few sessions with a life coach. I had a really amazing life coach at the beginning of Mama Moon and she definitely taught me some really useful tips that I still tap in to now… I would also recommend entrepreneurial podcasts.. Its very reassuring to know that everyone started somewhere and its also a good motivator to know that hard work does pay off! 

7) What has been your proudest moment/ what do you appreciate the most about/of  Mama Moon?

I love that my candles have become part of peoples sacred spaces and that they are part of peoples intention setting rituals. That really is an honour. I am always so touched when my customers send me photos and tell me how happy my candles make them … That connection is a real honour makes me truly buzz!

I see that you have recently organised a foraging and smudge making workshop have you any other plans for mama moon's growth or new products in the near future?

 
Yes… I've got some really cool stuff cooking in the kitchen ( and other places ) All will be revealed very soon!!!! I have also really enjoyed sharing my moon rituals this year.. So definitely more of them too!

A massive thank you to Semra for taking the time to talk to Moon to Moon xx

To try Semra's Mama Moon Candles visit her webshop here, she can also be found on Instagram

Semra at her pop up shop in London Last year

from Moon to Moon http://ift.tt/2CN08Pz 5 minutes with.... Semra From Mama Moon Candles - Interior Design 2016

Shelter Loves - Interior Design 2016

Hello Friday! We've been hit hard with a winter storm and some pretty bad flooding in the Boston area. After witnessing the amount of ocean water that took over local homes yesterday, I'm happy I am not in the flood zone!! We are all snuggling down this weekend, the temps have dropped to well under freezing and below zero with the wind chill. I can only imagine this is what it feels like to live in North Dakota or Canada! I've been trying to balance mothering with working all week with the vacay and snow days but here is what's on my radar besides a hot toddy. xx 

1. I collect design books, The Authentics, is high on my priority list of purchases. I've always admired Melanie's work and Dara Caponigro's sense of style. You just can't go wrong with this combo of women.
2. I have been working on a design job with a very neutral palette. I'm really happy with how it is turning out and will be selecting the artwork soon! I'm loving everything about these photographs - the scale, color, frames....
3. Amen, Maya. 
4. I mentioned I wanted to cook more healthy meals in 2018. I love the idea of "bowl" cooking and think I may try this recipe next! I've always cooked tried them but want to explore more veggie options. 
5. How darling are these!? I don't wear brown much but I've also had my eyes on these!!
6. DOWN jackets!! I have no issue with wearing a puffy down coat in the winter!! I prefer to be warm over freezing my ass off. Granted this chic version is a Moncler . This option is a bit more wallet friendly - Most down coats are on sale right now!
7. Simple and pretty earrings are a week day go to for me. I adore these. 




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The swoonworthy home of ...... Nicolette Johnson - Interior Design 2016

I featured an image of Nicolette's beautiful dining room a few posts back. Sadly had no idea where the original had come from, thanks to the new tool on Pinterest I managed to find other pictures of the same room which eventually led me to the talented Nicolette Johnsons webpage, and her faboulous home tour.

Such a beautiful, tranquil space, filled with natural wood, organic materials and stategically placed house plants.... bliss! 

Please head over to Nicolettes website and Instagram to see more of her home and ceramic work 

 

from Moon to Moon http://ift.tt/2E75YaL The swoonworthy home of ...... Nicolette Johnson - Interior Design 2016

Happy New Year! - Interior Design 2016

I always kick off the New Year reflecting on what I've learned over the past year. I believe most of the "not so great" teaches us valuable life lessons on how to create more "good" in our lives. I'm also including some goals that I'm motivated to work on. I hope you were all able to sneak in a little "you" time over the holiday break. I love celebrating with friends and family but I'm also big on the fresh start a new year brings. It's time to clean up the house and create more memories...Cheers to a fabulous 2018, may it be filled with love, peace, health and prosperity!

What I learned in 2017:

1. I've learned to let go a little bit. I tend to ruminate on what bothers me and worry about the future too much. Most of what I obsess over never happens anyway.
2. I've also learned to push through the negative and unavoidable in life. I don't dwell or sulk for long. I do everything I can that day/week or whatever time I need to and then devise a game plan to make a change for the better!!
3. We cannot control everything in life but we can control our response. Always pause before you speak and/or act. This is your true super power!!
4. A positive mind set does help!! I actually started my first working morning off in 2018 with a flat tire that landed me on the side of the road. Because it is 3 degrees out, the tow truck took three hours to arrive. I was frustrated but I decided I was not going to let this ruin my day or even the time I spent in my car waiting. I was also very thankful my boyfriend came and helped me. 
5. I've always known this but I think I do more than ever now. Hugs are much more effective than raising your voice.
6. I am not overly religious but I have found that praying is a form of meditation. I am continually thankful for my health and for the health of those I love! I never take this for granted. 
7. If something does not go my way, I now try to think there is a bigger and better plan in store. I move on. 
8. I don't take much personally anymore, even compliments. Think about this one. 
9. To practice more self love. 
10. To appreciate the here and now, nothing is ever going to be perfect. 
11. Focus on the good - I am getting better at this and am teaching my children the same.
12. Your metabolism absolutely slows down as you get older. I used to be able to lose five lbs in two weeks, not anymore. 

My 2018 goals:

1. Save more. I need to become better at managing, saving and planning with my money. 
2. I am continually trying to strive for perfection. (see #11 above) The "grass is always greener" syndrome never helps. I need to check this a little, focus on the here and now and enjoy what I have.
3. Cook more interesting recipes and find some new,healthy meals to cook. I really enjoy cooking but feel a little stifled by what my kids want to eat. (Mac and cheese etc.)
4. Read more. I always enjoyed escaping with a book but I am usually too tired at night. I am thinking of spending less time on the phone and more time with great books.
5. Start a monthly game night with my children. (even friends) This was my daughter's suggestion but I love it. I feel a little guilty that I work around my children so much. November and December were particularly insane.
6. Get more organized around my house.
7. Exercise an extra day! Again, this goes back to lack of time during the day but I feel and look better when I can exercise 4-5 days a week. (A very predictable goal I know)
8. To STOP letting swears slip in front of my kids. I am 100% working on this!! My son mentioned it to me. 😖
8. To continue to grow my business!!

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Store: General Store, California - Interior Design 2016

General Store :Hanging Planter - TW workshop

General Store: Simple linen napkin

General Store: Hanging Sun Basket

Carved Salad Bowl

Olo Fragrances

Getting Clear book

Sunray Arch

I have a bit of an obsession with General Store and I haven't even visited their 'Bricks n Mortar' stores in California. They always have a beautiful inspiring array of handmade and found objects from Californian Artists (and a few from further afield) which can be found via their webpage General Store.

In their Words....

General Store is an arbiter of beautifully well-imagined works from the creative minds of many inspiring craftsmen, bringing thoughtful, functional design to our local community and abroad. 

With encouragement from friends and neighbors in the Outer Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco, our first store was founded in 2009 as a collaboration between Serena Mitnik-Miller and Mason St. Peter. In 2012, we opened our second location in Los Angeles with our friends Hannah Henderson and John Moore, as a natural step in growing our family and adding to our offering of visionaries and creatives. 

In keeping with the community and landscape, our San Francisco store features a warm and welcoming garden gathering space. Our Venice location's ample interior volume will hold a place in your imagination long after you’ve left us....

I urge you to check out the General store here and if you wish Hannah and Johns Home tour here

from Moon to Moon http://ift.tt/2lGJHc9 Store: General Store, California - Interior Design 2016