everyday elegance at home

Your home is a sanctuary - the place where you should have ultimate relaxation, letting your hair and guard down, to recharge, refresh, and renew.  Here are a few things I'm loving that will help set the mood, lighten your workload, and make for stress free living with an added dash of style + class:

-- blankets and throws.  I hate being cold, especially at home.  Keeping a pile of blankets and small throws will allow for personal climate control, for both guests and yourself.  Whether hosting movie nights or unexpected guests, I love offering a few comfortable, cozy options.

Made in the USA by Pendleton Woolen Mill in honor of Rainier National Park, this 100% virgin wool blanket is inspired by heritage frontier blankets. This style of blanket, characterized by the stripes at either end, was used during the 18th and 19th centuries as a commodity in the fur trade. Renowned for its quality in keeping cold and rain at bay, trappers in the Pacific Northwest created garments out of these blankets. Each stripe correlates to a value, originally in beaver pelts, that signifies the thickness and quality of the wool. Woven in Pendleton, Oregon for the past century, these distinctive blankets are a cold-weather staple built to offer years of use. US$249 at Filson.

-- home fragrance.  Your home shouldn't be overpowering, with aroma oozing out of every nook and cranny.  However, your home should smell pleasant, with a light fragrance that's distinct and welcoming.  I use a myriad of devices - candles, wall plug-ins, sprays, diffusers, and solid perfumes.  Find a scent that you love, and incorporate it throughout your own space.  After all, it's your house - if you love it, that's all that matters.

Several years ago, I purchased a gorgeous metal Pomander from L'Occitane en Provence.  The small, globe shaped sphere had a small latch on the top, and when opened, revealed four decorative chambers for solid perfumes.  The opened chambers would allow for air to waft gently, revealing the perfect amount of fragrance.  Unfortunately, L'Occitane doesn't offer this anymore, or refills for that matter.  (Good thing I stocked up on solid perfume refills when I did!)

I always seem to love the fragrances from Nest, Dyptique, Santa Maria Novella, and Agraria.  They all offer products packaged beautifully, with fragrances that are crisp, without being clouded by fillers and artificial ingredients.  Prices vary.



The innovators at Philips have brought one of the coolest home accessories I've seen in a long time in the form of a lighting solution called Hue.  One part energy efficiency, one part futuristic living, one part awesome, Philips Hue is your personal wireless lighting system that combines brilliant and energy-efficient LED light with intuitive technology. Together, the light, the bridge and the smart controls not only create ambiance, bring movies to life, optimize energy, and enhance sleep quality, but are simple, easy to use, and maximize the possibilities.  Turn on more than the lights; turn on your imagination, with Hue. (prices vary)

-- a well equipped kitchen.  I love cooking.  Some people eat to live; I live to eat.  Whether cooking for yourself or an army, you always want a well equipped kitchen.  Tools should be in the right place, without having to reach too far, dig too deep, or risk a limb when locating those out-of-reach items.  One of my favorite cooking tools is a Dutch oven.  I have a few different sizes (from teeny tiny to almost-absurdly massive) and shapes (either round or oval), from both Le Creuset and Staub.

If you don't already have a Dutch oven, I'm loving the very manageable sized offered by Le Creuset and Product Red.   10% of the suggested retail price from every item in the (Le Creuset) RED Special Edition Collection will go to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS.  The wide and shallow shape of this oval oven allows for effectively searing and browning meats before slowly cooking to perfection. A greater surface area is ideal for reducing sauces and evaporating excess liquid. This kitchen classic enhances the cooking process by evenly distributing heat and locking in the optimal amount of moisture. With ergonomic handles and an advanced interior enamel that resists chipping and cleans easily, Le Creuset’s Dutch ovens blend the best of the past with the latest innovations in comfort and functionality.

-- snacks.  Food is very important to me, so I love keeping unique, moderately healthy options on hand that don't take much time to prepare.  Think of things you'd put on a beautiful platter for antipasti - olives, pickles, nuts, cheeses, dried fruits, hummus, salumi,  and any other goodies that strike your fancy.  I like to have something salty, sweet, tart, crunchy, gooey, and savory - just a bite or two of each category.  One of my favorite snacks, especially when I'm in a hurry, is roasted nuts.  I'm loving the satisfying, fun flavors offered by Kernel Desires, all handmade and in small batches.  From the spicy Chipotle Chile Almonds to the decadently sinful Praline Pecans to the addicting Smoky Herb Almonds and Pecans, I can't get enough.  They also make lovely hostess gifts and stocking stuffers.


-- cleanliness is godliness.  What better way to guarantee a clean home by employing the People Against Dirty: Method Home.  Beautiful products, with fabulous fragrances, that are tough on dirt and gentle on the environment, without costing an arm, a leg, or your firstborn child.  If there's a surface to be cleaned - from head to toe, ceiling to floor, Method makes a product just for it.

Speaking of clean and effortless, I love the new Miele RX1 Scout Robotic vacuum, US$599.  If you're not familiar with Miele, imagine the home division of  Mercedes or BMW.  The products are incredibly designed, with beauty and engineering at top priority.  If you have hard floors like tile or wood, or have pesky pets, this is definitely the product for you. Features include: 

 • Smart Navigation by Miele features a ceiling camera, gyro sensor and innovative software

• Improved Triple Cleaning System for 34% more dust pick-up performance

• New Chevron style brush roll, two Front brushes, new Side brush dust strippers, and new Sealing lip

• 4 Cleaning Modes for a more thorough clean

• Lithium-ion battery offers up to two hours of continuous cleaning without recharging.
 

 -- Think ahead for maximum comfort, for you and your guests.  No one wants to sit in wet clothes, so I love the idea of keeping an umbrella stand stocked with a few umbrellas, just in case the weather is anything less than merry and bright.   Crate & Barrel offers the beautiful Kensington, for US$139.  The tall cylinder casts a graphic modern silhouette that makes a stunning first impression, with umbrellas or without, in entryway or mudroom. Handwoven into a casual grid, broad bands of iron are worked in the round and given a warm antique brass finish.  If you know you're going to host parties with many guests, or with people you might not see again, I recommend buying a few inexpensive umbrellas either from Target, online, or anywhere else that stocks decent quality and inexpensive products.For those who you trust, or for yourself, try something more durable, like the British brand Fulton. 

-- Prepare for unexpected overnight guests. I keep a small supply of small soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and an assortment of sample sized toiletries and such.  

Your home should be a haven.  It's your physical space to create the mental and emotional universe you so desire.  Whether you seek inspiration, relaxation, comfort, or any other feeling, make the most of what you have.  What products and solutions do you love for your home?

"The home should be the treasure chest of living." -- Le Corbusier.  

fall favorities, and other things you shouldn't live without

Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we're all connected to nature and Mother Earth.  When the seasons change, it's easy to implement other changes in your life as well.  Wash away the winter blues and prepare to blossom with spring cleaning.  Shed those unwanted pounds and dull skin in the spring with a fresh outlook and lifestyle for summer.  Now that it's all, we're bundling up more, enjoying time outside as much as possible, and preparing ourselves for holidays, family gatherings, and other traditions.  Here are a few things I love, that just may help you get in the spirit, add a little dash of style + class to your day, and optimize your time so you can ultimately be your best self.



I've talked about the many benefits of candles multiple times, but it's always worth mentioning again.  Candles are the easiest way to add ambiance and festive cheer to any space.  As autumn's crisp nights creep upon us, I love the warmth, soft glow, and pleasant scents that great candles provide.  Choose candles that are as natural as possible, so they don't leave soot or irritate allergies.  In the fall months, I love fragrances that are a little spicier, like amber, cinnamon, and clove, with dashes of brightness, like citrus or herbs, and deeper woods, like sandalwood, teakwood, and oud.  Agraria Home has a fabulous bitter orange, Nest offers Hearth, Diptyque Paris now features Oud, and Firefood from Henri Bendel are all sure wins.

You've spent the summer outside, holidayed as much as possible, and exposed virtually every inch of your body to the summer sun - it's time now to prepare for the cooler, drier months ahead and refocus your skincare routine.

Exfoliating is very important.  Once or twice weekly, gently slough away dead skin cells and other icky irritants.  You can either physically exfoliate, by using a textured masque or scrub, mechanically exfoliate, with a sonic brush that literally polishes the skin, or chemically exfoliate, with powerful acidic solutions and serums.  Choose a natural product, free from fillers and other harsh ingredients, and always consult your dermatologist if you're going to try something drastic.  I love Origins' Never a Dull Moment.  It's made with ground mango and apricot seeds, crushed walnut shells, and powerful papaya and grapefruit extracts, dissolving lackluster dead skin, revealing more radiant, fresh, and renewed skin.  It's good for all skin types, smells delicious, and is gentle and effective enough to use a few times per week.    My skincare maven and friend for life Linda F. recommends Peter Thomas Roth's firmX peeling gel - a potent potion of multi-action enzymes from pineapple, pomegranate, and keratinase, with cellulose that effectively peel and help uncover a smooth, fresh, new complexion without drying, irritating or causing undue stress to skin. Also excellent at removing impurities and decongests clogged pores for a youthful, radiant look. 

Cleanse the skin, preferably both morning and night.  Look for a wash that leaves the skin feeling crisp and cool, without over drying.  Face washes don't have to be complicated or overly fragrant - I look for one that foams, leaving behind no residue for that squeaky clean feel.  In the summer, I find my skin is a bit more oily, so I'll look for a wash containing a bit of salicylic acids and fruit enzymes, to cut down on the shine.  Intended for acne, Philosophy's Clear Days Ahead is frequently in my rotation - this gel packs a powerful punch on bothersome breakouts.  Plus the orange extract leaves skin feeling fresh and radiant - and smells incredibly refreshing.  Because Philosophy's Clear Days Ahead  can be a bit too drying, I limit its use to the summertime or for troublesome times only.  Year round, I love Biotherm Homme's Aquapower Cleanser, This powerful double-action daily cleanser, which also includes a small dose of exfoliating power, effectively removes impurities while refreshing the skin. Its ultra-cleansing fresh gel formula contains a combination of oligo-elements and potent cleansing agents that leave the skin soft, comfortable and exceptionally fresh.

Moisturize and Protect - after you've exfoliated and cleansed the skin, it's time to moisturize and protect.  I look for products that protect against dehydration, deterioration, and oxidation, like Origins' A Perfect World serum,  Just one tiny drop of this workhorse literally stops the clock on aging, protecting the skin from damaging environmental factors like smog, stress, and other oxidizers and keeps skin looking fresh, toned, and radiant.  I also love Murad's Invisiblur Perfecting Shield - a one-stop-shop for anti-aging, flawless looking skin and protection from the sun's harmful rays (and is really great for both men and women).



And I'm absolutely adoring Tom Ford's oil free daily moisturizer for men.  This lightweight, quick-absorbing, skin-mattifying moisturize urses the Tom Ford Skin Calming and Infusing Complexes with a combination of luxurious butters to hydrate your skin, help reverse dullness and help reduce the look of fine lines and pores. It leaves your face looking toned, polished and re energized, without looking primped or too done.  

Spot treat with masques: sometimes all you need is a quick "rescue" - whether sudden dryness, breakouts, or too much oil and shine, a quick masque will often steer your skin back on track in no time.  Exfoliate and cleanse as normal, then apply a thick layer of the masque to face, neck, and decollete.  Let the masque work its magic for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and continue with your regimen.   For dry skin or a quick moisture surge, I love Fresh's Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask  - their special blend of black tea ferment and extracts of blackberry leaf, black tea, and lychee seed pump the breaks on free radicals and restore skin's elasticity, while Belle de Nuit extract soothes and rebalances the skin to optimal condition, peptides firm the skin and visibly defy the signs of gravity, and hyaluronic acid attracts and maintains moisture for smooth, sheer suppleness. Origins' Out of Trouble is a just what the doctor ordered to fix over productive pores, prevent pesky pimples, and put the kibosh on shine.  It packs a one-two punch with super absorbent zinc oxide and sulfur.  (Side note: If you didn't already know, products with zinc oxide naturally block harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun and light sources, has natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties,  is a natural astringent, and reduces pore size.  If you suffer from Rosacea, Psoriasis, Eczema, diaper rash, or dandruff, products and foods with zinc may be your answer.) It also contains Camphor, which naturally calms the skin.  You'll notice a smoother texture and clearer skin in no time.   

If you travel frequently, or want to make sure you're prepared without breaking the bank, Origins offers the perfect dose of masks in convenient travel or "just in case" sizes. 

If you're like me, you can't live without your iDevices - whether iPhone, iPod, iPad, or iWhatever, they're an essential part to our everyday function.  And that means one thing - we must always have power.  My favorite chords and charging accessories are from Blue Flame.  The cables are brilliantly braided and secured, preventing the dreaded "cable split" so typical of the basic white bits provided by the fruits at Apple.  I had a Blue Flame cable last several years with my last iPhone, and immediately went out when I updated last.  Especially handy if you travel or are frequently on the go, I've had no problems whatsoever.
Makes a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift at the office holiday party, too. 

Don't get me wrong - espresso has a place in my life, regardless of the temperature outside or season we're celebrating, but it's nice to finally enjoy hot beverages now that the temperatures and leaves are falling.  I'm loving hot beverages, especially piping hot coffee.  Williams-Sonoma stocks a delicious concentrate of five different apple varieties, making for a quick and easy pot of mulled cider.  I can't get enough of Teavana's Pineapple Kona Pop herbal tea, either.  When I was growing up, my Mom would make a delicious "percolator punch" - a marvelous mix of equal parts pineapple juice and cranberry juice, with cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and ginger in the percolator basket.  I think it'd be really nice to mix this Pineapple Kona Pop with Mom's "percolator punch" for an added layer of tasty treat.  And for a boozy punch, a mighty measure of Solerno Blood Orange liqueur will make mouths happy. 

My favorite activity during fall: spending time with family + friends.  Get outside.  Throw a cocktail party.  Just because.  Take a hike.  Literally!  Keep a soccer ball in the trunk (boot) of your car for a random pickup game in the park.  Open the windows, feel the fresh air, and remember why you're alive.  Be spontaneous.  While it's important to look to the future, don't forget to see your now. 

comfort + luxe

Comfort + Luxury. they seem to be one in the same. when you're comfortable, there's no doubt, no worry, no irritation, no rush. when you're comfortable, you're enveloped by a sense of security, a sense of pleasure, and a responsible disregard for obligation. when you're comfortable, you're at peace, at rest. all is right.

we can all create our own comfortable luxury. Comfort and Luxury are both very personable, very different meanings for each individual. no one can tell you exactly the recipe for your own version. here are a few suggestions:

-- lighting. artificial lighting is often harsh, discoloured, and ruins the mood for sure. rather than switching on the overhead florescents, opt to open your curtains. without a shadow of a doubt, natural light is best. in the evening, strategically position lit candles. the soft light not only adds a dash of romance and charm, but the warmth sprinkles a depth to the atmosphere. and the shadows provide brilliant texture, transforming a flat wall to a three-dimensional art installation.

-- temperature. this sounds silly, but "comfort" for you may be different than "comfort" for your guests. the ultimate comfortable luxury is the perfect climate. neither too hot, too cold, too humid, too dry.

-- fragrance. subtle, soft aromas are best. if you're comfortable luxury environment is for a meal, you'll want to refrain from using strongly scented flowers, candles, or home fragrances. instead, let the food be your fragrance. if you're comfortable luxury environment is not food-centric, natural fragrances are best. i particularly love the aromas of fresh flowers like orange blossoms, balsam, and verbena. if trying to induce rest and/or sleep, lavender is always a winner.

some brands and concepts to check out for creating your own comfortable luxury:



-- Shabby Chic - Comfort, the beauty of imperfections, the allure of time-worn objects, and the appeal of simple practical living: these are the cornerstones of the Shabby Chic® brand. Like the cozy familiarity of a well-worn pair of faded jeans, the dilapidated elegance of an Italian villa, the worn grandeur of faded velvets and mismatched floral china handed down from your grandmother’s attic, the brand is a revived appreciation for what is used, well-loved, and worn, it is a respect for natural evolution and a regard for what is easy and sensible.

Creating a brand synonymous with her aesthetic and lifestyle, designer Rachel Ashwell founded Shabby Chic in 1989 on the philosophy of beauty, comfort, and function. Her first store, located in Santa Monica, CA, sold Rachel’s washable furniture slipcovers and fabulous flea market finds.

Today, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture™ flagship stores are located in Santa Monica, California, SoHo, New York and London’s Notting Hill neighborhood, with ever-expanding lines of bedding, furniture, accessories and vintage items. The Simply Shabby Chic® line of bedding and home accessories, created in 2004 through an exclusive partnership with Target stores, continues to bring the brand’s blend of English elegance and California casual to Target customers nationwide.

Shabby Chic Brands will launch a new collection of furniture, home décor, and portable lighting this year in furniture stores across the U.S. and internationally, making Shabby Chic home furnishings more accessible than ever to fans throughout the world.

-- BBrooks - I've written about my love for BBrooks multiple times, but I could sing their praises forever. BBrooks' nationwide network of florists specializes in fresh, seasonal flowers arranged with exquisite artistry. When you order from BBrooks, one of their exclusive floral designers creates a unique flower arrangement just for you and delivers it anywhere in the US. And because BBrooks' member florists join by invitation only, you can trust that yours will be the very finest local florist.


-- Agraria Home is the leader of home fragrance. From the most delicate florals to the most pungent fruits, Agraria's collection of candles, diffusers, incense, sprays, tassels, and more are sure to add that extra touch of comfort + luxe to your comfortable luxury. The beautiful packaging and presentation is only the tip of the iceberg to the sensational scents you'll experience.

-- Get the perfect inspiration from a quarterly magazine called Kinkfolk. Kinfolk is a growing community of artists with a shared interest in small gatherings, and was created as a collaborative way of advocating the natural approach to entertaining that we all love.

Give Gracious Gifts

In the northern hemisphere, summer time is sizzling. And the only thing hotter than the scorching sun are the countless summertime parties!

Whether it's a backyard barbecue, a feast for family and friend, or a glamourous gala, here are some tips to ensure stress-free success (and to snag an invitation to the next event!):

(in no particular order, of course)

-- check the weather and the venue before you leave. Summer showers and blistering heat can make for tricky fashion choices. Be sure to keep an umbrella in the car just in case. If you're in an area where it gets chilly at night, pack a wrap, a scarf, or lightweight cardigan. When the sun goes down, the party doesn't stop. Additionally, if you're going to a polo match (where the grass can be unstable) or the beach (where walking in sand can be tricky) - be sure to wear proper footwear.

-- remember to hydrate. If you're going to be outside (maybe at the soccer pitch or the baseball park), pack a cooler with ice and beverages. Hydration isn't just for your thirst - be sure to hydrate your skin with a great moisturizer (with a sun protection ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide).

-- show your host/hostess you appreciate their invitation and effort by bringing a small gift. I'm really loving the following:

Agraria Home's Lemon Verbena home diffuser. Brilliant and Brisk, this small vessel packs the essence and zest of a Provencal summer.

Steady Stick Wine Bottle Holder from Crate & Barrel. Perfect for picnics at the park or bronzing at the beach, this nifty twist of stainless steel holds your bottle of wine in the most modern manner.

L'Occitane en Provence's Ruban D'Orange soft skin scrub is absolutely amazing. Luscious and luxurious, this citrus treat gently removes dead skin cells, helps prolong your healthy glow, and keeps hands, feet, knees, and elbows specifically soft.

Egg Plant: Mint from Branch Home. Everything you need to grow your own mint, this gift is the perfect ingredient for Mojitos - Cuba's most refreshing summer cocktail.


-- Protect yourself. Burning your skin causes more than just temporary discomfort. It's ugly, awful, and can kill you. I hate to sound so harsh, but it's true. Pack a hat. Bring sunscreen (and choose a moisturizer or foundation with sunscreen, and for your lipgloss or lipstick). And wear giant sunglasses (because big sunglasses also protect the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves).

-- Be safe. If you know you're going to be enjoying alcoholic beverages - arrive alive and plan an alternate transportation for home.