Expressing Yourself with Espresso

The ways in which people can be creative never ceases to amaze me. Did you know that there is an art form called, latte art or foam art? Who knew that people could express themselves with espresso.

One of my son's favorite coffee shops is Jaho, located in the heart of Salem, Massachusetts not far from home. It is a bustling place loaded with students from Salem State University enjoying some conversation, and relaxing over a cup of creative expression. My son and I take as many opportunities to visit while he is home from UPenn to enjoy one of their specialties.

Here is my coffee lover enjoying his mocha latte. To view some amazing works of latte art, click here. You will never think of coffee the same way again.




Until next time...L.

Stock Exchange

"One man's trash is another man's treasure"

I bet you thought I was going to give you some advice on investing. That could not be farther from the truth, especially for those of you who know me. This is about the exchanging of stock as it relates to design.

Let me start by saying that this is far and away my favorite store. It incorporates the elements about designing that really get me excited. The thrill of a good find, the story behind the find, and the ability to stay within a modest budget. Yes, it is a second hand store located in the heart of Manchester-by-the-Sea, where there is no shortage of well stocked estates. I have scored some great finds, and sold a few myself through the years. Since my parents live in the town, I am often in the area and can make a quick pit stop while passing by. The kids are accustomed to hearing me suggest that and are never too happy about it. These pictures were taken at night, as it was 5 minutes til closing, and Mom was running in.

Is that not stunning? The pairing of black and red is striking with the toile print. The shape of the lamps help to support the Asian feel of this vignette. Remembering, that these pieces are all brought in randomly by previous owners, and are placed together in a cohesive manner. Helping customers visualize the merchandise in a more natural setting with the intention to sell.

My friend Polly, who happens to be an interior designer can be seen setting up her award winning vignettes at the Stock Exchange. She is a master at the craft of creating something from nothing. She has the unique ability to change the look of a room by merely using what is on-hand. I have witnessed it in person and it is impressive.

I am always inspired by something I see when I visit. Generally, I leave with a good design idea that I can incorporate into my own home.

Boy, did I ever want this for my lower level.  It has been a couple of weeks since my last visit, and I'm still thinking about it.

I photographed this silver candlestick, as I knew a friend who was in the market for a few, per my orders. I have been helping her with the design of her family room renovation project. Details to follow in another post.

Loved this Isaac Mizrahi handbag. The chocolate brown color and cream piping was speaking directly to me. You never know what you may find at The Stock Exchange, it can be a dangerous place to visit. Like when you come across something that you didn't even know that you needed. Plan a visit with some friends, and maybe stop for lunch on the way home. I guarantee you will not regret it, and chances are you will become a regular like me.



Until next time...L.

70th Birthday Designs

I was asked to design floral arrangements for my client Denise's Aunt's 70th Birthday Celebration, this past weekend.  The event was held at Donatello's Restaurante a delicious spot for Italian food, and it is right in my neck of the woods.

My client Denise and I talked about flower, vase, and linen selection. Denise told me that there would be one long table set up for her group of twenty. The details she provided me were all I needed to start my design process. I chose to design with five vases, one larger 8 x 8 vase, and four smaller 6 x 6 vases. Denise mentioned that she wanted to use calla lilies and hypericum as she had seen them in one of my previous designs. When I went to the market, and spotted these deep aubergine calla beauties I knew they were the perfect punch of color that I had envisioned for her designs.

Designing with flowers is not unlike designing a room or a vignette. It is important to consider scale, shape, texture and color in order to create an overall design that fits the space. I incorporated some angel hair vine from Save on Crafts for additional dimension, and a bit of whimsy. 

Pictures taken outside before the delivery, capture the romantic appeal of these designs.  I was almost sad to part with them, as I was very pleased with the results. I was hopeful at that point, that Denise would feel the same way.

My trusty burlap tablecloth came in handy during my little photo shoot. Lucky for me the cold was not due to set in until Sunday.

Votive candles I had on hand were added to set the mood. I love how the designs stand out against the white linens.

I am happy to report that my client Denise was extremely pleased, and I really look forward to working with her again.  I appreciated the opportunity to be able to take some liberties with the designs as Denise (the perfect client), let me do my thing.






Until next time...L.

Feed the Soul

One of the best things about the opportunities my son had at St. Johns Prep was in being part of the Prep community.  St. Johns is an institution that focuses on the education of boys, and in teaching them the responsibility of service. A call to duty is the ongoing message that resonates in everything that they do at St. Johns Prep.

I was recently reminded of our days at the Prep, when I read about the upcoming Empty Bowls night. The students of St. John's Prep are given the opportunity to participate in this fabulous event by making ceramic bowls that will be for sale that evening. Soups and yummy breads are donated by local restaurants, and the event proceeds are donated to Haven for Hunger.

Live entertainment provided by Swingtown adds to the fun of the evening, along with a night off from cooking. Swingtown is an ensemble group, made up of students and faculty at the Prep.

I always love a good design project with a tie in to something meaningful. I have had the pleasure of collecting eleven one-of-a-kind bowls, during my sons time at St. John's Prep. The bowls are treasures, and help to remind me that not everybody has a bowl to fill.




Until next time...L.

An Elvis New Years

When my son was nine, and my daughter just eight months old it was the millennium. We decided to celebrate Elvis style, and make it a night to remember. My son came up with the idea to wear his First Communion suit, and to dress up like Elvis. A black wig we purchased to complete the look. This is one way to repurpose a First Communion suit.

Guests were greeted at the door by the surprise "guest of honor," a nine year old Elvis impersonator. This made my Dad howl.

We feasted on our traditional New Years fare of Chinese food, and guzzled down Star champagne. A themed cake specially ordered from The Cake House of Marblehead. A game of Family Feud created by two of my sisters was the evening's entertainment. One of the game questions was "What is Richard's least favorite chore?" Top three answers on the board Chuck, vacuuming, picking up sticks in the yard or cleaning the playroom. The answer being all of the above...

A time capsule was made that evening, and would be opened in ten years time which was just last year, December 31, 2010. It was interesting to learn about all the changes that had taken place in our family over that ten year period.  Marriages, births, Auntie's old boyfriends come and gone, college and Grandmothers and Aunts who were no longer with us.

This year was a quiet one as we had just returned from our stay at the Mt. Washington Hotel. We dined at our all time favorite Chinese food restaurant in Winchester, called China Sky.  Indulging in homemade sweets to top off the night. The time spent creating memories with my family has been the most meaningful and rewarding part of my life. I look forward to many more..

Happy 2012!




Until next time...L.

The Mount Washington Hotel

We had the pleasure of spending two nights at the beautiful Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. It was an unexpected treat for the Christmas holiday break, given to us by my parents. This grand hotel nestles in against the majestic Mt. Washington. On a clear day you can see the weather observatory at the summit, but that wasn't the case today. From the coziness of your hotel window it is hard to believe that some of the most erratic weather conditions on record have been documented from the top of the Mt. Washington.

This is the first view of the grand lobby as you enter the hotel. The warmth of the fireplace is an ideal spot for reading, and enjoying a hot beverage of your choice. I really enjoyed the opportunity to visit during the holiday season as the place was decked out.

The expansive grand lobby with its Victorian chandeliers, help light the way to your room.  It feels a bit nostalgic to stand in the lobby, and wonder about the history of the hotel. What famous guest(s) may have also stood in the very same spot admiring its beauty.

I love the fact that the hotel's decor has visual meaning in keeping with its history, and rustic surroundings. This rug depicts all four seasons with birch branches running in between. The carpeting in the grand lobby, and throughout the hotel are all unique in some way. Woven into the designs are animals, trees and plants that are indigenous to the area. The hotel is designed with a mixture of formal simplicity, making it easy to feel right at home.  As I have had the luxury of visiting on a few occasions, I can appreciate why guests return year after year.

A nook located right outside the Grand Hall with three cuties all ready for breakfast. Let me just say that there is never a shortage of wonderful dinning experiences at the Mt. Washington Hotel. All who visit are on strict water diets upon their return home.

A life sized gingerbread house in the grand lobby becomes a kid magnet. I think I might know this group or maybe not?  Is that lovely child licking the gingerbread house?  Oh, no you didn't.

Waiting outside for the hotel shuttle down to the barn. Does he look a little cold?

The arrival of an Austrian horse drawn sleigh for sixteen. We were the sixteen!

As snowflakes fell on our sleigh ride, I tried to photograph their shapes, as they softly landed on the wool blankets that were wrapped around us.

The Barn

Passing the barn on our sleigh ride, and looking forward to returning during warmer weather when it will be open for riding.

After some tubing we headed back up to the hotel for lunch at Stickneys. Yes, time for another meal.

My little elf standing in front of the hotel before heading home. She is looking happy, and looking forward to a return visit.

Until next time...L.