via the fantastic tumblr Wit and Delight

I thought that this was a dress and it’s really a tie. This is how my mind works. I just looked at is and said, “that’s a really elegant dress for the winter”.

The park near my home or on the weekend I call it "Jogger's Delight" People runnin' all over the place!

IT’S FRIDAY, FRIDAY!
It’s been a week today since I’ve been back to Paris. Today was the most beautiful day since last Friday. A week full of greyness, rain and cold finally submitted to the warm hug from the sun and sensual blue skies. The Great(est) Dane and I were only too happy to walk down the street with the sun in our faces! My mission today was to head to The American Church in Paris, but I also couldn’t resist stopping at W.H.Smith over on Rivoli for a little more motivation from Paul Arden. Book stores and libraries are my churches and Paul Arden happens to be a very good preacher. I like the truth, straight no chaser and he delivers this. I left the bookstore hyped! LOL! Mr. Arden has that effect on me.

Taking photos on my way to the church of course I was sidetracked by all the music (noise from the traffic and tourists), beauty (my God it’s PARIS) and just my feelings about being home here. I know that I made the right decision to be here, to start my business here, to change my life. There’s no turning back. I love that.

Oh Happy Day!

Tikau at Maison et Objet 2012.

Photo from Tikau website

Discovering new designers is something I love to do at Maison et Objet. A Finnish company, Tikau, (Hindi for sustainable and durable) is definitely a new company to watch as it combines Scandinavian design with traditional Indian craftmanship. Top that off with the fact that they are ecologically sound. They use organic cotton, such raw materials like banana fiber as well as recycled saris. The fact that they know each and every one of their designers who come from rural Indian villages, really make me want to learn more about what they do and the story behind each piece. Someone’s skilled hands and imagination make every thing that we hold dear exciting and useful. That’s something to smile about.

Great to see Afolki mesmerizing the masses at Maison et Objet again this year.
I have such respect for the men and women whose hands can make such beauty.

Steel trays by HAY

furniture and accessories by Lodsh

Tensira, amazing fabric and products from Africa

Can you imagine surrounding yourself with amazing design from all around the world in Paris for four days? I was lucky enough to realize this dream again as I attended Maison et Objet 2012/January! It was great to see some familiar faces like Hay and Tensira, and my new chouchou designer Anne Hubert of La Cerise sur le Gateau, some new faces such as Lodsh and Tikau made the show even more special. I felt that it was less flash and more attention was paid to detail and to establishing your brand and pinpointing the public’s needs. A serious show, much appreciated. Thank you, Philippe B. for this amazing opportunity to cover Maison et Objet.

By the time you read this I’ll be on a plane to Paris. Seeing my family again has been very meaningful this time around and I’m so grateful for the time we spent together.

Now it’s time to go home. As soon as I arrive I’ll attend Maison et Objet for work and pleasure, but really it’s all pleasure. I’m like a kid in a candy store every time I attend. Thank you Philippe and Faida for giving me the opportunity to meet and network with designers I’ve only read about. I’m truly grateful to you and thank you.

Another thing about Paris, is this: GREAT FOOD, NO PRESERVATIVES, NO ADDITIVES! YAAAAAY!

Both photos via here

Loving the third star of ‘THE ARTIST’. Isn’t he the business?! He’s giving me Frank Sinatra, Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante all rolled into one. To me he was THE best dressed on the red carpet last night at the Golden Globes.

What a little rascal he is! Ok, I’ll stop now. I just love terriers!

I just discovered this song and I’ve already listened to it 5 times. The song is called “Timshel”
Something that reminds me of the beautiful land we call Virginia, life itself and the flow of it all. How everything flows.

Mumford & Sons

‘but you have your choices, and these are what make man great, his ladder to the stars, but you are not alone in this, and you are not alone in this, as brothers we will stand and we’ll hold your hand, hold your hand’….

One thing I know for sure is that no matter what, be and stay grateful.
I’ve been visiting family here in Virginia and my visit is almost over. A week from now I’ll begin a new chapter of my life and it’s like unlike anything I ever expected to happen. I’m content and that’s all there is to it.
Today, while being grateful for the unusually warm weather, the peaceful neighborhood my family lives in, the soft grass beneath my feet, the clean air, the love I feel inside..
I realized that NOW is the greatest moment, it really is. Things just make sense now.

Ciao.

I’m going to Morocco in a couple of months with my sweetie, the Great(est) Dane. We both love travel and are both fascinated with design, food and textiles. Morocco is a prime destination to indulge our interests, we’re grateful for this trip!
For a while now I’ve been seeing Beni Ouarain rugs all across the best design blogs today. I think that since so many of us are anti-carpet, we love rugs that not only bring warmth to a room but also beauty. I love these rugs because of their texture, they feel good to the touch, quite soft and the they’re handmade so there are endless patterns from many tribes. We plan to make some purchases…

Learn more about Ben Ouarain rugs here.

Image 1, Image 2