Sometimes you have a design dilemma and find that many of the solutions on the market don’t quite fit your specific needs or aesthetic. Case in point, our giant flat screen tv. While I do like the frame tv’s that allow you to display artwork, the sizes available are much too small for our large wall and 10 ft long cabinet. As I contemplated other ways to hide the unsightly beast - sliding doors, mirrors, shutters, or hanging a large tapestry or piece of artwork - it dawned on me! I could design a giant roll up art canvas that would work on a pulley system just like a roller shade does - and poof, the black box of doom would be hidden in an instant! So, I got to work making a prototype of my idea….

Like you, I’ve been spending a lot more time in the kitchen lately. If I’m being completely honest, I’m sort of over it. There have been some hits and misses, and days where I have no idea what to make, nor care. How about you? I know that we’re all trying to make the best of things and keep busy, and during one of my many cooking/cleaning sprees, I had an idea to take note of my favorite kitchen items to share with you here. Over the years, these are the items that I love and use the most, and that make time spent in the kitchen easier, more enjoyable, and more efficient! Now, more than ever.

Hey there. How are you doing? I’ve been thinking of you and wondering how others are handling our recent events and navigating this temporary way of life. It feels surreal. I hope that you and your loved ones are well. We’ve been spending our days at home reading, nesting, and cooking together. I picked up my camera to document a few things that have brought joy and comfort during this time of social distancing. It comes as no surprise that it’s the simple things that mean the most.

If you’ve been around the blog for a hot second, you’ve probably noticed (or heard me talk about) the fact that I have a lot of stuff - more commonly referred to as props. There was a time I used to apologize for having so many things, mostly because I would anticipate judgement (who wants that) until one day I realized, a doctor would never think she has too many instruments, nor a lawyer too many law books. Those items are the tools of the their trade. As a stylist, props are mine.

This weekend, I spent some time cleaning our espresso machines and tidying up the coffee station. While I was elbow deep in coffee grounds and forgotten spills, I thought it might be helpful to take photos and share how I keep it all organized. I like to create a simple system so that everything has its own place and items are easily accessible when we’re using the space. As a stylist, it’s also important that it looks beautiful and inviting to me, but more so, that it functions well for our needs.

We celebrated Christmas over the weekend with an open house holiday party at Grove House. We invited friends, family, and all of our neighbors to come for festive appetizers, drinks, and desserts. There was a hot apple cider bar, dozens of appetizers (my husbands lobster dip is always a hit!) and a dessert bar set up in my studio with a chocolate fountain and homemade treats.