04.01.2013

Tina’s Tribune Photo Shoot

Tina’s Tribune Photo Shoot
In mid-February, I shared some pictures from my photo shoot with the Chicago Tribune.  As I awaited, its publication, I was both nervous and excited. The story was recently published in the Sunday paper, entitled Balancing Act: Mixing Home Decor . Overall, I'm happy with the piece.  There are a few words I would have changed if I was the one writing it but the important aspects of the story came out. Namely, that our interior designer was one of my best friends from high school, she passed away, and I was left with a half-finished apartment (literally, there was a hole in my ceiling to match the hole in my heart). I wanted to honor Marija's work and build upon it.  I told our new designer, Marshall Erb, that we didn't want to make any changes to Marija's amazing gift to us but to fill in the gaps. I knew he had the experience and respect necessary for the project. He did a great job adding in antiques and elegant textiles (curtains, pillows, upholstered chairs, carpets). He also found a ceiling light fixture for our baby's nursery (where the hole had been). In the beginning, I kept thinking "what would Marija say?" Marshall took the time to understand my likes and dislikes. When I said no to ombre curtains that he loved, he did not take offense and came back with the most perfect nude ones. I can be persuaded but things have to look fresh, young, and forward thinking. At the end of this process, I feel I have a much stronger sense of what I want to say with my home choices and I'm more confident that my taste is good (well, good enough for me). Enjoy the story!

 

Tina’s Tribune Photo Shoot
Tina’s Tribune Photo Shoot
Tina’s Tribune Photo Shoot
Tina’s Tribune Photo Shoot
03.28.2013

Jenni Kayne’s Easter Brunch

Jenni Kayne’s Easter Brunch

Designer, mom and natural living guru Jenni Kayne recently highlighted the most lovely Easter get together on her beautiful blog, Rip + Tan. The party included a cooking class that resulted in a delicious vegeterian brunch, a beautifully set table with a rustic burlap runner, natural linen napkins, topped off with gorgeous white flowers with pops of spring green (my favorite). The little girls who attended the gathering received tiny flower headdresses made from daisies, mums and babies breath, and went home with natural egg dying kits.  I love every detail, from the decor, the easy, relaxed atmosphere, to the food. Take a peek at the entire menu here for some inspiration. 

I visited Jenni's store at the Brentwood Country Mart on my last visit to LA, and her designs, as well as the space, reflected her design sensibility at home: chic, natural with meticulous attention to detail.  “Super-chic, easy to wear clothes,” Jenni says of her designs. “That’s what I do. Nothing tricky, nothing precious, just good clothes that work for you.” That perfectly describes her entertaining style. Take a peek...

Jenni Kayne’s Easter Brunch
Jenni Kayne’s Easter Brunch
Jenni Kayne’s Easter Brunch
Jenni Kayne’s Easter Brunch
Jenni Kayne’s Easter Brunch
Jenni Kayne’s Easter Brunch
Jenni Kayne’s Easter Brunch
All photos via Jenni Kayne's blog, Rip + Tan

CATEGORIES:   Kids and family, Beautiful things

03.25.2013

In-Flight Essentials for Mom

In-Flight Essentials for Mom

I have to scrutinize every item I plan to carry on when I'm traveling with my two children. Most of the space in my bag is devoted to the kids essentials, but there are several items I won't fly without. These are the products that made the cut (in addition to hand sanitizer), and will be added to my new travel pouch:

1. Rodin Lip Balm - to fight off chapped lips

2. Josie Maran Organic Argain Oil - to keep skin from getting battered by the dry air on the plane

3. Fat & The Moon Calm Kid Mist - delivers a calming lavendar and lemon balm-based spray in case of meltdowns...both the adult and kid version:) My daughter even sleeps with this next to her bed and uses it as a "nightmare spray". I used it one night when she woke from a bad dream, and it's worked like a charm every since. 

4. California Baby Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion - for little hands and faces

5. Benefit Benetint lip and cheek stain - to add some rosiness to cheeks and lips

6. Ellie and Ellie Nuit Travel Roll-ons - to be sweet smelling without overwhelming other passengers

7. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat - to brighten and camoflage dark circles and redness 

Bon voyage!!

In-Flight Essentials for Mom

CATEGORIES:   Kids and family