Motivational Mondays: Raise Your Glass…..

The perfectly crafted cocktail is a thing of beautiful.  A mix of herbals, liquor, fruits or vegetables and water – it’s a reminder of the end of the work day and the start of relaxation.  It’s one of the reasons I enjoy placing bar carts in many of my designs; something just so sophisticated and debonair about them.  The tinkle of ice in a crystal tumbler.  The refraction of  light off amber bottles.  The neat discovery of forgotten spirits.  At the fear of sounding like I need to go to Betty Ford, it’s a bit magical to me so I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that fellow designer (and equally snazzy dresser) Scot Meacham Wood shared my love of the bar cart……..

I was even more surprised when I went to see Scot’s design that was part of the Peninsula Volunteer’s Decorator Showcase Home.  His homage to Lily Pulitzer was inspiring but what truly caught my eye was the magnificent yellow bar cart that he had in the space…….

As I said, I was smitten with the cart (and Scot’s pants too FYI) and quickly inquired where to get the piece.  A few emails later and I am happy to say that not only was I able to connect with the folks who produced the piece, I was able to convince them to be part of my Joy & Revelry store!  I am so excited to be able to have the Shaftesbury Cart as part of my permanent shop…..

But here is the kicker – while I may be selling it, Scot is giving one away!  Yes folks, you have the chance to win the exact cart that Scot used in his Showcase room.  Go over to his blog and read on how to enter.  But on the off chance you don’t win, know that I will have a drink in hand waiting for you to ease your wounds!

So this week I raise a glass to friends and family as we embark on yet another adventure!

[photo credit: bon apetit // nicolas smith]

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Motivational Monday: Entertaining …..

Entertaining guests is one of my favorite things.  I love touring folks around San Francisco and wine country, cooking fancy meals and having the opportunity to open the “good wine”.  Guests mean I can splurge on cut flowers, spruce up the guest room and indulge myself a day or two to rediscover the area I call home.  I wholeheartedly believe that being a good host is part of paying it forward with friends and family.

Well for three days…… On the fourth day, you get cold cereal in the morning, directions to the airport and a bus pass.  I say this in jest, but I do believe that there is an art to being a good host and I share my tips and recommendations in my June column for SheKnows.com where I discuss how to prep your home for the inevitable summer visitor…..

Special thanks to Kelley L. Moore for allowing us to shoot in her beautiful San Francisco home and my partner in crime Adza for capturing the images.  Writing this month’s column got my itching to spruce up my guest room but alas I think I need to turn my attention to the master bedroom.  So many designs and so little time and money…..

So this week, I ask that you be gracious and kind to those who visit you whether it be at home or work.  Once a stranger but your actions may soon make them your friend!  Have a great week!!!

Check me out on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Insta.gram for more musings on design, food and just plain randomness.  You can also find me at my online shop for Joy & Revelry.  

Motivational Monday: Pride….

I had the opportunity to spend yesterday with my dear friend Erin Hiemstra of Apartment 34 as she debuted her design work as part of Sunset Magazine’s Celebration Week Concept House.  Truth be told, Erin isn’t a designer by trade but she is a fantastic stylist who has an amazing eye for detail and can curate a space like nobody’s business.  When she first was approached for the gig, we had lunch and she asked if I would be “annoyed or upset” with her since she isn’t a designer by trade.  Here was a friend with an opportunity of a lifetime and she was asking me if I would be okay……

I paused for a moment because for a second I was totally envious.  I wanted that gig.  I wanted to be the young designer getting his big break.  But then that passed and what was left was pride.  As much as I want my own “big break”, I want to be there to celebrate my friend’s accomplishments and revel in their success.  My time will come.  I  know it.  Patience is something I have in spades these days.

For the moment, I am going to be proud of a friend and join her in her celebration.  So this week, I task you to be uplifting, be supportive and be proud of your friends and family as that only will strengthen you in your endeavors…….

[photo credit: Paulo Coelho]

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