Happy Memorial Day!!

Isn’t Max rockin’ in those shades??

We’re on vacation this week down the shore and having a blast!

I have to thank my awesome business partner & friend, Carolina, for house and pet sitting for us & for keeping the biz afloat while I’m gone! I can just take a deep breath and enjoy. I’ll check in periodically this week with some fun pics of vacation.

I hope you’re enjoying the holiday… poolside & sipping on frosty beverages!

Be safe & have fun!

Kevin and I just had to stop by Morimoto while we were in NYC! We were engaged in the city and celebrated our engagement at Morimoto’s restaurant. It was quite possibly the best meal I’ve ever had. We didn’t go for broke this time, but instead had a couple of appetizers and some sake at the bar. This restaurant, attached to the Chelsea Market, is incredibly designed. I’m in awe every time I visit at the thought put in to every detail. The real treat?? Morimoto was actually there working the sushi bar! I was star struck!!

I just love this man! He’s a total rockstar. From the food, to the interiors, to the brand, he knows what he’s doing!

What rockstar chef do you want to meet?

Pop on over to one of my favorite blogs, A Diary of Lovely!!

Today I’m sharing some pics of my kitchen, some of my favorite gadgets, a delish recipe, & more in Helena’s new series:

In My Kitchen

You won’t regret it!!

For me, one of the most valuable things I got out of Blogfest 2011 (aside from all the new friendships!), was the inspiration I received from Barbara Barry. I’ve loved her design and products for years, but to hear the inspiration that led to the creation in the products was just incredibly inspiring. Here’s the thing… Barbara finds inspiration in everything around her, including the mundane. Most of her products are the result of the simplest muse and you can hear her honest passion in her voice.

At the close of Barabara Barry’s presentation, I was in tears. Yes, it was inspiring. But, for me, a light went off. I’ve felt so uninspired and bogged down by the day-to-day. She actually pushed me to want to find inspiration again… and make it a goal. That is priceless!

So, let’s talk about the new collection, Indochine for Kravet. Barbara was showing it above… It is gorgeous! It’s very ‘Barbara Barry’ and is a result of her travels in Asia and her translation of what she saw there. I am always impressed by the subtleties in her designs. It’s always understated, yet packs a punch. I can’t wait to start using this new collection in my work!

So, then I got to meet ‘Babs’. That’s what I call her now that we’re BFF’s! It was such a joy to talk with her. I wanted to show her some of my work that I’ve used her product in. It made my day when she told me ‘You’re goooooood.’ Such a simple compliment that just made my week!

This above image from my interior design firm, Pulp Design Studios, is the project I showed her. Barbara Barry’s sconces just make the room & inspired the custom hardware that I designed on the vanity drawers.

And, now, to gush about the tea! Barbara also launched her new tea called Citrine. You can see Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25 and I enjoying it above. I can honestly tell you… It’s the best tea I’ve ever had. I fully plan on hosting a Barbara Barry Tea Party with all of my designer friends. How fun would that be??

From the bottom of my heart, Babs… Thank you for the inspiration.

Images via Blogfest 2011 & Abbe Fenimore

Links: Blogfest 2011 | ICFF

Top Left: Made By Girl | The Zhush | Studio Ten 25 | Pulp Design Studios | The Decorista, Top Right: Pulp Design Studios | Pretty Pink Tulips, Bottom Left: Pulp Design Studios | @tkpleslie | Studio Ten 25, Bottom Right: Studio Ten 25 | Pulp Design Studios

Link: Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty at The Met

Link: Morimoto NYC

So sorry for the lack of posts last week! I didn’t have wifi, but the truth is… It was nice! I needed a bit of a break and just embraced it. I wanted to share a little recap of my time in NYC. There is so much I want to share about Blogfest and tons of other things I did and saw… so look for a few more posts this week!

I hope you all had an amazing week last week and that Monday is off to a great start!

Congratulations to my dearest friend and business partner Carolina and her new husband Lafe! They have been in love for over 10 years now and finally bit the bullet in a ceremony that was very them… private & modern. Last week they were married at a downtown dallas courthouse and I couldn’t be happier for them! I was so proud to stand by Carolina since she was also my maid of honor… But, I must say, my job was a little easier than hers! Either way, she married her soulmate and, really, that’s all that matters!

Carolina, I love you both dearly and am so happy for you and proud that you did it your way!

While I’m in New York at Blogfest, I’ve asked some of my favorite people to share what makes a splendid life for them. Kicking off this new series, called A Blogger’s Splendor, is one of my very favorite people. He’s been reading my blog since I first started & I just feel like he’s Hello, Splendor family. He’s always upbeat, always colorful, and always… busy! This guy is so super talented! Without further ado…

—————–

Hello!

It’s Will from Bright.Bazaar here filling in for Beth whilst she is away. Here are some of the things that make up a splendid life for me…

WEAR :: Stripes and brights

NEST :: Vintage bud vases

EAT :: Carbs (!)

MAKE :: Maison jar lights

LISTEN :: Cool band who played at the Kate Spade pop up shop in London.

WATCH :: Brothers & Sisters is my favourite TV show ever.

READ :: Love it when the latest issue of Jamie Oliver magazine drops through my letterbox.

VISIT :: I’m dying to visit San Francisco one day.

WRITE :: Mr.Boddington’s paper goods are a delight.

GIVE :: To the great work of Cancer Research UK.

LOVE :: The memories I hold from the times spent growing up in the country.

What creates a splendid life for you?

Thanks for having me, Beth!

—————–

Thanks for spearheading this new series, Will!

Isn’t he fantastic!?

Grant, Laura, and I popped into the Warby Parker pop-up shop last night at Nest. It was such a blast! I just LOVE these pics… especially the one of ebony & ivory trying to be models!

If you’re in dallas, be sure to stop by this month. If not, shop the Warby Parker site. For every pair you purchase, someone in need is given a free pair of spectacles.

So, I have a question:

Is it silly how badly I want a pair of frames when I don’t even need glasses?

(I’m the kid who would wear twist ties in my mouth and pretend they were braces)

Completely obsessed.

While composing a guest post for A Diary of Lovely‘s new series: In my Kitchen (which posts next week, by the way!), I was totally inspired to spend more time in the kitchen. I love to cook. I love to learn about cooking. And, I love beautiful kitchen accessories! I found a gorgeous etsy site with some incredibly refined designs for the kitchen. I am totally smitten with these modern pieces by Culinarium!

So, tell me, do you love to cook or would you rather eat out??

It’s ok to say both.