Current Obsessions

Apparently, as my husband pointed out, I am obsessed by many things.  What can I say?  I feel passionate about so much.  I though it would be fun to let you in on all my current obsessions, as many make great holiday gifts to give or to get!

Anything Tom Ford Beauty ~ if you have not invested in this man's make up, you don't know what you're missing.  The lip sticks don't move and the nail polishes, while a little pricey, last for weeks without chipping and are healthier for your nails than gel!  Many of the fragrances are unisex and could be considered a two-fer.

Chef Stephanie Nass has created these amazing cake sheets.  I discovered her on Instagram.  Each takes a plain cake and turns it into an artful, delicious surprise; a fool proof way to elevate your little baked good.  Videos on her website explain the easy application so even a novice appears professional.

For someone who travels a lot, this is just a good investment  : )  Goyard envelopes come in three sizes.  I want the large one.  It is easy to pack, holds makeup or other essentials, then doubles as a clutch.  A perfect little muti-tasker.

I love all things truffle.  These terrific tubers make any meal more decadent.  I think this is what heaven smells like!  Since truffles are one of the most expensive foods in the world, Gift baskets with oils, salt and sauces make it a more practical way to enjoy it.

I discovered Vitajuwel water bottles and vials when I was at a spa in California.  I don't know if the different gem stones truly change the energy within the water, but I am willing to believe it does!  Each gem stone has different properties; relaxation, detoxification, aid in digestion, balance, depending on your desired effect.  They work as well in water as in wine.  This might be my new go to hostess gift.

And ANNA previously of Rablabs has created these VIDA gem stone ice cubes.  There seems to be a theme developing here.  Made for whiskey or white wine, I find these to be a unique and delightful hostess gift.  The entire product line by ANNA is wonderful.  I am a huge fan of anything agate, but these "rocks" are kind of WOW.  They are like little gifts in your freezer waiting to be put to good use.

Alessandro Michele was woken up Gucci to cult status over the past few years.  Each piece is visually stimulating with its combination of color, trim, appliqués, and embroidery featuring snakes, butterflies and flowers.  I would pull 1 piece away or add an accessory to wake up my neutral wardrobe and by neutral I mean black.

As a new coach, I would be remiss if I did not include some kind of personal growth or intention setting suggestion.  I love listening to podcasts, getting motivational messages each day and feeling as if I am really living consciously.  Hay House has brought together the best of the best in the business of inspired living.  It is time well spent, because as I am reminded, thoughts become things and there is no room for negativity.

I ask myself everyday ~ What can I do better?  How can I do better?  What do I need?  What does my business need of me?  And when I am I going to move???

1st photo:Harry Carr via Chanel

I'm Agape for Agate

Alex Turco

I have been in love with agates and all things of the mineral variety since I was a kid.  There's magic in those stones.  The luminosity, the cloudiness, the striations always fascinated me.  While seeing these beautiful rock formations in interiors is not new, we are certainly seeing more of them.  They are proliferating into all forms of home decor, which, as Martha Stewart would say, is a good thing because the Feng Shui principles tell us, "Agate combines the strength and solidity of stone with the fluidity of water and translucency of air," thus incorporating several of the five elements at once.

Agate is technically quartz, a semi precious chalcedony, a crystalline form of silica, that is found in the crevices of volcanic rock or in geodes.  Whether adoring, co existing with other materials, or standing alone, it is one of the great visually stimulating undulating patterns.  It is protective and grounding, healing and balancing.  This little geode has super powers!

Brass and agate desk accessories from Rablabs

Don't think painting the look is any less fabulous.   My friend Susan Jamison of Bridget Beari Designs painted a show house hall in a neutral agate pattern.  It is seriously swoon worthy, and I may have to copy it.

Printed on paper or fabric is a much more cost effective way to bring the energy into your room.  There seriously is nothing you cannot do with this pattern.

I LOVE Kimberly McDonald's jewelry and now she has a home collection to covet.

Kimberly's collection can be seen at Bergdorf's and Forty Five Ten in Dallas

 It looks good adorning anything!

Agate wallpaper from Spoon flower

wallpaper from Brenda Houston Design

Anything!

Hickory Craft

Book matching stone always leaves a lasting impression.  The stone is cut (or painted) where by the graining continues in it's natural pattern and it appears to create a mirror image = to die for

Agate makes a great material for lighting.  It makes the perfect choice for a rough luxe interior with it's organic and elegant properties.

Emporium Home

Downtown

It makes a great table too!

Taylor Llorente

One of the most beautiful ways to highlight agate's natural beauty is to back light it.  The stones take on an "other worldly" quality with luminosity, and the smallest details and colors are brought out

Applegate Tran Interiors

There is nothing an agate can't accentuate ~

via Martha Stewart Living

or decorate ~

It just always looks great!  Could you use a little agate to light up your life?  Dare I say, if not in your home, how about a small personal accoutrement??  Remember, it's HEALING!

Paige Gamble clutch