Thanks and Giving

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."          ~ William Arthur Ward



When the kids were little, we used to go around the Thanksgiving table and everyone had to say what they were grateful for.  It was assumed that we all were grateful for family, friends, health, etc. so we had to dig a little deeper.  Often, it made room for more lively conversation.  At the time it did not occur to me that we should really be doing this everyday, not just on a holiday.

Expressing gratitude everyday, whether it be thru journaling, voicing it or meditating over it, is crucial to our state of well being.  The science is there.  It can literally be measured; heart rates lower as does blood pressure, depression can be reduced, the practice improves relationships and enriches deeper connections, encourages us to meet personal goals, and last but not least leads to a better night's sleep!

The more you practice gratitude, the longer the good vibes last, like "muscle memory" when we work out, we can train our brain to help us feel better longer.  I read somewhere that when we practice gratitude for as long as it takes us to brush our teeth we add 3 minutes to our lives.  I don't know if that's true but what do we have to lose?  What else are we doing while we brush our teeth?  I am going to make this a new practice!

Another of the many benefits of "the attitude of gratitude" is that feeling better leads to better interactions, thereby spreading the joy.  You are actually paying it forward in lots of small ways.  When someone is kind to you, you are more likely than not to be kind in return moving forward.  Hence ~ thanks and giving :  )

Fav Finds @ High Point Market -part 1

Aiden Acrylic Bed by Bernhardt ~ I NEED THIS

High Point Market, after all the parties and parades, concerts and cocktails, is at the heart BIG business.  Companies want to show you their new introductions for the following season.  Come as I show you what our sponsors were up to ~

Bernhardt brought everything I love together in their Domaine Blanc collection.  It is equal parts edgy, organic, classic, modern, adventurous, and chic.  With a nod to the 18th century as well as  geometry, it took a fresh approach, and there is something for everyone!  It was described as if "Thomas Sheraton and Alexander Wang had a baby."  Hmmm, interesting; Domaine Blanc checks every box!

Bianca Console

Eichholtz ~ This Dutch company radiates enough glitz and glamour to have made Liberace proud! Their innovative ideas and dynamic goals set them apart.  Jewelry for the home is how I would describe them with their designs rooted in the past.

Sofa La Perla

SHO Modern speaks to a fashion forward, modern clientele that wants to be "wowed".  Susan Hornbeak created a collection that has irresistible visual appeal.  Her pieces speak to those of us that like a little sparkle in our lives.

Stacked Coffee Table

The Raven Cabinet

Durable with its 180,000 sq. ft factory, now makes furniture that is as versatile and visually exciting as their fabric line that we in the industry have come to know and love.

Memphis Side Chair

Lee Industries is a go to resource for me.  For over 44 years, this family owned company has taken pride in their products, their people, and their community.  "Be honest, be respectful, be fair, and be accountable" are words they stand by.  Who can't get behind that?  Lee has a vast, eclectic assortment in each category displayed in their enormous showroom.  I zeroed in on these beauties, among many other things.

Horn Chandeliers

Crypton was on hand to demonstrate the remarkable difference their stain resistant technology has on the ability of fabrics to resist the wear and tear of everyday use.  With 20 plus years of experience and a commitment to environmentally responsible technology, their home fabric line has a feel you'd want for your home with the ability to "release and repel" stains for heavy duty use.  To prove it, we spilled soda all over a sleeper sofa and the spill just beaded and was blotted away.  That's why Crypton is considered the preeminent leader in the world of performance fabrics and is also why it is incorporated into many of the manufacturers textile lines that we saw as we toured market.
And in the name of research we ate candy and made a mess!

Castelle Luxury, an outdoor furniture lifestyle brand's motto is, "Create a space that inspires you." Outdoor as become equally as important as indoor when you think about designing a functional living, dining, entertaining space.  We want all the bells and whistles outside too.  Castelle helps us get there elegantly with their custom made to order pieces.  The 2017 collection marries sleek lines with contemporary design for today's modern lifestyle.

Fire and Ice Collection

Helios Collection

Ameriwood is a reasonably priced, ready to assemble furniture manufacturer than spans many categories.  Found mainly in big box stores, they make sure they keep their finger on the pulse of what's trending.  Creating and displaying extensive mood boards for inspiration helps inform their consumer base.  Their adjustable standing desk was a stand out, something to think about when your Apple watch tells you to stand throughout the day.

The Salon section of the trade show is where the hip and hot reside!  Temporary premiere showroom space is given to "rising" vendors in the furnishings, decor, or gift categories.  A colorful, happy corner was occupied by Joanie Design.  With a certain joie de vivre and an obsession for details, Joanie's furniture (and custom wallpaper) collection is not a secret only her clients are aware of; now it's accessible to everyone.

Katy Skelton's dream is to have her own factory one day, but in the meantime Brooklyn is home. Katy believes in transparency and employs a socially responsible work environment.  Her designs are beautiful, purposeful, functional, and slightly nostalgic. The description of her company, modern + nostalgic, fits perfectly.  The collection is quite beautiful, with each piece strong enough to be incorporated into a wide variety of spaces.  I fell hard for this steel bench!

Camp Bench 

Linear Lights and Wyeth Cabinet

My friend, the uber talented Michelle Workman collaborated with Pyar & Co to create a trim line worthy of the French court.  Feminine, flirty and extravagant, I can't wait to see what else they will dream up together.

Thayer Coggin rounds out the day, but look for an upcoming blog post on this family business with a rich history.

Whew, that's day 1, stay tuned for day 2!

My Life, My Musings

 I am so glad I met LuAnn Nigara at an event recently! After 30 years in the window treatment business LuAnn now has a really successful podcast.  She put her voice to work for her.  I explained to her what I was doing; combining coaching and interior design. With that, she invited me to be on her show.  LuAnn was masterful at conducting an interview that really felt more like an easy going, casual conversation.  I so enjoyed speaking with her.

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 http://windowworks-nj.com/carrie-leskowitz             

Thank you LuAnn, talk soon!