New York City (Fall, 2015)
I always miss New York. For a couple years, my ex and I lived in a tiny apartment in the East Village. It was a fantastic neighborhood, and a really cool little 1-bedroom. I wish I could've kept it. Since then, I've continued to work regularly with companies based in Manhattan. I try to head back as often as I can to visit those clients face-to-face, and to reconnect with one of the greatest cities on Earth.
I usually stay in an Airbnb, but for this particular trip I checked into the NoMo SoHo. It's a really unique and comfortable space-- I would definitely recommend it.
I couldn't have picked a better time to visit. The foliage was violently orange, and the High Line path wasn't too packed. I visited the new Whitney, the Met, saw some small shows, visited my friends at One Kings Lane, and dined at some of my favorite spots (including The Butcher's Daughter in Nolita). I also spent some time with a friend in Irvington, one of the cutest towns ever. It was the perfect trip.
'Til next time, NY! (Click on the image below to view the gallery in IG.)
Cottage on The Today Show
The Cottage is on The Today Show site this morning! (Can you tell that I pulled an all-nighter working, and then we shot this between the hours of 4-7am? 😴) Thanks for visiting us, Today Home!
LA Fundraiser
On September 19th, Adam and I attended the annual Face Forward Fundraiser here in LA. We were introduced to this non-profit by our close friend, Bonnie Somerville. This organization helps survivors of violent and disfiguring crimes put their best face forward after after suffering from extreme domestic abuse. Their stories are heartbreaking, and all too common. This event and silent auction helped raise money for future patients and their reconstructive surgeries.
Rent the Runway generously provided me with this gorgeous nha khanh Isabella Gown. I am 6' tall and like to wear heels, and it was absolutely perfect. I 100% recommend it. It's completely elegant, simple and timeless.
Pennsylvania Wedding Client
I had the joy of decorating a 300-attendee wedding in a tiny town in Pennsylvania this summer. The bride and groom wanted to use as many repurposed/recycled and natural items as possible. This helped them keep the budget and environmental waste to a minimum. We worked hard, but had a great experience creating simple decorations using clippings from the region, empty bottles and various furniture and items from nearby homes.
I owe a big thanks to a few incredible companies that helped me pull off everything else:
• Thank you Forget Me Not Rentals for the beautiful handmade tables and mix-and-match chairs, as well as the gorgeous mixed tableware.
• Thank you Build.com for providing us with numerous strands of stunning cafe lights. They were absolutely perfect, and guests commented on them all night long.
• Urban Decay, we are so grateful for the amazing bridal party makeup you provided. All the ladies used the items, and still rave about them.
• Dot & Bo-- we loved the gardener's bar cart, as well as the lovely lanterns!
Create & Cultivate Chicago
In just a few years, Create & Cultivate has turned into one of the most important conferences for female entrepreneur's in the digital space there is. The founder, Jaclyn Johnson, is a dear friend and mentor of mine, and I'm both proud and in complete awe of what she has created.
I had the great fortune of speaking at C&C Chicago in August. It was a beautiful production, a whirlwind experience, and a invaluable experience that introduced me to dozens of hardworking, creative individuals.
Parachute Home Pop-Up on Abbot Kinney
Parachute Home is one of my favorite local companies. They make quality bedding basics that look both simple and completely luxurious.
They invited me to design their summer pop-up at Milkmade on Abbot Kinney. It was a small space that filled the storefront window, along with an outdoor "garden" area that had to be stowed away every night when the shop closed.
The trick was to balance the Parachute brand (along with their summer motif) with the hosting business, Milkmade.
Thank you, Parachute (and Milkmade) for having me!
Image sources: Whitney Leigh Morris and Parachute Home
Northeast Travel
I took a 1-week trip to the Northeast (Pennsylvania and Connecticut) to scout wedding locations with a friend and client of mine. It's occasions like this that remind me how lucky I am to be running this little business of ours...
Click below to view the gallery from this trip via Instagram:
Cottage on Refinery29
I am offering 17 small space tips on Refinery29 today!
(Stanlee hammed it up for the photos, per usual...)
Create & Cultivate Op-Ed
I'm sharing some thoughts on our Tiny House lifestyle over on the Create & Cultivate blog.
I was invited by the conference founder, Jaclyn Johnson, to write this piece, entitled, "Little is the New Large: A Tiny Home with a Big Message."
Click the image below to jump to the post.
Hosting Overnight Guests in Tiny Spaces
Our little home is back on RUE Daily-- but with a twist! I'm sharing some of our tips and tricks for hosting overnight guests in small spaces. Here at the Cottage, we've hosted up to three overnight guests for two nights, and a single guest for up to three weeks! If we can do it, so can you. Click on the clip below to jump to the story.
Thank you, Rue Daily and photographer Kimberly Genevieve!
The New Bohemians Book Release Party
I am so inspired by Justina Blakeney-- this woman kills it at EVERYTHING. I love Justina (the woman AND her work), and I was so thrilled to be invited to her new book release party in LA, sponsored by One Kings Lane. (I even got my hairs cut for the occasion.) I brought home a signed copy of The New Bohemians, and it's completely gorgeous. It's now one of the best parts of our Cottage.
Congrats and thank you, Queen Justina!
Cottage on Rue
The Tiny Canal Cottage is on RUE today. Tour the latest updates to our little space via Kimberly Genevieve's amazing photos!
In Paris with One Fine Stay
After leaving Belcastel, we stopped in Paris for a few nights thanks to One Fine Stay. It was Adam's first time there, and I loved getting to experience the city through his eyes. (He had to do a bit of work on is He-man campaign while we were there, which was unexpected fun...)
In Aveyron France with the Château de Belcastel
I was able to return to my home-away-from-home, the medieval village of Belcastel (Aveyron, France) as a Creative in Residence in the town's chateau.
I have lived and worked at the Chateau de Belcastel on-and-off for the past 10 years. There's no more beautiful medieval town in the world.
Adam visited me towards the end of my residency. It was one of the best experiences of my life-- getting to show him all my favorite spots in the castle, town and region was a dream.
Belcastel, you have my heart.
Tiny Kitchen, Massive Crostini Board
The Chalkboard Magazine and Heirloom LA stopped by the Cottage recently to create this EPIC crostini board.
I absolutely adore the team and work behind Heirloom LA. Not only do they make the most beautiful and delicious plates, but they are also committed to improving and working with the Foster Care system in LA-- an issue near and dear to my heart as well.
Thank you, Chalkboard & Heirloom for visiting Stanlee and me at home! We had so much food left over that Adam fed his entire office with your amazing creations.
Click the image below to jump to the story:
Cottage on Domino
I am beyond thrilled to announce that the Cottage is on Domino today! I will also be taking over their Instagram feed for the day. Follow along!
Cocktail Party on Glitter Guide
Our winter cocktail party at the Cottage is being featured on Glitter Guide today. I'm offering tips on hosting parties in small spaces, combatting the drab winter months with a lively and lush bar (featuring gorgeous drinks by Smoke & Honey), and spending time with the most wonderful group of women.
Shop the Cottage on One Kings Lane
We're back on One Kings Lane today with a shop-the-look daily sale. Get some of our favorite, versatile pieces for your home and garden for a limited time!
The Cottage in / on Good Housekeeping
Our home was featured in Good Housekeeping Magazine and on their website recently. The photos, originally shot by Monica Wang for Apartment Therapy, turned out beautifully in print. (Thanks, Mon!)
