RAMBLINGS: GRETCHEN AUBUCHON

Along the road of my career and travels, I've been extremely fortunate to meet and work with an array of incredibly talented people. Ramblings is my way of picking their brain for more insight and juicy tidbits to share with you.

An interior decorator and former marketing/pr director, Gretchen Aubuchon focuses on bringing home decor inspiration to her readers in a unique fashion. Gretchen takes inspiration from home decor and pairs that inspiration to its match in fashion. Fashion and home decor together to inspire readers to dress their home as they would dress themselves.  Not only that, but she my just be one of the coolest people I know.  I met her through the power of Twitter (you can follow her here),  she asked me to be a part of the #Brimfield Tweetup, and then we happened to end up being roommates at Blogfest in NYC.  We bonded immediately and I truly feel I have a new dear friend for life.  I admire her most for how she gracefully balances her professional drive with her role as a wife and mother of two boys - soon to be a mother of three!  By the way, she also has the best sense of humor ever and can make you laugh even when you don't feel like it.  Talented designer + unique viewpoint + and good person = one amazing person.  Meet Gretchen...

What is your greatest extravagance?

Jewelry. Gold jewelry. I only really get it after a baby though. Wait a minute, maybe that is why I am always pregnant!

What career would you pursue if you weren’t doing what you do now?

None. I am doing exactly what I want to be doing. Finally.

After careers in telecommunications, graphic design, commercial real estate, marketing, PR, advertising and interior decorating. I am exactly where I dreamed I would be someday. For the first time I am doing something that doesn't feel like work. I am enjoying every minute of creating my blog and am also loving pulling together social media events, such as Brimfield.

Which living person do you most admire?

This is SUPER cheese but it is the truth. My husband, Will Aubuchon, is the person I admire the most. He is patient (a quality I need more of), friendly, smart, educated, polite, generous, humble, and did I say smart? Really I admire every little thing about him and feel so lucky to have him in my life. He is my biggest fan and I am his.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Guilty pleasure? I don't have one. I am an innocent pregnant woman remember?

BUT, when I am not pregnant, my guilty pleasure is Pinot Grigio. I mean I REALLY love glasses of Pinot Grigio, I would say almost as much as Ramona Singer of The Real Housewives of NYC. Yup. That much.

What three things can’t you live without?

My family, my friends and my Pinot Grigio.

What is your favorite color combination?

I would have to say navy blue and any other color with it. I have a navy blue addiction, wait, is that another guilty pleasure? Navy and red, navy and yellow, navy and gold, navy and pink, navy and green and even navy and black. Can you tell I really love Navy? If not, I can keep going here...

What is the favorite room in your house, and why?

My favorite room in our house is our living room. I love this room because it mixes many patterns and many colors. And of course I love it too because it has navy in it! I mixed navy in this room with red, gold, turquoise and black. And I mixed in Asian pieces (which I adore) with finds from my favorite antique fair, Brimfield, ever heard of it? My Brimfield finds in this room, all the chairs, were painted and reupholstered. I also had an old coffee table painted red to brighten it all up. This room was actually even featured on the Nate Berkus Show, ever heard of him? haha! Hope you like this room as much as I do.

What is the most memorable event you’ve attended and why?

I am sure everyone says this but really for me it was our wedding 6 years ago. It was so amazing to have family and friends together for the 3 days that was our wedding. And I just loved planning every minute of it! I mean the very first thing I did when I got engaged was have a wedding logo made in our wedding colors which were pink and lime green. We had an amazing rehearsal dinner that included another one of my guilty pleasures, gambling. We had a dinner and then brought in roulette, craps, and poker tables with dealers, and our 80 guests spent the evening gambling with wedding themed fake money that ultimately won them a prize. It was a great way for guests to meet each other prior to the actual wedding.

Our wedding day was my favorite day! We had our wedding at my in laws house on a mountain in Central Massachusetts. It was a very relaxed agenda, people could eat, drink, and dance whenever they wanted. There was no sit down dinner, no seating chart, no schedule. We had a southern bbq theme for the food and also a separate tent with a raw bar of craw fish, oysters, shrimp, etc. Centerpieces were pink peonies in vases filled with limes. There was a pink and green candy bar and a cigar bar as well. And we had a band and a DJ to encourage dancing!

It was the best weekend of my life and one I will never forget. And did I mention on this day I married the person I admire most in the world?

What would people be surprised to know about you?

That I grew up overseas - in Hong Kong and in London. My dad was with AT&T International, so we lived and traveled abroad for over 8 years. Elementary/Middle School in Hong Kong and High School in London. It was a fabulous, priceless experience.

Also, I work in my pjs ALOT. Seriously, at 8 months pregnant with two toddlers at home, this is just the way of the world. Or at least the way of my world.

WISE WORDS

Stay tuned this afternoon for Ramblings with one of my favorite people! 

NYC MINI DRESSING ROOM

Although I have been in NYC for a little over a week, it feels like a month. Funny how business travel and living in a city can be so different. I'll write more on that later.

In a city with so many resources, you would think that it would be easy to get things done. However, I have found it isn't that easy. So, thanks to my friend Mike, I was finally able to begin to take what used to be entire dressing room in Seattle...

....and find creative ways to define a space in my NYC bedroom to accommodate my jewels and treasures.


I brought this piece from the guest bathroom in Seattle and used it to display photos, candles, and some of my favorite pieces.

Yes, that is me as a little girl with the red dress and daisy. One of my favorite pics.

I found these great boxes at Velocity Art and Design, stacking them creates the perfect place for some of my favorite bracelets and broaches.

This is a Buddha that my dad had in their home. When I was a little girl he told me if I rubbed the belly it would bring me good luck. Now, I painted it white, and use it to store a few of my more delicate necklaces. Of course, on rough days I rub it several times.

I adore pretty boxes with lucite lids so you can peek inside without even opening the lid.

You know what I adore more - little and big orange boxes in the windowsill!

Magnetic bulletin boards with hooks for cooking equipment used for necklaces are the ideal way to store necklaces tangle free.

Now all I need is to find storage containers for the rest of this...

I never thought I could fit all of my accessories in to one neat area!

QUICK FIX COMBO: STENCILED WALLS+GEOMETRIC REPETITION

A great way to add a lot of graphic impact to a space without the large expense of wallpaper is with wall stencils. If you can use a paint brush and you have a few hours to spare this is absolutely the way to go for adding a designer touch on a budget...

via Cutting Edge Stencils

via Elle Decoration UK, Living Etc.

via Royal Design Stencils, Barbara Davis

via Cutting Edge Stencils

SOIREE SPECTRUM: TEAL

Happy Monday readers! Today's inspiration is in a soft but bold hue that will make any soiree fresh, modern, and serene: TEAL!

images from top left via erin ever after, once wed, once wed, tobias tovera, once wed, style me pretty , style me pretty

ENTERTAINING 101 FOR THE NON CHEF

My segment on New Day NW last week was all about putting fun food together for the person who doesn't cook like me. Here are some ideas that you should try this weekend...

Happy entertaining, and have a great weekend!

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER? OTTAVIA MISSONI

1. Kelly Wearstler for Pickard 2. Z Gallerie 3. Velocity Art and Design 4. Burke Decor 5-7 Zara Home 8. CB2

RAMBLINGS: MINDY LOCKARD

          Along the road of my career and travels, I've been extremely fortunate to meet and work with an array of incredibly talented people. Ramblings is my way of picking their brain for more insight and juicy tidbits to share with you.

         Mindy Lockard is a nationally recognized etiquette writer and speaker. As founder of Mindy Lockard Gracious Living she strives to uphold the values of gracious living in today’s modern world. Her daily blog, The Gracious Girl, covers a wide variety of topics and ways to incorporate living graciously into our daily lives. Mindy teaches workshops on dining, personal branding and networking to colleges and universities, government agencies and private companies. Mindy was the spokesperson for Microsoft’s Hotmail Share the Love Campaign, is a freelance contributor for FOX 12 Oregon, Stationery Trends Magazine’s quarterly column “What’s Write”. She has also been featured on Forbes Women’s Work in Progress and in InStyle Magazine, Women’s Day Magazine, San Francisco’s ABC 7LIVE, Oregon Business Magazine, Dash Magazine and Eugene Magazine.

What is your greatest extravagance? 

This is a tricky question because I am a work-a-holic and mother.  Two aspects that don’t allow for much extravagance.  However, when I do give myself time, I indulge in my drawing. Draw and paint without a timer set... in my world, that’s an extravagance.

What career would you pursue if you weren’t doing what you do now?

I’d love to be in fashion industry. I went to fashion school right out of high school, but it was the wrong time for me.  I have two loves: fabric and the shape and design of the human body. Fashion combines the two in the most beautiful way.  I love the transformation that takes place from fabric to garment.  It’s like magic.  Well after a few spins with a seam riper {wink.}

Which living person do you most admire?

Hands down, Darcy Miller. Not only is Darcy the force behind Martha Stewart Weddings, she is a devoted mother of two girls (like me). Darcy lives and breathes her craft, because it’s her passion.  She is a talented artist and visionary. Most importantly, she has a quick wit, something I always admire in someone.

What three things can’t you live without?

A venti starbucks in the AM, my iPhone and a great pair of colored shoes.

What is your guilty pleasure?

My Starbucks baristas... that didn’t come out right. Let’s try that again, the Starbucks barista who makes my venti Americano. They know me by name and they know exactly how I like my drink.

  

What is your favorite color combination?

I'm finding myself drawn to orange lately, especially in accessorizing my wardrobe. I also love to pare it with another color, such as navy. Such a cheery combo.

What is the favorite room in your house, and why?  

This is easy, it’s my dining room.  I live in a little cottage and our dining room is central to our house.  It’s were my family regroups, connects, shares and dreams. It’s the one place we are present with each other and I love it.

What is the most memorable event you’ve attended and why? 

I’ve been blessed to have had many wonderful opportunities.  Most recently, I was invited to a private function at the top of Dylan’s Candy Bar in NYC celebrating the launch of Dylan’s new stationery line for Lifeguard Press.  Aside from being as fashionable as her father Ralph Lauren, I’ve deeply admired the way Dylan has branded herself. Meeting her was truly and honor --  not to mention she had a number of wedding etiquette questions which I was honored to answer. Did I mention that I drank wine in a giant cupcake?  That was fun too.

What would people be surprised to know about you? 

That I’m a dancing machine.  That’s right, with the right music and lighting, there is no holding me back. My father was a professional country dancer and it’s in my blood.  Not the country part, but the dancing part.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is when someone says “Please don’t write me a thank-you note.”  The spirit of thank-you notes is that they are written not out of obligation but out of genuine gratitude.  And therefore, they are gifts... and who turns down a gift? 

QUICK FIX COMBOS: MIRRORED ACCENTS + MODERN GLAMOUR

SOIREE SPECTRUM: GOLD

Happy Monday! Thought I'd start out the week with some golden tidbits today...

images from top left via confetti systems, 100 layer cake, Once Wed, Style Me Pretty, 100 layer Cake, Zara Home, Style Me Pretty, Bash, Please

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

I am a daddy's girl, truly. When I was little I remember going to get my dad coffee and taking it to his office and when I walked in I thought he was the most important person on the planet. Then I turned 13 and I remember asking him to drop me off down the block from school, through my 20's I struggled for independence and we would talk for hours but mostly in disagreement, finally in my 30's we seemed to find a way to communicate more clearly and have a mutual respect for one another. Then in my late 30's my dad was diagnosed with terminal Cancer. I spent the last four months of his life taking care of him, as he had taken care of me all of those years. He was one of those dad's you could call at 3am, or ask him for help in the middle of a work day and he would find a way to be there. There was even a time when I had an English assignment to read Franz Kafka and I had put it off until the last minute, and we sat and read the book together just so I could get through it. I miss my dad every day, but on Father's Day his absence is certainly felt more than others.

Each year on Father's Day I promised myself that I would honor him by sharing what I wrote for his memorial service. I think it will give you a chance to know him a bit, and a little bit more about me too...

One of the first things people learn about me is that my dad is a very important person in my life. No matter how many years have passed I never stopped being his “little girl”, and it was a position I gladly held on to and will always cherish. In my eyes he had all of the answers, and could fix any situation. He made me feel safe in the world. I never doubted his love, not for a moment, and he always made time for me regardless of the situation or the time of day. Being his daughter made me feel special and valued, and truly blessed.

He taught me invaluable life lessons. From a very early age he taught me to love. When I was a little girl, at dinner parties’ guests would ask, “What’s Kelley’s bedtime?” My dad’s response was that it was more important to teach me to love people then to put me to bed on time.

He had an ease about him, with his inviting warm smile, and giving joyful spirit, it made it easy to reach out to new people and possible to maintain long term friendships as well. From the bank manager, to the mailman, to the closest of friends he valued people most of all.

He taught me to care for others, and always share the things that I was blessed to have in my life. He and my mom took people into our home on several occasions. I used to joke that my parents must surely be running a halfway house because there seemed to always be someone coming in to “stay for awhile” or to do an odd job until they could “get on their feet.”

He taught me to be open to people of all religions, races, and economic levels. As a child he grew up with a white father and a black and Native American mother during a time when segregation was the norm. He spoke of being a member of the human race, never identifying with just one race, never wearing a label, and always treating others with equality and respect.

When I was a child living in Carmel, California my mom and dad gave up their life, and moved away from the comfort of their friends, to move to Tacoma where I could be exposed to, and build relationships in a diverse community.

He taught me to forgive and not to hold ill feelings in my heart. Watching how he opened his arms to people that had hurt him taught me that moving past hurt to forgiveness, and loving people in spite of circumstance, is as important for the other person as it is for you.

He taught me to focus- it took me 30ish years to learn that lesson, but I understand the importance of that now. He used to say, “honey, when you are in the classroom you have to leave everything else at the door and pick it back up on your way out. Without that ability success will escape you.”

He taught me that all good things in life – love, success, financial stability takes sacrifice. I have heard him say, “you can’t have anything in life without making some sacrifices,” on many occasion.

He taught me about the value and importance of a strong partnership, and marriage, in the way he loved and cared for my mother. They were truly partners, friends, and lovers. He cared for her with a gentle and giving heart and honored her as she honored him. As she took him coffee in bed every day, he made sure she had anything she needed to live a comfortable life. They helped each other to see life differently. Later in life I was able to watch them care for one another in sickness, and it was with such concern, love, and tenderness that they seemed to be able to battle anything as long as they had each other.

I share all of this to conclude with a short story and an important message. One day driving home from a chemotherapy treatment my dad looked at me and asked if I thought he preached enough. I laughed and said, “ Are you kidding me?” (Based on the fact that I was sometimes more afraid of the lecture than the lesson) He said, I don’t mean preaching to you (he chuckled) I meant do you think people know I am a Godly man, someone with a great faith.” I answered, “Dad, you don’t have to worry, people can’t help but know. You don’t have to preach to anyone to know that you are a man of God; it shines through in the way you treat people and live your life every day.”

That’s it; my dad has been a good example and an amazing gift to those that knew him. He lived his life loving and caring for others with an open and forgiving heart, and I am proud to say he’s my dad.

His legacy will live on within me, in the choices I make and how I treat others each day. Thank you dad for loving me and teaching me to love.

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER? MARILYN MONROE

I'm fairly certain that Ms. Monroe and I would have been the best of friends had her life not ended so prematurely.  A woman after my own heart, she said it best: "Diamonds are a girl's best friend."  In honor of a larger than life woman who embraced all things extravagant, an inspired tablescape from America's sweetheart.

1-3, 7 via Z Gallerie, 4. flatware via Tiffany & Co., 5. linen napkins via Central Chef, 6. charger via World Luxury, 7. place settings via Z Gallerie

RUNWAY TO ROOM WITH ERIN:

As you may have noticed, I have been a bit MIA on the blog this week and late on posting my post with Erin today as well.  I hope you'll stay tuned, this week has been rough with the move to NYC - I leave tomorrow! .However, here it is this weeks From Runway to Room with Erin!  This week’s look comes from the pages of the J.Crew catalog featuring one of my favorite summer looks,  STRIPES!  Make sure to check out my tabletop inspired by the same look over on Erin's blog Elements of Style too!

Wallpaper: http://www.creativewallcovering.com/16dbw-in2803-wallpaper.html
Sconces: http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=393731
Ceiling Color: High gloss finish Farrow & Ball Studio Green
Sink: Waterworks http://waterworks.com/
Faucet: Waterworks http://waterworks.com/
Flor tile: Waterworks http://waterworks.com/
Mirror: http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod38260303&parentId=cat11570732&masterId=cat000092&index=78&cmCat=cat000000cat000089cat000092cat11570732
Chair: http://www.allmodern.com/Kartell-4853-KTL1007.html
Guest Towels: Leontine Linens  http://www.leontinelinens.com/

SOIREE SPECTRUM: EMERALD

Happy Monday everyone! Today a little emerald inspiration for my last week in the emerald city...

from top left: hiddenite, Style me pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, Once Wed, Brenda Houston

LOOKING BACK AND FORWARD

While I have been packing this week I have done a lot of looking back at what I have accomplished since I started my own business in 1999, and thinking about what is ahead in this new adventure. Although I have worked hard, and sacrificed much, so many people have supported me along the way and helped to build my brand.

Of course my family and friends, but also the many interns that have come through my office, my staff, the editor of Seattle Magazine who gave me a chance to write and a platform for the last 10 years, the producer who put me on live television on NBC for the first time and told me I "had" something, the General Manager at NBC who actually gave me the chance to have my very own television show, the anchors and on air talent with wisdom to share, the many corporate clients that paid me to represent their products, and recently the people in this crazy digital community who have not only embraced this blog but that support me and continue to cheer me on each day. It has truly been such a crazy ride, but one that has definitely been worth it the sacrifices and hard work.

As time is becoming shorter here in Seattle, I am getting emails and phone calls of support, advice, and people wanting to get together before I go - and there are so many people to thank. If I don't get a chance to tell you in person - let me tell you now - I could never take this risk without you. Your cheering, your laughter, your praise of support, and knowing that there are so many of you that want me to succeed pushes me forward when I don't think I can. I am grateful. I obviously don't have pictures of everyone - but I felt the need to take a look back myself, and a look forward and thought I would post it here and share it with you. Once again editing isn't my strong suit, yes there is a large gap in the music that I stayed up trying to fix, I need to take a class - anyone else?

Thanks for everything, and for watching!

A Look Back and Forward from Kelley Moore Creative Media on Vimeo.

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO [A PICNIC] DINNER? TRINA TURK

Happy Friday readers! With Summer finally upon us I thought I'd put together a tabletop that can be taken outside, and who better to inspire bright, tropical-infused entertaining than Trina Turk? There are so many great melamine plate options out there now making it a breeze to have a soiree al fresco and I'm loving these individual boxes of wine, they're like juice boxes for adults. So grab a picnic blanket and have your soiree outside this weekend!

1. Napkins via Zara Home 2. Acrylic glasses via Wolrd Market 3. Lanterns via Z Gallerie 4. Melanine plates via Z Gallerie 5. Candle via Neiman Marcus 6. Tray via Dana Gibson 7. Guest towel via Furbish Studio 8. Individually boxed wine by 'Wine Cube' via Target 9. Picnic Blanket via World Market



ELEVEN YEARS OF PACKING

I didn't realize until I started to go through the house I have been living in for eleven years how much stuff I have accumulated! I am not even close to done packing and this is what the library looks like right now...

It truly is hard to go from 2800 sq. ft. to 1300 sq. ft., and will be an interesting design challenge when all of these boxes end up in NYC. I can only hope that it will all fit!

I'm a bit behind on my posts due to the move. But check back this afternoon for brand new content, and wish me luck getting this all done by Tuesday when the movers arrive. Fingers crossed!

RAMBLINGS: SABINA VAVRA

Along the road of my career and travels, I've been extremely fortunate to meet and work with an array of incredibly talented people. Ramblings is my way of picking their brain for more insight and juicy tidbits to share with you.

Sabina Vavra is an Interior Designer who creates modern and edgy interiors that are truly one-of-a-kind. Both a TV personality and the head of her own company, Sabina also created a designer dog bed company, Flea Bag Beds, with costar and designer Chelsea Hernandez, making her a triple threat. Based in Southern California, Sabina's design philosophy is that your environment feeds your soul. Check out some of her amazing interiors here and get inspired by her unique and authentic sense of style and refreshingly positive outlook on life. And in the mean time, here are just a few things you didn't know about Sabina Vavra...

What is your greatest extravagance?
Traveling the world

What career would you pursue if you weren’t doing what you do now?
A veterinarian.  I’m a true animal lover and think it would be a fulfilling way to spend my days around furry little guys!

Which living person do you most admire?
Sir Richard Branson, he’s simply fascinating- a true adventurist with a relaxed attitude.  His Iconoclast interview with Desmond Tutu at Necker Island was a brilliant snapshot into his mind.

What three things can't you live without?
Tea with milk in the am, aquaphor, and my trusty Golden Retriever Star

What is your guilty pleasure?
Reality TV like the Kardashians.  I’m embarrassed for myself!

What is your favorite color combination? 
Pretty much anything except chocolate brown and blue.

What is the favorite room in your house, and why?
My living room- Its got a relaxed vibe with a bit of edge!  Plus I’m in love with my extra large chaise on my sofa, so comfy!

What is the most memorable event you’ve attended and why?
One of the most memorable lately was a speaking engagement by Barbara Barry.  She absolutely blew my mind, by far the most incredibly talented speakers I’ve had the chance to listen too.  She evokes a certain calm and commands such a beautiful presence.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I turn in to a glasses-wearing pumpkin at around 10pm, book in hand and headed to bed! 

What is your biggest pet peeve?
A lack of compassion for animals, although I may categorize as a bit more than a pet peeve- more of a major character flaw.



YOU CAN HAVE A RED-LETTER DAY!

In 1999 I opened my first company, Red-Letter Day. We offered full design and production for private and corporate events, and traveled around the world. It was so much fun, and after seven years I began doing television and writing so I took a mini break from growing that company to expand into multi-media, sharing my passion for entertaining with a broader audience. After awhile I missed working directly with clients, but balancing a full production company with travel and taping schedules it was difficult to feel like I could provide the attention to clients that was the quality service I provided when I was producing full time. As my career has evolved I realized there was a whole in the market place for people that couldn't afford a full time event designer and producer, but still want customized details and help with defining their vision so they can jump in and start planning.

I am excited to be offering a new service, so you have access to a service that can help you take your soiree from a party to a Red-Letter Day!

We are starting to add partners as well, which will offer special pricing and save you money. Check back as we expand partnerships.

Want to know more? Check out our Red-Letter Day page for the full scoop!

QUICK FIX COMBOS: TRADITIONAL IKAT+FRESH JEWEL TONES

A great way to add a splash of color and a hint of culture to a space is with fun ikat prints in bright jewel tones. While I love the look upholstered on a chair or sofa, a couple throw pillows is a great way to get your fix quickly and inexpensively, so here a some of my favorite picks from around the web!

photo via decorpad, pillows via Etsy shop IKAT & BATIK  + Madeline Weinrib 

photo via domino magazine, pillows via Dwell Studio + etsy shop Material Recovery

photo via decorpad, pillows via Zara Home + Fabricadabra

photo via West Elm, pillows via etsy Be Still Shop + Zara Home

photo via decorpad ,pillows via etsy shop Material Recovery + Peir 1 imports

A LITTLE TEASER

I've always loved entertaining and designing parties, since I was a little girl. Sometimes I can't believe that is what I get to do for a living, either design and produce parties or talk about them on tv and in print. What I have learned throughout my experience is that not everyone can afford to hire a seasoned event designer. So, we were kicking around a few ideas and have come up with something we are really excited about, stay tuned this week for more details. In the meantime, check out this video of my staff partying at the office and having a great time designing. There may be a hint in there somewhere. ;)

Untitled from Kelley Moore Creative Media on Vimeo.

The video was shot by a friend of mine, Thor Radford, check out his Facebook page and become a fan!

SOIREE SPECTRUM: WHITE

Happy Monday everyone! Starting the week of with some fresh event inspiration in all shades of white...

Project Wedding, Green Wedding Shoes, Ban.do, Erin Ever After, Project Wedding, Bash, Please

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER? TORY BURCH

1. Jonathan Adler 2. Z Gallerie 3. Zara Home 4. Z Gallerie 5. Crate and Barrel 6. Z Gallerie 7. DVF for Bloomingdales

JUMP AND THE NET WILL APPEAR

Recently I was in New York hanging out with my friend Jennifer Powell and we were talking about taking risks, and the fear that can creep in with a new chapter or a life transition. At this point in my life I have gone through a few transitions in life. In my career, I went from being a social worker, to an event designer and producer, to a Lifestyle and Entertaining Expert. Now, I am embarking on a seriously exciting adventure and yet another transition. I am going to spend a year in....drum roll please...

A couple of weeks ago Jennifer and I spent an evening hanging out and chatting about my upcoming move.  I decided to get her perspective on video - check it out...forgive the bad edit and casual banter, remember that we had a little bubbly - but I think Jennifer shares some great insight on living in NYC. Oh, and remember singing is not my profession - be thankful for that one.

My official announcement and NYC with Jennifer Powell from Kelley Moore Creative Media on Vimeo.

As Jennifer eloquently said, "Jump and the net will appear." I love that saying! It is going to be one of my many mantras over the next few weeks as I transition from my beloved Seattle Market where I have been working in television and print for eleven years.

As I said in the video, I am interested in your story. When have you jumped in life? What are you so passionate about that you leapt without regret?

Check back tomorrow afternoon for a look back and a thank you to those amazing people who helped me gain the experience and confidence to move forward and take this next step in my life adventure.

RUNWAY TO ROOM WITH ERIN: DOLCE & GABBANA

As you may have noticed, Erin and I took a brief hiatus from our Runway-to-Room-to-Tabletop series. Between Blogfest and Brimfield and all the traveling we just couldn't make it work, but we're back and this time with a soft summery look from Dolce & Gabbana. I love Erin's take on the look using a touch of pastels and a mix of subtle pattern to create a sultry and sophisticated bedroom. Make sure to check out my tabletop inspired by the same look over on Erin's blog Elements of Style too!

1. Amanda Talley paintings http://www.amandatalley.com/

2. Serena and Lily paint in Shell http://www.serenaandlily.com/Paint/Shell
3. Serena and Lily Headboards http://www.serenaandlily.com/Headboards-Beds-Octavia-Headboard
4. Shades of Light Rock Crystal Lamp http://www.shadesoflight.com/rock-crystal-table-lamp.html
5. West Elm Bedding http://www.westelm.com/products/frayed-edge-quilt-and-shams-b519/?pkey=cquilts-blankets
6. Horchow Mirrored Bedside Table http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod75100050&eItemId=cprod75100050&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dmirrored%2526_requestid%253D6798
7. Ballard Benches in Pink Linen http://www.ballarddesigns.com/serena-bench/furniture/benches/196051
8. John Robshaw Pillow http://johnrobshaw.com/detail.htm?Pillows=Stone_Sheesha&params=2,24,4
9. ABC Carpet http://www.abccarpet.com/store/store/pc/Oushak-11-6-x-15-8-108p17936.htm
10. Bugalow 5 Chest http://www.claytongrayhome.com/item.php?item_id=1339&category_id=76
11. Z Gallerie Mirror http://www.zgallerie.com/p-9286-pierre-mirror.aspx
12. Pieces Foo Dogs http://piecesinc.com/pair-white-foo-dogs-large