SIX TO BLISS: the paloma contreras edition




Who: Paloma Contreras
Where: Houston, Tx (love it!)
What: Super chic writer and blogger for the luxurious La Dolce Vita blog among others.


I am so thrilled that Ashlina invited me to be a part of this wonderful series! Creating this list was so fun and I have loved reading about what everyone else considers to be the essentials for domestic bliss in their own homes. I think you'll notice that most of the items on my list are things that add a personal touch to one's home.



1.Fresh Flowers:

Nothing brings more cheer into a house then fresh-cut flowers. An arrangement doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive in order to be beautiful. My favorite thing to do is buy flowers in one color and put them together in full, lush bunches. My favorite flowers are pink peonies and white hydrangeas.



2. Loads of Books:
I adore books and have loved reading since I was very young. Whether you are talking about a novel or a beautiful coffee table book on art, interior design, or fashion, they inspire the imagination and give us a glimpse into the lives of interesting people or transport us to places of great beauty. I love seeing homes with stacks of books everywhere. They add so much character.




3. Patterns
In order to be complete in my eyes, a space should have a variety of patterns and textures to add visual interest and personality. They’re fun and interesting and if you keep the big items in a room neutral (i.e. sofa, drapes, chairs) they are something you can change out frequently for relatively little money through items like pillows and rugs.




4. Personal Photographs and Artwork
I firmly believe that a space should say a lot about the people who live there. Personal touches are what make a house a home. There are few things as personal as photographs and artwork. My house is filled with photos my husband and I have taken during our travels. They are special to us because they remind us of our adventures together and they say a lot about who we are. In terms of artwork, adding pieces that you love to your home make it all the more special whether that means framing a picture your child drew, hanging a print by your favorite artist, or adding a vintage or original piece somewhere.



5. Fabulous Lighting
Lighting is the jewelry of the home and so often people forget about it. Let’s face it. The outfit isn’t complete until it’s accessorized! There is something so warm and beautiful about being in a home in the evening that is beautifully lit. It can also set the tone for so many things. In my opinion, it is one of the most important things in a home and should not be considered an after thought. I have high-end pieces from Circa Lighting and inexpensive lamps from Target in my home and I love them all! They can be such a wonderful expression of your personal style. What can I say? I’m a big lamp tramp!



6. Crisp White Linens
When it comes to linens, I tend to gravitate towards crisp, white looks. I don’t tire of them as much as quickly as I have tired of linens in various colors in the past. White linens are classic, timeless, and elegant and work with any type of décor. I love the look of white linens with a fabulous monogram! The duvet and shams on my bed are embroidered with white thread in order to have maximum versatility and the towels in my guest bathroom have a modern black monogram. I dream of someday owning something from Leontine Linens. They have the most gorgeous monograms!


Paloma, you are the just the most fun girl! So glad you had fun putting it together.
I love your list, thanks for sharing! 




Wasn't her list fabulous? 
Are you guys enjoying reading the secrets of these stylish bloggers?

SIX TO BLISS: the cassandra lavalle edition


Who: Cassandra LaValle (such a beautiful name)
Where: Seattle, WA (love)
What: interior and event stylist + gorgeous blogger of Coco and Kelley 

She doesn't need much of an introduction. We all know and love her style. 
I am so honored to have her here to share her 6 secrets of domestic bliss...
(i'm definitely taking notes) 
Enjoy!





 1. loads of tabletop options. i'm addicted to dishes, candlesticks, s&p shakers... anything to add personality to the table.
 2. always having a variety of nibbles and wine on hand for unexpected company or indecisive dinners.






 3. plants! they last so much longer than flowers and add a fresh feel. (not that i don't love flowers, too...)
 4. photo walls and art. they both tell so much about the inhabitants of a home.
 


 5. cozy throws around the house for cool summer breezes or chilly winter nights

 6. candles for every room! fresh citrusy scents for the kitchen and warm spicy scents for the bedroom...

thank you so much, cassie, for sharing your brilliant style! We all adore you woman! 



images credits:
dish: martha stewart
nibbles: marcus nilsson
plants: marie claire maison
photo wall: thomas o'brien
throw: living etc.
candle: hugh stewart

SIX TO BLISS: the Sasha edition

Who: Sasha Esquerra
Where: Sunny South Florida
What: Fabulous and super stylish mom + blogger of Everything Fabulous 

(I asked for her secrets to how she stays so fabulous and I was lucky to get more than I asked for...)

Six to Bliss that are actually nine..! The fabulous Ashlina asked me write 6 secrets to Bliss..but when I finally started putting together the post..I could not stop at 6..and then I could take out any one...my apologies!


I use trays everywhere...to decorate..to display my perfume collection...to organize the kitchen sink...or the everyday cooking seasoning! I use from vintage silver trays to little plates..anything that would allow me to organize and tidy display a small vignette! Plus you always have room for a little flower vase!

Love anchoring a room with a blanket! In winter I take out the winter blanket in rich browns faux blankets..and in spring/summer I might even use a pashmina as a nice touch of color!!

ohh Flowers...I can't go without flowers in the house! Love having fun with it and placing little bouquets in unexpected places...Sometimes I'll go with a big centerpiece and then the next week I would just do a collage of vintage silver vases! I usually tend to keep it simple it's either one type of flower..or one color per set! There is no such thing as to many flowers for me....love them!

I am so in love with my blue & white collection!! Such a classic touch! I am even learning how to incorporate into my tablescapes...!

Another thing I can't live without...books! I love reading as many books as I can (use to be 3 or 4 a week...motherhood had given me the gist of enjoying maybe one per month...!)...plus I think they create such a cozy ambiance in a house...! I usually try to color code the books in the shelves...they seem more organized! To decor I loove antique books...!

Ok here is where I allow my imagination to go wild..! Love having fun with the decor of the coffee tables! I am usually changing it every week...take a vase here, put it there..change a book collection..put magazines...! Books, flowers and candles (the ones I make using vintage silver vases or old china)are what I tend to use the most!

Love creating different vignettes with my apothecary jars...! And when it's party time love filling them with yummy candy!! You can have so much fun with what you put in them..! I am currently keeping a collection of all the corks of the wines we drink..!

Love paintings..from a painter or from my kids (this are truly my favourite..!). I like displaying pictures but usually in a corridor,etc...for the rest of the house love big paintings!! My secret for great art is to find an up and coming artist and share some pictures of the type of art you are looking ( they need a little bit more guidance at the beginning..) and then voila...art!!! At the end there is never wrong art...! When it comes to framing I either leave it on the canvas or just put a very simple frame!! For my kids art I just use frames from Wal-Mart that I spray paint...!!

And last but not least..J'adore tablescapes..! I never use paper plates...only for my kids birthday party (but I really need to train myself for it before). Everyday I try to use a simple tablecloth (love love the ones from Anthropology) and for special occasions I usually end up with a white tablecloth and then play around with different plates,etc! Sitting at the table at the end of the day..or even for breakfast is one of the biggest pleasures in my life...and by setting a nice table (even though we might be eating sandwiches that day..) I feel I am conveying that message to my kids "us at the table is something special!".

Thank you Ashlina so much for asking me to contribute to you Bliss series..!! It really has been such a joy working with you on this!! and thank you for your patient...!! I really hope you and your readers like it!!

Sasha


{Images via 1. Flickr & Lonny Magazine Lonny Magazine, Martha Stewart & Veranda 2.House Beautiful 3.Everything Fabulous tumblr 4. Absolutely Beautiful Things 5.Elle Decor, Absolutely Beautiful things and Flickr 6.House Beautiful 7.Flickr 8.Elle Decor & Absolutely Beautiful Things 9.Absolutly Beautiful Things, Sunday Suppers and Martha Stewart}

SIX TO BLISS: the Jennifer Hunter edition


Who: Jennifer Hunter
Where: Blue Mountain Beach, Florida
What: The beautifully and incredibly talented blogger of ModGIRL

If you haven't already, check out her blog! Its such fun to read. Girl has great style.
Here are her six to bliss:

1.color = h a p p i n e s s 



2. fresh cut greenery + flowers


3. organization

4. stacks of books

5. a mix of old and new


5. texture
photo credits:
{country living. ModGirl. Martha Stewart. quadrille. kwid. elledecor.}

thanks again Jennifer!

reasons why i blog #1

because you get to meet AMAZINGLY gorgeous and fantastic people who love the same things as you... like fish tacos, microwaved cheese(ha!), outrageous table settings + Palm Springs, CA.

Meet my newest blogging friend, the wonderful (her beauty inside and out is ridiculous)
Terri from  La Dolfina ...
check out her blog for some of her stories about shopping with Eddie + Jaithan. 
(lucky girl)

How gorgeous are Eddie Ross + Jaithan?
 (i mean seriously...they don't make them much better than these two)
With us is Chris #1, the incredible chef + terri's husband...

Here is us with my cousin...a travel blogger.
(terri and i were twinsies in long dresses so now this photo is now framed in my apartment)
(yeah...he is so dreamy...i LUUUUV him)

terri, thanks for everything, i love you.
happy blogging memories...

SIX TO BLISS: the Laura Trevey edition

Who: Laura Trevey
Where: Richmond, Va
What: Bright, Bold, and Beautiful blogger + watercolor artist extraordinaire.


My 6 secrets to domestic bliss...




1. dreamy cherry blossoms.
2. everything girlie
3. travel travel travel
4. the gorgeous seafoam green color of the ocean on a sunny day


5. fun summer sandals

6. cool shades


Wasn't this the perfect weekend list?
I just adore you Laura...thanks for sharing your secrets!

i love blogging...

because I have met so many amazing people.
shared so many amazing stories with women from all over the world.
i love the friendships blogging has brought me.
and i truly love the design inspiration i have found and get to share.

Mariska Meijers is one of those really awesome people. 
My new sponsor from Amsterdam, an artist and a blogger who I absolutely adore.
She was sweet enough to make me a little painting. 
I thought I would share with you all bc i just think its too cute! 




thank you mariska. xoxo

random post...what i'm wearing wednesday

this post is for my sweet blogging friend Jaime...
I am by no means a fashion blogger, just wanted to create a small post to 
reply to her 'what i'm wearing wednesday series'.
If you don't read her blog, you should...its fun!

(photos taken at the gallery)


1.Black Blazer from Image.
2. black + white striped top from H + M
3. black leggings from Express
4. ruffled booties from Steve Madden
5. ivory sun necklace....gift
6. black + blingy watch from Guess
7. black rose ring from Anthropologie
8. Hermes bag...(gift from ridiculously giving aunt)
9. a STARBUCKS drink is always my final accessory!