Always love a Decorator Showcase! This year has some colorful, pattern-full, and downright joyful spaces from California's finest. Sharing some of my favorite moments, but check it out for yourself from April 25 through May 25.
Does this trend even make sense if you're self-employed? Honestly, I don't care! If there's anything I love more than my job, it's nostalgia and this was too much fun to create. A journo then, now and always💕
A perfect few days in our happy place. Some highlights!
-Wonderful stays at @thegaigehouse@alila.napavalley and @themadrona (Pro tip: Book a bungalow, which is equipped with @meetquilt sustainable heating and cooling systems.)
-Mouth-watering meals at @songbirdparlour and @drycreekkitchen
-Unreal tastings with @limericklanecellars@stsupery@bennettlanewinery@mauritsonwines and Diamond Mountain Vineyard. Long story short, we need a new wine fridge.
-A true highlight was not only tasting at Limerick Lane (great Zinfandel!!), but staying at the winery's villa, which you can book through VRBO. A true paradise! (Honestly, BT is a little concerned I keep calling it "our house.")
Snow bunny 🤝 homebody.
This beautiful ski cabin by @johnmartinestudio came across my desk in November 2024. After lots of pitching, it finally found the perfect home at @dominomag and is live today! A great reminder of the power of persistence and beautiful design. I absolutely adore this project and all the small, thoughtful details seen throughout. An absolute honor and pleasure to help capture the magic of this residence and the people who call it home! Photos by @lissmabey
Bonjour, Paris! Spent a delightful few days covering Maison & Objet and Deco Off. A few things I saw and loved, plus some between-meeting snaps. (Not pictured: The pharmacy skincare that landed me an overweight bag!)
Got home just in time to grab this weekend's @wsjoffduty 🗞️I loved chatting with @norris.studio studio on this charming, English cottage-inspired bunkhouse. And, as always, it is such a dream to work with the whipsmart, world-class Off Duty team.
Scenes from our gourmand trip to wine country! So many excellent recommendations, so bear with me:
- An excellent brunch at @bellaunionwine , which is a design lover's go-to winery.
- Wonderful tastings at @cadeestate@charleskrugwinery@bellawinecaves (Not pictured: Us losing our minds over the excellent cabernets at @arkenstonenv )
-Rode the almighty gondola up to @sterlingvineyards and came down with a 1999 vintage!
-Incredible hotel stays at @fsnapavalley (BT is officially a Four Seasons convert) and @bardessonohotelspa , which had such great service! And let's not forget @appellation_healdsburg which has the coolest concept and most delicious food.
-I'll use any excuse to go to @coppolawine and sit in their ridiculously comfortable pool chairs.
-Perpetually amazed by the @jordanwinery Halloween party. This year's theme was Gatsby and it was fabulous!
-Last but not least, we finally scored a reservation at @_tfl_ and it DELIVERED. (Scroll to the end to see how thrilled we were to go!) Still dreaming of the oysters and caviar dish. Pro tip: Wear something roomy like my go-to dress from @apieceapart , which I bought off Rent the Runway years ago but really love!
-Photographic evidence that, yes, I did work between all these fun adventures!
Happy freelance-versary to me! Eight years ago, I took the leap of faith to become my own boss, and it's still one of the best decisions I've ever made! This year was one for the books! I continued partnerships with editors and publications I adore, and added some new ones to the roster. I traveled around the world and made friends along the way. I met prime ministers, interviewed celebrities, played sports reporter, and really impressed myself with my own detective skills. (Iykyk.)
But please know there's so much behind all those cool pinch-me moments. (You can swipe for ultra-honest shot of being a freelancer. Haven't we all had to use a hotel shower for interviews? Just me?) This milestone is a result of years spent interning, assisting, and the eventually finding my footing on my own. Every day is juggling assignments and deadlines, and bringing respect, enthusiasm, and integrity to every story—big or small. It's showing up, even when I'm really exhausted, and being a team player for all my publications. It's dealing with rejection and imposter syndrome, because who doesn't?! It's navigating our ever-changing industry in a world that's obsessed with algorithms and AI. (No thanks!)
I always say being your own boss is a roller coaster, so hold on and enjoy the ride. Because, at the end of the day, I feel so incredibly lucky to have my dream job.
Now gotta go, on deadline.
