Shopping on Saturday

Sorry for the delay in posting. We have friends visiting from the State and went up to the Highlands for a few day. For us, no tour of Scotland is complete without an overnight stay in the village of Inverary. I will have a complete profile on The George Hotel in Inverary (our favorite) on Monday. The George uses locally made Purdie's toiletries throughout the hotel. Last June Purdie's opened their first retail shop in the village. Of course I had to stop in on the way out of town for a few products to take home.

Glengoyne Malt Whisky & Ginger Liquid Soap. Specially made for distilleries the soap contains no Parabens or colouring. Great for sensitive skin. £7.95

Sweet Orange Dead Sea Salt. Salts have been used for thousands of years as a natural cleanser and preserver. Great too for detoxing and relaxing aching limbs. £6.95

Highland Healing Cream. Packed full of healing butters and oils. £8.95

Guest Interviewer for Decorati

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I am working on various new and exciting projects. The one that I am most excited about is my recent collaboration with Decorati. As the guest interviewer for Decorati I will be interviewing some wonderfully talented people in the design industry. My first interview with Angela Free is now posted on the Decorati website.

If you are unfamiliar with Decorati you must visit their site. Decorati
is the leading resource for high-end interior design products and designer portfolios. I have spent hours searching the rapidly expanding online showrooms and photo library of designer projects. It is a great resource for the design professionals and design enthusiasts alike.

Profile: Connie Simmers

'Lock Gate' (acrylic on canvas)

I am crazy for the work of Scottish artist Connie Simmers. Based in Kilearn, near Loch Lomond, Connie’s beautiful work has been exhibited throughout Britain.

Born and educated in Glasgow, Connie took advantage of non-diploma courses offered at the Glasgow School of Art. She attended the art school from 1981 to 1983, began exhibiting in 1984 and had her first solo show in 1989.

Connie’s work graces many public and private collections across Europe. I hope to have one in my own home someday. I think her work would look brilliant in our hallway. I especially love 'Lock Gate' - stunning!

'Highland Smoke House' (mixed media on board)

What artists, historical or contemporary, do you most admire?
Historical: Picasso, Tapies, Chagall, Matisse, Diebenkorn, Nicolas de Stael, Joan Eardley. Contemporary: Jimmy Robertson, Barbara Rae

What inspires your art and ideas?
Travel has played a large part - an excuse to use colour. I always try to see subject matter differently. I like shapes and colour i.e. harbours, urban material and people.

What is your most prized possession?
My home

What is the one thing in life you can’t live without?
My family and my car

'Graffiti Man' (acrylic on canvas)

What is your greatest accomplishment to date?
Scottish Arts Club prize, Visual Arts Club prize and represented at National 50 Over 50 Exhibition at Brighton.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
A good marriage, a happy family and contentment.

Who are your favorite heroes of fiction?
Atticus in To Kill a Mocking Bird. Jung Chang in Wild Swans. Shirin Ebadi in Iran Awakening. Charlotte Gray by Sebastian Faulks.

'Cloths Drying in the Wind, West Africa' (mixed media on board)

What books are on your bedside table?
A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. The Pillars of Hercules by Paul Theroux.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The surprises - maybe an unexpected sale - winning a prize in an open exhibition - meeting people in art world - dealing with galleries.

Profile by Ronda Carman
ALL ART/PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE ARTIST

Shopping on Saturday

Nothing says summer like sexy sandals, a big bold hat and a great tote bag. I especially love all of these accessories even more when made from natural materials—hand-knit raffia, cork, straw, wood and wicker. Simply Stunning!

Platform Heels with Straw Bow by Bruno Frisoni
Sensational summer showstoppers. Slick patent slingbacks sit atop a 4½" stiletto heel, topped with an oversized straw bow. $1,045.00

Cork Allegra Bag by Vivre
The Allegra bag is named for Eva Jeanbart Lorenzotti’s daughter. Finished in cool cork flecked with metallic gold for endless summer appeal and durability. $275.00

Metallic Mesh Belt with Ebony Closure by Ports 1961
Metallic mesh wraps around the natural waist and is tipped with two oversized ebony clasps. $325.00
Fortissimo Hollywood by Kokin
Hand-knit raffia from Madagascar is the go-anywhere essential for even the sunniest locales. Tied bow accent. $295.00

Wood and Shell Bangle by Kenneth Jay Lane
Natural materials and a sleek design make this bangle an ideal choice for summer. Light wood with shell studs. $60.00

Fourth Annual Design on a Dime Charity Event

James Huniford, Designer, Sills Huniford; Kristin van Ogtrop, Managing Editor, Real Simple; Charles King; President, Housing Works; Maggie Gyllenhaal, actress; Thom Filica, designer, Thom Filicia inc. (Photo Demetrius Kambouris)

I know you will be seeing this on many of the blogs, but I felt it was a worthwhile event and one worthy of keeping in the public eye.

Co-chairs Maggie Gyllenhaal, designer James Huniford and Real Simple’s managing editor Kristin van Ogtrop hosted the fourth-annual Design on a Dime charity event to benefit Housing Works, the nation's largest community-based AIDS-service organization, last night.

Thirty top-notch designers, including Sills Huniford, Thom Filicia, Charlotte Moss and Jamie Drake, created unique room vignettes. All items used in the vignettes were available for purchase at 60-80% off the retail price. All proceeds from the sale benefited Housing Works.

Housing Works, New York City’s largest community-based AIDS organization was founded in 1990 and provides housing, medical care, job training and other lifesaving services to homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.

Pub Culture

Last night I meet a few of my favorite girlfriends at the local pub for a few glasses of wine. It was a most wonderful evening. For the past three days we have had glorious warm weather, sunshine and blue skies—not always the norm in Scotland. Growing up in Texas I took for granted little rain and warm weather on a daily basis. In fact, by September I was praying for cool, crisp days.


As you can imagine, we were not the only ones at the pub looking for an outdoor table. I had to circle like a hawk waiting for people to leave. But it was well worth the wait to sit outside, sip cold white wine and catch up with friends.


I must admit that I quite like the pub culture that exists here in the UK. It’s an integral part of the British culture—a place where you can bring the dog, go alone to read the paper, gather to meet with neighbours and gossip with friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Cheers!

Profile: Lulu de Kwiatkowski

Like so many I have anxiously been awaiting the debut of famed textile designer Lulu de Kwiatkowski’s highly anticipated book Lulu featuring never before published artwork. Lulu is not only beautiful and talented, but she is a gifted and prolific artist.

The youngest of six children, Lulu’s childhood figures prominently into her artwork and design sensibility. Lulu’s father was a larger than life influence. He was a self-made industrialist who spoke twelve languages and was known to spontaneously fly his helicopter to pick up his children from their house in the Hamptons. Equally influential was her beautiful and fashionable mother, who frequently wore Pucci, and always encouraged Lulu to pursue her own imagination and sense of style.

Lulu’s art draws heavily from her 1970s childhood and travels to exotic locales. Her multi-media collages combine painting, drawing, photography and writing. “My childhood was a world of chintz and sorbet colored walls created for us by Sister Parish, whose whimsical designs proved to be very influential for me.”

These days she is busier than ever. In addition to her highly successful business and book tour, Lulu is expecting twin boys with her husband Alfredo Gilardini. We wish you all the best Lulu.

What did you enjoy most about working on your long awaited book?
The freedom. Most often when running a business, one is forced to think about the buyer or client when designing, what will sell, what colors work, which don't.

With the collages, I was really free to do as I chose. If I felt a yellow duck belonged in the middle of the page, then I painted one in...no rules, no sales sheet, no questioning...I just did as I felt.

What inspires your creativity?
Nature, family, travel, romance, childhood memories.

Name one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I can do a back bend and hold onto my ankles...at least I could before I was pregnant with twins.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Swimming in a clean crisp ocean

What is your most prized possession?
Our dog named Virgola...she is practically human and can almost speak Italian...really.

Who is your style icon?
My mother

Who would you most like to meet and how would you send the day?
I would like to meet my father's parents who died in ww2 before I ever had a chance to meet them....anywhere would be fine with me.


How would you describe your personal style?
Even though I love color, I tend to wear mostly neutrals (mostly white) with a little splash of color and pattern here and there only....it's very Lauren Hutton meets Kate Hudson in the film Almost Famous.

What is your idea of earthy happiness?
The sun warming my skin and the sound of the ocean.

Profile by Ronda Carman

A New Must Read Blog

One of my favorite people has thrown his hat into the blogging ring. The Devine Life by designer Michael Devine will focus on design, shopping, entertaining and other amusements. Michael just posted on Traditional Home Magazine's Fourth Annual Design in Bloom event which celebrates fresh design.

If I know Michael, we are all in for a real treat in the coming months. Be sure to visit his blog and leave a comment!

The Art Wall

Recently a few people have left comments asking if I have finished our hallway. It's almost finished, but I have to wait before I post too many photos. I have been talking with a publication that plans to do a feature on All the Best and will use photos of our flat. So, I need to wait until I know whether or not I can post photos. I will post more as soon as I can and will update you further. In the meantime here is a sneak peek (above) and a few photos that keep me inspired.

Johnson Hartig's home (Photo published in LA Times)

London design firm Christopher Chanond

New York designer Ashley Whittaker

New York designer Robert Passal

Brad Mehldau

I am huge fan of jazz and a serious devotee of Bill Evans, but had little knowledge (read no knowledge) of pianist Brad Mehldau until my husband picked up the first two volumes of Mehldau's Art of the Trio recordings yesterday. The Art of the Trio, Vol. 1 and The Art of the Trio, Vol. 2: Live at the Village Vanguard are both spellbinding.


Where in the world have I been for the past 10 years? I cannot believe that I am only now discovering the brilliance of the trio. For the past 24 hours we have played the CDs non-stop. The rapport and sublime lyricism combined with sensitivity and true skill will certainly precipitate an awestruck state—at least I find this to be my experience.


The three musicians feed off each other with delightful precision. I'm eager to explore the rest of his work. Perhaps it would be best to experience the music live. It just so happens that Brad will be playing solo at the Cité de la Musique in Paris on December 6th & 7th—sounds like the perfect excuse to once again visit the City of Light.

In addition to his musical talent Brad has written liner notes for several of his own albums, other musicians and a few magazine articles. It’s well worth a visit to Brad’s website as it features samples of his music, poetry and writing.

Shopping on Saturday

I stumbled upon a most wonderful website today. I know, there are so many handbag labels on the market, but there was something special about these bags that caught my eye. London-based Belen Echandia is luxury company with a personal touch. All Belen Echandia's collections are produced by hand in a European atelier in tiny quantities. Soft leather, beautiful colors and a unique personal service distinguishes this line from other brands.

Be Mine £395

Indulge Me £395

I'm Yours Tote £395

Heading Back to Scotland

I am heading home to Scotland. It's been a great 2 weeks visiting my family in Houston, and great fun meeting other bloggers. One of the highlights of my trip was meeting Katie Stassi. We have had subsequent conversations and I can honestly say she is a lovely and talented woman.

Sorry that my posts have been short and spotty the past few weeks. I promise my blogging will get back to normal next week!

All best,
Ronda

New Address Same Blog

I have a new blog address: www.allthebestblog.com but you can still read All the Best using the old address www.allthebest2007.blogspot.com

Not only is it a much shorter address, but more accurately reflects the blog. Many thanks to my fellow Houston bloggers for the tip!! Just one of the many new things I learned at dinner the other evening.

Profile: Katie Stassi

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting fellow Houstonian Katie Stassi. We meet at Starbucks for coffee and soon one hour turned into two. Talented, amazing, beautiful, driven and kindhearted are only but a few words to describe this wonderful woman. I truly felt as though I had known her forever. Katie began her design business less than three years ago and this year was named one of domino’s top 10 designers for 2008. Yeah Houston!

Katie says that she knew from an early age that she had a gift, “I could visualize and see things that most other people could not. My bedroom, which should have been filled with dolls and teen beat posters, turned into what my family called my apartment.”


Katie is a minimalist with a discerning eye for the finer things in life but used sparingly in a traditional yet modern way that is light hearted, sophisticated, youthful and fun. “In my opinion, a house is more than just a home. It is a sanctuary. A place you can call your own. An extension of your personality. An escape that takes you away from life’s unexpected twists and turns. A friend that you care for, share memories with and relish all of the days in your life.”

She is currently working on projects in Houston, TX, Aspen, CO and New Orleans, La.


How would you describe your personal style?
The best of both worlds! Antiques and modern furnishings! Highs and low's! I am always caught in the middle! My feet are always positioned in different doors! I love fine antiques that are old, crusty and dilapidated. Why repair or restore? Displaying it's age and history is where true beauty is revealed!

I also love classic, modern furnishings and bright, colorful art. It adds life and
character to a home. I feel as though my job is that of an explorer. Hunting and discovering the treasures of many talented and brilliant minds! I consider my days "field trips"! There is always something new to be learned and someone new and interesting to meet.

What is the one thing in life you can not live without?
God.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
There are too many to name, but a few are:Bible; City Chic by Nina Willdorf; The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell; A Quick Word with Beth Moore by Beth Moore


What inspires your designs and creativity?
The simple things in life! Sunshine, water, flowers, words, symbols, books, magazines, headlines, churches, music and, of course, God!

Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?
Oprah! She makes a difference in the world and she defies the odds. She exudes confidence and power but in a positive and constructive way. I would love to spend the day with her in a casual relaxing way. Just as a friend would...talking about life, curled up in a chair, drinking coffee, taking a walk with the sun shining down upon us and being surrounded by nature.


What is your favorite luxury in life?
Down time! Relaxing outside by a pool or open water with a stack of books and magazines next to me, sun shining, breeze blowing and music playing!

What is your most prized possession?
My family!

Who are your style icons?
Gwynth Paltrow - naturally classic and beautiful, yet in a modern way
Katie Holmes, classic and innocent
Cameron Diez - bright and fun!

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
The world living as ONE, LOVING not hating, having FAITH and HOPE for a better life, BELIEVING and being intimate with the HIGHER POWER who created this beautiful world, being THANKFUL, being UNITED as we should be, as it was DESIGNED to be......UNITED STATES!

Profile by Ronda Carman

Houston PRISM Awards

My mother is recovering from foot surgery (both feet)so my sister and I attended the Houston PRISM awards with our father last night. His profession is custom home sales and the PRISM awards pays tribute to superior achievement and excellence in the building industry.

The PRISM awards are the largest awards program of its kind for builders, remodelers and associated professionals in the greater Houston area. I will post a few photos of his homes before I leave Houston, they are pretty amazing. Especially the outdoor kitchens and saltwater swimming pools.

Dinner with Houston Bloggers

What a great night. As I have said many times before, the best part of blogging is the many wonderful people I meet when I travel. Last night was no exception. I had dinner with four wonderful women and fellow bloggers at Armando's.

me (All the Best); Courtney (Inside the Loop); Joni (Cote de Texas); Paloma (La Dolce Vita)

Courtney (Inside the Loop); Joni (Cote de Texas); Paloma (La Dolce Vita); Carolina (Carolina Eclectic)

I have wanted to dine again at Armando's for awhile now. Armando Palacios and his eponymous restaurant of Mexican fare, has reopened after a long hiatus. Centrally located in the River Oaks area of Houston, Armandos engulfs you in an environment reminiscent of fine dining in early 20th century Mexico City (not that I know first-hand, but so I've been told). The food was delicious, but the company was by far the best part of the evening. It was great seeing all of you!