I'm pleased as punch to be joining Rena Tom's little blog family. I've known Rena for many moons now, and we have watched each other pursue various creative interests over the years. When it comes to creative businesses, she's one of the sharpest ladies I know, so it's such an honor and pleasure to share my tips, ideas and stories with her and her readers. I hope you'll come follow along, too!
I may have found a new favorite breakfast food: Eggs in a hole. There's something so wonderfully satisfying about that fried egg nestled safely in the middle of a piece of crusty bread. I enjoyed the dish at Canelé over the weekend, but I've got a feeling I'll be frying it up in my own kitchen soon.
Being a parent is an ongoing lesson in letting go. As a mother, I find myself wanting to be present for my children, entertain them endlessly, dressed them handsomely, feed them well, and maintain a tidy roof over their heads, but it's not all possible all of the time. And let's face it: It's not possible most of the time, really.
When I stop to think about what really matters I realize that the most important thing is that Henry and Maira are happy and healthy, so I focus on that first and try not to worry so much about everything else. That's why I love the book A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of a Misspent Life. The title alone is such a comfort.
A Perfectly Kept House... was written by longtime Ralph Lauren creative director Mary Randolph Carter to inspire readers to "live creatively with collections, clutter, work, kids, pets, art, etc...and stop worrying about everything being perfectly in its place." Rama surprised me with a copy shortly after Maira was born, and it instantly became a prized part of my home library.
The beautifully designed book includes simple watercolor lettering and collaged details that live harmoniously alongside colorful photographs. I think I love Mary's sentiments almost as much as the images. Her warmth and sense of humor shine with chapters titled "The Unmade Bed," "Living with Obsession," and "Comfort," and gems such as "Don't scrub the soul out of your home!"
I admit that some homes in the book feel more chaotic than comfy, but there are several glimpses that feel just the right amount worn and cozy, reminding me of some of my favorite homes I've visited—the ones that make me want to stay a good, long while.
All images from A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of a Misspent Life
I had the pleasure of lunching at the fairly new FarmShop today. As if dining out wasn't a treat enough, the meal was a delightful surprise. The space is clean and airy with some rustic and refined touches. And the food followed suit: fresh and simple with some tasty and unexpected flavors.
My friend Chelsea and I each ordered a bowl of corn soup (not pictured) and salad of crispy artichokes, grilled peaches, burrata cheese and arugula. Then we shared a side of french fries and a peach cream meringue. Nothing was too much or overdone. Everything was fresh and delicious.
FarmShop is located at the Brentwood Country Mart, a favorite spot to window shop and eat in LA. It's a no-brainer that I will definitely come back—sooner than later, I hope!
FarmShop
225 26th Street Santa Monica, CA
tel: 310.566.2400
hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm
When both you and your husband are artists, it's natural to wonder whether your child will be one, too. I have no idea whether or not Henry will be the next Van Gogh, but I do know that—like most young children I know—he loves to color.
Rama bought Henry his first sketchbook last Christmas and we've been filling it ever since. Sometimes, Henry sits alone on the floor, surrounded by a sea of markers. He scribbles busily on the pages, filling white space with explosions of color. Dots, circles, lines and swirls. Other times we draw in it together, side by side. We make a drawing, he colors it in. He demolishes the drawing, we start again. It's an exploration of color, a practice in spontaneity, a lesson in humility. Nothing is precious, and everything is beautiful.
Henry, and the work we do together, is always surprising and inspiring me.
Top: Shoes & text by me, color by Henry
Middle: A portrait of Maira by Rama, color by Henry
Bottom: Explosion of color by Henry
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