During this past weekend, my daughters and I had the opportunity to attend a book signing for Chizi’s Tale, hosted by the author, Jack Jones. Chizi’s Tale is the story of an orphaned baby black rhino discovered in Zimbabwe by two park rangers; the rhino, only a few days old, would be unable to survive the African wilderness alone. Determined to save the baby black rhino, the two park rangers notified the park manager, who took it upon himself to take the animal home with him.
During this past weekend, my daughters and I had the opportunity to attend a book signing for Chizi’s Tale, hosted by the author, Jack Jones. Chizi’s Tale is the story of an orphaned baby black rhino discovered in Zimbabwe by two park rangers; the rhino, only a few days old, would be unable to survive the African wilderness alone. Determined to save the baby black rhino, the two park rangers notified the park manager, who took it upon himself to take the animal home with him.
Chizi’s Tale is a remarkable, moving story about an endearing and vulnerable rhino and the brave family helping him. Both sincere and charming, the introduction to Chizi’s Tale was a great way to bring awareness to my children.
A cousin of mine is currently climbing a mountain in Nepal to bring awareness to the endangerment of the black rhino. The stories shared with me regarding the prestige poachers take in hunting the black rhino left me wondering whether Chizi will survive once released from his family at age three.
Senior high-school student, Jack Jones is the author of the book, Chizi’s Tale. Focused on preserving and protecting nature, Jones wrote Chizi’s Tale hoping to raise awareness.
The world took notice of the critically endangered black rhino in 1963, when a noticeable decline of the species was documented. Reasons for population decreasing are attributed to poaching for pleasure and sustenance. Due to conservation efforts, there has been a gradual increase in the black rhino’s population numbers.
To read more about the press, ordering information, or media kit regarding Chizi’s Tale, click here.
Chizi’s Tale is available for purchase at Diane’s Books on Grigg Street in Greenwich, Connecticut; all proceeds go to Tusk: The Save the Rhino Trust.
To learn more about the endangerment of rhinos and how you can help, visit Tusk: The Save the Rhino Trusthere.
I’d like to introduce you to a wonderful blog written by my friend Lindley Pless: The Sentimentalist.
From time to time I like to share other blogs that I think will interest my readers. While my own interests tend to naturally focus on design or fashion blogs, today I’d like to introduce you to a wonderful blog written by my friend Lindley Pless: The Sentimentalist. Lindley started The Sentimentalist as a way to feature content she considered valuable and worth sharing with others. Her blog is a place where art, food, design, fashion, and even her own opinions come together and intersect.
From Lindley’s blog about Green & Tonic, a natural food store.From an Autumn photo collection.
When starting a blog, coming up with a name for your site is the first challenge. Lindley discussed her blog title with friends, and in articulating her desire to create content from her own heart, the title The Sentimentalist was born. Lindley really is a sentimental person, wearing her heart on her sleeve. She sees beauty everywhere in life, even in the things we learn from darkness and heartbreak, so the title of her blog is a true reflection of Lindley’s personality. Following from that, Lindley strives to connect with her readers, hoping to create an “A ha!” moment, whether it comes from learning about a detangling brush for a child’s unruly hair or the sharing of a challenging life experience that another person can relate to or learn from. One important quality of The Sentimentalist is the lack of negativity; if Lindley tries a new product but doesn’t really care for it, she doesn’t write about it. Her focus is on the positive, the sharing of information and experiences that can help or inspire people. When she addresses personal challenges or emotional situations, she doesn’t dwell on her difficulties but shares her journey and what she’s learned from it, reaching out and encouraging others along the way.
An inspiring quote!From Lindley’s writing about grace.
In a world where the vast majority of blogs are started, then abandoned (an astounding 95% of them according the NY Times), this is clearly an endeavor that isn’t without its hurdles. For Lindley, there are two challenges she faces when writing for The Sentimentalist. First, she works alone. When she hits “publish” on a blog post, she is presenting it to the world without the benefit of a sounding board. It definitely takes confidence to put your thoughts out there without having someone looking over your shoulder with second opinions or nods of approval. Second, Lindley sometimes finds it challenging to put herself in a vulnerable place when writing for her blog. If she feels a topic has value, she wants to share it, regardless of whether it is read by five people or five thousand. Writing honestly on a blog often means having the courage to forge ahead regardless of the opinions or approval of others.
One of several secrets Lindley shared.
As if being a mom to two active little girls and writing her own blog doesn’t keep her busy enough, Lindley also devotes her time to running Sentimental Videography, giving a face and a brand to non-profit groups using her experience in the television industry. Closest to Lindley’s heart, however, is the Little Wings Foundation. Lindley started Little Wings in order to help direct fundraising dollars to reputable, deserving organizations. She talks to different foundations, researches their practices, and helps ensure that donated funds are used for their intended purpose. In addition, Lindley is passionate about creating a desire to give back and help others in the next generation. With Little Wings, she organizes Family Volunteer Days to encourage children to understand the value of giving time and effort to those in need.
I enjoy Lindley’s blog for many reasons. It’s something I look forward to reading because her writing is often clever and always real. I admire how she puts her thoughts and feelings out there and finds such inspiration in the quotes she shares. I love starting the day on a positive note whenever Lindley posts something new!
Words of wisdom for starting the day with a good attitude.
Visit The Sentimentalist to subscribe to new posts. You can also find The Sentimentalist on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. She is also on Instagram as user @lindleypless.
Fashion + Decor is the kind of inspirational site that I love.
Fashion + Decor is the kind of inspirational site that I love. The site’s contributors take a specific fashion look and translate it to an entire space. It’s clever, resourceful, and so interesting.
Fashion + Decor appeals to me because it takes what I love (fashion) and turns it into what I do (interiors). It’s also a great tool for introducing different looks to clients and expanding their imaginations. It helps to push boundaries and break out of the typical box.
One useful aspect of the site is the way you can filter by color, room, season, and more. The navigational tools are really well done and the overall design of the site is really user friendly. It’s just pure inspiration to me!
The Well Appointed House blog covers home decor news, trends, DIY projects, as well as lifestyle topics such us travel, parenthood, shopping, gardening, fashion, and living well.
Melissa Hawks
Melissa Hawks of Greenwich, CT, founded The Well Appointed House, a luxury home retail site, in 2002. Specializing in furniture, gifts, and decorative accessories, the online store was created with the goal of bringing the kind of home decor finds which are abundant in Manhattan to a more widespread audience. Since its launch, The Well Appointed House has grown to include over 10,000 items and has been featured by The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CNBC, In Style, Harper’s Bazaar, House and Garden, and many others. The company offers items for every room in the house, including the patio and garden. There are so many different styles available, it’s possible to find just the right piece for any decor in a wide range of price points. The Well Appointed House is also great source for unique and beautiful gift ideas.
White bubble and Tail Estancia ChandelierQuadrille Ikat Turkish decorative pillowLamar Silver Leafed EtagereTufted Gallery Bench in Brown Vintage Leather
In 2010, Melissa created The Well Appointed House Blog as an extension of her retail brand. The blog covers home decor news, trends, DIY projects, as well as lifestyle topics such us travel, parenthood, shopping, gardening, fashion, and living well. With weekly updates, the blog is always a good source of inspiration. You can read about events in and around Greenwich, examine reviews of various products, and stay up to date on new fabrics, trends, and popular styles. Between the blog and the retail site, there is so much here to love!
From a retro blog post, Jackie Kennedy.Gray home décor from Well Appointed House
In addition to the blog and retail site, you can find The Well Appointed House on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
If, like me, you’re interested in fashion, you must check out Polyvore.
If, like me, you’re interested in fashion, you must check out Polyvore. It’s a really cool site that allows you to create and browse collages using all kinds of images and products. Once you create a Polyvore account for yourself, you can install their Mini Editor widget to create collages with products on Polyvore. You can also use the Clipper toolbar button (similar to the Pin It button Pinterest users are familiar with) to import images to use in your Polyvore collages.
By Polyvore user gangdise.By Polyvore user becksd78.
Polyvore is a great source of inspiration! Even if you aren’t quite savvy enough to assemble collages yourself, just browsing the site gives you so many ideas. The best part is, if you find a pair of shoes or scarf you love in a collage, you only have to click on that item to learn the designer, the price, and where to buy it. Polyvore even gives you similar alternatives. It is a fashion lover’s ultimate shopping tool!
By Polyvore user traciruer.By Polyvore user loveraige.
Of course, the creativity of people can never be limited to one subject. Interior design collages can also be found on Polyvore, which is a great design tactic for presentations. I am always appreciative of ways to help clients visual plans! With Polyvore, it’s possible to gather your favorite design ideas and use them to create a virtual storyboard for your ideal interior.
By Polyvore user marybloom.By Polyvore user lolakap.
There’s so much room for creativity with Polyvore. Some of the collages are like works of art, compiling ideas around a single color, pattern, season, or celebrity. I love this Marilyn inspired board. It is so uniquely adapted and creative!
As a design resource, 1stdibs is a treasure trove of inspiration. I love being able to shop sources all over the world for everything from furniture and jewelry to fashion and lighting.
As a design resource, 1stdibs is a treasure trove of inspiration. I love being able to shop sources all over the world for everything from furniture and jewelry to fashion and lighting. When shopping for clients, I can focus on specific categories, like antiques. In addition to everything you can put in a home, 1stdibs features homes themselves. Looking for an estate in the French countryside or a luxury high rise apartment in the city? You can find it on 1stdibs! There are so many unique and beautiful things from a huge variety of dealers. I never get tired of browsing this site.
Unique dining chairs.Jade, coral, pearl, and gold necklace.Large Sciolari chandelier.Bill Blass — A fashion icon!
With the site’s latest updates, it has become even more interactive, making it an incredible tool. When you create an account with 1stdibs, you can save items to your virtual portfolio to make them easy to find for future reference. Even if the items in your portfolio are purchased, they stay there for you to refer to, be inspired by, or simply covet.
A pair of 1970’s black glazed table lamps.Art Deco tray by Laurent Llaurensou19th Century French Napoleon III Salon ChairSolid brass French sunburst mirror.
Shopping online isn’t always the best option. Being able to see an object in person, touch it, and get a truly accurate idea of colors and textures can be an important part of finding just the right piece. The 1stdibs New York Design Center, located at 200 Lexington Ave., is a mecca of design, filled with curated booths and the opportunity to check things out in person.
If you’re not already using 1stdibs, you won’t regret setting up an account now. You can also find them on Facebook, where they feature specific objects, hold giveaways, and highlight designers.
As a designer, there are six online resources I find myself regularly using for different reasons.
There are so many online magazines, blogs, storefronts, and websites dedicated to the world of interior design that it’s often a daunting task to find a consistently reliable source of information and inspiration. Add into that the possibilities of social media and apps, and the idea of staying on top of changing technology and online resources begins to feel like a full time job! Like any other resource, however, the internet is something each of us can find just the right way to use depending on our needs. As a designer, there are six online resources I find myself regularly using for different reasons. Throughout the upcoming year, I know I will utilize these sites and tools to enhance my business and the options I can offer to my clients.
1. Houzz Back in October, I wrote about why I love Houzz as a design resource. It’s the ideal way to articulate my ideas to clients as well as an incredible place to find inspiration.
2. Interiors Magazine An international design magazine, Interiors is a unique voice among design publications, featuring designers and products I don’t often see in other magazines. Their website allows you to browse digital versions past issues and is great for sourcing product. For example, I discovered Kyle Bunting Rugs in Interiors Magazine and am really excited to keep them in mind for future clients.
3. 1st Dibs I could submerge myself for hours in 1st Dibs. Once a source for great furniture and lighting, you can now shop for jewelry, vintage fashion, and even real estate. With designer highlights and options for shopping local, 1st Dibs is a worldwide market you can browse without ever leaving your home or office.
4. Pinterest Pinterest is a great organizational tool for categorizing thoughts and ideas. I love seeing what other people are doing as well! Having the Pin It button right on my toolbar makes it easy to go back to products and inspiration I find anywhere on the web.
5. Color River App from House Beautiful Color River is a beautifully done app that I have on my iPad. It’s a great tool to use with clients for choosing color and coordinating palettes.
6. Dering Hall Dering Hall is a favorite source of high end furniture and products from a huge collection of designers and storefronts. Users can follow favorite designers, browse portfolios, and read about current design trends and happenings in the DH Blog.
Written by Stacey Bewkes, Quintessence focuses on “those special discoveries that make life just that much better.”
Quintessence is a lifestyle blog I really enjoy. Written by Stacey Bewkes, Quintessence focuses on “those special discoveries that make life just that much better.” After working as an art director in NYC for 17 years, Stacey left that world to raise her four children in Connecticut. She then created Quintessence to continue to say involved in every aspect of the world of design and fashion. Stacey attends design, lifestyle, and fashion events, and then blogs about them to bring the experience to her readers. She also shares content on topics from art to movies and food to books, meaning you’ll always find something new and interesting at Quintessence.
Quintessence appeals to me because it is very cultured. Stacey is worldly and involved and is always current on what’s happening. She really does her homework and is clearly knowledgeable. Her posts are interesting and relevant. Having had the opportunity to meet Stacey, I know she is a lovely lady, very passionate and direct!
I like the segment of Stacey’s blog called Behind the Q, which is a monthly post showcasing an individual stylemaker. I want more of it! Stacey really creates an intimate behind the scenes look of people such as Thom Felicia and Miles Redd. Her videos combined with the writing and several stunning photos is a clever new approach. I can’t wait for the next installment!
Behind the Q
Before and after of Thom Filicia’s home, featured in his book American Beauty.
One of my favorite Quintessence posts was about NIBA rugs. It jogged my memory of a source I had seen before but hadn’t logged into my mental catalog of go-to rugs. I am so excited to incorporate some of these rugs into my interiors!
Hand knotted wool and silk rugs from NIBA.
Persian carpets from NIBA.
Since I was not able to make it to this year’s Southampton Showhouse, Stacey’s blogs about many of the spaces allowed me to think that I was there in person. I love the dining room, with the large drum fixture and dining room chairs. The combination is whimsical. Thanks, Stacey for great observations and attention to detail in every room you visited at the Southampton Showhouse!
Showhouse dining room designed by Mabley Handler.
Study designed by Patrick Lonn at the Showhouse.Guest suite designed by Jennifer McConnell.
Another fascinating blog post focused on Stacey’s visit to Tramshed during the London Design Festival. Although her visit to Tramshed was quick, Stacey still managed to take plenty of photos of incredible products from a variety of vendors. Sharing this kind of experience with readers is part of what makes Quintessence such a fascinating blog.
Quarry lights by Benjamin Hubert.Porcelain by Karen Morgan.
Hand blown lighting from Bocci.
I love that I can use Quintessence as a catalog of great thoughts and a resource to turn to for inspiration! I hope you visit Quintessence soon; you can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
The beauty of Houzz, for me, is being able to accurately share my ideas and visions with general contractors, architects, and clients.
A few years ago, Adi Tatarko and Alon Cohen started a remodeling project that sparked a unique idea. After spending countless hours clipping ideas from magazines and books to plan their remodel, Tatarko and Cohen decided there must be a better way to gather ideas and plans in one place. Their desire for such a place led to the launch of Houzz, a website devoted to interior design, architecture, and home improvement. Since its launch in 2009, Houzz has grown to a collection of over half a million photos which have been used by members to create nearly two million idea books. The site has grown to include products, discussions, and networking to connect home owners with design professionals. Tatarko and Cohen certainly realized their goal of creating the perfect inspirational tool.
The beauty of Houzz, for me, is being able to accurately share my ideas and visions with general contractors, architects, and clients. It’s the perfect resource for articulating exactly the look, colors, and products I’m thinking of. It’s an unbelievable resource for finding inspiration and communicating ideas. It’s also user-friendly and simple to translate from an online idea to real-world use.
My own office will soon be renovated, and Houzz will definitely make it easier to share my ideas with my contractor. The office was originally home to a heating company and really has no character to speak of. I plan on using modern barns as an inspiration, creating an environment that isn’t overdone or distracting for clients, something subdued and tactful in design.
Modern farmhouse inspiration.More farmhouse-inspired ideas.A great work space!Another modern barn look.
I’m trying to decide between a concrete floor and a beautiful, traditional wood floor. Adding both to my Houzz idea book makes it easy to go over options with the contractor as well as see how my various ideas play off each other.
Concrete floor.Additional concrete floor design.Manior gray custom aged French oak floors.
I love the idea of using steel windows. It will definitely keep with the modern feel of my office while adding a unique touch and different texture to the space. I found great examples on Houzz!
Steel windows design.Another steel window idea.
For my fireplace, I want to go with a slab design. Each of the fireplace ideas I found on Houzz is very different in color, material, and texture, but they each convey the same smooth feeling from sleek lines. The truly difficult part is choosing between them!
Houzz even inspires accessories. Products listed on Houzz often include pricing and link directly to sources for buying. An idea book can include even small details or specific products, like these amazing shelves.
A few days ago while shopping for fabric in NYC, I found myself stopped short by a window display in the D&D building.
A few days ago while shopping for fabric in NYC, I found myself stopped short by a window display in the D&D building. The display included a stunning arrangement of vintage glassware and I had to know more about it. I learned that the display featured items from a shop on Hudson Street called The End of History.
The End of History
The End of History opened in 1997. Since then, owner Stephen Saunders has amassed an amazing international collection of mid-century glass and ceramic ware. In fact, The End of History boasts the world’s largest collection of 50’s and 60’s glass in the world. Hand blown glass and rare ceramics All this vintage glassware is beautifully categorized by color, making shopping here a real experience. The store is impressively curated and staffed by friendly people who are more than happy to welcome shoppers drawn in by those glowing window displays.
In addition to the store, the End of History maintains a blog to showcase their glassware and describe where each piece originates. The blog features writing and photography by Daniel Petix with input from store proprietor Stephen Saunders. It’s a great way to browse the store’s offerings and learn about the history and styles of various glassware. The pieces range from funky to stunning, from unusual to sophisticated.
If you’re in New York, you can stop by The End of History at 548 1/2 Hudson Street or call them at (212)647-7598 to inquire about hours.
