peace, love & understanding...and coffee

It's Sunday morning, and let's face it...most of us are talking about politics. I have friends of both political party persuasions. I love them all for their ability to engage in a conversation that is enlightening and educational. I love them for their passion and their commitment to their beliefs -- and their ability to back them up with intelligent arguments. 

In the interest of full disclosure, a single friend inspired this post. A friend who decided that I am angry because I called out a talking head on her side of the aisle for perpetual hate-filled language that throws fuel on an already out of control fire. I would say to you what I said to her -- do not confuse my passion and intelligence with anger. I am not an angry spirit. I was put on this earth to sing and paint and make beauty with my voice and hands - my whole life has been dedicated to making the world a more beautiful place - literally and figuratively. This is not to say that I do not get angry. I am human, after all. But, there is a big difference between being angered by something and being an angry soul. So, the next time you are faced with a friend or acquaintance who may think differently than you do, who may come from a different time, generation, place or social strata -- remember that just because they are different does not mean that they are angry or stupid or incapable of imagining what it might be like to "think like the other guy." Take a deep breath and ask yourself if maybe you're not the angry one -- angry because you can't force others to think like you do. Tolerance is a highly underrated value in our world today. A little more would go a long way.

Here's to a happy, sunny Sunday. 

If you're looking for something to do...here's a movie for your afternoon. 

And if you feel the urge to dance, here's a song for you!

I'm off to get my coffee!

Golden girl...

I've heard it said that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but I beg to differ. Maybe I'm biased. Spending my days making jewelry in high karat gold has spoiled me. And, now more than ever, the gold trend is spilling over into the worlds of design and decor. There are a few items I'm finding quite irresistible. 

this chandelier looks like it was inspired by a fiddle leaf fig...

a festive holiday table setting, perhaps...

a match striker from Aerin Lauder's new lifestyle collection...available at Neiman Marcus

a golden laptop -- would make responding to emails all the more FUN!

my morning coffee would taste even more delicious out of this French press...

a sculptural lamp...

 golden barware...

images: 1-3, 4, 5-7, 8

metallic jeans...?

image

I suppose the golden laptop is the pièce de résistance... But, let's say you were going to host a holiday party -- you really would be the hostess with the mostest with one (or two) of these lovely little golden trinkets draped around your neck...

gold fish pendants with rose cut diamond eyes

What do you think? Do you have any gold accessories in your home? Or a favorite gold jewel? I'd love to hear from you.

Have a happy weekend!

Lip Service...

    

A little Thursday beauty tip...

A few years ago, L'Occitane discontinued my favorite lip balm. I called every store in the city trying get my hands on a few pots but came up empty handed. Fortunately, a friend introduced me to Sara Happ's Lip Slip lip balm and I am officially hooked. It's not too thick and not totally colorless so your lips look sun kissed and glossy -- and it lasts a long time. A little secret I will share -- it smells so good, if you're in a pinch (on a plane, say) and need to make your surroundings smell a little sweeter, just dab a little on your wrists.

Something Blue...

Gray skies are gonna clear up...Last week, Benjamin Moore announced Lemon Sorbet as their color of 2013, and now Pantone has weighed in on the issue, naming Monaco Blue as their top choice. Second on their list is Dusk Blue followed by Emerald and Grayed Jade. Pantone says blue speaks to the fact we are living in more practical times, with great concern for the economy. Certainly, blue is classic, safe, traditional and some might even say, boring. Last year's Pantone pick was Tangerine Tango -- a more lively choice, for sure. When it comes to clothes and home decor, I'm not necessarily a blue girl. But, blues and greens have always been very popular among my jewelry clientele. Who doesn't love a big dose of blue bling to lift the spirits? That's my kind of medicine! So, here's hoping the only thing blue in your world ISN'T your mood. As for me, I can think of several ways to work the blue into your jewelry wardrobe...

pile on a stack of rings...

a statement cuff...

a pendant earring...

a painter's palette pendant...

ear clips...

mini hoop with diamonds...something blue for a bride, perhaps...

the ever-classic cocktail earring in aqua...

Caped Crusader...

This time of year, I love a great cape. It's not so cold that I need a winter coat, but the chill in the air means it's time to bundle up a bit. A cape is the perfect mild-weather solution -- super chic for day or night and roomy enough for layers. Here are a few of my favorite capes this season...

for day...

for biz...

for fun...

a little more glam...

for kicking around on the weekend...

get the look: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

le weekend...

photo

Got big plans for the weekend? I've set aside a little time for a few home & studio improvement projects. I'll post them in the days/weeks to come. I've been working nose to the grindstone getting a jewelry order ready for a new retailer. More news on that front to come soon, too. Lots of news and this little elf has been b.u.s.y.! In the midst of it all, I always try to take a big deep breath and chill. After all, it will all get done. And, doing what you love everyday is not supposed to feel like work. At least, that's what I've been told! So, while I'm at it, I suppose it's time to carve that pumpkin, too...

Here's to having a happy & relaxing weekend!

Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever

According to Benjamin Moore, the official color of 2013 is Lemon Sorbet. When I was eight years old, I asked to have my bedroom painted lemon yellow. I have always loved a yellow accent. Here's a little inspiration for your Tuesday.

Marc Jacobs got the memo...

try a yellow sapphire on for size...

photos via pinterest & tumblr

jewelry photos, Stephanie Albertson Jewelry

Home Goodies...

Happy Monday! 

My weekend was packed with family, food and festivity...not too much time for relaxing, but sometimes that's a good thing! On the home front, however, I did manage to stumble upon a few goodies to share with you. First, how genius is this refrigerator in an armoire! The Meneghini La Cambusa unit would be perfect in a studio apartment...or in a pool house, perhaps. For a mere $41,500 you could have one, too!

The price point may be a bit of a stretch for most, but it is a pretty smart idea for a small space.

The new Zara Home Collection has finally launched in the US and it's getting a lot of attention from the blogosphere and beyond. As with their clothing collections, the categories are packed with style at a ridiculously affordable price point. I will say, however, if copying is the highest form of flattery, Zara has done some mighty fine flattering. The collection is "inspired," but there are a few stand-outs. My favorite pieces are...

the Cube Tumbler...

the Nilo Night set would be much nicer than the plastic Volvic water bottle sitting on my nightstand...

these linen throw pillows look hand painted...

Lawrence Dinnerware... I love a mix and match table setting and these would be fun for every day use or to dress up a festive table.

And...how about a sexy fire extinguisher? The old classic has been reinvented and renamed by DNC Tag, a Belgian company. Now called the SAFE-T, there's no need to hide these babies in your broom closet. I think they'd make a clever house warming gift. I am SO getting one of these!! 

a leather version, for the guy who has everything... 

I'm thinking of the gold one for me...