New catalog, new video, new blog look... yippee!

Well, you may not have received it yet, but it is out there... the new TRACY PORTER catalog! I gave you some bits and pieces last time around, and thought I would share some more! We did a cool behind the scenes video of our shoot... check it out... you can see many of the photos in the making. The lovely chaos that happens... it's all quite magical... a bit of theater... and really quite a lot of fun. We wanted you to be there, so this is what we came up with!! We will continue to share our videos with you as we shoot... and we will be video pod casting soon... Little by little, you'll feel like you are designing everything with us! Also... we are adding a few new goods to the blog... Some of it a re-organize, if you will... some of it totally new... We'd love you to hang out with us and wander about... Please share us with your friends! And of course, let us know what you think!!! You know I am in here with you... I try to answer as soon as I can, sometimes I am traveling and it takes me longer. Our team will jump in now and again as you have seen... they too are a vocal bunch! I will always be honest, and direct... I hope you are inspired... and you must know... I LOVE all the chitter chatter we have going on... really, what a treat! You are so good to spend the time with us!

Okay... I know you will ask, and a few of you have already... so I will give you my favorite notes about the new catalog...

* The BEDDING... because we have always wanted to design our own that can be found nowhere else... TRACY PORTER BEDDING!!!! It's good to have a vision!!! I love each of the patterns for very different reasons... I am so curious, which one do you like? (I will give you my thoughts in the coming weeks...)

* Great FASHION items... I am all for collecting as you go... in my closet and my home (you have heard this from me a million times). It's just easier this way! And these new coats, shoes, shirts... all fit that bill! They are timeless and unique... easy to wear... easy to mix in. I just gave my sister (yes, the gorgeous brunette in our catalog) the PARIS STREET leopard shoes for her birthday... she loves them! Maybe she'll jump in here and blog with us... Robyn, are you there??

* Our FURNITURE... what an extraordinary journey it has been to design these pieces! To create rooms around them... to show them in environments to inspire you... Check out our room scenes, these are all shot in our house... I find it's the best way to give you who we really are. This furniture was designed to fit into many kinds of rooms... it is classic with many wonderful details and interesting layers... I love antiques, and find that these pieces work well in our home.

* New DINNERWARE... scrumptious patterns! Again, these cannot be found anywhere else but on tracyporter.com and in our catalog. In the next few weeks I will get into some of those patterns more, so you can learn how and where we are inspired...

* JEWELRY... it seems to me that you like very unique goodies (this is why we get along so very well)! So I have been on the prowl... literally finding the most amazing pieces for you... They are spectacular when layered, as you can see... I adore things that mix well... I love necklaces on top of necklaces... jewelry that feels like you won't find it everywhere... pieces that give you the sense like you've owned them forever... that have a soul.

* mouth-watering CHANDELIERS and sconces.... lamps... oh, just lots of golden, aged beauties. You know it's another obsession of mine... ever trying to squeeze another one into our home...

What do you love??? Let me know... I am SOOOO curious!!!

xoxo,
Tracy

Love, love, love...

What will you do... what will you give... on Valentine's Day?

Something to covet? Or... breakfast for dinner (maybe in bed?)... A picnic, somewhere unexpected... a romantic movie... a sexy new CD (or iPod update)? A tree to be planted in spring, a weekend to sleep in, a fancy cocktail ring, a new crisp stack of magazines? A huge pot of fresh lavender... a night out... or in?? A hot towel after showering... a puppy... silk lingerie... be more accepting... a surprise plane ticket... a vintage book... a long love note? Get the car detailed... a promise for later... a new diary... be a good listener... shower them with kisses... a framed photo of you together... lockets filled with photos... watch childhood movies... some freshly baked cookies? Candles lit in the bedroom... make a fantasy list and start crossing them off... personalized stationery... a new pair of heels? Or maybe just simply "BE"... be together and do nothing at all! (Well... that, and maybe a cocktail together...) Happy Valentine's Day! xoxoxo

The quintessential red lip

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I figured now would be the time to write about the perfect red lip. (I have been wanting to write about this one for a while!!!)

If you are anything like me, you tend to look at magazines, covet the red lip, and then think... way too much work! I just don't think I can pull it off...

That used to me be... but truly... this look works on everyone, and is so much fun to wear!!! It can completely change your entire look... and of course, is just about as chic as can be... I'll walk you thru how to get it!

In order to achieve the look, you will definitely want a liner... the one that I'm hooked on is by MAC called burgundy. Of course, if you have a lip primer, it is helpful (but to be honest, I skip this most of the time. However, if you are in need of a good lip primer, I would go with Laura Geller's Lip Spackle... You can get it at Sephora). Once you have applied the primer (or not), line the entire lip and fill it in with the pencil. This helps create a base for your lipstick and will also help the color to last longer. (Do what works with the time you have... mind you, I am not doing all this to go to work! This is more of a "going out" thing for me.)

Then take a lip brush (this is key... your application will look much better if you apply with a brush), swipe it across your red lipstick, and begin filling in the lips. To make it last even longer, blot once you have filled in your lips the first time and then apply some more lipstick with the brush. The red that works best on me is called Dubonnet and is also by MAC.

To get your perfect color, I would actually suggest going to the makeup counter of your choice and having one of the makeup artists recommend a few colors for you. (This way, you can decide if you want a matte, sheer, or glossy finish). They also know their line better than anyone and can tell you if you need a red shade with more of a blue base or a brown base.

For touch-ups, just carry the red lipstick with you and dot it on as needed throughout the night! (Btw, if you do red lips, go a bit lighter on everything else... always a balance... you know!)

So... let me know if you decide to wear her, and if so, what are your thoughts!!!

Do you ever...

* Send a letter to someone who doesn't get much mail? Talk about feel good!

* Put Snickers bars into the freezer and then cut them into thin little slices? Ooohhhhhhhh.

* Buy a cool jacket and also use it like a blazer? (This is what I love about our Modern Vintage Coat...) Hello, pretty!

* Make your own IN & OUT list? When I was a teenager "W" magazine did these... I always loved doing my own just for fun!

* Order a birthday cake for someone in the shape of a wedding cake? (One 8" circle, with one 6" circle on top... Charming!!)

* Send a thank you note, just because?

* Give a new coffee table book to a friend who may be coveting it?

* Keep a stash of perfectly sharpened pencils on your desk at home or at work? (No idea why this inspires me, but alas... it does!)

* Add splashes of color to your home with new accessories? Throws, pillows, lanterns... easy, quick... and who doesn't love that??

Comfort food... I have a problem

I will make a confession... I LOVE comfort food! Usually on the weekends the boys and I bake something... usually comfort food of some sort. I own lots of "lost recipe" type books. I have some of my grandmother's books, including her M.F.K. Fisher book, The Gastronomical Me (which is one of my absolute treasures). If you love foodie reading, this one is a gem...

I recently bought Christopher Kimball's new Lost Recipes book as well... I do love his books and find the writing to be so interesting. I love all the "reasoning" and science of cooking that they include. When I buy a new cookbook (and I have a spare minute) I thumb through it, sticky notes in hand, and I add a "sticky" to every recipe that I want to try. Well, I found a jewel... ORANGE DROP DOUGHNUTS... not that there aren't more. This one just thrills me!! Since I was a kid, my mom would make homemade doughnuts once in a while on the weekends. I loved everything about it... the grease cooking, the smell of the kitchen, the warm tasty goodies still piping hot... all sugared, piled high, and ready to eat!!

This recipe is so delicious that I actually made it TWICE a few weekends ago. On a Saturday morning, Fin and I made it. Quick, simple... YUM!!! Then I proceeded to eat them all day... with countless cups of tea. I must admit it was trouble, and I was just not stopping. Every time I walked by them, I snatched up another one... So much for willpower! So of course, Sunday morning in our house is always Swedish pancakes... and I mean, every Sunday... PERIOD. So when I suggested we make the orange drop doughnuts again, it didn't go over well......... In the end, I won. (Funny how that happens...) I made them again. And yes, they (and I) ate them ALL again. Needless to say, we have had our fair share of "fried" this month! But, oh... how we enjoyed it!!!! Another reason to light a scented candle (too much grease smell in the air)! Not that I ever need a reason to light more candles!

Let me know if you tried these, and if they make you as wild as I was!!!

Emotional surrender...

Oh, how I have... to the LOTUS COFFEE TABLE... Perhaps this sounds odd? Surrender to a coffee table? Can it be?? You might think... a new pair of leopard shoes... or a fabulous shirt... Not today!! Today, it's this... this one. This scrumptious one! And this is why... We just rearranged all of our furniture in our great room at home, and have made a wonderful new reading spot... I NEED this most luscious table right there!!! Loving, just loving it! I love bamboo, as you know (another weakness). It’s a scorching gem, this one... and quite perfect near a couch (or in my case, a few overstuffed chairs)... I knew when I was designing this beauty exactly what she had to be... I am very inspired by Moroccan looks... I thought the layer of black hand-painting would be delicious with all the other elements. It somehow manages to be refined, enchanting... and quite handsome, all at the same time. I love the idea of it on an old, tattered red oriental rug... or on a gorgeous black wood floor... all beaten and worn with age. I love that I can sit near it (or our kids can) and play a game while sitting on a pillow on the floor... We are pretty laid back in our home, and things really do get used... I know that this spicy number will end up with scratches from matchbox cars rolling over her, or whatever else our children choose to drag across her top... It's all good to me... and my emotional surrender will be entirely satisfied!!! Stay tuned...

Valentine's Day... the romance... the music...

I have a confession to make. I have been listening to Yumeji’s Theme for the past week... on repeat... for 8 hours at a time. I realize I have a problem... but it is just sooooooo good.

I'll explain... John and I are going to go to this new restaurant (well, new for us, as we have not been there yet) called Chinatown Brasserie in NYC... I adore dim sum, but I did not want to go to a dive-y restaurant (not that I always care... usually it's all about the food, but looks help... and this time I do care)... So I found this place. They do dim sum day and night (many only do day)... And of course, I went on their website and LOVED the atmosphere. As it is, I am having a fixation with high gloss black paint on many doors in our home, and I love the pic of this restaurant (talk about romantic with the husband!!). And then this theme was playing... and well, I just have the website up to hear the music now... it is a terribly romantic ballad, which was featured in the movie In the Mood for Love... I have not seen the film, but the soundtrack is amazing!!!! I just ordered it from Amazon and can hardly wait for it to arrive! Here, take a listen... It's a mix of instrumental with vocal... Looks very good, as does the movie. (Btw, I had to send the restaurant an email about the song, and Marie was so cute in her response... She not only referred me to the movie and soundtrack, but also mentioned that the movie was actually the inspiration for their restaurant!!)

Some of my other favorites for setting a perfectly romantic tone... There is this series of CD's--(now don't laugh, okay? Well, actually, go ahead and laugh... because I am as I'm getting ready to write the title!)--called FOR LOVERS... I know, could the title be any worse?!?!? Seriously, I cringe as I write it!! But they have put together some of the BEST compilations of artists that I love... There is John Coltrane For Lovers (absolutely beautiful). It has all of his greats on it and also features Jonny Hartman (who I adore! Talk about a great voice...) I just stumbled across the one for Rio... Really, really good Brazilian tunes... the kind that call for dim lights and an outstanding cocktail. I love Brazilian music and have many titles... I think it's perfectly luscious! I love that they put together the entire mix... so great that they make it a no-brainer. Definitely worth checking out if you have a moment... you just have to get past the name, hideous (and maybe the cover)...

Any favorites you are listening to??? I'd love to know, as I am always on the lookout!!!

New curtains in a second!

Four inches of snow the other night makes me giddy and more nesty than ever... And as you know I am all about quickie changes! I found these awesome kitchen linens on a trip and thought... perfect curtains for my small bathroom window! Now you may not think kitchen linens to bathroom curtains is a natural thought process... but when a girl is in need of some new splashes about the house, anything will do! They are simply sewn over on the top, and yes... that is a bit of twine attached to some eye hooks. I am not marching around my house with a construction hat on (do you read me?) so these kinds of changes suit me quite fine! I love the pagoda on these... I am definitely a chinoiserie-o-phile (mind you, that is probably not a word... but you know what I mean). John, my good sport of a husband, is not nearly as smitten by all the Asian delights I bring home... because he thinks our house will soon look like his grandmother's... I grew up with lots of Asian goods in our home and always thought them to be pretty cool... so these curtains are my way of "sneaking" in some love!

Primers... a girl's secret best friend

So… PRIMERS... are you using these yet???

Okay, I must admit, there was a time in my life when I simply could not understand what the big deal was with makeup primers... I mean why would I pay for a makeup product without any color... Right??
My ways have changed. I suppose since my skin is evolving (nice way to put it), I find that stuff like this is really quite nice! Mind you, this stuff is great if you're 18 or 80...

I think that my primers are actually some of the best products I own now (I have 2 that I absolutely love!!!). The thing is, they really truly help prep your skin for the entire day, and keep the makeup you applied in the morning stay put... And let's face it, if we are going to take the time to "put on our face" as they say, shouldn't it stick??

Jumping in... the primer I swear by is Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer... Now, I typically don't wear foundation everyday... especially when I am at the studio. But I am getting to that point where I kind of want a little something... you know what I mean??? Recently I picked up some Trish McEvoy liquid foundation, and I must say I love it!!! Very natural. Katie (our makeup gal at the studio) swears by Smashbox foundation, and we both have some of Bobbi Brown's (who I think is fabulous and brilliant!!)

Alas, I digress (I do have a little problem with digressing, as I know you know and thank you for always being so kind about it). As I was saying, I am at that point where I need a little something... Photo Finish kind of airbrushes your face... it fills in small imperfections and truly makes your face like a canvas ready for whatever your heart desires! I also notice that my makeup stays put all day long and I tend to use less, as the primer really helps with application! (A bit of background for my fascination... I was one of those teenagers with horrid skin problems, on acutane, the whole bit... All I wanted to do was just cover it all up!)

I do like that Photo Finish has 15 SPF and Dermaxyl Complex (which has been proven to minimize the appearance of wrinkles). I'm more concerned with the SPF to be honest, but I figure the Dermaxyl can't hurt!!! They also have travel sizes, which allow for you to try the product to see if you like it! The only bummer is that they way the bottle is designed, once you get down there, you will need to use a q-tip, as the pump will not be able to get out the last drops...

For the eyes, I have found that Urban Decay's primer works wonders! You want to use this if you ever experience your eye shadow creasing... it will solve it in a flash! And it also gives you a very nice nude lid... which is a bonus if you want a natural look and don't feel like doing the whole eye shadow thing... 'cause let's face it, we all have those days where we just don't feel like doing the whole get-up!

Are there primers you are using that you absolutely love and cannot live without?? I'd love to know!!!!

A love affair

I adore good movies... could stand to get to the theater a wee bit more... but have always been a sucker for a good romantic movie. If for Valentine's Day (or for that matter, ANY day that you want to be swept off your feet), I would consider these... along with quite a lot of popcorn, a box of milk duds (or any junk food)...... and some tissues. Oh, and another thought... This would be SO good to do in a fabulous hotel with room service!! Pull those shades and press PLAY! You have to let me know what your fav's are... I know it's all so personal... this really IS a short list...

* Doctor Zhivago
* Sabrina
* Gone with the Wind
* An Affair to Remember
* Pretty Woman
* Casablanca
* When Harry Met Sally
* Pride and Prejudice
* The Shop Around the Corner
* Breakfast at Tiffany’s
* The Philadelphia Story
* Holiday Inn
* The Way We Were
* The Sound of Music

A bra for all woman kind

On my recent travels the "perfect bra" topic came up... (You know what I mean, right? Women in a car get chatting and this is where we end up?)

So, I ask... A bra that can be used with anything? Does this exist??? So that you don't actually have to buy a bra for every new fangled shirt you fall in love with? (I have literally not purchased things--shirts or dresses, that is--for just that reason!! Out shopping, and I'm thinking... Oh, I don't have a bra that will work with it... Ugh, I'll pass!!!) And I REALLY these days cannot go without... maybe if I lived in Brazil and were 20 years younger! (This is what a woman says to me recently... "Hey, just go without!" And she WAS Brazilian and WAS 20 years younger... So I do understand her point of view!)

So Katie (yes, Katie from the studio, fashionista that she is... ever has her radar up!) told me about the 100 Ways Bra by Victoria's Secret. No doubt the same image came into your mind as I had about myself... Me, a giraffe already... trying to re-configure a bra 100 ways, and all its crazy strap-age on my body... long arms flailing... it getting stuck on my chin or nose or God knows where else... Am I capable of such a thing? Will I have to go into some yoga pose to get it on? Am I still this flexible? Do my arms bend that way?? I ask, Does it come with an owner's manual?? I mean, the car does, the TV does (not that either one of those 4,000 page booklets are even remotely useful for most of us)... So does the 100 Ways Bra?? Otherwise it will sit in my undies drawer until I am 80... tags still attached. My boys will find it one day... and I'll come home and see them using it as some kind of weapon with rubber balls shooting across our great room at the chandelier......

OH!!! YES... It DOES come with a booklet! Oh, glory days! So... Katie proceeds to get one for me on her recent shopping trip. I own it now. I must admit there is a lot of strap-age (all in its own baggie). There IS a booklet (though smallish and simple... I am hoping once I am in front of the mirror I can figure it out). It "looks" to me like it will work with everything I own, which is the point really. My next question... Do they make 100 Ways Underwear???

I'll keep you posted on my bra escapades. (Surely you are thinking... LADY!!! Go out and get a boob job already!) I just don't have it in me... I would rather spend the money on a boxwood garden... Priorities... you know!

Behind the scenes... inspiration galore!

Okay, so you've heard me chitter chatter with you the last few months on all the goings on in our studio. Well... our catalog is at the printer!!! Oh... happiness! And soon it will ship out to all of you! I hope you are inspired by the mix and find it to be entirely covetable! Each catalog that we do, we literally pour our hearts into... They are great fun... crazy work, but truly worth it!

Remember me blogging on our new bedding designs? Well... they are here!!! Let me know what you think... Plus loads of new fashion... delicious jewelry and all! New dinnerware that I am not sure which to take home and try on! (But be sure that I will, it's how I learn...) All of our books are shot in our home... so the chaos level goes up a few notches... Our team is incredibly respectful that we have a young family... and the boys think that photo shoot time is about the most fun. They follow everyone around, always looking for a job of some sort... Check out the bridge... They loved being involved... even Gus! Alhough he kept wanting to run back up the hill to start again... Hope you enjoy!!

p.s. We are already flipping the house upside down, re-painting every surface adding delicious layers everywhere... to prepare for the next catalog... I will share as we go... so far I am loving it... our white master bathroom is now the most intense emerald green... I'll keep you posted!!

xoxo,
Tracy

Where are you going??

We are taking the kids on a trip soon with grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins... I am so excited!!! And as I am making my lists, etc, I figured I would share... I travel a fair amount and have a pretty good gig down by now. Many things literally stay in my suitcase as that makes my life much less complicated... God knows I am all for that!!

So, besides what I will take, I also make a list with the kids. I make them write it out and pack themselves, then I check to see that they are thinking through what we’ll be doing (swimming, dinner out, etc). Actually they do pretty well, and they LOVE packing. Their grandparents gave them each a monogrammed rolling duffle bag this year for Christmas (see L.L.Bean, so cool). The boys have not had the chance to use those yet, and are pretty psyched to try them out.

So, for me... I try to keep it simple and put together a mix of things that can go every which way... dressy, casual, etc. My top tip would be ACCESSORIES!! They are the life blood of my packing! Even the simplest outfit is fabulous with great accessories... I have forever loved statement piece necklaces... I truly turn a blind eye to trends, on that note... (Come on, the reason they exist is so that the editors can keep their jobs, sell more magazines, and the designers keep you thinking you are just always on the cusp of being "in"... Ughh! Exhausting! Mind you, I would faint before I ever put on another pair of stirrup pants and skinny jeans... Well, I'm not even going to touch that one.) So, back to accessories... Buy great things, and you'll love them no matter what!

My list... (Get on with it already!)

* reading materials (I have my priorities)... books and mags.

* paper and pens

* digital camera

* minimal makeup

* sunscreen... for face and body (my face breaks out if I use the body stuff... maybe because I go cheap and for quantity). For face I like Peter Thomas Roth 30 or higher. My sister is a sun goddess and spectacular... It's remarkable that we have the same blood... I am so pasty pale... straight out of the merchant ivory movies!

* hat, sunglasses, chap stick (I am a freak... one in every pocket... nearly panic without it... thank God I have moved on since my 9th grade Carmex addiction!)

* one great heel

* flip flops

* one snazzy sandal

* a cover up... to hide from the sun

* two swimsuits... I will for sure bring a nice one-piece (with bra support... it should be illegal to make them without). Then there is the bikini dilemma... Typically these days (post 4 babies) I am not sporting bikinis. But then, go bold or go home?!?! YES, DAMMIT!!! We are only young once... and we are going to be in the tropics, not our pond, knowing that UPS could happen upon us at any moment... While there is a bit of sagging around my belly button (is this too much info? I warned you that I am uncensored!), and I have about as "boy" of a figure as you have ever seen, and should those little "unders" slip on old ma as she is walking pool side... well, then a peek at the c-section scar will be a delight for all. (Again, no one is looking, right?!) I have been doing my sit-ups (which I do not enjoy). Well, anyway, I am looking for a great bikini and it had just better have an excellent built-in bra or forget it... That would just be trouble... I bought one from J. Crew a year ago... bad, bad, bad. Just not a good look for me, "the bra-less" bikini top. "Pennies in a sock" look would be a better phrase for it, but not good marketing!

* a few great t-shirts... that I can dress up or down... Maybe some shiny lurex in one... black or silver work for me!

* accessories... statement necklaces, bracelets (bold cuffs mostly), earrings, and some fabulous big rings and a few great belts

* a great looking beach bag (for hauling to and fro)

* a great hip evening purse... metallic gold or silver

* a few summer dresses... simple elegant... again, can go day or night

* tunics ... yes, so good, I LOVE tunics!!!

* my cosmetic bag is loaded with lotions, perfume, moisturizers, Q-tips, etc.

* a squirt bottle... as I NEVER iron my clothes... I just squirt them with water a few minutes before I dress and shake them out. (Low-maintenance, girls!)

* one clear nail polish... and this is why... when it chips and you have no time (Hi, yes) then just slap on another coat... Yes, that really is what I do. I don't do my fingernails, just my toes, and if you are looking that closely at my toe nails, well... then I have bigger problems clearly!

* one great pair of jeans

Now, if you have kids, then do consider this. (Maybe we've talked about this before?) I bring a special airplane backpack for each of them. They don't get to open it until we get ON the plane. I go to the dollar store and load up... little boxes of gold fish, animal crackers, lollipops (for taking off and landing... the ears), decks of playing cards, markers or crayons and a new pad of paper... little cars, plastic army men, pirate ships, activity books... you name it. I used to add in juices, etc, but now I get those after the security check point. They are entirely thrilled to rip into their bags and honestly, you have never seen 4 little happier boys. They are quiet and occupied... good for us and the other passengers. This plan works well for long car trips as well. Oh... and before you pack it all, open it all up and put the goodies into little zip lock baggies... or you'll be dealing with it on the plane... No thanks!

Officially a grown-up!!

I love the inspiration that I get from our team. I have worked with Sarah for 13 years, she is our VP of Creative... Truly, incredibly creative at that. Her house is a treasure trove of inspiration... so I asked her to snap off a few pics for me of some of her fabulous vignettes... The following pics are fabulous and filled with very cool ideas! She told me... "I recently had a 'big girl moment' and I have to share!!" Out and about antiquing, she picked up the most luscious vintage bamboo étagère... petite and full of promise for any nook in her home. Oh, where to put it...??

First she thought... in the bathroom with stacks of fluffy white towels...?? Perfect, BUT it was an inch too wide for her powder room... Bummer!

In one of her children's bedrooms with a lamp atop and stacks of books below...?? Absolutely, but let's be honest... tuck a spectacular antique in amongst the matchbox cars and the dinosaur books? No, it's just too good!

And then, her grown-up epiphany: a little cocktail stand!! Right in the kitchen!!! Ready for any parched, drop-in guests that are in need of a wine or a scotch. (Her evening glass of chardonnay is tastier now that she's included a little pomp and circumstance to the process!!) Loaded up with fun goblets, bottles of wine, and little treasures from here and there... Voila! It's a fabulous little indulgence...

Now it's your turn... Be a grown-up!!!

Glistening mirrors

Sarah's house is charming top to bottom. She too has little ones running about... so we are in constant conversation about what works in our homes and what does not. Eternally on the hunt for more little sparklers to add to her abode, she has developed a weakness for mirrors. They add such a nice warmth to all the spaces in her home. Recently, one of her little gems was the perfect solution to a dilemma her children were having in one of her bathrooms. Always tripping over the footstool that was plunked down in front of the sink (so they'd be at mirror height to see their pearly-whites while brushing)... she thought it would be fun to hang a mirror right behind the faucet. No more need for the footstool! (Ah, bliss!) And, the setting is even more charming! Kids are happy... the momma is happy!!!

Signature scent

Okay, you + perfume + the quest for the perfect fragrance... We've all been there, right?? You think you found a good one, and then after you bring her home and wear her around for awhile, you have an amicable parting of ways... She gets pushed to your top shelf, and you go on to the next. It's not that we have a phobia of scent commitment... but rather, we just need to find our very best fragrance friend... one who can be there for us throughout the entire day and even into night if we need her... (Wow, that was rather Carrie Bradshaw of me, wasn't it??)

So... my proposed solution? Scent dating! When you want a new scent, you tend to want it now. (Instant gratification is my main methodology...) So I have found a way to happily merge the two seemingly opposite ways of thought.

First, do a little digging... find out what scents you tend to wear. Sephora has this great fragrance finder which categorizes scents by their type. This allows you to locate a scent you like and the family it belongs to. So if you want to try something new, you have a great starting point. For example, I personally love Prada's original scent, and according to Sephora's fragrance finder, that means I like Woody Oriental fragrances. So if I wanted to try something new, I might go with their limited edition sample size trio which would allow me to experience their other two fragrances:


Which brings me to my next point... sample sizes are a must! Whenever I am by cosmetic counters, I always ask for samples of fragrances I think I might like. This way, I can wear the scent for awhile without the commitment before I decide if it is going to be a good fit. (Not to mention they are very convenient to keep in your purse!!) Scents tend to change from the time you first spray them, so it is always a good idea to wear them a while before you make a purchase... that way you know if you've found a good fit!

A great site that totally embraces this philosophy is Jo Malone... You can actually purchase small travel sizes of their fragrances online so that you can try them out and see which one(s) you like the best. Of course, they have sold out of these sets after the holidays, but their lovely customer service gal Sara, who I live chatted with (don't you LOVE live chat, by the way??), told me that they do carry them year-round. In addition to combining scents, I must say they do have the most lovely body crème around... I have had their grapefruit scent in the past and it is quite a delight for the limbs... especially in Wisconsin with our winters. You can combine their scents as well to come up with something completely personal and signature... a bonus indeed!

I'd love to know your thoughts... how you found your signature scent, what scents you are loving right now, etc!

Work, champagne, and folly

I just had to share! Recently I was on a business trip in New York and then Atlanta. I traveled with Sarah and Katie, both lovely travel mates who I happen to be lucky enough to work with every day in our studio. Needless to say we were on a mission... We were, as I told my husband John, in perpetual motion... We had an agenda that we moved through at light speed! We all knew what we needed to accomplish going into this 7 day trip (which for me and Sarah, both having young children, is a longer trip - I tend to like 3 day trips at the most). I am a big believer that if you do go, then go in style! A nice hotel (we stayed at the W - mind you, The Bowery is my new favorite in NYC)... and good food. At the end of each day we were literally exhausted and exhilarated, inspiration surging through every inch of us! One night we decided to end the day by going to the mecca... Bergdorf Goodman. I LOVE Bergdorf's... it's just good, top to bottom. I never usually go at night after a full day of business, but then... one must squeeze things in when and where they can! We started with the windows outside and they were all TONY DUQUETTE inspired... I had just bought the new book and got all goosebumpy and teary-eyed to see these remarkable works of art. Unbelievable... thought my head would pop off! Then inside... oh, deliciousness! I love the makeup and perfume filled basement... could wander for hours... I adore the shoe floor (always feel the pull)... and I am entirely smitten with the home floor. We usually get truffles upon each visit to nibble on (you know, it's the little things)... After perusing all the floors that drew us in, we ended our evening with a champagne cocktail on the 7th floor. A Kir Royale has never tasted quite so lovely... overlooking the city and all its brilliance. Always good to take a minute and make an extraordinary moment out of it!!

Herbs for the soul

Winter in Wisconsin is certainly one of my favorite times of year. I always yearn for bit of green amidst the snow-covered landscape... and I've found a way to have a piece... even during the bitter days in January. This last summer, I grew lovely masses of lavender in aged terracotta pots. A beautiful thing, really... as I was able to move them about throughout the warm months. They started out on my front steps... perky and welcoming... then they made their way to a casual table on the back terrace. The perfect centerpiece for our al fresco dining.

Now, while the snow is swirling outside and fireplace is dancing inside... my kitchen is lucky to be alive with my simple lavender pots. Wild and a bit overgrown... I feel like I'm wintering in Provence... if only in my dreams!!!

Free your inner magpie!

So you know me well enough now... There's no denying it. I collect just about anything and everything that tickles my fancy... Inspiring books of all kinds, bird nests from our property, little inexpensive framed art for the walls in our den, mismatched cordial glasses and goblets, silver trinkets, and vintage fabrics. One of my latest weaknesses is literally found in nature... handsome deer antlers! A huntress I am not, but we do have the majestic creatures living with us in the country. In the early days of March, the boys and I go out exploring and collect all the antlers that the deer have recently shed... truly my version of the perfect treasure hunt. I am ever in search of more, and I share this obsession with Sarah (our VP of Creative). Then I go over to her house and she has them en masse above a rustic old hearth. Warm and fashionable... Entirely top to bottom cool... The perfect balance for crisp cold days outside. Delight in the simple things... you'll love the adventure!

Happy New Year!!

Happy new slate... new day... month... and possibly new outlook? New notebook... New thoughts.

So on that note, I have a few thoughts to share with you... take them as you will... keep them to use or toss... to be inspired or not. We are all inspired in different ways... I am hoping some of these will tickle your fancy! Wishing you the best for an enchanting new year!

xoxo,
Tracy

* MORE TRAVEL... Weekends with the husband (or lover... or friend...). Near, far, somewhere to explore together.

* ME TIME... You know what I mean if you need it. (God knows I need some more!)

* BE FRIVOLOUS sometimes. It can be freeing and quite healthy.

* EMBRACE IMPERFECTION... It's really quite lovely (and has more soul)!

* LOOK INSIDE... are you inspired by your days? Start now... remember, little steps each day. (So self-help of me, I know... but I do think this way!)

* BUY SOME LINGERIE that you love, which makes you feels fabulous and sexy!

* EAT WELL... and always allow for dessert... Not having any is just no good... even a little bit is better than none!

* BUY THE PERFUME you've been coveting... It's just time to give yourself that permission!

* REALIZE that MARTYRS don't always make for happy people... or any awards.

* FIND YOUR INDULGENCE... and live it.

* BE A COLLECTOR... in life experiences, home, fashion... it will allow for constant evolvement.

* BE HONEST with people... but be nice.

* Realize that while being organized and tidy is good... it really doesn't need to rule your world. RELAX and LET SOME OF IT GO.

* TAKE DESSERT TO BED... (Mine is Hagen Daz coffee ice cream, John’s is sorbet... Anything desserty is good with TiVO. What's yours?)

* Realize that everyone is NOT LOOKING AT YOU... Isn't that a wonderful freedom?? (My grandmother taught me that one when I was a kid.)

* REVEL in the SOFT CORNERS... you know, puppy chewed on this, marker drawings on that, a little red wine spilled on the sofa sort of stuff... Just dim the lights and light more candles!

* TRENDS DON'T WORK on everyone... thank goodness. FIND YOURSELF and stick with that.

* KNOW that SUCCESS has different meanings... and really, it is a personal thing.

* SHOP HIGH AND LOW... some $$$, some not so $... It will make the experience more fun and your world more interesting.

* DON'T ALLOW other people's EXPECTATIONS of you make you feel guilty. That's just wasted energy in my book.

* REORGANIZE your address and birthday books.

* HAVE MORE FAMILY DINNERS... I genuinely believe that this one thing could quite possibly change the world for the better.

* FIND something or someone TO NURTURE... a garden, an older soul, a child... a pet.

* TRAVEL WELL... Good food, good hotels, and good museums make for good trips.

* ENVISION what you want.

* READ MORE... of anything! Books, magazines, blogs... So much good information and inspiration out there just waiting for you.

* BE BOLD in your choices.

* Get some FRESH MAKEUP... new colors, new foundation... new techniques.

* REPAINT A ROOM that needs a lift... Go for something rich, exciting, and daring.

* FRAME SOME PHOTOS and write a little tidbit under each on the matting... a memory, a date... something that has meaning to you... OH!! And ignore designers that tell you to relegate them to your "private spaces"! How terribly impersonal.

* EXPLORE the depth of your CLOTHING CLOSET... ditch some, refresh some... find some new goodies that make you feel stunning.

* Become your own LIFE EDITOR... or you will wake up one day and realize that life happened TO you... not BY you.

* Become a QUESTION ASKER.

* BE PRESENT as much as you are able... be focused... be listening.