Fund Raising Design: Lafayette Juniors Kitchen Tour May 14, 2016

It's that time of year again when Lafayette Juniors hosts its annual Kitchen Tour.  Last year, the non-profit organization featured our newly renovated kitchen.  It was an honor to be part of such an amazing fundraising event. Not only does one get an chance to view some amazing kitchen designs to inspire one's own, but it's also an opportunity to support one's local community.  The proceeds from the ticket sales benefit local organizations that provide exceptional support for families, children and seniors living in the Contra Costa county areas. This Saturday, May 14th, is the group's 17th tour.  

Tickets are still available.  For more information click here.  In the meantime take a sneak peek at two of the five homes featured this year. 

Get a group of your friends together and join the tour.  It's a great way to spend a Saturday and give back at the same time!

Botanical Inspiration: Fancy Foliage

For this week's Botanical Inspiration, I'm sharing Calathea, a fancy foliage plant.  Having admired my mother-in-law's Calathea for some time now, I decided to buy one for our place.  Its intricate foliage pattern and color makes it a stand out botanical in any space, but one that's not so easy to care for.  If you tend to over water your plants, Calatheas may be a perfect fit for you, but if you're like me and let the plants dry out between waterings, they may not be the botanicals for you.  They require bright indirect light and evenly moist soil.  Even the most attentive plant person may be challenged by this one. Do you own a Calathea?

Calatheas are so pretty, it's absolutely worth it to give them a shot in your home!

The Cass Clutch: A Campaign Retrospective

During the past 3 weeks, The Cass Clutch Kickstarter campaign received an amazing amount of support.  It stemmed from contributors, fellow bloggers, magazine and newspaper articles, Instragram posts and many, many fb shares.  I'm so grateful for every little bit of it!  Having spent the last year and half working on its design, production, manufacturing and marketing, it's hard to believe that the final phase of the project, the Kickstarter Campaign is just about done.  I'm excited for what lies ahead. 

With just 4 days left, I'm confident that together we'll make our goal and that everyone who pledged any amount will receive his or her reward and love it.  All contributions, be they big or small, were and are deeply appreciated.

At this time, I would like to share some of the images that have been taken of The Cass Clutch during its campaign. Styled and modeled in different ways, The Cass Clutch proves to be the handbag for any woman and any lifestyle.  Take a look:

   WomnMag  Photos:  Memry Anderson

Photos: Jon Kingston Model:  Natalia Protopopoff

Kellee Bachour

Gingercaftan and model Tanya. 

Beverly Jane Peatross for The Cass Clutch video. Videographers:  Noisy Savage Photo: Jayson Carpenter

and me, ready for a night out with The Cass Clutch. 

The Wonder Exhibit At The Renwick Gallery

During our visit to DC last week, our friends suggested we see The Wonder Exhibit at the newly renovated Renwick Gallery, which we did.  Upon entering the building we were immediately struck in awe and amazement at what we saw.  Hearing so much about the exhibit from our local friends, we knew we had to experience it, but never expected it to be that impactful on our eyes and our emotions.  The installations are by nine leading contemporary artists who express themselves in a very big way using marbles, insects, index cards, strips of wood and LED lighting, among many other elements.  It's a museum experience like no other.  The exhibit runs through May 16th, so if you're in the area or planning a visit, check it out, you won't regret it.  In the mean time, preview here:

Many thanks to our many DC friends, who not only hosted us but also encouraged us see the all historical sites.  Washington is truly an impressive city.  Stay tuned for more images from our East coast visit.

Noir Inspirations

Lately I've been drawn to a sophisticated and slightly edgy color:  black.  Here are a few of my favorite noir statement items.

1.   A must have accessory:  the necklace.

2.  Contrasting styles;  the little black dress paired with a badass motorcycle  jacket. 

3.  A  70's Inspired leather sofa

4.  The all season classic:  the Clog.

5.  And, no surprise here, The Cass Clutch in Lassen Black.