Moroccan Outdoor Flair

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Profile: Alicia Adams Alpaca

Alpaca
Ever curious, I had to find out more about Alicia and Daniel, who heads up the breeding farm where the soft alpaca wool comes from. I wrote to them to ask a few questions, which Alicia very kindly answered:

The beautiful Alicia Adams and Friend

Alicia, how did you get your start in the alpaca business, what was your inspiration?

The intitial idea was to grow grapes for wine and olives in either Australia or the U.S.. My husband Daniel traveled to Australia to look at potential vineyards but cam across alpacas for the first time. We then researched the breeding side of the business and became hooked on the idea of breeding these fascinating and mystical animals that were holy to Incan royalty. Out foundation herd consisted of 15 alpacas. Today our herd counts over 200 suri alpacas. Alicia Adams Alpaca, the textile arm of the business, started as a hobby.

Throws come in a number of natural colors and herringbone patterns

I know you had an international upbringing in Mexico, the U.S. and Europe. Can you fill us in on your experiences and what that was like?
I was born in Germany, but brought up in Mexico City, so I feel very Mexican, but am also proud of being German. My father is Mexican, my mother is Austrian. My family lives between Mexico, Switzerland, England and Germany. Growing up in so many places, especially in such different cultures has taught me to be open minded, tolerant, and very outgoing. I enjoy meeting new people and listening to their stories. I still love exploring new places and travel extensively, given that we have three young children and a farm and two businesses to run.

Gorgeous Taupe Throw

You moved to the Hudson Valley from Bavaria. Can you tell us how that evolved and how the Hudson Valley became your home?

When we started breeding alpaca, we were torn between doing this in Australia of the U.S.. Because of the logistic and practical reasons, we decided in favor of the East coast.

The Hudson Valley, and especially the Millbrook / Dutchess County area is just beautiful, and conveniently located about 90 minutes from New York City - where it all happens. Yet, we are far enough from the city for our children to grow up running around the farm with lots of space and animals. We have made many wonderful friends from all parts of the world and consider this our home.

What does a typical day look like for Alicia Adams?

Getting our three children ready for the day and driving them to school. If I have time I go to my yoga class, which I love and then I’ll go straight to the office. After following up with all my messages and emails, I like to check on the alpacas. My husband and I usually have lunch together and after working a little more, i transform into “mommy” again, picking up the kids, running to after school program, homework, dinner, the works! I consider myself being very lucky to share this life with my husband. Once everyone is happy, I’ll g back to my desk and finish off undone work. A couple of day a week, I spend in the city.

What/who inspires you?

My husband Daniel inspire me. Over the years, I’ve learned so much from hm, I admire his energy, his way of tackling problems and “let’s roll up our sleeves and get it done” attitude. Thanks to him, my vision for Alicia Adams Alpaca Inc. turned into a real business and we both take pride in the huge success. i also love the fact that thought my business, I can share my vision and educate people about the wonderful qualities and characteristics of alpaca wool.

Cozy and elegant Alpaca Cape

How would you describe your own personal style?
My style is very simple, elegant and feminine.

What is happening next?
I would like to expand our home collection. New colors for throws, perhaps upholstery fabric. We are also launching a line of overcoats for men, women and children as well as some fun winter accessories.

The new barn at the Farm

Just for fun, what color are you and why?
Definitely cream: soft elegant and adaptable!

What is on your nightstand?
Several arts and crafts projects of my children, many unread books and a big bottle of water.

What is your favorite place to shop and why?
Hmmmm…..I don’t have one particular place but I do love casual yet classic style of J. Crew and Anthropology. When I find the time, i like strolling around small boutiques in downtown NYC.

What is your favorite place to escape?
Any beach will do, especially Mexican ones - yoga retreats on the beach.

Alicia Adams with a new member of the family

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Wonderland: The Huntington Botanical Gardens

Path through the Botanical Gardens at the Huntington Library

A week or so ago, I mentioned that I had traveled down to Pasadena to attend my high school reunion. I had brought my oldest daughter and my mother. They were not too interested in my reunion, but were very happy when I arranged for us to go to the Huntington Library Botanical Gardens with a reservation at the Rose Garden Tea Room.

It was a perfect day, but we were a bit late for our very important date. As I rushed ahead, leaving my daughter to walk a bit more slowly with Mom, I began to feel a little like this girl (especially after seeing her so recently!):

Alice in Wonderland

I rushed past our host’s mansion, which was beautifully grand and is home to one of the finest European art collections in the nation, including the famous Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough and Pinkie by Sir Thomas Lawrence.

The Huntington Art Gallery, originally the home of Henry and Arabella Huntington

I trotted past the Exhibition Hall which houses an extraordinary collection of rare books and manuscripts including early editions of the works of Shakespeare and the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

Huntington Library Exhibition Hall

I was uncertain which way to go, and the sun was getting lower

Rose Garden Trellis
This way or that?!

Wisteria Trellis
I asked along the way….but Neptune was not much help.

And Shakespeare seemed to be in his own world.

And this fine lady seemed too busy chasing her wayward child to be of much help.

I was almost led astray down a path almost too tempting to resist. But I knew we would not make it if I strayed.

Sculpture on the North Vista Lawn
But soon, I knew where I was. I was certain I had been here before…long ago.

Entrance to the Rose Garden Tea Room
Relieved to be here, I rushed in. They treated me as if they were expecting me. But of course they were!

My mother and daughter were not far behind. We sat and enjoyed our special tea while gazing out at the formal kitchen garden.

A day in Wonderland. It was over like a beautiful dream…too soon.

Later this week, a glimpse into the brand new Chinese Garden within the Huntington Garden Botanical Gardens. In a word, “magic”.

Visit the original post at: katiedid

Remember These Guys?

The Novogratz Family

Robert and Cortney Novogratz, the owners of Sixx Design in NYC, are the couple who wrote Downtown Chic, a book that chronicles the renovation and decoration of their numerous houses, all while having six kids….wait….make that seven. They are fun, sophisticated and have created a sort of “formula” for living a stylish life with a brood of young kids in the heart of New York.

Well, guess what?

Bravo TV thinks they are worth a more personal look! If you want to see behind the scenes and into the life of this couple who seems to have it all, check out 9 BY DESIGN a new docu-series on April 13th at 11:00 ET/PT for the Premiere. (Moves to 10PM Tuesday, April 20th). It is an eight episode series where the couple take on a string of projects over a nine month period, taking the projects from wrecks to wonderful. Watch out HGTV!

Will you be watching?

Visit the original post at: katiedid

Wonderland

Path through the Botanical Gardens at the Huntington Library

A week or so ago, I mentioned that I had traveled down to Pasadena to attend my high school reunion. I had brought my oldest daughter and my mother. They were not too interested in my reunion, but were very happy when I arranged for us to go to the Huntington Library Botanical Gardens with a reservation at the Rose Garden Tea Room.

It was a perfect day, but we were a bit late for our very important date. As I rushed ahead, leaving my daughter to walk a bit more slowly with Mom, I began to feel a little like this girl (especially after seeing her so recently!):

Alice in Wonderland

I rushed past our host’s mansion, which was beautifully grand and is home to one of the finest European art collections in the nation, including the famous Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough and Pinkie by Sir Thomas Lawrence.

The Huntington Art Gallery, originally the home of Henry and Arabella Huntington

I trotted past the Exhibition Hall which houses an extraordinary collection of rare books and manuscripts including early editions of the works of Shakespeare and the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

Huntington Library Exhibition Hall

I was uncertain which way to go, and the sun was getting lower

Rose Garden Trellis

This way or that?!

Wisteria Trellis

I asked along the way….but Neptune was not much help.

And Shakespeare seemed to be in his own world.

And this fine lady seemed too busy chasing her wayward child to be of much help.

I was almost led astray down a path almost too tempting to resist. But I knew we would not make it if I strayed.

Sculpture on the North Vista Lawn

But soon, I knew where I was. I was certain I had been here before…long ago.

Entrance to the Rose Garden Tea Room
Relieved to be here, I rushed in. They treated me as if they were expecting me. But of course they were!

My mother and daughter were not far behind. We sat and enjoyed our special tea while gazing out at the formal kitchen garden.

A day in Wonderland. It was over like a beautiful dream…too soon.

Later this week, a glimpse into the brand new Chinese Garden within the Huntington Garden Botanical Gardens. In a word, “magic”.

Visit the original post at: katiedid

Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya - A Fantastic African Safari

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Bronze Age….Weekend Art

My family avidly attends the Second Saturday Art Walk in Sacramento whenever possible. We will be there this weekend as a matter of fact. We have a couple of artful daughters, you see. We usually gather a gaggle of girls together and let them wander at will through the mid-town galleries and listen to the local musicians that set up on every street corner. It is a very “happening” spot on the weekends, and a huge party every Second Saturday.

If you love art, like we do, and are in the San Francisco or the Bay Area area this weekend….why not create your own Second Saturday and stop into Gumps? Gumps has been hosting an amazing Bronze Show for the last couple of weeks. If you have not seen it yet, you are missing something special. It runs through March 14th…and the collection is quite brilliant.

Time’s a waisting…so hop on over!

For more info, click HERE.

Have an artful Weekend!

Visit the original post at: katiedid

Don’t Skip It: Michael S. Smith

Photo by Scott Francis

I think some may miss this because, let’s face it….we may not have the desire or the funds during this economy to get every magazine we want to. But I didn’t want you all to miss an article about the incredible Michael S. Smith. So I am suggesting that you may want to take a look at Architectural Digest this month.

Photo by Scott Francis

Michael Smith has designed a house in Rancho Mirage, California….just outside Palm Springs, and it is not what one might expect of a desert house. No Brat Pack terrazzo. No Hollywood glam.

Photo by Scott Francis

Michael has his own take on things. A bit of quiet comfort. Luxury, yes…but not one of those places where you have to keep your feet off the couch.

Photo by Scott Francis

I never tire of his style.

Not a lot to add to the AD article….just passing it along.

Cover Photo by Durston Sayler

Also…check out the section shown on the cover “Shop Like a Designer”. Well, most of us can’t really shop like this, but it is fun never-the-less to see where the top guns shop. There is a very comprehensive source list at the very back of the magazine with websites. So thanks, AD, for that!

Visit the original post at: katiedid

Before & After ~ Bathrooms

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The Sophisticated and Fun Mr. Jay Jeffers

Jay Jeffers Home

I was recently at an event in San Francisco and had the pleasure of catching up with the extraordinary Interior Designer, Jay Jeffers. Mega-talented, charming, fun, and handsome…what more could one ask for in a designer?

See? The talented Mr. Jeffers in his office space.

Jay recently did a bit of a revamping of his own home as well as his fabulous office spaces. His home project started with a kitchen spiffing, and one thing just led to another….

Jay Jeffer’s Kitchen

Jay’s kitchen now sports coral painted glass in the upper cabinet doors, a very smart plaid back splash tile pattern, putty painted cabinets ( I love when a color is sort of undefinable), and a playful brass lantern over the island. A great mix…and that is just what Jay is known for: his crazy ability to mix things up in innovative, fun ways.

Jay’s Living Room. I remember the fab rug from a recent Showhouse I think! And that view!!

I had the pleasure of getting to know Jay a little bit better through a bit of a Proustian interview. Hope you enjoy:

Jay, your projects are all so varied and unique. Where and how do you begin the process of conceptualizing your designs for your clients?

The first step is always connecting with the client - learning about preferences and lifestyle - do they entertain often, are there young kids in the house, etc. We always ask clients to go though magazines and pull examples of what they like and more importantly, things they don’t like. It’s the best exercise. My team and I always try not to repeat, so after we have the client’s taste in mind, it’s up to us to come up with new ideas for them.

Jay’s Dining Room

What/who inspires you in your work, your “design icons” if you will?

Paris, New York City, David Hicks, Suzanne Tucker, Albert Hadley.

How has your aesthetic evolved since your early design days?

Hmm. Good question. In the early days, I worked with clients with smaller budgets, so we often masked that with bold gestures like painting big squares of color on the walls or using really bold fabrics. Today I think I have evolved into more timeless design - a sense of permanence in a space. We certainly use more antiques than I did early on, which really brings soul to a space.

Dining Room

Describe your “perfect client”.

Fun and interested in the process, and who also trusts our judgement as designers. A big budget doesn’t hurt (I’m just sayin’).

How would you describe your own personal style?

Masculine, edited, collected, evolving. Madmen with a twist. My favorite outfit: The perfect white shirt by Kitune, a great tailored pair of khakis by Spurr, a Thom Browne navy blazer, Bottega Veneta vans, vintage Torneau watch. Done. (I’m really not a label whore, but I love well made pieces).

Visit the original post at: katiedid