Leslie Sinclair's Blog, page 12

What’s Segreto Up To 2020?

Hi Friends!!! I hope that you have found the word you want to incorporate into your lives and are well on your way to living your best life in 2020. For motivation, think about what your life will look like with and without in one year’s time. Your word will each be as unique as the treatments Segreto has to share!

In this newly constructed home, the homeowner wanted a special treatment on her hood, but didn’t know exactly what to do.

Teaming up with Segreto Designer Leslie Simmons, it was decided to give her hood a metal finish. Painting it black first gave it the base for our artisans to work their magic!

Wanting to incorporate some brass without having the hood be too full of glitz, it was decided to finish the majority of the hood to read like an aged silver metal and accent some of the wood details with a brass-like finish!

This pulled all the surfaces in the kitchen together and gave the statement this sweet client wanted as a more budget-friendly option than what a metal hood would cost! I love the transformation-what do you think?

Here is a totally different application for a rangehood but just as impactful! What a beautiful way to give a dramatic impact to a range hood that is inset and runs wall to wall. Rather than running the hood straight across, create a hood shape with a slight architectural outset. Plastered with the same treatment as the walls, this detail becomes a lovely statement.

We are excited about this one!! A Segretostone top with an integrated sink set on a metal basin. With our finishing team on hand, the base can look like anything from brass to chrome to bronze! The sky is the limit with all the artisans at our warehouse!!

Because each Segretostone fireplace is custom, the size can be altered to fit the space. In this instance, the firebox and wall are determined so getting that perfect scale so the fireplace will look natural was a fun challenge!!

With an elaborate art collection and eclectic Mediterranean style home, drama and color were these homeowners’ wish for their formal dining.

Marrying the colors from the painting, rug, and console, this persimmon tone was selected for this impact space.

This powder room for one of Allan Edward’s spec homes has to be one of my all-time favorites!! It was decided to stencil the powder in a silver metallic. It gives just the right flair and wow factor for this transitional architecture!

I love the effect of the linear design, it feels like a soft rain shower to me! Stenciling is a great way to give a wallpaper look without any seams and the colors are limitless!! When you look at the cost of paper and installation it also typically is a more affordable option and much more custom–no two are alike!!

Remember– ”Your life is your canvas, and you are the masterpiece. There are a million ways to be kind, amazing, fabulous, creative, bold, and interesting.” – Kerli

Big thank you to the talented gals at Huff Harrington Home for this complimentary article about Segreto Impressions! I have always been a big fan of their blog, design work, travel trips and store so I got goosebumps when I read what they thought of our new baby-Segreto Impressions! They have a brick and mortar store in Altlanta but also have a great on-line shopping experience. Thanks, Huff Harrington!

Til next week! Xo Leslie

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Let’s Get Organized!

Hi Friends!  I hope your 2020 is off to a great start! Many of the themes you picked for the new year had to do with decluttering and organization.

I have seen firsthand how creating a beautiful aesthetic at home helps you feel like you are entering a refuge away from the stresses of the outside world.  What I didn’t realize is that studies show that an organized home can do the same thing for your inner peace. But how do you get started?

Since many of us have closets that could use a little attention, I asked Amy, attorney- turned stay-at-home Mom- turned organizer- to walk us through a recent master closet makeover. She started Organized Design a couple of years ago with her friend Cristina. I know Amy is super organized because she is a long-time client of Segreto and I have seen how her pantry, closets and even junk drawers were beautifully organized with everything in its place. So I asked them both to share with us how to tackle organizing a closet since organizing is not my strength! Gals Take it away!!

Before

Our client, Gail, recently moved to Houston from New York City.  She is seriously stylish, loves to shop and has lots of fabulous clothes!  Her chief complaint was one we hear often – the closet was just too small.  We assured Gail that while the footprint may be on the small side by Texas standards, with thoughtful editing and rearranging, we could give her closet some much-needed breathing room.  Our goal was to maximize her space and create a boutique-like feel so she could “shop” her closet and easily access her unique pieces.

We always start by taking everything out – yes, everything! Removing it all allows us to really see the space and figure out the most functional arrangement. Next, we sorted items by type (pants, tops, dresses, shoes, etc.) and had Gail look through each pile.  Anything she didn’t want and no longer wore was placed in the “donate” pile.

Gail has two adorable toddlers and she’s always on the go. With only a few built-in drawers and limited hanging space, we knew we needed to create more room for her impressive athleisure collection.  These acrylic drawers from Container Store were a great solution and fit nicely under her shoe shelves.  We sorted by type (leggings, tops, etc.) and labeled each drawer for easy access.

Our tip for shoes: toss the shoeboxes!  This is a tough one because often the boxes are as pretty as the shoes inside.  But seeing your footwear makes getting dressed quicker and easier – no fiddling with boxes and trying to remember what’s inside!

To make use of vertical space, we added these pretty covered boxes on the top shelf for seasonal items and keepsakes. Mirrors are not only practical, but they help to visually expand the space. We hung this inexpensive one on the back wall.

Matching hangers are a small investment that has a huge impact on the look and function of a closet. We prefer acrylic hangers like these for shirts and dresses, these for pants and these for skirts. Once all the hangers were switched out, we started hanging Gail’s clothes by category and color, keeping in mind what she reaches for most often. 

Next up was our favorite – handbags!  We placed evening clutches in these divided acrylic holders and gave them a home above her fancier dresses. When space allows, we prefer to hang tote bags with bag hooks like these.

Gail’s built-in dresser drawers were the perfect spot for socks, pajamas and intimates.  We styled the open shelves with some of her prettiest bags and used acrylic trays to corral jewelry and accessories. 

Changing out your lighting is an easy way to give the space an update.  We love to add a little glam, so we replaced Gail’s existing fluorescent light with this budget-friendly chandelier.

Thanks, Amy and Christina with Organized Design!! What amazing transformation and such great tips to inspire us in our own homes!! I love how Gail’s closet came together!! “We always tell clients that staying organized is akin to regular exercise – you need to do a little maintenance each day to stay in shape!”-Amy and Christina

Look up their website or follow them on Instagram for more organizing inspiration! I love their stuff! Til next week. Xo Leslie

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Segreto in French Refreshed by Betty Lou Phillips

Hi Friends!! I had a bit of me-time over the break and wanted to catch up on my design book reading. Part of my quality time commitment for the new year. My friend Architectural Consultant Sarah West gave me a copy of French Refreshed, as a home which we had finished for her was featured.

I had flipped through and the photography was great but I really wanted to read the spread and the book. When I first started 25 years ago and old-world was all the rage, and I used many of Betty Lou’s books for inspiration. Design styles have certainly changed and she puts it very well. “Simplicity is the new era of chic.”

I was so excited to see this home, the second home I had done for these clients, featured in her new book!! What a true collaboration of many talents. With Sarah West, spearheading the project, Towne Building leading construction and Cindy Witmer Designs and Creative Tonic brought in for furnishings, it truly is spectacular. The white polished plaster in this home really was a standout feature, enhancing all of the reclaimed elements and sleek steel doors.

This tasting room is right across from the bench seen in the photo above. Cindy Witmer designed the custom elongated table built by Vieux Interiors. Quite Spectacular!

Floor to ceiling steel doors expands the views to the lovely yard while flooding the open-plan living, dining spaces with light.

This home is such an eclectic mix of beautiful things. The custom dining table made from acrylic and reclaimed wood from Vieux Interiors is surrounded by chairs from Ikea! With a cozy fireplace and wonderful outdoor views, what a great space to gather or host a dinner party!

In this photo, you can really see how the natural light floods this space with two separate sitting areas. The reclaimed beams and aged wood flooring ground the contemporary elements of the large gathering room lending such warmth. And look at that cute pup striking a pose for the perfect shot!

By combining Vintage Hermes throws hung on antique French meat hooks with mid-century inspired Lawson-Fenning chairs, a traditional coffee table, and a cowhide rug a relaxed, upscale, comfortable sitting space is formed.

What a showstopper kitchen. With honed-marble waterfall slabs and French-style brass open shelving, this space is both functional and sleek. Love the bar stools from J. Alexander, and antique pendants from my pals at Back Row Home.

With the metal window being the first thing you see when entering the room, the range hood needed to hold its weight without overpowering the focal wall. Combining a reclaimed fireplace mantle, marble and plaster created the perfect combination. Brilliant Sarah!

Nestled in the kitchen, wouldn’t you love to cozy up in this spot! Pull-out steps make access easy to this reading nook.

The use of paneled curtains in place of pantry doors softens the typical utilitarian feel while still keeping your pantry items hidden! A Sarah West trademark!

The plaster continues into the master offsetting the bold upholstered headboard in Jerry Pair leather. Look at the geometric area rug from Matt Camron Rugs & Tapestries–LOVE!

The master sitting open to the bedroom forms a suite for lounging and watching TV. I adore the French Art Deco bar cart! From the 40’s, it is an art piece in the room!

This closet has the look of a luxury boutique! The bold Hermes orange color makes her-only-closet a destination and place to feel special and enjoy getting ready!

Each space is prettier than the next! This white on white master bathroom rivals any luxurious spa.

The kid’s rooms are just as unique. Infused with lavender tones, this teen daughter’s love of horseback riding shows with all the accessories and personalizes her space.

What a creative way to display these talented gals ribbons. Sarah customized a lucite side table to hold all of her awards!! Goodness, I wish I had thought of that when my kiddos were are home!!

There is so much more of this home covered in Betty Lou’s book. I was honored to be a part of this project and for Segreto’s work to be included in such a beautifully written well-done book! French Refreshed can be found on Amazon. Til next week! Xo Leslie

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Pick a Theme for the New Year!

Hi Friends! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed some time off with family and friends!! I have made so many resolutions over the years and most, I must admit, I have not achieved!

So this year when perusing the web, I found an article from Mom Webs that really resonated with me. In talking with a friend who shared she felt guilt year after year because she never achieved her long lists of resolutions, Renee shared her approach. Instead of resolutions, she picks a theme for each year! “A theme is all about embracing joy and being more intentional with each year of your life.” –Renee I love that!!

The Year of Creativity

Ok, to get us started I am copying word for word Rebeccas story!!

Rebecca had a good job that she enjoyed. But she wasn’t feeling fulfilled and she didn’t know why. She was thinking of switching careers when she went to stay with one of her girlfriends for a weekend. While there, she helped her girlfriend, a single mom, with some quick and creative renovations.

That’s when she realized her life had been missing creativity. It wasn’t that she wanted a different job—she just wanted more imagination in her life. Each month, she picked a hobby that allowed her the space to create.

So how do you pick just one thing to focus on. I think we all have a long list! I know I do. By thinking of one word you would like to have in your life-the one word that is missing you then can create activities and thought that will incorporate that one word back into your life!

For me, I think it’s spending more time with friends and family and being totally present when I am there-no cell phones or thoughts of to do lists I need to cross off, places I need to be or work projects I want to complete. Living each moment without thought of the next, or in one phrase, what I am missing is- “quality time”.

What is that one word or thought you are missing? Let’s make a resolution to incorporate it back into our lives, so we can have our best life possible!

For more inspiration or help in finding what word you will embrace to give you joy this year visit Mom’s Web and Elizabeth Rider. They have caused me to look at the New year in a totally different way. Let me know what you will fully embrace this year!! Love you all! Till next week! Leslie

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Merry Christmas! Let’s Keep the Magic All Year!

Hi Friends! I am off to Colorado for a special time with my husband, kiddo’s, new son-in-law to be and sweet Mom! From my heart to yours, enjoy each other, do something to bless a stranger and make some memories which will never be forgotten.

Below are some of my favorite quotes from Southern Living and Good Housekeeping which I thought you would like as much as I do!

My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that? – Bob Hope

Till next year! Xo Leslie

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Segreto-Jingle Jingle, We are on our way!

Hi Friends! I hope you are all in the holiday spirit!! As you know, this is our busiest time of year getting people’s homes move-in or holiday ready! The sleigh bells have been ringing in many of our client’s spaces!

Before

One of our clients purchased this house right before the holidays and wanted to infuse her own personality into this dining space.

Loving the dramatic effect of the Venetian plaster we installed in her last powder room, she felt this was the perfect application for entertaining in her new space. Do you recognize the room? It is in Segreto Impressions!

Painting the walls Farrow & Ball Hauge Blue, designer Jennifer Rigamonti wanted to mix things up and create a dramatic effect on the ceiling. We made a couple of samples to compliment the wall color and then our elves went to work.

What an amazing difference color and finishes can make. I love the drama on the ceiling. Imagine the room during night time entertaining when the light from the chandalier is reflecting off the Venetien’s glass-like finish. Don’t worry, painting the vents, cans and speakers are next!!

This SegretoStone fireplace mantle and hearth is center stage for enjoying that cup of cocoa by the fire! We are starting a line of pre-made fireplaces to order. With off-site construction, our clients’ wait time is cut in half!!

Working with design talents give me so much inspiration and Dallas designer Mersina Stubbs, definitely falls into that category. Her collected style of mixing the old and the new is quite breathtaking.

Such creativity and vision she used to transform this previously heavy, dark Mediterranean style home into a light, classic and updated feel.

So when I was called in to work with her on a home designed by architect legend A. Hays Town, of course, I said yes! Mersina chose a pale blush plaster to compliment her organic printed grasscloth. I can’t wait to show you this home in its entirety!

With so many clients moving to high rises, with their beautiful views and ease of living, creating personalized spaces so when the elevator doors open it feels like home has become quite a challenging feat. Architect Dillon Kyle, typically known for his very contemporary designs, did an amazing job with this London Penthouse in the sky. Plastered in blush we added a floral plaster relief just above the door entrance.

A fireplace can be the heart of the home.  To dream of a fireplace can ask us where our heart is, where our sense of home is. Maybe that is why so many rooms are designed around a fireplace. Or maybe this SegretoStone one is so Santa can come down the chimney!

The warehouse has become Santa’s workshop. Forming a new top and giving the previously black base a lighter finish has totally transformed this piece!

Site visits are fun, especially when it combines the work we have done for two special clients! The stenciled walls were done for the previous client and it was fun to see how this furniture piece painted years ago for another sweet client found its home against a more contemporary backdrop!

Built by the carpenter, the wood was replaced with a stone top, giving it life in its new surroundings.

This mix of old world with the contemporary works so well!! Both finishes done years ago still are relevant today! Love that!

Since we started with a ceiling I thought we would end with one!! This light Venetian plaster will look amazing with the elaborate wallcovering going on the walls. Super fun to see as well, the paint in the room was part of our new Segreto Paint line!

I can’t say how thankful to each of you I am. With your support, we have been able to develop so many different things to share with you!! Well, it is the last book signing event of the year. Please join me at The Hive-a wonderful pop-up boutique full of curated gift items, clothes, accessories and me!! If you can’t make it we are happy to wrap and personalize your book for free. Organize with Elizabeth@segretofinsihes.com and you can pick up at our offices next week. Xo Leslie

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Something for Everyone on Your List! Holiday Gift Ideas.

Hi All! thank you to all that came to Bering’ for the book signing-we sold out! No worries, Bering’s fans we have already delivered another stack. With Holiday gift-giving around the corner, I have been shopping at every book signing event!! Here are some suggestions for unique gifts I have seen along the way, and some Etsy finds everyone will love!!

For the Romantic:

Memorial Antiques and Interiors, MAI, hosted an amazing holiday event! I fell in love with this hand done vase, which looks like a natural coral, filled with the most beautiful florals by Cammy Johnson! What a statement piece on my book signing table. In talking to Cammy, I learned she also does holiday decorating. Whether beautiful florals or a gift of holiday decor, I just had to slip hubby John her card!

Moving on to Back Row Home, I thought this was such a great idea–collecting multiple vases in one big decorative bowl as your floral centerpiece. The round vases, reasonably priced, are a must in making this unique concept work.

Something else really caught my eye!! Made by a French artist, these vintage perfume bottles are literally floating in a resin cube! Or at least that is what I think the material is.

What a cool piece of art and conversation piece!! I keep thinking where would this look good in my own home!!

There is nothing that says, “let’s snuggle up”, like a cozy blanket. This one, from Three Doors, in a blush neutral color will not only look great in your interiors, but with its super soft material will feel like a hug to that special someone it is gifted to!

For the Entertainer!

This antique French mold from Back Row Home would be the perfect hostess gift. Fill it with the ingredients on the recipe and wrap it in a dishtowel, this would definitely say you are special!

Terri Havens, owner of CAL-A-VIE health spa has just released her first cookbook! I have collaborated with her and designer Kara Childress on her Houston home and everything she does says “special”!!

For anyone who loves to cook, is health-conscious or is inspired by a beautiful place setting-this book captures it all. It contains over 100 of the Spa’s favorite recipes that have been tested and written for the home kitchen! Order Here.

I fell in love with these paper napkins which feel like real coth!! I love using cloth napkins on my own table decor but I am not a fan of washing and ironing them. These Vietri napkins at Back Row Home look and feel like real cloth without all of the fuss. Look for them on my Thanksgiving table this year!

For Your Special Gals!

Alphabet Initial Necklace

Etsy is a great place for personalized gifts like this alphabet initial necklace. I love how this necklace is oversized and it comes in gold, silver and rose gold!

Initial Bracelet

This initial bracelet is a perfect idea for couples or a thoughtful gift for mom or a new bride! Super Cute!

For the Guys in Your Life!

These monogrammed dopp kits make a great gift for any guy. Choose from three different letter/monogram options for free of charge. You can also monogram the side strap to make it even more personalized. Perfect for the guy on the go!

Personalized leather dopp kit

I loved this one as well…personalized with branded initials. This is a bestseller on Etsy and is on sale for half price for $36.00!

Weekender Bag

What guy wouldn’t appreciate this nice weekender bag?! Also this is an item he probably wouldn’t ever buy for himself so it makes the perfect holiday gift!

For the Kid at heart!

How adorable are these personalized name puzzles from Etsy. Every toddler needs one of these to practice spelling their name! This puzzle would look so cute styled on a shelf in a kids room or nursery too!

Personalized Crayons

Any artist young or old would love these personalized crayons! Look how cute the packaging is too.

Wise(ish) Words for Kids Personalized Book

Give the special kiddos in your life personalized advice to help them on their way! Choose from three different styles-graphic, graffiti or collage. This would be something they would cherish and share with their kids one day.

For the Pet Lover!

Personalized Velvet Dog Collar

For your pampered pup! A hand stitched, velvet dog collar…this one is in my shopping cart for our Maltipoo, Stella!

Pet Portrait Coffee Mug

These pet portrait coffee mugs from Etsy are created and personalized from your favorite pet photo. I need one!

Hip Glasses Cat Scratcher

What cat wouldn’t feel hip with a sunglass scratcher and lounge. This is such a fun design you won’t feel the need to hide it in the corner.

Blue Cross Socks

Odd socks with a dog motif? Who wouldn’t want to find this set in their Christmas stocking? Especially when the proceeds will help the Blue Cross care for and re-home over 40,000 pets every year!

For the Design Lover!

Segreto Impressions

And last but not least on our 2019 Holiday gift guide, Segreto Impressions!! Filled with 400 pages of ideas and breathtaking home tours, this book will inspire any design lover! If you order on our website you can leave a personalized note in the message box for the person you are gifting the book too and I am happy to sign it for them!

Segreto Events!!

I am so excited to do a signing with this mother and daughter duo at Renovate. Thursday the 12th from 12:30-2:30. If you haven’t been to this hidden treasure located at 7413 Westview Dr. Suite C, Houston, Tx. 77055, there is so much to see!!

Super cute with the bright green door, they actually face a small side street called Woodvine, and do not face Westview as the address would suggest. Mom, has her own design business and brings in art pieces and home decor, while daughter curates the most amazing unique items from clothing to jewelry and accessories, to tabletop and so much more. Looking for something no one else has- then stop by this spring Valley Jewel!

Mark your calendars for December 17th. The Hive is an amazing Pop up with so many cool clothing items and unique curated gifts- something for everything on your list and each pop up is different!! If you are like me-one for me, one for a gift! I am so excited to be a part of their next event!!

OMGoodness what a cute contest. Remember that talk I gave in Santa Fe last year. The mastermind of the event, Kathy Boyd came up with such a cute holiday contest. Decorate your ladder for a chance to win the new Segreto Impressions book, Color Atelier’s lime paint and one of their awesome brushes. I know I have some extra ladders lying around!! Just submit your photo on the original post on the ArtFusion Event Facebook Page by December 30!

Happy gift giving! Til next week! Xo Leslie

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What’s Segreto Up To and Segreto Impressions is Making a Splash!

Hi Friends! I hope you are having fun with all the holiday events and enjoying the season with family and friends!! Amongst my book signings, holiday shopping, and wedding planning, our team at Segreto has been busy creating beautiful homes for our clients we love! This is our busiest move in season of the year! I call it our Holiday push!

These walls, which were white before, were coated in a luxurious teal plaster and hand-painted chinoiserie style. I am excited to see this table set!

Wanting the room to have a contemporary feel in keeping with the art and fabrics in the rest of the home, designer Chay Taylor had us paint the florals over-scaled and in all shades of pink!

This Segretostone custom-made table is leaving our warehouse and traveling to Austin for a client of Marie Flanigan. I love our warehouse, for me it’s a place to CREATE. Look behind the table and you will spy…..

………a custom leader board made for a client of Kara Childress for a golf simulator room. With a jingle jingle deadline, this beauty will be picked up soon.

Photographs Courtesy of Curbed

Who wouldn’t adore this aesthetic. This was Calvin Klein’s beach house which sold for $13M. I am not sure when I saved this image, but it has been on my desktop for years. It inspired me to continue the journey to find durable options for plaster counters, floors and showers. Thus, my obsession with natural plasters continued!!

As you may know we have tested a floor plaster we imported at our warehouse with great success. This is the first test at a client’s home for designer Rachael Miclette. After receiving a bid to demo and replace the brick which goes all throughout this homeowner’s first floor, it was decided to test them in a bathroom with two options. The first option was our new plaster, the second chalk paint.

The plaster made quite a change!! The homeowners are going to test out both treatments over the holidays in this high traffic area. I will let you all know the outcome!! This could be a game-changer for so many who would love to change their floors. Stay tuned!

We also have improved our technology for plastering showers. This shower is not complete. WE still need to detail, seal and wax it…but the continuous look is incredible!

This shower is further along. Once the ceiling is done it is ready to use. In all plaster products, dark colors model more than lighter tones. I have had my plaster shower for six years and love the look and the way it darkens and lightens as the water and steam hit the surfaces. My shower ceiling, also done, feels like clouds moving across the sky to me!!

Sometimes a small change from the outside in can make an impactful welcoming statement for your guests. It was decided, rather than just restain this front door, to make a change.

Coated in a blue gray, the curb appeal definitely has more charm!! Sanding and going over an existing finish is possible without stripping the original finish.

Amongst all the rain in Houston, we have been busy transforming exteriors before those Christmas lights go up! Take a look at the before and after, what a difference a lime wash makes!!

With traditional red brick before, this home has now taken on a whole new perspective after our coat of lime wash!! Easy to maintain and reversible, I have loved having a lime washed exterior at my own home!

I did take a little break from work and went to a wonderful Friendsgiving hosted by Kara Childress for our Mom’s. Her tablescape was to die for so I just had to share it with you!! She is such a talent!

Natural and free-flowing, I love the mix of antlers for the centerpiece. So many creative focal elements can be formed with things you already have at home!!

Segreto Impressions is making a splash!!

I was so excited to get in the mail some preview copies of Southern Home’s Jan/Feb Issue. One of my favorite magazines, I was honored to read such a lovely article about Segreto Impressions!!

What they loved about the book is the wide range of beautiful designs. It’s because I am so lucky to work with so many talents!! Thank you Southern Home.

What an exciting week for Segreto Impressions. Talented Houston Chronicle writer, Diane Cowen posted about the book’s release. Thanks so much for all of your super nice emails from those who read the post! They made my week!! If you missed it you can read it here! She did a wonderful article both on their online and print versions.

Can’t believe it’s December! I was so surprised when driving to a client’s house listening to the radio when a jingle from Bering’s Hardware came on the air about Segreto Impressions and the book signing there. I almost had to pull over, I was so excited. We have four wonderful opportunities left this year to personalize a copy!! I hope to wish you happy holidays at one of them! Paisley House, HCC and Berings all this week!!

And here it is!  CdT’s Christmas List for 2019!! And Segreto Impressions made the list!!

Joni Webb with Cote De Texas listed Segreto Impressions on her best Holiday gifts of the year list!! Her list is an amazing place for gift-giving inspiration. There is still time to order and let us ship!! Till next week, XO Leslie.

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The Gift Of Gratitude-Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi Friends! I hope you are able to enjoy getting ready for that special day we share with others. I love Thanksgiving but I must admit, sometimes with all the preparation of the big day- cooking, setting the table, devising kids’ activities or traveling to be with others-there is a lot to coordinate!!

Take a pause, a long breath and truly enjoy the moments of preparation!! Feel your blessings and share them with the people in your lives! I found some inspirational quotes which have made my day, I hope they will do the same for you, who are my friends and loyal followers! You have given me so much support and love over the years, and for that, thank you! I am truly grateful for each of you!

Even though I was in a very thankful place when I read all the quotes, I recognized even more of the good stuff looking at this form. It might be a fun activity for you and your family on Thanksgiving day! And an easy way for all to share!!

I wish you all a wonderful day with family and friends! If you don’t have people in town this holiday reach out and serve others! It may end up being the best Thanksgiving ever! May bountiful blessings and a grateful heart be with all of you!

Celebrate the season with us at one of our upcoming events this December! Come pick up your signed/personalized copy of Segreto Impressions and enjoy some holiday shopping! Til next week! xo Leslie

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Charcuterie Boards and the Launch Party

Hi Friends! With the holidays sneaking up on us and book signings weekly, I thought I would share the interiors, entertaining, food displays and gift ideas I loved at Segreto Impression’s launch. For all of my Dallas friends, I hope to see you next Thursday, November 21st at Aidan Gray with Dwell with Dignity! Hi son Matthew, Momma’s coming to visit!

This year a dear friend/client, Ashley, offered to host a private launch event for all the designers, homeowners, builders and architects who had home/projects in the book. She owns Renouveau Antiques, and her interiors designed by James Mol are to die for!!

The printing of the books this year were behind, so we only received 296 copies for the party, which we jacketed ourselves, and stacked on Ashley’s antique dining room table, with fingers crossed it would hold the weight.

I know I have posted Ashley’s beautiful kitchen before. I love its clean look while incorporating so many reclaimed elements which her company sources. Her spread, second in Segreto Impressions, is named French modern-fitting don’t you think! Our Segretostone counters and plastered walls and ceilings meld so well with her one of a kind elements! She wanted to serve the food on her island covering it with the most amazing Charcuterie spread.

She hired Ashley Radcliffe, owner of Legendairy for the event! Rather than filling the island with all sorts of trays she used the Segretostone island as a base and arranged all the food on parchment paper. Brilliant!

I have made many Charcuterie boards myself, however, I have never seen a display and such a wonderful combination of foods presented so elegantly! It truly was to die for!

To give a layered effect, different heights were established by putting trays and bowls on lucite bases! There were fruits, cheeses, nuts, meats, condiments and assortments of crackers and fresh slices of bread!!

These china feeling plastic plates, ordered from Amazon, were placed on an onyx slab trimmed in real gold leaf.

Even the napkins, ordered from The Stationery Shop added a festive flair for the event!!

There were combinations of hot and cold and the rosemary sprigs made the perfect garnish.

Ashley’s home was simply lovely with just the right amount of florals to give the evening such a romantic touch!

The simplicity of a double vase of roses on a coffee table relays elegantly casual and encourages one to stay and sit.

I can’t wait to see what you come up with for your Charcuterie boards.

Ashley’s home smelled wonderful so I did have to ask, where are your beautiful candles from? Such a talented family, her sister Gretchen is the founder of Bella’s Candles. She specializes in custom poured candles using vintage vessels. You can take your own favorite vases or sterling silver dishes, as pictured, and she will fill them with her lovely scented candles. Check her out on Instagram. A perfect holiday gift!

Thank you, Ashely, Ashley and Gretchen, three women who have followed their passions and created a business and a job, which inspires others every day!!

Dallas friends! Don’t miss out on this great event at Aidan Gray with Dwell with Dignity! The reception is at night but I will be there from 2:00 on in case you can’t make the night time event. Hope to see you there! Till next week! Xo Leslie

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