Leslie Sinclair's Blog, page 19
September 24, 2018
The Whole 30 Diet!- What is it All About?
Hi Friends! You have all traveled with me though my many diets and attempts to lose weight. I have gained and lost 45 lbs. so many times in the past 10 years. I have found I am definitely a stress eater and after year 45, weight for me had become a constant battle. I have moved from my past goals of looking good to now just wanting to feel better….. although being able to dress with confidence certainly would be an added plus!! I want to have more energy to enjoy all that can be accomplished and experienced in this wonderful life, and be here to enjoy my next chapter-grand-kids!!
My daughter Kirby has been on a health kick and gave me the Whole 30-Starts with Food- book to read when I went to Peru. She said it had changed her relationship with food!! Although it is not ranked high on the diet sustainability list, the benefits on getting a crash course in clean eating and detoxing from sugar-I feel like I got mine from a chardonnay bottle—seemed like it would be good for me!! I bought the book and the cookbooks as they have lots of good recipes, but you can download most of the information from their website for free!
The idea is, says Mellissa and Dallas Hartwig, authors of the Whole 30 plan, to remove all processes foods and foods that have been linked to systemic inflammation, skin issues, allergies, chronic pain, hormonal imbalances and digestion issues by staying away from sugars, grains and dairy. They say that you will sleep better, have more energy, enjoy better skin, and have less bloating to name a few! Sounded great to me!!! I felt like no wine, no milk or sweeteners in my coffee and no diet cokes would be the hardest to do without. Surely I could abstain for 30 days!!
They do not want you to weigh or track calories on the diet. No scales, no measuring. The Whole 30 wants you to change your habits and your emotional relationship with food. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between an almond flour brownie and the one from your favorite restaurant, so even though all the ingredients may be approved, eating deserts of any form will not help squelch your sugar cravings and thus are not permitted.
What you can eat: Eat moderate portions of meat, seafood, and eggs; lots of vegetables; some fruit; plenty of natural fats; and herbs, spices, and seasonings. Eat foods with very few ingredients, all pronounceable ingredients, or better yet, no ingredients listed at all because they’re whole and unprocessed.
Meat.
Poultry.
Fish.
eggs
Veggies.
Fruits.
Fats.
What you can’t eat:
No sugar or natural or artificial sweeteners.
No alcohol or smoking.
No grains.
No beans or legumes.
No soy.
No dairy.
No processed additives.
How did we do?
I did tell my husband that he had to do the diet with me. Yes and I did tell, and not ask-sorry hunny!!! So many of our nighttime habits we do together, sooooo…. I really needed his support.
The biggest challenge for him was not having pastries or breads. I found some recipes for egg or vegetable muffins that seemed to carry him through.
Honestly we ate better than we have in years and both felt better as well. After we became empty-nesters, he cooked dinner having more time than me. It consisted of something he grilled, a can of baked beans and a potato, unless of course I wanted to make a side. I didn’t complain, dinner was ready! Now I do most of the cooking, but he does help choose recipes and clean the kitchen. There is lots of cooking and prep to this plan. This was probably the most overwhelming part of it all, especially when first looking over the recipes. It did get less stressful as the weeks went on as the ingredients were not so foreign, and I became able to make up my own recipes.
Source-Copyright : Olga Miltsova
This was a welcome distraction for me as I was replacing my two glasses of wine each night with sparkling water in a wine glass. Put limes, berries or herbs with your drink to make it feel more special.
Eggs daily just isn’t my thing so these sweet potatoes made with coconut milk and cashew butter, garnished with fruit was a yummy easy meal that could be made in advance.
Copyright : tashka2000
I also fell in love with chi pudding. Just by the name I am not sure it is whole 30 approved. You just mix one can of whole organic coconut milk with a bit over a fourth of a cup of chi seeds. Add more seeds if you like the pudding thicker. Put it in a container overnight. I like to put fruit, almond and coconut shavings on top. You can also mix the milk with fruit or cashew butter in the nutra-bullet, before the seeds are added to give it a different taste. I did have a 25th birthday dinner for my daughter Sammy and I made little parfait desserts, layering different combination of mixtures.
I loved all the foods-honestly! This was my families’ favorite. I made sweet potato mash in the nutra-bullet(can’t live without mine), mixing whole fat coconut milk from a can, salt, pepper, and either coconut butter or ghee. Then I sauteed some onions and julienne carrots in a small amount of coconut oil. When soft, I added the scallops and a minute before ready put large amounts of fresh spinach on top. The plate was layered, mash-then spinach, scallops and carrots.
A few helpful tips:
I ordered three breakfasts and lunches a day from Snap Kitchen. They delivered them to my office and prevented me from driving though somewhere and picking up something not on the list.
There are lots of slow cooker recipes available that are delicious. The next day or for dinner later that week, I would roll the leftovers in jimcima tortillas(HEB sells them), or butter lettuce.
My kids told me about Instacart! I am sure you have other shopping services in your area. It is a game changer. I can shop for groceries on my computer at night and have them delivered at my convenience. For $149 per year or $6.99 a trip it is a time-saver and a bargain.
Trader Joe’s has many whole 30 and organize items that are reasonably priced! There are lots of blogs on what to buy for whole 30 from Trader Joe’s-just ask google!!
My house staples-coconut milk and flakes-sweet potatoes-ghee-olive oil-avocado-frozen cauliflower rice-fruit, almonds, favorite veggies, chopped mushrooms and onions, cashew butter, favorite protein.
I purchase as many items as I can already chopped, this cuts my prep work in half, allowing me to prepare most dinners in 30 minutes or less.
This was also a great recipe and super easy to make!!!
I made a spinach open omelette the next morning for a Sunday brunch!!
source-Copyright : Samantha Craddock
I must say we both ate better and felt great!! Neither of us were ever hungry or felt deprived. John lost 10 lbs and I lost 14! First time I have lost more than him!! I did start weighing everyday again which is not a good idea–it takes my mind, from enjoying my meals to thinking about food all the time-what not to eat– and actually causes me to want to eat more. We both no longer have unhealthy cravings and will definitely stick to many of the clean eating habits. You can see what is on my road-map next!! Feel free to email me with any questions, or to share your experiences. For recipes, go to my healthy eating Pinterest board. I have lots more food ideas to try!! Here is to a healthier mind, body and soul!!
Exciting Event!! I am joined by and expert panel to discuss home makeovers for the Baylor Women’s network of Houston. Paisley house is graciously hosting the event and is donating a percentage of all sales during the event to Baylor!! She has lots of great furnishings and those velvet pumpkins we all crave for fall decor!! I hope to see some of your friendly faces there. xo Leslie
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September 17, 2018
The Dream Team-Architect Michael Landrum and Designer Garrett Hunter
Hi Friends!! Today is going to be a real treat as I am sharing a project just completed with architect Michael Landrum and designer Garrett Hunter!
Looking like they are both right out of a Hollywood movie set in this photo taken by Paper City Magazine, Micheal is to the left and Garrett to the right. Often working together, these two have been an amazing inspiration to me when collaborating on projects.
Micheal and I have completed many beautiful homes together……….. his style?? Any style-well done!! This home featured in Segreto Style (p144-149) is Hacienda at it best!
I labeled this home Gracefully Eclectic in my first book Segreto Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors (p 32-37). Completed years ago with interiors by Don Connelly, I think it was my first glimpse into a more modern European style.
This home and stunning entry, feels as if it was built centuries ago, however it is actually a new construction modeled after historical New Orleans. LOVED the project!! Not only was it the first opportunity I had the pleasure of working with this brilliant duo together, we did something quite unique! Because there was not enough paneling to complete the space. Segreto restored the antique pieces and finished the new panel insets and surrounds to read like the old. Can you tell which is which?
In the dining room which graceful oval shape is so unique, it the first time we have done lime washing on walls! Wanting a chalky water color effect we applied two layers of a luxurious apricot.
Next we were so excited to work on an update to a home the team had designed together years ago. We applied the lime finish throughout the main areas of the home creating a wainscot effect!! The homeowner and designers tasked our creative Segreto designer, Andrea Condara to create a unique installation sculpture to grace the main staircase.
Her masterful creation was made from a combination of materials including paper mache, fabric and Segreto plaster and hangs 6 ft wide and 7 ft tall to make a big statement!
And now for the new project!
This home looks like it is right out of Architectural Digest or Elle Decor. Morris Hullinger was both the architect and the builder on this one. This contemporary take on Spanish colonial has an – “airy and time transcending” design style–love that. Composed of the collected look which Landrum and Hunter are so known for I am really drawn to the stunning Oliviere Gregorie “fold series fiberglass chair” designed especially for the fashion label Acne. With this team, I know you can’t wait to see more!!
Walking in your are greeted by a graceful staircase coated in plaster! (which we installed–hehe!) Its architectural feel complements the statement art and bronze piece creating one focal masterpiece vs individual pieces.
I was so happy to see a chair I adore from Garrett and Michael’s own line. The Ginkgo chair from their Tienda X line!! It is so comfortable! And that Charles James sofa–to die for!!!
No detail is left without thought and attention. The grill work over the door allows for more privacy while flooding the space with light- a chic version of the steel door!
The kitchen is amazing and some of it quite a team effort to achieve. The floating hood in front of the window rolls right into the ceiling. Because it is plastered on both sides our work on this part had to be completed before the hood was installed. Then it was fastened on to the ceiling and when we came back later to plaster the rest of the space we had to blend it in seamlessly-difficult? Yes, but well worth the effort. The refrigerator panels were commissioned by Jaime Lorera, and what a statement they make!!
As if their projects have not kept them busy enough, Michael and Garrett also own together the super chic art and design boutique Tienda X at 1420 West Alabama. Steps away from the Menil Collection museum, if is a carefully curated collection of art, furnishings and objects, which also showcases their own line of studio furniture, resin chairs and limited edition lighting made of steel and vintage sphere crystals. I loved this excerpt from Wallpaper * about the shop. As for the name? ‘The name is meant to be somewhat anonymous or generic,” explains Hunter, noting the Brand X concept behind their tienda (or small, specialized shop) is really about ‘not conforming to an identity’.
Just like all that they do–All styles are perfectly curated and masterfully combined to create beautiful spaces in the way their clients like to live! Keep an eye out for these two! A big thanks goes to Garrett and Michael for sharing a bit of their work with us all!!
Tuesday is the last day to vote!! A big THANK YOU to all for your votes. Segreto Secrets is up for the International Amara Design Blog Awards “Best Company Blog” and we are up against some amazing talent. If you could take a minute to vote I would be so appreciative. Our goal is to obtain enough votes to secure the top 5 blogs out of a 100 and make the shortlist. At that point the blogs will be evaluated by a curated panel. Go here to vote! I am wishing you all a wonderful week! Till next time! xo Leslie
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September 10, 2018
Artist Spotlight- Robert Stivers
I wasn’t familiar with his work and wanted to look him up before the meet and greet so……. I went to my friend google!! Well, come to find out, in addition to his own Wikipedia page, his works are collected by museums such as the Bibliothèque nationale (Paris), the Getty Museum (Los Angeles, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), Museum Ludwig (Cologne), and the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), to name a few.
I became a bit intimidated!
The above, Hands is one of Roberts most relished works of art. The butterflies have become a symbol of this piece, a transition of sorts from innocence to womanhood. In an article by Michael Abatemarco in Pasatiempo Robert was quoted -“I discover more about my work when I hear other people’s responses, and maybe I discover more about the person, and maybe I discover a lot about me.” I love this comment, it shows he is a listener, he is open minded, and he is grounded. I found all to be true!!
Robert, from a family with highly successful careers, dropped out of a masters program in the Science of Administration, when he discovered a passion to dance. He moved to New York, and shortly after was dancing with the Joffrey Ballet. Unfortunately his career in dance ended after a back injury. He still has a passion for dance and has beautifully photographed the gracefulness of the dancer.
Maybe his aptitude for science, mixed with a true calling and passion for the arts, has gifted him with the ability to combine chemicals with the art of photography!
Roberts art is not just in photographing the image. It is with his artistic manipulation of the image afterwards. In speaking to him, I was reminded me of my experimentation with paint, seeing all the combinations layered has been magical for me! He uses bleach and many other techniques to transform his work.
I loved this description of his process that was on an invite from a show he did in Venice- “For Many of his works, Stivers begins with a sharply focused negative that is then manipulated in the printing process causing intentional loss of clarity to achieve, sensual, dream-like images.”
And this image has been in by dreams for a while. Loving it so much I contemplated using it for my new paint line. Unfortunately, They had already put our existing labels into production. I adore the contemporary feel of such antique elements!
Here is a snap shot I took at his studio of the same version in pink! The richness and the vibrancy of color are enchanting! This pieces can be toned to most colors and printed in any size to be used as an over scaled impact piece or as a collection of vibrant tones hung together!!
Here is another manipulation of the traditional dark room process! One’s mind begins to wonder-is it a painting, or a photograph. Either way, it catches the soul of the person and is both mysterious and thought provoking!
His new series which will be the focus of his sixth photography book, uses animals as his subject and vibrancy of color to create shadowy, powerful imagery. They ask us to love the beasts inside ourselves, not only the ones that exist happily, but those in torment, waiting for the right moment to escape, to reveal themselves and allow us to confront the fullness of our personalities. –Eugenia Parry
“Robert is like an alchemist,” Greenberg-Wyman explains. “He uses lens based photography and handles materials flipping things back and forth – sometimes overexposing, sometimes underexposing depending upon what’s going on with him. Then he might re-shoot a print he’s already made and manipulate it further in the darkroom by enriching the tone of the gelatin silver print with more selenium or another kind of polytoner. That’s how he performs, like in a lab.”
Robert dreams into things. It isn’t beyond him to use any object at all to obtain the animals he’s looking for. Out of focus models of taxidermy in the Museum of Natural History in New York, led to the bear, buffalo, gorilla, and the cluster of gazelles. Softening and simplifying by backlighting some of the beasts, he eliminated the obvious identifiers, like fur or feathers. It left him with essential, defining contours that say “gorilla” or “bear.” The strategy changed the beast from “other” into something more like an idea that’s strangely familiar.- Eugenia Parry
Although Robert does name his artwork, most he keeps simple like the above “Red Shoes”. He loves hearing what others are inspired to name the piece. It enables him to learn more about the person, and then intern learn even more about himself! It is hard to believe that the above is photography with it’s dream like quality! What would you name this piece?
I loved my visit with Robert and our continued friendship!! Thank you Robert for sharing yourself and some of your work with us- for an artist that is one in the same! I appreciated your creativity, your humble nature, your desire to always reinvent yourself and your true passion to create! You have inspired me more than you know!! For more information on Robert’s art you can follow his Instagram robert.stivers. or visit his website .
I hope you all enjoy your week! xo Leslie
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September 3, 2018
What Segreto is Up to!
Hi Friends! I hope all is great with you and yours!! People always ask me what my favorite projects are, and truthfully I respond I love them all! Here are a few which we have been working on I thought you might like to see!!
I know you have all heard of designer Eleanor Cummings!! She is on of our country’s best designers and I am so fortunate she resides in Houston and allows me to follow along with her on many of her projects!! This renovation, constructed by Goodchild Builders, has been a major transformation! We finished the study paneling, built out of oak, to read as if it were left alone. This seems like a simple process, but when wax or sealer is applied to wood, it turns orange or yellow-not the look she was going for.
Also with the plank style construction, the wood’s variations and colorations can be extreme. We apply a series of washes to mask the golden undertones and give a more consistent base before glaze the wood and seal the finish. Look at that metal shelving used and the hardware-brilliant!!
They were just moving in when I snapped these pics so the home is not completely finished. The living room with lots of seating has a contemporary fresh edge to it but the feel is warm, comfortable and inviting. All of Eleanor’s homes look different as she mixes so many one of a kind elements into her design, but that warmth and sophistication is always there! We plastered throughout the home a new plaster product-it has a subtle depth but absolutely no sheen! We refinished the beams as well and…………………guess?
Crafted Eleanor’s vision for the room’s coffee table in SegretoStone! It took a team to build this one!
We are so thrilled to have our new product a such a focal to the room! Thanks Eleanor! I can’t wait to see the entire room completely finished. Next week we are lime washing the existing brick walls and floors in the wine room! We have discovered a special sealer that we think will make the floors durable!! Eleanor and her assistant Meagan are AMAZING to work with, and of course Goodchild Builders, with superintendent John feel like family to us!!
When I saw the renderings for this sink made from Segreto Stone I was so excited to see it come to life. I love the slab on the back creating a ledge and the ample room for soaps etc. on the counter.
Daughter Kirby has taken the lead on this one with very talented designer Amy LeCrone. This has be one of my favorite SegretoStone sinks we have created!!
In the same home, you will spy a contemporary mantle made from SegretoStone! A great alternative to cast concrete or stone, there are no seams and the organic nature of the product produces a clean lined, natural appeal. I think even the beautiful pup to the left of the mantle loves it!!
This home another masterful renovation is stunning inside and out. For the exterior we finished the exterior shutters to feel as if they have come from centuries past. I love the added gardens flanking the front entrance.
The shutters which can be closed flank the front entrance which will look even better when the lantern light fixture is installed!
There were lots of right choices made on this home. The shutters on the side of the home which are attached from their top are also finished. What a interesting slant to ones hung on either side of the window-perfect for this garage which doesn’t need as much light entering the space and is a focal to the front of the home!
She also didn’t want the normal interior stained finish so we were asked to work out magic! I love the warm tones of the finish mixed with hints of gray!! We did lots of work in this house from beams, to plaster to lime washing to SegretoStone–stay tuned for an update!!
Well super exciting–Even though I still have not finalized the names of our new Segreto Paint colors we sold our first 40 gallons this week!! Look at Roger , our warehouse manager, go!!
Segreto Paint-Soothing colors to go with today’s busy lifestyles. He-he, I was so grateful for your color naming help, I am testing some slogans for ya’ll to chime in on! I could go on for pages! Here are just a few. Please leave me a comment to join the conversation or email me directly at leslie@segretofinsihes.com! Much love to all! Have a wonderful week!! xo Leslie
For today’s busy life-classic colors which inspire warmth and serenity.
Segreto Paint- More than just a color, sophistication and tranquility in a can.
I saw my dreams and then I painted them-Segreto Paint
Segreto Paint- Serenity for your home.
Segreto Paint-Tranquility in a can.
Cloak your home with Serenity- Segreto Paint.
A can full of calm-Segreto Paint.
Blanket yourself in sophistication-Segreto Paint.
Beauty in a can.
Again,I so appreciate everyone who voted last week and shared the information with their friends and family. ‘Amara Interior Blog Awards are giving away a Leica camera to one lucky voter. Vote to be entered into the giveaway!’ If you voted for Segreto Secrets last week, you can vote for another category for a blog you love and still have the chance to win.
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August 27, 2018
Join Me on My Peruvian Adventure!
Hi Friends!! After being invited to Peru multiple times by my brother and his lovely wife Avicita, I finally made the trip. They both are anthropologist by training, and have lived in the Amazon and all over this beautiful country. When they moved back to the states, they kept their home in Lima. My mother and youngest daughter Sammy, boarded a plane with me and met Richard, Avecita and their youngest son Sam there for a family vacation!!! I honestly didn’t know what to expect!! I hope you enjoy with me, my Peruvian adventure!
Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. This photo shows a shopping mall built on the side of the cliff which is not too far from their home!! With a population of more than 10 million, Lima is the most populous metropolitan area of Peru and the third-largest city in the Americas, behind São Paulo and Mexico City. And boy, I certainly noticed the amount of people with the crazy honking, driving and traffic!! New York times 10!
Here is our group, eating at La Mar, a restaurant created by the famous chef Gaston Acurio. Open only for lunch, they are known as one of the best Ceviche houses in Peru. I am going to try not to spend too much time on the food throughout the post, but honestly Peru has some of the best in the world. My Mom constantly says “When people ask me what I do in Peru”-she visits often– she says “In Peru we eat!”
Here are just our appetizers served in courses. Starting from top left-Ceviche which is Peru’s national dish. Serious eats describes the dish well and most of the others we enjoyed.
Peru started this cold-“cooked” fish craze with only five simple ingredients: sea bass (corvina) marinated for just minutes in lime juice, onion, salt and, of course, hot chiles (aji). The tenderness of super-fresh fish is heightened by crisp onion, and sides of starchy boiled corn (choclo) and creamy sweet potato (camote) to balance out the texture of the dish. Dry-roasted corn kernels (cancha) sprinkled around add a pleasing crunch.
The tower to the right is filled with fresh octopus, mussels, calamari and scallops, then garnished with yucca. Yucca is a root and tastes kind of like potatoes, but I liked them better. These were mashed and then fried. –AMAZING. The second row is traditional Peruvian potato salad. The left side is made like sushi with fresh fish on top, the right cut like cake. Both beautiful in presentation and delish! It starts with mashed yellow Peruvian potatoes blended with lime, oil and spicy aji Amarillo sauce. This version has shredded chicken mixed with mayo but others have tuna or salmon. It is followed by layers of hardboiled eggs, avocado and olives. Layer after layer, it is served cold as a salad or side.
Sam looks excited to start on his main course. Fresh bass. Grilled, seasoned perfectly and surrounded by my favorite-yucca!!
Salud meaning heath or cheers in Spanish, is a popular expression and a perfect saying when drinking Pisco, the popular brandy produced in the wine-making regions of Peru and Chile. Made by distilling fermented grape juice, it was developed by 16th century Spanish settlers as an alternative to orujo, a pomace brandy that was being imported from Spain. Pisco sours are its most popular renditions, however it can be sipped over ice or made into lots of concoctions. Not wanting to fall asleep before 5, I ordered a diet coke or Coca sin azucar. I wish I could import these-love!
Walking home from lunch we stopped by a market–there were so many fresh fruits and vegetables many I have never seen. And the chickens?-not so sure about selecting one of these for dinner.
While the rest stopped by a drug store we stopped at a cute shop across the street!! Sammy and I love pink and the heart shaped door!!Jessica Butrich is a shoe designer in Peru! Funky fun and colorful, we didn’t see anything that were perfect for our feet, but we loved the colorful vibe of the store’s interior!!
That night we set out for the museum, Rafael Larco Herrera, a privately owned museum of pre-Columbian art, located in the Pueblo Libre District of Lima, Peru. The museum is housed in an 18th-century vice-royal building built over a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid. It showcases chronological galleries that provide a thorough overview of 4,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. I was so humbled looking at the sophistication of the pottery, metals and tapestries from so long ago!
At first I thought this was a necklace, but it is actually a quipus-the main record keeping and accounting system employed by the Incas. It was based on the decimal system, where the system of knots represented single units or 10’s of thousands of units!
Here are a few ancient paintings and tapestries. I really loved seeing the lime wash technique on the walls that we are revitalizing here at Segreto!! I tried to research the style of art of the man with the angle wings to the right but no avail. I purchased a beautiful angle similar to this about 30 years ago, interesting to see that this style of painting was established centuries before.
Well the gold and silver artifacts were amazingly intricate! Some of these artifacts dated back to 2000 BC. It is amazing the craftsmanship mastered without the tools we have available today.
The next day we headed to Paracus, a beach resort about 2 hours outside of Lima. The town Paracas is mainly used as the tourist hub for Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, all of which we visited. Hotel Paracas, a luxury Collection Resort, was magical and had the most beautiful sunsets I had only before experienced on Pinterest.
It started with hints of blush in the sky and then deepened in tone until both the sky and water was a saturated pink!! Maybe one of my new blush paint colors should be named Paracus Pink!!
The next day we went to Museo De Sitio Julio C. Tello, an archaeology Museum in Peru which sits at the entrance of the Paracas National Reserve. In the 1920’s explorer Julio C Tello discovered burial sites which were over 2,000 years old, providing the exhibits for the museum. This new building was designed by Barclay & Crousse to replace its predecessor which was ruined during the 2007 earthquake. I loved the red pigmented concrete which blended so naturally into the costal desert landscape of the region.
The Paracas culture was an Andean society existing between approximately 800 BCE and 100 BCE, with an extensive knowledge of irrigation and water management and that made significant contributions in the textile arts. The museum hosted mummy’s of the ancient people which were wrapped in cloth and buried sitting up. It also displayed some rocks from The Carboniferous Period which is where the carbon and petroleum that we used today was formed–over 3 million years ago–older than the dinosaurs!!!
We then made our way into the 700,000 acres of the marine reserve which includes beautiful seaside views, mountains and desert. Birders flock to the reserve to see condors, pelicans and flamingos.
If you are adventure seekers I would recommend renting these and making it an all day excursion! You could stop at one of the many fishing villages and have a bit of fresh ceviche. Those roasted corn kernels are my favorite and you can see in the little shot glass is the leftover marinade from the cerviche—known as leche de tigre (tiger’s milk). It is a spicy brew that is drunken as is or spiked with Pisco.
Beautiful!!! The sand with the water is stunning!!
On our way back we stopped to see the flamingo’s on the beach on the edge of the preserve!!!
The next day we were up early to take a boat to the Islas Ballestas. On the way we spied the “The Candelabra of the Andes”, a prehistoric geoglyph which is 2 ft. deep, 600 ft. tall and can be seen from 12 miles away. Pottery found near the design dates back to 200 BC, but the age of the original carving has never been determined.
These islands are home to a large population of endangered or otherwise threatened birds and mammals and were considered one of the best places to mine guano-yes, bird poop-for the fertilizer industry in the mid to late 1800’s. In fact, Peru controlled the entire worlds fertilizer industry before the invention of synthetic fertilizer derived from petroleum. It’s guano enriched Europe and the U.S. agricultural industries with its high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous. During this time, 12 million tons were extracted valued at USD 500 million dollars! As Jim Carey would say in his Ace Ventura series-“All righty then!”
When you get closer you can spot the thousands and thousands of birds and….. look closer–Penguins!! The other birds we saw are Guanay Cormorants, Peruvian Pelicans, and Peruvian Boobies. They are the most important guano-producing seabirds on the Peruvian Coast. During the mid 20th century, the Peruvian Booby reached over 3 million birds!!
Humboldt Penguins make their homes in the rocks burrows. We watched this family hobble down from much higher up and eventually dive into the water.
These South American Sea Lions were once worshiped by the ancient Moche Civilization as spirits of the sea, and were thought by fishermen to keep them safe and send them fish. they were my fav!! After our tour we packed up and headed back to Lima!!
On the way back we had to make serval pit stops!! Most places you have to pay to use the restroom, so look for the cleanest one you can find. Sammy made two friends there, who were the attendants two new pups!!
Hard to get use to in Peru and good to know. Although most establishments do not have this sign, you cannot put toilet paper in any toilet in Peru. Their septic system cannot handle it, so…. there is a trash can by every toilet where the paper goes.
The next morning we headed to downtown Lima! I was so surprised at the French inspired architecture. I felt as if I were in Europe! We went early Sunday morning to avoid the traffic of the weekdays, haha I can’t imagine it being worse!
The historic center of lima was absolutely breathtaking. Behind Sammy is the presidential Palace!
The balconies of Lima are items of cultural heritage built during the Spanish colonial Peru and the Republic of Peru. The brown balcony you see is on the municipal palace. Most of these balconies are of the Colonial period, built in the late 17th and 18th centuries, and located in the Historic Center of Lima.
This is the front door of the Basilica Cathedral of Lima, a Roman Catholic cathedral whose original construction began in 1535, with multiple reconstructions and transformations since. It is dedicated to St John, an Apostle and Evangelist. The main or central gateway is called the Portada del Perdón or the “door of forgiveness”.
In keeping with the majority of cathedrals the front façade has three large doorways. The carving details were incredible on this one!! The church vaults and pillars were destroyed by an earthquake in 1746 and was repaired in two parts first in 1755 and then 1758. It was again renovated internally in the late 19th century and looks pristine now. The Archbishop’s Palace and the Parroquia del Sagrario are situated next to the Cathedral.
As you enter there are 14 side chapels, my model Sammy is standing in front of her favorite one!
I loved the ceilings, with their beautiful lube tone and gold leaf embellishments. We did have a nice young guide give us a tour. I highly recommend that vs. just walking though.
A world wind trip, we went to the markets there and bought gifts for all of my crew, and Charlotte, my operation’s managers daughter of course, before heading to the airport! These lamas made from alpaca fir were a big hit!!
Here is a picture of a birthday event for my Mom that Avicita’s sweet sister hosted at her club with her two grandsons who were just about Sam and Sammy’s age. We did so much more there, much more than I have shown, and I have decided maybe I am an adventurer!! In my mind I am already planning my next trips, one to the Amazon and the other to Machu Picchu!! Thank you so much to my gracious, energetic tour guides!! I am so appreciative of my brother and his family for hosting 3 generations in my Peruvian adventure!!
I so appreciate everyone who voted last week and shared the information with their friends and family. I just got word that ‘Amara Interior Blog Awards are giving away a Leica camera to one lucky voter. Vote to be entered into the giveaway!’ If you voted for Segreto Secrets last week, you can vote for another category for a blog you love and still have the chance to win. I hope everyone does something just for them this week, even a small pamper like taking a bubble bath or reading a book can give you a little recharge !! Till next time! xo Leslie
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August 21, 2018
Downsizing-A Warm, Comfortable and Functional Space!
Hi Friends! I hope you have grabbed your cup of coffee or a glass of wine depending on what time of day it is. With school starting, life is about to get busier so be sure to take a breath and a little time for yourselves. This week I am traveling to up state New York with most of my staff for a job we are completing there!! I loved Skaneateles when I went before for the design meetings!!
Then, it was a winter wonderland and I felt I was entering a Christmas town from a Hallmark movie. I can’t wait to share with you what it looks like in the “high season” of summer! This week, I am reposting a very popular article which could not be viewed on my new site for some reason. The bedroom shot has been one of Pinterest’s most viewed images. It’s a charming renovation and a wonderful example of how you can take a small white box and transform it into a warm, inviting and comfortable space.
After living in the same house for over 40 years, these homeowners were ready for a lifestyle change. Wanting a handicap accessible place with security, no maintenance and the comfort of a concierge staff, they moved from their 5,000 square foot Dallas home to this 1,100 square foot high-rise – now that’s what I call downsizing! Enlisting the help of their daughter, renowned interior designer Kara Childress, they edited their existing furnishings and accessories to create an easy, fresh look that incorporated some of their favorite traditional pieces. I love how this light fixture from BROWN, the series of old herbieries in the entry and the wonderful bench with the trim detail create a warm inviting feel as you enter the space which continues throughout.
The mirrors seemed a bit dated when they first viewed the new unit, but by cleaning up the trim and plastering floor and ceiling, the reflection makes the space seem twice as big. The inspiration for the design came from their existing pair of hand-colored botanical engravings and two French chairs with a soft floral fabric. Preferring the morning sun, they got this spectacular view overlooking the city that Kara framed with silk draperies in the same tones as the other upholstery. “We instantly added character to the simplistic architecture, embellishing those bones with such uncomplicated objects as family photos and handsome lamps and fixtures, the space feels collected and personal.” Kara tried to adhere as closely as possible to the “less is more” philosophy and get rid of the “dust catchers” her parents had accumulated over the years with four kids and thirteen grandkids. With comfy slip-covered pieces which blended with traditional elements like the 18th century commode and glass-topped Corinthian coffee table. this multiuse space really feels like home!!
The kitchen was a key place to bring in that homey feel. Painting the existing previously stained cabinets, adding a backsplash of antique tiles from Chateau Domingue and removing sliding doors that closed off the space gave the small space a whole new dimension. With elegant crema marfil honed marble floors and practical Silestone countertops BROWN provided the finishing touch with these unique kitchen pendants – check out the great reflection they cast on the plastered ceiling!
This beautiful antique door from Chateau Domingue greets you as you enter the master bedroom retreat creating a special place. Kara mixed soft textures with warm wood pieces that create interest. To customize the original construction, all of the floors were replaced with these wide wood planks and all the door openings were enlarged or made into casements. I think having the different bedside tables and lamps is a great way to add “his” and “her” personality to a bedroom.
According to Kara, “the closet was originally a big wall of heavy sliding doors that were coming off the track.” I love the solution she came up with – replacing the doors with a fabulous linen drape on a track installation so that the drapes literally disappear into the walls but create interest to an otherwise utilitarian type hallway.
Kara opened up the master bath by knocking out walls and making it one big space. They built a free-standing shower and added a Restoration Hardware console as well as a mirror to conceal the medicine cabinet. This turned out to be a functional, beautiful, warm home full of character, personality and intimacy. I truly loved working on this project with Kara and her parents. It was so interesting to see how she made this space, so warm and comfortable, just what her parents wanted!! Just FYI-in my opinion, Kara does it all well, from small ……
to spacious and inviting……………
to rustic and romantic ……………………………
to airy with a bit of Hollywood glam! ……………………………
Thanks Kara and team, for always letting us install the finishes as a back drop for your beautiful design!!
A big THANK YOU to all this week. Segreto Secrets was nominated for many categories for the International Amara Design Blog Awards!!!! The category in which we obtained most nominations for was “Best Company Blog” and we are up against some amazing talent. If you could take a minute to vote I would be so appreciative. Our goal is to obtain enough votes to secure the top 5 blogs out of a 100 and make the shortlist. At that point the blogs will be evaluated by a curated panel. Go here to vote! From New York, I am wishing you all a wonderful week! Till next time! xo Leslie
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August 13, 2018
Luxury Boutique Design – Lam Bespoke
Hi Friends!! I was going to do a post, as promised, about the project we did for Lam Bespoke after the store was open! I even had a professional photographer go and take pictures!! Well I loved the one that sweet Marie Flannigan did so much I am going to share hers. She is such a talented visionary and it was fun to hear from her perspective why she made what decisions with her commercial design!! –I have added a few tidbits along the way!! So here is her post!!! And since……… Marie made an appearance on Houston Life using samples of our finishes to discuss trends in paint. Segreto’s own Johnny, did a demonstration on how to lime wash brick. A very exciting week for sure!
Luxury Boutique Design – Lam Bespoke
Have you ever walked into a shop, a hotel, or even a car dealership and thought to yourself, “When can I move in?!” Well, that’s exactly the reaction our team was aiming for when we designed the new Lam Bespoke showroom at Memorial Green!
From Leslie: This has got to be one of my favorite creations to date. Implementing their vision of having a large wall with their logo “carved from stone-Segretostone” was both challenging and rewarding. The case wrap finish equally fun to do had a paint applied and then an activator added to feel like layers had be peeled away over time. The sleek with the aged-loved the mix!
The majority of our projects are focused in the residential realm, so it’s always a welcome challenge to bring a commercial space to life, especially when the request comes from one of our very favorite neighbors. Lam Bespoke’s flagship storefront is just around the corner from our office, and we’ve been sourcing items for our clients there since our doors first opened! From custom tailored upholstery to antique bookends and yummy candles, we can always count on owners, Cathy and Patrick Lam, to curate the most exquisite collection of furnishings and decor. When they asked if we’d be interested in collaborating on their expansion into the new Memorial Green “urban village,” we couldn’t say yes fast enough!
Here’s how we translated our go-to residential design elements into Lam Bespoke’s inviting new showroom:
LIGHT
The electrical plan is essential to every space we design. You can dream up the most gorgeous rooms in the world, but if you don’t illuminate them properly, they are guaranteed to fall flat. As we do at the beginning of every project, we sought to create a strong lighting plan through the use of task, ambient, and decorative lighting. Tracks and spots form the utilitarian foundation, overhead pendants and chandeliers exhibit an array of dazzling merchandise styles, and finally, floor and table lamps evoke coziness and a sense of cohesion. And let’s not forget the natural light that floods in through those large scale steel windows and arched entry doors!
TEXTURE
When starting with such an expansive and relatively empty building, selecting texture-rich materials was key. Matte-finish plaster forms the logo wall, cash wrap counters, and bathroom vanities. Wide plank European oak flooring adds a rustic touch, while steel windows and partitions bring in sleek, almost industrial drama. Romantic sheer drapery panels lend a subtle softness around the perimeter of the showroom, while metal merchandise shelves intersect the floorplan and create “walls” that separate furniture vignettes. Though the overall palette is understated and neutral, when layered together, these materials and finishes convey patina and tactile interest.
BALANCE
Dark and Light: We never tire of classic color combinations, and black x white is a definite firm fave! The steel windows were painted Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black, and we opted for Benjamin Moore Cloud White on the walls. It’s a look that whispers clean and sophisticated – the perfect backdrop for Lam Bespoke’s timeless merchandise.
Masculine and Feminine: The men’s and women’s powder bathrooms illustrate how the exact same ingredients (a mirror, sconces, and floating sink) can have a dramatically different end result! Do you prefer dark and moody, or light and bright?
From Leslie: We were so honored and so excited that they chose our SegretoStone integrated sinks and counters for their his and hers powders!!!
Old World and New Age: At the front of the showroom, modern schoolhouse pendants hang above a distressed cashier island and plaster relief logo. Meanwhile, at the rear of the showroom, a more traditional landscape mural wall is flanked by brassy merchandise shelves and angular steel doors. This masterful mix of contemporary and vintage styles contributes to the sensation that these spaces were lovingly collected over time.
We would be remiss if we failed to mention the incredible artisans and craftsmen who brought our design visions to fruition! Houston is home to some seriously amazing talent, and we love that you never have to travel far to find masters of countless trades. Here are a few that made this project shine:
Segreto Finishes – The Segreto team finished the cash register island, executed the embossed plaster logo wall, and built the beautiful floating integrated sinks in the bathrooms.
Doro Rojas of Doro’s Unique Flooring – Doro hand-crafted the cash register island and the drop-dead gorgeous custom doors that conceal both restrooms.
Gracie Studio – Though not local, our Gracie Studio Texas rep facilitated the creation of the custom mural wall, including an adorable surprise within the scenery. Lam Bespoke owner, Cathy, surprised her co-owner hubby by requesting that a family of four sheep be included in the hand-painted wallpaper panels as an ode to the couple and their two beautiful daughters.
From CultureMap to Houston Chronicle, this home shopper’s paradise has already garnered lots of local love! We hope you’ll also keep an eye out for the upcoming issue of Modern Luxury Interiors Texas, which will feature this gorgeous showroom in good old-fashioned print!
Finally, if you live in Houston or are planning a visit, be sure to experience the beauty firsthand and drop by in person:
Lam Bespoke – Memorial Green-12525 Memorial Drive, Suite 160-77024
713.485.4120-Open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
From Leslie: Please go and visit the store!-Patrick and Cathy are masters of purchasing affordable beautiful pieces and accessories. You feel like you could just purchase the whole display and put it into your home!! –it is quite amazing!!!!! And ……….The Flanagan team did such a wonderful job building the bones of the space. No wonder so many magazines are picking it up!! If you didn’t know–she writes a wonderful blog that I follow–beautiful and practical she provides not only beautiful pictures but useful tips!!
I think Marie and Johnny could both do HGTV! Both naturals and I has so much fun watching the show!! Have a great week!! xo Leslie
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August 6, 2018
French Modern-A Beautifully Edited Home!
Hi Friends!! I hope you are all having a wonderful week! I have an amazing home of a very special friend I can’t wait to share! Ashley Radack owns Renouveau, a French antique import company, so I knew she would beautifully build in architectural and reclaimed elements into her new home!!
You might recognize her from Round Top! Ashley is to the left with oh-so-cute antique dealer friends Susan Horn and Betsy Austin! She has had her beautiful pieces both at Arbors and at Marburger Farms.
When she went on the adventure of building her own home-and it is an adventure– she hired designer James Mol. I snuck this picture of him when we were disusing this room. I had never personally worked with him before and was excited for the opportunity!! I see why he and Ashley along with Kristal Custom Homes worked so well together–all so SUPER nice and creative. Look at those chairs!!! LOVE!
Her kitchen is truly a masterpiece and neutral in pallet her vibrant colors used as accents really pop! Look who came for a visit!!
After hearing of our new SegretoStone, James and Ashley put aside their previous natural stone selections. Wanting the reclaimed element to be showcased, they loved the natural, organic subtle feel of our new product. One of the advantages of SegretoStone is the large pieces can be poured in place meaning no seams!! We have partnered with Gunnells Concrete Designs, working together for our larger installations. His mastery of concrete and ours of plaster have been the perfect collaboration.
After months of planning I was so super excited to see it all come together! Embracing the concept of “French Modern” I love the brass hardware, clean lines and antiques mixed in.
These old doors create just the right touch! Tip: Be sure to have all of your architectural elements purchased before you start framing spaces. That way they do not have to be retrofitted for the space saving you money.
Here is a great view going from the kitchen to bar butlers and dining room. Look to the left.
Brilliant! This creative installation of an architectural piece frames her SegretoStone bar complete with an integrated sink! Ashley has been such a big fan and supporter of Segreto for years. In fact, I met her when she Facebook messaged me that she loved refinishing furniture and that she would adore the opportunity to work for me. I politely emailed her back that we were not hiring (true) but to reach back out in 6 months or so. Her reply-I WILL WORK FOR FREE! Well I had to meet this person that seemed to have the same passion as I did and wanted to learn at all costs. She was hired and paid of course!
Her living room is still in progress but the selections so far have been perfection! Again, pops of color work so well against the home’s light toned plaster and warm reclaimed elements.
The lovely reclaimed doors and stone fireplace were purchased from……you guessed-herself!!
A bathroom fit for royalty, it is elegant without being ornate. It is her and James ability to edit what they put in a space that makes it so beautifully come together!
The shower is made from a traditional Moroccan wall plaster called Tadelakt. Composed of lime plaster, the surface is sealed with a black soap made from olives. When the ingredients are combined, a chemical reaction between the two creates a waterproof membrane, making Tadelakt walls suitable for wet areas like showers.
Even her outdoor kitchen tops are made of SegretoStone. She will need to keep this sealed for outside use but it will hold up to the elements!
I hope you enjoyed this tour as much as I truly loved working with this wonderful team. Ashley, James and the crew at Kristal Custom Homes did such an amazing job and were just so excited and grateful along the way. I am so proud of Ashley and the business she developed Renouveau Antiques. I knew she had beautiful furnishing but did not realize she also imported doors, fireplaces and beams.
Look forward to our next chat!!! xo Leslie
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July 30, 2018
The Power of Linen!
Hi Friends! Today’s post is all about a fabric I love – linen! I have written many posts on how to choose the right sheets, pillows and comforters, and I have always gotten so many questions about the use of linen! Well with the temperatures rising in Houston, and hearing that linen is a cooler fabric, I thought this was the perfect time to research!!
One of the world’s oldest fabrics, linen is made from long, thin fibers that are extracted from the flax plant and spun together. Noted for its durability, the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing even uses 25% linen to make the paper money we use every day! Unlike other fabrics, washing makes linen stronger and softer over time, and its durability makes it an economical choice for everyday items like clothing, towels and sheets. I found this wonderful source-Magic Linen– for everything linen from bedding to clothing to tableware, so many of the pictures are right off their site!!
Two of the most desirable attributes of linen are its absorbency and breathability. The average person sweats one quart of water per day, and a surprising amount of sweat happens while we sleep—eek! Linen can absorb 20% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet, so it literally pulls perspiration off the body. The fibers in linen release moisture back into the air very quickly and as a result, it tends to feel cool to the touch and extremely breathable.
In clothing, linen is a stiffer fabric that is less likely to cling to skin. When it billows away from the body, it dries out quickly and becomes cool again. Linen garments have high air permeability which allows air to flow through the fabric while cooling down body temperature. It is believed that the breathability of linen is five times greater than wool and 18 times greater than silk. So, whether you are sleeping on it or wearing it, linen will help keep you comfortable and dry. I am at that mid 50’s age, so hot flashes happen 24/7 –ugh! Linen is sounding like a great option!
I found a great web site based out of Lithuania called Magic Linen. A family business of linen textile experts and highly skilled tailors, they offer a wonderful variety of bed and bath linens, curtains, and clothing. I bought this cute dress from their web site and was impressed by the quality. So chic and reasonably priced too! I used many of their pics for this blog post. Beautiful things don’t you think?
Did you know that linen has a natural ability to prevent bacterial growth? It’s an inherently antimicrobial material that unlike cotton, doesn’t provide a breeding environment for germs. Because the growth of bacteria is diminished, your kitchen work space will remain cleaner making it safer for food prep. Some web sites even say it is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and hypo-allergenic – a smart choice for your kitchen and dining linens!
I found beautiful linen dish towels on www.roughlinen.com. These towels are 100% heavyweight “Orkney,” which has the traditional texture and color of home-spun domestic European linen. Large in size at 27”x 18” and $145 for a set of seven, they are a great value! What a great gift these would be!
Of course, linen is a perfect choice for creating casual, yet sophisticated and timeless interiors! Just flip through Segreto Style and Segreto Vignettes and you will see room after room with beautiful linen draperies, pillows, and upholstered pieces. I love the linen slip covers Trisha Dodson designed for these dining chairs. Beautiful!
I love to use linen in my own home – I think I have something made from linen in every room! For my most recent bedroom update I used linen for my draperies, duvet and bed skirt, and I used it to reupholster an antique bench and accent chair from Joyce Horn Antiques.
I have found that Interior Fabrics is a great source for quality linen. They stock several colors in two grades – one at $19.99/yard and one that is a bit heavier for $29.99/yard. High Fashion Home is another great source that stocks several different weights and colors. In my family room, I added trim to solid linen fabric to give my draperies a little more personality.
I slipcovered these comfy John Brooks chairs in a blue/gray linen. One tip – always wash your linen fabric in hot water and dry on high heat 2-3 times before having your slipcovers made. This will prevent any further shrinking with repeated washing. Good to know!
Durable, breathable, anti-bacterial, and beautiful, it’s no wonder we love linen! Architectural Consultant Sarah West also loves linen. These linen slipcovers in her own home have stood the durability test of three boys and two pups! With so many great attributes, it’s easy to see why linen has remained a popular fabric for over 8,000 years! I hope you all enjoyed hearing about this timelessly elegant textile! Have a great week and stay cool! xo Leslie
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July 23, 2018
Happiness After Harvey
Hi Friends! I hope you had a great Fourth of July! Well as y’all know it’s been nearly a year since Hurricane Harvey forever changed our city. That weekend and the following days will likely not be forgotten by any of us Houstonians, and that’s especially true for my friend Christie and her fiancé Brian, whose wedding was planned for that fateful weekend.
It seems that Mother Nature has always played a role in this gorgeous couple’s journey to the alter! They met at a party thrown by mutual friends, but Brian only came to the party because he was coaching a baseball game that was rained out! This cute young man owns RTG Baseball. So fun to see the next generation of entrepreneurs following their dreams. Their chance encounter was clearly meant to be because they have been together every day since they first met!
After playing a match-maker of sorts, maybe it shouldn’t have been a surprise that Mother Nature would make an appearance at their wedding. Originally scheduled for August 27th, 2017, Brian and Christie were forced to postpone their nuptials as Harvey made landfall that weekend. With some friends and family already gathered, the couple turned what should have been their rehearsal dinner into a spontaneous Commitment Ceremony. That evening they were married “Under God” in honor of their grandparents who likely wouldn’t have been able to make another long trip for the rescheduled wedding.
Luckily, their venue, The Farmhouse, had another open date – December 8th. When they learned that all their vendors were also available, they knew that December 8th was meant to be. Christie even calls it a “God wink” – I love that!
I know Christie because she is a New Home Coordinator for Goodchild builders. We have done so many projects together and with me having two girls at the marrying age, we always spoke about the planning of her special day. When Christie was searching for the perfect location, she had a list of must-haves. With her father still recovering from a bone marrow transplant, she needed something budget-friendly and close to MD Anderson Cancer Center. She wanted to be able to select her own florist and caterer, and most importantly, the venue must allow her creativity to shine. A friend of Christie’s mentioned The Farmhouse, a new venue that was still under construction at the time. When Christie first saw the renderings, she fell in love and immediately knew she had found the perfect spot.
With the wedding venue booked, Christie spent hours on Pinterest searching for unique, budget-conscious ideas that would complement her upscale farmhouse aesthetic. Amy Weaver, a dear family friend, was enlisted to help with the floral design. Although not a professional florist, Amy has an immense passion for creating beautiful arrangements and often helps family and friends with special events. Together with her mom, Christie and Amy made an inspiration board and brought Christie’s vision to life. They spent many evenings perfecting ideas for each centerpiece, bouquet, and boutonniere. Christie says these “wine nights” were a blast! I love the long centerpieces Amy created for Christie’s reception — she is such an amazing talent!
Amy designed smaller centerpieces for all the round tables. So pretty!
On the wedding weekend, Amy and friends loaded a van and made the short trek to Conroe where they would make all the florals over two days.
The morning of the wedding, Christie, Amy and their families went to The Farmhouse to set up for the ceremony and reception. Mother Nature made an appearance yet again – it snowed! What an unexpected wedding gift! Glad she had that beautiful wrap!
Christie says that when she saw everything they had created looking so lovely against a background of snowy white, she cried with gratitude. It’s easy to see why!
With her family still facing outrageously high medical bills from her father’s bone marrow transplant, it was critical for Christie to stay within a modest budget. In keeping with the farmhouse theme, Christie chose Red Sage Catering to provide a simple, fresh and affordable wedding dinner. Red Sage owns its own farm and grows all the produce used for events. Christie selected a menu of fresh spring salad, tomato basil chicken, green beans almandine, garlic parmesan mashed potatoes, and a carving station with roasted beef. Yum! Sounds delicious!
Christie says that staying on budget was a challenge, but with careful planning and creativity, along with lots of help from her mom and Amy, she kept the total cost to $38,000! Wow! I would think a wedding this beautiful would have cost ten times that much! Impressive job ladies!
Look at all of those happy smiles in the crowd for this beautiful couple! This was certainly the perfect day!!
Well we can’t sign off without you knowing who this amazing photography is from. Ellen Ashton Photography did a beautiful job!! I hope you enjoyed Christie’s wedding story as much as I did! Thank you Christie and Brian for sharing your beautiful day with us! Best wishes for a long and happy marriage!! ‘Til next week! xo Leslie
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