Tosti Design

I am thrilled to be collaborating with this design house 

and one of my dearest friends, 

Samantha Tosti.

She told me of her vision naturally over cocktails.

Live. Work. Balance.

One of the greatest perks, (or perhaps curses), of modern day living, is that technology allows our office to be wherever we are. As electronics become smaller, the design world is following suit, creating cleaner, more streamlined looks. Our space was custom built to reflect the needs of a modern day client, allowing them a workspace without overtaking their living space.

Natural elements of rich woods, leather, hand died linens and mixed metals will balance out this space where technology is on the forefront but takes a back seat to living comfortably within the constraints of society the works constantly. A relaxed San Diego vibe and vintage artwork will finish of the space. 

Kenton Road Rugs

Tosti Design Wood Working

Brass & Metal accessories

Relaxed vintage california artwork.

Sam and her husband create custom designs and furniture pieces for their clients and due to roots in California and Massachusetts are decidedly bi-coastal. Well played Tosti's congrats on the success of this vignette and future projects. 

Bio:

Samantha Tosti, ASID, co-owner and principal designer for Tosti design, has a full range of experience in the world of architecture and interior design. Her interiors reflect a mixture of unique and timeless designs that fit the needs of every client. Tosti Design, established in 2013, specializes not just in interior design, but also custom furniture. With attention to detail and an eye for proportion, we have the ability to design and build custom pieces that give your space that one of a kind look that sets it apart. Our designs are not simply about our style, they are about creating the best version of yours.

James Price & the other names

    I am looking for James Price, any James Price. 

This trunk belongs to him...

One of my favorite things about junking & hunting is creating stories behind the pieces I find. While I didn't purchase this, I think it belongs with a James Price and I would like to find one.

Items with history can make great gifts, for the right person, and also add warmth to a home. 

On a shelf or at the foot of the bed. 

For a mature setting
it could sit at the bottom of a sofa table
 or under an end table. 

I envision this trunk in any number of places. It could be adorable in a little boys room or nursery. It can grow and change and morph into a side table, coffee table, or a bookcase accessory in a library or living area.

Would look sweet as a night stand between beds.

Rooms filled with Homegoods and Pier One furniture and accessories make me somewhat nauseous. Items with with no age to them can make a space feel uncomfortable, a lot of time you may not even know why. Having family heirlooms, artisan, folk, or naturally weathered furnishings, add depth to a room.

Timeless pieces can grow with any room.


#JAMESPRICE  @JAMESPRICE WHEREAREYOU?

If you know one, this piece can be picked up here.

The Shopping Brag

"oh, this girl, I bought this on sale" 

Y'all know what I'm talking about the  "at the outlets", "I only paid five dollars" which means twelve if you take the multiply by two add two calc, not to be confused with the number of people you've slept with calc both of which are based on nothingness. 

I am talking about the shopping brag, the one that somehow vindicates our purchase beyond all unreasonable purchases. I for one avoid Black Fridays, Cyber Mondays, but give me a red clearance sale rack on any given day. That's right I'm a fashionista and I too have been known to skirt the full dollar extent of my purchases. Frankly I don't know why. Naturally I googled it and this is what I found.

Small "white lies" are told to avoid embarrassment or avoid hurting someone else's feelings, and these lies are generally considered insignificant. I compare these lies also to what I'll call lie paranoia. You say something in the moment you recall as one thing only later to remember the interaction as something slightly different. I sometimes wake up in cold sweats about instances so un-affecting as "I saw Sue at the coffee shop last Tuesday" and actually it was a Wednesday.

Furthermore, some people are led to lie as a result of their disorder even though the disorder itself does not directly cause the lying. For example, a person diagnosed with an eating disorder may lie about caloric intake in an attempt to avoid eating another meal, or a compulsive gambler may lie about how much money was spent at a trip to the casino. On the other hand, some people who lie have no mental disorder at all.

Hello! Does it mean that all of us who tell these little white lies, 

only to classify ourselves as self proclaimed Best Shopper in the World are 

gasp, 

shopaholics. 

It is decidedly so.

Finally the real truth, women, we were given the power to shop before the power to vote thus imprinting its importance and significance with in our transcendence. Sadly this is true and in the Victorian error women were no longer the muse but allowed to make their own distinguished choice and good thing; Double breasts and tails were hardly a good look for the men.

Further delving into my highly documented google research, well, I found nothing about the girl on girl lying. There was the lying to your sig-o, husband or partner but the friend lie never came up. I think this is even more proof of the deep rooted seed and that this has nothing to do with money. Ladies, we are competitive. So I vow now and for the rest of 2015 I will not fib about any purchases to by beloved girlfriends, sorry Keith you will continue to get the bimonthly slight of the tag, and shopping brag.


Sited from (add hyperlinks)
http://addiction.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Psychology_of_Lying
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1240415/Secrets-shopping-lies-women-halve-true-cost.html
http://www.bustle.com/articles/19853-why-do-women-like-to-shop-more-than-men-stereotype-or-not-researchers-have-their-theories
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Rustic American Style

This bathroom was inspired by it's owner,

 a woman with impeccable style and slight boho spirit.

Using contrasting materials to highlight eachs' beauty we perfectly juxtaposed cloudy white brick tile with black slate, bianco marble, brass and antique bronze hardware.

To keep texture and pattern as a focus of this minimal palette hexagonal tile borders and a herringbone pattern were utilized to add interest in unexpected places.

Fireclay's cotton slimline tile with it's imperfect surface adds depth to the shower and lets the clean lines of Waterworks unlacquered brass Henry fixtures be the focus. A deep shelf  will hide bathroom clutter from sight. 

The custom vanity is nothing ordinary, designed with the appeal of a victorian dresser with updated lines and proportions, a curved backsplash detail also was added to set the piece apart. California Paints Looking Glass sets the back drop for the brass and antique bronze hardware that finishes the furniture. 

All of these pieces are enveloped by a shiplapped wood ceiling that give this master suite it's rustic flair. Complementary floating shelves add repetition of the natural element to the complete the space.

White walls will allow for light to sparkle and bounce off the reflective surfaces throughout the bathroom.

Adding accessories to bathrooms should be playful but always functional. Creating unique storage pieces to compliment the interior and maintain a level of sophistication throughout the space is extremely important. 

Completed project photos expected October 2015

Inspired & Relieved; Someone does hear me.

Bravo Rebecca Atwood Bravo!

  Dreams do come true. 

I spyed Rebecca Atwood Designs 

hand painted and dyed linen series 

in the pages of INTERIOR DESIGN.

End of dream.

Not only are her fabrics inspiring, so is she. 

So great to see a young thing gracing the pages of ID & taking control of her destiny. 

This is the allusive fabric, meet the Shibori Panel  

Previously, I found a tie-dyed fabric and was much dismayed when it was discontinued and there was no yardage left para mi. After a slew of empty searches and failed DIY attemps, I have since hung different drapes in the room made specifically for this fabric. I am excited that I have a chance to see this fabric come to life & to let my boho out in an upcoming guest room

This chica's water-based inks will be on my must have's list, 

                                                   and for sure featured in projects to come. 

Thank you Rebecca Atwood for being in my head. 

Favorite Honey Holes

 Here are a few of my favorite honey holes.... 

HUNTER BEE, a great name for an Antique Shop if you ask me. This engaging shop located in Millerton NY has been an thought of mine since I first set foot in the door 3 years ago. I love a great name to start and I also love a shop filled with things that I would buy expecting to sell. It's even better when you find items that are on sale for double or triple what you may have found them for. I look forward to my next visit and well done on the stationary throughout the store.

NOR'EAST, you'll need to know your stuff to go here, don't expect any deals and you will need to know how to put it together, light it or plumb it. This is not for a weekend warrior unless you have a lot of experience. My experienced guys aren't happy when I bring 'em my find's from here. It's normally an eye roll with an "who's going to put that together?"

Journey's Eye Studio, I walked by Jody at Ramble Market & knew I needed to talk to her. There was chemistry. She and her husband were a delight to talk to and have the a creative collection of vintage and custom pieces. 

Ramble Market, I don't really want to give this place away as I found great pieces here. If you see Fry boots in a size 7 - I call dibs, and I fully expect your let me know. 

FUN ANTIQUES, eh was surprised by the name of this shop, I only just found out when I was looking for their logo but don't let the name fool you. This little place is packed with stars and they restore lighting too.

RESTORATION RESOURCES, City prices but great treasures and you'll hear all about where each piece came from at great length. A good place to start to get your feet wet on item values and styles. They are wealth of knowledge.

BEAUTY & ESSEX, less about the antiques more about the food but still a great way to enter a restaurant if you ask me. Check out the jewelery you'll be sure to see a few diamonds and a couple Carrie name sake necklaces.

FOUND, I walked out of found with a few tables in my day. A great collection of mid century modern furniture can always be found in their aisles.

Now get lost.

Glamping - Let's talk about that.

 Firelight Camps  has it made, there is no better place then along Cayuga Lake for this B&B style of camping.  Glamping tickles my fancy because it mixes nature and my favorite obsession, textiles and decor. I am also thrilled to have heard of it getting  much success in a place that holds much of my heart, Ithaca, NY.

   Glamping, adds romance to the outdoors. It enlivens our senses with an ease of comfort.

 I imagine as I tuck myself in to this bed, the wind carrying the scent of rain across the lake and hills, droplets let gravity take hold; the sound lulls me to sleep. The crispness of  air and dew on petals in the morning awaken my consciousness; when the earth's light rises and nature wakes. The sun throughout the day, nature trails and beauty of the gorges to bask in. A winery has our attention for the late afternoon and as night falls the big sky takes shape. A city glow is forgotten as is it's typical trespasses against our human nature. I am glad Firelight can capture these memories of mine for the masses.  

 While I likely will never stay here, I just might be able to classify my uncle's place as an earlier version of glamping... All of us cozied up in a farmhouse heated with a wood burning stove and blankets over windows for insulation, or a summer night with the aroma of cut grass filtering though a fan in the window, creeping gardens and an outcropping of barns and sheds leading to a pond more fit for algae then swimming these days. None the less it's seen it's share of skinny dipping throughout many a child's hood. Thinking of it with a Casita & yurt it's a wonder he hasn't extended Firelight Camps and additional site for accommodations...

Here are some other glamping sites making statements across the country. 

Luxury Cabin in Ashfield, MA

Moab, Utah

Sky Islands Of Arizona

I think a few of these places are worth an inspiration-vacation. 

Who doesn't love jugs?

  My dear friend had an inconvenient non life threatening accident that required she break into my house this morning. As she called me in a panicked state, flummoxed by the thought of a full day ahead of her, I was thrilled to lend a hand by opening my home to her. I did so by telling her how to break in. While we recapped that evening of the morning's events which landed her with B&E on her resume she commented on my jugs.

J U G S     J U G S    J U G S 

I love jugs.

I haven't found homes for all of my jugs quiet yet.... 

 Here is some of the best jug uses in interiors I have seen to date. 

That's right - there are very few places..and I am tired of searching. 

Here our some of my jugs looking for future homes - they aren't quiet photo ready yet.... I'll update with the dressy photo's when they find there next home.

Making your bird last

How much food to you waste?

  

  Being part of a CSA - I don't even know what that stands for & receiving deliveries of Boston Organics I must confess I don't love or get to eat a good amount of food before it goes bad. A friend of mine jokes about throwing away whole chickens so let's try and save some birds.  

What food requires is work and prep. 

Get your tupperware and frozen bags ready. 

Plan a solid three hours of cooking and prepping of food for the week. 

Check out the menu, pour a glass of wine and enjoy. 

Items - I haven't listed quantities & any of these ingredients can be substituted.

1. Chicken - Cook Extra. Cook it all.

2. Angle Hair Pasta - Two meal proportions per person. (1 to be frozen) 

3. Pesto - I make a large batch, use for pasta, & sandwich spread. 

4. Greens/veggies - mix in with pasta, save for sides during the week

5. Quinoa

6. Pesto - Basil, parmesan, oil, pine nuts, pressed garlic (blend)
7. Sandwich fixings.

Pesto: Two large bundles of basil, oil, parmesan, pine nuts & two gloves of garlic pressed.

Chard, Mushrooms cook or prep for meal on day 2

Making your bird last

Dinner 1. Chicken with Pasta in Pesto, side of corn (freeze a meal to have with in two weeks - I haven't frozen corn before so I can't recommend that) - Don't mind the picture - I had steak tips instead.

Dinner/Lunch 2. Chicken with Quinoa Salad - If your not the salad type you could do an easy polenta cake and mixed vegetables. Polenta comes in a roll and ease super easy to make. You can eat it cold or heated up. With the CSA I get a ton of lettuce, arugula & kale so I'd switch it up 

Dinner/Lunch/Snack 3. Pulled Chicken Sandwich - good option for three day old chicken. I also will sometime do a dip. You can do chicken salad style, mix with barbecue or buffalo sauce. You can dice the chicken or use two forks to pull it apart. Depending on how much chicken you have you could do both!

Tricks

• Meat, fish or poultry losing their shelf life? Marinate it in any dressing, oil mixed with fresh or dried herbs. This will give you a couple more days if you need the extra time.
• Don't make the pulled chicken sandwich with mayo if you intend to leave it to eat till later in the week. Just separate the chicken and add mayo a day before you intend to eat. If you are adding buffalo or bbq sauce you can do on first day of prep if you want the meat to be full saturated in the flavor.
• Even if I don't know what I am going to cook the first thing I do when I start a meal is boil water. It takes about 10-15 mins for water to boil so it's gives you time to scour your fridge and cabinets for hidden items.