Simply Summer

{images via pinterest}

Recognized As A Rising Star By i4design Magazine

I am happy to officially announce that I’ve been selected as one of i4design’s Suite Sixteen. Each year 16 top architects and designers are chosen by i4design magazine...and in their words, the Suite Sixteen "showcase the Midwest's most innovative design pros who are pushing old boundaries, exploring new concepts and making a difference in design with the work that they do. Some are established; others are emerging and on the rise; all are tremendously talented." 

I'm completely honored to be recognized and to share the list with some crazy amazing talent. Thank you i4design! 

Stay Tuned...

This week is a big one for the Architecture and Design community and it’s all happening in Chicago. It’s NeoCon week at the Merchandise Mart. Manufacturers roll out their newest products for the season for everyone to ooooohhhh and awwwwww at and the industry “parties it up” for three days straight. 

Something very exciting is happening for me come Tuesday during NeoCon. It’s related to that photo shoot I posted about a while ago. I’ve been itching to spread the news but have been sworn to secrecy…but that’s all changing tomorrow!!!! Stay tuned. 

Discovering Santa Fe, NM Part II

So when I’m talking about discovering Santa Fe (check out Part I here), I’m talking about the main part of town called The Plaza. This is the area that is devoid of big brands and large chains. 

The Spanish laid out the city according to the “Laws of the Indies” with a central plaza as the major square to which all streets radiate out from in a grid-like pattern. It’s easy to navigate the narrow streets and alleyways. You’ll definitely stumble upon two different churches worth checking out – the Loretto Chapel and the Saint Francis Cathedral. 

And if you’re looking for a spot to take a rest, have a drink, and a bite to eat, I can recommend the Ore House. You can enjoy $1.50 beef tacos and yummy specialty cocktails alfresco during their happy hour or dine with them for dinner in the Spanish-style glass atrium restaurant. As for accommodations, I took a quick tour of the Loretto Inn and Eldorado and both seemed worthy of a stay. Visit Santa Fe today! 

{images via atelierturner's iphone} 

Discovering Santa Fe, NM Part I

Oh my gosh…I’ve missed you guys. I’ve been running around like a little fluffy chicken with my head cut off. Anywhooo, let’s talk about Santa Fe and then I’ll catch you up on some other updates in another post to come. 

If you enjoy handmade high-end art and jewelry, boutique hotels, interesting architecture, good cuisine, recreational activities and the spa experience, then Santa Fe, NM is the perfect place to whisk away to for a three day weekend with your special someone.  

 

Pretty quickly after arrival, I felt like I was in another country which was a pleasant and happily-received surprise. The makeup of the people, the urban planning, the adobe construction of buildings, and the “New Mexican” food all pointed towards a picturesque town in Mexico and far from “Anywhere USA”.  

It was refreshing to visit a place that was devoid of chains and big brands and much in favor, actually vehemently in favor, of the local independent shop owner (a trend I feel is fading fast especially if city governments don’t protect the little guy’s interest). I mean, after all, it’s what helps give a place a sense of charm and character. I meandered my way through shop after shop of handmade jewelry, unearthed gemstones and fossils from Morocco dating back 500 million years ago (yes, you read that right), large-scale pottery, silk and wool rugs, leather and fur coats, highly textural oil paintings, small little wood figures and so on and so forth. 

Part II to come tomorrow...

{images by atelierturner}

Travel: Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico, USA

Friends!!! Hi! My bout of silence is for good reason. I've been off exploring every nook and cranny of Santa Fe, New Mexico with my hubby. Have you been? If yes, don't you love it?! If no, I have lots of good stuff to report to you shortly...but for now since I'm still trying to catch up to life (it seems to be walking much faster than me these days), I'll leave you with a short teaser of what's to come. 

{images by atelierturner's instagram}

Bobbie Marley Movie

I was recently moved by one of my favorite fellow countrymen, Bob Marley. Have you seen his newly released documentary? If you are looking for inspiration, then I recommend watching the movie about his life and how he rose to fame. I think I have a little more pep in my step lately and now I’m listening to his tunes in my studio on repeat. It must be a sign;-)

Louis Vuitton Animal Figures

Two-ish words: Creative and Awesome! And two more words: Ridiculously Talented. And one more word: Inspiring! And here's another one: Imaginative. You can play this game too...feel free to throw out a few words. 

Geometric Goodness

Where has the week gone? It seems to have passed at warp speed somehow. Anyhow, in the words of Bob Marley, “the sun is shining and the weather is sweet, yeah. Make you want to move your dancing feet now”….so I can’t complain.  Have a good rest of the week and enjoy this black and white foyer with a checkered floor, gallery art, and flatten arched ceiling with geometric woodwork. 

{found via here}

Inspired by Movement

Happy Monday! 

{images via here}