Wanna win something?

I'm posting a few photos from our trip to CHA to work with the Canvas Corp team. That's Deanna on the left, and me on the right. I was doing a few demos for the Homespacing product line. The design team created some beautiful boards and we heard lots of ooooing and aaahhhing.

If you're interested in trying a Roomspacing kit, leave a comment below. We will be doing a drawing at the end of the month from those that leave a comment and an email link below - and we will send one along to the winner!

Good luck!!!

Lise

UPDATE: Congratulations! The winners have been chosen! I'll be notifying the winners and sending out their prizes next week.

Yep, I'm in Arkansas

So I thought I'd share some photos from my last few days in Arkansas at Canvas Corp and Mark Richards. I am here to help prepare for the CHA Homespacing class next month. It's probably not too late to sign up!

Time flies when you're busy - I can't believe CHA is happening so soon.

More soon,

Lise

Inspiring Design Travel

We have been working diligently on creating some new things for you. I'm very excited at all the progress the team has made. All of this has taken me away from blogging regularly, but to whet your appetite before the launch, I thought I'd tell you about our series of inspirational shopping excursions around the globe.

This whole idea came about when I realized that I am guilty of having too narrow a focus when it comes to design and creativity. Although nature is inspiring, I won't always find the inspiration I seek in my own backyard. I have not only a desire, but a strong need to go out and explore; and I figure there are others like me. So, you're invited too.

These trips we are planning are primarily intended for interior designers, decorators, creatives, and DIYers. Together we will discover the unique characteristics of each destination from a design and creativity perspective - we will explore foods, fabrics, textiles, and assorted handmade goods - and of course, we will do some major shopping.

Now, one of the trips I am most excited about will be to Peacock Pavilions in Marrakech. One reason I am so excited by this trip is because I love architecture. Maryam and her husband are in the midst of creating a fabulous place. Take a look . Even though it's not finished, it is utterly breathtaking right? Then take a look at all the unique finds.

All of the plans for each of the trips are still firming up, along with some other plans for design classes and destination events throughout the US. We would love to have you along. So feel free to email me if you are interested in joining us!

All the best,

Lise

Teaching in California - Yay!

I thought I'd take a quick break from playing monster-chasing-around-the-house-with-Ethan to tell you about an upcoming workshop I'll be teaching at the Winter CHA (Craft Hobby Association). The workshop will be held on February 12th, 2008 in Anaheim CA.

I will be leading a group of 50 merchants through the steps of creating design boards using the Canvas Home Spacing kit. Suze Orman will be giving the keynote speech too! Can't wait to listen to her financial advice!

If you would like to attend, or have questions about this CHA trade show, please email me for more details! It is sure to be a lot of fun.

Cheers!

Lise

Austin Texas Sunset

Asking for what you want...

I am in Austin Texas this week. I haven't had much time to be creative while on the road - even foregoing my doodling for a bit more sleep.

Anyway - on my way out of the conference hall today, I noticed a group of people gathered around an art exhibit featuring the work of several artists who completed the work on display when they were in their 70's, 80's and 90's. Wow.

I spent some time admiring the work, and then I recalled my earlier intention before leaving home was to scout around for some art while I was here in Austin. With all of the activity surrounding the conference, I've not had much time to go out on my own to local galleries, when they've been open. But the funny thing about the law of attraction is that it answers your requests in ways we cannot readily imagine. Who would have thought an art reception would magically appear between sessions at an unrelated conference??

So my request was answered. I wanted to see new art, and there it was, right outside my meeting doors.

And this week, I am hoping that all of your desires are fulfilled in a delightful manner!

Creatively,

Lise

Style Points: Living Away from Home

I do a fair bit of traveling for my job. After my first several business trips, I discovered that when I am on the road it is important to treat myself well. A night spent alone in a nice hotel, with room service and a good movie or book can be a real blessing. An extended stay, however, can really start to bring on homesickness. So, here are my tips for taking your 'lifestyle' on the road:

• Stay connected - Time stands still for no one, and I don't want to miss important events and deadlines. Organizing and planning allow me to easily keep in touch with what's going on at home when I am away. My favorite is a blank notebook, but you can choose from engagement calendars, phonebooks, notebooks, or electronic devices/PDAs. All the important details stay with you and make it easy to stay in touch.
  
• Photos - In the back of my planner I have pictures of my family. This used to be sufficient, but now with the latest round of baggage restrictions I left the large planner and my photos behind. But no bother what with all the online photo storage providers; I can access family pictures where ever I am in the world through my internet connection. Luckily you don't even need to lug a laptop through security as my phone gets me connected to the internet in a snap. I guess this is a new twist on the "picture phone"!
  
• Scents - Have you ever stayed in a non-smoking room that reeked of smoke anyway? I have! And trust me when I tell you it's no fun for a non-smoker. So now, if I am staying overnight anywhere, I always bring scented travel candles to freshen the hotel room. Even when there is no stale air, the candles familiar scent helps me relax in the new environment.
  
• Portable creativity - Any seasoned traveler spends a great deal of time waiting around in an airport or between meetings. My portable creativity "kit" includes a moleskine journal, markers, and pens. I can take it out and sketch my surroundings; plan an event; doodle or dream journal. Making the wait in the airport - well, bearable.
  
• Bring a good book - My girlfriend and I were discussing a few new books she began reading on her last business trip. A week-long convention allowed her to finish an exciting new novel in a few nights time; a feat that may not have been completed if she had been at home. Traveling allows for many reading opportunities, so I don't travel without having something good in my bag. Check out our gift shop, where we feature our recommended books and products related to our blog posts. You might find a good book for your next trip!
  

Enjoy your time away!

Lise

Our Place in the World

Today wraps up yet another tumultuous day in our collective history; and for obvious reasons; I feel disingenuous in writing about the comforts of home. When for so many in the way of peril - the ideas of home, style, and comfort are entirely irrelevant.

Today my thoughts dwell on:

• The reporters who are embedded alongside the military; stuffed into cramped vehicles, covering stories in the middle of the night from putrid hotels having long ago dispensed with anything remotely called an "amenity".
  
• The travelers. Inconvenienced, stranded, uncomfortable, harried... Traveling throughout the world and calling the cold tile floors in random airports - "bed".
  
• The places. Where people once gathered. Places called home which no longer exist in these war-ravaged areas. Places where hopes are lost and despair has set in.
  
• Being thankful. For a home; health; peace; silence; safety; room to breathe and stretch; and for time to reflect and say prayers for those who are not as fortunate.

Be well,

Lise

Insider Secrets

I'm not sure why exactly. But I see big cities differently than most. Especially New York.

Living in the South as a damn Yankee (Yes, I have been called that; as if you have a choice on where you're born?? :-) - I am constantly reminded of how negative Northern cities are. There are the issues with overcrowding; long commutes; less space to move about; violent crime and the list goes on. I can't disagree that there are ills that plague all areas. Including the South. *gasp*.

But what visitors don't often see are the times when the city is at its most peaceful. A New York City with no cars driving down the streets. Right around 4:30 am with a hint of sun rising in the distance. You are the only person outside and feel alone in a city with millions of people. Coming across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan there are no horns, no blaring music, just a peacefulness about the city that makes you think people here are warm, safe, and protected by the other people in their community.

And how about further South to D.C.? Where a stroll through Georgetown leads you down a shady side street, where you catch a glimpse of a lush garden oasis in the midst of a busy metro area. The cozy lounge chairs are just calling you off your path for a cool Mojito. Divine.

I believe that we should all strive to create minature versions of these ideals. Well known places indeed. But still with hidden and sublime secrets. Secret knowledge that will keep you smiling on the inside when people say discouraging words about a place you happen to really love.

Inside, our homes can be places that nurture and surprise us. Places that allow us to breathe, relax and create. Whether in a big city or a small country town far away from Macy's Herald Square. Carve out a place for yourself and make it your own. And by all means, remember that you're allowed to keep what you really hold dear - a secret!

Be inspired...

Lise
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