Design - A Personal Story

 I believe it's important to incorporate personalization in design, a home should tell a story about the family living in it while utilizing functional & aesthetic elements. This photo shows a few of my favorite things, read the stories behind each of them below...

1) Shells from around the world: I have them all over my house, I would say I have a mini obsession with them. When we venture to beaches in other countries, one of our favorite things to do is to collect shells from each place. Just the process of collecting shells as a family is so peaceful. Now, I have this collection and I just smile when I look at them. I believe they are one of the most beautiful things mother nature has blessed us with... Do you  like to collect anything?

2) Candles & the Buddha: I have candles in every room in our house. They just make life a little better. Nothing beats walking into a room, (especially after a stressful day) with the sweet scents of fresh cut pineapple & mango rushing through your nose. Or a mellow evening with candles lit while you enjoy a movie. Day or night, they're great!

The Buddha symbolizes a journey to enlightenment, to me it signifies a reference of inspiration to strive to be the best we can be, each and every day. 

3) The photo: It is one of my most moving reminders to be #GRATEFUL.  It was taken at the Cambodian Border, as we were crossing in from Vietnam. While we were waiting for our passports to get stamped, the kids lined up at the window and there was this unexplainable energy in the air. They were looking across the way at three malnourished girls who were looking back at our kids. There were no words exchanged, just silence. Everything inside of me wanted to run over & hug them. I started to think to myself about  these two group of kids in front of me and how they lived totally different lives. My kids did not have to worry about shelter, clean clothes, food, anything really. My hope is that with all their travels, that their minds will expand and grow. That they learn to appreciate what they have, and hope they find a way to give back.