A MINDSET TO MATCH YOUR DREAMS.
We’ve all heard “it’s in the details”, and I agree. Some of the details I find most inspiring are found in art, in architecture, fashion, travel, and through valued friendships. For me that’s a dream come true.
Ida Kohlmeyer - Cluster #1, 1973
A distinguished abstract painter, Ida Kohlmeyer was a close friend of my husband’s family in New Orleans. I adore her art and have been inspired by many of her pieces over the years. Her work from the 1970s is some of my favorite and we’re fortunate to have a piece from her Cluster series as a treasured family heirloom. For our wedding book, we had friends and family sign pages of their choosing of Ida Kohlmeyer, Systems of Color, as both a beautiful keepsake and an artistic record of the historic – and super fun – occasion.
Carter & Co.
On a visit to St. Helena I came across the type of store I don’t see often – one with a story and meaning and the most beautiful, handmade dinnerware. We had some shipped home to Atlanta and often enjoy their beauty and mood-setting vibe in our courtyard, reminding us of a magical family trip we shared in California.
Ann Mashburn
I love fashion and the spirit of entrepreneurship. As such, it's not terribly surprising I'm in awe of Ann Mashburn and her store. From the outside it looks like a well-appointed boutique, but once you walk in and understand the story, you realize there's so much more. First a fashion editor, Ann later composed her eponymous flagship, in Atlanta, as an expression of love, empowering women with an ability to connect in person while artfully combining fashion, service, and hospitality.
Miami
My family loves Miami. We visit a few times a year and have created a family tradition of spending Thanksgiving in this vibrant city. We quickly get into our routine and have a few go-to spots. One of those is the Miami Design District. It offers beautiful architecture, style, and a fantastical experience. Every store façade is like a piece of art. I usually leave empty handed, but the window shopping is pretty fun!
Baking
When I was young, my mother would bake one of her famous, three-layer cakes - German Chocolate, Italian Cream, or Carrot - for every holiday or family birthday. She had the process down pat in her small, warm kitchen. Dry ingredients were often measured and set out the night before, circles of wax paper were cut for the pans, and the recipes were on notecards sitting on the kitchen counter ready to go. I suppose that's where my love for baking started. Every quarter I bake something that inspires me or just an old favorite. Here are my favorite recipes from over the years. Some are sweet, some savory – all of them are tried and true and really great. I hope you enjoy!
Borough Market | London, England
I lived steps from this nearly 1000-year-old market when working, living, and loving London from 2004-2007. The sights and smells hold some of my fondest memories. When my father would visit, I could always find him at The Rake (one of London’s smallest pubs) in Borough Market, drinking a beer and quite content. Those days and visits are cherished ones and ultimately inspired Levi’s middle name.
Cresta Bledsoe
I’m fortunate to be wonderful friends with one of the most talented and stylish jewelry designers I've ever seen. I don’t consider myself a “jewelry” person, but I’m crazy about every piece in her collection. It’s timeless, elegant and sophisticated yet understated. I'm inspired by her passion and craft and feel fortunate to support her work as she does mine.
Goyard
Goyard is the oldest leather goods maker still in business. I admire the tradition and legacy. Unlike most designers who use the first initial to create a pattern, Goyard uses interlocking "Ys" and the piled dots within represent the family’s history as log drivers. The stories behind tangible objects, including homes, are most important, they bring to life the energy within.
Todd Murphy
Todd was one of the nicest people I knew. The first time I met him, at an opening, he came up and gave me the biggest bear hug. I didn’t realize he knew who I was, but he had seen pictures of me through my husband’s social media. To me his work is quiet and at the same time comes to life often rising up out of the canvas. I don’t have a favorite piece but I’m very fond of his dress paintings.
LeBon Nosh
Simple yet perfect, that's the best way to describe Le Bon Nosh, the thoughtfully delicious French inspired café in Buckhead. With all the craziness swirling around, many crave getting back to the basics. Forough Vakili created Le Bon Nosh to celebrate the simplicity of good ingredients and warm hospitality, and that's what attracts me. I'm drawn to the beautiful design and attention to detail so when I step inside, I feel right at home. It's not just the space that was created with love, so are the pastries.