My Little Black Book

Vintage Art Deco Chinese Rug, Instafacial Plasma Metacine by Dr. Diamond, & Gourmet Medjool Dates by Gato

Dear Friends,

The week that we closed escrow on our new home, the lower level flooded from a torrential rain. Thirteen inches of rain in less than 24 hours coupled with an improperly installed sump tank and our newly owned home took in several inches of water.

Discovering one construction flaw led us to uncover numerous other issues that were done shoddily, or altogether improperly when the house was first built. It is hard for my husband and me to allow suboptimal solutions to remain. This is who we are, for better and for worse.

One yield that has come from this enduring labor is that I have learned much more about myself. I now realize how acutely I look at life through the lens of design. But not in the way that we usually think of when we hear the word design. Rather design in a broader contextual way.

Design for me is about intention.

Specifically, the intentional process of how we choose to create, shape, and organize our life with purpose and meaning. I care deeply about all of the details that together make up a life. The beauty and function, yes, but even more so, the meaning we derive from how we show up in this world as ourselves and for others. The communities we build and support, the sanctuary we create in our home, the values from which we raise our children, the supportive embrace we hold our friends, the generosity of words and deeds we share, and yes even the superfluous such as the way we dress, the farmers market flowers we fill our rooms with, and the holiday cards we send out. Marrying the material artifacts we love with the spiritual essence of who we are and how we live our lives.

I curate and I always have.

This is from where My Little Black Book was born. A place to share information, inspiration, and found treasures.

Nothing ever is sponsored or affiliate linked. Period. These are truly special finds that I am excited about and want to share with you.

1. My office is one of my absolute favorite rooms of my current house and most definitely will also be in our new home. It is a total reflection of what I love and cherish. It houses small treasures gifted to me by those who love me such as lucky brass elephants brought back from India by my bestie Bita, sentimental heirlooms from my grandparents such as the Buddha of contentment from my great grandmother Ruth, multiple original artworks of my mother, Christine, three significant objets d’art from my father-in-law Alan, handmade drawings from my daughter, and handwritten poems from my son. An alter of love. All of which is set around a central piece of furniture. My seven by four foot one-of-a-kind orange leather desk. So when this stunning vintage Chinese Art Deco rug was presented to me to anchor my office, I fell deeply and madly in love. At 13 x 10 feet, this silk rug with its bold yet soft hues holds its own.

2. Hands down I am blown away by the results of this serum. Having experienced firsthand the astounding healing affects of platelet rich plasma, I was very curious to try Dr Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma because it is formulated to “simulate platelet-rich plasma’s ability to support skin repair & rejuvenation.” This may be the first time I am using a product where my skin reacts exactly as promised. In this case “more lifted, firmer, tighter & luminous.” I love this serum!

3. Another new love of mine are these chocolate covered, nut butter stuffed, sea salt sprinkled Medjool dates by Gato. They are indulgent, delicious, and clean. The best kind of dessert or afternoon treat. And it is a woman owned business.

I hope you enjoyed these special finds as much as I have enjoyed sharing them with you.

Until next time, xoxo,

Francesca