Are you on Pinterest? What is Pinterest, anyway?

When Pinterest first launched, I thought of it as an appendage to Facebook - a sort of scrapbooking site for crafts-oriented folks - and I was really resistant to join in.  How wrong I was!

Thanks to the urging of Kris Prochaska, a visionary writer and coach, I'm happy to say that I've now fully embraced Pinterest and find it to be a great way to connect with the entire world and refine an ever-evolving "brand".

Pinterest is basically a high tech cyberspace Vision Board

I created my first vision board in 2000.  I had no idea what I was "supposed" to be doing, but the artist in me loved to create collages so I happily ripped through magazines, tearing out images and headlines that resonated with me and depicted those things I wanted to attract - how I wanted my life to "look".
                                                       2000 Vision Board 

Seeing is believing!  In time, the images and phrases on that first inspiration board came into my life; became my life.  

In order to keep moving forward, I created a new board in 2007 which, interestingly, looks way more philosophical and travel-centric than the first one.  And has lots about Paris! Makes sense.  
                                                   
                                                         2007 Vision Board

                                                          
Fast forward to now:  after opening Piacenza Design in late 1999, garnering a NW Design Award in 2006, experiencing intense involvement with my local professional design organization, Northwest Society of Interior Designers (serving as President 2009-11), and meeting a zillion wonderful clients and colleagues - some of whom have become treasured friends - I found it was time to create a new vision board, cyber style. 

No more tearing out magazine pages, but "pinning" them, instead, on my boards!  Here's the first page of my cyber inspiration board:

                                                 Piacenza Design on Pinterest

                                                      
....and these are some of the incredible images to be found on my boards - that have been "pinned" from myriad sources.  Just a tip of the iceberg!

And, of course:

Pinterest is a fabulous way to connect with those of like-minded aesthetics and, for businesses, a great way to gauge the market.   

In order to attract what you want into your life, it helps to have clarity...

Creating inspiration boards, either old-school or electronic, nurture and refine those visions.....

                                                                                                  Have fun!

Neighborhood Beat, Seattle Style: Hometown tourist, Part 1

In preparation for our Italy/France trip - we're in training now that it's less than 3 months away - we decided to take advantage of the lovely spring weather recently and "seize the day" to become tourists in our own town.  We spent a warm and sunny day at the Pike Place Market, "seeing"everything as tourists might.  The Market, as we locals refer to it, opened in 1907 and is Seattle's original farmer's market.  There's so much to delight the senses: amazing smells, sights, the people  - it's a must!

We began our tour at Watson Kennedy on 1st and Spring St, a shrine to merchandising - second only to ABC Carpet and Home in NYC, for me.  I love the way everything is displayed in zones:  by color, type, subject, etc.  It's my go-to store for gifts for anyone!  Lots of candles, glassware, food accessories, cards, calendars, jewelry, themed items (Paris/London/Rome) - even pet gifts!  There's also a smaller location at the Market, itself, in the courtyard of the Inn at the Market.

As we sauntered north on First Avenue, we paused to watch the Hammering Man do his thing in front of the Seattle Art Museum and admired the view of Elliot Bay and the Great Wheel.

We dropped in to DeLaurenti Specialty food and Wine, a haven for foodies, to gather some essential household supplies (hot pepper oil, basil oil, cheese.....you know).

Meandering within the Pike Place Market, we watched fish flying through the air....

....pondered the various gorgeous offerings of flora...

and produce.....

...... before settling on a pint of the BEST Greek yogurt in the city, made by Ellenos.

By this time, we were in need of refreshment, so we snagged an outside table at Cafe Campagne (full disclosure: it's my favorite restaurant at the Market) and had lunch.

I ordered what I always do there (I'm so boring), Croque Savoyarde.  And it was delicious, as usual.

Bob had a wonderful salade Nicoise...

....and we shared some light and refreshing Pic Poul blanc.

It was a lovely day!

Wishing you the merriest!

I have always loved the holidays ~ it's a time when it feels ok to go wild decorating - and the lights on houses, in trees & hedges are a really wonderful way to get through this dark time of year!

~ Please enjoy some Christmas images from Paris, Rome, and Florence....

 

Here's wishing you a blissful, peaceful holiday full of love and energy and a healthy, prosperous New Year!!

Cyber Monday!

It's Cyber Monday!  Did you know you can shop on Amazon.com by entering through the Design Beat: Seattle Store? It's sort of like a virtual passage through the wardrobe to Narnia......  Happy Shopping!