I’ve never been much of a hoarder. I’ve always felt a cluttered house & life is a cluttered mind. But as I’ve gotten older I’ve become more and more mindful of people and things in my life.

There is so much information now about the waste in the landfills. Fast fashion that is old while still new. Gone are the days when effort, time and patience of writing letters to correspond made for meaningful and selective communication and connections. Replaced now with the ease but sometimes not so meaningful relationships of digital connections.

I find editing everything in my life is freeing to appreciate all that is precious and important. Traveling and creating nests where I go has further inspired my ability to both hold on and let go.

Having a store, designing products and searching for treasures I have the choice of abundance. But I have always lived quite simply. The one question I am often asked in design is how to live a Shabby Chic life. And my standard answer is less is more.

Curate and edit so everything has space to breathe and shine. Choose those few quality items, that last forever and can be passed on (memories intact) to become future heirlooms.

With that in mind that is why I personally gravitate to white. I find it peaceful and simple. I’m mindful of all my senses in how I live. What I see, fragrance, touch, sounds and simple tastes.

This carries on into my wardrobe. I own one belt, a few pairs of boots and while I love a bit of bling, all jewelry I own fits into my little silver Tiffany leather pouch.Having less is less stressful, too much choice doesn’t support my sense of freedom and appreciation.

So in this world of so much choice at our fingertips it’s harder than ever to stay disciplined to just keep in our lives those few precious valuable things and people in our lives to share all with.The only place I still live with abundance is flowers!! More is more.