I like creating. As a momma I wear my creator hat proudly. I like creating memories, costumes, songs, toy schemes, recipes and a beautiful life among many other things. This certainly doesn’t mean that my life is picturesque (it’s not, unless poopy diapers and a pee riddled toilet are picturesque) but I feel happy when I look at my life and see a beautiful one. I have written before about how important meal times are to us and in our home. On occasion I like being fancy and pull out all the stops for just a family meal. I like having a table runner, colorful dish ware and cloth table linens. These are absolutely not necessary but I have them, I like them and I use them.

Two summers ago while touring Montezuma’s Castle in Sedona Arizona we had a guide who explained details about ancient artifacts from the Ancestral Peubloans. One of these artifacts on display was a cloth bracelet that had been died a beautiful scarlet red which is derived from a cochineal, an insect. It was stunning and proved that even though during ancient times where they hunted and worked hard labor, they still appreciated color and beauty...they had a beautiful life. I have come to understand that having a beautiful and colorful life is something that holds a purpose for me. Now, you'll understand why something as silly as table linens are endearing to me.

I am a small town girl, turned island girl, turned suburban girl, turned city girl. I don’t mind wearing this hat as metropolitan momma and seeing what city life has to offer. I like living in a global city with diverse flare and dining options and big name brands that call Manila home. Everyone was loosing their minds the year we got H&M, Old Navy and Crate&Barrel. Seriously, Manila is getting everythaaaaaang. :) I was lucky enough to brunch at the introduction event for Crate&Barrel’s fall collection 2016, Once In A Blue Room. I had no idea the depth blue could add to a feeling. Blue can resemble the light sky of summer, iridescent ice of Christmas or the deep tones of fall. I am totally into shibori and I think C&B nailed the mature version of this fad with a deep blue, natural whites and woods. Three years ago I had my couch covered in a cobalt canvas and am feeling pretty good about that choice. I had no idea it would be so hip, haha, go me! Anyway, my message is not to tell you that you need to have a colorful life or buy more of XYZ but to show that if these elements speak to you, you needn't look far.

Marimekko has long been a design crush of mine and what surprise to see C&B had a line. Oh my!

It is pretty cool to hear the team from C&B explain why the brand chose the color scheme they did for fall. This year they are veering away from the typical red, maroons and scarlets and offering a warmer pallet. This includes wood, bleach wood, gray, steel and navy. This pallet is warm, clean and current. Textiles and home decor is something I love so learning more about the whole process is exciting for me.