Check Out My New Blog

I have moved my blog, and it is now part of my new website.  Check it out www.kelleylmoore.com.  I am featuring products, posting ideas for entertaining and interior design, and of course blogging about the experience of growing a multi-media company.   

Happy Chinese New Year!!

Happy Chinese New Year!!

Originally uploaded by [ f e l i c i t a s ]

Personalizing Your Space

As I was searching for ways to bring a little bit of personal style to my dressing room, I came across this Jonathon Adler Greek Key rug. It comes in a variety of different colors, is hand loomed, and for $25 per square foot you can have it custom made in the size you want! Check it out at http://www.jonathanadler.com/shop/product.php?productid=17147&cat=253&page=1.

Happy weekend!

Who doesn’t dream of having a dressing room?

I have a room in my home that has had many uses, and recently I decided to make it in to a dressing room. I know, it sounds a bit extravagant! However, as my career grows I do spend quite a bit of time coordinating my wardrobe and accessories for photo shoots and segments, and on a few occassions I end up in hair and makeup prior to those shoots in my home. Is that enough justification?

I have centered the design of the room around two of my basic needs: accessorizing and grooming…not in that order. I am orgainizing all of my jewlery (as you can see in a past entry), shoes, scarves, gloves, sunglasses, and handbags and have set aside an area where I can do my hair and makeup.

This custom made pillow has inpspired the color of the room, with a pop of raspberry the color palette creates a sense of glamour.

And then, of course, the pillow inspired these foo dogs: as an accent, perhaps on my vanity:

They do ward off evil spirits, don’t they?

I have been searching for a contemporary vanity. I did find some fabulous options, all of which are $1,500 or more, and then I scoured IKEA. I found a unique vanity, and decided to make it mine. This vanity has high gloss white doors giving it a contemporary feel on the outside, and on the inside it has four drawers, a glass shelf, and a mirror. It is not only a space saver (tall instead of wide), but after I am finished getting ready I can close the doors and hide my obsession with beauty products from my friends and family!

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I am still searching for the perfect barstool to use in front of the vanity when it is open. I will post more pictures as I finalize the room. Stay tuned.

If you have a dressing room, or you are creating one, please email me with pictures and I will select a few of my favorites to share.

If you don’t have a dressing room, why not create an environment in your bedroom, bathroom, or closet that encourages you to start the day in a glamorous way? Bathe the room in your favorite color, and bring in bold accessories. If you share your space with others, this should be the space that is all yours where you can express your creativity and personality!

I Confess, I am an Accessory Girl

Okay, I have a reputation, it’s true. I love accessories. From handbags to shoes, and jewlery to sunglasses I love to accesorize. It seems to always begin in a way that is similiar to sitting at a table of all of my favorite foods. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach. I begin by layering all of the accessories that I want to wear, and then begin to peel away the layers until I feel the balance is right. I design a room, or a party, in the same way. There should always be several layers, creating interest, and areas for people to explore. I like to place an unexpected object in a space, or wear a piece of jewlery that is a bit on the whimsical side. It creates conversation and it can be a way to share a bit of your personailty with a perfect stranger.

This ring is not a whimsical piece but it does make a statement. I met Jocelyne, a fabulous French Canadian artisit, while I was visiting Langley and spent at least an hour exploring her work. This large Mother of Pearl stone is flanked in silver, and I couldn’t leave Langley without it. She also designed this ring with a black onyx stone, and I may need to buy that one too.

Jocelyn designs jewlery using natural gemstones and minerals. Visit her website (although she needs to post photos of her work) at www.cabrille.com or give her a call and talk with her directly at 206.361.9997.

If you are like me, and have a lot of jewlery, do you struggle with a jewlery box that is large enough to store it all? I have created a wall in my closet that is soley for the storage of my jewlery using magnetic bulletin boards and magnetic spice containers and hooks. These magnetic bulletin boards ($19.99 – $34.99) from the Container Stores are the perfect size:

At the top of the board use the Magnetic Kitchen Hook Rack to hang your necklaces and bracelets ($9.99), also a Container Store buy:

Then the Magnetic Spice Containers (3 pack for $4.99) are great for bracelets and ring storage:

For delicate chains use these Spot On Magnetic Hooks ($4.99 – $5.99):

Voila! The finished product:

You can continue to add boards as your jewlery collection grows, without dealing with tangled chains or trying to search for your favorite piece in your collection.

I mean, really, how much jewlery is too much?

Does a Girl Ever Stop Working?

…not if your dream is to develop a successful multi-media company, was my response on a conference call this afternoon. Although that was my response, balance is always a nice thing to have in life, and I wanted to share that I actually do take a day off now and then. I thought I would post a picture or two to prove it.

I spent last weekend lounging in the sun, at one of my favorite Pacific Northwest spots, the Inn at Langley (www.innatlangley.com):

The weekend started off with quite a long ferry line, so heed the warning to start early on your travel. As we arrived at the ferry dock I was filled with stress because I knew we had a delectable six course dinner waiting on the other side at the Inn hosted and prepared by one of my favorite chef’s, Matt Costello. Matt was very gracious and assisted in getting us to the table on time. Not only did he ensure our arrival, and please our palettes’ but he left our heads spinning with the wine selection. Thanks Matt!

The Inn at Langley is the perfect waterfront retreat. Only a short distance from Seattle, it feels just far enough away from the city and with a spa on the lower level of the Inn…what more does a girl need? Listen to the tide roll in as you get a massage at Spa Essencia.

The small town of Langley is just outside your door, and there is much to explore. My ideal day looked like this:

9:00 am – Breakfast in the chef’s kitchen at the Inn at Langely while perusing the New York Times. All of the food at the Inn is prepared with local resources and there is quite a selection.

11:00 am – Stroll into town for a double short americano at Useless Bay Coffee Company.

12:00 pm – Visit Moonraker Books to pick up the latest design books to inspire new creativity.

1:00 pm – Drop in to the Chef’s Pantry (www.chefspantryonline.com) to chat with nationally acclaimed chef Donna Leahy. She has the greatest fare for a picnic, and you won’t be able to resist the homemade cookies that have just come out of the oven. If my personal trainer is reading this…I’m sorry. They also have unique knives and kitchen supplies that you’ll be tempted to come home with, even if you don’t cook.

2:00 pm – On the way back to the Inn, I stopped to admire the handcrafted, hand dipped, and hand decorated chocolates at Island Angel Chocolates (www.islandangelchocolates.com). Okay, I bought a few too..sorry again.

2:30 – 7:00 pm – Lounge in the sun, read, eat my purchases of the day, and drink wine.

7:00 pm – That’s as far as I go, afterall this blog is “G” rated.

Three days just like the above and I left looking and feeling relaxed. For those of you who know me, and aren’t sure what that looks like, it looks like this:

Now back to work!

A Classic Addition

In the process of redesigning my office space, searching for new inspiration, I came across this pair of incredible Cloisonne lamps. They provide a wonderful mix of history and tradition, while the colors in the enamel bring the contemporary energy that I want in my new space.

I have always been intrigued by the art of Cloisonne. The traditional Chinese Cloisonne dates back over 700 years, with the most beautiful and artistic pieces attributed to the Ming dynasty. This artform has inspired metalworkers and painters all over the world. It is still highly popular and valued today because it is one of the art forms that is still created by hand using many of the same traditions and processes that have been passed on for generations.

Mixing these with the chocolate brown accents in my office will revive my space and bring great energy to the room…so of course I had to have them! More photos to come…

Cube Chic – Recommended as a Required Read by the New York Post!

Working on my first book, Cube Chic, was a great experience and it provided me with a platform to discuss a topic that I am passionate about…bringing your passion and signature style to the various spaces that we dwell. It opened the door to new opportunities, like working on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, the Tyra Banks Show, and the Today Show. I never imagined that a year after its release the topic and the book would still be garnering attention in publications like the New York Post. Yes, today the New York Post recommended Cube Chic as a required read for cubicle dwellers (http://www.nypost.com/seven/07232007/jobs/toy_story_jobs_jonathan_bender.htm! If you haven’t had a chance to think about your work environment in a new way pick up a copy to at least get you thinking about your work space differently.

We spend a lot of money and time, me included, on designing our homes yet most of us spend the majority of our week at work. I understand that corporate standards are important, and not to be ignored, but bringing a few elements of style to your space can be easy and unobtrusive. For those of you that argue Cube Chic is “over the top” and “against your company policy,” let me clarify that it was designed to get people thinking about their work space in a new way. I do understand that putting a bed underneath your desk, as you will find in the Nap Cube, is ridiculous but installing corrugated bamboo paper on your cubicle walls is something that is more pratical, easy to do, and can completely change the energy in your space. You might event like being at work a little more.

Learn more about Cube Chic on my web site at www.kelleylmoore.com or visit my publishers web site at www.quirkbooks.com.

One of my favorite online resources for office supplies is www.seejanework.com. I am in the midst of redesigning my office space and recently purchased this for my desk:

To organize:

For stamps:

To sharpen my pencils:

As my desk blotter (in chocolate brown suede):

To calculate all of the money I am spending on designing my new space:

I should finish the redesign in a week and will post the photographs of the finished space. Stay tuned.

The Incredible Journey

With the loss of my father, these past five weeks have been an incredible journey for me, and for my family. I have faced many challenges in my life, and have always been able to plan and strategize to overcome what was in the way of what I wanted to acheive. This time, only time will help me to move through the challenge of losing someone that I loved with my whole heart. So, the incredible journey continues and I am back to work and will be posting regularly.

My beloved four legged companion Mikey has been on his own incredible journey. He was recently about town searching for squirrels, and visited a few of Seattle’s iconic hot spots…

Along the way he stopped at one of his favorite spots, Trophy Cupcakes (1815 N. 45th St., Suite 209, Seattle, 206.632.7020, www.trophycupcakes.com), to order treats for his human friends. He personalized each cupcake by adding their dogs photographs…

A few other favorite finds…

From faux fur coats to army fatigues there is fabulous fashion to fit any of fido’s moods: Check out Scraps (900 Lenora Street, Suite 120, Seattle, 206.332.9663, www.scrapsonline.com) or visit www.scootersfriends.com for a peak at Mikey’s favorite trench for those intermittent Seattle showers (it’s reversible!).

Dine in style: Glen Ross is a modern furniture designer that recycles left over materials from his designs for his human clients to create a fabulous line of modern pet furniture and accessories.
You can find them at Urban Beast (217 Yale Avenue North, Seattle, 206.324.4400, www.urbanbeast-seattle.com).

Smile for the camera: Is your dog tired of the paparazzi shots, and are you looking for someone to capture their “good side?” For stunning pet photographs call Bev Sparks (206.723.8665 or visit www.dogphotography.com). These are our friends Andrew and Cody…

Check out the July issue of Seattle Magazine or NW Home and Garden for an insiders view of Mikey’s recent fashion fete, and visit king5.com and watch my “Pampered Pet” segment for even more resources for your furry friend.

Thanks again to my friends and family for your support and love, and thanks to everyone that continues to visit my blog and check in!

In Memorium

My Dad

Originally uploaded by kelleylmoore

My dad passed away on Friday (Memorial Day Weekend). In tribute to him I would like to share the words I shared with our friends and family at his memorial service with you as well in hopes that his message of love and acceptance will spread:

One of the first things people learn about me is that my dad is a very important person in my life. No matter how many years have passed I never stopped being his “little girl”, and it was a position I gladly held on to and will always cherish. In my eyes he had all of the answers, and could fix any situation. He made me feel safe in the world. I never doubted his love, not for a moment, and he always made time for me regardless of the situation or the time of day. Being his daughter made me feel special and valued, and truly blessed.

He taught me invaluable life lessons. From a very early age he taught me to love. When I was a little girl, at dinner parties’ guests would ask, “What’s Kelley’s bedtime?” My dad’s response was that it was more important to teach me to love people then to put me to bed on time.

He had an ease about him, with his inviting warm smile, and giving joyful spirit, it made it easy to reach out to new people and possible to maintain long term friendships as well. From the bank manager, to the mailman, to the closest of friends he valued people most of all.

He taught me to care for others, and always share the things that I was blessed to have in my life. He and my mom took people in to our home on several occasions. I used to joke that my parents must surely be running a halfway house because there seemed to always be someone coming in to “stay for awhile” or to do an odd job until they could “get on their feet.”

He taught me to be open to people of all religions, races, and economic levels. As a child he grew up with a white father and a black and Native American mother during a time when segregation was the norm. He spoke of being a member of the human race, never identifying with just one race, never wearing a label, and always treating others with equality and respect. When I was a child living in Carmel, California my mom and dad gave up their life, and moved away from the comfort of their friends, to move to Tacoma where I could be exposed to, and build relationships in a diverse community.

He taught me to forgive and not to hold ill feelings in my heart. Watching how he opened his arms to people that had hurt him taught me that moving past hurt to forgiveness, and loving people in spite of circumstance, is as important for the other person as it is for you.

He taught me to focus- it took me 30ish years to learn that lesson, but I understand the importance of that now. He used to say, “honey, when you are in the classroom you have to leave everything else at the door and pick it back up on your way out. Without that ability success will escape you.”

He taught me that all good things in life – love, success, financial stability takes sacrifice. I have heard him say, “you can’t have anything in life without making some sacrifices,” on many occasion.

He taught me about the value and importance of a strong partnership, and marriage, in the way he loved and cared for my mother. They were truly partners, friends, and lovers. He cared for her with a gentle and giving heart and honored her as she honored him. As she took him coffee in bed every day, he made sure she had anything she needed to live a comfortable life. They helped each other to see life differently. Later in life I was able to watch them care for one another in sickness, and it was with such concern, love, and tenderness that they seemed to be able to battle anything as long as they had each other.

I share all of this to conclude with a short story and an important message. One day driving home from a chemotherapy treatment my dad looked at me and asked if I thought he preached enough. I laughed and said, “ Are you kidding me?” (Based on the fact that I was sometimes more afraid of the lecture than the lesson) He said, I don’t mean preaching to you (he chuckled) I meant do you think people know I am a Godly man, someone with a great faith.” I answered, “Dad, you don’t have to worry, people can’t help but know. You don’t have to preach to anyone to know that you are a man of God; it shines through in the way you treat people and live your life every day.”

That’s it; my dad has been a good example and an amazing gift to those that knew him. He lived his life loving and caring for others with an open and forgiving heart, and I am proud to say he’s my dad.

His legacy will live on within me, in the choices I make and how I treat others each day. Thank you dad for loving me and teaching me to love.