First Blog-O-Versary!

Photo courtesy Amy Atlas Events

One year ago today, we fired up the engines for The Studiolo. Neither of us had a solid idea of where we wanted to go with the blog, so we just started writing and let the course and voice appear naturally. We were a bit sporadic with our postings at first, but we've gotten into a routine now, and love how it's taking shape. My journalism background has kicked into high gear, and I've sort of taken over the bulk of the writing. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed spouting off to an audience!

Of course, the process of developing our blog is so gratifying because we have wonderful readers who leave encouraging and thoughtful comments. Without you, I'd be talking to a wall, and that's no fun! In honor of our first blog-o-versary, we are happy to honor one loyal reader with a giveaway!

CSN Stores has graciously offered one lucky reader of The Studiolo a chance to win a $30 gift certificate to use toward one of their many stores. Choices abound! From home accessories to dining room chairs to cookware, CSN comprises more than 200 online stores representing a variety of outstanding brands. CSN Stores has something to satisfy every style! My favorite sections to browse are mirrors, lighting, clocks and decorative pillows under Decor. I've pulled together some of the things I've been looking at lately to give you an idea of their offerings:

1. Cooper Classics Sunburst Mirror in Antique Gold; 2. Kichler Geometric Table Lamp with hand-painted porcelain; 3. Cooper Classics Trevi Mirror; 4. Le Klint Pendant 172; 5. Kichler Pendant in Midnight Chrome; 6. Howard Miller Ball Wall Clock; 7.  Palecek Coconut Feather Table Lamp; 8. Cooper Classics Brooks Mirror in Blonde Zebra Wood; 9. Ferm Living Velo Silk Pillow; 10. Ferm Living Squares Pillow; 11. Hudson Valley Heirloom Pendant

How to enter:
1. Hop over to CSN Stores to check out their wares
2. Leave a comment below or on our facebook page about how you would use your $30 gift certificate. The winner will be chosen at random
3. Check back to see who won! The winner will be announced on the blog next Wednesday, October 13

Thank you for making this year of blogging so rewarding. Here's to many more!

Happy 33rd Birthday to Oliver!

Oliver's birthday, circa 2000

Today marks Oliver's 12,045th day on this earth, and let me tell you, I am glad he's here! From the moment I met him, I knew there was something special about Oliver. Boy was I right! I've spent the last eight years learning more and more about what makes this very unique human being tick, and something tells me the learning will never stop. Oliver is a treasure trove of contradictions, illuminations, new ideas, hidden talents, creativity and curiosity. To be with him is to learn something new every minute of the day, and I look forward to a lifetime of learning by his side.

Oliver, July 1984

Oliver doesn't ask for much on his birthday. In fact, he pretty much only asks for one thing: no nagging. I think you just got a little glimpse into our relationship. So, each year on the 26th of June, I muster all of my strength to leave the poor boy alone and give him a nag-free day. Not to worry, I always make up for it on June 27th!

Apparently, the stylin' jacket above was part of a matching faux denim suit. Pretty SWEET.

So, on his 33rd birthday, he can look forward to a sunny, nag-free day that will end with a delicious baked good.

Happy Birthday to me...AND spring forward!

Me, circa 2003, as interpreted by Oliver's illustrative hand

Today is a big day: my 31st birthday and daylight savings! I've been celebrating all weekend with a delicious family dinner at Le Relais de Venise, a super fun bachelorette party for my friend of thirteen years and bride-to-be, Becky (she actually gave ME a card at her own party. She is for real the most thoughtful person I know), and a scrumptious brunch at Balthazar followed by a stroll in the rain with my fine husband.

This was our first experience at the much-loved New York institution. We've been building up our expectations about the it ever since we received a gift card to the restaurant from Oliver's brother and his girlfriend. I'm no food blogger, and this place doesn't need another review talking about the intricacies of what makes is great, but the bottom line is, it did not disappoint. We ate like kings surrounded by stunningly accurate French bistro decor and impeccable branding and identity from the front sign to the menus.

Image courtesy Balthazar

Image courtesy Mucca Design

I've been excited about springing forward every since we fell back because it's sad to wake up before the sun and come home after it's gone down! I like to jog in the evenings, but not in the cold, dark winter. And with the brutal winter we've had this year, I'm more ready than ever for some outside time! To capture the dewy, clean essence of spring, a photograph Oliver took in 2004:

I love the colors (future blog post on blue and yellow in the works) and the freshness. I can practically smell spring when I look at this picture.

Love to you all xoxo