2013: A Lookback

31.12.13

2013 certainly has been one of the busiest years that I can remember. Both professionally and personally many exciting and lovely things have happened, and it's always great to look back at this time of year to see how things have changed, and anticipate the new in the coming year.

January saw a month of meetings, planning new projects for the new year and evaluating what needed to be accomplished. The first month of any new year for me, at least, seems to be one of evaluation, clearing out the the old, and planning for the new. I love it.

In February I went to the Sadie and the Hotheads gig in Bristol. This was great fun, and I was lucky enough to be included on the VIP guest list. Can't wait to attend more of their gigs in 2014! In February I also said goodbye to my friend who moved back to Sydney for a year- can't wait for her to return later in the new year!

In March I had my first public speaking engagement at the Mostly Women Doing Digital event in Swansea, Wales. Here I discussed Political Style, and how blogging has changed my life. It was fantastic to finally conquer my fear of public speaking! I also saw Dame Helen Mirren in The Audience in London, which has to be one of the best plays I have ever seen in the West End. Truly spectacular!

In April I headed to New York for a short vacation with one of my best friends. As he had never visited the city, it was great to do all the touristy things like go to the top of the Empire State Building, walk Brooklyn Bridge and have a meal at Serendipity.

May and June were full of events and meetings, and in July I hosted my first ever Lean In Circle meeting. It's hard to believe the progress that has been made since our first meeting on Independence Day, and it has definitely been one of the highlights of this year. I also finally got to see Bruce Springsteen play live!

August saw many more meetings and appointments, and I had a short vacation up in Scotland with my family. It was so nice to get away for a few days, and visit Edinburgh, Stirling and Dumfries.

September saw a return to the routine, and in October I went to Grand Designs Live in Birmingham. I also attended a great talk hosted by the National Assembly for Wales that featured Janet Street Porter and her thoughts and experiences about being a woman in the media.

I returned back to New York at the end of October/beginning of November for business, made a trip to Teen Vogue and met with Dayle Haddon, CEO and Founder of Women One. It was also great to meet up with a friend of Political Style, Patricia Maritsch, owner of Piqued PR.

December brought a trip to the new J. Crew in London, and the usual festive events. As I look back on 2013, it's been a year of accomplishments, and I can't wait to share with you what I have planned for 2014!

As ever, thank you for your support and friendship!

xo L

Top White House Tweets and FLOTUS Highlights

31.12.13

The White House Twitter feed is one of my favorites- check out some of their very own top tweets here.

And from FLOTUS, my favorites have to be the evolution of 'Mom dancing' and the digital reporting from Africa.


In Review: An Invitation to Château du Grand-Lucé

30.12.13

Rizzoli

Looking to escape over New Year? Escape with a copy of An Invitation to Château du Grand-Lucé by Timothy Corrigan.

This gorgeous books details the award winning designer's love affair with a wreck of a house in the French countryside, and his battle to restore it to its former glory. Corrigan embarked on a two year battle with the French government to return the house to a private residence, and by 2004, he was the new owner of Château du Grand-Lucé.

The initial major restoration took approximately five years, but the meticulous and ambitious process—and, for Corrigan, the joy—goes on to this day as the house evolves with his signature mix of continental elegance and California comfort. Corrigan is an avid student of French architecture and design history, but also a passionate believer in creating a home that truly reflects the way its occupants live. The château is both authentic in Gallic flavor, yet impeccably suited to the relaxed country living Corrigan himself treasures, and which he loves to share with visiting friends.

The book is divided into the three day sections of an ideal weekend, with the titles including 'First Impressions,' 'Evening in the Gardens' and 'Morning in the Country.'

A tale of architectural adventure and interior decoration, with a soupçon of French history, and finally, a gratitude-filled celebration of country living in the pastoral beauty of rural France, An Invitation to Château du Grand-Lucé offers a window into living in an historic home in a modern way, and will be the must-have book for all Francophiles and design enthusiasts.

White House Week

28.12.13

A festive look behind the scenes at the White House:



And this year's gingerbread house!



We also received the weekly presidential address from the President and the First Lady.



Also be sure to check out the White House 2013 In Review.

Women One at We Day

26.12.13

It's great to share this inspiring video of Women One's founder Dayle Haddon speaking at the We Day event in Manitoba!

WomenOne WeDay from WomenOne on Vimeo.

25% off at The Cambridge Satchel Company

24.12.13


Christmas has started early with 25% off at The Cambridge Satchel Company! 



The Trend Report from Net a Porter

24.12.13

It's always a highlight when the Trend Report from Net a Porter lands in my inbox. What should we be wearing this season?

Haute Bohemia




70s inspired silhouettes, homespun embellishment and lush floral motifs. 


Blanc Canvas




A seasonal style refresher, eternally chic and universally flattering.


Cool Pink





Blush, petal and rose continue to define modern cuts and understated acessories.


Modern Lady





The modest, mid century lady continues to inspire in elegant and conservative hemlines.


Forever Leather




A timeless texture.


High Tide





Breton stripes, sailor sweaters, gold buttons and white lapels.


Sweet Pastels





Herald spring with buttercup yellow, lilac, pistachio and powder blue.


On Safari





A new sense of adventure, with utilitarian detailing and animal prints taking on a haute new persona.


The Big Easy





Relaxed tailoring and fluid lines.


Sheer Seduction 





Reveal and conceal.

White House Week

21.12.13

The White House reminded individuals that you have until December 23rd to select a plan in order for your health insurance to start by January 1st.

If you still have not arranged your health coverage visit HealthCare.gov to search for a plan, compare prices and get covered.

Earlier this week, the White House announced they're new field trip series with Discovery Education. 'Of the People: Live from the White House,' will offer middle and high school students unique access to the White House, and curator William Allman will provide webinars detailing the history and art of the iconic residence. Find out more here.

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
On Wednesday afternoon, President Obama and the First Lady met with a group of moms in the Oval Office to talk about how health reform has benefitted their families. They talked about the critical role that moms are playing in helping their families access quality, affordable health care by encouraging their adult children, family members and their peers to sign up for coverage.

First Lady Michelle Obama said that she’s involved with this issue “because I’m a mom.”

"It’s our job as mothers to make sure that our young people are informed about their “invincibility,” to make sure that other moms and families out there really understand what this law provides and that they can take advantage of it. This is the beauty of it. People have choices. They can go on to the website; they can talk to a navigator; they can learn for themselves what the law means and what it doesn’t mean. And that's really, really what we want people to do, is educate yourselves. Get that education. Make the choice that's best for your family, because the options are there."

Earlier this week, the first White House Holiday Social took place. Pinners, Instagramers and White House Twitter followers from near and far gathered at the White House to take in the 2013 holiday decorations and learn about what goes in to transforming the People's House for this special time of year. Social guests joined White House Chief Floral Designer Laura Dowling for a craft project, learned about the making of the White House Gingerbread house with Executive Pastry Chef William Yosses and talked to Joining Forces Executive Director Rich Morales and Deputy Director Rory Brosius. Throughout the day, they shared photos and updates with their social media followers using the hashtag #WHHoliday. Check out some of the coverage here! 

Holidays at the White House: Google + Hangout

20.12.13



I'm in the Christmas spirit!

Tory Burch Resort 2014

20.12.13

Tory Burch

The Resort 2014 collection is all about stripes and whites!

Here's some of my favorite pieces:




In Review: Central Park NYC: An Architectural View

19.12.13

Central Park NYC by Andrew Zega and Bernd H. Dams, Rizzoli New York, 2013.




When in New York I always factor in a walk through Central Park, and Central Park NYC: An Architectural View is making me fall in love with this amazing green space all over again!


Written by Andrew Zega and Bernd H. Dams, the book explores many of the most beautiful and beloved features from the park's 160 year history, as well as exceptional unrealized projects, ornamental details and surprising discoveries!

Andrew Zega and Bernd H. Dams
 The National Historic Landmark contains many pavilions, memorials, monuments, sculptures, bridges, gates, gardens, lakes and even a 3500 year old Egyptian obelisk- and these are all explored through watercolors of the highest detail. We see the Bethesda Fountain, USS Maine Memorial, the Mall and the famous Obelisk all in fascinating illustration.

It is this detail, accompanied by extensive research, contemporary and archival photographs and maps that make this book one to treasure- and one to use to explore a favorite feature of New York in a fresh light.

Andrew Zega and Bernd H. Dams.

Andrew Zega and Bernd H. Dams.

A Kennedy Christmas

16.12.13

Look to President Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy this Christmas for some festive inspiration...





John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Top to bottom: The White House Christmas Tree 1961, Givenchy dress worn by Jacqueline Kennedy, the President and the First Lady 1961, Christmas Day in Palm Beach.

Seasonal Offers at Cambridge Satchel Company

14.12.13

Seasonal Patent Satchel

There's a host of seasonal offers on at Cambridge Satchel Company, making it the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping!

Click here for more info on how you can score free worldwide shipping, embossed personalisation, gift wrapping and gift cards on all orders!

One Beat Designs Mlekoshi playground