8 Women That Have Inspired Me

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Renowned interior designer Charlotte Moss has an office that is truly inspiring.  She has artfully devoted an entire wall to pictures of women that have inspired her.   When I first saw this wall in a magazine, I fell in love.  And I decided to start my own gallery.

We are all inspired by different people, men and women.  But AS a woman, I’m particularly inspired by other women who have had an impact in changing their world…and in the process, changing the lives of others.

Charlotte Moss

I share with you some of the women whom I have admired most of my life.  These are not in order, nor are they the ONLY women I admire, but all have definitely played their part in shaping my ideas…

Coco-Chanel (1883-1971)

Coco Chanel was an influential French fashion designer and founder of the famous brand Chanel.  Her biography is certainly colorful and controversial, but there’s no denying that she led an amazing life whose work is still impacting the world today.

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Catherine The Great, Empress of Russia (1729-1796)

Catherine The Great was the most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia.  Under her reign, Russia was revitalized,  growing larger and stronger than ever and becoming recognized as one of the great powers of Europe…and the woman wasn’t even BORN there!!

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Eva Peron (1919-1952)

Eva Peron…As far as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the story of Eva Peron.  Partly because of the rags to riches element, but mostly because I so admire her determination to seize life.

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Queen Victoria (1819-1901)

Queen Victoria…became queen at the age of 18… ruled for 64 years in what is considered Britain’s great age of industrial expansion and economic progress….had 9 children in the process…enjoyed a loving and lasting relationship with her husband…and was SO influential that an entire era is referred to her!!  Need I say more?!!

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Gloria Estefan (1957-Present)

Gloria Estefan.  I love Gloria.  Like me, she was born in Cuba and migrated here with her parents.  We both share being raised in a Cuban household.  I LOVE her music… and I love her dedication to family. The American Music Awards presented Gloria with the Lifetime Achievement Award.  They told her that children were not allowed to the ceremony.  She objected and brought them anyway, even bringing them up on the stage to accept her award.  She said that she and Emilio both felt that their greatest achievement was their children…that’s why they had brought them.  You gotta love that!

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Mary Kay Ash (1918-2001)

Mary Kay Ash…did you know that she didn’t start her cosmetic empire until she was 45 years of age?!!  That in itself is inspiring, but in the process she also created countless opportunities for women around the world.  I’m inspired by her commitment to her values and her unwavering belief in the power and potential of women.

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Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993)

Audrey Hepburn…the epitome of style and class, and one of the world’s most famous actresses of all times.  She remains one of  few entertainers to have won Academy, Emmy, Grammy and Tony Awards, yet always remaining modest about her acting abilities.  She was hugely influential in the fashion industry redefining glamor itself, yet devoted her later years to UNICEF, working in some of the most profoundly disadvantaged communities of Africa, South America and Asia.  I am inspired by her beauty, inside and out, and her kindness.

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My Mom (1928-2006) with my sister and me

My Mom…the most inspiring woman of ALL.   A woman who came to this country with nothing and worked hard to create a safe, nurturing and loving home for her family…the kindest woman I’ve ever known.

I am inspired by her in ways too countless to tell!

Who inspires YOU?

Decorating In Tampa

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I spent all last week in Tampa, Florida with my colleague Mira MacDonald.  We were there to decorated a total of 6 model apartments at 2 senior living communities.    Having been raised in Florida, I’m always excited to visit for ANY reason.  So even though we worked long and hard, we were both excited to be there…enjoying the 70 degree weather and the Cuban food!  Plus we had a great time completing the project, all the models turned out beautifully.

This was my first property at Seminole.

I love the hibiscus in full bloom.

My first model was a one bedroom apartment with  a small sun-room, decorated in blues, creams and terracotta.

The second property too had stunning landscaping…with its Koy pond and quaint village feel.

The second apartment, also a one bedroom, decorated in greens, creams and black accents.

But, I have to say, my favorite was the 3rd…a one-room studio apartment with a built-in Murphy bed.  The challenge was to  help the prospective resident “visualize” how to create multiple, specific areas within a single space.  And this is a perfect example…the 3 specific areas being clearly identified: bedroom, living room and office/dining.

Of course half the fun of being in Florida is to take advantage of the always available Cuban food.  We found this great little restaurant, Las Teresitas.  Mira had a blast trying new dishes the 3 nights we had dinner there. As for me…my favorite continues to be the classic Bisteque De Palomilla with white rice and fried plantains.  Mmmmm!

I LOVE my job!!

Till Next Time,

Alba

Dwell With Dignity

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I’ve been a part of the Interior Design Society for over 10 years.  During which time I’ve served as President, Vice President and this year, Treasurer for the Dallas / Ft Worth chapter.  I continue to devote my time to IDS due in large part because of the amazing designers, colleagues and friends that I have the pleasure of knowing.  But also, because it gives me the chance to make people happy by doing what I love!

Each year, our chapter selects an organization or charity as beneficiary of our member’s talents.  This year, it’s Dwell With Dignity.

Dwell with Dignity is a non-profit group of Interior Designers and volunteers dedicated to creating soothing, inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty. They provide and install home interiors for families including furniture, art, bedding, kitchen supplies, and food in the pantry.

Dwell was created in April 2009, and it’s growth has exploded, in part because of the support and publicity created by Nate Berkus of the Nate Berkus Show.  But mostly, due to the unwavering dedication of it’s founders, Lisa Robison and Kim Turner.  Personally, I’m honored to be involved  with this group.

Last September, our IDS chapter put together our first Vendor Showcase.  The proceeds have been reserved for Dwell.

Dwell With Dignity and IDS members at the IDS Vendor Showcase

Our members are all extremely excited, because our chapter is the first “outside” organization that Dwell has permitted to design an apartment for a recipient family.  And we’re taking that honor VERY seriously.  We’ll be decorating for a family of 6 who will be moving in at the end of February.  Members have been volunteering twice a week to paint furniture, create art, and whatever else is needed to insure a gorgeous design.

Painting children's art that will be hung in the kid's room.
Volunteering at the Dwell House in Dallas

Still, there’s a lot to be done.  So stay tuned for future updates on our progress.

If you’re not familiar with Dwell With Dignity, I encourage you to check them out and perhaps, through donations or volunteer work, you’ll be inspired to help them accomplish their mission:

“…to help families escape poverty and homelessness through design. One household at a time.”

Till next time,

Alba


My Stay at The Ritz-Carlton

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Last week, I got the opportunity to spend the night in one of the guest suites at The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas.  A dear friend and client is thinking of purchasing a residence there and asked me to join her to view the available floor plans.

I absolutely LOVED looking at all the different floor plans and walking through the decorated models.  I probably should have taken more pictures, but at the time, I just wanted to enjoy the moment.  I DID, however, noted a few details of the suite we stayed in…a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath appartment on the 15th floor.

Immediately, you are greeted by a stunning striped wallpaper that leads you from the foyer to a breathtaking view of downtown Dallas.

The stripes empty into the dining area where they are replaced with a soft tropical print.  Even though the both patterns were dramatic, they were done in soft neutrals, so the space still felt calming and relaxing.

Of course, as you would expect from the Ritz, DETAILS play a big role….

Another detail…area rugs, custom cut and bounded to fit the room.  The rugs create a soft surface over the gorgeous hardwood floors in all the bedrooms. 

I loved the acrylic hardware used throughout.  Its a fresh alternative to the more traditional “heavy” rods.  They almost disappear into the wall, allowing the panels to take center stage.

The covered  outdoor space.  The building next door is the Ritz Hotel, which is “attached” to the Ritz Residences by a connecting hallway on the 2nd floor. 

And of course, one of the best reasons to live in a downtown high-rise…the view! 

No decisions were made that weekend, but that’s ok…maybe we’ll just have to do it again! 🙂

Hope I’ve inspired.

Alba

My Upside-Down Christmas Tree 2011

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Once again, for the 3rd year, I’ve hung my Christmas tree.

I think I’ve started a tradition!  🙂  …and it’s a great tradition, cause no matter how “un-traditional” a hanging tree is, it always brings a smile to all who see it!  And THAT, is what the holiday’s are about.

This year, I’ve introduce the color chartreuse to the mix. I was inspired by one of my projects…You may remember the “Chartreuse Ottoman”?  I had such a great time with that project that I fell in love with the color chartreuse.  So this year, instead of decorating in only silver and white, I splashed on the green!

 

The challenge, however, was to do it on a budget.  After all, next year I’m sure to splash on a different color!  So I gave myself a minimal budget ($150) and started the creative process. Ten or 12 boxes of green balls (in varying sizes) should do it for the tree…

…my 2009 Hallmark commemorative Cessna ornament is on prominent display.

For the table, I found these chartreuse-colored glass vases at Garden Ridge for $1 each.  I just couldn’t pass them up, so I turned them upside down and used them as candle holders.  They look fantastic!

The place mats I found at Ross for a mere $5 for a set of 4.  They’re simple bamboo mats that came with the matching coaster, and the colors are perfect for my decor.  I placed a glittery leaf on each plate, which I found on sale at Hobby Lobby.

I wrapped 2 white candles using the same glittery leaves…

…and found this Poinsettia bush…in Chartreuse!  

 

Of course I added green balls and ribbon bow to the wreath.

As you can see, decorations were kept to a minimum…allowing the tree to be the star of the show!

 Did I mention it twirls?!

As we wrap-up 2011, I can’t help but to look back at all the magnificent friends, times and opportunities this year has brought me. I am indeed fortunate!

Especially, I am grateful to all of you, my client and friends.  Without you, I would have missed many sources for fun and love.  Thank you!  I have the BEST clients in the world!

From My house to Yours…

Merry Christmas!

Alba

Welcome N106KA

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Today, the North Texas Flying Club welcomed a new addition to our fleet….N106KA.

Several members gathered at Garry Ackerman’s hangar for some touch & feel.

This Cessna C172S is equiped with a Garmin G1000  

Garry was the first to fly, with plane owner AK Agarwal in right seat.  Alicia Allen and I just went along for the ride.

 

I got to capture some nice images on this beautiful Texas day.

 

It’s disheartening to see the water levels so low in Lake Levon.

 

The progress of our new runway…

 

You can really see how much wider rhe new runway is.

Cleared To Land

International Learn to Fly Day at McKinney Airport (TKI)

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International Learn to Fly Day on May 21, 2011 at McKinney Airport. 

  It was an overcast and painfully humid day.  But the planes were flawless.  Here’s how I saw it….

 

A few visiting planes on the north side of our beautiful new tower. 

 

 

Beautifully vintage.

 

 

 

 

  

 

David Williford in his new Stagger EZ.

 

  

 

 Fellow pilot Chance, with his son…..a DEFINITE future aviator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The interior designer in me LOVED the 2 complimentary throw pillows on the back seat of this Cessna.

 

 

 

 

 

When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return. 

~Leonardo Da Vinci

Till Next time,

Alba

My Father’s Garden

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My grandparents (on my father’s side) were native of the Canary Islands.  They migrated to Cuba for dreams of a better life, and they raised 8 children by living off the land.

To this day, my dad continues to love the thrill he gets from nurturing and harvesting the land.  When I was growing up, the back yard was always alive with growth…..lemon trees, orange trees, beets, yams… Today, not much has changed.  

My dad

I took these pictures during my visit home 2 weeks ago.  Here’s what’s growinng…

Guanabana

 A bird perched on a guanabana tree.  Also known as soursop.

Nispero

The nispero tree.  Also known as a loquat.

Mango

My dad  has  3 varieties of mango trees…and they are ALL good!!

Plantains

 This variety of plantains is perfect for frying tostones.

Avocado

I LOVE Florida avocados.  They’re huge compared to the California variety.  Why can’t we get these in Dallas?!!

papaya

Papayas….pass the salt, please!

Till next time,

Alba

 

 

Flying Club’s Holiday Party

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I always enjoy visiting Garry’s hangar.  Garry is our club’s president and host of the

 North Texas Flying Club’s Holiday Party.

 

My Upside-Down Christmas Tree

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Last year, I started my OWN tradition…

 I hung the tree from the ceiling.

Oh, I know this is not the “traditional” thing to do, but after years of collecting Christmas ornaments and hanging the same ones on the tree each December, I wanted something a little different.  I wanted to start my OWN tradition.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll NEVER give up my collected ornaments.  They each have a memory and a special place in my heart.  But when I look at this new vision hanging in my living room, the thrill, excitement and pure joy is totally exhilarating!  It gives the room a happy feeling…and isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

I wanted something different, so I decided to change the color scheme to only silver and white.  For that, I needed all new  decorations…on a budget! 

I bought poinsettias in bunches and cut each flower stem individually, then inserted them randomly throughout the tree.   I used both silver and white poinsettias.

I hung icicle garland.  All other ornaments are an assortment of balls and tear dorps...except for ONE…

…another special ornament to add to my collection. 

 

I kept the table centerpiece simple and classic:  Silver candle holders  surrounded by small unaddorned wreaths. 

  

 When I hung my tree last year, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  But I certainly didn’t expect this….

 It TWIRLS!!

 

As it turns out, my kids love the tree, as do I.  And it brings a smile to everyone who enters my home.  Christmas doesn’t get better than that!

Merry Christmas!