I spent Valentine’s Day flying home from New York after a week long styling gig with Country Living. Upon arrival, I was coming down the escalator, and just like a scene from a movie, my husband was there to greet me with a huge bouquet of roses and a heart shaped balloon. The only problem was…I didn’t even notice him. Can you believe it?! I completely missed my sappy romantic movie moment and he had to follow me to baggage claim in order to “surprise” me! Life is like that sometimes, we're rushing through our day and miss seeing the beauty right before our eyes. Thank goodness, there’s also that age old saying - better late than never.

I thought it would be interesting to switch things up a bit and begin a series of posts on how I manage and run my creative business. I’ve been self employed for over two decades and through that experience, have learned how to maintain and grow a small, but very profitable company. Aside from being self motivated, I believe having a system of organization has been key to my success. In an effort to help other creative entrepreneurs, I’d like to share the tools and strategies I use to keep things running smoothly.

One of the best ways to add character and visual interest to your home is through artwork - particularly vintage or antique pieces. I have a growing collection of oil paintings that I’ve picked up over the years from antique stores and French flea markets, and they’re some of my most treasured finds. Every time I travel abroad, I bring at least one home as a souvenir.

The other day I was picking oranges to ship to friends and thought they were so pretty piled up in the entry it inspired me to take a few photos. Our entrance at Grove House continues to be a work in progress. The anchor pieces - the metal locker cabinet I’ve had for a decade and the large 5ft wood mirror made from the wheel of an antique camel wagon, are definite keepers. I’m still on the hunt for a cool chair or stool for the left side of the cabinet and I’ve been going back and forth about painting the entry a dark, moody color. Only because the library is directly opposite from the entry and it’s being painted tomorrow. Anyway, I thought I’d share a few glimpses of how I currently have it styled, what’s inside those baskets in the cabinet, and sources for a few similar items.

Storage doesn’t have to be strictly utilitarian, and it certainly doesn’t need to be unattractive - there are so many beautiful organizational items on the market right now! If you’re like me, January is a big month for getting my home in check, and I need it to be both functional and chic. Here I’ve gathered a few of the prettiest storage solutions to help you corral the clutter in style!

About six months ago I decided to take pottery lessons. I was in desperate need of a creative outlet that would not only physically prevent me from working, but one that would also occupy my mind so I wouldn’t think about it either. You see, I have a tendency to work - a lot. For the most part it’s incredible. I’ve been self employed for the majority of my adult life and absolutely love what I do. But what I’ve realized over the last few years (yeah, slow learner) is that I must set aside time to nurture my creativity. Like, actually write it in my calendar. After trying several creative outlets I finally stumbled upon the one that is perfect for me - making pottery.