I was raised in a small affluent town of Los Angeles. My summers were spent at my grandparents' San Diego beach house in a community that is a replicate of a small French Island called St. Malo. In the charming, shorefront cottage I was surrounded by my grandmother’s collections of the now popular French pottery called Quimper, along with her exquisite taste in fabrics and décor. My style, passions and choices were shaped amidst life in those surroundings.

In college I was able to explore my desire to learn interior design as well as pursue my love for horses. Life’s journeys swept me away to the enriching continent of Europe. My spark for the European flair was ignited during our thirteen years of living 99% in another culture. My culinary awareness heightened, language fluency advanced while I hosted young and old continually. Everything important happened around the table of pleasurable eating in unique, beautiful spaces I had created. These experiences shaped and molded who I am today; no longer the typical California girl, but better equipped with a keen understanding of people and cultures and what it takes to enjoy life. Ambiance and the serenity of our surroundings being a key role. European living gave me a niche for living in small spaces celebrating simplicity, the joy of less.

I have had a few opportunities to build, renovate, and reconstruct. An old Spanish stone farmhouse that had cows living in the first floor now functions as a refuge for Pilgrims along the spectacular Camino de Santiago in Spain. Another house on the Mediterranean had no hot water, let alone dishwasher in the kitchen. It was amplified and updated into a beautiful, airy space that now serves delicious meals to friends and family. I had the opportunity to build our mountain cottage in Crested Butte, Colorado, with only a small footprint to work with -we fit all six of us, and the house was rewarded for best construction project of the year. It is tighter than a ship, efficient and lovely.

I am comfortable with other cultures, classes and environments. I have served people for most of my career. I am a mother of four. Patience and juggling schedules while capturing every life moment possible has become my specialty.