Suggard Oats: February in the Mountains

Upon every morning at the family farm, I would hear the click clacking of hooves from Zeb and Zachary from above. Yes, they were on the roof again.

Lying in bed before the school day arrived, I never needed an alarm clock for the hooves were loud enough and just timely. And while the dogs would wander in for the not-so-subtle reminder to walk them, it was those two animals that really got my goat.

Home with Farrow and Ball

However, like any member of the family, those little annoyances transform into quirks that you adore. So while they ate absolutely everything in site, the lawn, neighboring branches, and buckets of hay, these goats were never too full from dinner. After eating to their hearts’ content, off Zeb and Zachary rebounded onto our rooftop to enjoy the view of the Rockies, play, and I’m sure have a little snack here and there. 

Zeb & Zachary 

Whenever we arrived back home after a day out, there they would be on the rooftop enjoying the day in their two very different ways. Zeb, a golden-haired goat was always the calmer of the two. He would walk to and fro around the property exploring as slowly as the shadows past. In contrast, Zachary had magnificent horns, which he was very proud of. Every time I would, foolishly, try and ride him by holding onto these horns, he would buck me off with as much effort as he could. Needless to say after a few feeble attempts, I stuck with hanging out with Zeb. 

But in a family, you cannot have favorites. So on a frigid Valentine’s Day, my mother asked me to feed them a special treat for dinner—sugar oats. So after dinner, I snuck to the red barn as fast as I could, lest Zeb and Zachary discover their Valentine's Day gift. Once I locked the doors behind me, I carefully divided the amount between the two animals within the barn. The smell of dry hay and sugar filled the air as I used the glistening silver old dog bowls for presentation’s sake. 

Suggard Oats

Then the time came to give them their oats. After unlocking the doors, the heavy lock opening in hand, there stood Zeb and Zachary eagerly facing me for their dessert.

Happy Valentine’s Day, and I hope everyone has time to enjoy the surprises that the day brings. 

White out

White: Iconic in every right, in menswear, in women’s wear must haves, the go-to’s and now arriving to the home. The color stands for everything from classicality, sophistication, to the juxtaposition between masculinity and femininity, as well as a sense of demure sensuality.  A hint of the je ne sais quoi with a casual blasé attitude.

​White by Nacho Polo

Take for instance the feeling I get from putting on a crisp white shirt after a day enjoying the sun or taking a nap using white linen sheets fresh from the clothesline. Nothing could be better in my opinion. Just as a shirt can change my mentality for the better, so can a quick touch up of the woodwork around my house. White can make everything feel new again.  It’s refreshing, neutral, clean, bright and crisp.

​The newest whites from Miele

white for the serious home chef by Miele

Past the exterior now, a white kitchen is ideal for the home cook, whether your taste in home décor is classic or contemporary, urbane or rustic. White can make spaces seem bigger and airier, while providing a clean canvas for showcasing other elements. This creates an inviting, enchanting, and functional home. Wood finishes look richer against white; printed fabrics pop even more; and lighting fixtures such as chandeliers and pendants stand out as sculptural elements against the neutral backdrop. 

Quarts Surfaces by Silestone/Consentino Suede: Color: Kensho

Laguna beach by Consentino

White in the landscape can become a focal point. It has the power to make us think of travel by sea or plane. We can dream of stars and clouds while sitting on our porches. Bask in the ideas of what if, and share with our closest friends and family. In a contemporary setting it draws the eye inward making one conscious of his or her surroundings.

Quadrant lighted seating by Perin & Topan. Endless internal ​Illumination possibilities. A big thank you to Ms. Katja Matoseu for the introduction.

The color white is pure and serene by nature. Blending in to reflect the aura of its surroundings. White has been used throughout the ages to speak of new beginnings. White harkens calm and influential architecture as well as in purist design. Our living quarters are transformed from the ordinary to the extraordinary simply with a brush, a roller, and a few well-chosen functional elements. A few of which I am highlighting here that are sponsors of the Architectural Digest Home Show that took place a few days back. I learned quite a bit visiting all of the different vendors, not only about advances in technology for the home but in identifying a comfortable trend in what I used to refer as “nesting.” 

Perhaps white is about making things easier, not fussy, and even youthful.