A Tail of a Mischevious Mutt. Hello friends from Paris, My view of the Eiffel Tower at dusk.  This may be my favorite city in the world. It has been a tough week, but I am now in my happy place-Paris.  This weekend, we said goodbye to our sweet dog, Maggie, after 14 years together. […]

SURPRISE!  Creating the Unexpected in Design. By: Stephanie Andrews Happy Friday! Do you like surprises?  Surprise Parties?  (That’s a NO for me.)  Surprise Guests?  (Again, not usually.) Surprise Foods?  (Sometimes…). Surprise in Design?  (What is that?) Synonyms for surprise: Awe, Amazement, Wonder, Magic. (There were also negative associations that had to do with warfare like […]

Packing for Paris by: Stephanie Andrews Bonjour Mes Amies, I hope that you have had a good week!  Today, I’d like to continue to explore the intersection of design and travel with thoughts on travel wardrobes.  Over the years, I have shared my desire to build my capsule wardrobe.  Frankly,  I do not usually take […]

Bonjour mes amies, At the beginning of Spring, are you daydreaming of your next wanderlust vacation to places that make your heart sing?  I do.  As the weather gets warmer and then cold, in the Ides of March, I fantasize about my next big trip.  I would love to share some of these fantasies with […]

Hello Friends! I will start off with a quote by Tae Yun Kim that sums up my feelings for the color green. “Green strongly influences the heart and helps alleviate tension.  Positive qualities associated with green are generosity, humility, and cooperation.” For as long as I can remember, green has been my favorite color.  I […]

Hello there! Today, I was thinking about the word “tend” vs. the word “maintain”.  Although the difference may seem subtle, these words ignite a distinct feeling in me.  I looked up these words’ definitions to see if they are different. Tend: (verb) to pay attention to, to serve, to watch over. Maintain: (verb) to keep […]

by Stephanie Andrews Spoiler Alert: Hell yes, it matters!  Art creates a vibe that can change how you and other people perceive your home.  It can stimulate, relax, talk to your wanderlust, or remind you of someone special.  Art also tells other people little truths about you, if they are paying attention.  Art is personal, […]

by: Stephanie Andrews Hello friends!  I hope you are well and making it through this cold February with a smile, at least mostly. I often struggle with February, wanting warmer temps, a tropical vacation, and feeling a comedown from the holidays. I give February a hard time, and I have for years!  In my 20’s, […]

By: Stephanie Andrews Happy Valentine’s Day, my friends.  I hope my email finds you well.  In Atlanta, my family, our Balance Design team, some friends, and I have been through it!  (A Norovirus that acted like the worst food poisoning I have ever had.) Couple that recovery with a difficult work week, and let’s say […]