It seems like, this time of year, everyone is doing some best of, or worst or, or year in review type of list.  So, I thought I would follow suit and think about my top 5 inspirations/ accomplishments for 2012. 1. From a design perspective, I was fortunate to work with some great

I recently discovered that Somerville (the town next to where I live) is home to Taza, an amazing chocolate factory.  I went there last weekend for a tour of their facility and to sample some of their wonderful, stone ground, organic chocolate. I’ve had a number of people a

When the weather gets cold, it can take a bit more motivation to go outside and explore nature.  Fortunately, Wellesley College offers a warm and interesting excursion for plant lovers!  I trekked out to the campus last week and had a great time wandering through their expan

Mistletoe is one of those plants that we only think about during the holiday season.  The tradition is, if caught beneath a bough of mistletoe with another, you are supposed to kiss.  After each kiss, a berry is to be plucked off the bough, when no berries remain the kissing

Now that Thanksgiving is over it’s time to dust off the Christmas decorations and get into the holiday spirit.  There’s a lot to be said for bringing color and light into the home during an otherwise dark and chilly time of year (in the Northeast that is).  You c

I love Thanksgiving.  This uniquely American holiday is part of our national identity.  It’s a holiday focused on family, friends, football and food.  We spend the day preparing and eating foods that the Pilgrims may have eaten; foods that are local, seasonal, and

As many of you plan your Thanksgiving menus, you’re probably thinking about where your food is coming from. Maybe you’ve ordered a local turkey, or you’re choosing local, organic produce for all of those tasty side dishes.  As you decorate your table with a cent

Over the past year, I’ve gotten into canning (as in fruit and vegetable preserves).   It’s been a fun, surprisingly simple, and super yummy experiment.  A jar of homemade jam is a fantastic gift, whether it’s for your Thanksgiving dinner host, or in a holid

I hadn’t been to the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in many years, so I returned this past weekend to re-explore the park.  I quickly re-discovered why I love this place so much.  Located in Lincoln, it’s a short drive from Boston/Cambridge, and is

I love fall in New England.  This time of year, there’s no where else I’d rather be.  Maybe it’s the cool, crisp mornings and days that still feel comfortably warm.  Maybe it’s the fall-like smells in the air of wood burning stoves and the scent