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Design Bloggers Conference in LA

Join interior design bloggers, new media innovators and interior design industry leaders for the inaugural Design Bloggers Conference in LA, February 28 - March 2, 2011. Learn how to expand your personal brand, build your blog and how to better engage your readers using multiple platforms.

This premier two-day conference for new media and the interior design industry offers a unique opportunity to learn about and discuss the intersection of interior design with the world of new media including blogging, social media, and more.

I will be speaking along with Jan Showers, Suzanne Rheinstein, Barclay Butera, Tobi Fairley, Grace Bonney, Tracy Porter, Cassandra LaValle, Paloma Contreras, Stacy Kunstel, Anne Sage and Clinton Smith - I can't wait.

If you're interested in attending, head over to the Design Bloggers Conference site for more information and Register Here.

I hope to see you in sunny LA! Click here to see a list of participants! WOW!

Loving LA + Exciting New Venture

The last few days in LA have been amazing. In addition to being greeted by wonderful weather, my friend and fellow blogger Scot Meacham Wood flew in from San Fransisco. He was both my lunch and dinner date yesterday, what a lucky girl I am! We spent a magical afternoon as guests of Hutton Wilkinson at Dawridge and then joined several LA designers for an unforgettable dinner at Kathryn Ireland's beautiful home. Today looks to be another fun filled day.

I wanted to share some exciting news with all of you, and the city where dreams come true seems to be an appropriate place to announce the launch of my new website and business - All the Best Portfolio.

ATB Portfolio is a bespoke consultancy firm dedicated to brand building, event planning and social media marketing. It was founded to address the unique needs of the design and lifestyle industries. You can visit my new website to learn more. I will be adding more photos to the 'Events' and 'Buzz' sections in the next week, and you can also get live Twitter feeds in real time on the 'Buzz' page (unfortunately the Twitter widget does not work well on Internet Explorer). Again, thank you to everyone who has encouraged and supported me in launching the new chapter of All the Best.

Dinner at Dawnridge

A few weeks ago I received an email from my friend Michael Billings asking if I would like to have dinner at Dawnridge with Ruth and Hutton Wilkinson. Immediately my heart began racing and my hands shaking as I typed my reply, “I would LOVE to have dinner at Dawnridge!” The email was followed by a loud shriek that sent my husband running into our lounge.

What I love about blogging is the thousands of like minded ‘friends’ who share a small part of your world, and at times, in your excitement. I have been bursting to share my news with all you for days. However, afraid I might jinx myself, I kept it quiet. Finally the day arrived (after a 13 hour flight) and I was a guest at Dawnridge last evening.

It is almost impossible to describe the splendor that looms behind the large front door. I was seriously breathless as I stood in the famed 18-foot high drawing room. The entire house was aglow with candlelight. I found it wonderfully overwhelming as I tried to focus, but with so much beauty fighting for my attention it was difficult. I felt like Alice after stepping through the looking glass.

Like his mentor and friend Toy Duquette, Hutton is very much a Renaissance man. Before dinner Ruth and Hutton lead us on a tour of the exotic grounds and gardens. To actually see the pavilions, pagodas, sculptures and Tony Duquette's 28' tall sculpture The Phoenix Rising from Its Flame, amidst a jungle-like rain forest, is spectacular.

Ruth is such a beautiful woman and Hutton is mesmerizing. To be seated next to him at dinner and listen to stories of Tony and Elsie de Wolfe was priceless. Many thanks to Hutton and Ruth for a lovely and unforgettable evening. Sometimes dreams really do come true.

Dinner at Nathan Turner

Last evening was one of the most fun and memorable dinners in recent memory. Nathan Turner and Mary McDonald hosted me, my family, Suzanne Donegan, Michelle Nussbaumer and Michael Billings at Nathan's beautiful shop in West Hollywood. The food, company and surrounds were sheer perfection. Thank you both for all the laughs and the wonderful hospitality.

Mary McDonald, Suzanne Donegan and Nathan Turner

Michelle Nussbaumer, me and Mary McDonald

Delicious salmon and lentils with roasted vegetables prepared by Nathan

Beautiful flowers arranged by Mary

Isn't this chair and shade of blue gorgeous!?!

The lovely Suzanne Donegan

Mary McDonald, Michael Billings and Michelle Nussbaumer

My son and Daisey

Nathan, Ronda and my husband Chris

Suzanne Donegan, Michael Billings and Michelle Nussbaumer

Much to everyone's amusement or dismay, Mary and I ended the night with our own version of Karaoke singing Phil Colin's Separate Lives. When we couldn't remember the words we had to go online. Next time we'll just have to go to a Karaoke club so we can have both the words and music.

Nathan Turner + Carolyne Roehm

I mentioned last week that I had to miss Carolyne Roehm's chic book party given by host extraordinaire Nathan Turner at his fantastic LA shop. Luckily, Nathan graciously emailed me photos to share with all of you.