Morning magic

Mornings in our household look a little different with two young children and busy schedules. However, there are often moments that warrant the proverbial “stop and smell the roses” mentality and this Sunday was certainly one of them. The early eastern light had our bedroom in a soft ethereal glow, the house was silent (my husband took my older son away for the weekend), and I had my first cup of coffee in hand. As I slowly crept back up the stairs to relax in bed for a few minutes, I heard the reassuring tune of the red breasted robins outside, a signal of spring. It was a peaceful time, flipping through some new books and plotting away the day ahead. My heart and soul were happy, my blood pressure low…here’s to that morning magic we all know and love.

COVER MAN

One of the more challenging components to my work as a consultant is that I cannot always share what it is I am working on. This is fine by me, but it can often create a sense of mystery and require clarity when engaging with others. 

The vast majority of my client work occurs “behind the curtain” as the projects we are working on, and the information shared, is highly privileged. Some of these projects take months and even years to materialize. However, there are particular celebratory public-facing moments that are so thrilling and serve as a stamp on my client’s unwavering devotion to their business. 

Case in point, a moment of applause for my New York-based client John Ferguson, who not only landed a sensational editorial feature in LUXE Magazine this winter, his Dumbo Project made the cover of the January/February issue. 

Print can indeed be the holy grail for so many, it truly is the cherry on top when my clients pour their grit, creative energy and collaboration into these projects.

A big congratulations to John and his team! Be sure to read the entire feature here.

Winter wonder

Every once in a while in nature, I experience a very euphoric moment that truly lowers my blood pressure and reminds me of why I adore the natural world. Just the other day I followed the footsteps of a fox during a winter hike and stumbled upon this partially frozen babbling brook. The flowing water cascades down this hill to a waterfall we visit frequently in the summertime. There was something about the tranquil sound of the water, framed by the sweeping pines dusted in snow, and the glimmer of winter sunlight peeking through the treetops that practically took my breath away. A reminder of how transcending the outdoor world can be.

Something Sweet

I often help my clients with their annual gifting endeavors. As we know, it’s more than just the object being given, it is the “touch-base mentality” that is important in thinking about nurturing clientele and industry partners. The holidays are always a part of that comprehensive plan, though, I do encourage my clients that “less is more” during this obligatory frenzy.

During the holidays I tend to gravitate toward small gestures, or something that is consumable and will delight not only the recipient but perhaps their office mates and/or family. Equally important, as we know, is the presentation factor.

Below, I’m sharing a “freebie C&C Curation” with some of my favorite edible delights for your last minute gifting. Accompany your gift with a thoughtful note on letterpress stationery.

P.S. Most of my clients have their gifting flushed out by October 1st to help minimize any stress! We put all paper goods into production in the beginning of October, so that by the time they return after Thanksgiving, we’re really just worried about postage and getting the boxes out the door. If you were on the ball this year, file these down for 2026!

FIRSTLY: Italy’s oldest confectioner, Romanengo, offers an array of chocolates, candied fruit, fondant, and more. This elegant box of chocolates comes in a box with illustrations and reproductions of old prints. See here.

SOME OTHER IDEAS…

1. When in doubt, visit Houses & Parties. Rebecca Gardner sells various goodies from Lavoratti. I am particularly fond of the Chocolate Pencils, including assorted flavors such as Pistacchio Verde di Bronte, Sale Marino di Trapani, and Lemon from Cinque Terre. Their branding is chic and soothing, the box practically feels like a collectable. See here.

2. Who doesn’t adore a luscious tin of caviar? Look no further than Petrossian. I do love a heaping of caviar on my baked potato on New Year Eve… See here.

3. Sant Ambroeus? Say no more. I wish I could magically dash one of their classic pink Principessa cakes to my zip code (if you know, you know), alas, their other offerings will have to do. Try their Cookie Tin (I gifted this to clients one year), or perhaps a Pandoro!

4. Instead of gifting the classic lemon or orange basket, consider sending a lovely box of pomegranates. Not only are they delicious, but they are gorgeous in a sterling silver bowl in the kitchen, or cut open on a cheese plate. Their bright festive color says “holiday” and the packaging is simple and perfect. See here.

Best of luck and Merry, Merry!