Looking Back on 2018

With the start of a New Year, we can’t help but look back fondly on all of our favorite memories of 2018. We had some monumental moments, from the launch of our Pillow Talk series to The New York Times feature on our very own Hudson Valley farm house. We also spent time in the kitchen, played with floral arrangements, set some beautiful tables, made a few zero waste swaps and so much more. It was hard to pick favorites, but here they are…our top moments of 2018.

Year after year I found myself buried in my own business and admiring other entrepreneurs from afar, wishing I knew more about their process. Since I’m so busy and so are all these amazing people, in 2018 I decided to put some structure around the “chit chat” and Pillow Talk was born. I incorporated our best selling custom designed DIANI Living pillows as a fun way to tie it all together. I love being able to share what I’ve learned with you all and as a result we’ve been able to celebrate some amazing entrepreneurs, from local trailblazers to dear friends. I kicked off the series with interior designer and blogger Caitlin Flemming, followed by local artist Colette Cosentino, naturopathic guru Kristi Wrightson-Harter, and Santa Barbara restaurateur Sherry Villanueva to name a few. Stay tuned as we continue our Pillow Talk series in 2019. 

In April 2016, Jeffrey and I purchased a 1752 Dutch colonial farm house in upstate New York. We have been slowly renovating the space and enjoy slowing down and spending time in a home with centuries’ worth of stories. Last July our Hudson Valley farm house was featured in The New York Times. It was so exciting to see our east coast home in print! Follow along on our farm house adventures by following @hudsonvalleyfarm.

Last year I stepped away from my inbox and into the kitchen to try some new delicious vegan recipes from some of my favorite DIANI Living cookbooks. I’m always thankful when I make the time to cook at home, it’s a great way to relax and reset. For someone who is always on the go, I love how easily this Watermelon Salad with Lemon and Coriander Seed Dressing from Sunday Suppers came together. I will definitely have it on repeat in 2019.

I loved sharing my tips for creating simple floral arrangements using our versatile glass vases and bottles. It’s amazing what fresh flowers can do for a space. A simple bouquet can go a long way by transforming it into four or five smaller arrangements that can be dispersed throughout your living room, guest bathroom and bedroom. This is a great post that can be referenced again and again as the seasons change.

Over the past few years I’ve slowly been making simple zero waste swaps around my home. At DIANI Living I try to make it easy for my customers to do the same. In 2018 I brought in some new zero waste essentials, like sustainable bamboo dishware and beeswax wraps. I also stocked up on old favorites, like my go-to vegetable brushes and wooden utensils. I shared how I made these easy swaps on my DIANI Living Guide to Zero Waste.

The best and worst part about hosting overnight guests is getting your home ready. I don’t particularly love cleaning, but I’m all about decorating the interior space. In December I shared a few hosting tips that will make your guest’s overnight experience that much sweeter, from keeping extra blankets and throws on hand to including little luxuries on the bedside table, like this pretty ring dish.

One of my favorite parts about the holiday season is setting the dinner table. There is a magic that happens when you create a centerpiece, add in your favorite dinnerware, light a few candles and gather around the table. Last month I shared my festive table setting details on the blog. I mixed and matched a few plates and bowls, added our smoked glassware and topped it off with our vintage brass candlesticks for an evening to remember.

Thank you for following along last year, we can’t wait to show you what we have in store for 2019!

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Bowl, Natural, $25

HFS Grain Sack 3 Pink Stripe Pillow, 13×20, $95

Lace Salad Plate, $55

Small Beeswax Wraps, Shibori, $10

Large Serving Bowl, $225

African Mudcloth Pillow, Brown, 18×18, $130

The Ilse Throw, $160

Ring Dish, White Lace, $35

Vintage Candlesticks, Pair, Brass, $95

Rope Candles, Pair, $30.00

Highball Vase, 2.25″x6″, $10

Round Elan Bottle, Glass, 3.75”x5”, $15

Yokwe Cup, $25

Chamberlin Platter, Gunmetal, $125