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.