Life Lately: Golden Hour

August 23, 2019

Tuesday evenings generally consist of a pilates class for me before I head home for the night to make dinner and unwind. Last Tuesday, however, following a VERY long interview with a very passionate candidate, I wound up missing my class and found myself at work a little later than normal. The last 60 minutes before sunset are almost always golden at the vineyard, but on this particular night, the light was exceptional. I wound up strolling through the garden and vines, camera in tow, to capture just a sliver of nature’s magic.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[ view to the pathway/entry to the garden at the vineyard ]

[ tobacco drying racks currently being used as make-shift gates until our “real” gate gets installed ]

[ our green beans took off like wildfire and are finally climbing the arch into the garden! ]

[ the tiniest green beans! ]

[ the light on the vines was incredible! ]

[ august cabernet grapes ]

Update / My Grandpa

October 3, 2016

Hey there! It’s been a little while and with life passing by faster than ever, I simply haven’t had the time to dedicate to writing recently. At the tail end of August, right after our Sauvignon Blanc harvest, I received word that my grandpa wasn’t doing well. Honestly, he hadn’t been doing well for almost 20 years when he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, but this time it was different. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer earlier this year and with an already weak heart, the additional illness was just too much for his body to bear any longer. He passed away in the loving arms of family on August 27th at 88 years old.

No matter how mentally prepared you are for someone to transition to the other side, you’re never fully ready for the heartbreak. The helplessness, the worry about those he left behind (my grandma, my aunts, my younger cousin who was there in those final moments), and the grieving of a better life when everyone was young, healthy and together were almost too much to bear in those first few weeks. My grandpa had the kindest soul, a jokester spirit and the most contagious laugh. He fiercely loved his 4 girls, sailing, and the next project around the house or yard. My grandma was the love of his life and their stories of him chasing her in their earlier years will live on forever in my heart. I will never stop missing him.

After a couple of weeks in a funk, I’m feeling almost back to normal, but I’m missing my family more than ever. This is our first fall in Napa and the temperature change and fall colors make me nostalgic for home in the midwest. I’m looking forward to returning later on this month for my grandpa’s service and being able to hold my grandma once again.

With love,

Meg

Choosing Love

June 15, 2016

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more and more aware of the fragility of life as a handful of people around me have gotten sick or lost loved ones and we’re reminded that we aren’t invincible. The news coming out of Orlando has shaken me to the core and frightens me for our future and the generations that come after us. I know I’m not alone in that I’ve been bombarded with CNN alerts and updates, watched interviews with survivors and parents of those lost, seen countless pictures and memes of the attacker and the seemingly endless social media banter and chatter about gun laws and policy in the United States. It’s incredibly easy to get sucked in over and over again throughout the day out of concern and the need to feel like you’re up to date on the situation at hand. What often results are feelings of fear and sadness, crippling anxiety and leave one with the subconscious reaction to recluse because “who knows” if you’re next.

I’m not going to lie, focusing on day-to-day responsibilities have been hard over the past two days. The last thing I feel like doing is going head-to-head with someone over the finish on the beams in our construction project. Who cares about something as trivial as a cocktail shoot when there are real problems going on in the world, when there are people dying just being who they are?

I was flipping through some of our pictures from our trip to Greece last night and it dawned on me that whenever something like this happens, we have to make the choice every day to move forward doing what we love, seeing the world and pushing the fears of the “what if I’m in the next subway or nightclub” away. Too many people have fought too hard for us to have the right to live freely, to build careers out of what sets our souls on fire versus necessity. Traveling teaches us to simplify our lives, to deal with adversity and to laugh at getting lost with schedules gone awry. It teaches us to see the other side of things – that there are people with entirely different backgrounds, with worse situations but with a heart of happiness lighting their way. It teaches us that there are complexities to every situation, that almost nothing is black and white and that there are layers of history compounded into our cultural norms and beliefs.

I realized in that moment, that every day I have the choice to see the beauty around us, that the paralyzing fear of “what if” is a choice and it’s only reality if I let it be. I realized that I live in a democracy where I can write to my representatives urging them to see different perspectives and that I can truly be a part of history instead of letting anger and arguments out of fear fester online. And lastly, I realized that doing what you love, no matter how small and insignificant it might seem, is one of the most important things in the world. Finding that sliver of happiness restores hope, ignites our soul, opens our hearts and allows us to see situations from all different angles and truly impact the world. Love and hate are ripple effects and today, I’m choosing love.

Sending you love and light.

Meg

Have a Great Weekend!

June 3, 2016

This week was a total doozy. Monday started off with Bottle Rock Napa load-out (not much of a day off!) and Tuesday was spent recovering from the festival madness. We’re so scrappy at ONEHOPE, so much so that it’s written into our manifesto, and while it’s rewarding when all is said and done, the process is usually tough and can be wearing. I’m sure we’ll look back at the days when we were DIY-ing everything, loading 300 lb. cabinets in and out of a tent on our own, renting and driving over-payload Budget trucks instead of ever hiring movers or help, and laugh at how ridiculous we were and how hard we worked. But when you’re in the moment, it’s hard not to internally (or even sometimes verbally) scream “WTF am I doing all this for?!” And then I remember that we’re building really cool shit at our company, see my vision come together and want to pinch myself with excitement when it all pays off. Ahhh the emotional rollercoaster of scrappy entrepreneurship.

That being said, this weekend I’m looking forward to doing literally nothing. The weekend before last was spent moving a few tons (as in thousands of pounds) of gravel around our yard (more on that later), so I’m planning on kicking my feet up, drinking some wine outside and enjoying our cute little town for a few days. What are you up to this weekend?

PS: The above picture is what convinced me to pull the trigger on those crazy amazing West Elm chairs I’d been eyeing forever. I CAN’T wait for them to arrive in a few weeks! (image via)

We’re Engaged!

August 18, 2015

On March 21st, Jake asked me to spend forever with him and I’ve been in pure engagement bliss ever since. I wanted to document absolutely everything so that I never forget, so here we go 🙂

On Christmas morning, Jake and I exchanged gifts at my parent’s house as we were visiting for Christmas. A few weeks before, he had asked what I wanted for Christmas and I stated that I really wanted to go to Italy so if he decided not to get me anything for Christmas so that we could put that money toward taking a trip to Europe, I would be thrilled. I vowed to spend lightly on his Christmas gifts so that I too could save for the trip of a lifetime. On Christmas Eve Jake confessed ~~tricked me~~ that he simply could’t figure out an affordable option for us in Italy and that he’d decided we’d go back to Hawaii later in 2015 (which was my second choice of travel). I was a little disappointed that we wouldn’t be going to Europe, but was at the same time thrilled that we’d be heading back to Hawaii (we had such an amazing time there in 2014) and I figured we’d save Italy for a later date when the timing and financials made more sense. On Christmas morning as we were exchanging gifts, Jake pulled out his computer and presented me with a powerpoint that detailed our trip to…….ITALY! I was in such shock that I embarrassingly sobbed for a few minutes an in disbelief that he had taken the time to figure out our work schedules, research accommodations and book flights to all of the places I’ve dreamed of visiting for as long as I can remember.

Fast forward to January…

January-March were crazy chaotic putting together our Summer catalog which was the first ever that we were to introduce. In between sourcing, a team retreat, making over a house, product testing and more sourcing, we were also planning a recruiting event for our viaONEHOPE community in Napa. ONEHOPE purchased a property in Napa in September 2014 (more on that later) and we knew we wanted to host an event at the vineyard before construction on what will be our biggest project to date. I was part of the team putting on the event and headed up to Napa on the 19th to get ready for the weekend. My mom (also a part of our viaONEHOPE community) had asked if I needed her there for help. When she mentioned that my dad was taking a business trip to Mexico and that she needed a trip outside of crummy, cold, wintery, Michigan, I agreed that it would be great for her to come. I picked her up in March 19th from the airport and headed to Napa to get ready for the event.

Honestly, the events of the 21st were kind of a blur, but this is what I do recall… We shopped in the morning for meats/cheeses and last minute necessities for the event and headed to the property. A few of the girls from our team as well as Jake’s mom and older sister joined us later in the morning and helped prep some of the food while others dusted, swept and got the house ready. I’d asked my best friend Carla to come to the event since she’s in the Bay Area and I was hoping to see her and was thrilled when she made the trek to Napa. A few of Jake’s girlfriends were there visiting as well and joined us before the event. I remember my mom telling me several times that I needed to get ready and that she could handle the rest of the food prep. I’ve done countless shoots and events for ONEHOPE and know how stressful that last hour can be so I was reluctant to take her advice, but finally took a few moments to myself to curl my hair, fix my makeup and put on a dress. I knew the dress I was putting on was Jake’s favorite, but didn’t know about his plans for that day.

I was standing in the bathroom curling my hair when Tiffany, from our team came in to check on me and we chatted about her adorable baby belly, anticipating being a mommy of two, the flow of events for that day, and that she wanted to film a quick video with Jake. She wanted the video to be out in the vines to welcome our new viaONEHOPE recruits to the team which seemed totally normal to me and I loved the idea. I agreed to help her with the video, finished up and went outside to meet guests. Jake flew in from a business trip during the event and I remember giving him a hug and a kiss as he walked in the door and he said “you look so pretty – that’s my favorite dress.” ((Insert heart explosion)). We dove into the day – meeting and mingling with as many people as possible and I took a minute to chat with my best friend before the formal presentation and wine tasting were to begin. After a minute or two of talking, she said “I think I’m going to cry” and started to walk away. When I followed her and asked what was wrong, she said “I’m so sad that you guys are tearing this place down,” and continued to walk away. At the time, Carla and her husband Clay were starting to house hunt and I assumed she was just emotional about the process. The house on our vineyard is going to be taken down in preparation for another big project and while the current home is charming, it has a TON of issues so I thought it was a little odd of Carla to get emotional about something that seemed so silly, but assumed it might have to do something with their house hunting and wondered if maybe she was just having an off day. I had no idea that one of Jake’s friends had just told her he was planning on proposing that afternoon.

About halfway through the event, Tiffany grabbed me to gather a few items to take out to the vines to film our video. We found a bottle of Sparkling, an ice bucket and some flutes to “toast to the viaONEHOPE community.” The three of us (plus our photographer) walked out to the vineyard together, stopped in the clearing that will eventually be home to our winery and Tiffany started filming on her phone. I was standing next to her when she mentioned that Jake still had his name tag on and that I should run over and grab it from his lapel. I walked over to Jake, took his name tag and as I turned around to walk away he grabbed my hand. I just remember him saying, “no, actually, I’m proposing right now” before he got down on one knee. As everyone who has ever been surprised with an engagement knows, the next few moments were completely a blur. He was so nervous and he’s never nervous. I just remember him mentioning that he wanted to spend forever with me, that he couldn’t wait to build a family and a life together and that he wanted my “big brown eyes” to be the last thing he saw as he took his last breath. I was in complete shock, yet so touched and so ecstatic that the best man I’ve ever met was asking me (ME!!!!) to be his bride. He pulled out the ring of my dreams and I said “YES!” in between sobs. I also remember saying, “are you serious? Is this really happening?!” at least a half dozen times before our families ran out to the clearing to give us hugs and congratulations.

I always thought that a low-key engagement while on a vacation or even while at home with just the two of us would be the way I’d want to get engaged. But there is something so special about having your closest friends and family there to celebrate immediately after that is irreplaceable. Having Jake’s sister, his parents, my mom and best friend there along with many of our friends from over the years was so incredible. I’ll never forget watching my mom and his sister Michelle run through the vines to congratulate us, a warm embrace from Jake’s parents, hugging Carla on our walk back to the house and my mom handing me the phone to talk to my dad for the first time. Complete and utter joy….

The following week, we jetted off to Italy for the trip of a lifetime. Our little engagement-moon was absolutely perfect in every way.

As blurry as it is, I will never, ever forget that day. I am so thankful that he chose me and that we get to build this crazy, wild life together. <3

HUGE thanks to everyone who made our day so special… all of the friends, family and colleagues. Lastly, thank you so much to Megan Clouse who captured every single moment. We’ll treasure these images forever.

Life’s a Beach

August 6, 2015

Hello there 🙂 What have you been up to? It’s been one doozy of a year and I realize it’s been a while since I posted. With a busy work schedule, far too many projects to keep track of and the ease of other platforms like Instagram to satisfy a creative/content craving in a pinch, I’ve found myself moving away from my little home blog base and catch myself missing it often. I think I psych myself into thinking every post needs to be an elaborate tutorial, an over-the-top shoot that took weeks to curate or something crazy, but sometimes simple is better. In the words of Don Draper himself, “make it simple, but significant.” See you next week for a little catch up. Until then, I hope you find a little down time for some summer breeze and a good book at the beach.

Cheers!

Meg

{photo via Gray Malin}

I’m Back!

November 18, 2014

Huge apologies for being MIA this past week, but my computer that I’ve had since design school finally kicked it. And by “kicked it” I mean that it took 90 minutes to resize 10 photos last week, I could feel my stomach ulcer attacking my insides and I was about to be hairless if I didn’t start PULLING OUT MY HAIR in frustration and stress. I finally caved and got a brand spanking new computer that feels like absolute lightning and my life is complete again. Transferring files, fonts and contents has been a bit of a process while trying to keep up with holiday madness already happening at work, but I’m back with some SUPER fun content lined up for this week and next. I can’t wait to share 🙂 Thanks for your patience!

PS: This image reminds me that my favorite time of the year is almost here, gets me excited to wrap presents for loved ones and gets my creative juices flowing. Isn’t it so wonderfully simplistic and just perfect?! Image via.

Feeling Blue

July 8, 2014

Last week was super emotional… To the nth degree. Over the course of the past 2 weeks, we’ve had some big personal obstacles and I really hadn’t been that down in the dumps in a while. Do you ever have those weeks when you just feel blue? Thankfully, the 4th of July rolled around at just the right time and instead of throwing a big bash like we’d originally planned, we opted to spend time together – just the two of us and a few close friends for the fireworks. It really was all that I needed to feel whole again.

A few weekends ago, Jake was out of town and I biked up to the Manhattan Beach pier alone. I parked my bike, grabbed a sandwich at my favorite deli and walked the pier until I could walk no further. It’s funny and so cliche that some of the simplest things really are what make you the happiest, but that day, I was completely overcome with joy and gratitude. My heart and soul felt full and I was bursting with sheer bliss. Some days when we’re doing the daily entrepreneur grind, feeling like we’re scraping by and wondering when we’re ever going to start saving for a house… or a wedding, I forget why we live here. Days like this day at the Manhattan Beach pier remind me why I moved here and why it’s all worth the wait.

Here’s to simplifying, getting past the daily noise and filling your life with gratitude. Hope you’re having a wonderful week!

TGIF!

February 7, 2014

Came across this a while back on Pinterest and it always helps me feel a little better when I need it most. This week was tough. My mom and aunt were visiting last week and having them in town was SO nice. It’s really hard not having any family within 2,500 miles and saying goodbye only gets harder over the years. Coming home to an empty house on Monday after work felt a lot lonelier than I’d anticipated it would and even little Lily couldn’t fill the void (although she tried with tons of cute snuggles and meows). Fast forward 2 days and I’m drowning in a sea of work in preparation for what feels like a million projects before I leave for a week on vacation. SUPER excited to go on vacation, but trying to squeeze in a TON beforehand to make up for the time I’m going to be gone has been stressful. Do you ever feel that way too?

Anyway! I’m excited for a weekend with my love and my kitty in an amazingly clean and adorable backyard that my mom and aunt so generously spruced up last week. Can’t wait to share some images soon 🙂 In the meantime, have a very happy weekend!

xoxo

Meg

Style At Home

January 20, 2014

People ask me all of the time to define my style and I have a really hard time putting it into words. Some days I’m really into mid century modern while on others, I’m craving a transitional home fit for a vineyard in Napa. Beach chic? Vintage chic? Eclectic? Those all seem so broad and non-descriptive. When I came across this image in the November edition of Rue, I could not stop staring at it. It’s the dining room of Paul and Katie Hackworth and is everything I love about design all in one space: bright, airy, crisp, neutral, white exposed beam ceilings, a farmhouse table with amazing patina, wingback upholstered end chairs with nailhead detail juxtaposed against the chic and timeless Philippe Stark Louis Ghost Chair… and of course a little splash of life in fresh greenery clippings throughout. Their “modern farmhouse” is completely and utterly perfect. The home’s comfort-meets-clean-lines aesthetic left me speechless and I find myself repeatedly pulling up the images whenever I’m suffering a design block and need to push the restart button. It truly is simplicity at its finest with a real soul and a perfectly imperfect lived-in feel. I can’t wait to have a house of my own one of these days and theirs leaves me truly optimistic and excited for the future.

Check out their Rue feature here and prepare to fall in love.

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