Top 20 in 2020

The start of a new year always feels like a big deal, and 2021 will be no different. And even if this New Year’s Eve is more low-key and socially distanced than usual, that’s no excuse not celebrate in style.  I'm celebrating by reflecting on the top 20 moments, personal and professional from 2020!

Bringing in the New Year with family.

We all had such high hopes for 2020 and even though the year didn't quite work out as we had hoped, it was really special to ring in the new year with the ones I love. A family is there for each other- Always!  Because, nothing is too great for us to tackle together. We truly are fearless when we stand together.  Cheers to the people who love us, the losers who lost us, and the lucky ones who still get to meet us!

A trip to New Orleans for work and play with my sister Nadine.

The year started out with a trip to New Orleans for the Indie Congress hotel conference.  The perfect opportunity to see a city we hadn't been to and another great sister getaway.  New Orleans, it’s like stepping into a delicious, electric European fairy tale.

Networking Events Pre Covid.

Science has shown the most successful people are often also those who rely heavily on the power of networking.  Ultimately, pursuing opportunities to connect with industry leaders or professionals with varying interests and perspectives is critical to your career growth.  I'm so happy to have attended the many interior design events pre quarantine.  Afterall...."Your network is your net worth." -- Porter Gale

Celebrating my niece Lorianna's 21st Birthday.

All birthdays are so important, but in my opinion, some are milestones that should be celebrated with a little something extra — like your 21st.  We made sure to celebrate in style for my niece's birthday.  Sassy since birth.

Volunteering for the Ronald McDonald House.

In honor of Martin Luther King, together with JKRP architects, I volunteered to help with interior renovations at The Ronald McDonald House.  Who ever could have imagined that the masks we wore for demolition would become such an integral part of our lives in the following months!

Charlotte, NC for work and play.

In March I traveled to Charlotte, NC for the PACE conference, which ended up getting cancelled due to COVID.  My sister Nadine and my niece Lorianna joined me and we made the best of it.  It was the week before quarantine and we had no idea what we were about to experience.

Lots of new Recipes.

In the initial days after quarantine it seemed like everyone I knew started baking: My Instagram feed was filled with loaves of sourdough, raspberry scones, blueberry muffins, chocolate chip cookies, Nutella banana bread.  It really inspired me to try out my own new recipes.  Quarantine cooking is more than just feeding yourself.  Cooking and baking provide entertainment and community as well as sustenance.

Connecting with my sisters on Zoom and off!

I've pretty much always been close to my sisters but quarantine allowed us the opportunity to spend even more time together to create memories.  This is one of the most amazing things to have come out of quarantine.

Social Distancing with Friends.

One of the first books I remember reading was Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. The value of a true friend was etched in my mind as I witnessed the friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur develop. The love and sacrifice between these two characters taught me about the importance of our need to connect.

Why did you do all this for me?” Wilber asked. “I don’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.”

“You have been my friend,” replied Charlotte. “That in itself is a tremendous thing.”

Friendship is a tremendous thing. I see it all over social media – the need for friends. Some voice it as loneliness while others try to compensate by putting up a facade — but the truth remains — we all need friends.  I am so grateful and thankful for the friends I have because without them I would have been completely isolated for the past 9 months.

Completing the Intermediate Tarot Course.

I've been reading tarot cards for about 20 years now.  I taught myself about the cards and spreads through the years but I had always wanted to take a more organized course.  Tarot reading is an age-old practice that can help us reach answers to the most burning questions of our life. From love to family to career, everything can be answered with the help of a few turns of tarot cards.  It's about intuition and gaining insight into the psyche.  Eminent psychiatrist Carl Jung in a 1933 lecture went on at length about his views on the Tarot, noting that the cards are psychological images, symbols with which one plays, as the unconscious seems to play with its contents.

Picnic in the park with Kelly Donia.

It was such a lovely day in the park with Kelly Donia.  She packed us a picnic and showed me the new product releases all while social distancing!  We even got to play with an adorable puppy that was walking by!

The launch of Bloom by Tina Delia.

A definite highlight of the year for me.  While the past few months have brought about a flurry of change to the makings of our daily lives: work and home life have now become one, and that’s given us quite a bit of time to reflect on the spaces we inhabit. More than a place to sleep or lounge, the bedroom is the place most representative of our truest selves, the space we return to when looking for a reprieve from the outside world, the area we trust to deliver on relaxation and all things home.  And so, Bloom was born.

It's been years in the making to be honest with you.  It took a little slow down from the hustle of interior design due to a global pandemic to open up the dedicated time to focus on it and bring the vision to life!   

Celebrating my first Duvet Cover Sale.

When I launched Bloom, I put a tag on a bottle of Perrier Joet stating "my first duvet cover sale".  When I sold that first cover, it was a true celebration for me.  We all set goals for ourselves and we work really hard to achieve those goals. Recognizing and celebrating success is a very powerful motivator for me because it reinforces the meaning behind all that hard work and it shows appreciation for the achievements. This, in turn, boosts self-esteem and it motivates us to take the next step towards achieving that next goal! 

Welcoming New Additions.

My very dear friends Glenn and Marisa welcomed their adorable little boy, Grayson into the world in July.  It has been such a pleasure to see him grow.  

Another new addition to the family is Tiger, my sister's new kitten!  This was a really wonderful addition for me since having lost my two little fur babies over the past couple of years.  

Reconnecting with Old Friends.

Even though, in the age of social media, it feels like it's easy to know where your friends are and what they're up to, it's still common to lose touch. I'm so happy to have reconnected with my High School friend Bethany this Summer!  "While they talked they remembered the years of their youth and each thought of the other as he had been at another time."  John Williams

Completing Interior Design Projects.

There’s always a point in every project when it helps to get a little perspective, to understand that there are others who can relate to what you’re going through. During these moments, it can help to get some inspiration to motivate you over those humps.  I'm so grateful to my clients and partners who help me to practice good interior design.  Nothing is more rewarding than getting to the finish line of a project.

Watching the hotel I designed get built.

With new luxury pied-à-terres becoming increasingly prevalent, it has become harder to decide where to call your home away from home.  Today’s luxury explorers crave places with a personality that embraces their surroundings or tells a story.  As travelers’ taste in design and art becomes more sophisticated, they actually seek out those with unique design elements that truly push the needle when it comes to fusing comfort, space, and sense of place with a big dose of character. Maj Hotel is situated in Fairmount offering a more neighborhood feel while still having the ease of access to all of Philadelphia's art and culture.

My first run post broken foot surgery.

Anyone who has had surgery can probably relate with how hard surgery can be on the body. I knew running would be there for me when I was fully recovered. I didn't pressure myself into running too soon. I waited nine (9) months to get back out on the road and gave birth to a new understanding of my mind and body in the process!

Lots of New Projects.

When we first went into quarantine, I had a few projects I was finishing up.  Once they finished up and other projects dried up, I was extremely concerned.  I didn't know if projects would come back.  I'm so grateful that I was able to hold strong through the roller coaster ride we've been on!

Celebrating Christmas with my Family.

Winter holidays are considered the best times for a family get together. Disconnecting from everyday stress and connecting with life is the best thing you can do for spreading love, laughter, gratitude, warmth and smiles.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post.  Interior design isn't just about the space.  It's also about what's in the space.  

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In addition to being a Philadelphia Multifamily Interior Designer,  I also design boutique hotels, fitness centers, office spaces, residential development projects, other commercial spaces such as office and retail spaces, and the senior living community throughout the tri state area.  We work here in Philadelphia, the main line, and even Nationally!