• Thrift Studio Preview Party & Pop-Up Store

    by  • 9 Apr ’14 • 0 Comments

    Screen Shot 2014-04-09 at 2.38.56 PMI am honored and thrilled to be the Honorary Chair for the spring 2014 Thrift Studio. Thrift Studio is a not-like-any-other-thrift-store THRIFT STORE. Tomorrow, April 10th, we kick off with our preview party. Thrift Studio is a bi-annual 30 day pop-up shop created to provide financial viability and fundraising for Dwell with Dignity through selling donated furniture, housewares, accessories and high end designer finds to the public. All proceeds  benefit the future work, growth, organization and structure of Dwell with Dignity.

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    Spaghetti on Sunday: Remembering Nan Kempner

    by  • 31 Mar ’14 • 6 Comments

    nan4Nan Kempner has been on my mind lately. It started last month when I commented to my friend Danielle Rollins that her book Soirée (one of my favorite books) reminded me of another favorite book, RSVP by the late Nan Kempner. As it turns out, RSVP inspired Danielle’s beautiful book. Then, over the weekend, Dallas designer Pam Kelley commented on a Facebook post. Pam wrote, “Sundays are the hardest for me. Not Sunday morning, but Sunday evening. I never liked it as a child, and still do not as an adult.”

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    The Details: RONDA CARMAN FINE FABRICS

    by  • 24 Mar ’14 • 5 Comments

    RCFF_1A HUGE thank you for all of the emails, messages and Facebook feedback yesterday! I am overwhelmed by the positive responses and reactions. ‘Fresh’ is the one recurring word I keep hearing about the fabrics (which makes me very happy). I am really very excited about this venture.

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    RONDA CARMAN FINE FABRICS

    by  • 22 Mar ’14 • 15 Comments

    Carman_Invitation2014 has started with a big bang….a move back to Houston, reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones and resurrecting Soup on Sunday (being back in the kitchen makes me happy).  It’s hard to believe that next month marks the one-year anniversary of my book Designers at Home. And while I thought my second book would be well underway, a different (and amazing) opportunity has come my way.  I am now weeks away from the biggest (and most exciting) venture to date.

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    Soup on Sunday: Seafood Chowder

    by  • 10 Mar ’14 • 3 Comments

    IMG_6277Yesterday was a cold and rainy Sunday in Houston. I would venture to say it’s a rare occasion, but with the strange weather patterns as of late (and polar vortices), it seems to be more commonplace these days. Originally I was going to make Salmon Chowder (my favorite standby) until I was inspired by the clam, mussel and sausage Étouffée at brunch. So, after leisurely lunch, we made our way to Central Market to pick up clams for our chowder…which lead to the addition of scallops as well. The result was delicious! Enjoy.

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    A Lovely London Home

    by  • 13 Feb ’14 • 4 Comments

    Dezeen_East-London-House-by-David-Mikhail-Architects_ss_1I love houses. And while I am a sucker for a beautiful period home, I equally like the melding of old with the new (when done right). In London, where space is at a premium, you see many interesting renovations. While strolling the streets the past few days, I have been trying my best to peer into windows and garden gates. A very beautiful renovation/extension lead me to the work of London based David Mikhail Architects. This particular house (featured in Dezeen magazine) was first constructed in the 1830s at three times the width of most London terraces, and later divided into three separate residences. David Mikhail Architects restored the original layout of the building so that it could once again be a single family home. It’s a very good example of  a renovation done right and a great juxtaposition of old and new.

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    Soup on Sunday: Tuscan Turkey Noodle

    by  • 27 Jan ’14 • 4 Comments

    turkey noodle soupYesterday was a near perfect day…cool weather and not a cloud in the sky. It was the kind of day were you wanted to be outside as long as possible. In fact, that was our primary goal. Other than church and brunch, all time was spent out and about. Once it turned dark and cooler, this recipe fit the dinnertime bill perfectly; little prep time and easy to prepare. Enjoy

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    Profile: Danielle Rollins

    by  • 21 Jan ’14 • 4 Comments

    IMG_5398I love serendipitous moments, and this weekend offered one of those wonderful unexpected moments. When last minute plans put both me and Danielle in Dallas on Sunday, brunch was on the horizon. Reservations were made for alfresco dining at Meso Maya and we were joined by friends Matt Whitaker, Kelley Copeland, Amy and Rob Lee (and their little princess). It was by far one of the most fun brunches in recent memory. Not to mention the weather, food and company were fantastic.

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    Soup on Sunday: Grilled Chicken Noodle

    by  • 13 Jan ’14 • 4 Comments

    soupNEW NOTE:
    When I asked my young friend Michael what soup I should make after church he replied, “Chicken Noodle!” Knowing that it’s hard to beat this recipe, I decided to repost a favorite. Once again, this soup did not disappoint. Enjoy

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    Pretty Pictures: Workspaces

    by  • 11 Jan ’14 • 7 Comments

    RCDH1118Having been self-employed for the past several years, I have had the privilege of working from home and having my own little office. My office in Scotland was pure pleasure…the attic space of a former Georgian Townhouse. Though tiny, it was a jewel box. I loved being surrounded each day by my art, photos of friends, handwritten notes and stacks of books and magazines (witness image above). Now that I am setting up my office in Texas, I am once again looking at some of my favorite workspaces for inspiration. I would love to see your offices/desks and/or favorite images. Perhaps there is another blog post in the making. If you would like to share, please email me at
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    A New Year and What’s to Come…

    by  • 6 Jan ’14 • 50 Comments

    photo (12)It’s hard to believe that it’s been seven years since penning my very first blog post. In all honestly, I could never have envisioned the path that my life would take as I typed that first post in January 2007. I am still delighted by the daily journey and grateful for the amazing opportunities that I have been presented. Authoring a book this year has been a life long dream. I am most appreciative to Rizzoli for publishing Designers at Home, my editor Sandy Gilbert (I can’t wait to start the next one), Martha Stewart for writing the forward and hosting my New York launch party and to all of you who have supported me over the years. I am still humbled and honored by these events and friendships.

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    Soup on Sunday: Matt’s Texas Chili

    by  • 6 Jan ’14 • 12 Comments

    chili_3Rare are the days that it’s cold enough for soup in Texas (without turning down the A/C). However, today was the rare exception. When we left for church this morning it was in the upper 60s. However, by the time we left service it had dropped 15 degrees (and is expected to drop to 27 tonight).  Matt, my friend and a Soup on Sunday follower, offered  to make his “almost famous” Texas chili. Instead of ground beef he uses chuck roast (diced into 1 inch cubes), yum! His recipe is loosely base on a  Terlingua International Chili recipe.  And, while I will admit  that I am not  completely  convinced that beans officially go into chili, this recipe was delicious…especially  served over Fritos…it’s so good!! I would love for you to weigh in on the beans vs no bean debate. The International Chili Society’s Judging Criteria states that Traditional Red Chili, as is defined by the International Chili Society beans and pasta are strictly forbidden. Either way, this chili is yummy! Enjoy.

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