The Fine Art of Family Magazine

MONICA’S BLOG As a college junior, I spent five months in Paris, where I studied French, art and photography. I lived in a little room in the home of an older single Parisian woman and her dog. This May, I experienced deja vu when I picked up my youngest daughter, Laura, at the airport. She had just returned from a semester abroad in Paris, where she studied French, art and …

Tags: Family, Monicas Blog, Sharing, Travel

MONICA’S BLOG I often read in the news about the importance of sitting down to dinner with your family. Have we become so busy, independent and disconnected that we need to be told to do this? Has the modern family—two working parents and technology-obsessed kids—made sharing meals together a thing of the past?

Tags: Capturing, Family, Food, Monicas Blog

MONICA’S BLOG A few weeks ago, I stopped by the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute in New York to check out the new exhibition “American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity,” showcasing six defining styles—the Heiress, Gibson Girl, Bohemian, Patriots and Suffragists, Flappers and Screen Sirens—between the 1890s and 1940s.

Tags: Art, Celebrating, Collection, Collections, Fashion, Monicas Blog, The Arts

MONICA’S BLOG While I generally prefer to wear more timeless and versatile pieces, there’s something about costume jewelry that can be so iconic. It can add just a bit of fun to any look. I almost always get compliments when I mix these very cool 1960s Lucite bangles that I found in Paris with my charm bracelet.

Tags: Celebrating, Jewelry, Monicas Blog

MONICA’S BLOG My family knows that every Tuesday evening is my “American Idol” time. I’m not embarrassed to admit, I’ve been a fan since day one. I love it! I even vote. This Wednesday night, “American Idol” will conclude it’s ninth season with a winner. No matter who that person is, the power of the song has been an important part of their journey and mine, as a devout fan.

Tags: Art, Celebrating, Family, Monicas Blog, Music, The Arts

MONICA’S BLOG Some years ago, I was driving and listening to the radio when I heard Jon Bon Jovi sing, “You want to make a memory?” Well, yes, actually I do. And I also want to inspire people to be more aware of their own memories. I was happy to hear this music icon say out loud (for millions to hear) exactly what I’ve been talking about for years.

Tags: Capturing, Monicas Blog, The Arts

MONICA’S BLOG One of the best perks of my job is that I get to travel to post-card perfect places, like Italy, England, and France, for both work and inspiration. Last March, my husband and I visited Florence, a city that continues to flourish, as it’s name implies, with new and old traditions of great craftsmanship and artistry.

Tags: Celebrating, Monicas Blog, Travel

MONICA’S BLOG Mother’s Day, as you know, is about all mothers. If you were fortunate to grow up knowing several generations of mothers–from your mom to grandma to great-grandma–then you had the wonderful advantage to experience your heritage firsthand. My daughters are extremely lucky to not only have two, but three grandmothers, including my stepmother.

Tags: Celebrating, Family, Monicas Blog

MONICA’S BLOG I love Facebook. It’s no-doubt an incredible way to keep in touch. Still, there’s nothing like connecting with people in person. With that in mind, I invite you to come out to one of my three book signings–two of which will be held at NY’s Bergdorf Goodman (pictured left)–this week for my new book, Living with What You Love. Hope to meet you at one of these events!

Tags: Monicas Blog, Sharing

MONICA’S BLOG My new book Living with What You Love is 20 years in the making. That’s how long I’ve been helping people make their house a home by creating personal, meaningful spaces they can enjoy every day. The book was truly a labor of love that was well-worth the wait, which officially ended on April 20th, when it hit bookstores nationwide.

Tags: Celebrating, Collection, Collections, Family, Heirloom, Heirlooms, Home, Monicas Blog