How to Turn Your Faults Into Assets

Editor's Notes: Today I am wearing Vince pants a Tahari silk blouse and a cardigan by Anthropologie and Taryn Rose flats.

If you're a human being, by nature you will have faults. While you cannot change your natural, god-given faults, you can turn them into assets. I have been doing this my whole life. I recognize my downfalls and turn them into assets.

Here are three examples.

First, I have a very Type "A" personality. I am a planner, and I am organized to a T. I have to be organized and on top of every last detail or it drives me absolutely slap dab crazy. Being Type "A" is something I've struggled with my whole life, but it has also helped me in more ways than one. It made me fifth in my class at Country Day, allowed me to gain acceptance to Tulane's Business School, one of the most prestigious in the country, and made me the woman that I am today. I use my planning and organizational skills everyday at work to make sure that client projects are completed perfectly and in a very timely manner. My clients all know that I am a "make it happen" type of designer. One of my favorite expressions is, "There's no grass growing under my feet!" If something needs to be done, I waste no time in making it happen, and I do so with style! I also bring this fault of being Type "A" and a voracious planner into my home life. I plan dinners for my family at the beginning of every week, plan my grocery shopping down to every last item to make sure I always have everything on hand to cook dinner at a moment's notice! No last minute running to the store in my house!

Second, I don't like to be behind on anything. Feeling like I'm behind absolutely sends me over the edge. People tell me that they can easily lay on the couch and watch a movie when there's laundry to be done or a house to be cleaned and I cannot imagine putting a task off until later. I like things done yesterday. While I love Scarlett O'Hara (as mentioned last week), "I'll think about it tomorrow" couldn't be more opposite from my personal mantra. I think about things yesterday, and while I'm accomplishing them, I multi-task and accomplish five other things while I'm at it. I suppose it's a fault that I don't know how to relax, but that's just who I am! My old assistant used to joke that my idea of a vacation was going to a different city to work. As much as I hate to admit it, she was absolutely correct!

Third, I am persnickety about my clothes. I was raised by a wonderful, traditional mother and she has always been and still is very elegant. She taught me never to leave the house looking anything less than your best, for any reason. I cannot leave the house without my hair done and a perfectly put together ensemble on my body. I just can't. I envy women who feel perfectly comfortable running around town in workout clothes---that's just something I could never do! I buy clothes each season very methodically, making sure I am selecting the right pieces to enhance my current wardrobe. Like I've said before, I can't create beautiful homes if I don't feel sassy, and beautiful clothes help me feel at my best at all times.

Try identifying your faults---and be honest with yourself! Write them down and then 

think about times where your faults have done something positive. Can that be applied to your everyday life?

Last night for dinner I made tilapia with chipotle lime and a caesar salad with monterey jack cheese, pecans and homemade croutons.

Love this song! Great to dance around to!

The Importance of Giving Back.

Editor's Note: Today I am wearing a skirt from Banana Republic, an Ann Taylor silk blouse, and a sweater from Anthropologie.

I have worked full time all of my adult life, but I have always taken the time outside of work to give back to the wonderful community that I call home.

It is so important to give back and volunteer within your community for as much time as you possibly can.

I started volunteering at the age of 14 at the Child Study Center, working in the snack bar.

During my junior year at Tulane, I taught French to 2nd through 5th graders at a private Catholic school in Covington, LA. I exposed the kids to French during 30 minute classes, twice a week. I drove an hour each way in order to do this.

In my twenties, I worked at John Peter Smith Hospital here in Fort Worth, first in the nursery with the newborns and then in the psych ward. This was part of my placement with the Junior League of Fort Worth.

When I started doing interior design work, I devoted some time to Saint Andrews, where I helped them upgrade the Teenage Room upstairs with paint, new furniture and equipment.

I helped again with my bible study group and re-did rooms at a battered women's center with new sheets and blinds, and provided cleaning supplies.

Currently, I am part of the Jewel Charity Ball committee and I sell chance tickets in the months leading up to the ball. 100 % of the Jewel Charity Ball supports Cook Children's Hospital. My great-grandfather, Dr. Covert was one of the founders of Cook Children's, and it holds a special place in my heart.

Last night for dinner I made turkey burgers and grilled eggplant with oregano, 

chili oil, parsley and Monterey Jack cheese.

This song from The Supremes is one of my favorites.

Collections for Christmas

Editor's Note: Today I am wearing a dress by Opening Ceremony, an Hermes Scarf and Banana Republic heels.

Next week is bittersweet for me, as it will be the beginning of the last year that I will be decorating for Christmas for clients. I have been doing Christmas decor for clients starting the week of Thanksgiving and going through the second week of December since 1991, the year after I started at The Market Antiques and Home Furnishings. When I went out on my own in November of 2002, it seemed like a good idea to continue Christmas decorating as I built my client base.

Last year, I decided that Christmas 2015 would be my last year hanging garlands and decorating trees as I have gotten too busy to take over two weeks off to devote to Christmas installs.

As I near the beginning of the end, I thought I would share some of my favorite things to do when decorating for Christmas. 

One thing carries over from my aesthetic when accessorizing all year round, and that is grouping collections of things together.

I love to do this at Christmas. 

There are collections of Angels.

Collections of Nutcrackers.

Collections of Christmas themed snow globes.

Collections of Santas.

We disburse this client's collection of Santas among her blue and white porcelain that she keeps out year round.

This client needle points stockings for each family and we display them going up her grand staircase.

This client has a variety of collections that I place around the house.

 Last night for dinner we had Central Market crab cakes with remoulade and a spinach salad.

Love this song by Casey James.

What collections will you be displaying for Christmas?

Grouping your collection, new or old together makes a much more powerful impact than if they are scattered all over the house.

Thanksgiving Ideas!

Editor's Note: Today I am wearing a vintage blouse by Krizia , a skirt from Anthropologie and slingback kitten heels by Nancy Nancy.

We always spend our Thanksgiving day at Rivercrest Country Club, as they have a large Thanksgiving feast with a buffet of just about anything you could ask for, from the traditional Thanksgiving fare of Turkey and dressing, to what I personally enjoy---salmon and shrimp.

I really enjoy our Rivercrest Thanksgiving every year, especially since I host a big Christmas celebration a month later, and spend days decorating, cooking and preparing for that family event.

Even though I do not decorate a table of my own, I thought it would be fun to share some ideas for decorating your table and what to serve for Thanksgiving.

These rose-encrusted pears were a great idea out of this month's Southern Living.

Perfect for a Thanksgiving centerpiece or a fall table setting.

Pieces of holly bush can be woven around candles or placed in a bowl or vase. The red berries are festive and the greenery makes the arrangement look full and lush.

Fall leaves and pine cones can be taken out of your back yard and placed in a glass hurricane for a natural and free centerpiece.

I wish I had a picture of the versions my twins did in pre-school, but these pine cone turkeys are a fun and easy craft to do with your children or grandchildren and can be a fun, cheeky addition to the main table or an easy centerpiece for your kids table.

When decorating your table or mantle, don't be afraid to use faux and dried flowers and foliage to be kept up all season. You can add fresh flowers later for Thanksgiving day or a dinner party.

I thought I'd share how my Christmas buffet is usually displayed. I bring out all of my silver serving pieces and chaffing dishes for Christmas day. It creates a sense of occasion, and I love making holidays feel really special for all that attend.

Aside from making sure your feast is presented beautifully,

be sure to seize this opportunity to actually USE your china, crystal and silver.

It does not have to be Thanksgiving china either. Use fall inspired china, like Woodland Spode, or even white plates jazzed up by a fall color table cloth or pretty napkins.

Woodland Spode does have a collection with turkeys---if you are so inclined.

I love the idea of using your formal china for Thanksgiving, even if it is not necessarily fall colors.

This Herend Cornucopia pattern with a pumpkin color charger is decidedly autumnal and absolutely stunning.

Or, use this opportunity to add a fall inspired salad plate to your china collection!

Place cards are an absolute must for a sit down dinner. I love this version 

from Crane & Co.

When thinking about your Thanksgiving menu, try thinking outside the box this year.

If you're not a huge turkey fan and you find it to be a chore, don't cause yourself unnecessary stress!

One year, I did Cornish game hens and served them on a bed of wild rice and they were a huge hit!

Beef Tenderloin is also a crowd pleaser and it is so delicious!

What are your favorite ways to make your Thanksgiving table and meal festive?

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Last night for dinner I cooked chicken and broccoli with Chinese Mustard.

I listen to country music from time to time and this song by David Frizzell and Shelly West is a favorite of mine.

Kay's Favorite Films!

Editor's Note: Today I am wearing a J. Crew blouse, a  Laundry cardigan and a skirt by Nanette Lepore. My flats are also by J.Crew.

I have talked a lot about my favorite things on this blog, but three of the main things that define who I am are being a strong woman, my love of fashion and my talent and passion for interiors.

These three things are recurring themes in my favorite movies of all time. I thought it would be fun to share them today and talk about why each holds a special meaning for me.

1. Steel Magnolias---I love everything about this movie. First, it's not only set in the South, but in Louisiana, where my mother's whole side of the family is from. I love that all of the characters are strong women, and the interiors, albiet very 80's are wonderfully appointed.

2. Gone with the Wind--- This movie is such a classic, and if you have not taken the time to see it, bless your heart, it's so so worth it. Again, set in the South, and I love watching the strong female heroine, Scarlett overcome all sorts of obstacles, some brought on by the Civil War, and others of her own making. The fashion is absolutely stunning and her costume changes are one of the best things about the movie. The interiors are also fabulous, indicative of the richness of the South in the mid 1800's and the grandeur of movies made in the late 1930's.

3. Breakfast at Tiffany's----Audrey Hepburn is again, a strong female lead, and is equal parts beautiful and glamorous in this movie. I love getting lost in movies like this. The fashion is still iconic years and years later.

4. Charade---Another Audrey Hepburn film with a powerhouse woman as the lead (are you sensing a trend here?). The costumes are fabulous and the scenery is breathtaking. I love that it is set in Paris, my most favorite city in the world.

As I'm concluding this movie list with one set in Paris, I must express my sadness and prayers for those affected by the events in Paris on Friday. There is so much beauty in our world, and last week's tragedy was a startling reminder that sometimes that beauty is overshadowed by ugliness.

I love this Whitney Houston song. It is beautiful and uplifting.