A very smart lady once advised: "surround yourself with what you love." As one who has always been drawn to design and beauty, doing so came naturally to me, but so did guilt for I am also inherently concerned with the wellbeing of mankind and social inequality, concepts which were further underscored in my family growing up, where I was taught to not want. For years I grappled with the conflicting notions of gratitude and shame with regard to life's bounty. Always a late bloomer, I have let go of that guilt a little in favor of embracing the very things I love: flowers, architecture, decor, cuisine, travel, fashion, a good book, and of course, my family and friends. I am still concerned about human suffering and social injustice but I don't let it consume me or my children for I have discovered that when we experience joy, there is more to share with others and that happiness keeps on giving.

Speaking of beauty, my new city has a lot of it: the Palace of Fine Arts, the Japanese tea garden, Lombard Street (almost every street really) and in my neck of the woods, Fillmore Street with uber-chic boutiques and delectable eateries. Elizabeth Charles is hands down my favorite shop with an ever changing window display which is always chock full of eye candy. Today I delivered a few new pieces from my minimalist diamond collection and was romanced by the fabulous assemblage of reds just in time for Valentine's Day. Ms. Charles's website also sports a new face from time to time, and lately the home page is logo-clad including Designs by Alina:

I love being in the company of such incredible creative talents who add to the beauty I seek like this dress by Carven, jacket by Isabel Marant and shoes by Henri Lepore Dezert. 

Catch me Ralph, I'm swooning! 

There it is. The much anticipated knock at the front gate. Our son pops out of his seat with the urgency of a firefighter to see if they have arrived. It is the most anticipated day of all with a family camel ride followed by a trek through the Atlas mountains. My husband and I are hoping that the fresh squeezed orange and pomegranate juice from the property's orchard will make our youngest, who is running a light fever, feel up to today’s adventure. 

"Which one is mine?" asks our wide-eyed son when our handsome guide -right out of One Thousand and One Nights, arrives. No answer. Unbothered, he inspects our transportation while my husband and I remain torn between splitting up the family on our last day in Morocco and bouncing our glassy-eyed four-year-old daughter through the desert. And so it is that we bundle up our sweetest of cargo and set out to explore the world’s largest desert.

Trekking through unchartered territory…virgin sand dunes…our long hair and white linen swaying in the Saharan wind…

Not.

Though it is not as romantic as I had imagined, it does prove to be an unparalleled experience that bonds our family in a way that only travel does. And if it didn't make her feel better, it certainly elevates our daughter's spirit, for she is not about to let anyone talk her into missing out on yet another adventure. 

"What?" I balk when my husband announces that our car is waiting. "You didn't cancel it? It's two o'clock in the afternoon! Those roads are the most dangerous in Morocco! It’s too late now, we shouldn't drive back down in the dark!”

I am certain he only hears "blah, blah, blah." Yes, we are that predictable.

My husband, the one who found himself at age nineteen in a Western Sahara refugee camp (but that’s another story) assures me that it's safe and that we will all be fine. And with the children chiming in for me not to spoil our last day of fun, we find ourselves on the ever-winding Route 203 towards the high Atlas mountains.

Good thing my husband didn't see this in the guide books. Might have given him an idea or two.

The trek to Imlil takes nearly two hours. We stop for a bite at a restaurant, seemingly enveloped in the enormous mountain, and pay a visit to a coop run by women who invite us to take a stab at making argan oil. The experience makes our daughter, Gisella, and me feel as though we have traveled centuries back to a slower, less adulterated time and place. Hypnotized by the sublime sound of the call to prayer, we are reminded that dusk will soon be upon us and that it is time to head back to the hotel.

In all of its magnificence, the deep-saffron sunset, casting its hue over the province in one majestic stroke, fails to distract me for more than an instant. I am hanging on for dear life and asking the children multiple times if they are buckled in. The peaceful photos below fail to tell the truth about that treacherous drive down the ridge, inches from plummeting us into the ravine below. I honestly have no idea how we made it back to the hotel unharmed. No need to do that again and I hope my family opts out for life too.

True that if faced with the decision to travel through the Atlas mountains again, especially at dusk, my answer (and I speak for my children too) would emphatically be a NO. Daredevil antics aside, our family is all the richer for having taken this memorable journey. The warm welcome we received from the Arab and Berber people deeply touched us, shedding much light on our understanding of their abundant culture. 

P.S. -Five months after our unforgettable visit, a bomb tragically destroyed the Argana cafe in Jemaa el Fnaa, a popular marketplace in the very Medina we visited. The title of this trilogy: Happy to be Alive, makes reference, not only to the dangerous Atlas mountains, but also to that heartbreaking event. 

"Mom, that hat over there is running by itself!" howls my son as he attempts to pull me away from the sweet stand where my girls are coveting everything in sight. But I can't move because this is the Medina. It is our first trip to Morocco and it feels as though there are more people than I saw on the streets of Rome during the millennium! With my trio donning safety tags given to us at the hotel, I am feeling uneasy about anything less than a centimeter between us. When we finally peel the girls away from the sweets, I spot an owl straight out of the Exorcist, spinning its head in an effort to keep up with the renegade hat propelled by a clandestine rodent. Yep, we have definitely arrived in Morocco and this is day two!

With a guide next to her, our youngest takes to the city exuding the type of confidence that only comes with knowledge or a sense of peace with your surroundings. And if you are thinking that she is far too young to have either, I would agree with you except for that old adage about a picture saying a thousand words. 

We are led through a maze of tiny adobe-hued streets, where my husband and I quickly determine that while a guide is a must for first-time visitors and families traveling with young children, they often lead you straight to the merchants with which they do business dissuading you from venturing into areas you may have otherwise explored. Note to self: Next time we brave the souks in the hands of our younger guide.

Words are inadequate to describe how quickly one becomes entranced by the Medina. The energy, rich colors, aroma, and overwhelming amount of fabrics, rugs, scarves and lanterns have the power to transfix as they collectively become the very soul of the old city. It is one of those discoveries our family has never taken for granted, a wondrous gift we can unlock, as I do now, whenever we wish to be reminded of how heightened our senses can become.

We stop at an enchanting restaurant where yards of striped fabric adorn every inch of the walls and ceiling. I am amazed at how well the daring juxtaposition of prints and colors works in this part of the world. The Medina is a feast for the senses: culinary creations infused with dates, prunes, figs, and spices like cumin, saffron, cinnamon, and ginger delight the palate. Our senses are further heightened by the adhan, or call to prayer, the most spellbinding sound I have ever heard, one I grew to anticipate during the length of our magnificent stay. 

Take a camel ride through the desert, a hair-raising trek through the Atlas mountains and learn why we are Happy to Be Alive in Part III of the trilogy.

Dar Ayniwen Hotel

It should never have been a difficult choice. Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to visit a gorgeous Riad in Marrakech packed with six other adventurous couples? Who would say “no” to an exotic camel ride, a romantic dinner for two in the desert and a trek through the wondrous Atlas mountains at sunset? 

That would be me. 

When our friends Tatiana and Campion invited us and 10 of their nearest and dearest on this adventure-packed getaway to celebrate their first year of marriage, we were flattered to say the least and in fleeting excitement I hailed “yes” to the proposal. And that is when the sleepless nights began. 

It had only been three years since 9/11 had shattered the lives of many, thrusting the world into a state of mourning and casting a shadow of doubt on our desire as newlyweds to begin a family of our own. It wasn't the Middle East, still the prospect of leaving our twin toddlers to pursue the unknown in a farway land had me tied up in knots. As much as I wanted to discover that side of the world, meet up with friends and not forfeit our tickets five days before our flight, I simply could not tear myself away from these sweet little faces.

Dario and Gisella at Sunstone Winery

What a difference a day makes -or six years in this case- for that's how much time had passed since my husband decided not to kill me. Now our new and improved family of five was ready to embark on a Moroccan adventure!

Day 1 

Upon our arrival, I am delightfully surprised to discover I will not need to kiss my wardrobe goodbye in favor of full body armor like the travel advisors suggested. Sure, older women are donning djellabas and veils but the younger set sports western clothing, arms and legs exposed even in winter. Another discovery that delights me is the intense hue blanketing everything in sight. It is as though a perennial sunset cast a spell on the grounds and structures around us rendering them deep orange at all hours of the day. The dramatic juxtaposition of light and dark is the most exquisite live example of chiaroscuro I have ever seen and I suddenly have the urge to meet the modern-day Rembrant who surely must be lurking in these parts of the world.

Meeting the locals is what I love most

Nestled in the midst of a lush oasis of palm and fruit trees known as the Palmeraie,  is Dar Ayniwen, a charming hotel, rich in color and smiles of the genuine kind. Our whole family falls in love with Zakaria, our valet of sorts, from the moment he says mrehba. Yes, the stranger who continually charms us with his kindness, including the homemade chicken soup, blankets and bracelet he offers to our under-the-weather-four-year-old, completely wins us over...tenfold.

Yes, our family is humbled by the new world of wonder and goodwill unfolding before us. And after a good night's sleep, the real adventure would begin.

Take a stroll through the Medina in Part II, and a dangerous trek though the Atlas mountains in Part III of Happy to be Alive, our family's journey to Morocco. A few photos to whet your appetite...

Photograph via stylebistro

Mamma's got a brand new bag! 

And I owe it to San Francisco, where life organically unfolds allowing us to adjust our lens accordingly. Take prints for example, which I have rarely favored over solids. Now I make it a point not just to wear them but to mix them too. And while there is an art to it, I have nailed it down to these simple tricks. Give it a try, you just might shed your solid skin in favor of a more playful one...and be on trend to boot!

1. Get inspired. The pros have been doing this for eons. Isabel Marant, Etro, Diane von Furstenberg, and Dolce & Gabbana are among my favorite designers who share an affinity for prints and are brilliant at weaving them together in a single piece of clothing or with other printed pieces. Discover what your comfort zone is and morph from there.
2. Stay within a color scheme. Mix prints in the same tonal family. The DVF ensemble below is a great example. Elegant meets chic with a touch of whimsy. 
3. Bring on the stripes! They complement other prints effortlessly, especially florals. Check out Heidi Klum's striped top and gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana number below. 
4. Contrast large prints with smaller ones. Some stylists differ with me on this one but I feel that too many prints of the same size can be jarring. 
5. Pinpoint a mood. While more difficult to do well, combining prints that share a certain feel can be very rewarding, like infusing an ethereal watercolor print with large whimsical circles or a herringbone pattern with an animal print.
6. Spotlight a single piece. Showcasing a dramatic print can be achieved by mixing it with a smaller, repetitive pattern. I have discovered that the latter acts like a solid against the bold centerpiece (that's why stripes are a good way to ease into mixing.)

Diane von Furstenberg

Runway photos above: Etro (left and center) Tracy Reese (right) 

Heidi Klum, photo via justjared

The always stylish Chiara Ferragni, photo via gastrochic.com

Okay, I know what you're thinking. Sure, these are the pros and there are teams of designers and stylists behind them but it really is easier than you think. Below is an ensemble from my own closet which infuses three printed pieces. What do you think?

Here's to a more playful you in 2015!

Blouse,  Etoile by Isabel Marant; jacket, Cher Michel Klein; skinnies, Lure by Gold Sign; loafers, Sam Edelman; scarf, Michel Klein; clutch, vintage Dolce & Gabanna; sunglasses, Oliver Peoples; earrings and necklace, Designs by Alina. 

Eye candy. Everywhere. And for a designer that means that any other season is merely a distant second. Couple the visual feast with the magic I get to live through my children’s eyes and, well, my soul and heart are full.

Less tangible, though equally pleasing, are the scents of pine, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves which together conjure up Christmas. Still, what I love the most is how it empowers us by giving us a sense of gratitude for what we have and those who make up much of life's bounty. 

I have in mind one of those very people. Supportive, kind, clever, and insanely funny, she has also mastered the art of selecting the perfect gift. Hers are never about the brand or money spent. They aren’t about the presentation (though I do love a gorgeously wrapped gift). More importantly a present from her would never make sense if gifted to anyone else. No. Hers are all about perpetuating the fun memories you have shared. This year, for example, acquiring a license to ride my Vespa was a key event which enabled me to zip around town and score a prime parking spot, which in my city is like beating a blockbuster's villain. My husband and I scoot to dinner, oftentimes with our favorite bottle of wine in tow (Sancerre, Amarone or Viognier). She herself braved the back seat while visiting San Francisco to her husband's complete and utter disbelief. A part of the story already, she decided to leave her mark with her color-coordinated, wine-lover's gift!

She also gifted our husbands a set of these cleverly designed glasses by Bodum because we have shared many a laugh over the fact that our guys seem to be allergic to coasters. I usually favor aesthetics over functionality but these guys covered all their bases. Cheers!

So next time you are in a crunch, tune into the "Rhonda channel" to see what turns up because when it comes to the thought behind the gift, more is definitely more!

Las palabras están demás. I love how it sounds in Spanish. It means "no words needed," and on that note I leave you with some gorgeous images from the trip my husband and I took to Europe this time last year. And I couldn't resist an all-time favorite of our twins chasing Santa in Rome. Enjoy the visual feast and Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones!

All photographs by Bernardo and Alina de Albergaria

Woo-hoo, it's here!

When we launched in spring, I dreamed of incorporating pavé diamonds into my line of handmade jewelry. Don't ask me how I managed to squeeze in the hundreds of hours required to get it done with three kids in two now schools in a brand new city, but the collection is here and I am thrilled to share it witth you!

Stunning enough for a Bal de Paris and effortless enough for a tee and jeans, the collection boasts exquisite pavé diamonds, precious stones, and supple leather in a variety of hues. I hand forged and distressed each and every one of the minimalist clasps in organic, unique ways to bring you the most beautiful collection of which I could conceive. For the bold woman, there are heavy diamond-clad clasps too. Some pieces may require 1-2 weeks lead time as they are all hand made in my studio. So order now to receive your gorgeous jewels in time for all your holiday events (or ask your handsome Santa to act fast for you!)

The Diamond Collection - Winter 2014.

Diamond Swan

Parler Pavé

Hand forged minimalist clasp

And Diamond Makes Nine

Pavé-O

10 feet in diameter. At least. How could she have fit all of it -let alone herself- into a carriage 100,000 moons ago? That was my thought as I glanced back on my walk up the hill. For an instant, modern times vanished in favor of a magnificent Marie Antoinette ballgown headed in my direction. Watching her weave her way around the cars made my "vintage" Dolce Gabbana number feel futuristic at best.

Following the complimentary shoe shine my boyfriend received (yes, Bernardo transforms on nights like these) as the mystery woman inched past him to the elevator, my question was answered. In one big swoop, she lifted pounds of fabric off the ground and just like that disappeared behind closing doors. I wish I had documented that moment but was enjoying the vision too much. 

This is how Ecole Notre Dame des Victoires, celebrating 90 years, fundraises for the school: lots of champagne, accoutrements of all eras, fabulous men and lively women who love to dance. It was a Bal de Paris to remember at San Francisco's Ritz Carlton. I did not manage to photograph the elusive woman who is forever etched in my memory bank. I will, however, leave you with a taste of that wonderful evening, including a photo of yours truly wearing some pieces from Designs by Alina's Diamond Collection which just launched today. Oh la la!

I clicked on an email the other day from one of my favorite boutiques, Elizabeth Charles who also carries my line (story here), and was greeted by eye candy in the most gorgeous of green hues. As I was obsessing over the Maison Kitsune jacket with a touch of kelly green, I noticed our Designs by Alina Tahitian Swirl earrings, a perfect pairing for the season.

Later, while at the store, I discovered these green Illesteve mirrored glasses that I just had to have, and my daughter keeps swiping from me. Hubby's travelling so the jury is out on how he feels about this new daring look, but Mamma's got a brand new bag!

Stylist Mary Kinney, Elizabeth Charles and Alina de Albergaria at Elizabeth Charles Boutique

What is stylish, sexy, fun, and charitable to boot? Fillmore's Movable Feast and Fashion's Night Out. 

On Fillmore Street which boasts delectable eateries and upscale shops, you will find the brands you know, but more importantly, the ones you don't. And if you are like me easily trading in a name for quality fabrics, unique designs, and superb construction, this street is a windfall. As my good friend, Nancy puts it: "I rank Fillmore and San Francisco right alongside the Marais and Paris for shopping and walkability." She would know for she is well on her way to completing her goal of having set foot in 100 countries.

Suffice it to say that on the evening of the event I was in heaven. Quickly discovering that all the fog talk is either a myth or global-warming fact, my Roman date (AKA awesome husband) and I strolled on over to Fillmore Street on a temperate October evening where we were greeted with wine varietals and delicious cuisine from Baker and Banker which sadly closed a few days later. Last stop: Elizabeth Charles, where an array of desserts and a bottle of bubbly await amidst an entertaining crowd with which to sip, chat, view Elizabeth's exquisite fall collection and answer questions about the Designs by Alina pieces on display.

The event raised thousands of dollars for the Ronald McDonald house, whose mission is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children. A fabulous night out for a wonderful cause...gotta love this city!

Romantic and exhilarating. That is San Francisco.

Just a few weeks here and we are getting our bearings straight, brushing shoulders with passersby, sampling a bit too much of the city's fabulous cuisine, and hitting the pavement on foot more than we are driving.  As the children carve their way through their new schools and city streets, our family is discovering that the love affair these people have with their Golden Gate cosmopolis is no different from the one shared by the people in our previous city, Santa Barbara, who adore their American Riviera. 

They say three's a charm...

On my third jaunt to Fillmore Street with Tessalina, our youngest, I discovered Elizabeth Charles, an uber-chic boutique on my short list of ones to visit. I happened to be wearing my Queen Baroque necklace about which Elizabeth inquired. No sooner had I mentioned that I had recently launched a jewelry business than I was asked to share my collection, pose for a photo, and just like that Designs by Alina was given the home I envisioned for her, not to mention one of my Queen Baroques which now gracefully resides on Elizabeth's neck. The icing on the cake is that she is a hoot to be with. Her effervescence and Aussie warmth have been passed on to her lovely daughter, Lucie, with whom Tessalina has become fast friends, just like their moms.

Yesterday, we took our first international order for three Designs by Alina pieces to be shipped to London. And in the very near future we will be adding 18kt pink, white and yellow gold earrings with new pearls to the Designs by Alina collection, so please keep browsing and stay tuned!

Funny how life unravels...

If you have been reading earlier posts you may recall that I launched my jewelry business in early spring while Bernardo enjoyed a mini-sabbatical. Those honeymoon months during which we became ever closer while travelling, riding horses and nurturing our children in our bustling abode, are ones I am grateful to have locked away in my memory box. Much to my contentment, Bernardo embraced my vision to turn a longtime hobby into a career, and to that end he spearheaded Design by Alina's internet presence. As I became more entrenched in my creative world, Bernardo became less enthusiastic about extending his sabbatical and more so about his weekly jaunts up north in search of his own new venture. 

Cut to a few weeks ahead, and my prodigious webmaster/groom announced that he was accepting a fantastic business opportunity in San Francisco. With near simultaneous precision I was approached by Peachy the Magazine about being featured in their upcoming Santa Barbara issue. 

As you can imagine, I felt conflicted about highlighting the wonders of Casa Ventalia when we were trying to sell "her". Three years prior we had spent 10 months living in a cloud of dust, ram board and workmen, while we labored tirelessly in an attempt to restore the house to its original splendor . Yet as difficult as it was to imagine walking away from her, I knew that I wanted my husband home for family dinners which would not have been possible had I taken him up on his offer to commute.  And so we began to accept the idea of allowing Casa Ventalia to embrace the next family as we began a new chapter in San Francisco.

Not only have Blair Farris and Cathy Austin, respectively Editor in Chief of Peachy the Magazine and writer of the article "La Dolce Vita" granted us an enormous gift in the eighteen pages they dedicated to our home and family in the publication, but they have also brilliantly captured the essence of every corner of that enchanting abode. Their endeavor has allowed me to feel at peace, excited even, about acquiescing to the end of our Santa Barbara chapter in anticipation of new beginnings in San Francisco.

In San Francisco for merely a week, we are quickly discovering that change is great! This city is at once romantic and electrifying...stay tuned for some exciting news about the direction of Designs by Alina in the city!.

The impossibly chic online glossy, Peachy the Magazine, just featured an article on Designs by Alina jewelry. I had the pleasure of meeting Blair Farris, the force behind the publication and renaissance woman of sorts, in our Santa Barbara home earlier this summer, where we discussed her wonderful magazine, her landscape design background, Designs by Alina, and our home, which is also featured in this issue on page 20.

I am excited about this beautiful magazine!  Go ahead, take a break, kick up your feet and indulge in all the bountiful pages of Peachy which may unfold here, you will love it!

...there's a great woman. That is what they say anyway. And while it’s up to my husband to concur or differ, I will happily give that old adage a spin and say that I am a much better woman with Bernardo by my side.

I spent many years carving out life on my own, since I was eighteen in fact. Some of the storms I weathered felt insurmountable. But time was all the wiser for knowing the benefits that lie ahead, not least, the continual discovery of who I am because with every hiccup we morph into a better version of ourselves.

By the time I met Bernardo, I had travelled extensively and worked in a multitude of creative environments. I danced until I donned a running-in-from-the-rain look, had broken a few hearts and had mine twisted up in knots. In other words, I was ready to settle down. Thankfully, I was equipped well enough by then to know that “settling down” would never mean “to settle."

Cut to three children, a horse, two poodles, a hamster, and one leopard gecko later, and Bernardo is still the perfect match for me. Mio marito italiano understands my American side as well the one yearning to revisit life in far-away lands. He is exciting, bright, entrepreneurial, exceedingly charming, supportive, patient, stylish, a fantastic father, and well, it doesn't hurt that he is handsome too. Wow! Did I miss anything?

This website came into existence because Bernardo made it happen. He loves Designs by Alina and became my webmaster at a time during which he was supposed to be on a mini sabbatical of sorts, enjoying his horse, family, travel, and friends. Perhaps he felt the need to be productive or liked the “techie” thing. Maybe he just wanted to bring us joy. I suspect it is a combination of all those things, but whatever the reason, I am grateful to be sharing my life with him, and yes, I am a better woman for it.

In the first of my pearl trilogy posts, I shared some tips about Tahitian pearls. In the second, you were introduced to some fabulous baroques. Today I will shed some light on what to look for when seeking the perfect round. Every woman should own at least one piece of jewelry with classic, perfectly round pearls. I love graduating and stringing them on a necklace the traditional way but with a twist. I prefer that they be a focal point. When classic pearls curve all the way around, the neck appears shorter. And well, we don't want that, right? But irrespective style preference, choice, the quality of a pearl should never be compromised .

While natural pearls are grown in the wild, their cultivated cousins are formed when a small piece of mantle tissue (the mantle is the organ which makes the shell) is inserted into the mollusk. A composite material, known as nacre is secreted over time to form the outer layer of the pearl. High quality natural pearls are rare and very expensive. Luckily, for today’s consumer, the quality of pearls derived from modern freshwater cultivation methods are excellent, but even so, pearl classification can be tricky for the novice. When searching for the perfect round, I seek to answer the following questions:  Is the surface smooth? How is the luster? Is the shape round or nearly round? Is the surface mirror-like or is it dull and chalky?  Is the nacre thick?  

In addition, if a necklace is graduated, the pearls should indeed be perfectly graduated. And when using classic pearls for earrings, they should match, which is easier said than done. I have found many a perfect pearl without its soul mate! 

When I purchase a string of classic rounds, I always drill one to observe nacre thickness, in fact, I used one of the pearls I drilled on La Perfect Petite. My favorite rounds have lilac undertones, they are difficult to find, expensive and worth every penny. 

If you have read my About page you know I am passionate about design…all sorts of design. I worked my way through architecture school as a draftsman quickly switching majors when I discovered that a large portion of my time as an architect would involve staring at uniform building codes, electrical and plumbing plans, and all that really important non-design stuff to which I was highly allergic.

In my quest to quench my creative thirst, I found myself writing, producing, and hosting entertainment news pieces and television shows, a career that spanned 17 years of pure enjoyment. While interviewing directors, producers and actors was very rewarding, what I enjoyed the most was to be in the edit bay watching my scripts come to life. I knew exactly what I wanted to see on screen down to the frame and to that end I relied heavily on my editor, Wayne Reese, whose fingers pranced upon hundreds of buttons in order to unlock my story. Together we braved many 20+ hour edit sessions in which every transition, no matter how short, was well thought out and required patience to develop.

My years in those artistic posts underscored my awareness of how much time goes into developing anything worthy of being created, from writing to architecture, conceptual art to graphic design. I am always in awe of simple concepts with the power to move and don’t let the lack of perceived complexity fool me into believing that there was not much work leading up to the final design.

Case in point - Google doodles

I remember the first time I saw one of those little masterpieces and thinking that whoever was behind that clever doodle must be pinching him/herself every day to get to doodle for a living.

Today my son and husband asked me to join them in watching the World Cup. At half-time, I turned on my computer and on the Google homepage I saw an animated version of this:

The manner in which Father’s day and World Cup Soccer are woven into a single design is simple yet captivating. I am certain that there were many meetings, hours of brainstorming, lots of rejects and much doodling leading up to this winner.

That said, I also appreciate arduously intricate labors of love, like my all time favorite, Debussy’s Claire de Lune, which is more of a motion picture than a doodle. I don't know about you, but to me Google is not just a search engine, it's a canvas for the clever.

You may have wondered why I stopped posting after such a successful Designs by Alina launch. I have been busy making and selling my designs which leaves me with less time for reverie.

But we also have some news which explains the reference to the Beatles' Hello, Goodbye song...

Shortly after introducing Designs by Alina, Bernardo was offered a fantastic business opportunity in the vibrant city of San Francisco. Besides the logistics involved in closing one door and opening another with three young children, a horse, two poodles and a jewelry business in tow, the news has left me conflicted about what this new adventure means to our family. We are excited about relocating to our favorite large city in the country, where my husband will be working in the mecca of his industry, Designs by Alina will continue to flourish in a cosmopolitan environment, and our trio will grow exponentially from their new experience. We love all that San Francisco has to offer and yet it is not easy to say goodbye to Santa Barbara, our beloved small city, in which Bernardo and I have lived the happiest fourteen years of our lives. "Bittersweet" they call it, and I can taste it just about now…

Yes, Santa Barbara is a great place to raise small children, walk barefoot on the beach, find a peaceful moment on horseback, embrace your spouse, and be whimsical in the garden. There has never been a shortage of love around our table or in our home. Yet as I reflect upon the wonderful times we have had here, I realize that the memories people build are what makes a city great, and we look forward to doing just that in our new environment.

As the next chapter of our lives unfolds, I will continue to write about all things design and jewelry. I will also share musings on what our family will miss about this lovely piece of paradise and how we will embrace our next one.

I love pearls, especially when they are strung with a modern twist. Varying in color, shape, age, nacre thickness and brilliance, in most cases it is a matter of “you get what you pay for” and unless you know and trust your supplier, you should never, ever, purchase a pearl without handling it for weight, brilliance, nacre thickness and shape. In my last post about pearls, I shed some light on the enigma surrounding Tahitian pearls.

The dramatic allure of a great baroque is simply captivating. The irregular shape makes it less likely to come to mind when one thinks “pearl”. Yet that is precisely what makes a baroque so alluring. Most of my necklaces feature a beautiful, high quality, thick nacre baroque as a centerpiece. Finding a high quality, unusual standalone baroque is kind of like finding a great guy -you know that saying about a lot of toads- and when I finally locate one, I really do get giddy.

I recently found a few huge (3/4 - 1 inch) dramatic baroques to die for. They are heavy, creamy white with very thick nacre and feel as smooth as silk. While every pearl in the Designs by Alina collection is high quality and purchased on site, these are truly breathtaking. I have incorporated one into my latest Designs by Alina creation All Wired Up - Sapphire which is truly remarkable. 

Stay tuned for the last in my pearl series The Perfect Round.

Once known as the Pearl of Queens, the Tahitian pearl is among the priciest on the market. Despite the name, these highly sought after pearls can be found in the Philippines, Panama, the Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, and Fiji. This nomenclature is not the only one which is confusing, for they are also known as Tahitian black pearls, though the color can range anywhere from silver-white to dark black. 

The reason these pearls are so expensive is, as with most gems, a case of supply and demand. The Pictada margaritifera, commonly known as the black lipped oyster, is the only mollusk that produces these pearls. The cultivation consists of inserting a miniscule piece of mother of pearl or similar hard shell-like substance into the oyster. The oyster internally exudes nacre which builds up over a period of two years yielding one lustrous pearl. Think about it, two years for just one pearl! And so, you can imagine that thousands of dollars for a single perfect Tahitian is not unheard of. 

My first pair of Tahitian pearl earrings, Tahiti Grand, were sold a few weeks ago. Luckily, I have added a couple of new ones to my collection: Tahitian Swirl and Swan for every Design by Alina Tahitian pearl lover.