Chalet Garden Updates Summer 2026

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We’ve been stewards of the Chalet for 23 yrs this month and starting this spring we tackled a ton of outdoor projects. Our focus on curb appeal. We started with a new garage door and a fresh coat of paint. My husband gave a few of the balusters on the side gallery the attention they needed - repairing and painting them. The brick walkways were power washed and look great.

We pulled out several overgrown bushes. I discovered I’m allergic to Holly when my left hand blew up and I ended up in the emergency room! We pulled tons and tons of weeds. Oy with the weeds! We planted deer resistant bushes and plants and then we mulched and mulched and mulched. We shrank a planting bed and replanted grass there. We also replanted grass in another bed that was in tough shape. We expanded a planting bed.

I love any excuse to have hydrangeas near me… and you can see this blue and white vessel is filled to the brim!

The components of the patio have grown over the years. I like to continuity of the same umbrellas and the rugs. To help it feel a bit pulled together. If I could have all the same color cushions I would but, I bought the loveseat and chairs a few seasons ago and the dining set only last year. Maybe one day they will match but friends I won’t spend money to make that happen at the moment. We added a solar fountain on an old Beech Tree stump.

The Chalet does look lovely at night.

This year we decided to add lights to the back of the patio fence. It gives the area the loveliest glow up!

We also added solar lights to the side walkway. (Image taken prior to rejigging the side beds).

This summer really has me focused on home! I’m blessed to live with loved ones in my little dream house. Be well friends and please pop by Instagram to connect with me every day!

A Chat with Patricia van Essche

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Patricia van essche with Walter

Friends this month I am so happy and a bit tickled to welcome the loveliest human - my friend Patricia van Essche to the Chalet for a Chat! Patricia welcome welcome my dear! Please introduce yourself. Hello Meryl, Patricia here from PvE Design.  I am an Artist and a Pilates instructor. I’ve always loved art, design and movement. Growing up one of seven, I was always amazed at the amount of encouragement that came from my parents and family. I’ve always felt very grateful for their support and enthusiasm.

Family is very important to me. My husband and I have three adult children, a daughter in law, a delightful grandson and Walter our dachshund. We love spending time together and laughing. I have lived in Westchester County, NY since 1996. We raised our children here and my husband commutes to Manhattan for work. I’ve been working from home, creating art and teaching Pilates privately for years. I certified twice in Pilates and am passionate about moving bodies, wellness and art.

Can you please speak on your work: My work has always been referred to as whimsical art and an economy of line. Micron pens and watercolor are my favorite things. I’m a huge fan of lifestyle design and my background began in Fashion Design.

My first job was with Darlington Fabrics, after that I worked for Ralph Lauren as a Project Manager in Women’s Sportswear that was great fun, then in the Design Department at Calvin Klein. The best part of working for these legendary designers was learning from each of them and getting the privilege of being part of the design team. I’ve also worked with J.McLaughlin and several other companies who contributed to Fashion Design in the 80’s and early 90’s.

Once our twins were born 1993 life lead us to our home in Westchester County, NY. We loved living in Manhattan but once we were looking for nursery schools, the cost and logistics seemed overwhelming and life in Westchester had an allure of being kinder and healthier.

Note cards designed and sold through patricia’s on-line shop

Patricia tell me what Motivates you? Motivation is the key to everything. Movement certainly helps along with a new art supply.  Journals have always been a part of my life and writing or creating art in them has been motivating from a sort of time travel.  Daily lists are always great for getting things done. 

Patricia you’re an artist and a Pilates instructor - tell me more about Pilates. Yes, Pilates for myself and my clients is a mindful movement practice focused on strength, alignment, and ease. My sessions emphasize controlled movement, breath, and body awareness. I offer instructions for individuals and small groups. I began practicing in 2017 and that same year completed my certification. I teach at Centerwork Pilates Studio in Bronxville, NY.

Who or What has been the biggest influence on you? The biggest influence in my life has always been connections created around me.  Honestly it’s very refreshing to meet people who have influenced me to do things that I never expected. Listen to people and learn from them. During my freshman year at the University of Cincinnati - College of Fashion Design I met such amazing people who inspired me to switch from Art Education to Fashion. Honestly, I loved it, learning to create patterns, learn about Fashion History from Jessica Lazarus and eventually move to Manhattan to land a career in fashion design was a dream come true.

What is your personal style? I’m very flattered that my daughter borrows many of my pieces from my wardrobe.  My personal style is classic, timeless design and good quality. I have many items that have literally improved over time. Always invest in your own style. 

Your Happy Place - Where is it? My happy place is sharing my love for art and Pilates.  We love to entertain although it seems to be very different from years past.  I love setting my table, fresh flowers, fresh fruit and polished silver. Setting up to teach requires a lot of thought and effort but it’s worth every minute.

Patricia created this card to advertise the Studio - her home away from home.

centerwork Pilates studio

What is your home aesthetic? My home aesthetic is very welcoming and many people have told me that they love the calming nature of my house.  Edit, edit, edit is the key to my life.  That said, I think life is much less formal than it used to be so it is fun to dress up and entertain.

Tell us what type of space would you say you are most comfortable in? A fresh space that brings nature together.  A museum that brings people together to explore and I’ve always loved art history and travel. Churches will always be alluring.  I can’t imagine what life would be without them.  

A beautiful old church in Chamonix

What is something you try and do everyday? That’s such an important step, every day things and manners that create routine and make a difference in life. All the chores and tasks that make a house a home, are part of the process and are part of the respect life deserves to elevate one’s own happiness.  A beautiful linen embroidered hand towel, a straw hat and a scarf accessorize your life.

A handwritten note, a kind gesture, a call to an old friend. Everyday manners are important nowadays. 

Patricia’s Studio

Tell us what’s your guilty pleasure? Clean water for my watercolors!  No muddy water please! You can see that in my art! A fresh pad of Bristol paper!

Cucumbers, deviled eggs, olives, and dark chocolate! 

Another discipline you teach is Art. Yes, I have art students. It’s fabulous to see how they relate to the techniques I share with them. And lovely to be around such unabashed exuberance!

Patricia’s art students

Patricia thank you so much my dear for taking the time to chat with me! I am so thankful for your time and I appreciate all the ways you embrace your creativity through your art and your mind and body connection.

You can hear Patricia in this 2018 Plan Simple Podcast.

Please follow Patricia:

Thanks for being here friends til next time I’ll see you over on the Gram!

Put On a Little Makeup - Makeup

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Put on a little Makeup - Makeup who remembers this great lyric from the 1982 Adam Ant song Goody Two Shoes - I do and this week I’m sharing what’s in my make-up bag. As a 60 year old.(Yikes!) I’m asked what I use and if I’m honest friends I’m sure I could use way more than I do… but, without Botox, peels or other interventions this is as good as I’m going to look with my wrinkles, hooded eyes, and neck. I mean I think I look pretty good - but there are times I would love to address those areas for sure!

Here is everything I use on a daily basis: The e.l.f. curler, two products on my eyebrows: e.l.f. Ultra Precise Brow Pencil and L’Oreal Paris Faux Brow Eyebrow Tint Double Brush Brow Pen (this dual tip works wonderfully). I use two shades of Maybelline Instant Age Rewind under my eyes and spot concealing around my face. My favorite powder is Lancome Dual Finish Powder Foundation. I recently started using the Maybelline Cloudtopia Lip and Cheek Mousse Blush - a little goes a long way and I love that its multi-use. Then I add a bit of Maybelline FitMe Blush. Once my face is complete I move onto my favorite mascara - essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara. Addressing my lips I start with Burt's Bees Origin Beeswax Lip Balm then onto the make-up I always always use and have been since I was 10 years old - LIPSTICK. I recently started using Maybelline Serum Lipstick with Hyaluronic Acid I also use L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick and Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - (I am always buying new tubes of lipstick) and I love to finish my lips with e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil. So that’s my everyday - I’m leaving the house for anything - lunch, shopping, a meeting, dinner.

Of course if I’m going to an event I do add a bit more make-up - some eye shadow e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadow and a bit of eye liner e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner.

All these items with the exception of the Lancome powder are Drug Store products. I’m not fancy friends and I prefer to not overpay. Although I will share the most luscious lipstick I have ever owned was Dior - which I bought on a discount - it was the creamiest and smelled heavenly. I popped over to the Dior site to check out their lipsticks and wowzers the least expensive was $48.00. Good Grief! That I would never pay for a lipstick no matter how super.

I hope you enjoyed a peek at what I use.

My birthday was this past weekend and as I shared I’m 60 - it’s truly mind-blowing! I don’t feel 60! It’s crazy… but, that’s an article for another day. I was blessed to spend time with family and friends.

Do you buy gifts for yourself? Well I do and I thought I’d share what I labeled “gifts to myself.”

When I was in Lenox, MA I picked up the Daffodils book. I already have the Hydrangeas and Peonies books in the Chalet. And below is an image of our dining room with our new wool Safavieh rug. There were parties when I turned 40 and 50 but for my 60th I decided on travel. This fall I’m visiting Paris for the first time and I am tellement excitée!

Til next time friends be well and I’ll see you over on the Gram!

Image of me courtesy: Kristin Kuiken