10 Things I Can’t Live Without: Carolina Eclectic

Carolina Saunders of Carolina Eclectic was one of the first bloggers I ever met. I so admire this fellow Houstonian, wife, mother, and designer for her well-defined sense of personal style and her kind heart. Carolina is one of those truly genuine people who are so few and far between nowadays. She is an uber-talented photographer and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to anything mid-century modern. Carolina has a taste for the subversive and an eye for original style. Judging by her “10 Things” list, it seems we share a few of the same inspirational heroes. Enjoy!

Hello La Dolce Vita readers! I'm so excited to have my list posted on such an amazing blog! When Paloma sent me an invitation to write about things I can't live without, I was sort of caught off-guard. I wondered, "What can't I live without, really?" I realized that there are few physical objects that I must have, mostly I love ideas and concepts. I asked Paloma if I could write about that and she graciously said yes:) So, here goes!

My Flickr Favorites

1. Surrealism- Honestly, I don't have a great explanation for this one. I just can't help being drawn to the fantasy and absurdity of it. Whatever it is, I have a need to surround myself with odd images, perhaps its because life is a surreal experience.

The Egg Chair

Tom Dixon

2. Great Design- Truly great design just makes life better! Not just in furniture or interiors, but objects that we live with at all times.

3. Mac computers- What did we do before them? I love my Mac so much, besides my family; it would be the only thing I would rescue in a fire.

4. My inspirational heroes- Before I started my blog, I stopped to think about what it was I wanted to write. In the process, I was inspired to make a list of people who inspire me the most. I came up with a list of creative people from different countries and different eras, all who worked in different mediums. They did have one thing in common, they are all staunch individuals. They all broke the rules and never stopped to care if they "fit in". I love that! Anytime I feel unsure of myself, I stop to think of all these amazing people who stuck to their convictions. My highest aspiration is to be my true self at all times. From top left to right: 1. David Byrne 2. Pablo Picasso 3. Vicente Wolf 4. Coco Chanel 5. Johnny Depp 6. Frank Lloyd Wright 7. Frida Kahlo 8. Georgia O'Keeffe 9. Maira Kalman

Carolina Eclectic Flickr Set

5. Modern Architecture- I love all types of buildings, but modern ones truly speak to me. They're innovative and they aren't restrained by many preconceived notions.

Area 16

6. Books- Classic fiction, self-help, biographies, art catalogs, essays, I love almost any type of book. I realize how nerdy this makes me sound, but its the truth. I have a notion that I can solve almost any problem as long as I can find the right book. P.S. Despite how many books I have read, I still haven't found one I love more than Huckleberry Finn:)

Via Sarak Hellas and This Is Epic

7. Unusual Portraits- I love trying to understand people. Who they are, what motivates them, etc. Portraits by their nature allow us to examine people for as long as we wish. To me, off-beat portraits often show how people see themselves.

Nikon D40x

8. My Camera- Ahhh, my other love. I would need to rescue it from a fire too. Over the years its become an extension of myself.

The Sartorialist and Anthropologie

9. Chunky Jewelry- Call it the Frida Kahlo in me, or maybe its because I'm from Texas but I LOVE BIG JEWELRY. The bigger the better! Oh, and if I can wear multiple layers of necklaces, bracelets, or rings than I am a truly happy girl.

Via Dalobeee

10. Music- It really soothes the soul, no? When I was a kid I wanted to be a famous singer. Unfortunately, I discovered that I'm not that good at it. Despite that, I am passionate about music. I don't care if its the newest sounds or traditional ones. I like it even if its in a language I don't understand or played with instruments I've never seen before. I just really love music! I didn't want to presume that I could add a video to Paloma's site, so here is a link to one of my favorite songs....yeah, I'm a die-hard Gen X-er!