The Village at Mountain Shadows Takes Shape in PV

Well that was a fast month…I don’t know about you, but January blazed by. Off to February we go! Of course it’s Phoenix Open week and so the weather instantly changes. Remember the fog last year the day of the final round and the Super Bowl!

I hope everyone had a wonderful January and a great weekend. The weather held off just long enough for a fantastic day and weekend. First and foremost, I want to wish my father, Donald Candelaria, a happy 81st birthday! Dad you are the best and I am so glad you are down here in Arizona now and we can watch our Broncos in their 8th Super Bowl together. It would sure be fun to get a victory on the week of your 81st Bday! Carolina will be tough that is for sure.

Meanwhile, today our Candelaria Design Team took part in the Cullum Homes SMART (Special Meetings About Residential Technologies) Party at our newest project The Village at Mountain Shadows in Paradise Valley. It was great to see so many of you, including a number of my current and past clients there today. The models are coming away and over half of the 40 lots and homes are already sold and the two model homes are not even completed yet! Great job by the Cullum Homes Team and the sales team of Scott Griggs and The Grigg’s Group.

It is very rewarding to see this project come out of the ground after all the hard work, especially my Associate, Vivian Ayala, and Interior Designer, Anita Lang, of IMI has put into this project. Not to mention all of the subcontractors and suppliers - many of whom participated in today's event! So much attention was put into modeling the project in 3d to capture the spectacular and ever changing views of Camelback Mountain and the Praying Monk. To now go there and walk the units and virtually relive the views we saw on the computer is very rewarding!

And if the views aren’t enough – the basement option being shown in the two models is off the charts. Nothing like going downstairs and then entering a club room with your sports car collection waiting for you behind a display sheet of glass. When these models are done, complete with the sharp and sophisticated contemporary finishes orchestrated by Anita… well it will be hard to get me out of that basement!

Stay tuned, I know Rod Cullum and the Candelaria Design Team have some more fun events in store for everyone as this project takes further shape and the models get completed.

Have a great week everyone!

Candelaria Cioppino - Perfect for the Big Game

One of my favs, especially for serving the big game, is cioppino – fish stew! Cioppino is traditionally made from the catch of the day – or in my case the freshest fish I can find at AJ’s! Cioppino was developed in the late 1800’s by Italian immigrants who settled in the San Francisco. It was originally made on the boats while the fisherman were out at sea and later became a staple in many restaurants in San Francisco.

It is definitely one of my favorites and when served with some grilled bread to soak up the juices of the broth – it is heaven. Plus if you make a big enough pot it can just simmer all day while you enjoy the games. It can feed a big crew and the longer it simmers the better it gets.

So enjoy, I love the red color – perfect dish to serve for that big Cardinal game!

You definitely want to get the freshest fish you can find. I pick up 8-12 clams, 8-12 mussles, 8-12 shrimp peeled and deveined, a pint container of fresh squid – tubes and tentacles, one good size fresh fish filet – halibut is my favorite but salmon is also good, you want a fish that is meaty and firm.  I pick up the rest of the items – if you cannot find fish broth I pick up a bottle of clam juice.

I always start by getting all my ingredients prepped and ready. Clean the seafood and chop up the veggies. Find a nice big pot – I love my cast iron cookware. Heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, shallots and fennel, salt all of it and saute until the onion is soft and translucent, roughly 10 minutes.

Add the garlic and a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or I have some amazing little pepper packets with all kinds of seasonings I bring back from Italy each trip. Continue to saute for another 2 or 3 minutes.

Now stir in the tomato paste, Add the tomatoes with their juices, the wine, the fish stock or chicken stock with clam juice and a couple bay leafs. Cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer and just let all the ingredients cook and blend – give it 30 minutes or so.

Now add the clams and mussels and cook until they start to open. Then add the shrimp, squid and fish chunks. You can also add crab claws to this recipe. Simmer gently until the fish and shrimp are cooked through the clams are completely open, and the shrimp have that nice pink color. It won’t take long – 5-10 minutes. You can season the soup with salt and more red pepper to your taste and liking.

Grill some French bread on your panini press by slicing the bred about ½” to ¾” thick and brush with some extra virgin olive oil. Get the grill marks on the bread and add three slices to the served soup. Garnish with Italian parsley and fresh lemon wedges.

Enjoy! Let me know what you think?!

Ingredients:

3 – 4 tablespoons of olive oil

1 large fennel bulb – slice thinly

1 sweet onion chopped

3-4 large shallots chopped

4 large finely chopped garlic cloves

2 teaspoons salt – pepper to your liking

3 to 4 teaspoons of dried crushed red pepper flakes or Pepperoncino Italian spices – you need to come to Italy with me to get these!

¼ cup of tomato paste

1 (28 ounce) can of diced tomatoes in their juice

1-1/2 cups of pinot grigio white wine

5-1/2 cups of Fish Stock – or 5 cups of Chicken Broth with one bottle of clam juice.

2 – 3 bay leafs

8-12 clams, scrubbed

8-12 mussels, debearded and scrubbed

1 pint of squid/calamari

8-12 uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1-1/2 pounds of firm and fresh fish fillets such as halibut or salmon cut into 1-1/2 to 2 inch chunks.

Fresh French baguette

Italian parsley and lemons.

Dancing with the Stars - Looking Back and Now Ahead!

Five years ago I was asked to participate in an event that definitely got me out of my comfort zone. I was called by Kevin O’Malley one day who asked if I would be up for participating in the Arizona Kidney Foundation, Dancing with the Stars! Having watched the television show a few times I thought, this could be fun and obviously a great cause. Kevin called me like sometime in October and the event was in February – plenty of time. Little did I know what I was in for! More about that in a bit.

Meanwhile, move forward five years, and I come to find that one of my clients, Julie Van Etten, whom we are designing a beautiful home in Desert Mountain with builder Richard Sinagoga of RS Homes, has taken on the challenge back at her home in St. Louis, MO. Her big night is this Saturday! I remember the anxiety and anticipation the day leading up to the big event. So I am asking all of you to even make just a small donation to her effort tomorrow night as small ripples combine to make big waves!

Here is a quick letter from Julie about the event:

Each year St. Louis corporate and community leaders join an elite group for a once in a lifetime experience – a fun and challenging journey that culminates under the bright, white stage lights at Dancing with the St. Louis Stars, a benefit for Independence Center.

 Highly regarded as one of the most unique fundraisers in St. Louis, Dancing with the St. Louis Stars offers a night of entertaining dance performances by corporate and community leaders, all in effort to raise vital funds for mental illness.  I accepted the invitation to dance and will rehearse and campaign for votes until I debut my performance on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis.

 I am competing against six other dance couples to fundraise the most votes (1 vote = $10) and each vote is a direct donation to Independence Center. Please consider supporting me with your gift of votes at

​ You'll be supporting an amazing organization that provides hope and resilience for those living with mental illness.

As Independence Center’s signature fundraising event, it is crucial to providing charity services every year to people that are eager to restore their lives, manage their illness, and become contributing members of our community.

Independence Center provides programs and services to adults with severe and persistent mental illness such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and major depression. Their goal is to assist these individuals to live independently and with dignity by helping them find work, pursue their education, secure safe and affordable housing, improve their physical and mental wellness, and participate in age appropriate social activities. Adults diagnosed with a mental illness over the age of 18 may be eligible for services and once someone becomes an active recipient of the program, they are considered members.

 Thank you for your consideration! 

Your dancing friend,

Unruly Julie

Ok Julie – so I don’t know how your lead up has been but teaching me to tango from October to February was quite the feat! First of all they paired me with a professional dancer, Gergana, from Romania or Bulgaria or somewhere over there! Well she was tall, blonde and very lovely and so keeping focused on dancing was not easy but she worked me hard and I met with her two or three times a week for three months. Wow – is dancing difficult and what a work out! I lost ten pounds during those three months – so that was nice.

Anyway, I made it through the big evening. I didn’t win or even come close to winning the competition but I did well and didn’t make an absolute fool of myself….. We raised several hundred thousand dollars which was the best part of the event.

I have long forgotten all of my routines and moves but now that I think about it…..maybe Isabel and I need to take this up and get some refresher lessons! Help my good friend Julie out and give her your vote! Those of you in St. Louis make sure you attend the event. Thanks everyone for the support!

Candelaria Design French Inspired Arcadia Masterpiece Sold

This month one of my favorite Candelaria Design homes sold and has changed hands and a new homeowner will now live in this fairytale. This home designed and built over ten years ago is still one of my best and has become one of my iconic marquis homes.

I think what I love most is the friendships that evolved from the creation of this home. This home, known by many as “The Powell Residence” was the inspiration of our client and original homeowner, Shane Powell. He started the project with builder, Nancy Brunkhorst, of Nance Construction who then recommended our firm to Shane. I remember the first meeting at his existing home in Arcadia and initially the lot being considered was an internal lot off of 66th Street.

Shane shared his vision and we were off and sketching away. As the design developed, Shane and Nancy located the current lot where the home was ultimately designed and constructed, the beautiful lot on Exeter Boulevard. We then modified the design to take advantage of the views and visibility. With the collaboration of landscape designer, Jeff Berghoff, of Berghoff Design, the dream team was set.

What is so unique about this project was the talent and vision that Shane brought to the project. Acting as client and interior designer, Shane along with Brunkhorst, Berghoff, and myself all collaborated to create and select the elegant and timeless materials and details that are all so masterfully orchestrated to create the composition of this home and landscape. From reclaimed French oak floors, roof tiles sourced and imported from Serbia, reclaimed fireplaces, and beams, this home has a timeless nature that embodies beauty and and virtually brings to life a French fairytale in the heart of Arcadia.

So many people contributed to the creation of this home, from various subs, Murray Herron of Accent Design and Manufacturing and the incredible staircase they constructed, Paul Newman of Premiere Floors, Desert Cove Cabinetry, among many others. A number of beautiful materials came from Exquisite Surfaces of California. So many hours producing the detailed drawings by my Associate, Vivian Ayala. All of the landscape and hardscape designs and details by Jeff Berghoff and Nancie Vollmer of Berghoff Design. Then it all was so impeccably executed by Nancy and her amazing team of Nance Construction - most notably their hand plaster work and trim work.

It’s difficult for me to not imagine Shane not living in this home, who put his heart, soul and vision into it’s creation. When I’m in the home it says Shane to me and I relive all of the moments and design decisions that went into its creation. It’s hard to image someone else now living in this home but I am sure they will love the experience this home delivers. Even just being on the property, not to mention being in the house, transports you to France. It’s magical and the experience changes from day to night and from season to season.

I have been so fortunate to have had the unbelievable opportunity to create many amazing homes. But I would have to say what has been the most rewarding aspect of my job and career has been the wonderful clients I have met and had the privilege to get to know and learn from and in this case I learned so much that I carried forward to so many projects that followed. The friendship with Shane and his partner Raul Siquieros is one I cherish and is definitely the nicest, ongoing outcome of this experience. I’m sure it is bittersweet for Shane to leave but I also know he will soon be looking forward to the next creation! Thanks to you both for allowing us to photograph and film this home before your sale and I welcome the new homeowner’s to the Candelaria Design family.

So enjoy the pictures and videos of this home and stay tuned to our Season 2 and Episode 2 of our show SKETCH on The Design Network where we will feature the creation and story behind this home. Our Season 2 debuts on March 17th and will feature eight episodes all produced by my good friend, Ken “Spanky” Moskowitz and his company Wedgie Creative. What a fantastic job they have done with our show for this season and I cannot wait to show you what they have planned for Season 3 including a whole upcoming series featuring our Candelaria Design Tour Italy!

Thanks for the continued support of our firm and our work! We have the most amazing clients who share our passion for enhancing living! My Candelaria Design Team look forward to a fantastic, creative and productive 2016!

Arrival at the Villa - Christmas in Italy 2015

Rome was spectacular and a great way to introduce the girls to the iconic places we identify with Italy. But Rome is also quite hectic and busy and my daughter Isabella didn’t care for NYC because of the crowdedness and noise and so I was excited to get her out to the countryside.

There is such a contrast between the cities and the country of Italy. I guess that is true anywhere but I really notice it here. Now getting to the countryside from Rome is always an experience. I have rented cars in the city, taken trains, and rented cars at the airport. Of all of my previous experiences, most being total nightmares, I chose to go the route of picking up my car at the Rome airport whereby once we had the car we would literally by on the autostrada and off to the countryside.

Now some 12 years ago, on one of my first group tours, we had our group pick up our cars here at the Rome airport. Well, the rental car company had all of our cars in different garages and this was before cell phones and Google Maps and all we had were some one mile range walkie talkies which did not cut it. So to just add to the adventure everyone got separated. Luckily, I had given them all maps to the country houses we would be staying at – some 2-1/2 hours away. I stayed at the airport circling for several hours hoping to find even one of my travelers, but to no avail. I drove off to the country wondering if I would ever see my travelers….. What a nightmare. Luckily, when I arrived at the house they were ALL there, laughing and drinking vino and wondering what had happened to their leader! So needless to say I have not so fond memories of this rental car garage – this year all went as smooth as can be. I guess it pays to re-challenge some of those old wounds.

Our drive was beautiful and without hesitation we found one of the cross over the highway Autogrilles which I love We grabbed a quick bite of porcetta and roasted veggies and we were back on the highway in a flash.

As we drove northward we came into a blanket of fog that would turn out to last a couple days. Clear skies above and just fog along the ground. It all added a mysterious and surreal light and mood to the journey.

Our drive took us past Siena and to our little village Poggibonsi which is about halfway between Siena and Firenze and just outside of San Gimignano our dinner destination once checked in. Our home for the next three nights would be the Villa San Lucchese which was beautiful. Set on a hill overlooking the rolling and tranquil landscape of Tuscany.

We unloaded the plethora of bags (traveling with girls is definitely demanding in so many ways) and settled into our beautiful quarters set with high beamed ceilings and fantastic views. We gathered the troops and headed off to San Gimignano for dinner.

San Gimignano is a beautiful medieval hilltown set in the rolling hills of Tuscany. I had only been here during the day on all my journeys here and so I was very excited to see it at night and with all of the Holiday decorations! It did not disappoint. Quiet and filled with the sounds and smells that you can only experience coming here. Isabella and I stopped and took a picture at the spot I took a picture of her on her first trip to San Gimignano - when she was 18 months old....

Bella at 18 months in San Gimignano.

We shopped for about an hour and then made our way to what would be the best dinner to date on this trip at the Bel Soggiorno. Delicious food and with a spectacular view – which we could not see because it was dark – but we were happily greeted by a beautiful full moon. Our time in the country had begun. 

Final Day in Roma - Christmas Holiday 2015

Our final day in Rome was very busy and in total contrast to Christmas Day where we just chilled and really enjoyed the quiet of the day.

We got moving early and we did some walking! From the Colossuem we walked about two miles across the Tiber River to the area of Rome know as Trastevere which is just south of the Vatican. It’s a little rougher neighborhood and I probably wouldn’t want to be walking here at night but it was filled with some great spots to dine and shop. We stumbled upon a wonderful little spot called Cajo & Gajo for a nice late morning bite and of course made some new friends.

We explored the area then found a cab to take us to the exact opposite, the Galleria on the Corso. Wow – talk about elegance! I love this as it reminds me of the Galleria in Milan.

From there we walked towards the Spanish Steps area and the girls were tuckered out. So they grabbed a cab back to the hotel and Isabel and I carried on our adventure.

Within seconds Isabel spotted the Babington Tea Room where the two of us had a romantic and quiet tea, salad, and I indulged with one of the best cheesecakes I have ever eaten. What a lovely spot to spend a little quiet time with my Isabel.

From our lovely Tea we made our way down toward the Piazza del Popolo – ok another great area and spot to explore for sure. On the way we stopped and enjoyed the Hotel De Russie and its beautiful courtyard and terraced gardens. This hotel is most definitely on our radar for our next trip especially given its location.

From the Piazza del Popolo we made our way down the Corso and for a Saturday afternoon and the day after Christmas it was packed. I love just people watching. Especially here in Italy - everyone is so stylish and there is just such an elegance and simultaneous roughness to it all. A beautiful balance of masculinity and femininity. Everyone was strolling and shopping and dining under the beautiful street decorations….. amazing electricity in the air and SO Italy.

Isabel and I did a bit more shopping and the girls were now texting saying they were ready for some action! So Isabel and I were near the Spanish Steps and the girls were at the hotel by the Colosseum. We could either cab to them then cab to the Campo di Fiori where I wanted to dine or we could have them cab over and Isabel and I could walk across Rome and meet them there….of course Isabel and I chose to walk. Trust me, you need to walk every chance you get to burn those Italian dinners off!

We met up with Sophia and Tiffany at the Campo di Fiori a bustling and lively piazza during the day with the farmer’s market and then equally busy in the evening with its robust night life. Bella chose to relax at the hotel, and so it was then trying to find a restaurant that served fresh salmon as that was what Tiffany was craving! Wow what an adventure that became….but we were fortunate to find a restraunteur who could hold his own with my Tiffany! We had a lot of fun with the waiters and met a wonderful lady, Kathleen, a writer from Ireland who was visiting family and friends and literally befriended us – what a wonderful, kind soul she was.

Our time in Rome had come to an end with a nice walk across Rome back to our hotel under the full moon. 

Christmas in Roma 2015

Felice Anno Nuovo or Happy New Year to you all! Thanks for all the posts and visits to our blog! It has been quite a year that is for sure.  I am looking forward to a fantastic 2016.

We have been going strong over here in Italy as you can tell I have not had time to blog. Add to that I caught Bella’s cold and so I’m fighting that now too… but who is complaining. She is feeling better so I'm hoping I'm right behind her on the recovery mode. 

We finished up our time in Rome with a very quiet Christmas Day – I don’t think any of us moved until about 2 pm. Tiffany and I then went for a bite on the street across the from Colosseum right down the street from our hotel. I enjoyed a delicious fish stew and we met a nice couple from Washington and Canada who were enjoying their first trip. So interesting to listen to their perspectives, their apprehensions, and their discoveries. It all reminded me of my first trips to Italy….it has all become so familiar now.

After our quick “lunch” we took a nice walk across Rome towards the Spanish Steps – which are currently under restoration. I love just strolling and listening to the Italian language in the background. The weather was fantastic….chilly but with the sun out and no wind it felt like Christmas. We made our way past the Trevi Fountain and then onto the Spanish Steps. I love this part of Rome with its beautiful shops and restaurants. After walking and shopping for another hour or two Tiffany and I stopped for another quick bite and a glass of vino.

We rendezvoused with Isabel and the girls later, worked in a little Flashdance by Dad, and enjoyed the quietness of Rome on Christmas Day. 

Christmas Eve in Roma ~ Our Tour of the Vatican ~ 2015

Buon Natale to you all! I am so blessed to be spending this Christmas with my lovely wife, Isabel, and all three of my daughters here in Rome. What could be better than touring the Vatican, The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's on Christmas Eve.

Naturally, the tour begins with our driver meeting us in the hotel lobby at 8am! Believe it or not everyone made it on cue! Wow – Dad was impressed. We started with breakfast on the rooftop restaurant where we were greeted by a beautiful rainbow. We took a short drive across town and across the Tiber River to Vatican City where we met our tour guide who escorted us past the long lines to receive our ticket and expedited entrance to the Vatican.

The weather was probably as nice as one could expect for Rome in December – broken clouds with an occasional sprinkle but not too cold. We proceeded through the walled fortress of the Vatican and made our way to the terraced gardens to commence our tour.

Everything about the Vatican is about grandiose scale! The gardens are meticulous and every view is framed and choreographed perfectly. Years and years of design and construction were involved in the creation with artists and architects like Michaela fell, Brumante, Bernini, and Raphel. To think they were all here and you are experiencing their creations in their space is so inspiring. So much of coming to Italy for me is about the refill of the creative tank which is always in the extraction mode and so if feels so good to get the tank refilled!

From the gardens we made our way through the vast and endless halls filled with frescos, sculptures and tapestries until we enter the holiest spot at the Vatican the Sistine Chapel – Michaelangelo’s masterpiece! The frescos have all been restored and having seen them some 12 years ago in the unrestored state and to see them now – magnificent! What a spectaculars difference.

Of course traveling with kids always involves impromptu interruptions and of course Bella needed to find a restroom so the two of us broke away to find the restroom while everyone else enjoyed the masterpiece by Michaelangeo…. Ok this search of a restroom became and adventure all on its own and Bella and I found a whole new section of the Vatican museum I had never seen…. Then it was about refinding the group as they had left and had started their way to St. Peter's Basillica. Ok the Vatican is vast made of galleries connected by narrow passageways that consist of stairs and turns, yet miraculously through a couple calls to Isabel with descriptions of what they had passed and where they were we were able to find each other! Nothing like a little excitement….that's what Bella always brings us:-)

Touring St. Peter’s Basillica and seeing the Pieta by Michaelangelo is always amazing and frankly truly unimaginable. To think all of this was executed by artists, builders, and craftsmen without power tools, lighting, and building codes…. I can only imagine what these guys could do with the tools we have today!?!? It's endless and you could spend days studying the detailing, proportions, and execution of the floors, walls, and ceilings – not to mention the crafting of the space! You then leave the church and make your way onto St. Peter’s Square. Talk about scale and proportion. Another masterpiece for sure and at Christmas the square is adorned by the beautiful nativity scene. Later today the Holy Father Papa Francesco will give mass and then on Christmas Day he Holy Blessing from this space. You feel the presence….

Well my group was toured out. Four hours and we could choose to take the transport back to the hotel or head out and explore Rome. Of course I convinced everyone to go explore only met shortly thereafter with, “Dad, I'm tired, my feet hurt and I'm hungry!” Im sure you have all been there! We quickly walked across the Tibre and towards the Piazza Navone where we found a nice spot off the piazza for a nice lunch and a place to sit and relax on the street.

I love how cheerful and animated the Italians are – literally every waitress and waiter we have had are just beautiful in their smile, style and mannerisms! Such a joy to be in their presence and their energy adds so much to the experience. A cold beer, some lunch and we were off to the Farmer’s market at the Campo Di Fiori a fabulous piazza filled with booths of vegetable, cheese and flower vendors and of course patrons in search of fresh produce for their Christmas Eve dinners. We found a nice spot for an espresso and some hot chocolate for the girls, and some more relaxation filled with the sights and sounds of Italy.

From the Campo do Fiori we walked a few blocks and grabbed a cab and made our way back to the hotel for a cat nap and then dinner at our hotel. Christmas Eve is the fish feast and we enjoyed a quiet and relaxing seafood tasting dinner. Bella was wiped out but the rest of us rallied for a walk to the Basillica di Santa Maria in Ara coeli which required hiking up what seemed two thousand steps but well worth the view at the top listening to all the bells in Rome and the sanctuary filled with the smell of frankinsence and the voices of the choir.

Of course on the walk home at 1am in the morning what else do you stop for but gelato. Only in Italy on Christmas Eve at 1am can you find gelato! Finish with a nice walk home past the Colosseum. Quiet and serene and just what was needed to end the evening and this beautiful Christmas Eve in Roma. 

Day One in Roma – The Candelaria’s have Arrived ~ Buon Natale

Ok that was probably the easiest trip to Italy we have ever done. A little mechanical hiccup in Phoenix upon our departure so a slight delay there but had plenty of time to make our connection and rendezvous with Tiffany in Atlanta. The flight over was nice as I always like to schedule that in the middle of the night so you arrive in Italy with a fresh day.

We checked into our hotel which is a few blocks from the Colosseum and grabbed a couple hour power nap. We woke up not exactly knowing where we were or what day it was and shook off the jet lag and proceeded to go explore!

Of course with the Candelaria crew the first stop involves eating. So we found a cute Trattoria and stopped for lunch. Wow – homerun right out of the gate. The girls had lasagna, Tiffany and Isabel ordered some gluten free pasta – which by the way seems to be everywhere now in Italy – and I ordered a delicious chick pea soup. We all shared an insalata mista and we were reenergized.

With just being a few blocks from the Colosseum we made that our first stop. So fun to watch the girls eyes and their excitement with this first trip. It’s the best part of any of my Italy trips and tours. I am so excited to have several first time travelers coming up on our two Candelaria Design Tour Italy trips in 2016 – which by the way are both SOLD OUT! We snapped a few photos and then walked along to the ruins of the Forum which was so beautiful under the soft December sun. I cannot tell you how beautiful it is to be here with smaller crowds, moderate temperatures – it was 62º today in Rome – and this low soft light. Spectacular and mystical.

From the ruins of the Forum we made our way across the old historic part of Rome to the Pantheon with several duck ins of churches along the way. The girls could not believe the churches….just wait, on Christmas Eve we are going for a private tour of the Vatican!

The Pantheon is for sure my favorite building in Rome if not the world. It is perfect  To top it off a gentleman was singing opera out front and the sun was slowly setting and the full moon was rising. So fantastic to share this space and experience with my girls.  We grabbed our first gelato and sat on the fountain steps and enjoyed the music.

From there it was a short walk to the Piazza Navonne for a quick stroll, grab a cab and make our way to the Trevi Fountain…..yes I was giving the girls a Candelaria macro blur. Those of you who have been on my trips know what this is all about!!!

After taking in the Trevi fountain and getting a few family shots, we made our way back towards our hotel but first a stop for dinner. A little pizza, pasta, lamb chops, and salad and then with our walk home past the Forum our first day in Rome was completed. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!

We have made it to ROMA

We have made it across the pond and are starting the day, all be it at 2pm in the afternoon here in Rome, as everyone went down for a quick power nap! Now I’m trying to get everyone up and of course by the fact I’m blogging you can see how successful I am even with the comment, “Let’s get up, Italy is outside!!!”

You see I have three daughters, ages 10, 13 and 28 and that in itself automatically puts me in the running for a badge of honor. Traveling with two tweens is an adventure and when my oldest, Tiffany age 28 hooks up with these two its definitely gang up on Dad!

This is the first trip officially for Sophia and Isabella. Bella was here when she was 18 months as I brought her on one of my early Candelaria Design Tour Italy trips. It will be fun to compare the pictures from the same spots in Italy some 12 years later. I am so excited to get them out and start showing them around. This is my wife Isabel’s first trip to Rome even though her 5th trip now to Italy. I have been to Rome many times so I am anxious to get out there and get them on one of my power days!!!

Stay tuned, my camera is ready and my wife Isabel, the girls and I have some amazing adventures ahead of us including a private tour of the Vatican tomorrow – Christmas Eve! How good is that????  Ciao

Happy Holidays from Candelaria Design – Off to Italy!

Happy Holidays from the crew at Candelaria Design

MC and Eddie!

Wow – I cannot believe Christmas week is here and 2015 is winding down! It’s been a mad blur to the finish line with projects in full speed both on the boards and in the field.  Add all of the Holiday festivities including our Candelaria Design Holiday luncheon this year at Eddie’s House! Yes Eddie took great care of us and we had a wonderful get together with my amazing team!

Pics from this year's Candelaria Design Holiday luncheon.

St. Peter's Rome

Well, working and drawing away today, Sunday, and in the final blitz until Tuesday morning when I will be loading up my two girls here, Isabella age 13 and Sophia age 10, and my wife Isabel and I will whisk them off on their first trip to Italy! My oldest daughter, Tiffany age 28 who lives in Denver, will meet us in Atlanta for our layover and rendezvous and then we will all fly over the pond and land in Rome!

The Candelaria girls - Tiffany, Sophia and Bella

We will spend Christmas in Rome, then drive to Tuscany for a three days exploring Assisi, Cortona, San Gimingnano, and Siena, whereupon we will then drive to Florence for New Years! My oldest, Tiffany, has been with me to Italy several times so she will be lending a hand in indoctrinating Isabella and Sophia on the Candelaria way of travel – full out, full speed! I am so looking forward to this trip and sharing all of my discoveries with my girls, especially those off the beaten path!

The duomo Firenze

Of course there is always the thought of being aware and alert to the fears our there but as I have repeatedly written in past blogs you can’t live your life in fear. You need to get out there and live your life and explore this amazing world.  My first trip to Europe was when I was 10 years old and I remember it well. In fact I had kept a journal of my experience that I still have – yes I have been a blogger my whole life! That trip had a huge impact on my life and the direction it would take – straight on the path towards being an architect. Just the perspective of being on a jet for the first time and seeing cities like Chicago and London from the air was impactful.

Little Italy and the Candelaria girls in NYC 2014

Telluride 2014

I hope this trip will have the same effect on my girls! Isabel and I have traveled many times domestically with the girlsfrom Florida and Disneyworld, New York, LA, Park City, Denver, Telluride, Aspen, and Durango, Coeur d’Alene, and New Mexico – but this time we are going big! One of my favorite things is watching their faces the first time we land in Rome and come face to face with the Colosseum not to mention Rome at Christmas time.

Disneyworld, Orlando Florida 2013

So stay tuned, we will be blogging along our journey! We have the GoPro fired up and we are going to have some fun and take you all along on our journey through Italy with the Candelaria’s during the Holidays!

Park City 2015

Isabel and Sophia in Telluride.

The Woven Wood Box – Artist, Barry A. Dolan

There are key moments that end up changing the path and direction of your life. Looking back with hindsight you can spot them. One of those moments for sure was getting my own, first drafting table, custom made of cherry wood by now noted woodworker and artist, Barry Dolan. This was sometime back in the late 70’s when Barry was working for the Rio Grande Railroad with my father and I in Durango, Colorado. My father commissioned Barry to make my table and that table really focused my drawing efforts, as I loved it. The table was all mine.

Flash ahead 40 years…I still have my Barry Dolan drafting table, and now some thousand drawings later my whole life has been changed by this table. Barry and I lost connection through the years but through the power of Facebook, we reconnected. What a talent he is. Now living in Canon City, Colorado he is still creating amazing works of art, glass, and wood.

In the past 40 years he has created a variety of works, including, sculpture, lighting, furniture, entryways, and stained glass windows. The common thread in his career has been his exploration of the concept of the Woven Wood Box. He created the first Woven Wood Box in the early 1980’s, and clients began to request that he create custom boxes just for them. Not wanting to repeat himself, the concept began to evolve.  Sizes, were adjusted to reflect function, the intricacy of the weave evolved and new styles of weave were introduced. The most recent evolution has been the introduction of an ‘Art Glass’ insert into the lid of the box, a vast improvement to the aesthetics, and a major departure in the construction of the weave. He has kept the basic construction of the box as simple as possible, so that he could focus more time on the ornamental elements of the pieces. He prefers to use domestic hardwoods, as opposed to the more exotic rain forest woods because of environmental concerns. An effort to conserve materials results in matching corners and wood grains flowing in the order that they are cut from the boards. Every effort is made to use the most beautiful boards. He produces these pieces in small production runs of 15 or less to keep costs down, and each run exhibits a further evolution of the concept.

His unique approach to design comes from a lifelong interest in architecture. When he was 5 years old his grandmother built her dream home a short distance from where he now lives. Although modest in scale, it was truly an outstanding  example ofmid fifties modern architecture, with corner windows, massive hearth and an open flowing plan. She gave him pointers on how to design a home and some paper and pencils, and set him on a lifetime adventure in design.

He taught himself to do mechanical perspective drawing, a skill that set the course for his interest in 'Architectural Arts'.  He did perspective drawings of the buildings that he would dream up in his head. This process of taking his dreams and putting them on paper soon led to the next step of actually building in the physical realm. Of course by that time, he had narrowed his focus to furniture and sculpture, even going as far as to regard the two as one genre. My drafting table is a perfect reflection of that as my table is more art and sculpture than table.

Barry then became interested in stained glass. The term Architectural Arts took on a much more concise meaning and he was on his way to becoming a true 'Artist'. In addition to creating art glass boxes, he designs and build lamps as well. He also accepts commissions for custom pieces and we were just about to collaborate on the stained glass for a private residence chapel.

Several of Barry’s woven wood boxes are available as Isabel’s store, Earth and Images and make a unique and beautiful gift for the Holidays. I think of the woven wood boxes as a reflection of Barry and my lifelong friendship – weaving in and out of touch but both committed to beauty and our art. I encourage you to check them out. I think you will agree that if nothing else he has accomplished true art.  It has been his objective to seek originality and quality and to give rather than to take from the art form. It is that contribution that is perhaps his greatest achievement. 

Thoughts this Thanksgiving 2015

I hope everyone had a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving! As I have written on all of my Thanksgiving blogs, this is my favorite holiday of the year. And even though we had not grandiose plans this year it still was one of my favorite days of the year.

It really doesn’t matter what political party you follow or religious affiliation you worship, Thanksgiving works for everyone. A wonderful day to relax, reflect and give thanks to all of the blessings one has in their life….and I have many!

First and foremost I love my wife, daughters and family. We had a nice quiet and restful Thanksgiving this year and my mom and Isabel’s mom did all the cooking this year so Isabel and I were able to really relax – and boy we needed it. We are so busy and getting as much done as we can before we head to Italy for Christmas and New Years!

So with some time to reflect I want to thank all of my amazing clients and friends and fortunately in my case, many are one in the same. With the ISIS attacks in Europe and across the world this month it was so nice to watch the Macy’s Parade  and posts and texts from my clients at the parade and see America and what we all stand for in its full glory. All religions, nationalities, and colors represented. As I get older there are many Thanksgivings to look back upon and so you realize how special every moment is and how special the simple things in life are. I think we all suffer from the delusion that we will somehow live for ever but the fact is we won’t and we can all live our lives in fear and avoid traveling and living in isolation to avoid danger but something is going to end your life at some undefined point so why not live life to it’s fullest.

I encourage us all to just go for it and not succumb to the fear that groups like ISIS want to instill in us. I think events like this are a wake up call to all of us for sure and that despite our best efforts to delay the inevitability of death it will one day come and the older you get the less time you have to experience this amazing world. What are we all waiting for???  Ok at the risk of being morbid there are two outcomes in your life….you are either going to do everything you can to live to 90 or 100 if you are lucky and you will be rewarded with watching all of your friends and family die along the way….and in the end you are still going to die. Or you will die before your time and likely that will be due to some unforeseen or tragic event or illness….in the end you still die!

My point is there is no escape – period! So again, what are you waiting for??? We all need to stop waiting for the opportune time to travel, to experience life, to build that dream home, to make a difference in the world. What is great is I am seeing it and hearing it from my clients. I really think these recent events will actually have the opposite effect these horrific groups are looking for. People will stand up and will not accept fear nor tolerate the evil. Yes, we can all point fingers and try to place blame on how ISIS even came into existence, but it doesn’t matter….evil, darkness, and destruction will always be here. If not ISIS it would be something else. Kindness, goodness, creativity, love and light also will always exist and you must choose to make a difference in which will override the other. Doing nothing is a waste of what time you do have.

We are currently working on some amazing projects aimed at helping others that originated with one client’s dream or vision and like the ripple in the water that, as I wrote about a couple blogs ago, its off and soon turns into a tsunami. Again, its the small things done collectively that make a big difference.

So live your life to the fullest, share light, goodness, and kindness which many of you do every day!  Don’t give in – keep it going and step it up. Those of you that are just watching the news and hiding in your homes get out and live life! And by the way, we are NOT cancelling our family trip to Italy for the holidays and we will be posting from St. Peter’s on Christmas Day and Florence on New Year’s Eve! 

A Quick Look Back to our finish of The Candelaria Design Tour Italy ~ Venice

Wow – it’s been so busy since my return from our September/October Candelaria Design Tour Italy. Our office is filled with many wonderful projects with everything from small remodel / additions, to full on estates, to the 32,000 sf Colten Bat Cave we currently have in design. Make sure you give us your VOTE for the Arizona Foothills Magazine Best of the Valley

I have been trying to find some time to write about the end of our Tour Italy – so here it is.

Our Italy travelers left early in the morning and Isabel and I and our travel mates Phil and Renee Giltner, stayed in Positano until later that afternoon whereupon the Giltners were kind enough to share their silent auction winnings with us which comprised of a trip to Venice for three days and nights. How could we resist that???

So with our travelers on their way back to the States we checked out of the hotel in Positano and made the drive from Positano to Naples to turn in our cars and check in for our flight to Venice. Now I have had airport food all over the place but nothing like in the Naples Airport…..Amazing.

Short flight to Venice, grab the luggage and then it’s a quick transport to the water taxi and then you are in a completely different world….the surreal and romantic landscape of Venice. This was Isabel’s first visit to Venice and it is so fun to bring someone to this city for the first time as it truly is unique and there is nothing like Venice in the world.

Our taxi took us to our hotel which was right on the Grand Canal. The Hotel CaSegredo was a palace originally owned by the Morosini family and was purchased at the start of the 18th century by the Segredo family whereupon later it was converted to a hotel. Let me tell you – this hotel truly is a Palace and what a way to stay in Venice.

I love Venice – the city is virtually a museum built on wood stilts and because of the canals and the fact this city is built on islands in the middle of a lagoon there are no cars, no vespas, hence its a unique quiet that you don’t experience in other European cities. You walk everywhere or go by boat and so you experience it at a quiet and slower perception - it’s magical.

We enjoyed all we could in the time we had including a private walking tour. Now this was not your usual tour of the well know sights of Venice. No – Isabel wanted to see Venice through the eyes of the courtesans of the golden age of Venice. Believe it or not – there is such a tour and it was actually quiet interesting and really informative…..from a historic standpoint! 

Of course we spent time in Piazza San Marco, enjoyed several museums and galleries, took a gondola ride, enjoyed the Grand Canal from a water taxi and experienced the main market. We found some wonderful places to dine including a fantastic lunch at the Ristorante La Feluca where we walked into an empty restaurant but by the time we left the restaurant was filled with a couple dozen gondoliers who dined their daily and once served it was easy to understand why. Let’s just say, Isabel was very popular with the gondoliers.   Another good stop for amazing pizzas not far off the Piazza San Marco was Rossopomodoro – we ate there twice!

What a wonderful trip and experience and thank you to our good friends, clients, and fellow travelers, Phil and Renee Giltner. 

From Italy to the 54th Annual Scottsdale Charro Ride

It’s been quite a month. Just two weeks ago we returned from our annual Candelaria Design Tour Italy and just two days ago I returned from my 7th Scottsdale Charro Ride! Throw my 55th Birthday bash between the two and I have literally gone from black tie last weekend to bolo tie this weekend!

That is part of what I love about Arizona! Where else can you do that? Again, thanks for all of the wonderful birthday wishes and gifts and welcoming my two new partners, Vivian and Evelyn. And what better way to celebrate than to invite their two husbands, Paco and Scott to join me as my guests on the Charro Ride. This year’s ride I believe was Paco’s third, and Scott’s first. Of course the ride ends with the ladies coming to camp on the final day for a big celebration!

I love the Charro Ride! Four days and three nights on a horse ride in the middle of no where. Every year the ride is in a different location in Arizona and has given me a chance to explore some of the spectacular and diverse geography and climate of this state. I arrive a day early with the Charro members – Actives, Grandes, and Lifers. That first day and evening with just the members is fantastic and a great time to reconnect with the old members and meet some of the new members.

The next day the guests arrive on the buses. I love the look of the guest riders when they get off the bus in the middle of no where with the camp site no where in view. This year the Grandes created the Grandes Cantina Bar – a rolling bar on wheels! Contractor and Grande, Jim Furcini, of Furcini Construction was the mastermind of this creation that was the biggest hit of this year’s ride!

We mount our horses and ride off through the desert towards our camp which acts as our home for the four days and three nights. The time and effort that goes into this fund raising event is incredible! This year’s ride boss was Bart Park who did a stellar job. He was joined by Trail Boss, Mark Bramlett, and Camp Boss Mark Ashworth. All I can say is Bravo!!! You boys rocked it out. Great camp, fantastic trails, and a seamless most memorable ride experience.

The best moment is always the last day if the ride, a Saturday at high noon when a bus arrives with our wives and significant others! Waiting for that bus is torture.....After 4 days of riding horses with 125 guys there is no better sight than those ladies all dolled up and smelling a lot better than us coming off that bus! Then the party begins!

Scott and Evelyn Jung

I am so proud to be a Grande with the Scottsdale Charros! What a great group of guys that raise money for so many wonderful causes and charities throughout Scottsdale. We also host the spring training for the San Francisco Giants with our Charro Lodge at Scottsdale Stadium. Let me know if you are interested in sponsoring our efforts this coming spring or if you need tickets to the Charro Lodge. I can tee you up and now is the time to get them. Email me for information!

Let’s Ride!