UASHMAMA: Your blog, Most Lovely Things, is full of insightful content from design to DIY to travel. Tell us how you initially got started with the blog?

Annie: I started blogging almost 13 years ago when we were renovating a house in California. Right away it started as a lifestyle blog, rather than a more specific niche. I feel like everything in life is part of how we decorate our homes. Everything from travel to fashion inspires us.

UASHMAMA: We know you love to travel and have experienced some amazing destinations. How do you go about planning your big trips?

Annie: I would say almost all our big trips started with a movie. Movies are so inspiring and make us feel like we want to experience those places. For example, we love the surf documentary, "Endless Summer." One of the places they surf is Biarritz, France and it’s now one our favorite destinations for a family surf trip.

Another favorite destination we have returned to several times is Tuscany! We saw the movie “Letters to Juliet” and after a quick Google search, I discovered that the hotel near Siena did in fact exist. We’ve been several times and can’t wait to return. And, of course, a visit to UASHAMAMA in Lucca is on the list!

UASHMAMA: What trip do you have planned that you are looking forward to the most?

Annie: We are going to France in September for 3 weeks. We will start out at a former surf camp now converted to a boutique hotel and then spend the rest of the time in search of flea markets or brocantes all over France to stock my shop for the holidays!

UASHMAMA: We love your simple yet polished fashion style. What type of packer are you? How do you incorporate your fashion sense into your travels?

Annie: Carry-on only! You only have to lose your suitcase once on a two-week family vacation in France to swear off checked luggage! The thing it taught me is that I need far less than I think I do. I went to Moniprix and bought a few linen shirts, pants, shorts, pajamas and wore my son's t-shirts. That’s all I needed! Keep it simple.

UASHMAMA: What advice do you have for someone who is embarking on their first big DIY project?

Annie: I would tell people to just start. Yes, you need a plan, but don’t over think it. Sometimes the best learning or experience comes from doing.

UASHMAMA: Would you share with us your favorite DIY project you have completed to date?

Annie: So many DIY projects, but the one that pops into my mind as a favorite is our chalkboard calendar wall. It was basically designed out of necessity. We had a very narrow space in front of a kitchen island with a big blank wall. It was also the passage through the kitchen, so anything hanging on the wall would get bumped constantly. As a result, we created a checkerboard chalkboard wall using four colors of gray chalkboard paint. We don’t have that kind of space in our current home, but I did paint one narrow wall with four colors for a different kind of chalkboard wall.

UASHMAMA: You have been a lover of UASHMAMA for awhile. What first drew you to the brand/products?

Annie: YES! I have been a lover of UASHMAMA for a long time! The craftsmanship, the sustainability, really everything about what this company stands for is so admirable. That’s what drew me to it!

UASHMAMA: Do you have a favorite UASHMAMA item?

Annie: I absolutely love all the UASHMAMA products, but I think it’s the paper bags that I love the most. I am always drawn to simple things and what could be more simple than the paper bags? They are useful and have multiple purposes. I could probably list at least 25 ways to use the paper bags. I love that they come in a wide range of colors and sizes. They are just so brilliant!