Hey Diva Readers, As I write from Venice, Carnevale is taking place outside my window. The calles are filled with men and ladies dressed in carnival gear strolling alongside canals. The most popular place to finish one's stroll is of course Caffè Florian on the Piazza San
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A Different World
When I last wrote a blog post we lived in a different world. I simply stopped blogging here on Antiques Diva last year for a variety of reasons - both personal and professional. But Baby –and just in time for the holidays – I'm Back!
Diva 2020
In this month's header photo taken last week in Cambodia I am sunburnt. I am sweaty and just after this photo was taken I found a mosquito stuck still alive in the sweaty goo of sunblock at my hairline. In spite of all that I
Be Intentional: Moving Forward While Embracing the Past
On the first day of the Scorpion calendar, I celebrated my birthday. It wasn’t a significant birthday. In fact, it was the type of birthday you don’t typically have a party for. The year didn’t end in a 5 or a Zero. But with the
The Art of Procrastinating Wisely
In honor of October being National Women’s Small Business Month today I recorded my first ever episode for my new podcast - The Business of Antiques. But I have a confession. I procrastinated for exactly one month on making this first recording. Now I am super
Paris Fête des Puces 2019: Puces Mon Trésor
September is la rentrée - the French summer holidays are over, students return to school and tout Paris returns to work. La rentrée is a time of optimism and fresh beginnings - and treasure hunting! The world famous Paris flea market - le Marché aux
Auntie Toma’s Modern Day Grand European Tour
As I write this month's blog I’m sitting at Le Deux Magots in Paris waiting as my 16 year old twin nieces explore Saint Germain des Pres and I take a moment to catch up on office work. They are visiting from Oklahoma. We’ve spent
Everything I Need to Know About Business I Learned in the Vogalonga Regatta
When I was asked to be the Drummer on a Dragon Boat for the Vogalonga I said yes because it was a Regatta and I liked the sound of the word “Regatta.” When else in my life am I going to compete in a 30km rowing
Designing A Life Less Ordinary
When I was in my 20’s and had first moved to Paris, I opened a new journal and I wrote one sentence. I’ve started a million other journals since then, living a million different lives, as my journey took me the last two decades from
Wanderlust With The Anthony Bourdain of Antiques
Behind the Scenes With Toma Only
Last month I wrote a blog sharing details of my personal life as well as in #Divaland. While you may know me as The Antiques Diva - I joke to my real-life friends “Don’t call me Diva!” The real me - Toma Clark Haines -
The 10 Year Challenge: Business Inspiration
Recently on Facebook, people have been posting their 10 Year Challenge - a photo taken 10 years ago versus today.Toma Clark Haines: 2009 - 2019 A decade ago The Antiques Diva & Co was almost 1 year old. In fact, there was no “& Co”
Bar Essentials and Styling for Holiday Entertaining
I’ll ring in the New Year with my favorite Prosecco. I first became aware of the Prosecco house Bisol when I visited the winery earlier this year in Valdobbiadene for my birthday in the nearby Veneto region just an hour north of Venice. When I
Cozy Tablescape for a Christmas S’mores Bar
For me, presentation is EVERYTHING. As a little girl growing up in Oklahoma, I never liked s'mores! I don't know why, but their sticky, chocolatey, gooeyness never appealed to me. As an adult, I began to appreciate the luxury of one simple romantic bite -
How to Create Christmas Tablescapes with Antiques and Vintage Pieces pt 1
Your home is a reflection of who you are - your travels, your passions, your lifestyle. As The Antiques Diva, I always incorporate antiques and vintage pieces into my home, mixed with modern and far more practical items for everyday living! When I entertain, I
Antiques Up and Down the East Coast
Before I founded The Antiques Diva® & Co, I lived in Boston and worked in advertising. As a young woman from Oklahoma, Boston was my first introduction to New England interiors, design and art, and an opportunity to learn the history and culture of America's
Where does design inspiration come from?
While taking my summer vacation in the Amalfi Coast this summer one of my favorite things I did - besides merely lounge poolside in my BoxerinBlue swimwear under the wafting smell of the lemon trees - was visit the Ruins of Pompeii, which I talked
The NEW Neoclassical
Today while running errands in Venice, I popped down the Calle delle Mandole to the Punto Simply grocery store and popped into my friend Jewelry Designer Marisa Convento’s shop, where she sells her handmade creations using antique Venetian beads. She inquired about my new kittens Fortuny