Pretty :: Chicken Coops

There is a growing trend among restaurants, lifestyle farms, and individuals to create complete farm-to-table meals.  Of course, this means having some or all of the following components:

1. your own vegetable + herb gardens
2. at least a few fruit or citrus trees (or the complete orchard)
3. chickens (and if you want, ducks and geese)
4. cows or goats for dairy
5. sheep for cheese

Since the average person isn't going to be able to maintain, or even house, all of those components, why not start with the chickens?  They provide fresh eggs and great manure for your gardening, and raising chickens is easier than you probably think.

The simplest way to start is with a good chicken coop:

Aren't they lovely?  Of course, there are other options as well, which allow your chickens even greater free range of motion and access to fresh bugs and plant/flower scraps.

Tell me, do you already have chickens?  Do you plan to start raising some in the next few months or year?  


x

RH

Little Bit of Glamour

It's time for a little fashion, because one really can't have too much fashion in their life. 

Isn't this gold, jewel-encrusted dress so pretty!  I would totally wear something like this to a party!  It's so ladylike, fancy, and has a slightly retro vibe (which I love).  The illusion neckline is a nice touch, and so is the thin belt.  But what I think is truly amazing is the fabric.  It isn't your usual, plain satin or cotton-sateen or anything like that.  No... it's textured.  I absolutely love that.  

If Edith Head could get her hands on this, she would no doubt add some opera-length gloves and a stole.  
(And it does seem so perfect for an old Grace Kelly film.)

Krikor Jabotian Haute Couture 2013

Here's a fun little video hosted by Laura Brown | Harper Bazaar's The Look -

And, something for the guys out there.  

Cufflinks are such a nice touch to any suit - business or dress.  Of course, you could always go for something standard (read: sometimes boring), or you could have fun with it.  Because how many times in a month are you going to wear cufflinks?  And if you do wear them often, how many times do you spiff it up?  

Plus, they are dog cufflinks!  Must I say more?!

x

RH

Sweet Thoughts for the Day

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RH

Why Don't You...

Take time to relax today?

There is just something to be said for a good night's sleep.

It is restoring, rejeuvenating, and repairing.

x

RH

Pretty Hairstyles

Why not try a pretty new hairstyle today?  Sure, throwing your hair up in a messy pony is easy, but after a while it just looks like you can't be bothered... 

Try a pretty knot with a ribbon or a fun, braided crown.  If you really don't have time but still want to look put-together, try a sleek ponytail + wrap a section of the hair around the band.  For a fancy event get your hairdresser to do a "bow" look instead of your usual chignon.

Don't forget the details - scarves, ribbons, headbands, brooches, etc.  And these days, exposing your bobby pins (like Diane Kruger does in the last photo) is not a bad thing...and can add a little interesting touch. 

x

RH

Down by the Sea...

I love the water.  I don't get to visit the ocean very much ...but I love it just the same.  

The calm, peaceful days.  The turbulent, stormy days.  The orange and red sunsets.  The blue skies dotted with puffy clouds.  The boats.  The swimming.  The seafood.  The sand.  Lounging on beach chairs in the warm sun.

For centuries the ocean has meant travel + adventure on the high seas; exploring far-away places; charting new territories.  The ocean brought riches and booty to pirates, untamed lands to explore for pioneers, and a new life for settlers.  Occasionally it meant shipwrecks, destruction and death.  

Either way, the sea is its own creature - bowing to no man's dictates, and always showing off it's own personality, mood swings and desires. 

...Plus many great novels, poems and songs have been inspired by the sea.  Can you name any?

Do you love the ocean too? 


x

RH

A little piece of art

Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland, 1904

John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) was an American painter ...probably most widely known for his most controversial piece, Portrait of Madame X, (Madame Pierre Gautreau) (1884).  

Trained in Paris, Singer Sargent enjoyed international acclaim as a wonderful portrait artist, and is well-known for his depictions of Edwardian-era luxury.  This is not to say he studied art with the intent of becoming a portrait artist - he displayed an enthusiasm for landscapes - but portrait commissions were easier to come by and could establish an artist more quickly in the art world.

Singer Sargent, despite his occasional professional and personal controversies, and some ambivalence towards the restrictions of formal portrait painting, did enjoy large periods of extreme popularity as an artist.  He also successfully enjoyed other projects including watercolors, landscapes and architectural projects, and murals.


x

RH

Loving :: Factory Windows

I love factory-style windows.  There is something so vintage and classic about them.  And even better, they can still be used in modern designs today.  Aside from the time it would take to clean them (pane by pane), they are so pretty!


And the really cool thing about this style is that there are so many design options.  


Unlike many window options today that are only for your house, office building, etc, this style can be used for shower walls, garden gates (without the glass panes), as windows, and so much more.

via madeliefje-madelief.blogspot.com

via desdemventana.blogspot.com

via remodelista.com

via homebunch.com

 

via thirdcoastclassic.tumblr.com

via marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com

Aren't they lovely?  What are your thoughts on factory windows?  

x

RH

Sweet Thoughts for the Day

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

-Psalms 23, KJV


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RH

Quote for the Day

seriously, it's a killer.


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RH

Why Don't You...

Be adventurous today?

whether that means trying a new type of food, riding a really high roller-coaster,
talking to someone you are impressed with, bringing up a convo you dread,
dying or cutting your hair in a crazy new style...

Whatever it is, step out on the limb.

x

RH

Lifestyle :: Relaxing Bathrooms

While this room may not sound like the most pleasant or inviting in the house, bathrooms, if done right, can be a complete retreat.  Where else are you going to go when you need to lock out the world, put on an eye mask, light some candles and sink into a pile of bubbles?  For those of us who don't have time or can't afford to hide out at the spa every evening, this is the place to create your own peaceful ambiance. 

There are so many great ideas out there, I thought I would share some...






This mirrored subway-tiling bathtub  would be so cute in a kid's bathroom.

Why not get the kids started early when it comes to great interior aesthetics? 

And, unlike designs that are geared strictly towards the younger set (ex: spongebob) this is the type of bathroom that you don't have to remodel once your children get older.

Just add some water toys, some thick rugs for all their splashing, and make sure there is a sturdy stepping stool to reach the sink. 

Necessities:
- fluffy white towels (for the spa-like atmosphere & they're easy to bleach)
- relaxing aromatherapy candles
- plush rugs + pretty curtains
- marble countertops
- plenty of mirrors
- flowers (real or faux, is a nice touch)

 Lighting:
You should also have plenty of lighting options.  Who needs the daily drudge of getting ready for work in the near-dark?  

Dimmers are great since it allows you to see what your makeup looks like in natural light, soft (candle) light, harsh sunlight ...and everything in between.

One thing to remember: if you want a calming bathroom keep a neutral or cool color palette.  It goes without saying that red-painted walls will be too energetic, but keep in mind that having mix + match patterned towels and different colored rugs and artwork is not necessarily relaxing either. 

What is your preferred aesthetic?  Do you like the spa bathroom too?



x

RH

Celebrate :: Father's Day

Happy Happy Father's Day!

Being a dad isn't easy - it is hard work, all day, every day.  Fatherhood is more than just providing for the family, it's teaching your son how to be a man, showing up at soccer practices when you are exhausted, and learning how to braid your daughter's hair and consoling her when some unworthy idiot  guy breaks her heart.  

It includes trying to fix irreparably broken toys and re-educating yourself on junior high math problems.  Remembering exactly why the sky is blue and not going crazy after the 25th "are we there yet?" 

It's scrimping to send your children to the best schools and colleges, even though you know there probably will not be any jobs for them when they graduate in this economy.  

It's praying and worrying and learning and teaching and sweating and working, and working some more, and loving and showing by example...  and then one day, it's simply letting go.


So, thank you to all the great, loving fathers out there who really work hard to make a difference.  And thank you to my dad for being my father.  


x

RH

Vivid Sydney Event

Check out the cool video + pretty pictures from the 5th annual Vivid Sydney Event.  



Vivid Sydney 2013 timelapse from konstantin basov on Vimeo.


I love how colorful everything was! 

x

RH

Sweet Thoughts For the Day

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

- I Timothy 2:1-6, KJV

Happy Wednesday

Happy "hump" day.  It's finally the middle of the week!  You can make it to the weekend.  

Remember... all good things come to those who wait.

x

RH

Loving :: Lantern Lamps

Sometimes I can't decide whether, if given the choice, I would opt to live in an elegant Parisian flat or a sprawling classic farmhouse.  This indecision is due to the fact that the interior decor will depend on the style of the house and there are just so many different looks and decor options that I like.  

But one style that works everywhere and still looks lovely + timeless are these lantern lamps!  They fit into pretty much everywhere.

They are so classic and clean.  And they work really well in a large space.

Or a tiny space...

This picture is probably my favorite ... everything is working so well together (the floor, the clean walls, the minimal furniture) that I just want to sit on the bench and relax.  

What about you?  Do you like lantern lamps or do you prefer something else?

x

RH

Pretty Things :: Tiffany & Co.

Like most girls, I like jewelry.  And I like certain stores for certain types of jewels or jewelry designs. 

Every time I am in NYC a trip down 5th Ave is a must, to look at the lovely Tiffany's windows.  Tiffany and Co - the pretty packaging, the iconic blue wrap, the presents hidden inside the boxes.  Their designs are so timeless, pretty, and unique and they use some seriously colorful stones.  

It's tough but I think I like their brooches and art-deco designs best of all. 

checking the size accuracy of the metal bow

emerald-cut 40 carat tanzanite in platinum, 18k gold bow

Jazz Age starlet Fania Marinoff in Tiffany, 1923

1920's powder compacts display independence + inimitable style

drawings of brooches, 1939-40 NY World's Fair

What do you think? 

x

RH

2013 CFDA Awards besties

I love fashion events.  Sure, some people try too hard to look cool or unique and end up looking really strange and dumb.  And some people need to hire stylists, or fire the ones they have.  But generally, fashion events are so fun to watch...I mean, how often do you get to see the newest and best designs pieced together to create interesting looks?

The CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Awards are basically the "Fashion Oscars" - designers receive awards based on several categories in fashion, jewelry, accessories, etc.  

I didn't see too many spectacularly creative pieces that should be listed on sheer audacity alone, but there were several lovely little dresses that I've posted below.  Because really, if you are a female, there are precious few events these days that allow you to be feminine without being risque or super overdressed.

Miranda Kerr in Proenza Schouler - love the colors

Rose Byrne in Thakoon - my favorite look of the night :)

Ashley Madekwe in Cushnie et Ochs - simple, pretty + cutouts

 

 

 

Kerry Washington in Jason Wu - the color is fun, the cut is great

What do you think?  Did you check out the styles?  Do you have a favorite?

x

RH