Lessons Learned ::

“ A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just blooms. ”

— from Zen Shin Talks

my blog, via hemingwayandhepburn

 

 

 

Be like nature and do your own thing.  You are far more interesting when you are true to yourself.   

 xo,

R+H

10 Things I Wish I'd Known Sooner ::

1. It's okay to say no.
2. The more you buy really just means the more you'll have to take with you when you move.
3. The love of a pet is usually more reliable than that of a human, and better.
4. Terrible people will succeed.  Wonderful people will fail.  That's life; it isn't always fair.
5. You can always move back home.
6. It won't be the same.
7. Cheap shoes can ruin a lovely outfit, and great shoes can make a crappy outfit better.
8. Sometimes people don't want the answer... they just want someone to listen.
9. Never waste a perfectly pretty day.
10. You absolutely can change your mind. 

photographed by Akinori Ito for Spur May 2014.

xo

R+H

Remember ::

billabong1973

Go do something lovely and fun :)

xo,

R+H

Sweet Thoughts for the Day...

II Corinthians 12:9 -

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

xo

RH

I Am ::

xo

RH

Happy Happy Day ::

Happy Veteran's Day!

Veteran's Day - originally known as Armistice Day - was officially recognized in 1954 as a day of celebration, recognition, and memory for all veterans who have, or still are, fighting for this country.  

Prior to that, the original holiday had been created as a memory of the armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities between the countries involved in World War I, and as an honor to the veterans of that Great War.  Since WWI was considered the "war to end all wars" (and since it didn't actually end all wars, instead leading to many, many, many more...) it certainly made sense at that time to have the original name.

However you choose to call it or celebrate it, veteran's day is a way for all Americans to honor our veterans for their patriotism, heroism, and willingness to serve.


xo

RH

We Made It This Far

It's the middle of the week!  Time to par-tay...

...make sure you sprinkle some confetti on the floor.  


xo

RH

Notes on :: Dressing

The weather is changing - well, swinging erratically between appropriately cool, Fall weather, and warm, sunny days, with a few random downpours in between.  All of which make dressing fun.  And interesting.  

So, when in doubt, stick to the neutrals. 

Well, not all of these at one time, obviously, but you get the point. 


xo

RH

Welcome Back :: Domino

Hello lover!

I'm so excited to hear that Domino is finally, officially back!

The interest and love that magazine garnered was so strong that I was (honestly) surprised to hear it had ended to begin with.

But hey, after a couple years and several rumors that it was (possibly resurfacing), Domino has emerged, as beloved as ever.  


...and actually, probably even better than ever.





3 Reasons Domino is Better:

1. They're back.  After 4 years + an economy that killed plenty of magazines.  Enough said.
2. You can basically order right from the website now, as you read the features.  And have it delivered straight to your door.
3. Obviously the online component is great.  Because I used to have to just lug all the magazines around with me when moving from apartment to apartment - and that got heavy.

Now, you can start the week off right and peruse the revamped, online magazine all evening long.  Happy Monday everyone.


xo

RH

Relax, it's Saturday

Yay, the weekend has arrived!

 

I'm a major proponent of travel, and a lover of adventures, but sometimes everyone needs to find some peaceful, quiet place and just slow down.

Slow way down - to hear the chickens clucking; feel the wind blowing; smell the leaves burning. 

 
Get back in touch with nature - no cell phones, no laptops, and internet, and social media.  No crowds or deadlines.  Just you and the big, wide woods (or fields, or mountains, or sea)... you would be surprised to learn how small you are.

Clean out your house and your life.  Throw away things you don't need anymore, and rid yourself of anything that is holding you back.  Clear the clutter - because quite frankly, you probably don't need everything you are currently holding on to.

On the other hand, keep your friends and family closer than ever.  Be thankful that you aren't alone in such a crazy, busy, loud, frantic world. 

Happy weekend.


xo

RH

Glamorous Little Things

In honor of the middle of the week - can you believe it is that time already? - here are some lovely, gorgeous still life shots of your basic, everyday, household items.  

Ralph Lauren: L’École des Beaux-Arts

 ...well okay, not really "everyday", or "basic", but all that could be separating them from their boring cousins is some fancy gold spray paint and twinkling crystal adornments.  So, the question is, how creative are you?

 

Kelly Wearstler: vintage gold shell chairs

Or, instead of spray paint, add some pretty upholstery and a ribboned bouquet. 

 

 

Turn your ordinary day into a perfectly glamorous day!

 

xo

RH

12 Steps for A Great Day

1. If it feels wrong, or if you are in doubt, don't do it.
2. Say what you mean, and mean what you say.  Don't beat around the bush.
3. Don't be a people pleaser.  Do what makes you happy.
   
4. Trust your instincts.  You have them for a reason.
5. Build yourself - and others - up.  There is enough negativity out there, you don't need to add to it.
6. Dream.  Set goals.  Make a plan.  Stick to it.
7. Don't be afraid to say "no".  You can't do everything.
8. Don't be afraid to say "yes". 
9.  Let go of things you can't control.  Make peace with life, yourself, and others.
10. Be thankful.  (and, yes, there IS always something to be thankful for).
11. Be friendly.  Be the type of person you would want to be around.
12. Acknowledge that you are intelligent.  Say it!  Too many smart people beat themselves up.  You are smart.  You can do it. 

Have a good day :)


xo

RH

It's Chic O'Clock

Oh Autumn, how I adore thee... the Fashion (Weeks); the pretty, embellished coats; the steaming, to-go cups of coffee on crisp mornings.    

So often, buried deep down somewhere in the merriment and warm layers, one's sense of style lays dormant, snoozing until Spring reawakens it.  But don't wait that long!  You can look amazing now - even with two sweaters, a coat, and hat + scarf.  It is all in the details.

1. Choose textured items - knobby coats, chunky knit sweaters, sequined dresses, or feather-trimmed skirts.  This is a tactile season - unlike the warmer months which result in people wearing as little as possible - and you should wear items that invite you to touch. 

 

2. Don't forget your color palette - now is the time to break out the deeper, darker, earthy tones.  The golden yellows, dramatic reds, crisp greens... Mix them together if you are feeling creative, or wear single, solid color schemes.  

And remember to toss out that old rule about "not wearing white after Labor day".  This year, give winter wonderland a run for its money.

3. Have fun with accessories - book clutches, clock purses, loooooong scarves, cute printed gloves, retro sunglasses (to protect from the cold winds, you know).  Whatever it is, have fun with it - in fact, now is the best time to bring out all your jewels and accessories, since your gorgeous figure is swathed in layers upon layers.  


4. Dressing "warmly" doesn't mean "dowdy" - invest in an amazing accent piece, a really great coat, a fur (faux or no, I don't judge), a long color-block maxi dress that can be worn with a blazer or cropped jacket.  

Tell me, what's in your closet these days?  Are you dressing up for the season, or just plain dressing for the weather?


xo

RH

Cute Halloween Ideas

I'm not really into the whole dressing-up-for-Halloween thing, and truthfully only a handful of stylish candy-lovers actually ever make it to my door... but these are such adorable looks that I just had to post this for all those harassed moms out there who haven't even thought about the "mini holiday" happening in about two weeks from now.

Here are some ideas:

The classic LBD, pearls, sunglasses, + the latest Vogue Magazine rounds out the perfect look.

Iris Apfel is known for her colorful, creative, crazy looks...why not let the kids have fun?

Bill's outfit has, for years, consisted of the khaki/tan slack, blue jacket, and camera.  So easy!

Go big or go home has never been so appropriate as when dressing up like ALT.


So, who's going to win this year's Halloween costume contest?  



xo,

RH

Sweet Thoughts for the Day

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways, and be wise.
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
Provideth her meat in the Summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?  When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep."

- Proverbs 6:6-10, KJV


"And unto the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans, write, These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot, I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth:
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing: and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do no appear, and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten, be zealous therefore, and repent."

- Revelation, 3:14-19, KJV


xo

RH

Fight Like a Girl

Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month!  

Ladies  -  go schedule your mammograms if it is time, if you have a family history of cancers, or you just feel like making sure your body is in good health.  Life is too short and too precious to waste, so make sure that you are keeping your mind and body in its best condition possible.


For more info about any cancers, visit this link.


xo

RH

A Little Laugh for the Day

In favor of it being Monday - traditionally an important day because of the enormous amount of energy required to start the week off right - here's a little laughter for you all.

I love Joseph Gordon-Levitt because he seems to enjoy life and not take himself (or his celebrity status) too seriously.  Plus, he always dresses nice, and I love when guys take the extra time to dress nice...aka, like adults, not lazy college bums.

So, here he is, having a lip-synching contest on Jimmy Fallon.  Because he apparently thought he needed to be even cuter than he already is.  Watch it.  And then tell me who you think should win.  You know who I pick.



hahaha.  Happy Monday!

xo

RH

Color Love

Blue is one of the most prevalent colors in nature for good reason.  It's calming, peaceful, and pretty.  It complements, in some shade or tint, every other color and skin-tone. 

Scroll down and see what I mean.   Enjoy the velvety texture of a jacket, the inky darkness of the sea, the veined delicacy of petals, the feathered, gold-speckled plume of a bird, and try to tell me that these images would be better in any other color. 

  

xo

RH

Random delights

Every so often I just like to bask in the simple pleasures of random delights, and today is one of those days.  Here are some little things I'm loving today:

Crusty, flaky, warm, fresh breads.  Of any size.

Pretty living rooms + wall galleries.  (and dogs).

Lovely, warm, ladylike clothes + a great pair of heels.

...and because I'm a classicist, Sean Connery.  The best Bond.

What, or who, is inspiring you today?

xo

RH

Why, yes...I agree!

How eminently sensible of you, Frank...

Why any female would want to dumb herself down for any reason (to snag a man, keep a job, "make" some friends) is entirely beyond me.  If you have brains, use them!

And, quite frankly, you'll attract a better caliber of people around you anyways, by being true to yourself. 
 

Have a great day, you smart thing, you!

xo

RH