The Way We Live Today

We no longer worry so much about how this looks, or how that looks, or even if this is going to match. We live with the things that speak to us and the things that we love. We fill our homes with finds from our travels, items from years past, things that we may have inherited or were given to us by friends and family that have value; sentimental or monetary, it doesn't matter.

 

 

 

We've embraced who we are and by doing so have given ourselves permission to be different in our decorations; knowing that it is okay to have that weird, knarled piece of wood lying randomly on the table.  It is okay to pin unframed pictures to the wall to make an off beat statement that probably only we will understand, like, and appreciate.  It's okay if no one gets it.  It's okay if no one likes it.  We do and that's enough.

 

 

We want to be surrounded by those things that have a story behind them. They don't have to be old to have a story. They can be things that were made in China yesterday, that were bought while out just browsing with a loved one. It really matters not.  The point is we have gotten to a place in our lives where we want things of meaning and to have meaningful experiences. This is what having a collected home means.

 

 

We're not just making room for collected treasures, but collecting moments to treasure.  We're creating environments that excites the child within us, relaxes our minds, and speaks to our souls.  We're showing ourselves, becoming more and more transparent to those who are fortunate enough to be invited through our doors.  When we welcome our friends and family, colleagues and peers into our homes we're giving them an intimate tour of the place where our most personal and private moments happen.  Not to be taken lightly, nor taken for granted.

 

 

 

We are not in a hurry to fill our homes with things just so that there won't be any empty spaces. We're okay with the empty spaces, knowing that the perfect piece will come. We now understand the importance of taking our time and making the most of everything. We're not so quick to throw away things that we once thought no longer suited a particular need or looked a certain way. We will repurpose. We will repaint.  We will tear down, build, and transform.  We will do what we need to do in order to make it fit the way we live today.

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via my Pinterest boards



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Two Weeks to Paris...

Deirdre and I have been talking about this trip for a year now.  It began as many conversations between friends do.  You know, the ones where you talk about escaping somewhere to just be you; no ones wife, mom, daughter, sister, etc., etc.  Deirdre took the reins and actively began looking for plane tickets, hotels, and adventures in August, 2012.  Can I tell you what an amazing trip she has planned!  We should all be so blessed to have a friend like her!  Um, no you can't have her!  She has all of the friends she needs right now!  I cannot wait to chronicle my delights in the city of lights...

 

 

 

 Rendre ETTONANT!

Rhonda

 

Images via my Pinterest boards and Google



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Monday's Office

I'm not sure if I've ever featured a masculine office space before?  If I have it's only been one or two.  The elements that most caught my eye in this space are the finishes and textures.  I wish I could tell if the walls are painted or are covered in a wallpaper; either way, I'm really attracted to the gray with the natural wood crown molding.  These are a great complement to each other.  We painted our downstairs and loft area last year gray, and we have light hardwood floors that I think looks really good together.  So this combination is very familiar.  The texture of the bookshelf looks as though it's brick, slate, or even wood.  Sometimes it's challenging to tell because of all of the great innovations in design right now.  Wood is now being made to resemble stone, stone is being made to resemble wood, and so on and so forth.

 

Did you notice the little bar tray on the third shelf?  Now that's what I'm talking about!  You never know what the day holds and what you're going to be up against, so it's always a good idea to have some spirit lifters nearby to help in case of an emergency, or a cause for celebration.  I love the way the framed images are hung on the wall just below the bar shelf.  That's not really anything that I've thought to do and I'm liking it a lot!

 



David Scott's gentleman's study at the 2013 Kip's Bay Showhouse

 

My dad is the man's man; no fuss, no muss, and a little messy (sorry Daddy), but I could totally see him working in this space. It has a masculine vibe with somewhat of a no nonsense ease. It is decorated in a collected way, but still well edited. The antique desk works great in a room that has a more modern sensibility, showing how the two can work together to create an office that is comfortable and conducive to getting down to business, as well as kicking up your heels and just reading a good book.  I know this may seem rather insignificant, but the addition of plants and flowers in any space automatically brightens it and lightens the air.  Oh, and let us not forget the placement of art!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

Image via my Pinterests board Work Spaces



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Who I Am Right Now...

 Do you ever have those moments where you sit and daydream about your perfect day or how you would look if the stars were aligned, and even what you would wear?  Oh! where you would go, who you would talk to, and who you would be?  Okay, so I'm not totally daydreaming, but I am having one of those moments where I really like me!  I mean I always "like me"; but right now I'm really liking me!  Surely some of you out there have got to know what I'm talking about!  Anyhoo, just come along for the ride!  It will be entertaining if nothing else!

 

 

I'm pretty classic in the way I dress.  I grew up with very strong influences; my mom and my grandmother.  Both of these women could make the most inexpensive, simplistic piece look incredible!  I loved watching them get dressed.  It was like watching an artist paint!  I'm 5'10" with a slender frame, although I must admit my body is finally beginning to show it's age by filling out in some areas that I am having a bit of a challenging time accepting!  It's okay though, it really is!  I'm actually starting to like it (really)!  I don't know if I've ever felt more confident.  But again, this may have more to do with age and maturity than how I look.  I do however, love the look with the full skirt, denim shirt, statement belt, and strappy sandal!  This would totally be one of my uniforms of choice for day to day dressing.  Skirts and dresses are just so much more comfortable to me and I like looking like a woman!

 

Ah the classic white shirt with a bevy of varying length necklaces, I adore.  I think everyone, man or woman, looks so pulled together in a white, nicely pressed button down shirt.  It can take you from casual to dressy, from day to night, from carpool mom to totally sexy!  The white button down is a staple in my closet and it should be in yours.  I have quite a few of them in different sleeve lengths, with different details, and always perfectly white!  The same goes for the classic white T-shirt and tank top.  You MUST have these in your wardrobe!  I'm loving the red lip!  Not typically something you will see me in, but as of late, I have been having my moments!

 

Confession:  A few months after giving birth to my first child, I noticed I was losing quite a bit of weight, had the jitters so badly my handwritting was illegible, and was sweating like a farm animal (my skin never looked better, though)!  I was modeling at the time and had just done a testing to update my book, when my booker inquired about my health and then politely told me that they would not be sending me out on anymore castings or jobs until I went to the doctor.  They had some concerns and I'm glad they did.  To make a long story short, I was diagnosed with Graves disease (an autoimmune thyroid disease).  I had a super over-active thyroid that medication could not treat (we did try).  I underwent a nuclear medicine treatment that shrunk my thyroid to the size of a pea.  It now has very little function and I'm on Synthroid (a drug for those with an underactive thyroid). 

 

Anyhoo, it wasn't until years later when I was pregnant with my daughter that the tell tell signs of Graves disease revealed themselves...bulging eyes.  This wasn't typical because usually it's the bulging eyes that gives you away with Graves.  Not me, but then I've never been typical!  It's been about eight years since this has happened and I am just now really accepting it and being okay with it.  It was very challenging.  I mean, can you imagine waking up, looking in the mirror, and not seeing the person that greeted you everyday.  I wouldn't go anywhere and I didn't want to be seen.  Pete and my friends would say "You still look beautiful".  They didn't get that it wasn't that I was concerned about not being beautiful; I was concerned about not being ME!  Now I play up my eyes with eyeliner and mascara and typically do a nude lip.  I love this look on me!  I figure, hey I can't disguise these huge eyes, I may as well play them up and make them AMAZING!

 

It's so odd that I never really cared very much for red nails, as I for some reason, saw this as an "older" woman's thing!  I guess now I'm that older woman, because I love them!  I can't think of a classier accessory than lovely red manicured nails (not talons, nails)!  I don't have the delicate sized hands the lovely woman in the picture has though!  My hands are pretty big with long fingers.  I did say I was 5'10"!  No worries, they are very nice looking (when I've had a manicure)!

 

This Celine handbag is so me right now because it's a less serious take on the clutch.  It's very casual chic.  You can look at the leather and the details and tell that it is a quality bag, but one that is very much a handbag that you can just grab and go and look fabulous while you're going!  I like wearing those pieces that make you look fabulous, but also like you spent very little time fussing about it.  I have a couple of clutches that I love to grab up and wear casually.  One is a stylish oversized number I picked up from Target last summer and the other is a metallic pewter steal by Steve Madden.  Both of which look great with everything!  I truly believe it is the confidence you wear, more so than the clothes and accessories.  Don't get me wrong, the clothes and accessories definitely go a long way in helping!

 

I have become much more bold in my wardrobe color choices.  Back in the day, you would have not ever caught me in something this bold, vibrant, and eye catching!  That's one thing about being in your forties (forty-three to be exact), you know who you are, you know what you want, you know how to get it, and you know who to get it from!  I've never been more in love with who I am right now!  I think those closest to me can see the difference.  I don't know, it's as if I woke up and had an epiphany!  I am good enough just the way I am!  Moving on...  I use to stay away from bright colors and things that would make me stand out in a crowd (I never stopped wearing heels, though).  I've embraced that I am an incredible woman, with a radiant smile that is powerful beyond even what I know!  I'm a loving wife to Pete, the best mom ever to Noah and Gillian, and one of the most wonderful people you will ever meet!  So why in the world would I do anything to diminish that!  Why would you?

 

I have fallen in love with flowers.  I love them.  Can't get enough of them.  I don't keep them in my home the way that I would like.  In fact, when I'm able, I'm going to have a florist on call that will come regularly to change my floral arrangements in my home!  They make me happy.  These are the things that I want to spend my time, money, and energy on.  The things that make me happy (and can bring a little beauty and joy to those who don't even realize it)!  I love it when my children make an observation based on something that I've unknowingly exposed them to that they have developed a true appreciation for!  For instance, when Gillian handwrites invitations on blank index cards instead of notebook paper because she likes the weight better, and when Noah looks up at the sky and comments that it's a beautiful day.  It's the simple things my friend, the simple things!

 

So, this is who I am right now; February 22, 2013!  Happy Friday and have the best weekend possible!  Make someone's day...

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

Images via myPinterest boards



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With a Man in Mind

I was having a conversation the other day with a friend of mine where we were discussing trends in interior design that had staying power.  The one that we both agreed that is here to stay is the impact that men have had on their living spaces.  Obviously, women's voices will always be heard in design just because that's still considered more of what we do, but with the family dynamic undergoing some changes with stay at home dad's and/or men working from home; their needs and desires must be addressed.  Not to mention with more and more men wanting nicer, more stylish and sophisticated diggs, they are taking more of an active and deliberate role in creating environments that speak to who they are and their lifestyles. 

 

 

Men tend to think more about function first and then aesthetics.  That's not to say they put a small amount of value on nice looking things, it's just that it needs to suit the purpose first and then be great looking.  Oh my gosh, let's not forget about convenience and their interests.  These are the jumping off points for their design endeavors.  Once these are satisfied, they can then move on to the task of making it amazing.

 

 

Linen, denim, a pocket square, and a nice watch!  I would say this is a great way to do casual.

 

Leather totes are a very stylish and handsome way for men to carry their work essentials.  This tote would look good whether he's wearing jeans or a suit.

 

 

Bed and bedding... Now obviously not everyone is okay with a mattress on the floor; not even the average guy.  However as shown above, as long as the space is clean, organized, and clutter free it can work.  This is totally a bachelors bedroom!  The wall color is subtle with a couple of great framed images, and the on trend brass details in the art lights and light fixture, well I mean, it's fabulous.  The draperies hung simply from discreet hardware, along with the no nonsense bedding...hmmm, just smart.  This room would not offend me at all.  I would date this man.  Well, I would have dated him!

 

 

Okay, so I had to throw Lenny in for a little eye candy!  Wow, just beautiful.  I remember when I was a little girl, my dad's facial hair would tickle my face and I didn't really like it all that much.  My how things have changed!  I love a nicely groomed beard.  Yes, I really do (nodding approvingly as I smile from ear to ear). 

 

What can I say about this Bugatti Veyron?  Sexy?  Absolutely.

 

Accessories are the details that speak volumns and yet they are most often the last to be given any thought at all.  I do think this is changing with the guys.  I don't know, there seems to be an evolution of sorts happening.  I am so glad about this, too.

 

 

Really!  The high ceiling along makes this bathroom incredible!  Come on!  The contrast of the wood planks and the beams is striking!  The dual vanity, reminiscent of cross-legged trays that are used in living areas to hold anything from bar essentials to collections of pictures and treasures is totally handsome in the rich walnut finish.  I'm loving the louvered window treatments.  It is a very clean and clever way of letting light in and also having privacy when needed.  The wall tiles make a huge statement in large part because of their size and in part because of their finish.  Interesting also is what appears to be wood slats in the walk-in shower.  Do you see this?  Only what is convenient, necessary, and functional in a very sophisticated design.

 

 

Classic.  Both the wardrobe and the club chair.

 

Obvioulsy, women aren't the only ones that need organization in their closets.  There is a place for everything here; even a place to sit, which by the way is a very smart chair with a hide underfoot to add a little warmth and texture. 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via my All About Men Pinterest board



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Happy Valentines Day?

I'm not all that big on Valentine's day; never have been.  I am, however, a romantic.  Not in the sense that most would think.  You know, the mushy love stuff.  Ha! There's nothing wrong with that.  I just don't have to have it to have romantic notions.  I can romanticize just about anything.  I enjoy life's simple pleasures, whether with Pete, my children, or by myself.  Of course, it's always nice to be on the receiving end of their affection, and I am so glad they shower me just because!  So to them...Happy Valentine's Day! 

 

 Isn't this camellia beautiful?  Look at how delicate the petals appear and yet they withstand the rigors of growth, weather, the elements, and being handled by those who want to enjoy their beauty in a vase.  Youth and beauty is usually compared to that of a flower.  I get it.  Take nothing for granted.  Enjoy all the things the days will bring.

 

 It would be such a pity to cut into this cake, but how else could you enjoy just how delicious it is?  It wasn't made to just be pretty.  It was made to be enjoyed by all of your senses.  Our lives are no different.  What a pity it would be to have the ability to decide what kind of day we're going to have, who we're going to spend our time with, and what we're going to do, only to choose to do nothing at all.  Wow!  Really?

 

 I love the length and color of this belted skirt paired, with the classic white button down.  So feminine with a casual easiness.  It always makes me smile to see women who are comfortable in their skin, because no matter what they are wearing, they are wearing it; it's not wearing them.  What you're wearing doesn't matter as much as how you're wearing it.

 

 

As a nineth grader in Etoyle Mouser's English Literature class, I loved all of the writings of Elizabeth Barret Browning.  Did I understand all that she had written?  Of course not.  Did it matter that I didn't?  I don't think so.  It was more about how her poems made me feel than about my understanding.  I am a very analytical person.  I've been criticized by a few for being so much so.  I am also a very feeling person, in that it matters more to me the experience of the moments than it does the moments themselves.  Simply put, if I want the experience of enjoying a cup of coffee, I'm probably going to drive pass five Starbucks to get to that one Illy coffee shop where I can have a nice porcelain cup with a pastry on a nice porcelain plate.  Now don't get me wrong, I too enjoy Starbucks, but there are times when it means more to me to have the "experience" than the coffee itself.

 

No matter what this day finds you doing, whether with the love of your life or in the company of yourself, enjoy the moments of being.  Being able to wake up this morning and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.  It does surround you, you just have to open your eyes to see it.

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via my Pinterest boards



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My Countdown to Paris has Begun!

Wow!  What else can I say, but WOW!  Last year was a fantastic year for me!  Not all of it smelled like roses; but does it ever?  Anyhoo, it was just a year where Rhonda E. Peterson experienced tremendous growth and incredible awakenings.  Now, here it is barely two months into 2013, and I am already realizing dreams and goals that are taking my breath away.  One such goal is my trip to Paris next month!  I am finally beginning to get very excited about going!  As I was browsing through my Pinterest boards searching for images, I became totally giddy with excitement, so please excuse me if I just show pictures of places, architecture, and elements that will cause my heart to skip a beat everyday that I am there!

 

 Paris vista

 

 Eiffel Tower

 

 Champs-Elysees

 

 Musee de Louvre

 

 Paris Pont (Bridge)

 

Montmartre

 

 Palais Garnier (Opera Garnier)

 

 Cathedral of Notre Dame

 

The Gardens at the Palace of Versailles

 

The River Seine

 

 Pont Neuf (Paris' oldest bridge)

 

 Le Procope (Paris' oldest cafe)

 

Parisian residence (Art Deco at it's finest)

 

I can totally see myself standing here wanting to split myself into, so that I can see it all!

 

The best part of all is that I get to share this experience with a person that has truly supported my dreams, goals, aspirations, and all those things that make us who we are at the core of our being.  Those types of friends are so rare, and I'm so glad Deirdre is mine!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*All images via my Pinterest boards



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