Mid Week Tidbits and Other Stuff

I've been having such a great week!  I hope you have as well...

 

 

Since announcing my participation in the 2013 Room Service Atlanta project, friends and followers of my blog, Facebook, and Twitter have been so supportive with their donations and words of encouragement.  I feel really blessed to have these people in my life.  Sure, some I may only interact with on the social media sites and have not ever laid eyes on, but to know that there is something about me and what I'm doing that has impacted them enough to do something to help me and my cause, simply overwhelmes me.

 

 

There's nothing that I like more than statement necklaces.  I've not tried layering them, but after seeing how striking this looks, I think I may try my hand at it and give it a go.  Yesterday, I took my son to the park to shoot around a little bit and walk the trail.  Guess what I had on?  That's right, a statement necklace!  I should have had him take a picture!  I don't think anything of putting one of those fabulous pieces on with a sweatshirt or zip-up hoody!  Like Bill Blass once said "Style is primarily a matter of instinct."  Great instincts, great style! 

 

 

I long to have one of these sitting places in my home.  It doesn't have to be in my bedroom...hmm, I actually prefer that it's not.  My bedroom is definitely relaxing, as it should be; but when I try to read in there, it's not long before I'm sound asleep.  I love to read!  I will read anything I can get my hands on.  Unfortunately, I don't get to do as much leisure reading as I would like, but I do my best to get it in when I can.  Stephen King was quoted as saying, "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write."  Obviously, I like to write and I'm never really at a loss of things to write about.  Well, that's not exactly true.  Sometimes, when I'm trying to decide what you guys will be interested in reading, I do find myself at a loss...

 

I wish I were more of a DIY'er!  I would love to go buy a few of these wide plank boards and put them together to make an awesome desk like this!  Or table even for crafts and what not!  I do know a few people who could make it for me.  Maybe I'll give them a call and see what we can do.  There is a quiet pleasure I get when I design something on paper and then actually see the manifestation of it.  So maybe it's not so much the DIY aspect that I'm interested in, as much as it is just designing pieces and having someone else make it!  Now that's a thought!

 

Ah, Tina Turner...the Burner!  I love her!  I've never had the privilege of seeing her perform in person.  What a show she puts on, I'm sure!  I adore this picture of her.  I adore the picture of any woman (or man) that can smile and laugh with abandon.  It says a lot to me.  I'm told I smile a lot.  I do.  It was even observed by a friend that I smile even when I'm uncomfortable or faced with a less than desireable situation.  I do.  Smiling makes me feel better and it makes handling those sticky challenges easier.  I don't smile when someone is upset with me.  That would be mocking and insensitive.  I have more sense than that!  I just think that if we all smiled a bit more, it would make life and all of it's challenges and difficulties a little bit easier to bear.  You should try throwing your head back and laughing a hearty laugh!  Let me know how it made you feel.  Oooh, also try smiling when you're upset!  That's a good one!  Definitely let me know how that one goes!

 

I think a lot.  Too much even.  Sometimes anyway.  But, I will say this 95% of what I think about doing for myself, my family and friends, and my career, always has a positive ending!  The other 5% either wasn't given enough thought and ended with unfavorable results or never got done at all...

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images



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7 Things that TOTALLY made my Week!

Drumroll please...

 

 

Steve and Jill McKenzie were so awesome to not only share with me in the success of my first ever show house, but also to present me with this incredible cotton canvas bag made from his own signature fabric!  You've go to stop by their showroom if you live in or near the Atlanta area!

I like Nathan Turner on Bravo's Million Dollar Decorator!  He's the hilarious good friend of one of my favorite designers, Mary McDonald.  It is such a great book to have!  Stay posted for my upcoming book review.  This book can also be found at Steve McKenzie's, where they have this and many more books you'll want to snatch up and take home!

 



 

Gillian and I were perusing TJ Maxx looking for a zippered shoulder bag that I can wear across the body for my trip to Paris next week, when while standing in line we spotted this incredible gift wrap!  I love wrapping paper and will buy it when something great catches my eye!  And for only $2.99, are you kidding me!  They knew I was coming!

 

Well, I wanted a Burberry trench, but alas this one from Old Navy will have to do!  Hey, I'm not complaining!  It looks good on me, you would never think it was from Old Navy (as I tend to make everything look expensive), and it was $34.99 with an additional 30% off!  I am cracking myself up!  But you know I really believe that, right? LOL, for real!

 

 

I've not been a big shopper of Ulta until one day I just happened to saunter in.  Yes, saunter!  You can picture that, yes?  Anyhoo, last summer I decided I would step out and try a red nail polish.  Oh my Lord, Pete went banannas!  So, I went back and bought another bottle, as well as a bright red lip (I've been practicing wearing it, as it kind of requires a bit of maintenance), and a popping red gloss.  I thought how tres chic it would be for Paris, yes?

 

While in Ikea, I spotted these succulents for like $2.99 and decided, hey for that price, if I kill 'em; oh well!  I bought three and I'm praying that I can do right by them!

 

This is the new do I just got yesterday!  Very rarely do I have those moments where I get out of the stylist chair and not feel like I've got to make some sort of tweak or adjustment to what she's done.  This time she outdid herself because I felt like Alicia Keys, "This Girl is on Fire"!  Man I hated to go to sleep!  Well, of course I had to tie the sides down with my little wrap to make sure the sides and the back laid smoothly this morning, but that did mean some of the rest got a bit flattened out!  I hope I can keep this going at least until my next visit!

 

This quote has to be for someone out there!  It's great to have potential and even for others to acknowledge that potential, but then what?

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



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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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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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With a Man in Mind

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SCARF BOYS!

 

My absolute favorite men's accessory for winter is a scarf!  I, personally, love wearing scarves in winter.  I think they add so much to any outfit and I can't think of one person who looks bad in a scarf!  They look particularly nice on men, I guess because the ones who actually wear them have a very self assured, self confident demeanor that makes them very attractive. 

 

I love to see the guys wearing scarves with sweaters and jeans, trousers and blazers, and of course coats with hats and gloves.  If you're not accustomed to wearing a scarf, it could be a little bit weird, I suppose.  Not everyone likes having something tied so closely around their necks!  However, if you would just give them a try, if you haven't already, I'm sure you'll grow to love wearing them as much as many of us girls love seeing you in them!

 

Ah, the tartan plaid scarf tied loosely around the neck with a denim jacket or shirt!   How classic and easy is this look for anyone to pull off. 



 

Okay, I really like this!  It reminds me of the wool scarves we sold a Louis Vuitton.  They were big, cozy, and looked so handsome.  I am totally smitten by the different shades of gray in soft warm fabrics like cashmere or a wool/cashmere blend!  Yummy!



 

Although this may be a little preppy for some, the herringbone scarf with fringed ends are another classic that works well in any wardrobe.  I happen to like the preppy look, however if it's not your thing, it's okay!  This scarf worn with your outfit of choice will still be amazeballs!



 

I was just telling a friend of mine, as long as my neck is covered and depending on the severity of the temperature, I don't necessarily need a coat or a jacket.  I love the casual bravado of this look!  I can tell he and I share the same philosophy when it comes to wearing a scarf.  They make you brave enough to face the cold while still looking very composed and well put together!  Right on!

 

Obviously a great look that can be pulled off by every man.  Dressing in layers is always the way to go.  As the temperature increases you just keep pulling off a layer until guess what?  You're down to that lovely flannel shirt and that cozy warm fairisle scarf!

 

Come on!  Who wouldn't want to do a double take of this gentleman?  He's decided to just let the scarf hang around his neck, peeking from under his blazer!  A very nice look for a very confident and fashionable man!



Same goes for this gentleman.  I love the topcoat and the sunglasses!  He's also not afraid of color!  A definite "do" in my book!

 



Steve McQueen was a guys guy and he looks so at ease with his navy wool scarf tied about his neck!

 



 

This little fellow is already well on his way to confidently wearing scarves!  That's right, start them young mommy's and train them well!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*All images via my Pinterest board All About Men

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Deck the Halls: How to Throw the Perfect Christmas Party

With Christmas approaching, many of us will begin thinking about getting together with friends and family for festive gatherings. Christmas is the ultimate party season with research suggesting a 7% rise in Americans attending Christmas parties back in 2011. Perhaps this year you’ll be the one to host a party in your home, whether that be a small, intimate soiree or a full blown event on a much larger scale. Whichever you decide, here are some tips to ensure that your big bash is stylish, sophisticated and full of holiday spirit.

 

 

 

 

 Décor
 

Decorating your home for a Christmas party doesn’t always mean dragging out ancient, garish baubles and strings of green tinsel. Over the last few years, Christmas décor trends have veered on the creative, eccentric side with Gothic and fantasy themes prevalent. This year, however, Christmasworld suggests that décor is getting back to basics with white, classic, natural and self made decorations coming back.

 

With this in mind, why not opt for a classy, sophisticated ‘white Christmas’ theme with white decorations, crystal tableware and clear, twinkling fairy lights. Jazz it up with some silver tinsel, hanging snowflakes and white, floral table decorations – poinsettias and mistletoe are ideal, traditional Christmas flowers.

 

Minimalism is always a great way to secure a contemporary, crisp look with defined shapes and patterns. Bear this in mind when decorating your tree; sparse decorations and elegant LED lighting can make your tree a classy centre piece to your party.

 

 

 

 

Ambience
 

Any party needs a good ambience and in order to set a relaxed, festive mood for your guests you need to consider a sensory itinerary including subtle lighting, appropriate music and even inviting smells.

 

An open fire is a great way to provide a cosy, warming atmosphere but you may find that it could over heat a small room full of guests, so opt for candles instead. Despite minimalism being a great cornerstone for décor, Christmas is all about abundance and so stacking candles or tee lights together in vast numbers as a means of creating low lighting can really give a voluminous, luxurious effect.

 

Creating a suitable playlist is also essential for any party. If you’re trying to opt for a stylish, elegant mood then choosing 1940s greats such as Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Sinatra are both classy and Christmassy. Instrumental music is also a nice way to provide relaxing, background noise.

 

Mulled wine, gingerbread, cinnamon, pine – these are all smells that we associate with Christmas and these days can often be found all year round in the form of extravagant, scented candles. These are a great way to light the room as well as providing those memorable Christmas smells. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on these then use the real items themselves – a fresh tree or a pan of mulled wine left heating on the stove will fill the house with lovely fragrances.

 

 

 

The Dress
 

As host, all eyes will be on you so making sure that you look as fabulous as your home does is imperative. This year some of the ultimate fashion trends include sequinned dresses which have inspired a collection by desginer Anna Sui. What better way to sparkle this Christmas than to be covered in sequins? Other popular fashion trends this year include metallics, velvet and lace dresses. Teamed with bright coloured tights and chunky wedge heels you can combine chic and fun at the same time in order to be the belle of the ball.

 

 

 

Food and Drinks
 

Elegant finger foods that can be handed around on a platter are a must have for your Christmas party. There are several types of hors d’oeuvres, canapés and miniature versions of classic dishes that you can offer out casually to your guests so why not try and adapt some Christmas favourites in your scrumptious selection? Open, miniature mincemeat tarts could be an alternative to regular mince pies whilst Welsh rarebit, smoked salmon and even turkey/cranberry wrapped in puff pastry are all delicious savoury options.

 

When it comes to drinks, mulled wine is always a Christmas favourite and easy to make in large quantities. However for a more glamorous edge then why not try making your own cocktails. Cosmopolitans and mojitos are popular all year round but for that extra festive decadence, indulge in some Irish Cream liqueur based cocktails or infuse rich, liqueurs such as Borbourn and cognac with Christmassy spices and cloves. A sure way to warm your guest’s cockles and ensure that nobody wants to be left in trust of the designated driver position.

 

Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda

*Images via Pinterest

 *Special Contributor, Evelyn Burke


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Living In Layers

When the temperature drops, I truly go into layering bliss by adding that extra shirt, sweater, or jacket!  I even pile on more accessories like scarves, necklaces, and bracelets.  Oooh, and let me not forget deeply saturated colors and a little sparkle dashed about!  I typically will go for a bolder lip and nail color as well.  To me, colder weather can handle more layers and so I go for it! 

 

The same can be said, in much the same way, for our homes. I'm not suggesting that you go and pile in more "stuff", however what I am encouraging is for you to introduce stunning colors, bolder patterns, wonderful to the touch textures, and varying finishes that add warmth, shine, and maybe a little bit of glamour (obviously depending on what you want to accomplish)!

 

 

 

Fur vest, cashmere sweater with a lovely scarf thrown about the neck, gold bracelets, and nice leather bag; hmm, what a very chic look for a chilly day!

 

 

There aren't a lot of pieces in this space, but it is maximized using strong patterns in the chairs, ottoman, rug, sculptural wall art, and fireplace.  The finishes of the lighting, mirror, and floor adds warmth into what would otherwise be a somewhat cold interior.  This living room is a great example of how to make the biggest impact with a few key elements.

 

 

Not sure what else I can say about this look other than L-O-V-E!  Well, that's not necessarily true!  Let me tell you what I love most about it... It's the pairing of such a soft flowy fabric of the dress, with the cool lace-up ankle boot, and the heavy fur-lined coat!

 

 

A great play on neutrals that are nicely layered and work extremely well together.

 

 

Are you kidding me!!!  Anyone who knows me, knows that I am absolutely giddy over this look!  It is so polished and sophisticated, yet totally current and right on point with what's hot right now!

 

I want to live in this room!  It is so well executed, in my opinion, layering the elements of design (color, pattern, texture, light)!  I'm usually turned off by accent walls, but this one works incredibly well with the amazing painting and the crisp white walls and low shelf.  I love how they used two chairs that couldn't possibly be any more different from one another!

 



 

These are basics that everyone's wardrobe needs!  A classic black blazer, sparkly sweater, and chambray shirt!  Really?  That's it and look how great these came together!

 

 

I don't have a hair on hyde rug anywhere in my home!  It is next on the list of things to purchase!  It looks fantastic in this space with the saddle leather chair sitting on top!  Just a perfect combo!

 

 

You can never go wrong with a leather jacket, scarf, and sunnies!  No Ma'am, never go wrong!

 

 

I don't think I need to dissect this space!  However, I would like to point out the floor!  There is always a place for pattern!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via Pinterest



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