Friday, May 27, 2011

Sunny Weekend Ahead

I don't know about you, but I am itching to get this holiday weekend started!! The weather is going to be fantastically warm with nothing by blue skies on the horizon. The mister and I only have a few things on the schedule including a fantastic Saturday night with friends enjoying the spectacular Cowtown Hoedown. If you have never made it out, this is the weekend to join!! Be sure to find me and say hello. 


As for the actual Memorial Day, we have some pending lake plans that I have my fingers crossed will solidify! I could use a day full of vitamin D and breezy relaxation. Refinery 29 has the perfect weekend outfits for the occasion! This is my favorite!! I LOVE the vintage inspired cover up. 




Check out the rest of their weekend looks here and find your favorite! Do you have any big plans?? I would love to hear all about them and will be sure to share pics from mine next week. 

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Hello Lovely

We live in a world that is measured by quick turn around and instant, but not always fulfilling gratification. There are countless emails and online messages exchanged at such a rapid rate that we have all but lost the art of hand written well constructed correspondence. 


Thankfully there are artists/craftsmen who have clung to and given rebirth to the long ago tradition of well made paper goods. Blue Eye Brown Eye is a Fort Worth based letterpress and design company owned/operated by the lovely Ms. Lauren.  I met the creative calligraphy goddess while taking one of her private how to letterpress classes. I highly recommend this for a fun date night or just a way to build your knowledge of hand crafted goods. 


I am proud to share with you the success of one of her newest ventures, pretty little monogramed cards.


Available now at Anthropologie



I cherish my delightful little hand made stationary crafted by individually placed vintage type blocks and hand mixed ink. Each time I draft a letter to a loved one, I know my message is wonderfully complimented by the unique beauty of the stationary. 

Check out the full product line of Blue Eye Brown Eye here!


Wednesday, May 25, 2011

A bittersweet farewell

Today marks a very bittersweet farewell. One of my dearest friends, Kat, is biding adieu to her warm southern home and preparing to make a fresh start in oh so beautiful Denver.  


Funny Face Movie Still with Audrey Hepburn


I am so excited for her, but a little sad mixed with a hint of envy for me. I have a hard time allowing myself to become vulnerable and open. Because of this, I have a limited number of people of which I consider friends and now I am losing one to the north. I know it is a little silly and I am making it seem like the next great civil war, but I am already mourning the loss of our after work happy hours and girl time. 


In addition to loosing her, I am so envious of her impending journey. The thought of unknown adventures on the horizon is so exhilarating! I love change. I adore the movement and progression of all that I know. And now she is off to conquer new heights and I am still searching for the next step on my path. 


While I continue the search, I will be happy for my friend and empowered by her bold decision to make a change and take a chance on the possibilities ahead. 


Best of luck sweet friend. I will see you soon!! 



Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Tuesday Tutorial: Simply Sophisticated Up-do

I love finding fun how-tos online. Tutorials covering everything from new trendy  hairstyles to DIY tips on one of a kind gifts! I am a perpetual student soaking in all the exciting knowledge those around me are willing to offer. So to pay it forward, I have decided to start a new blog tradition of my own. This will be the first of hopefully many Tuesday Tutorials. 


The Simply Sophisticated Up-Do



  • Step 1: It is always helpful to start with hair a day after it has been washed. (It adds volume and is easier to manipulate.)
  • Step 2: Gather one inch piece of hair from the left side of your face right above the ear. 
  • Step 3: Pull one inch piece behind the center part of your head and pin piece to scalp. (It is best to use bobby pins in a similar shade to your hair color. )
  • Step 4: Repeat step 2 & 3 from the right side. Make sure you cross over the already pinned left side. The criss cross pinning gives the illusion of a french braid. 
  • Step 5: You will continue these steps working your way one inch at a time down towards the nape of your neck. ( I usually pull two - three pieces from each side, but this is your preference based on the desired look and length of your hair)
  • Step 6: Once you have "braided" the top section, you will gather the remaining hair and roll upward. (Placing the roll on top instead of underneath provides a more seamless look between the braid and the roll)
  • Step 7: Use the same bobby pins to secure the roll to the scalp. I recommend pinning both openings of the roll into the bottom section of the braid. (It helps to use a few large pins in the center to secure)
That is it! It might take a few tries, but once you master this up-do you will be able to look totally put together for a day at the office or a cocktail evening. It really is the simplest sophisticated look! 

I would love to hear your feedback on this post. I really want to offer insight and advice on things you love. So if there is anything you want to learn or need help mastering, just let me know!! 


Friday, May 20, 2011

Stormy Nights Ahead

According to the weatherman, there are major storms ahead. Many people might get a little down at the thought of having to stay in doors during the weekend, but not yours truly. I love the rain. I adore the sound, the smell and the sentimental mood it puts me in. 


For the stormy night ahead, the mister and I have an indoor date night planned. I have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of Blue Valentine in my cue and like perfect timing it arrived in my mailbox yesterday! I, of course, have selected a few of my other rainy date night delights to accompany the movie: the sweet sent of a rain candle, a cozy oversized sweater and a blanket to cuddle underneath. 





Now for either before or after the film, I included a few of our other favorite things. A wonderful dual chess/wine opener set (this thing would be AMAZING for an afternoon picnic), of course the bottle of vino to open and the incredible Mr. Davis as the soundtrack to accompany the entire evening. 


What do you have planned for the weekend ahead? Do you have a beloved rainy day must have?? 

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

For Him

In honor of my mister celebrating his birthday this week, I have decided to dedicate a post to feature a few of his favorite things!







This amazing watch is totally him with its haunting honest inscription.


These are the perfect nod to his classically cool aesthetic.


This tailored shirt is perfect for a fun weekend date with his favorite girl!


For the warm Texas weather, a breezy summer straw hat is a must.  


A stylish bag is ideal for his stack of reading material or a travel chess set!


Lastly, what look is complete without his preferred drink in hand? 






Happy Birthday darling!! I hope it is full of all of your very favorite things!
xoxoxox 
H



Friday, May 13, 2011

American Beauty

One of my very favorite American Girls is making her fashion debut in Berlin this month and I am bubbling with excitement to announce the opening of her new store!

She was an American Girl, a pop-up retail and gallery space, is the brainchild of American designer Tara Tonini. The store is home to twenty designers and artists.


What brought this American girl to Germany you might ask? Well rock and roll of course!! “The store concept sprung from a daydream while listening to the Tom Petty song, American Girl. I realized we are all looking for adventure, a challenge and a kick in the ass. She was as American Girl was conceived,” said Tara. 


Of course that statement just leads me to believe I need to start doing a whole lot more daydreaming and sewing! Some of Tonini’s other projects include her sweet as pie line Tara to the T and the retro perfect Sky Girls

Be sure to stop by her blog or click here to like her facebook fan page and watch the journey unfold. I am already a fan and can't wait to see what the next step holds!!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Flowers and Fairies

This Mother's Day I treated my mom and our family to a day out at the faire, Scarborough Faire to be exact! If you have never enjoyed the merriment of this wonderful festival you are missing out. It truly is like stepping in a time machine for an afternoon.


This renaissance wonderland has been a favorite of my family for years. We love watching the magical performers who seem to be on a stage in every direction you turn. The smell of honey roasted almonds and turkey legs fill the air! It is the perfect way to step out of the norm and have a day trip adventure.

At the faire everyone has their desired delight that they waited a long year for. The mister loves the steak on a stake. (I have to hear about that perfectly seasoned slab of meat for 364 days!) I adore all of the handmade products. This year I took home the sweetest smelling handmade lavender soap. Even my precious little nephew seemed to find his niche in the charming little petting zoo with baby pigs and chicks.



If you haven't had a chance to check it out and find your own delight, you still have a few weeks until the final day. You can even get discount tickets here!