Holidays & Family

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This week I have retreated to Sedona, Arizona to relax, collect my thoughts, prepare for 2012 and spend quality time with my parents.

 

I look forward to this week every year because I'm forced to be still and take life slowly up in the mountains where there is nothing to do other than hike and marvel at nature.

Today I spent about two hours alone just looking through old family photo albums. I wanted to find some great pictures of my family to put on my family photo wall (one of my home DIY goals of 2012). It was a simple and powerful reminder of the love, hard work and laughter I come from. It was also motivation to continue to work hard at what I do to provide for my own family.

Do you carve out time to plan and set goals before the new year? Or maybe just reflect on what this past year has brought you?

 

Tomboy Lovin'

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When asked the question, "Katharine Hepburn vs. Audrey Hepburn," I always go for team Katharine. I remember when I learned that she was one of the first actresses to wear pants on screen, and I thought, "I like this woman! She has guts!" Now, don't get me wrong. I wear dresses and I have my girly moments, but in general, it's more of a costume "dress up" thing for me. My CORE style and what I wear on a daily basis is more relaxed.

I've always had a harder time embracing my curves and femininity. Instead, I always wish I didn't have boobs, and I'm glad I don't have hips. I just like the tomboy all-American look. I have no idea why, but I really align myself with that style. Even in home decor, you will not find much femininity, and instead a lot of androgyny.

And now that you know a little bit about me, my style, and my favorite old Hollywood film star, I'd love to share some style inspiration of people and designers that are also inspired by this look too.

What about you? Are you a girly girl or a tomboy?

PHOTOS: Karen Walker, Hanneli, The Glitter Guide, The Daybook, Karen Walker, The Daybook, Dress, Design & Decor, Sea of Shoes

 

 

Imagination

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I think one of our greatest gifts as humans is our imagination. It's not only what fuels innovation, but it transports you to places where colors are more vibrant, where nature becomes more majestic, and most importantly where there are no limits or restrictions. Kids are the best at using their imagination because they haven't yet experienced and learned about life's limitations. BUT I do think that we can continue to be just as creative as we once were if we spend more time doing it and experiencing the result of others doing it too. This is why the arts are so important to support, and also why the entertainment industry is so profitable...Film, music, dance, fashion, etc. are professions that take us beyond our reality. Last night I finally sat down to watch Chanel's Pre-Fall 2012 Paris-Bombay show. WOW! Chanel never disappoints when it comes to a show and that's because they completely transport you to what they were once imagining, and then made reality for 15 minutes.

Sit down and watch at least five minutes of their show, and then watch two minutes of how these clothes were executed. Part of bringing our dreams to life is excellent craftsmanship.

And in that video also lies the reason for why these clothes cost so much - talent, creativity and excellent craftsmanship.

Seeing this just makes me want to bring excellence and imagination to every shoot I'm a part of. Oh, and dream of one day attending a Chanel show too. =)

Photos from Cool & Chic Style Fashion.

2012 DIY Home Decor Goals

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I'm a face paced, task oriented person. In other words, I like to get things done and I like to do it quickly. I'm that person that always needs to be reminded to stop and smell the roses, but still doesn't even when reminded. Heck, I hate even pausing to go to the bathroom when I'm in the middle of a project! It's just plain annoying if you ask me. I don't think I've ever gone to the bathroom in the middle of a shoot or fashion show. EVER! All of this to say that owning a home sure has tested this part of my personality. I just want to be able to do everything I'm dreaming about now, and then sit back and enjoy it once it's finished. However, that's just not reality unless you have a never ending supply of money.

So, to get my fix of accomplishment and progress while avoiding the destruction of my bank account, I've come up with a 2012 DIY Home Decor Goal list because of course I'm also addicting to lists and checking things off.

JANUARY Paint my office, bedroom and hallway white.

FEBRUARY Build slat headboard for bedroom

March Paint my doors and windows black in my office and kitchen

APRIL Level the dirt in the backyard, install the sprinkler system and plant grass.

MAY Build a fauxdenza

JUNE Install art hanging system and create art work for kitchen.

JULY Create the family photo wall in the hallway and turn my mini library into a mess.

AUGUST Rip out the carpet in the office and bedroom. Stain and seal the concrete.

SEPTEMBER Change the mirrors in the master bathroom, paint the bathroom cabinets and get hardware for the cabinets

OCTOBER Find cool area rugs for the office and master bedroom

NOVEMBER Build a floating desk for the office.

DECEMBER Get new bedding for the master bedroom.

 

This is obviously an ambitious and possibly expensive list. But I have some DIY money saving tricks up my sleeve, and a load of paint left over from painting done earlier this year. =) Stay tuned for DIY updates in the new year.

Photos: Lyla & Blu, Dust Jacket Attic, The Brick House, The New York Times, The Brick House, Pottery Barn, Poppy Talk, Life in Grace, Unplggd