True Beauty Files: Do Not Block

April 30, 2012

What is it about the obviously stated rules that make you want to break them??…


(Tee: H&M, Jeans: Banana Republic (similar here or here), Shoes: Urban Outfitters (similar), Necklace: DIY, Belt: H&M (similar here or here), Clutch: Target, Bracelets: Gift, Francescas)
 It was Gabe’s idea…;) Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. They seem to always go faster than you hope they will. Friday night, I had the pleasure of meeting several fellow Atlanta bloggers. Its so nice to be able to talk to people who know the same blog language! Saturday and Sunday was a whole lot of this and this. Gabe and I got to sneak away and witness one of my dear friends weddings. We also got to dance the night away….a definate plus:) 
By the way…thank you all who tuned in for one of the first Real Chat posts Saturday! Your feedback blew me away! I was so encouraged and motivated by you. Many more fantastic topics coming up this month:) 
Style Word: Sometimes its best to start with the essentials. I would say a red heels polka dot tee are essentials for the all american girl. Run to H&M and get your self some polka dots for $5.95. Yep. 
P.S. Its the last day to enter in the giveaway for the $100 shop credit to September Wren! Also the last day to grab a sponsor spot for May! Email me for the new sizes and stat info.
The True Beauty Files:
A lookbook for the modern modeste.
“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.” 
~ Audrey Hepburn

Real Chat: Over Socialed

April 28, 2012

Good morning friends:) This week I was close to quitting twitter. No particular reason other than the fact that I was feeling tired of all the distractions. Some days, I don’t want to be seen or heard, I just want to be…and enjoy being. You might find this surprising since I am a blogger, and my line of work involves a good deal of social media and the internet. However, sometimes, there can be too much of a good thing. We can consume to much of what we enjoy and feel the effects afterwards. What happens if you don’t realize you are consuming too much? What if there are no obvious after effects? Read on, and leave your thoughts!

The unthinkable happened at a friend’s wedding last month. As the groom was asked to confirm his desire to accept the bride as his lawfully wedded wife, he held up his hand, as if to say “wait a minute.” The audible gasps among the attendees turned to relieved chuckles as he pulled out his iPhone in the middle of the vows. He was tweeting, “I Do,” to his hundred or so followers.
At a coffee catch-up yesterday, the person I met with was too busy typing meeting minutes in Google Docs to actually have a face-to-face conversation with me. Even after I received his play-by-play account of our meeting via email, I left feeling as if we wasted time and never went deep enough to discuss specific, critical issues.
On New Year’s Eve last year, as thousands of people counted down from ten to one, I looked across the Sydney Harbor foreshore. I was shocked that most revelers were taking photos of the fireworks instead of actually watching them.
….Are we entering an age where capturing the highlights of our lives has taken precedence over actually enjoying those very same moments? The problem is, we must choose between capturing these moments or viscerally experiencing them as they unfold.
You will want to read this full post by Daniel Galati. He points to the elephant in the room of what our culture is experiencing….an overdose of social media. There is of course a way to keep things balanced, and if done so, it can be a great way to keep in touch with family and friends, or network for your business. Every person has a different level of involvement. For instance, my mother – zero. If you want to talk to her, you give her a call or email her. My sister Angela takes a break from facebook every summer to invest in her friendships in person, and to enjoy life with no distractions. Sometimes, we need to step away to actually know how much it is a part of our lives. If you have time, read Kate Gabrielle’s post on her clean break from social media and her results.

(source via Bonnie Tsang)

So tell me, what are your thoughts on this? How do you balance the time you spend on social media?
Ultimately, its always a good challenge to ourselves is to take time to make a phone call, visit a friend, or even email someone you love. Invest more time in experiencing real life:)

Style File: Basics for the Gents

April 27, 2012

I had a reader request some tips for the gents, so I am going to start with the basics, and where the best places are to find them. I love my husbands style so I had him approve this in advance;) 
Striped Tie: Etsy, Basic Tees: J. Crew, Belt 1: Asos, Belt 2: Asos, Pants: Old Navy, Shorts: Old Navy, Shoes: Bonobos
I don’t know about your man, but mine knows what he likes, and sticks to it. He keeps his closet simple, unlike me who never can say no to a cute pair of shoes;) He is a guy’s guy, who doesn’t like to look too contrived. We are willing to pay a little more for the basics, knowing he will wear them to death. (Except for pants because we seem to get pen stains on every pair;)) H&M had shirts for $15 the other week that were just the right fit and style. 
 Where are some of your favorite shops for men?  
Fun Links for your weekend:
Crazy about these Gold dipped DIY Notebooks.
Colleen introduced me to this line of style. Classy meets Edgy.
Leah Duncan’s phone cases are to die for.
Yvonne’s lacquer tray DIY will want to make your bolt to Target.
The perfect set up for two kids to a room.
In Case You Missed It:
True Beauty Files: Olive, White, and a Touch of Bright + Link Up
$100 Shop Credit Giveaway to September Wren!
DIY Desk Accessory: Lined Wooden Boxes
Sponsor Spots are doubling in size for the same price for May! Email me for rates!
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Real Chat post. Topic Hint: Too much of a good thing.

DIY Desk Accessory: Lined Wooden Boxes

April 26, 2012

I have been wanting to share this DIY with you since it is something I use often, and is a fun way to re-purpose wooden boxes. I saved a few that came with some Melissa & Doug toys for the kids. They had no lids, so I thought the best use would be to turn them into desk accessories;)
Supplies:
Wooden Boxes 
(you can also find these at a craft store)
Patterned Paper
Modge Podge
Acrylic Paints
Paint Brush
Scissors
Directions:
Paint your boxes your desired color using craft paint. Let dry.
Line up your box on your paper, and trace along the bottoms of the boxes. You cut 1/4 inch (depending on the width of the sides) down from the traced size. Make sure the paper fits well inside the box.
Modge Podge the bottom of your boxes with a paint brush and immediately press and smooth your paper along the bottom. Let dry.

You can use these for holding stationary, business cars, jewelry, washi tape collection…you name it. Anything to help me stay organized is a plus. Now onto the closets…
*Peonies Print: Sarah Tucker, Book: Decorate, Vase: Gift from Husband, Stamps: Olive Manna, Washi Tape: Urban Scarlet, Beads: Antique Market

Take 3: Party in the Back

April 25, 2012

Got you with the title, didn’t I? 😉 With summer lurking around the corner (and seemingly already arrived here in GA) I can’t help but dream up great backyard bashes that involve good music, great company, and of course great lights…
 {Party 1 | 2 | 3 }
I hope this is a pick me up for your Wednesday!
I think I will make some guac today just to extend that summer party feel…
P.S. IHOD ads will be almost doubling in size next month for the same rate! Email me if you would like more information for May sponsorship:)

Giveaway: $100 Shop Credit to September Wren

April 24, 2012

I know.
Her photos are like a summer daydream.
I honestly cannot pick a favorite. 
Lucky that if you win, you won’t have to either!
One lucky IHOD reader will win $100 shop credit to September Wren!
I am totally jealous of you;)

To Enter (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):
1) Pin one of your favorite September Wren images to pinterest and let us know you did!
Additional Entries (leave a separate comment for each):
2) Add September Wren shop to favorites on Etsy
3) Tweet or Facebook about the giveaway
example tweet: Just entered the #giveaway over @inhonorofdesign for a chance to win $100 Shop credit to @septemberwren! http://inhonorofdesign.blogspot.com

If you do not have a blogger profile, please leave a valid email address. Open to International Readers. Giveaway ends next Monday night! Best of luck!
P.S. The winner of the Macaroy Kangaroo Giveaway was #22…MrsKinne!! Will be in touch!

True Beauty Files: Olive, White, and a Touch of Bright

April 23, 2012

{Top: c/o Ruche, Jeans: RL (similar here or here), Sweater tank: H&M, Necklace: c/o Across the Pond, Earrings: Stitched + Adorned (10% off sitewide with code IHOD10), Sandals: Dress Up Boutique (similar), Tote & Belt: H&M}
So I totally dropped the ball with Saturday’s Real Chat post. Reason? Plum forgot to post it. I had a great one ready to go too! I have to get into the habit of posting on Saturdays, and I apologize for the miscommunication! Promise I won’t forget this week! 
Highlights of the busy weekend: 
Date night that included real good southern food. Skee ball and arcade games followed (we thrive off competition).
Witnessing a friend’s beautiful baby be baptized and celebrating with good friends.
Veronica took her first steps (I think she knows she turned one)!
Antique market hunting. One of my finds here.
Sunday night grilling. Just the four of us.
How was your weekend?
To link up your modern modeste outfit posts, simply leave the post in the linky tools below, grab a button or text link back to this original post! Looking forward to seeing your posts!
The True Beauty Files:
A lookbook for the modern modeste.
“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.” 
~ Audrey Hepburn
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