rajasthanavecchauffeur - Stylish Seasonal Living™ Blog

Anglophile Files 6.6: Victoria Beckham

2023-04-07T19:00:01-05:00

I had to.

Because:

She's funny as hell (classic British dry sense of humor).
She truly feels that Joan Collins is her real mother.
As Posh, she's obviously the best dressed.
Spice Girls songs are AWESOME (even more so, because she cannot sing, has no real talent and she knows it).
At age 27, her autobiography was about 2" thick.

Anglophile Files 5.6: Rachel Ashwell

2023-03-24T11:00:00-05:00

This ethereal concept of 'British Countryside' meets 'California Casual' was created by Ashwell. It's just effortless and dreamy, casual and uncluttered (a true Shabby Chic room is very, very minimal. It's not covered in floral chintz and cabbage roses).

The Shabby Chic shops have gone by the wayside but they were fabulous. You never wanted to leave. They were tranquil and feminine and had the perfect shade of Shabby Chic pink here and there.

If there is home decor and furniture in heaven, it looks like Shabby Chic.

Anglophile Files 4.6: HRH Catherine Princess of Wales

2023-03-10T11:00:00-06:00

Kate is absolute perfection.

That is all.

Anglophile Files 3.6: HRH Duchess Charlotte of Edinburgh

2023-03-03T15:00:02-06:00

Little Lottie, this child is exceptional.

Skip Charles. Skip William. Skip George. HRH Queen Charlotte...

That is all.

Anglophile Files 2.6: Jane Austen

2023-02-24T14:00:00-06:00

Obviously, Jane makes the list.

Jane's grasp of human nature, wit and self-awareness at her age, in her time, is ASTOUNDING.

I really can't even... she was so ahead of her time. Choosing not to marry, so she could write. She wrote what she could not have. How bittersweet and beautiful.

She was almost detective-like. Her grasp of human nature allowed her to predict what anyone would do. She also seemed to have a surreal ability to learn a life lesson, without actually having to experience it. Her wisdom, for her age, is an anomaly.

Although the most popular hero of her works is Darcy, I am #TeamKnightly all the way. What an incredibly realistic character. You cannot not love Knightly after the incident with Emma and Miss Bates.

Since I am quite the fan of self-awareness, here are Jane's thoughts on it: "We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be."

So, let's be self-aware and find our Darcys and Knightleys, for Jane.

Anglophile Files 1.6: Dido

2023-02-17T17:32:13-06:00

This woman.

Apparently there will be people in your life that you will never actually know, that will help you immensely. I quite often feel at a loss for words, searching for the right word... not sure if it's being inarticulate or an inadequate vocabulary. This woman, has ALL the words. I even dare say, she's Jane Austen, reincarnated.

I first heard 'Thank You' during the credits of Sliding Doors (one of the most brilliant movies ever made), in 1999, as a senior in college. (There, I just confirmed that I am not 29). I immediately bought her album, 'No Angel," but it wasn't until fall of 2000, my first semester in law school, that I actually listened to it. I was forcing myself to sit down and write (and pretend to care about) whatever legal writing assignment I was supposed to be doing. Listening to 'No Angel' while I worked was to get me to sit there until I did it.

That album is the only reason I got through law school. Her album and song, 'Life for Rent' is the only reason the May + October planner was created. She's brilliant, witty, insightful and succinct. Her beauty is ethereal. She is the big sister I never had. She is my spirit animal.

June 5, 2004, live at the Chicago Theater.

June 13, 2019, live at The Vic.

I want to THANK YOU, Dido, for giving me two of the best days of my life.

She is impeccable in person, a true musician. She might even be better live than recorded. 'Live at Brixton Academy' is a religious experience, with the last 2 minutes of 'See the Sun' being, what is played at the gates of heaven. I have had 19 years to perfect my own karaoke version of this and I have finally nailed it, all the way down to "Thank you, London!"

Her best songs? I almost just went to list them...but that would be insane (how the hell could you pick?). Her best songs? All of them.

Do You Live Upstairs?

2022-03-25T11:10:29-05:00

Number 1 asked question at rajasthanavecchauffeur... Do you live upstairs? Nope. There's an office upstairs, where all the "work" happens! See, there's a desk and everything!

Happy Spring! Time to GET MOVING!

2022-03-22T11:20:08-05:00

Spring is the time to appreciate the vernal equinox (on or about March 21). It's the time when night and day are of equal (hence equinox!) length for the first time after the winter solstice. After the equinox, there will be more light than dark. It reminds us that the current situation is fleeting, change is a constant and to be present and mindful at all times. EMBRACE CHANGE.

#spring2022 #springequinox #vernalequinox #embracechange #StylishSeasonalLiving #liveseasonally #quarterlymindfulreset #springvibes #renewal #rebirth #growth #timetowakeup #timetogetgoing

May + October Seasonal Self-Care Planner / Quarterly Mindful Reset®

2021-11-13T12:49:25-06:00

There's nothing magical about January 1, so why not reset four times a year?

May + October is about YOU and your RELATIONSHIP with YOURSELF. You've had the same goals for months or years? Always busy, but nothing really gets accomplished? Bombarded by work life, personal life and endless to-do lists? Revolving, not evolving?

Stop buying planners that are just dated pads of paper! May + October has everything you need to ditch overwhelm, burnout and constantly reacting to what life throws at you. With goal planning, time management and weekly, monthly and seasonal assessments, you can figure out exactly what you want, plan what's most important and get it done!

Prioritize self-care by living seasonally, which keeps you present and gives your mind and body what it needs at the exact right time. The earth is creating seasonal rhythms and your body is taking it's cues from nature, so embrace it!

And through self-awareness and removing self-sins™ (you hurting you), get out of your own way! This is the only planner that helps you figure out why the things you planned didn't get done.

90 Day Planners feature:

Seasonal To-Do Lists and seasonal, undated (so you can start anytime) Monthly, Weekly, Daily Planner + Daily Intention Pages.

+ Spring Planner (March, April, May)

+ Summer Planner (June, July, August)

+ Fall Planner (September, October, November)

+ Winter (December, January, February)

Self-Care Journal Features:

+ Start Here Guide/Index

+ Planner Extras (Goal Planning in 6 Steps, Productivity + Time Management and Weekly, Monthly + Seasonal Assessments)

+ Self-Care: Mind Topics: Accountability (Why You Stay Stuck), Self-Sins™, Relationships + Boundaries, Chronic Worry, Clearing Clutter, Spirituality + Purpose/Mindfulness + Presence and Manifesting + Gratitude

+ Self-Care: Body Topics: Detoxing + Vitamins, Herbs + Essential Oils, Drinks with Intention (Infused Water + Tea Apothecary), Breathing + Meditation, Massage/Yoga/Sauna, The Hot Bath and Sleep

+ Reflective Journal Prompt Pages BONUS: the ultimate tool for If-Then Planning and Proactivity

Book Features:

+ Wipeable Cover for Durability

+ Beautifully Illustrated Images in Full Color

+ 65lb Paper

+ Smyth-Sewn Lay-Flat Design for Durability + Ease of Use

+ Ribbon Bookmark

A couple rave reviews from our fans!:

"I truly love this work! I have about four planners currently for 2020 and have tried every planner in the market including creating mixes of my own over the years. Of course! It turns out it's not the planner, it's the life that you lead. May+October gives you the structure to examine that life in all aspects and turn it around in a measured way. This is what my life has been missing. The cohesiveness of it all. There is so much about this that resonates with me. Most importantly, that all aspects of our lives are interconnected and if we are not healthy in one area, we suffer in all areas. I especially love that she encourages all-natural wellness! Plus it is so encouraging to use because it is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing your work with the world!"

-Dyna J. on 4/24/20

"I am just diving into this lovely planner and I just LOVE it! From the gorgeous design elements (Gah! So pretty to look at!)... To the way it is made to be completely 100 percent customizable to YOU! The author writes in such a way that you feel like you're listening to your friend talk to you and encourage you to take the best possible care of yourself all the while giving you solid educational info on how to do so. I also adore that it's based on seasonal living. I personally have a hard time focusing on the current here and now, and this planner consistently reminds me that focusing on the beauty of nature and it's status quo is the perfect way to stay present! Do yourselves the favor of a lifetime... Purchase this planner and be on your way to the best Spring ever!"

-Christina M. on 3/10/20

WHAT YOU'LL RECIEVE FOR THE INVESTMENT:

+ All 5 books (Planners for Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and the Self-Care Journal) in the storage sleeve at $25 per book (only €10.50 per month!)

+ Receive the ENTIRE YEAR at once, unlike subscriptions or other 90 day planners.

+ Free shipping.

+ Lifetime access to the complete PDF version of the entire planner. Use the PDF pages to print out self-care sections that you think a friend might need or use the planner pages for group work projects or book clubs!

+ The most complete self-care and wellness planner to get you on your way to an organized, accomplished, present, mentally and physically healthy life all in 90 days (one season!).

RISK-FREE RETURN POLICY: Returns are accepted for a full refund (minus $15 shipping + shrink wrap fee) within 30 days. Planners and sleeve must be free of marks, writing, bent or torn pages or any other signs of use, so that it is in resalable condition. AS OUR GIFT, YOU CAN KEEP THE LIFETIME ACCESS MEMBERSHIP TO THE PDF VERSION!

***CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW!***

Or for a product photo gallery and more detailed information about the May + October story, visit MayOctober.com

More about Late Summer...

2021-08-04T16:07:43-05:00

More about the rarely talked about mysterious 5th Season, Late Summer...

It's a season (August 5-Autumnal Equinox) within a season (Summer) so it rarely gets any attention.

It has its own unique vibe and it's the best of the year (dare I say better than Fall). According to Chinese Medicine, Late Summer corresponds with:

ELEMENT: Earth

STAGE of DEVELOPMENT: Harvest... all of the hard work of growing and farming comes to fruition in late summer as plants and crops at their biggest and brightest. Late Summer's in season veggies are: Chinese yams, carrots, spinach, Summer squash, celery root, napa cabbage, corn and tomatoes. In-season fruits are: watermelon, apple, berries, peaches, plums, prunes, banana, cranberry, fig, quince, coconut, pineapple, papaya.

CLIMATE: Dampness... aka, humidity. Moisture hangs in the air in late summer afternoons.

COLOR: Yellow...as in fields of wheat. Late summer days are as if Golden Hour is all day long. #glorious

#fiveseasons #latesummer #goldenhour #wellness #healthyliving #eatseasonally #seasonalselfcare #seasonaljournal #wholeness #bodyandmind #naturalwellness #naturelover #StylishSeasonalLiving

Did You Know...

2021-08-03T08:39:52-05:00

There's a 5th Season...

Late Summer is a separate season, according to traditional Chinese medicine (corresponding to the Earth element). Late Summer has a fabulous energy all it's own, spanning from the end of the first week in August to the Autumnal Equinox (usually on or around September 22). And when you think about it, hasn't this time always seemed different? The summer intensity is starting to wear off, it gets just a little bit cooler at night. The light is different and it's glorious, the way the sun hangs in the late summer afternoon sky...it gives almost melancholy shadows in late summer. Golden Hour is even more golden during these fabulous 6 weeks. Change is on the horizon.

Nature is undergoing it's final growth spurt before harvest. This is the time for for self-nurturing and self-cultivation. This a powerful time to fully ripen and transform, using the last of summer’s bountiful energy, while we still have it.

#latesummer #fifthseason #chinesemedicine #goldenhour #autumnshadows #intunewithnature #wellnessjournal #naturelover #naturegivesuseverything

How the Pandemic killed your vibe...And how to get it back.

2021-07-20T09:34:47-05:00

PART ONE:

According to the Self and Motivation Lab at the University of New Buffalo, there are 3 things that wreck motivation: loss of autonomy, competence and relationships. Covid wiped out all 3 overnight.

The good news: a Harvard study found that any predefined sequences of actions characterized by rigidity and repetition — increase people’s self-control and feelings of self-discipline. And what does that sound like? PLANNING!

Planning is crucial because the time spent everyday carrying out a ritual (which can be as small as taking 10 minutes to meditate every morning) or a habit (when it becomes automatic) frees up mental space and energy for the rest of the day. Habits such as always putting your keys and purse in the same place in your house (freeing up time spent looking for lost and misplaced items).

Another key point in planning (as done at May + October) are the REWARDS. We made SMART goals, SMARTR by adding Rewards... but the kind of rewards are just as important. Use the "fluffy" kinds of self-care (bath bombs, 2 episodes of the show your binging) as rewards, not a night out drinking.

More bounce back tips and tricks to come...

Celebrating SPRING!

2021-04-14T13:37:37-05:00

Celebrate the first day of SPRING* with a floral tea (it's spring in a cup) or a tonic!

Since SPRING is the season of blooms and buds, make an aromatic floral tea of lilacs and either roses or osmanthus petals.

Add 4 cups boiling water to a cup of lilac petals (stems and leaves removed) and a cup of osmanthus (for sweetness) OR rose petals (for bright color) to a glass container. Soak overnight. Strain the petals. Add the mixture to a base of 2 cups of white tea (for it's subtle flavor). Add lemon or maple syrup for preference. Serve hot or iced.

*seasonal tip: use the floral tea as a substitute for plain water while baking

Or celebrate SPRING with a tonic!
Tonics are different than teas in that they are made solely of herbs, so they're more medicinal. Spring is the time of renewal and awakening and nothing awakens digestion* better than a bitter tonic.
The best cleansers and detoxifiers are dandelion and milk thistle. These all-stars are perfect for detoxing and cleansing the liver (great after a long winter of heavy comfort foods). Add 3-4 cups of boiling water to equal amounts of dandelion (including the root) and milk thistle in a glass container for 15-20 minutes. Strain the herbs. Add to a peppermint or spearmint tea (which contains high amounts of zinc, to boost immunity) base (2-3 cups) to lighten the bitter flavor of the herbs. Add lemon, lavender or maple syrup to taste.

*We want to pay attention to our digestive gut health (where immunity starts) and inflammation at ALL TIMES. As more and more, they are finding these are the sources of all disease and illness.

THAT was some foreshadowing!

2021-04-13T13:25:09-05:00

So... the last post from 2018... 2 0 1 8...

Was about being in a time warp, not being present and not taking care of self-care. And now, here we are in 2021, still in the time warp (I really didn't write anything here in the last 3 years?!). But, better equipped in the self-care department.

In February of 2019, I had the idea for May + October Seasonal Self-Care Planner / Quarterly Mindful Reset® (Momo as it's fondly referred to). The idea seemed almost dropped into my head, but at the same time, not, because its the culmination of everything about Ivy and my life (the idea on how to bring it all together seemed dropped into my head). But anyway, I saw the whole thing from day 1. I knew exactly what it should look like, what the content should be, how it would grow, how it would tie back to Ivy. I spent all of 2019 creating it, getting a trademark, creating the website and launching it.

Then came March of 2020. Total derailment.

But here we are in April of 2021 and self-care, now more than EVER, should be the most important thing in anyone's life. After getting lots of feedback and requests, we knew we needed a printed version of Momo. There were too many barriers to use with printable PDFs.. printing all 250+ pages, three-hole punching them, finding a binder for them... way too much work for the Ivy/Momo customer. So as of this week, Momo is off to the printer... after MONTHS of agonizing edits and not-up-to-snuff proofs. More details to come....

PS- Stylish Seasonal Living™ is the marriage of rajasthanavecchauffeur and May + October Seasonal Self-Care Planner®... there are seasonal self-care subscription boxes and seasonal apparel and home decor pop-ups in the Stylish Seasonal Living™ future!

We're CLEARLY in a time warp..

2018-07-25T14:01:00-05:00

Where the hell have we been since February!? I no longer have any sense of timing. It's now almost August. Looks like I need re-read my blogs about "self-care" and being present. And on that note, what better topic is there to talk about in August than fall and holiday open houses! More details to come, but for now, save the dates!

Valentine’s Day 2018 = Self Love & Self Care (Part One)

2018-02-13T17:57:00-06:00

In the tradition of putting your oxygen mask on first before helping others, self-care is no longer a luxury or frivolous. It is necessary.

There are so many aspects to wellness. I think the first part, before anything else can happen is awareness. Do you take good care of yourself? Do you set aside time every single day for relaxation and decompression? Do you drink enough water? Are you aware of all the side effects of being dehydrated? How is the quality of your sleep? Do you have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep? Do you make sure you eat well and aren’t deficient in any vitamins and nutrients? The majority of Americans (about 80%) are deficient in magnesium, which is responsible for hundreds of enzyme processes in the body. Hundreds! That sounds important. If you have any medical issues, like an underactive thyroid, are you aware of what vitamins are usually deficient for that condition?

How is your mindset? Do you engage in negative self-talk? Do you spend hours on social media comparing your life to someone else’s? Do you find time every single day to be grateful for the good things in your life? Do you regularly say yes to things you want to say no to? Are you mindful and present? Do you live in the moment? Do you spend time in nature? Do you routinely connect with Source?

These are things to think about and become aware of when you start thinking about self-care. So, what do you do when you think about all of these things and realize your life is a total mess? You do 3 things that will lead to success in any area of life.

You become PROACTIVE and PLAN what you need to do to improve these areas of your life. And third, you remain CONSISTENT. For me personally, when I don’t proactively plan something (we’ll use a diet for example), it’s a shit show. I think being reactive, anywhere in your life, is not a good thing. So, why has every diet I have ever been on failed? I didn’t plan out my meals. I just said I was “on a diet” and I’m “going to eat better,” then it’s 12:30 and I’m starving, so I grab anything which leads to another day of diet failure. Had I proactively planned that I would eat X for breakfast, lunch and dinner and prepared everything for that, no problemo. And the wonderful side effects of being proactive? MOMENTUM and CONFIDENCE. Day after day of failure isn’t good for morale.

So, you’ve become aware of your needed areas of improvement. You’ve proactively planned out the steps you need to take. What’s next? CONSISTENCY. You can proactively plan all day, but if you only follow through for 2 days, it doesn’t matter how good your plan is. As an admitted perfectionist, this is where it can all go wrong. But, in the efforts of self-care and being gentle with yourself, this where you adopt the mantra of “Progress, Not Perfection.” And how do you make progress?

I follow the 80/20 Rule. Why? Because we’re human. And because sometimes you just want a damn cookie. So, 80% of the time, you will stick to your plan. You will do great, build momentum, feel confident and ACCOMPLISH something. But, 20% of the time, you’re going to “take a personal day.” You can cheat, you can do NOTHING, you can do or not do anything you want. So, for an average month, you will TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF (versus calling it “being good”) 24 days of the month. Then, you get 6 days to also, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF (because we aren’t doing negative self-talk and calling it “being bad”) to have pizza, or cake. Or spend a day binge watching Big Little Lies instead of going for a walk, meditating, etc. Whatever it is, you can 6 days a month to do it. Now doesn’t that make the other 24 days seem such more doable? Remember, PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION. When you build these “cheat” days in, you win. I’m not even crazy about using the word “cheat” because that has a negative implication. Maybe you can it an “80 Day” or a “20 Day”. Yeah, that works.

And, there is a still a way to win on a “20 Day”….can you guess? Proactively Plan the “20 Day” Days! If you know you’re going out to your favorite restaurant with the girls on Saturday night, that is your “20 Day” for that week! Don’t blow it on Thursday with something you don’t really LOVE. Make it worth it. So have that cookie! Just make sure it’s a fabulous, quality ingredient, get the job done cookie.

So, ponder that for now.. THINK about your life and how happy and well you are.. In Part Deux, we will tackle the specifics.

Clothing: The Basics (Part Deux)

2018-02-05T15:18:00-06:00

Part Deux: Finding Your Look

Why is this important? Because when you feel comfortable (that doesn't mean you're wearing yoga pants) you feel more confident. But, comfortable in the way that you are wearing the clothes, they are not wearing you. It "suits" you. I personally, feel like I look like a pirate when I wear anything Boho, so that's not my look. Personally, I also feel like the older I get, the more Classic I prefer to dress. But, let's talk about YOU!

How To Start: Set aside a weekend afternoon. Gather up all of your favorite magazines, celeb pics, catalogs, etc. Tear out pages of outfits, looks, color combos, etc. that really jump out at you. Then, make a list of your favorite pieces that you already own. Then, see how the list and pile of pics compare. Is there a definite dominate look? Flats and jeans? Flowey blouses? Any certain predominate colors? Is everything trendy?

The important thing is to be honest with yourself. Now, edit your closet. BE RUTHLESS. If you have something you've been hanging on to for over 6 months until it fits you again, or whatever the reason is, it has to go. I personally would tend to keep most "Classic" pieces though because I think that a classic base can work with ANY style. If your style tends to be more "Romantic" (pictured here) and you like ruffles, florals and pastels, incorporate those elements into what would be considered a classic outfit through the accessories. For example, jeans and a plain white button down shirt (can't get more Classic than that). Perhaps add a floral scarf as a belt. Wear vintage jewelry. Maybe add a feminine cardigan over the shirt. Tie a floral scarf onto your purse.

I think Classic is a good base for anything. I would also start out with a classic outfit and add trendy accessories to it (to avoid being TOO trendy or cliche). Or, even Boho, just add some fringed accessories.. or slightly deviate and wear a wide leg 70's pair of jeans. The point is to be true to yourself. You know when you like something and you know when you feel comfortable and confident in something. Getting rid of anything that doesn't fit with your style can only help you put outfits together more easily; whatever you don't wear or isn't you doesn't belong in your way. Get rid of the bad so you can easily get to the good!

Next time: Dressing to Flatter Your Figure

Clothing: The Basics (Part One)

2018-01-30T08:00:00-06:00

Throughout the year, we’re going to cover, or at least attempt to cover, everything about clothing. Starting first with the basics…

FIT: A good fit means that the clothes skim the body (NO CLINGING) to show your shape. Everything on the garment should lie flat…pockets flaps, pleats, seams, lapels, etc. Whenever clothing pulls (which means it’s too small) it not only looks cheap and sloppy, it ADDS POUNDS. PLEASE hear me on this one. I see this constantly and I cannot figure it out. PLEASE do not be concerned about the size on the label. Everything should be based on FIT. No one can see the label when you are walking down the street. What they can see is how you look in it. Just because you can get something ON doesn’t necessarily mean it FITS. The irony of this is when you wear something too small, you look heavier. Alfred Hitchcock was known to dress an actress in one size too small when the part called for someone to look cheap or poor. He dressed them a size up when the part was of a rich or affluent woman. We’ll talk more about this throughout the year when we discuss tailoring and what an impact it can have. BUT, for now, just remember, clothing should skim, not cling.

FABRIC: Qualities to look for: 1) weight and 2) movement. When a fabric is too stiff it can look boxy. If it’s too thin, it can cling. Wool crepe, microfiber, modal fabrics, cotton, wool gabardine, and cotton blended with silk are great choices. Acrylic can be great too, especially for blouses because it takes a lot to destroy it (for all those not too good at laundry). It usually keeps it shape and doesn’t fade. A touch of spandex can be good too. Nothing more than 10% though… once a fabric has 10% spandex or more, you will get that effect of the garment “growing”. Then, you’ll be tempted to put it into the dryer to shrink it back. Which, will have that affect in the short term, but drying anything with 10% spandex or more on high heat repeatedly over time will cause the fibers to break down…so, it will “grow” but then not shrink back.

PROPORTION: Fit is only half the battle. Everything can fit but if the proportion is off, the whole things goes south. Here’s where you need to know, and be honest, about your body. How long are your legs in relation to your torso? Are you long or short waisted? Are you petite? Which, is NOT only about your height. It’s really more about the distance from your neck to your waist. One good, in general, rule of thumb is the “short over long” or “long over short” rule. For example, if you have a fitted pencil skirt on, top it with a cropped jacket that ends at your waist. Your legs will look longer and the proportion of fitted to boxy will flattering. Wearing a boxy top AND loose or baggy pants, can be a very messy look. And the opposite, a completely fitted outfit, if too tight, can look cheap. The opposite rule works well too, long over short… such as a slightly longer chunky sweater over skinny jeans. Or, a trench coat over leggings (Audrey Hepburn) with flats is perfection.

Ponder all that for now, more to come.

Up next, “Finding Your Style.”

Clothes Have Powers...On Your Mind

2018-01-18T13:42:00-06:00

You don’t need me to tell you this…when you like how you look, you feel better.

But, maybe you didn’t know, it is scientifically proven that what you wear will have a direct effect on what you are doing. Not only does clothing tell other people about you, it tells YOU a lot about you. It’s an effect known as “enclothed cognition.” In a scientific experiment, 2 groups of people were given jobs to do. One group wore their own clothes. The other group wore their own clothes AND a white coat. They were then given small tasks and quizzes. The white coat group did better, 50% better.

Going further, half of another group was given a white coat and told it was a painter’s smock. The other half was given the exact same coat but told it was a doctor’s coat. In that group’s set of tasks and quizzes, the “doctors” smoked the “painters” in the “brainy questions.” So, even though these people WERE NOT DOCTORS, once they wore a doctor’s coat, they acted like one.

Do you have a lucky sweater? Why is it lucky? Because every time you wear it, something great happens? YOU decided that. Maybe that first time something great happened was an even numbered day of the month, or a Tuesday. But you didn’t decide ALL even numbered days or ALL Tuesdays are lucky, you decided it was the sweater. And so it was.

So, the next time you get dressed in the morning, think about how you feel in the clothes you are wearing. Would you be able to conquer anything that comes at you? Or are you hoping to “not run into anybody.” Since life is totally unpredictable, and anything can come at you in a given day, dress for the former!

City Guide: Savannah, Georgia

2018-01-10T15:26:00-06:00

Where to start with Savannah… first, there is no place else on earth quite like it. It is Georgia’s first city. Pirate’s House, mentioned in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, is the first (and still standing) structure in Georgia. (If you go to eat at Pirate’s House, order the She Crab soup…you can thank me later).

There is a vibe in Savannah like no other. The way the Spanish moss sways through the branches of the Live Oaks will make you believe that it really is the most haunted city in America. It’s the home of SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design) which has incredible film and fashion festivals that could rival those of LA and NY. It is also home to UGA; the beloved University of Georgia mascot. It’s also the first planned city, the “squares” of Savannah are off the charts beautiful. It is the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girl Scout’s). One of the more notable things concerning Savannah is, of course, “the book” as the locals refer to it. John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is such a spot-on, poignant take on the fabulously quirky, eccentric southern city. “The book” really put Savannah on the tourism map.

Places to visit:

Forsyth Park (pictured)….a gorgeous park at the “end” of the squares. Great for a Sunday morning stroll.

Leopold’s Ice Cream on Broughton. Straton Leopold, who makes the ice cream himself, is also a major Hollywood producer some of his films include the Tom Cruise Mission Impossible series… again, not kidding when I say Savannah is a place like no other.

Back in the Day Bakery. Just go. Order everything. Your life will never be the same.

River Street (on the Savannah River)…it is completely touristy, but fun. “Climb the steps” of River Street and see if you can spot any of the hidden tunnels where the pirates used to come and go.

Tybee Island….about 30 minutes outside of downtown Savannah, but worth the trip for its beautiful beaches. Good for the history buffs too, as Fort Pulaski is near the island. While there, eat at the Crab Shack, order the raw oysters.

Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House, near the corner of Jones and Whitaker. Listed on the “1000 Things to Do Before you Die” list, this is THE place for southern cooking. They do not take reservations and you eat family style. Get their early, the line is around the block before they open.

Bonaventure Cemetery. The most beautiful, peaceful place in Savannah. It is the resting place of Savannah native, songwriter Johnny Mercer who wrote “Moon River” (yes, an actual river in Savannah). Johnny was a good friend of Walt Disney. It’s rumored that on a visit to Savannah, while staying with Johnny and hearing about how everything is haunted, Walt came up for the idea of the “Haunted Mansion” attraction at Disney World.

Telfair Museum of Art…home to Sylvia Shaw Judson’s “Bird Girl” statute, also made famous by “the book.” She first resided in Bonaventure Cemetery for years before it became such a tourist spot.

Mercer House, also made famous by “the book,” it was the home of Jim Williams. Jim Williams can be credited with saving Savannah as he undertook the renovation of dozens of historic homes that had fallen into disrepair. The historic downtown Savannah you see today would not be the same without Jim Williams.

The Gryphon Tea Room… operated by SCAD.. located in an old apothecary, it is truly a gourmet tea room.

Wormsloe Historic Site. This is the quintessential SOUTH. The 822 acre plantation (or really, what’s left of it) and the mile long entrance flanked with Live Oaks. It’s absolutely breathtaking.

ANY trolley ride… the movie tour (Forest Gump, Something To Talk About, The Legend of Bagger Vance, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil), the haunted tour (spoiler alert.. EVERYTHING is haunted), the sightseeing tour, just do them all and find out why no Spanish moss will grow in Wright Square.

I could list 100 more places to see in Savannah, but be prepared. Once you visit Savannah, you will always return. It will have an effect on you like no other city. Georgia will always be on my mind.

One thing that should be on EVERYONE’S resolution list…

2017-12-27T11:27:00-06:00

#1 Resolution: De-Clutter.

Regardless of what else you need to work on this coming year, all of those things could only be enhanced by de-cluttering your living space, work space, car…

Clutter, ironically, seems to cause anxiety for a lot of people. I’m guessing because at the root of the problem, they don’t know what to do with “it” or how to organize “it”. Usually when I have anxiety about a situation, it’s because I don’t know how to tackle it. That makes it seem overwhelming. But the psychological effects of a good purge really have a ripple effect. But, with a couple easy steps, you can declutter your entire house AND organize it by spring (yes, I think it takes that long because when you set out to tackle a whole house at once, it’s too overwhelming).

What to do: start with one room a week, no more. And here’s why…you need to access every single item in that room (yes, EVERY item...for example, in the kitchen, that means every spice bottle, because yes, they do go bad and lose their potency).

Step 1: Start in one corner of the room and move clockwise. Pick up an object and ask, “Do I use it?” or “Do I love it?” If the answer is yes, you can keep it. If the answer is no, then it goes in one of three places… garbage (if it’s broken), donation (if it’s still useable to someone) or sell it (if it’s too valuable to give away). Have boxes ready for the donations or the sell items. Throw out the trash. Get rid of the donations as soon as you’re done with that room. And make a list of how/what you need to do to sell the items (list on eBay, find a specialty buyer, etc.).

Then, Step 2: Organize what you’re keeping. The easiest way…put like with like. In the kitchen, all things related to baking (cupcake liners, cookie cutters, rolling pins, etc.) go in one drawer or cabinet. If you’re tackling a closet, put like with like first, THEN, if needed buy storage containers once you see the size of that category. Do it however it makes sense to you, organize clothes by season (my preference) or by color. Whatever is the easiest for you to maintain. If there are things you love, but don’t use (momentos, gifts you have to keep because the giver would be upset if you didn’t, etc.) pack them up nicely in boxes and label them. Don’t allow things you don’t use to clutter the space of things you need to get to often.

Step 3: Access the room after the declutter. Do any light fixtures need new light bulbs? Does any furniture need repair? Anything need new batteries? Whatever it is, make a list and do it before moving on to the next room.

It’s best to give yourself a week to do one room because you can easily get overwhelmed, especially in a closet. Sometimes you’re going to have to walk away from it and come back to it later with fresh eyes. But depending on the size of your house, you can easily get it done within 2 months…BTW, “house” includes the garage and basement. Once you do a major sweep of the entire house, it’s pretty easy to maintain. Every 6 months, go into a room and quickly access what’s there. Do a mini purge (20-30 minutes) so things don’t build up. And if you’re really hard core, stick to the rule of 1 In, 2 Out… for every one new thing you buy, get rid of 2.

It’s a lot of work but what else can you do in January and February? Football is over and "The Bachelor" is only on on Monday nights. That gives you tons of time to lighten up and declutter by spring! Happy Purging!

Happy 242 Birthday, Girlfriend!

2017-12-15T03:51:00-06:00

Happy 242 Birthday, Girlfriend!

December 16, 1775… If you’re a die-hard fan, you already know who I’m talking about..

Is there a woman alive who does not appreciate the writings of Jane Austen?

I’d say no. What is not to love? Jane, for her very young age, had an appreciation of human nature and could rival Jung or Freud. Not only was she incredibly astute about the behaviors of men, women and their respective societal roles, she was the original queen of the one liners. If you actually read (not just watch the movies) Jane, you know she was pretty snarky. And pretty sassy. Jane called it like it was.

But she also nailed the fairy tale element. Although snarky, Jane was an eternal optimist. And fiercely independent. At a time that was completely unheard of to remain “single,” Jane did. She turned down a proposal because she knew that not only did she not love him, she knew once she married she could no longer write. #GirlBoss.

Jane has definitely arrived.. from hit movies like Clueless (based on Emma) to her face on the 10 pound note.. Jane is here to stay.. as ubiquitous to England as the Queen, English gardens and tea. And thank God for that.

Jane Austen “Pop-Up” coming in 2018!

Winter! It's finally here.

2017-12-09T14:27:00-06:00

I LOVE seasons.

Well, maybe not all of them equally. Summer is at the bottom of the list. Maybe because I never feel thin enough or tan enough to wear summer clothes. But, after living in Savannah, Georgia, I have a new appreciate for seasons and how much I took them for granted. Savannah is coastal, so there's not much change there.. and having to put a pumpkin under a palm tree doesn't work for me. I need the full change. Bring on the snow days, I say.

I love winter because of the solitude. It's a very quiet, sleepy time of year. Its a great time for reflection over the year and thinking ahead to what you want to do next. I love planning out the next year's goals on New Year's Day. I love winter food. Its hearty and warm. I love fireplaces and flickering candles...Sting's "If On A Winter's Night.." album is just perfect. And the evergreens...Evergreens covered in snow...The smell of the wood in the fireplace. All magical.

Don't let the ice, the messy roads, the freezing temperatures and the hassles of winter cloud the season. Enjoy the season for things we can only get at this time of year.

Such as an excuse for a boozy hot chocolate! Try this one.. its FAB.U.LOUS.

What you need:

10 ounces milk chocolate chips
1 1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Chambord, to taste, plus another 1/3 cup for reducing
Whipped cream and raspberries, to top

What to do:

Add everything but the Chambord, whipped cream, and raspberries to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the chocolate completely melts.
After the chocolate melts, continue to cook, but stir more frequently. The mixture should thicken a bit and all of the chunks should dissolve. After 5-10 minutes, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
As it cools, add 1/3 cup of Chambord to another small saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes, until the Chambord has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Don’t over cook, or it will become hard like candy, rather than syrupy, which is what we want.
Pour the hot chocolate into little mugs (servings should be small because it is so rich), add Chambord to your liking, and top with whipped cream. Drizzle with the Chambord reduction and top with a few raspberries. Serve.

Courtesy of Host the Toast: A Kitchen Kapers Blog

On our 5th Anniversary...

2017-11-21T14:15:00-06:00

November 21, 2017

In some ways it seems like yesterday and in some ways it seems like 20 years ago. A lot can happen in 5 years. Yes, we have sold a lot of clothes in 5 years. We’ve moved twice, bought an adorable historic house (in which Ivy looked the cutest it ever has) then made the huge decision to go online only. It’s been a constant transformation.

Even though this is about the anniversary of a brick and mortar retail store, there are two bigger picture things I am thinking the most about today. One is the great things that have happened, as Bethany Frankel calls it, when you come from a place of YES. Yes to life. Yes to trying things. Yes to going for it. Yes to taking risks. Opening a business is a huge risk, especially with something as capricious as retail. I felt it was a calculated risk though, and it paid off. I trusted my gut. I am a huge believer in the law of attraction. And in my experience, the universe comes from a place of yes. Yes to movement, yes to action. To me, the worst thing in life would be to wonder what would have been if I hadn’t tried. You may fail, but at least you won’t have to always wonder, “What If…”

And second, the unbelievable friends I have made from opening a boutique. I am lucky beyond words to have the people in my life that I do, they are truly thoughtful, considerate, kind people. They are customers, they are vendors, they are other businesses that I work with and they're all wonderful.

Ivy even led to my getting married. That’s where I really lucked out. I have no idea what I ever did to deserve the love and constant support of the smartest, most handsome Renaissance man I have ever met.

So, on Ivy’s 5^th birthday, I am grateful beyond words for the success I have had and every wonderful thing that has come out of it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Xxoo,

Dina Ranieri Harper

Because I'm selfish?

2017-11-02T13:00:00-05:00

November 2, 2017

Why I went from a storefront to online only:

I guess the bottom line is, I’m selfish?

I want more time. More time for my life. I have about 50 cookbooks in my kitchen that have never been opened. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving (carbs, football and naps, what’s not to love?) but as much as I love that day, I know the next day, Black Friday, will be the opposite of relaxed and fun. I miss being out in the world on Saturdays (especially during college football season). There is a very different vibe in the world on a Saturday than if you just have Mondays off.

I just want to NOT be rushed ALL. THE. TIME. Having a storefront is absolutely great. But, it’s a lot of work, especially if you’re Type A. You constantly straighten merchandise, vacuum, rearrange things in new ways so the regulars aren’t bored, etc.

Make no mistake, running an entirely online boutique is still A LOT of work, but it’s a different kind of work. My favorite attribute of entrepreneurs is, they’ll work 90 hours a week to avoid working 40 hours a week. Nothing could be truer. But, it is a different kind of work, work that can be done whenever you want to do it. It’s work that can be done at 2 am (because of course you’re not sleeping and you're wondering.. do I attempt to get back to sleep or start drinking coffee now and just take a nap later), like product photography or shipping. It’s work that allows you to go out to lunch during the week because you don’t have to sit behind a counter all day during your “open hours.”

And speaking of hours…having set store hours is very, very limiting for customers, especially for women that work. But, let’s face it, we’re all up at 2 am, the perfect quiet time to shop online. So, this is about working smarter, not harder. If you’re going to put in a lot of work, reach as many people as possible. The whole world is online (thanks, Al Gore! Yes, he claims to have invented the internet. YouTube it).

Happy Shopping! And remember, cuteness counts!

Dina Ranieri Harper

Here are a couple of pictures of the super cute boutique storefront before we closed!