Be Kind.

Happy Monday, friends! This weekend we were swamped with rain, but I’m still on a vitamin D high from the previous weekend (I’m talking 72 degrees and sunny, no coat at night, kinda warm!). It disappeared quickly though and I can not wait until it arrives for good.

You know what my biggest pet peeve is? When people are rude for no good reason. And in my opinion, there never really is a good reason. It’s so true in this world when you meet someone, you have no idea what they may be battling. My sister once told me when she is having a bad day, she makes it a point to be extra nice to strangers (as opposed to walking around all pissed off to anyone & everyone). Like the grocery clerk for example. Or your Starbucks barista. I have to say, I was shocked at the positive impact it made on my day the first time I tried it. I promise it’ll lift your spirits too. In fact, studies show the more you smile (regardless of your actual feelings), the happier you become.

It’s obvious I am a big quote person (a little excessive, maybe? meh). I get this from my father. One quote I learned from him that I constantly try to remember is, ” people will not remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel.” I vote we all try to be a little kinder than necessary this week. Agreed?

Have an awesome week!

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

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Living With Less. A Lot Less.

Have you read this article from the NY Times yet?  It’s been floating around the internet lately and it got me thinking. Big time thinking.

As someone who is an interior designer by trade, I help people buy “stuff” for their homes. Now, it’s not always just about the “stuff” though. This “stuff” turns peoples houses into homes, which in turn, can directly affect their happiness. Everyone wants a comfortable home. Everyone wants to be proud of their home. But there is that fine line with treasures vs junk. Junk that clutters our homes & our minds. Do we really need it?

The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as we’re about to close on our first home! Which translates to: lighting! wallpaper! chairs! rugs! “Stuff”. This “stuff” really does bring me happiness, but it has always been a struggle to find the right balance. Somedays, I’d rather spend hours on a patio with food + cocktails and good friends than to splurge on a coffee table. That coffee table won’t last forever.

A little somethin’ I’ve learned lately: we cultivate the life we live and generate the atmosphere we live in. The more you cultivate, the more you get. The more you care about materialistic pieces, the more your life will revolve around materialistic pieces. The better you cultivate your relationships, the deeper and more meaningful they become.

A few things I do to cut spending on objects & add meaning to them:

- Save money on AM Starbucks & work week lunches by bringing my own. When I do spend money on food, it allows me to do it with good company, further cultivating my relationships.

- When I travel, I shop (and don’t shop much at home). For me, this creates a positive connotation with that particular item and adds more meaning to the piece. For example, I scored a Dara Ettinger ring in Brooklyn on our recent trip (as opposed to a $2 ring from Forever 21 that is probably going to be thrown away shortly).

- Home goods: buy investment pieces. This doesn’t mean expensive. It means buying a piece you will love forever, with whatever budget works for you. My marble tulip side table honestly brings a smile to my face. My ikea couch that weighs 2 lbs, not so much.

What do you think? Is less really more?

My dear friend shared the above quote one day and it truly hit home with me. Hope you spend the weekend cultivating goodness in your life!

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

Images: Unknown (with addition of quote for Ciao Darling). Please share if you know the original source.

Gratitude

I’ve been grateful for much the last two weeks, most of which has been the simple things in life. I’m currently enjoying some down time before lots of travel in March and relishing in quiet evenings.

-I’m grateful for the faith others have in me. It forces me to step up to the plate (whichever plate it may be) and set high standards for myself.

- Zach delivered flowers to me on Valentine’s day & spoiled me with a very nice dinner at Ringside. He still makes me blush and I am eternally grateful for that feeling.

- Brunch, lunch and everything in between with inspiring friends + popping in to my friends family farm and seeing her for the first time after her months of travel!

-Restful evenings + last weekend’s rejuvenating events of doing….nothing. Nothing at all. Pure bliss, I tell ya!

-Sunny & for a brief moment, warm weather. February always teases us with this beautiful weather! I will embrace you and be grateful for you, but I will not be jaded. I know what awaits come Spring. Good thing I just scored these chic rainboots for $17 (they actually make my size 9 feet look small. Who knew that was even possible?)!!

I hope you’re finding gratitude in your daily lives. Have a rejuvenating weekend!

Carpe Diem,
Mandy

Image taken in 2010 of Le Happy on 15th & Marshall in PDX.

Fleurs

Maybe it’s the sprawling Valentine’s Day bouquet sitting on our dining table that’s providing inspiration or maybe it’s simply me dreaming of Spring, but I’ve been lusting after some seriously stunning flower bouquets lately. Enjoy these colorful, fresh, modern, untamed flowers; I hope they provide a jolt of inspiration for you, as they did for me.

How lovely is the parisian style studio? I spotted this photo a few days ago and can’t get it out of my mind. I hope it’s a lady den for someone, somewhere.

 

Happy Wednesday!

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

 

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Gettin’ Cozy.

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!

Last weekend was spent in South Lake Tahoe mostly on the mountain, but equally as much cozied in front of our big fireplace. Since then, I’ve continued to crave the simple life of huddling up in front of a fireplace where your main priority is to do nothing at all. With good company. With a good glass of wine or a big cup of tea. Something about a fireplace takes me back to the simple, truly enjoyable things in life, away from being sucked into our smart phones, constantly needing to be in the loop.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite fireplaces that I would happily plop in front of any day!

Clearly, I am drawn to crisp whites with natural elements such as brick, concrete and a rustic woods. I couldn’t resist sharing these two colorful fireplaces as well:

I love the use of colorful, bold tile in an otherwise traditional white setting. The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs is on my list of hotels to see, this fireplace being just a tiny glimpse of the color explosion that is the hotel. Not only is this fireplace chic, modern and invigorating, it’s also outdoors. Major bonus!

Who’s ready to spend Valentine’s day cuddled up in front of one of these babies? I am!

Hug those you love extra close today. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

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Gratitude.

Well, I can tell you what I am most grateful for right now: the fact that I am heading to Tahoe with my family in a few short hours! It’s becoming an annual trip, and although it’s quick, it feels just right.

As I continue this gratitude journal, I am finding specific people, characteristics and events that I am continuously grateful for. Example- my sister. Each day may be something specific about her & our relationship that I am grateful for, but in the end, I am always just grateful for her.

- Monday morning was warm & the birds were literally chirping. It made for a beautiful walk to work, especially on an early Monday morning!

-I am grateful for new friends that expand my horizons and help me grow as person. Look Ma, I’m making new friends!

-A passion for interior design. I love working with people to turn their houses into home they truly love.

-A passion for the simple things in life. A quite morning. A good beer. Little details at a party that make someone extra happy ( I love a good party!).

-Another re-accuring theme: travel. I am so thankful I grew up in a family where travel was essential. I prefer to be on a plane once a month, if I can make it happen. I’m thankful I’m not on a plane alone (which is fine too & just as fun), but also spending time traveling with the people I love.

The photo above is from our wedding day in the Nines Hotel room where I got ready. “Nothing in the past or future will ever feel like today.”  Pretty good quote for a wedding day, yes?

Have a wonderful weekend & be grateful!

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

Photo by Niki Rhodes.

Gratitude.

Hello friends! Hope everyone had a wonderful week. This weekend should be jam packed with Portland events; a friends birthday, a trip to the Opera, a night at the Winter Hawks game + the Super Bowl & probably some house hunting in between.

Here’s what I am grateful for this week:

-My parents insanely savvy business knowledge. After owning their own company for 2 decades + a handful before that, I know I have so much to learn from them & am thankful they are great teachers in this field.

-I am thankful for where I am at in my life professionally and personally. For someone with a late birthday & no younger siblings, I am always the youngest person around. I’ve embraced the fact that most people think I am older than I actually am as a positive thing.

-I am thankful for Zach planning double date nights this weekend. I look forward to a fancy date night tonight at the Opera & a beer + pizza filled date night at the Winter Hawks game for Saturday!

-For supportive friends & family during our house hunting process. We’re tired. We’re ready. And I am sure our circle of family + friends are tired of hearing about it, but supportive none the less.

-On to house hunting again: I think I’ve finally learned what patience is! Never thought that day would come…

What are you thankful for this week? Do share!

Carpe Diem,

Mandy