Happenstance

In the Moment ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:06:00 +0000

Love this image of Rachel Zoe styling Jaime King. Kinda blurry, but perfectly in the moment.

It's 5pm Somewhere ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:10:00 +0000

Holy moly is tomorrow December 1st already? Normally I would be kicking my shopping into high gear right about now, but guess what party people? I'm almost completely done with my shopping this year! I held true to my declaration of starting to shop right after Halloween and somehow it worked. And let me tell you it feels great. What about you? Almost done? Just getting started?

Last night my friend Shawna and I went to the cutest holiday social at Urbanic in Venice. It was such a great way to kick off the holiday season. The shop was completely adorable as always and we had such a great time.

Audrey and Joshua of Urbanic graciously serving the cheery crowd. Omg, the cupcakes from Frosted and the hot chocolate were perfection. I may or may not have gone back two (or three) times.

And of course the loot. The gift giving options were endless! And tons of the cutest wrapping paper and ribbon to wrap them with. And don't even get me started on all of the holiday cards. Seriously, just do yourself a favor (if you're local) and stop in. You'll be happy you did.

Hope everyone has a wonderful first weekend of December! It's actually super gloomy and rainy here in So. Cal! Loving it. Group hug:)

I Don't Know, But I Like It ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:35:00 +0000

Totally awesome. And I like his kicks.

Photo: Harper Smith

Grateful ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 17:44:00 +0000

It's here! My favorite kick-off to the holiday season! Although I may or may not have already started listening to Christmas music this past week. Man, it's been tough trying to pump the holiday brakes. But I can't help it, I love it! "Oh the weather outside is frightful ..." (hardly, it's supposed to be 80º tomorrow). Anywho, I digress.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I have so much to be grateful for from my husband and kids, to my wonderful family and friends. One side note of gratitude I have is that I'm into my fourth book this year! Those of you with kids know that something as simple as reading a book can be quite the feat. First it was Simplicity Parenting (I did a chapter write up here), then The Tipping Point, The Power of Now (promise to do a write up soon on all I got from this book–amazing!), and I just started A New Earth. The latter two are by Eckhart Tolle who has profoundly left an impact on me. Since childhood my eyes have always been open to spirituality, but now I feel awake. Just another blessing to count today.

What about you? Would love to hear what you are especially grateful for this year. Even the simplest things count.

Wishing everyone a wonderful, peaceful day today full of great food and laughter! Group hug:)

Photo (and recipe): Martha Stewart

Super Script ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:35:00 +0000

I'm a sucker for good handlettering. These are no exception. Check out more amazingness on Matthew Tapia's tumblr.

via (Aubrey Road)

It's 5pm Somewhere ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:53:00 +0000

Aaaaand it's Friday. Any fun plans? Anyone doing any last minute halloween shopping for next week? I'm not one to usually dress up (I know) but then I ran into Design Mom's video 6 Ideas For the Costume Averse and I was inspired by the bug idea. Basically you get a bunch of small, plastic bugs, hot glue safety pins on them, and pin them on yourself in areas like the back of your head, shoulder or pant leg–places where it might look like you don't know they're there. How easy (and fun) is that?! Plus, just like Gabrielle says, the kids will get a kick out of it.

Wishing everyone a great weekend! Group hug:)

Photo: Michael Graydon

The Simple Things ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:54:00 +0000

I had to laugh a little when I saw this photo by Aaron Dyer. I mean it's a photo of an eraser, but I love gum erasers! Not sure if it's the shape, the color, or maybe the font? Whatever it is, it's a simple pleasure that's for sure. Speaking of simple pleasures I also used to keep a bar of surf wax in my office drawer at work because it smelled so good. It's the simple things you guys. Happy Thursday!

A Great Documentary ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:37:00 +0000

These pretty horses reminded me of the documentary we watched the other night called Ethel, about the wife of Robert F. Kennedy. She was a huge lover of horses and what a spitfire she was (and still is)! I recommend watching if you're at all into the Kennedy family. It's interesting and inspiring. One thing I really noticed and loved was how Ethel and RFK would include their kids (they had 11!) in almost everything they did. Ethel even took some of them with her to senate hearings. I love that. You certainly don't see kids crawling around and under chairs on C-Span that's for sure. Maybe that's what's missing these days in politics. A good old fashioned reminder from kids to have fun and lighten up.

Photos: Peter Hapak

Young, Poolside Rolling Stones ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Can you believe these photos of the very young Rolling Stones were found randomly at a flea market? It's believed that a close associate of the group took these shots during one of the Stones' early US tours. I mean the timing has to be correct. I'm not sure they stayed in Motels for very much longer after this. Aren't they amazing? And how cute is Mick's profile? All of the found images (there are 23 in all) will be on exhibit at Dilettante Gallery in Los Angeles until October 26. See and read more here.

I Don't Know, But I Like It ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Tuesday!

Photo: Rodney Smith

Monday Quote ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

If you follow me on Twitter you might've seen this quote I tweeted last Friday. I thought it would be a great thought to start our week with. It's a quote from the book I'm reading right now, The Power of Now (which I've referenced before) by Eckhart Tolle. Tolle goes on to say ...

As long as you are in conscious contact with your inner body, you are like a tree that is deeply rooted in the earth, or a building with a deep and solid foundation. The latter analogy is used by Jesus in the generally misunderstood parable of the two men who build a house. One man builds it on the sand, without a foundation, and when the storms and floods come, the house is swept away. The other man "digs deep" until he reaches the rock, then builds his house, which is not swept away by the floods.

You get the idea. Dig deep (you can do it!) and have a solid week everyone!

Hello? ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:08:00 +0000

The evolution of the telephone. How funny is this? What I love about this visual timeline is that you can see how there was some sort of party happening around the 60's and 70's with the fun, bright pastel colors. Then things started getting dismal again around the 80's. Speaking of phones, do you have a land line where you live? We currently just use our cell phones, but I'm getting nostalgic for a land line (sans caller ID). I kind of miss that element of surprise when I was a kid and the phone used to ring in our house and we'd answer not knowing who it was. Then someone would yell, "Haydee it's for yooouuu!" Yeah, I think I'm going to bring that back for my kiddos. Back to simplicity.

Whoa, didn't think I had so much to say about telephones. Let's get down to business. Any fun plans this weekend? We have a kiddo's birthday party to go to which should be fun. Then on Sunday I have a TPS photo shoot which I know will be fun and laughter filled. Looking forward to it. Hope everyone has a great weekend! Group hug:)

Photo: Jamie Chung (for Popular Mechanics)

Perfect for Fall ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

The leaves are falling and cool weather has settled in. Plus, it's raining today you guys. I'm loving it right now. I'm also loving these illustrated leaf postcards by Claire Heffer. Kind of perfect for today. Simple and pretty. Hooray for fall.

Mid-Week Links ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 16:30:00 +0000

It's Wednesday! Is it time to get silly yet? I for one am excited for the cooler weather that's starting to happen 'round these parts. I've been totally in the mood to grab my cozy blanket and a cup of tea (or a glass of wine;) for our prime time hang out sessions after the kids go to bed. Hope you're having a great week so far. Here are some mid-week links for you!

Secretly hoping these are named after me.

Sew your hair? Wow, it does looks cute. Featuring the talented and hilarious Becca:)

This video of Fred Armisen as Penny Marshall is brilliantly hilarious. (scroll down a sec to watch)

Super cute hair clips from my friend Kimberli's new shop! This one is perfect for halloween. And this one, and this one.

After a year of memory training, author Joshua Foer found himself in the USA Memory Championship finals. Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything is now on my list of must-reads.

This made me laugh this morning.

Kind of obsessing over these. Black or Cashew?

Photo: Angelo Pennetta

Man Style: Frank Muytjens ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:49:00 +0000

Been a long time fan of Frank Muytjens, the super stylish director of J.Crew menswear. So I was kind of excited to see these pics from Elle Decor and how the master of man style lives outside of work. These are a little sneak peak of his place in upstate New York. It's no surprise that his mix of decor is so spot on. And somehow that open format closet (upper right) is beckoning to me. See the rest and read the article here.

Photos: William Waldron

Audrey ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 03:06:00 +0000

P just received Just Being Audrey for her birthday last week (she's six now and can't wait to lose teeth!) and it couldn't have come at a better time. This year, in her 1st grade class, 50% of the required reading must be non-fiction. So of course I thought what could be better than starting out with some Audrey? It was a great little story for P to understand and the discussion we had about Audrey's style was priceless.

Thanks Auntie Annette!

Now ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:58:00 +0000

"It is not uncommon for people to spend their whole life waiting to start living."

Right now I'm reading a book called The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. To some of you this might be old news since it was first published in 2004, and was one of Oprah's book club picks. The crazy thing is I've owned this book for six years and just recently felt compelled to pick it up off of our bookcase and start reading it like a mad woman. It's funny how things work because I'm not so sure I would've gotten as much out of it six years ago as I am now.

I'm about half-way through the book, but I had to share what I've read because it has been such an amazing read. I've re-read so many sections because of many "aha!" moments (so Oprah). The gist of the book so far focuses on how we all have the ability to experience "Being" (deep states of love, joy, and peace). And how time, other than this very moment, is an illusion. Tolle also describes our conflict with the past (identifying ourselves with past experiences, guilt, regret, etc.) and future (stress, worry, wanting what we don't have, etc.). Other than this precise moment, neither past nor future exists. Isn't that fascinating to think about? It truly is an uplifting read and one that I see myself referencing for some time.

Some of you might think reaching enlightenment or a state of "Being" might be an overwhelming, or even unattainable goal. It's not, but it is a practice. Just like doctors are always practicing medicine. We are always practicing life. Aren't we?

Again, I'm only half-way through this book so I'll be back with a wrap up post once I finish. Can't wait.

Photo: Autumn De Wilde

It's 5pm Somewhere ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:01:00 +0000

This pretty much sums it up. We will be trying to do just this as the weather continues to soar. Supposed to be 96º today people! I wouldn't mind it so much if it were more of a dry heat, but lately the humidity levels have made me feel out of sorts. Does that happen to anyone else?

Take it easy, and have a great weekend! Group hug:)

Photo: Grant Cornett

Mid-Week Links ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:35:00 +0000

Love this image so much. Doesn't the little boy look like he could've been photographed in the 50's? Hope your week is going well so far. Enjoy your mid-week links!

This month's theme song. Dance party!

Sal Sol brings the party to your cocktail glass.

Some funny stuff here.

Might actually try to make this.

This 5 year old prodigy will make you happy.

Inspirational vintage shopping. Cute dresses!

So doing this when the weather cools down.

Photo: Kalle Gustafsson

I Don't Know, But I Like It ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:11:00 +0000

I don't know where to begin. This photo is all sorts of awesome. Been a while since I've done an "IDKBILI." Hope you enjoy this vision as much as I do. Happy Tuesday!

P.S. Come check out the guest post I did for Siri over at Siriously Delicious. Siri and Carson just welcomed their baby girl (congrats guys!) into the world so I'm helping hold things down while they all get acquainted. Enjoy!

Photo: Grant Cornett

Monday Pretties (and Handsomes) ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Ever the perfect capturist (is that even a word?) Tommy Ton's photos are always such a great source of inspiration. They never cease to amaze me. Here are some faves as of late. How much do I love this blue dress?

Wanna know a secret? I think salt and pepper hair looks great on guys. Anyone else? Bueller? Regardless, these two have great style. P.S. I'm jealous of that houndstooth jacket.

I've been donning my cap all summer at the beach so when I saw this I got excited. Although she takes it to a more dressed up level. Not sure I can pull this off, but she sure does.

The Mercedes looks like Olivia's accessory. Gorge as always. That dress gives fresh meaning to the LBD. So cute!

Have a fabulous Monday everyone!

Mid-Week Links ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:45:00 +0000

Hi. Yeah, remember me? So it happened. Summer is officially over as both kiddos have started school this week. Bittersweet. Hard to believe the time has come where I have not one, but two morning drop-offs now! But the bright side is you'll be seeing me posting around these parts more consistently now that I'll have some golden time to myself. So I thought I'd kick off Wednesday with some mid-week links for you. Hope your week's going great so far!

Loving this quaint kitchen (above) with warm, wood tones coupled with stainless steel and white. (photo: Julian Wass).

Omg, I can't believe it's already time. This is in stores now.

This will help me embrace the upcoming sweater season.

Read this post from Sarah over at Whoorl a couple of weeks ago and it made me laugh. I'm sure moms everywhere can relate.

Office inspiration. Clean.

You Know It's Fall When ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:52:00 +0000

So have you started noticing those subtle, yet clear signs that fall is approaching? The other day we were at our local farmer's market where we usually hang out with friends and the kids run around freely. We left at our usual time, but this time I noticed how dark it was already! The sun is starting to go down so much earlier now. Talk about an end of season jolt. I have a few more "you know it's almost fall when ..." signs over on Grown Up Shoes today where I did a guest post for Ana. Come check it out!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead!

Photo: Moon over Belgium

It's 5pm Somewhere ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 02:51:00 +0000

As I type this (late, oops) post at 7:03pm it's 86º outside! It's been hot people. In fact, dusk to evening beach sessions have been our thing lately. Even early morning 9am sessions have been happening. Anything to be near the water and try and escape the midday heat and being cooped up all day in the house. I don't know how they do it in the desert. How is it where you are?

Any fun plans this weekend? We have a whole lot of nothing going on which I love! Although I do have to continue transforming our storage room into an office. Man, it's hard to "quickly" go through boxes. Wish me luck. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend! Group hug:)

Photo: Drew Innis

Photography / Peter Hapak ...

noreply@blogger.com (Happenstance) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 04:01:00 +0000

I fell in love with these images I stumbled upon by photographer Peter Hapak. They're from a series Hapak did for Time magazine a couple years back. Michelle's hair and make-up is perfection. And that profile!

These two ... so great and looking so stylish. Absolutely love their pose here.

Love Tilda's ability to always pull off the stylish androgyny. She has this uncanny ability to be intimidating and graceful at the same time, don't you think? See more great pics from this series here.