Happenstance

Westerly Commons is live!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 19:53:00 +0000

At long last the Westerly Commons shop is live! What began as a fun idea for kids is now a full on reality. My heart if so full from all of the great response and support. Check it out and let me know what you think! Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for updates, product releases, and special offers. And be sure to follow us over on Instagram–we have a fun giveaway this coming Monday that you won't want to miss.

While gratifying, this week has been busy/productive getting the shop open so I am most definitely looking forward to this weekend. Plus, it's starting to feel like fall which means the cozy blankets are coming out you guys! Hope you all have an amazing weekend! Group hug:)

5th Anniversary ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 18:42:00 +0000

So I was checking out a LinkedIn notification on my app this morning, and low and behold I'm scrolling down and see "Haydee is celebrating 5 years at Happenstance." Whoa, that would be me. I had totally forgotten you guys! It's been 5 years since I started Happenstance and with all the preparation to launch Westerly Commons, it totally slipped my mind. Well almost. In honor of my fifth anniversary of blogging here I decided to reflect on five things that Happenstance has done for me ...

1. When I started this blog I had a 9 month old, and an almost 3 year old. While mommy duties were off the charts, this blog gave me the most wonderful creative outlet that allowed me to tap into and stay connected to my "self."

2. I have met some of the most amazingly, creative, generous, and gracious women through this blog. Some of which I went on to meet in person and have remained great friends with ever since. Priceless.

3. Using social media outlets over the years to promote new posts and other things really made me realize just how powerful social media is, and how important it is in the business arena. I call it word of mouth on steroids. It's so necessary.

4. Your comments. They never get old and remind me of what a wonderful thing it is to be able to connect with complete strangers who are like-minded. We really are connected you guys.

5. From the beginning I committed to only posting things that would be inspiring and positive. In doing so I've realized what a tool this blog has been in allowing me to contribute light into this world. It feels good every single time I hit "publish."

For those of you who have been followers since back in the day–thank you, thank you, thank you. Your comments and views have consistently encouraged me to keep going even when I felt like no one was out there, or worse that my creativity was running on empty. I've learned to let things just "be" and creativity will flow. And that's the truth. Group hug:)

Photo: Armando Rafael

Special Announcement ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:43:00 +0000

Hi there! I apologize for the lack of posts lately, but I assure you it's been for good reason. You see, I've created something that's finally coming to fruition ... a brand for kids called Westerly Commons! Come check out the Westerly Commons site and learn more about the brand on the blog.

While I don't plan on stopping Happenstance, I will be spending more time over at the Westerly Commons blog, so I hope you'll join me over there and follow along on my new adventure!

Thanks everyone, hope you're all well! Group hug:)

Sundry x J.Crew ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 21:24:00 +0000

And so it is that one of my favorite easy-to-wear brands, Sundry and one of my fave mega brands, J.Crew have united for a capsule collection due out in May. Get excited you guys, cut off jean shorts season is right around the corner.

Read about and see more glimpses of the summer pieces here.

Via: C Magazine

Crafty Lately ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 22:52:00 +0000

Can I tell you how hard it was to shoot these adorable poms without the glare?! Obviously I'm not a photographer. But I am a crafter! Sort of. If you know me, then you know that I'm usually a self proclaimed DIFM (do if for me) type. First it was these pantone chips that inspired me to make some similarly colored poms for Easter. And then I ran into an ages old knitting project (if you follow me on Instagram, then you know what I'm talking about) that I suddenly wanted to pick up and continue. And here's the doozy you guys ... I took my first sewing class a couple of days ago and loved it!

So I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the springtime air. Maybe I've found myself with more time on my hands? I don't know. All I know is that I'm going to embrace it. A new leaf has been turned party people.

Hope everyone has a wonderful and beautiful Easter weekend with family and friends! Group hug:)

Be the Light

Half ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 12:00:00 +0000

This image really grabbed my attention. From new publication Noon.

Via: Nowness

Hello New Week ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:39:00 +0000

Hello! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We had exceptionally warm weather here in So Cal which made for a perfect day at the beach for the 4th Annual Adler Paddler event we attended. So many friends and family gathered for a fun day of paddling to celebrate the life of a friend who was lost five years ago. It was definitely a memorable and beautiful day in the sunshine.

I also wanted to share a great book I finished this weekend called The Law of Divine Compensation by Marianne Williamson.

I wasn't so much looking for a book about money as I was looking for a good read by the always inspiring Marianne Williamson. But once I read the inside jacket of the book I was hooked. One of my (many) takeaways from the book went something like this ... We don't "make" money. When we work with a righteous heart the universe provides accordingly "through" other people. And in turn, money goes "through" us as we continue to move money forward at our favorite restaurant, shop, or perhaps on a gift for someone. Point being, the universe always provides because there is abundance all around. And when you do things, like work with a righteous heart, you attract even more abundance.

It really is a great read for anyone looking to attract abundance, and even for those who feel they have more than enough or too much (I know these people too–it's completely valid!). The perspective Marianne gives on money is really great and eye opening. I highly recommend! Have a great work week everyone.

Be the light.

Photo: Sang An

Brows and Stares ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 00:34:00 +0000

Heavy on the brows and the stares, but I really love this capture.

Photo: Horst Diekgerdes

Love ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Coming across this amazing lettering by Matthew Tapia couldn't have come at a more apropos time. I'm currently reading The Law of Divine Compensation by the awe inspiring Marianne Williamson and in it she talks about how love should be the bottom line for everything. Family, friends, money, career, strangers, neighbors, everything. I for one, firmly believe that. Yes, it can be quite the practice at times in such a complex world, but let's keep practicing every single day!

Don't forget to move your clocks ahead an hour (Spring forward) this Sunday–can you believe it's already time? Happy weekend lovers!

Be the light.

Great Rooms ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 17:51:00 +0000

Inspired by these interior shots this morning. Bookshelves, and rooms with great, natural light are what draw me lately.

Had to take a double take on this one. Is that a popcorn ceiling? Or shall I say, "textured ceiling?"

This light and those horizontal captures. Perfection.

Photos: Ngoc Minh Ngo

Porter Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 13:30:00 +0000

"So why would it [online retail giant, Net-A-Porter] step backward into publishing on paper? Because, it turns out, women prefer to read about fashion on glossy pages even as they shop online." – Christina Binkley, WSJ

I for one could not agree more. I have always been a fan of print. There's just something special about flipping through a magazine. Even with digital formats on the rise, I always thought print magazines just needed to be reinvented and have some perspective shifted.

Then along came retail fave Net-A-Porter to prove my thought this month with the release of its new fashion mag, Porter. After reading about this new release, I'm happy to say it isn't just a glossy, catalog-type, promo piece. Published bi-monthly, Porter's editor-in-chief is Lucy Yeomans from British Harper's Bazaar, which lends itself to some pretty good fashion authority. This can only mean that Porter means serious fashion magazine business.

I can't wait to check out this inaugural issue. Especially since articles are supposedly toward the front of each issue instead of having to thumb through what seems like 300 pages of ads. Only down side? Its $9.99 newsstand price. I would love to hear what you think. Is there room for a new print fashion magazine out in digi-land? Will you check out Porter?

Images and quote: WSJ

Stay Silly ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 19:13:00 +0000

Just a reminder from me to stay silly this weekend. This is an homage to what my uncle told us when Eric and I first got married. It resonated then and it still very much resonates now after almost nine years of marriage! Yikes, where does the time go? Hope everyone has an amazing (keep it silly) weekend. Group hug! (that was for you DB:)

Be the first. Be the light.

Rifle Paper Co. & Amy Merrick

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 20:26:00 +0000

As I was rummaging through the Rifle Paper Co. (a long time Happenstance favorite) lookbook I came across this amazing piece of Anna Bond creativeness and thought it was a nice reminder for our mid-week point. Hope your week's going well and remember to smell ... the roses.

By the way, this is just one of the many beautiful floral pieces that Anna created with Brooklyn-based floral designer, Amy Merrick for the Rifle Paper Co. lookbook. See more here.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 13:00:00 +0000

It's Friday! I for one cannot believe tomorrow's already the start of February. However, I plan to ~~try to~~ stay in bed for as long as I can tomorrow (which in mom world is 'til about 7am), drink my coffee and continue reading this. I am a self proclaimed digital marketing enthusiast after all. Plus, Gary V. is quite the inspirational social media junkie.

Any fun plans this weekend? If you're up for some funny (and some serious talent), you have to watch Eric's friend John McGuire do this incredible impersonation of Kramer (yes, that Kramer) on a skateboard. You won't regret it. It's all sorts of good. Have a great weekend everyone!

Be the first. Be the light.

Photo: Roland Bello

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 13:00:00 +0000

"IDKBILI" is a classic recurrence over here at Happenstance. As you can see here and here. It's that moment when you're really drawn to something, but can't quite explain its contents. This image by photographer Jen Siska is no exception. It just turns your imagination loose, doesn't it?

Clare Vivier ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 23:15:00 +0000

It's the stuff of great patterns and colors that get me excited for spring releases. These here are a couple of sneak peaks from the Clare Vivier blog for Spring '14. I mean ... right?!

P.S. You may or may not have noticed a slight change in design around here. I am beyond happy with my latest re-design courtesy of the magnificently talented Ana from Blog Milk. Ana creates really great blog themes and is currently hosting a giveaway of twenty (yes, twenty) themes to twenty lucky people. Twenty! Enter here.

Also, I've always wanted to update my "about" page and I finally have! You can read more about me and my family here.

Alex Prager ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Been a long time fan of photographer Alex Prager. Not only do I love how amazingly styled her subjects are, but you really do get a sense that everyone in the shot has a great story to tell. You just want to know more about them.

Last night Prager's new collection 'Face in the Crowd' opened up at M + B Gallery in Los Angeles. The show runs until March 8, 2014. Check it out if you can. And check here for more info. Hope everyone has an amazing week!

Be the first. Be the light.

Pattern ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 01:56:00 +0000

Some inspiring paper paintings and sketchbook entries by the talented Jenny Pennywood.

Gift Guide No. 2 ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 01:16:00 +0000

For the DIY'er, the 'Hold Tight Clutch' knit kit from Wool and the Gang.

For the camper we all know and love (in my case, my husband). These awesome steel enamelware mugs from Best Made will style up any campsite.

Made from certified organic cotton canvas, this Bodega Ruby Print hat for kids will keep them looking cute and conscious.

First there was this, and now there's the new Craft Cocktails book from Assouline.

How fun would this print by Note To Self look right over a bar cart? Or any wall really. Might have to gift this one to myself.

And lastly, this wonderfully colorful and geometric wall calendar from Barcelona based illustrator Judy Kaufmann would be a great wall addition anywhere.

It's Shopping Season! ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 03:16:00 +0000

"Cheers" Koozie by Superkoldie

Thought I'd forego my usual round-up of gift items this year and share

as I discover. Can you believe the season is upon us? I can, and I love it!

First up, not just for dudes cause I myself would like a set of these koozies.

Super Ciccio Eyeglasses

Considering I recently had to really start wearing my eyeglasses more often, I find

myself on the prowl for super cute ones like these.

Knot Sisters Heathered Sweatpants

I mean, could anything be cuter, stylish, and more practical during this season of fabulous

eating?

Pixie Black/Brass Kids Camera

The cutest toy camera I think I've ever seen. Super stylish too.

Happy Thanksgiving you guys! ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 16:17:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Wishing you all a beautiful day filled with great food, decadent desserts, and endless laughter with family and friends.

I am absolutely grateful for those of you who visit this here blog and for those of you who have been doing so since 2009! Woo hoo, let the holiday games begin!

Photo: Michael Graydon

Max Wanger ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 03:29:00 +0000

Just a couple of my favorite pics from Max Wanger's print shop. Hot tip* He's having a Black Friday sale with 15% off and free shipping with code "GOBBLE" at checkout. 'Tis after all, the season of giving!

Boston ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 03:05:00 +0000

Took a quick trip to Boston a couple of weeks ago with Eric. It was every bit as magical as these photos might insinuate. And staying at this hotel and eating at this restaurant did not disappoint. I just wish I had gotten more pics of them. I was seriously on vacation mode. But these images I could not help but stop to capture. Yup, I'm pretty sure fall was invented here. Until next time Boston!

Wall Art ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 13:00:00 +0000

These textures, colors, and layered weavings from BrookandLyn are stunning. What an incredible, fun way to bring interest to any wall. I'm thinking these would be so great in a kids room. How much fun would kids have running their hands over these beauties? This one's really pretty too.

Faribault x West Elm ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 20:03:00 +0000

Was happy to learn recently that West Elm has joined forces with American heritage company Faribault Woolen Mill Company to produce a collection of pure wool blankets and pillows. Faribault has been one of the only domestic wool producers in the country for 147 years. Thus, producing amazingly beautiful wool blankets, throws, pillows, and accessories. Check out the entire Faribault for West Elm collection here.