Sophistication is About Simplicity

Have you ever noticed that often the most beautifully decorated homes are also the most simple as they provide an effortless look? Rooms bathed in sunlight with white paint, warm textures, natural materials and neutrals with small pops of color bring about a cozy feeling for me personally. Likewise, some of the most elegant gowns or beautiful, classic outfits are almost always the most simple in terms of design. In all areas of life, elegance and sophistication exist because of their ease and uncomplicated nature.
Lately I've been focused on simple yet yummy meals using raw ingredients or a limited amount of ingredients which lessens prep time in the kitchen and allows me to enjoy everything else in my life more fully. Last night's dinner (and admittedly today's lunch) was roasted beets and sweet potatoes (or sweets & beets as I lovingly refer to them as), just two ingredients plus 400 degrees of heat for 40 minutes and I could really taste the earthly goodness of each-they were delicious!

When it comes to my wardrobe, the pieces I get the most compliments on are always simple, classic pieces I've owned for years vs. the new, trendy pieces that are currently available. It's the prefectly fitting blazer I bought 8yrs ago with clean lines, or the pumps that I've kept in excellent condition and keep wearing year after year with multiple outfits because I chose black or neutral over an of-the-moment color. While the odd impulsive,fun, colorful or of-the-moment purchase is exciting and a great addition to one's wardrobe, classics are key for a classy woman's wardrobe. I love wearing what fits me, looks good on me and that which I feel confident in. Working with key pieces makes getting dressed in the morning that much easier!

What about your calendar-is it relaxed or chaotic? Are you making time for YOU? One cannot elegantly go through life with their hair on fire as they race from one meeting or event to the next. Why not begin scheduling some time that is especially for you. Maybe that time is first thing in the morning when the kids are still asleep, a 5am workout session, quiet meditation or prayer time to begin your day or an hour of rejuvenation after a long day of work. We cannot be a blessing to others and give of ourselves fully when we feel drained. A simplified schedule allows us to make room for the surprises of life and give us space between more stressful parts of our day to regain peace and recharge for the next day.

What areas of your life could benefit from a little more simplicity?

*images: (1), (2)

Never Say Never

Don't worry, this isn't a post about Justin Beiber. ;) Although, I do like the words of the song he sings titled 'Never Say Never' which inspires us all to move forward, ignoring the nay-sayers so we can reach our destiny!

Those words 'never say never' mean a lot to me. I can count the times I've been amazed by others sacrifices, discipline or circumstances and said something like 'Oh, I don't think I could ever share one car.' This of course was before getting married because as many of you well know, that is the current car status in this casa. OR 'I would never want to work in shifts or late night hours.' You guessed it, I'm now doing that too so I've learned to never say never when it comes to anything because when I do it's as if I've just tossed a challenge for myself up to heavens that inevitably comes to fruition. lol.

How many times have we  heard people refer to someone else and us the word 'never' as it pertains to them getting a better job, losing weight, quitting smoking, upgrading their education, finally breaking free from a bad relationship, getting their finances in order, etc?

As friends, family and colleagues we have a responsibility to be supportive and uplift others. Gracious, merciful and uplifting are some of the traits of a classy woman. She is not the one sitting in the corner whispering and gossiping with her friends about how bad Suzie's marriage is and how she'll never be strong enough to leave her abusive husband. A classy woman offers encouragement, and takes the time to inspire others and offer support. It doesn't have to be all-consuming but in order to see people change for the better we have to first believe in them, even when they may not care or may not believe in themselves. Tell the people you care about that you know they have what it takes and that they can do it!

When my next-door-neighbor first moved in I learned really quickly that they are not a family who recycles. Daily I'd hear the clanking of glass bottles being tossed into the trash and wondered why with such great recycling facilities in our city, someone would want all of those items to go to the landfill. This went on for the past two years but I always secretly hoped and believed that they could finally see the light by watching enough other neighbors on our street bring theirs to the curb and by my own example as our pick up locations are side-by-side. I had put it out of my mind until a couple weeks ago when I drove home from work and saw a bin full of glass bottles sitting at the end of the curb. I was so excited to see they had finally begun recycling and they've since continued their efforts! Their change is what inspired this post. It was a reminder that we can never say never, write someone off or believe they'll never change. Even after years of the same attitude, behavior, poor choices, reverting to old ways, laziness or fill in the blank, people can and do change, we have to be willing to cheer them on and never give up!

Right after seeing the good news about my neighbors I met with a close girlfriend for lunch. We talked about many things and I shared the recycling story. She shared with me that her carnivore hubby who is a meat and potatoes guy and does not enjoy veggies and would avoid them at all costs for as long as I've known her has started to make the switch. She told me one evening she prepared some fish for dinner but was too busy to make the veggie side dish and he actually asked her, "No veggies tonight?" She though he would be excited but she commented that he actually seemed disappointed. You see, for the past 4 years that we've known each other I've known her to slowly introduce new things for her hubby and sneak veggies in wherever she could. He was not interested and cared little about the health benefits, etc. She did know one thing, he was receptive to facts, statistics and science as he is a math kind of guy. Instead of preaching about produce to him, they watched a few documentaries about food and how it's grown, the soil quality and our overall health and why veggies in particular are so important and now he doesn't go a day without them. This is a guy that I once watched polish off a 16-oz rib eye while dining together like it was nobody's business and left all the veggies on the plate! My friend is so happy so all of you moms out there who cannot get your kiddos to eat their veggies, don't give up, you're one step closer, keep up the good work!

Seeing someone else change begins with us, it begins with our attitude, our mindset and our own beliefs as well as being an example to others also. You may not know how this shift in someone will take place but just begin praying for them and believing in them and it will.

"We meet thousands of people, and none of them really touch you and then you meet one person, and your life is changed. Forever." ~Unknown

Is there someone in your life that you have a 'never' kind of mentality about? Change is possible and it's around the corner!



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Ready for Fall!

For the past three weeks now I've been craving everything 'fall', how about you? Its official arrival date may still be two days away but it cannot come quickly enough! Maybe it's because of all the fun fall fashion I see in the store windows, the scent of cinnamon brooms that catch my attention every time I go to the grocery store or perhaps it's because Florida has had one long, one very hot summer and I'm just ready for a change, any change that doesn't involve hot, sticky weather. Nothing would make me happier than being able to open every window in our house again after 6 months for a fresh breeze.

Growing up in the north, fall has always been my favorite time of year. It's not quite cold enough to require being bundled up but it has cozy written all over it. I love long walks in the country and seeing all of the stunning colorful leaves changing, hearing dried leaves crunching under my feet as I walked hot cocoa in hand. I love the smell of freshly mulled apple cider on the stove and pumpkin pie in the oven. The very thought of curling up in comfy pajamas with tea and a good book sheltered from the evening's crisp air makes me giddy inside. I'm a sucker for a roaring fire be it a bonfire or campfire at the cottage or via a fireplace on the chillier evenings. I really enjoy picking apples at the orchard and hunting down just the right pumpkins to display on our porch. These things speak fall to me.

The fall temps here will come in about 2 months so until then I'll just keep wearing dresses, shorts, flip flops and sporting white because in Florida it's not a faux-pas. ;)

The colors, the coziness, the warmth and of course the seasonal sweet treats! These images embody fall for me.

I've made the mini pumpkin candles before, going to try these next!

Pumpkin Tarts. Um, yes please!!!

I love beautiful, natural wreaths and this barn door reminds me of my country walks.

This outfit has ME written all over it, blazers are a must for my wardrobe. I've always been a huge fan of them and have a growing collection. I love the classic and polished look that a blazer brings to jeans and a crisp shirt or tee pulling everything together. They are a practical staple for any classy woman!

What would fall be without pumpkins and colorful  mums?

If these don't say harvest treat, I don't know what does! I love the rustic twigs!!

I've always been fascinated by the beauty that is indian corn.

Boots, boots, boots! Oh, how my feet have missed you!

I've slowly begun decorating for fall even though it's 90 degrees most days. Oh, and THIS simple decor arrangement is set up on my table right now. You might remember it from last year's fall decorating. 

What are YOUR favorite things about fall?

*all images {via}

Classy Women Often Walk Alone

*images: (1), (2)

Manners Monday: Knowing Names

If you follow me on Facebook, you'll remember I mentioned last week that I would  be writing another manners Monday post based on recent personal experiences just like last Monday's post about speaking in another language in front of others. Today's post is all about names.

Ever since I was a little girl, people have wanted to spell my name with a "C". I suppose it's the more common spelling. For as long as I can remember, when someone was taking down my name, I've had to say "Karla with a 'K' ".  To this day I still receive mail with my name spelled incorrectly. When it's mail from a stranger or the result of mass mailing I don't think twice about it but when acquaintances do not take the time to spell my name correctly, especially in the case of social media outlets like Facebook or Twitter which have a name listed on the very page, it comes across as lazy and that they couldn't be bothered, which is really no different than sending a document without having spell checked it first.

In certain situations you might meet someone at a conference or event that you've never met before and aren't sure of the pronunciation for their name. There's nothing wrong with asking, in fact it shows interest in the other person and that you care so they won't be offended but rather will appreciate your efforts.

A month ago, after I began my training with my new company, I was introduced to a few people I'd be working closely with. I was careful to try to remember their names and in one case a young lady named 'Andrea' had me wondering whether she was 'An-dree-a' or 'Ahn-dray-a', since she never actually introduced herself to me, she just focused on the training. I learned it was the latter and was glad I had asked. She said she'll answer to either and isn't picky but I know some people can be and I wanted to make a good impression and make her feel comfortable.

Whenever you can, take the extra five seconds and confirm the spelling if you're not 100% sure. Knowing someones name and the proper spelling as well as pronunciation makes people feel good. Everyone likes to be addressed by their proper name.

Likewise, it's equally important to call someone by name when you see them. The old, "Hey, good to see you. How are you?" can always get you out of a bind but if this is your standard greeting every time you bump into the same person, it will be obvious you don't know their name. Take the time and ask by saying, "I'm so sorry, I've forgotten your name. Can you please remind me what it is?". They'll be happy to tell you what it is. Be sure to associate their name with something you'll remember or they might be insulted the next time you meet if you still cannot remember their name. I've been guilty of the 'Hi! It's so good to see you again!' when I've forgotten someones name. Remembering names has not been my forte so if I'm at a friend's party or with my hubby, I'll quietly ask for the name if I can before having to ask the person in question directly.

Being called by the wrong name has actually happened to me a lot this past month as I've met over 50 new colleagues. I've been mistaken for another new blond colleague multiple times, one time I was handed her paycheck in error and had to remind the person who gave it to me that I was not 'Holly'. Other times, they've asked me to remind them of my name. I try to make it easy for others by telling them, "It's Karla, just think of cars" since that's the industry that I'm now apart of. This seems to have worked well. I remember watching The Bachelor a few seasons ago and sweet little Tenley Molzahn was sure to not get forgotten in the crowd by telling Jake her name was 'Tenley, like the number ten'. So, if this happens to you a lot, you might want to liken your name to something others will remember or provide a shortened version that is easier if you're first name is really long.

Whenever I leave a comment for a blogger, a new acquaintance or even meet a new colleague, I try to be mindful of remembering their name and using the proper spelling. Sometimes in the case of blogs, the author's name isn't listed, so just begin with, "Hello" or use their blog name instead.

What are your thoughts on names? Do you have a name that also gets misspelled or mispronounced?



*images: google