Let's Discuss Bolo Ties

I have a thing for bolo ties.  It started as an appreciation for seeing them on men - they're the perfect combination of retro and western that is a fresh alternative to a tie.  So when I saw the this turquoise bolo on Planet Blue by Natalie B. Jewelry I couldn't get my credit card out of my wallet quick enough to order it.   Below are some bolo tie styling inspirations from around the internet and I've found I like them on their own as much as I do layered with a bunch of other necklaces.  This would also be a really fun item to hunt for at flea markets and vintage stores.  

3 Ways to Read More

Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies.  In the past I would read in bursts – I’d devour a book in a few days, then go months before I took the time to find a new read.  Lately  I’ve been reading much more thanks to some helpful tools I’ve recently discovered.  For all you busy bees out there, here is how I’ve made reading a priority:

Goodreads:  This site, which is also a wonderful app, is the perfect way to keep all the books in your life straight.  Literature is divided into 3 different shelves - currently reading, want to read, and read.  It also syncs with your Facebook account so you can see what your friends are reading and allows you to suggest books to one another.  It also has a fairly big community of authors who will post blogs and review books as well.

GAL: GAL (an acronym for "Girls at Library") is a truly delightful online magazine.  Different women from across the country are interviewed about their favorite books and different reading habits.  On the site there is also a page called "The Sanity Shelf" and it's a list of books that interviewees have returned to time and time again.  The whole site is a wonderful way to get inspired to read.

 Bibliofeed:  Bibliofeed is an Instagram account that is as visually beautiful as it is informative.  Followers get a synopsis of books from specially selected curators.  It's a really simple way to find your next great read with literally zero effort.

 

Images via: 1, 2, 3,

Snow Moon

It wasn't until a few months ago that I realized each months full moon has a specific name.  February's moon is the Snow Moon, since February is generally the month in which we receive the most snowfall.  Full moons received their  names from the Native Americans, and other tribes have called February's moon the Hunger Moon (since lots of snow made hunting difficult) as well as the Shoulder to Shoulder Around the Fire Moon.  It has also been said that the snow moon has the ability to cleanse our lives from stagnant energies and allows us to emerge from hibernation and start anew.    

Oh, hi!

It has been almost 3 years since I've blogged and I've missed this little hobby of mine so much.  I'll randomly get asked by friends and relatives why I stopped posting on Hush n Wonder.  And I truly don't have an answer.   Inspiration fell short.  I became bored with it.  I took up yoga.  All silly excuses.  My biggest resolution of 2016 was to write more.  And it's a resolution I've been sticking to.  Writing makes me really happy, and whether I'm jotting down silly poems, or working on travel writing, something about blogging provides a sort of creative outlet I've yet to find anywhere else.  If you are reading this - I thank you so much for stopping by again after all this time away and taking a look at the things I find inspiring.  

The Softest Summer Sweatshirt

There is something wonderfully cozy about throwing on a sweatshirt when the sun starts to set and a bit of chill enters the night air.    In the summer, the goal is to be outside as long as possible, and a lot of the time, that involves sitting on a patio drinking a cocktail and chatting with friends - so a soft, comfy sweatshirt has always been one of my summer staples.  I picked up that pretty, palm-printed sweatshirt below for only $22.00!  Find it here.  Chaser has always been a brand I've loved - their stuff is always slightly funky, and perfectly worn in - and this soft as a dream sweatshirt is no exception. 

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A Really Terrific Song

One life, live free, big dreams - we're all about 'em.

I truly believe music has a huge effect on our lives.  It can define a moment, change a mood, and alter our perceptions better than maybe anything else on this planet.  My best friend sent me this music video a while back and told me, "Watch it, it will make you happy."  And boy was she right, it did make me happy.  So happy I teared up a bit.  The song is entitled "You & I" and is by Crystal Fighters, who are reminiscent of Dispatch but with a slightly electronic twist.  So go ahead and watch this video (it's odd and a bit sad, but ultimately lovely) and allow your Thursday to be made a little brighter.

Let's Shop Leif

On Pinterest the other evening I happened to stumble across some amazingly cute little jars.  Upon further investigation, I was lead to the Shop Leif website, and let's just say, I'm really in love.  Providing everything from jewelry to, paintings, to tea towels, I've developed quite the wish list.  I'm especially loving the earrings and rings - the rough cut stones in claw-like settings are beyond pretty in a natural and earthy way that is perfection.  Also this stuff is unique - and I'm thinking this website will be my new go-to for finding birthday gifts for girlfriends.

1.) Glazed Planter

2.) Water Color Print

3.) Amethyst Earrings

4.) Gem Stone Magnets

5.) Dotted Placemats

6.) Decorative Bottle

Ultimate in Summer Sexy

1, 2, 3

For years now, my favorite makeup combination has been a smokey eye and a nude lip.  It's fresh and sexy, and something about it is perfect for summer.  Not much is needed to achieve this classic look - apply nude lipstick, bronzer, and a good kohl eyeliner and off you go, looking pretty as can be.  

Pretty lil' Ponies

With warm, muggy weather finally here (I'm not complaining, simply stating facts) I've found that there is nothing more refreshing than a polished looking ponytail.  Ponies are a hair trend I tend to overlook - probably because it's just something I automatically do at some point during the day (it's a running joke that at noon in my office, my hair will have gone from down to up.)  But with a little styling, I think ponytails can be one of the prettiest ways to wear hair.  Below are some trends that are perfect for summertime.

Low side pony, with side part and soft waves...

Preppy, high pony made extra sweet with a bow...

Extra messy & sexy, with a hidden hair tie...

Loose and simple pony, with chunky braids for contrast...

A Brigitte Bardot-esqe pony with lots of volume....

Weekend's Hurr.

 I'm so happy the weekend is here.  My friends are here, the sun is out, wine is flowing, and life is good.  Enjoy your weekend, dears.  

Rose Gardens at Dusk

I have found that my new favorite way to unwind, is to go for a walk in the rose garden a few blocks from my house.  I've been waiting patiently for the roses to bloom, and on last night's walk I was delighted to find that many had blossomed.  Evening walks have easily become a favorite way to de-stress after a long day of work.  What are the ways your relax in the evening?  

Beauty Crush Monday: Onesta Lavender Body Lotion

Discovering the Onesta line was a fortuitous find - and one that I'm quite thankful for.  In a world where parabens are bad, and sulfate free is the only way to buy beauty products, the whole thing can be a bit overwhelming.  How do you know what you're buying?  Onesta takes the guess work out of it and makes the whole process quite simple.   All of their ingredients are naturally derived - so you can feel great about what you're using.  Also, 10% of the company's profits are donated to cancer research each year.

My BFF happens to work for the company, and she's the one who turned me on to their great products.   I have come to realize I can't live without the Lavender Body Lotion.  It's rich, without being greasy, and the natural lavender smell is intoxicatingly fresh.  It has become my favorite thing to put on before I  go to bed.    Their hair products are equally wonderful, and I'll plan on sharing more about those in a future Beauty Crush Monday.

As of Late

Well, hello there, friends.  It's been a few minutes.  I've been busy though.  Truly.  May was a beautiful blur of a month that started with the Kentucky Derby, included a trip to Mexico, and ended with me running my 1st 1/2 marathon.  I have been busy with work (it's a good thing!) but have missed good ol' Hush n Wonder.  So here's hoping the dear blog gets a bit more attention in the coming months.

I haven't gotten to do much shopping lately.  Everything I have bought in the past month has had some sort of purpose - like I need that dress for the Kentucky Derby.  Or I need that good facial sunscreen for Mexico.  Or that sports bra is the perfect pink to match my running shoes.  You get the picture.  Below are some little gems I'd like to be buying regardless of trips and simply in honor of summer.  Which is here.  Finally!

The Wantables.

Bath & Shower Oil:  I am needing this.  This oil is perfect to lather on before a shower or add a little to your bath to create a relaxing little haven all your own.  By Aromatherapy Associates, find it here.  

A Printed Tee:   Nothing beats a good printed t-shirt.  This one by Zoe Karssen is perfection.  Fun fact - I ordered it from here.  

Retro Sunnies:  Acetate sunglasses are the thing right now - but something about this pair seems perfectly classic.  Cutler and Gross nailed it with this pair.  

A Wild Necklace:  I'm quite certain shark teeth have replaced snakes as the most exotic form of jewelry.  This necklace by Heather Hawkins is the ultimate summer accessory.  

A Vintage Scarf:   Finishing off an outfit with a colorful scarf is trick that can take outfits from blah to beautiful.  This Dolce & Gabbana printed scarf is great, but find that flea markets and vintage stores have a great selection as well.  

Printed Shorts:  A fun pair of printed shorts are must have for summer.  I love this aztec version from Topshop.  Paired with a peasant top or simple tank, these would/will get a lot of wear.  

Back to the Glamour

Most red carpet events hold an element of glamour all on their own.    But this year at Cannes, it seems as though celebrities are taking steps to ensure their attire might be something that came straight out of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.  This extravagance isn't coincidental (this Gatsby fever is downright congtagious!) and I'm loving it.

Cara Delavigne in Burberry Gown

Georgia Jagger in Roberto Cavalli

Frieda Pinto in Gucci

Images via.