The Things We Love About Summer

Catching fireflies in open fields ... sea-tousled hair and sun-kissed cheeks ... backyard brunches, easy glamour, charming gardens ... tie score, bases loaded, bottom of the ninth ... cool cocktails on hot hazy nights ... flip-flops, road trips, shark tales, lazy mornings, long days, ocean sunrises, bay sunsets.  That delicious school's-out feeling that never leaves, no matter what your age.  These are the things we love about summer.  And we'll be celebrating them all month, on Style Maniac.

Photo above and in this month's masthead via Marter del Universo on Pinterest.

THE GIFT I'D GIVE EVERY GRADUATE: How To Steal Like An Artist

This does not exist as a book yet.  But it should.  Even if it's the slimmest, smallest book ever made.  The advice is so spot on, so smart, and presented with such clarity that I'd give it to every graduate that comes my way. Including some in mid-life.  I'd like to steal all the text and images from Austin Kleon's post, but instead I'll send you to his site to read "How to Steal Like An Artist and 9 Other Things Nobody Told Me."  Please come back after you read it and share what advice resonated with you most.

p.s. Here's a real steal: an original work of art by Denise Fike.  The winner of our Sponsor Giveaway,  chooses her own piece from a selection of 10.  Enter by Tuesday 5/24/11.

CHARM & MAKE BELIEVE

“There seems to be within all of us an innate yearning 

to be lifted momentarily out of our own lives 
into the realm of charm and make believe." 

-- Dorothy Draper {interior decorator, fabulous hostess} 

Isn't that what the best parties do? 

Image via Erin Woolsey on Pinterest.  Original source This Is Glamorous.

I LONG FOR SALT AIR IN MY HAIR

Oh yes I do, yes I do.
How 'bout you?

Art & Words by Katie Daisy.  

For more of her charming work visit The Wheatfield on Etsy.

Discovered on Lovely As A Dream

LEAVE YOUR MARK: Introducing The Blogstress Network

Last February something happened that changed my entire online blogging experience:  I met another blogger "in real life."  Turns out Lee Romano Sequeira, author of Madness Mom & Me,  lived just a few blocks away from me but we'd never even passed on the street until that night at a mutual friend's party (city living can be crazy that way).  I told Lee I'd been wanting to start a group for women bloggers, similar to one I'd organized with entrepreneur friends when I started my decorating business.  Lee invited another neighbor, Barbara Hammond of Zero to 60 and Beyond, to join us.  We met for cocktails and instantly "The Blogstresses" formed a friendship and invaluable source of support.  What a relief to talk face to face with someone who understood SEO, subscriptions, stats, the importance of blog comments, the hopes and dreams you have for this medium that allows you, out of thin air, to channel your experiences, creativity and viewpoint.  Plus share a lot of laughter.

Last month, over coffee one cold morning at Barbara's house, we decided to extend that source of support and inspiration to women bloggers everywhere.  And so was born The Blogstress Network.  Through our website, Facebook Page and Twitter we offer a way for women around the world to connect and support each other in our blogging efforts.  And through local Blogstress Coffee & Cocktail meet-ups we turn those online relationships into real life, face-to-face conversation, idea exchange and fun.

I hope you'll join us and "leave your mark on the world."

Find out more at TheBlogstressNetwork.com
 @blogstress on Twitter and  
The Blogstress Network Facebook Page.



Since choosing the Lipstick Mark as our TBN logo, we've seen it pop up everywhere.  Above, Juicy Couture "Sugar Kiss" laptop sleeve.

OH SO PRETTY

Last year I faced winter head on, with a series called Surviving Winter With Style.  This January, though, I'm escaping into the soft and lovely, seduced by dreamy photoscapes and alluring art, smitten by balloons and beaches, seeking cozy spots for brunch and perhaps peeking behind the curtain of the ballet.  And then there's a certain blog birthday at month's end, for which we'll need streamers and sparkly wrap and some presents, of course.  And perhaps along the way a virtual visit to Paris and other magical stops, courtesy the whirling and wonderful blog carousel.  It's going to be oh so pretty.

Feathers & Sequins image discovered on The Paris Apartment.  Adapted by Doreen Creede for this month's masthead.

A GLORIOUS MESS

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the
mess created in the living room on Christmas day.
Don't clean it up too quickly."
- Andy Rooney 

After all the planning ... buying ... wrapping ... rushing ... it all comes down to spending time with those you love and enjoying every small moment.  I'm off to do just that and I hope you are as well.  First, just want to thank all the bloggers and photographers who have brightened my month--and year--with beautiful inspiration, images and words. And thanks to each of you, dear Style Maniac readers, for visiting, commenting and sharing here.  It's a wonderful gift you give me every day.  

See you just before New Year's Eve.  Merry Christmas.

Quote discovered on Belle Maison. Gold Glitter image by Shandi-Lee via Flickr.

OPERATION BEAUTIFUL

When Domino Magazine unexpectedly closed, Conde Nast mystified design-crazy subscribers even more by fulfilling the remainder of our subscriptions with Glamour magazine. Huh?  Though an avid Glamour reader in my teens and twenties, I've long since passed the point of needing boyfriend advice.  Still, I'll give any magazine a try, and I do find at least a few features a month that make it worth reading.  The best of those finds: Operation Beautiful.  No, not beautiful homes, but beautiful you.

Founded by Caitlin Boyle to end negative self-talk, Operation Beautiful has grown from one "YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL" message on a public restroom mirror to a website, book and nationwide movement of utter simplicity: a pen, a post-it and a random act of encouragement.  To find out more visit OperationBeautiful.com  Then, go ahead, tell a stranger she's gorgeous.

Brooke McCallion's New York City message via Glamour Magazine, September 2010