Change Post from The Simply Luxurious Life

I am so lucky to have Shannon from The Simply Luxurious Life guest post again. I've always had to remind myself that change is a blessing and this post is a wonderful example in pictures of how I'm feeling. We're driving a U-haul from San Francisco to Los Angeles today send positives thoughts...will post soon.

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The Charm of Change

Life, our lives, are not stagnant. We are perpetually moving forward, although if we are absentmindedly sitting behind the wheel, we may not be going in a direction that is the best course for the lives of our dreams. The reality and the blessing is that change happens and it is a good thing, but it has to do with how we approach it.

Immediately I know some of you may be shaking your head, but look at it this way, as much as we want to convince ourselves that we are in control of our lives, we really only have control over our actions and reactions. The reality is that we create our reality based on what we believe, what we have experienced and how we think.

Images: (1) teenangel (2) Martha (3) We Heart It

If nothing else, the realization that change will happen should be a reminder to us every day to soak up the goodness, be appreciative, live in the moment, not hold back and live as though tomorrow we will not have the same opportunity. Use the knowledge of change occurring on a regular basis to propel you to achieve your dreams, your goals, your deep-down-desires today – don’t put it off any longer. Allow this acceptance of change to be your great motivator. If not now, when?

Lastly, I would like to extend a tip of the hat to Laura for inviting me to contribute to her blog while she herself is undergoing a bit of an exciting change. Thank you again Laura, it is a true pleasure to be here.

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Thank you sweetie for this lovely post! So tell me would you consider yourself someone that is good with change?

Coffee talk: Why do I blog?

Time for some coffee talk...it's been one of those weeks where my life twisted and turned. And sweetie I'd love for you to send some positive vibes over my way. It took me a couple of days to realize that sitting down and writing can help. But when did this blog turn into a security blanket for me? Under the Sheets~shhh is there in times of good and ready to catch me if I fall.

Why do I blog?

I've been asked this question many times when I proudly talk about my little blog. At what point did I feel the need to share all of my thoughts with the world? My blanket includes every comment that I get, every picture I take and every thought for a post.

When times are busy I love to ask you to guest post and when times are slow I have somewhere to turn to be creative and free.

It seems when I 'm on a road something happens and I have to change my way. I seem to always land on my feet and can see later on see why the road has changed by a move or change of job. What advice would you give someone to keep their chin held up high ?

Calling all love stories: Happiness after 50

My blogging friend Joanie from Joanie's Random Ramblings has always been a huge supporter of Under the Sheets~shhh and I look forward to getting her comments. So I was excited to have her guest post about her love story "Happiness after 50". Take it away Joanie...
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This is the story of John and how we met, quite by accident.... on the internet.

As you may know, I found myself suddenly single at the age of 49. I never, in my wildest dreams, imagine I'd be single again. Widowed maybe but not divorced! That happened to other people. Apparently I am other people.

I joined several online dating sites... match.com, yahoo personals, etc. EHarmony said I needed to be legally divorced to join. I met a few guys and found almost all of them to be married, ick! There were a few I chatted with for months and month and no meeting. This went on for about a year and a half. And I'll admit I wasn't the most sane person at the time. Desperate for affection, hoping to find someone to love again, I met some real winners!

I was just resigning myself to a life of solitude and living alone when I found this site called True Beginnings. I can't even tell you how I found it, if it was via email or an ad on a game site or whatever. It offered 3 days free, so I figured what the hell, I'll fill in the blanks and see what happens. I put up a real picture of myself and was very honest about me. Once or twice a week, true would send me an email with 12 guys who matched my criteria. I never ever made the first move! I'm way too insecure for that!!

One day, a month or so after I joined, I get an email from a guy who lives on the other side of the county. His message basically said "Hi! Thanks for the wink!" huh???? I didn't send anyone a wink! I'm too shy for that! So I look at his profile and thought that he seemed harmless looking in a grandfatherly sort of way and I respond with "Well, I didn't send a wink, but hi!" We exchanged info about ourselves. I'm 4th of 8 kids, he's 4th of 7 kids. He went to Catholic schools, so did I. He's a row house kid from Philly, I'm a row house kid from just outside the city.

We emailed back and forth for a few weeks and tried to get in a private chat room to talk and we couldn't figure out how to do it, so he gave me his phone number. I finally called him one evening. We were on the phone for more than 3 hours that night and an hour and half the next 2 times we talked! I learned a lot about him and he was quite honest about himself. John told me he was in the Army for 20 years, is now retired and working at a chemical company as a security guard and tutors kids in the evening in math and science. Then he told me he'd been married 4 times! I have no idea why I didn't hang up the phone right then and there! Was I that desperate? I was certainly interested!

We decided to meet, and he came to my work. We went to dinner and saw a movie and we really hit it off! I felt so comfortable with him! I'm happier now than I've been in many years. We've been together for 2 1/2 years now and we plan to stay together for the rest of our lives.

I don't know if we'll ever get married. John wants to get married but I don't want to, at least not yet! I promised John I'd marry him for his 63rd birthday! So that's our story and I'm sticking to it and thank you for letting me share with you.

Calling all love stories: Brides of Cinema

The lovely and talented Bride Chic was kind enough to guest post for us lovelies. Have you been to her blog? She founded the The Design Project of San Francisco, a networking organization of fashion professionals collaborating their skills and talents on projects. And she's been a wonderful supporter of Under the Sheets~shhh. Take it away Amy-Jo.
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Claudette Colbert as Ellie Andrews, Audrey Hepburn as Jo Stockton. No, they weren't real brides but the designers, writers and producers who created them certainly were. Hollywood designers and the actresses who wore their creations influenced the way we look at weddings and fashion today. All the gowns pictured here are works of art and stellar representatives of their times. What could be more 1930s than Robert Kalloch's creation for Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night? The body-hugging bias cut was still a new, even radical concept in 1934, especially for a wedding gown. During this golden era, it was not Paris anymore as much as Hollywood that decreed fashion. This simple satin gown with florals surrounding the neckline could be found today in a few designer collections. The look has become timeless. Attached to the cap head piece you'll see miles of chiffon netting, a light and airy fabric the designer chose because in this story, Colbert needs to become the runaway bride once she decides Clark Gable is the one. As she runs, the veil, long as it is, lifts and floats beautifully off the ground to produce a kind of 'bride in flight' look.

sourceThe Givenchy on Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face has become a favorite for brides of every decade. When clients bring in inspiration photos so I can get an idea of what they want in a gown, this photo is pulled out often. And sometimes it is not the exact same dress a bride wants so much as 'the look' it evokes, the epitome of pure, flawless design.

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Above is one of the purest, most traditional wedding designs out there (the other is princess Grace's--also by a Hollywood designer, Helen Rose). I'm glad I finally found this image of Julie Andrews in Dorothy Jeakins shantung wedding gown. It's from one of the most beautiful movies ever made, The Sound of Music. Raised in an abbey by cloistered nuns, when Maria marries Captain Von Trapp she marches down the aisle alone. This really touched me when I first saw this movie as a kid. So much so that when my own day came to meet my intended and take my vows, I too walked alone and gave myself away.

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The gown Elizabeth Taylor is wearing was standard for its time. Post war, the world celebrated lifts on fabric restrictions by using vast amounts of it in skirts. Bridal gowns were the ultimate show-off the hourglass shape vehicle. The MGM release of Father of the Bride coincided with Taylor's own real, life nuptials with hotel heir, Nicky Hilton. Both her own and fictional wedding gown was designed by Helen Rose.

Below right is Carrie Bradshaw's Ivory silk taffeta confection. It's actually one of the finale pieces from Vivienne Westwood's 2007 "Wake Up Cave Girl" Collection. Hand picked by Sex in the City stylist, Patricia Field, personally, I was surprised Sara Jessica didn't rate a custom designed gown for her role in the film. I mean heck! Check out Audrey Hepburn. Didn't she have that one-of-a-kind-designed-to-fit-her-character Givenchy tulle wedding dress? The suit on the left would have been my choice . . . but . . .ultimately it was Carrie's as well.
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Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson in Bridal Wars, 2009

There are so many 'must see' movies for brides who want to gather ideas. Some are golden oldies, others like Sex in the City are still less than a year old. All are romantic, all are incredibly inspiring . . . . Most below are out on video or disc/DVD. Watch your favorite and listen to the commentary if there is one--you'll learn so much.

Here are some of my favorites--not necessarily the movie so much as the designs . . .It Happened One Night (1934)Father of the Bride (1950) Father of the Bride (remake 1991) Panama Hattie (1942) Design for Living (1933) The Sound of Music (1965) The Graduate (1967) Penelope (1966)Sex and the City (2008)

Best of Under the Sheets~shhh posts!

So I adore writing to you, my lovelies as I enjoy seeing my thoughts turned into posts. And this is why I wanted to share with you some of my fav posts that shows off the vast range of blog topics. If you haven't read these posts yet, click and catch up. And I'd love to read your thoughts. Have a wonderful day!
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How do I become a Pinup girl?

So my secret is finally out...can you help me fulfill my life long dream of becoming a Pinup girl? Where do I sign up and pose like one of these lovely vixen ladies? There's always been something so strong and sexy about Pinup girl's poses. And I love these modern day pics with a twist...get ready to let me know which Pinup girl is your fav sweetie...

We all scream for ice cream

Why do children have habits...like watching certain TV shows and eating the same ice cream over and over. Last week my co-workers reminded me of my habits. We were talking about the cartoons we used to watch as kids. My fav was Jem and the Holograms and I would race home to catch a new episode. Yes, Jem was truly outrageous...


What will be my something blue?

Do you know where the tradition of something borrowed and something blue on your wedding day came from? Does every bride try and continue this tradition? And so I've been wondering what my something blue could be. Can it be a handkerchief that I hold or a blue balloon nearby by or can I get away with just having blue eyes?


Can I ever compete with a foodie?

I wish I were a foodie. See I can finally admit it and I even feel a little jealous when I'm sitting a restaurant with foodies. It's like they know the secret to dreaming about food. Talk about it even when they are eating a meal. Foodies must have a secret code that I don't know about it. I honestly don't think about my next meal until I'm hungry and please keep this a secret, but I've even skipped some meals. Shocker!


Girlie boutique Napa inspiration!

I wish I could escape into girlie boutique inspiration today. Don't you sweetie? A place where only flowers, pink and comfy beds exist. And as I recover from a lovely weekend away with my girlfriends in Napa (Tra Vigne is still the best restaurant), I am reminded that sisterhood is some of my glue that keeps me together. Love ya ladies...

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Oh that was fun and let me know which post was your favorite or favorite picture? I loved the Pinup girl post and loved getting your comments.

Monday retro editorial pics

With another rainy San Francisco Monday, I felt like I needed a little color. And I love these retro editorial pics to cheer me up. Sweetie, I still haven't figure out how I can pose like these lovely models throughout the day, but I promise to try if you do?

Is she looking for more pink balloons or being careful not to pop them with her fabulous shoes?

Love these editorial shots by Amanda Elkins a L.A. photographer. Amanda has a fresh way of capturing her subjects and I love her use of light. Great job Amanda!

Stunning...just stunning. All of the blues work together with the drama of her draped dress. How many people do you think it took to help her get dressed?





This ballet-esque bride shows off her elegance, grace and unique style while posing on the ground.

I am very into balloons today! Ah rain, rain go away and come again another day in June please!

This picture is so beautiful and I found some of these editorial pics from a wonderful blog called {a glamorous little side project}. If you haven't been over to her blog yet check her out. She has an incredible eye for lovely photography and is my new blog crush. Tell me sweetie what do you do to cheer yourself up when its pouring outside?

Blogging advice; Eat breathe and live it

It's been almost two years, that I secretly started writing this blog. Under the Sheets~shhh was my secret and I thought I would never share it with anyone. I am so glad I was able to let go, feel confidant in my words and share. And so many wonderful things have happened because of it. Then one day I was given the best blog advice ever! "Your blog will become successful only when you start to eat breathe and live it!" This became my blogging words to live by.

* Photo courtesy of Jimmy Backius

How does working on your side project of writing consume you?

Do I like giving myself homework? Well no, but I love the feeling of creativity that this blog gives me. I actually feel like something is missing if my posts aren't done. And whenever I see a scenario that makes me say out loud, "that would make a great post" I know I am truly done for.

I wonder what's happened to me? Suddenly I see life in colorful words. For example I was talking to my brother in Toronto and he told me about an amazing restaurant they just had dinner at called O.Noir. "Dining in the Dark, when you eat food in the dark, your remaining senses are heightened to savor the smell and taste of food." And my first response to him was, "What an amazing concept. How should I write about it?"

I guess only bloggers can understand how my life and my art has combined so seamlessly that I am starting to lose the line.

And where did I go to learn my new blogging craft. I would read a lot of articles about social media, read other blogs that I admired and Honey would send me posts by Seth Godin.

My blogging advice I'd like to pass to you is to network as much as you can. Develop relationships with other blogs so you and your community will continue to grow. Well at least that's what happened to me lovelies!

* Photo courtesy of James Nader

If you had a friend who just starting out blogging, what advice would you give to them? Have a great day sweetie!

Inspirational Weekend Quote

I must have been feeling deep and reflective when I stumbled upon this Inspirational Weekend Quote. Something strange happened to me this week when I was reminded by a stranger to stop and smell the roses. 'Joyce' was at my grocery store and she started chatting with me while we waited for the cashier. She let me know that her husband was waiting for a liver transplant and she's staying as positive as she can be.

I felt like she wanted to talk and connect, so we sat down for a half an hour. We both taught and reminded each other that it's not what we leave behind, but how we touch and teach others. She spoke of all the wonderful people at the hospital who cheered her up.

Sometimes all it took was a smile.

Going through this difficult time with her husband allowed her to stop and appreciate all the good times. She reminded me, "It's not what you have, but who you have in your life that matters."

This inspirational quote is a wonderful reminder that we are truly woven into the lives of others.
They must say, "You can't take it with you when you're gone" for a reason! I hope you have a wonderful weekend sweetie. How do you feel about this quote?

We all scream for ice cream

Why do children have habits...like watching certain TV shows and eating the same ice cream over and over. Last week my co-workers reminded me of my habits. We were talking about the cartoons we used to watch as kids. My fav was Jem and the Holograms and I would race home to catch a new episode. Yes, Jem was truly outrageous.

I also remember when my brother and I were kids; he had a particular way of eating ice cream. His favorite was bubble gum ice cream from Baskin-Robbins, but it was his ritual of eating the yummy goodness that I will never forget.

Have you ever had bubble gum ice cream as an adult? It's an acquired taste I think only children can understand...

My brother would SO look forward to eating his ice cream. He would first place a white paper napkin down on the table. Then he would start to eat the ice cream and remove each and every piece of bubble gum and place it on the napkin. Once this was done, he would eat the rest of his ice cream and sugar cone. His last step was the rewarding one.

He would shove all of the bubble gum pieces into his mouth and chew for hours.

Imagine my brother covered in ice cream colors. The colors on his white T-shirt were from the pink ice cream and the blue dye from the bubble gum. As an adult, my brother decided to go vegan. I laughed out loud when he told me because all I could picture was his seven-year-old self covered in ice cream.

"You scream, we scream, we all scream for ice scream!" My brother never stopped being a character and his addiction to Baskin-Robbins should have been my first tip! I can't wait to hear what kind of habits you had as a kid...

My favorite blogging advice

Writing positive words can be very difficult in the blogging world. Blog burnout, harsh comments and negativity can make it easier to vent then to find the good in things. Last October, I went to the SITScation conference and heard some wonderful blogging advice. Can't wait to read yours....

"Every time you sit down to write or put your ideas out there in a post, remember that one day your grandchildren could be reading it."

This advice reminded me to think of the impact that I have. And I have the choice to be either negative or positive.

One day when I’m 80 and my children or grandchildren want to learn more about what their grandmother was like they'll just Google my name. What will they find and read about me? So I need to produce words that I don't mind them seeing. It's easy to press publish on a post without thinking about who it can affect. Keep this blogging advice in mind and it will become easier to be more positive in your posts. (Click here to order your own wedding time capsule.)

When I was in the fifth grade I remember our class putting together a time capsule. We filled it with pictures, stories of us and our hopes for the future. We buried it in the backyard of our school. We believed if someone from the future dug up our time capsule our existence would be everlasting.

But isn’t a Blog, or Twitter today’s current time capsule? These social media tools help stamp us into time. I just have to remember to choose this as I draft my post thoughts and tweets.

And to Molly and Billy, my future grandchildren, you found my blog and I hope you appreciate this advice. Please be kind to your parents and yes Grandma was young and had a lot of fun in San Francisco! See you just found the proof! Back to you lovelies, what is your favorite blogging advice you give to other newbies?

Inspirational weekend quote: Clean slate

This inspirational weekend quote is, "To realize that your New Year is a clean slate." We have the power to make 2010 special and positive.

Do you believe in making New Year's resolutions?

I tried this year, but my resolutions turned out more cute then introspective.

See...

~ I promise to commit random acts of cuteness.

~ I will try not to respond to a comment with OMG.
~ I will stop having mock cell phone conversations to avoid talking to or acknowledging people.

Well I tried I guess. Maybe resolutions aren't for me!

To me 2009 seemed difficult for so many and with 2010 comes positivity, creativity, travel, love and new memories. Remember to use this inspirational weekend quote in your New Year sweetie! How many chances do you think we get?

Inspirational Weekend Quote

I hope you are enjoying your holiday weekend, dolls. It's been so nice to relax. My Christmas consisted of some movies (Sherlock Holmes was wonderful and cheeky) , friends & family, pajamas with UGG slippers and Mariah Carey's, All I want for Christmas Is You. So my inspirational weekend quote for you is, "To enjoy each other and chill-lax."

I am excited to sit down tomorrow at my favorite coffee shop to brainstorm some new posts. And next week we'll have a wonderful guest post from the Birthday Girl herself.

Do you believe in making New Year's resolutions?

I do and sometimes I don't...now keeping them is entirely a different story.

Enjoy and enjoy lovelies! Safe travels and I can't wait to read about how you spent your holidays when you get back. This Jewish girl had a wonderful time. Tell me what inspirational weekend quote will you use this weekend?

Santa baby, hurry down the chimney tonight..

Wishing you and your family a very happy holidays. No matter how you you celebrate, I hope you enjoy the fire, snuggle close, eat some great food. Try to take a moment to tell someone you love them, all while singing my favorite song, "Santa baby, hurry down the chimney tonight..."

Have you been naughty or nice this year? A little of both...good to hear and me too! I wouldn't have it any other way.

When you wake up Christmas morning to see what Santa left you, I wish you cheer and smiles...

I'll leave this drink under the tree if Santa is watching his weight. He's not, then I'm off to make the most divine oatmeal cookie recipe ever.

For the past two years I've watched the Nutcracker performed by the San Francisco Ballet. It always warms my heart and helps me appreciate the beauty of the holidays. This year, I promise to keep the holiday spirit feeling if you do? Happy Holidays to you! Now hurry down the chimney tonight...

Inspirational Weekend Quote

How perfect is this inspirational quote written by Jane Austen from the book Emma? "One cannot have too large a party-"

It's so true, as soon as you've created your party guest list your guests multiply and another partner is brought and another co-worker is invited.

At this point I find it best to let go of your guest list and let the party take over...

I enjoy large and small parties. Large for the grandeur of the event and for the possibilities of the night, and small so I can sit and connect with the other guests.

As this is the time of year where we are all hurrying around to holiday parties, buying gifts for one and another and taking some downtime with family and friends, I hope you can stop and enjoy this time of year.

Try to live in the moment of one year passing and another year beginning...

This year change has come to so many of us. I am thrilled that I have been able to share my year with you. So what does this inspirational quote mean to you? Do you feel comfortable in large or smaller settings? Happy weekend sweeties!

Inspirational Weekend Quote

I love this inspirational weekend quote! Don't you? It reminds me that I'm not in control of how my life plot will turn out.

My theory: I believe in fate and also in free choice.

What if fate was still planned out for us, but then you still get to choose which path to go down? With this theory, two roads are presented to you and you get to choose which job to take or which city to move to. I always feel like someone is watching over me, but I have the power to change my path.

Life twists and turns and you can fight back or buckle up and enjoy the ride.

What did you take away from this weekend quote? I am so grateful for the cast that has stuck around me. Would you want to know your plot ahead of time? Happy weekend lovelies!

SITS housewarming party

Welcome to the Under the Sheets~shhh house warming party. I'm so excited to see you. And thanx sweetie if you're stopping by from SITS today. (My SITSta's from another mother). Trust me, this lifestyle, boutique design and San Francisco blog has kept my fingers busy over the last 14 months.

Wanna get to know me better? Then kick off your shoes and click around a little. I have an eye for fashion, retro photography and design. And I really enjoy out of the box creativity and positive thinking.

First stop on our blog party is for you to check out some inner thoughts posts.

Can you keep a secret? Post: My Secret Identity the Penny Fairy

When I was a child, it never occurred to me that my Disney Prince could have some faults. Did you? Post: Disney ruined it for everyone?

Honestly, it wasn't even the dogs sense of fashion that stopped me...it was her coiffed hair. Post: Diva dogs; stylish and scary

You must be tired from all of your post reading, so let's share a glass of wine from my favorite San Francisco wine bar.



What a fun housewarming party! I can't wait to read your comments below and I look forward to getting to know you more. Wait, what? You're already a follower of Under the Sheets~shhh? Ah shucks, you just made my day.

Wishful Wednesday: positive and calm

On this Wishful Wednesday, I wish to stay positive and calm. I also wish this for you too my blogging friends. So much seems to be swirling around me right now due to my loved ones health and jobs. It helps during my gratitude walks, to remind myself that there's so much to be grateful for. I love the above picture for her serene and peaceful look.

This room would make me smile after I returned from a long day of work because of the open feeling. What's the favorite room in your house?

Assisting me in staying calm, I could sit on the edge of this pier and breath deeply while watching the sky and water.

I should just get this framed and keep it in my house. Ah yes the lovely bubbly would help me as well!

The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is THE place in the city that calms me down. When I visit, I feel like I've escaped to Europe because of its columns, architecture and ponds. If you get the chance to visit, remember to bring bread to feed the roaming swans and birds.

No need for words. If I stared at this picture for hours, it would remind me of love and positivity...



This picture was taken at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Can't you just feel your stress melting away? By foot the gardens can be hard to find, but trust me so worth it.

If I was unable to get to any of the above pictures, I could sit down and stuff my face with these precious desserts for calm. What do you wish for on this Wishful Wednesday?