As of late, I’ve felt like I have been falling short in a lot of areas of my life. Phone calls aren’t being returned as quickly as they should, requests from friends and family are being put on the back burner, the quality of my work is subpar, and Mr. Harvey has spent one too many hours entertaining himself while I stare at my computer screen for yet another hour.
I’ve made so many personal claims that “I will change, I will correct, I will be more focused,” but I’ve backed out of every promise. Typical.
So as we enter the new summer season, I declare it a fresh start and clean slate.
As you downsize your to do list, you leave more room and time to become focused on the projects and tasks that matter most. This post from Build a Little Biz (via The Veda House) really helped to set things into perspective for me. It’s not about jumping from one task to another like a game of hopscotch. It is now a game of paying close attention and improving the quality of my work, and in turn, my daily life.
My dad always used to tell me, “It’s not worth doing unless you try to do it well,” and I think it is about time I apply that to my life…some 20+ years later. Good thing my mom always told me “better late than never.”
I hope it is a thought full weekend for everyone!
Cheers,
Steph
To be honest, I am not a fan of the creepy crawly variety. I’d much rather sit in a lawn chair than on the actual lawn and I’m the first to scream at the sight of a spider. But with that said, I can appreciate some well-designed buggy swag.
So I’ve rounded up some bug favorites for you all to enjoy.
wallpaper / scarf / collar / bracelet / cake stand / dog toy / iphone case / ring
Summer has hit…in May. With the heat boiling to a wild 102 degrees over the weekend out here, Mr. Harvey and I headed outdoors.
Anytime we spend time in the yard, I notice the Harvey will stare into the grass for prolonged periods of time. He remains focused on a patch in front of him, sniffing and staring. What could be capturing his attention you ask: bugs.
Ants, rolly pollies, spiders, you name it. He’s captivated by the creepy crawlies of the world. I’ll even find him snapping his mouth at bugs that fly by, ready to chomp.
So I decided to take Mr. Harvey’s weekend hobby and make an afternoon of it. (These fake bugs and toys will be the only insect critters I’ll get involved with…sorry Harv.)
Harvey went absolutely bonkers for these plush bug toys I found at Petco. Plush or live, he’s got the bug for bugs.
I’m feeling rather inspired these past few weeks. I’m a hotbed of ideas and I don’t know what to do or how to harness them. Usually I am dealing with the revers reality: utter lack of creativity and thought. So I’m a little unsure of what comes next.
This is a fantastic problem to have, but it can also be a little overwhelming. So I’ve decided to try something new: take one step at a time. Yep, I’m deleting the lengthy To Do list–you know the one that contains all of the projects you’ve ever wanted to complete in your lifetime–and am starting clean.
One project. One day. One at a time.
It’s going to be interesting, but I have a strong feeling that I will actually complete some of these projects that have been taking up room on that lengthy list for quite some time. It will definitely take a bit longer than anticipated, but I’m down for the ride.
If my transition into the 29th year has taught me anything (one hopes another year older always makes you another year wiser), it’s that we, as humans, often choose to dramatize our existence and turn it into a chaotic mess. We, in an unfortunate way, thrive on the turbulence and, although we complain about it to our friends and family, we typically never attempt to change.
So I’m vowing to adopt a more dog-like existence. One where you take each day as it is given. You start fresh each morning. And in the end, you find that you’ve accomplished more, loved more and have lived much more.
Mr. Harvey is my guide.
I hope it’s a thought full weekend for everyone!
Cheers,
Steph
The Doberman is one of those dogs that has always had to deal with one stereotype or another. Often thought of as ferocious and aggressive guard dogs, the Doberman is actually one of the most intelligent and playful breeds out there.
These muscular and agile dogs also make for some great design! Here are some favorite pieces of Doberman swag.
above photo / tshirt / phone case / jars / bracelet / notebook
To me, there is nothing better than a bubble-filled tub, a glass of vino and a good book/episode of Veep (loving this show!!!) to end a hectic week.
So to continue our week of clean, I thought I’d round up some fun bath products for both me and the pup. Mr. Harvey WILL be getting a bathrobe of his own. You can count on it!
P.S. How fantastic is that shower head that doubles as a radio?! Dreams really do come true!
dog bath basin / dog robe / dog shampoo / shower radio / kids robe / shower curtain / teak bath caddy / bath towels
There’s nothing better than a good spring cleaning…right? This may not exactly be the kind of cleaning you have in mind, but for Mr. Harvey, it means getting some tub time outdoors in the amazing weather.
As a part Shar Pei mix, Harvey has an obvious hatred of water. (He’s also a born and bred Angeleno, after all – resisting the rain at all costs.) So needless to say, bath time can be a struggle at times…until I found a foolproof solution: bath time + play time = best time!
The team at Dogtails generously sent us a sample of their new shampoo, so I decided to give it a whirl. I have a feeling Mr. Harvey thinks is tastes as delicious as it smells.
Appetizing or not, the Harvmeister couldn’t resist a taste.

Today is my birthday.
I’m 29 in human years (ancient in dog years).
While I might have written a post about the fear that comes with aging, or about all that I’ve learned in the past year, I’ve decided to keep it simple and real. Real simple.
I’m grateful. I’m blessed. And I’m ready for anything.
So here’s to the magical, terrifying, and eye opening events that are surely in store for me during year 29. May I come out stronger, wiser, happier, and just a little older.
Thanks for joining along on the ride. It truly means the world to me.
The future looks bright.
Cheers,
Steph
Since shows like Survivor Man and Man vs. Wild have been on the air, I’ve been daydreaming of living out similar adventurous scenarios (obviously much more tame). In my version of “adventure,” I get to bring along some amazing gear into the treacherous wilderness. A vintage plaid vest and tin mug are essential to my survival!
So in honor of our outdoorsy theme this week, I’ve rounded up just a few of my favorite camping items.
dog coat / tin cup / BBQ / travel bowl / pup tent / flannel vest / tea pot / roll-up sleeping bag
Summer is quickly approaching and I have camping on the brain. (Full disclosure: I’ve never been legitimate camping before.)
Yes, I’ve spent my time in backyard tents roasting marshmallows over the BBQ, but I’ve never ventured into the great outdoors, to sleep under the stars and pee in the woods. It sounds like magic!
I truly hope I get the chance/make the time to pack up my gear, my pup and some friends for a rugged camping experience. Whether it’s on the beach, in the dessert, or on a mountain top, I just need to soak up some nature this summer.
And if you can’t tell by these pictures, I think Mr. Harvey is ready for some adventure of his own!
Side note: I’d been looking for a rugged travel backpack for a good long while, but could only find ones I liked for the big bucks (my wallet won’t allow for such luxury at this time). And then, BOOM, an impromptu trip to TJ Maxx landed me with this $50 beauty. Don’t you love when that happens?
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