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It’s time to take a break. I decided a while back (after this post actually) to take more time to take time off. It’s so important to your sanity and your wellbeing to stop what you are doing from time to time and really focus on the art of relaxation. And while my “time off” is not necessarily a traditional version, I will be taking a few days here and there away from the blog to collect my thoughts and generate some new ideas.
In a world of “go go go” and “the next big thing”, it is easy to get sucked into the whirlwind of life. But we mustn’t forget that the best, most innovative ideas come from a refreshed and relaxed mind. It’s just a fact.
So as I go on an adventure for the next month, I hope you bear with me, sit tight and maybe even tag along for the ride. (More to come on these adventures soon enough!) It’s going to be interesting to say the least.
I hope it is a thought full weekend for y’all!
Cheers,
Steph
There have been a lot of changes in life as of late. The personal, family, and career arenas have all been affected and things are changing at a rapid pace.
In the past, I may have sat with my head in my hands and thrown a pity party for myself, feeling unprepared and stressed out about the direction my life was going in. But as time has passed and my defense shields have fortified, I feel like I can take on just about anything. (Disclaimer: Surprisingly, I was by no means prepared for last Sunday’s Game of Thrones episode, which seriously threw me into a tizzy.)
This time around, I’ve actually decided not to give any of these changes much thought. Whereas in the past I might make endless pro/con lists, pose incessant questions to my friends and family, and maybe even arrange for a “life assessing” conference of sorts, this time around I’m just going to let it flow. Yes, let it flow. (It think they call this moment of enlightenment “gaining perspective”.)
I love change. I really do. I absolutely abhor routine and sameness (which has, at times, been a problem). So what better way to revel in this rapid change by embracing it and moving freely with it, instead of against it.
It’s scary. It’s unknown. It’s unpredictable. But I think that is just what I need right now.
I tell my friends ALL of the time: “I’m not worried about you. You will always land on your feet. And if I do become worried about you, I’ll let you know immediately so we can reassess.”
It’s time to take some of my own advice, and JUST NOT WORRY. Change is imminent; some better than others. So take it on. Flow with it. And just wait to see what happens next.
Here’s to a thought full weekend. Go out there and make some change!
Cheers,
Steph
We’re doing it! We are finally going camping!!!
If you recall from this post, I revealed the shocking truth that I (nor Harvey) have ever been camping. But this weekend it all changes! I can’t wait to get out into the wild, roast some marshmallows, play some tunes and breathe in that fresh mountain/desert/lake air!
I hope it is a thought full and memorable Memorial Day weekend for all!
Cheers,
Steph
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
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
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
Over the past few months, I’ve jumped into several projects (both for clients and myself) that have challenged me on a mental level. I’ve had to stretch my creative muscles much further than I ever had before, and while frustrating at times, I’ve been so grateful for both the opportunities and the faith others have put in me.
In the past, I may have steered clear of such challenges in fear that I may fail or disappoint. But as these opportunities have come around, I’ve decided to embrace these blessings, work beyond my limitations, and strive for the best.
I’m still in the midst of many of these projects (so no reports on success of failure yet), but I can’t tell you the personal satisfaction I’ve felt by overcoming my fears and accepting the good graces that have been bestowed upon me. And I’ve learned so much! I’m a master at the online tutorial and a pro at the advanced search on Google. The world wide web is an amazing abyss of information.
You should never stop learning.
I hope it’s a thought full weekend for everyone. Get outside and breathe some fresh air. It’s good for your lungs…and your soul.
Cheers,
Steph
This was one of those weeks. Beyond the typically petty complaints that come with a new work week, we all felt the undeniable sting of sadness from the devastating events in Boston.
Whenever I hear of such inexplicable tragedy, it always seems to make me stop in my path and assess. Assess my lifestyle. Assess my relationships. Assess my world.
In the end, after the sadness and self-reflection have passed, I come through with an overwhelming sense of appreciation. I’ve been so blessed to live a life full of good fortune, a supportive family, and endless opportunities, never having to know the struggles that many have to face.
And when it comes to the awful reality that many will have to come to terms with after this week, I can’t help but hold onto my many blessings even tighter than before and remember to cherish and be thankful for everything in life.
I am especially appreciative for all of you. You are my constant motivation and encouragement through it all.
I hope that next week brings some much needed smiles….especially because I have a BIG announcement that I am so excited to share with you all!
Make it a thought full friday and superb weekend, everyone!
xo,
Steph
above photos from House of Harvey Instagram. Check it out and follow along in our everyday happenings!
Sometimes you have to stop, look around, and say “This doesn’ feel right.”
For almost a year now I’ve been blogging about my favorites in the dog and human world. There have been posts I’ve loved (like this one and this one) and then there are those that were slapped together just to “get something up.” I have enjoyed learning the ropes of the blogging world first hand, but now it’s time that I stop, look around and say, “It’s time for a change.”
In recent weeks, I have thought that something just doesn’t feel right with the content on the blog. While I love scouring the web for the best items in the pet and human realm, I have come to realize my interests reach beyond the product design world. And just as with everything in life, there comes a time when you have to grow, evolve and move on.
So in the coming weeks, you will see a change…a major change…in the format of this blog. I will still be bringing you some curated round ups of great dog and human products, but you will also be seeing much more of my other passions: art direction, photography and design, infused with a dash of inspiration.
You will also notice that I am dropping my postings from 5 days to 3 days a week, all in the hopes of finding more balance in my life. I love to blog, but I love a lot of other things too, and my eyes need a break from the glow of my screen from time to time in order to reboot, get inspired and bring you some fantastic original content.
I’m very excited to introduce all of the new, exciting and, potentially, magical things I have in store for House of Harvey. I am ready to bring you better and more focused content, and I hope you will join along for the ride and embrace change with me.
Here’s to a balanced, more creative life and a refreshed and exciting House of Harvey 2.0!
xo,
Steph + Harvey
Have you ever gotten stuck in a rut? Doing the same thing, day in and day out, not being able to get out?
I’ve been in that state of mind time and time again. I sit and spin, and often times, complain about my situation without any plausible solution on how to get out. And the next day I wake up, and start the same routine.
Then one day, I woke to a moment of inspiration. Instead of eating cereal, I made scrambled eggs. And instead of turning right on our morning walk, we turned left. And instead of heading straight to the computer after my shower, I headed to the balcony to drink my coffee in the sun.
It was a day to break my routine.
These simple changes didn’t necessarily rip me out of my rut, but they did adjust my mindset and allow me to start fresh that day.
It’s simple. Try it. Say no to the routine one day. Mix things up. See where it takes you.
I hope it’s a thought full weekend for everyone!
xo,
Steph
photo by House of Harvey
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