She’s Got Style Volume 2

I am excited to share with you today the second edition of the series I started earlier this year.

It is a series where I interview a blogger I think possesses true personal style in everything they do.  The first edition was with Donna at Funky Junk Interiors.

Every one of us talks, cooks, works, writes letters, decorates, wears clothes, and entertains…but what is it that makes some of us do it all with grace, ease, and panache, while the rest of us seem to be always searching for that “special something” that’s hard to define but instantly recognizable the minute we see it – that something is personal style.  Over the years, I  have observed individuals who possess a great sense of personal style from style icons of the past to the girl who lived down the hall from me in college who always conducted her life in a way that made me want to know more about her.  How do these women know the protocol for living life with such flair?  How did they create a style for themselves and infuse every detail of their lives with it?  Are they born with it?  It is my goal to find out and share it with you.

A good percentage of us believe all they require to have style is a huge bank account which allows them to dress head to toe in designer labels or to decorate using the latest trends, but having style is far more than that.  Authentic personal style is what this series She’s Got Style is all about.

Some of you may already know the blogger that I am about to introduce you to and I know you will be nodding your heads in agreement when I say -

If you have never visited Heather’s blog – Simple Daisy you are in for a treat – literally lots of healthy treats, upbeat inspiration – both in living well and creative decorating inspiration. She is a nature loving girl who loves the sea and the summer, and also a good glass of wine.

Heather doesn’t take herself too seriously –  she has found a balance to enjoy life.  Living is what she does and you can read about how she embraces life in all of her posts.  She is living her best life possible!  After reading her posts you will be filled with renewed energy and will want to go hop on your bike, jump for joy, or eat healthier. She is so motivating.  I honestly think she would be a great motivational speaker to help other women live the best they can.

“The one thing I know about decorating and life for that matter is… simpler is always better!” - Heather @ Simple Daisy

Heather is quite open on her blog and anyone that reads her posts has gotten to know her style pretty well. I have  asked her a few questions that I hope will let us all know a bit more about how she thinks and a few that we would know the answers to if we were her best friend.

Meaning behind your blog name?
I love daisies and I try to make things as simple as I can. Simple is always better I say.
I just thought Simple Daisy sounded cute!

If you were the First Lady of the United States, what would be your cause?
Hmmm…..it would definitely have to be something with children. I am pretty passionate about health and nutrition and think school lunches are horrible at best. Currently, I am a special education teacher in a low income school and my heart just breaks at what the children are fed for lunch.  I would love to start some kind of art/garden camp for kids in poverty areas. I think it would be fabulous to have a bus painted turquoise with daises all over it and you just show up in neighborhoods and do art/crafts with kids. And teach them about health and nutrition.  I think it would give them such great self esteem. Plus if you really… and I mean really care about them… they’ll know it and I think that’s all anyone really wants in life is to be cared about, feel important and to be loved!

My second cause would be a free spaying and neutering program for all animals. I feel so sad for all the animals that end up in the Humane Society or even worse that are just not even taken care of.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
It would have to be that …..I would deeply and truly believe in myself.  My husband says it all the time…..why don’t you think you’re good enough. ….. I am always amazed that people like all the things I do. Blogging has definitely helped me see my own potential, and I hope to continue to grow in the self esteem area.

What is your beauty/skincare regimen?
Very limited to say the least. I am a very simple girl that can get ready and out the door, with a shower – in 15 minutes. I do have to wash my face every night before bed and in the morning with my shower….but that’s about it. A little Spf 15 face lotion a bit of make-up and I’m out the door! I don’t even blow dry my hair.

What fictional character do you most identify with?
I’ve never even thought of that.  Not if this counts….but my best friend always compares me to Drew Barrymore. Sort of gypsy…simple and bohemian. I follow my own path and tend to do my own thing.

Diane: This photo is my favorite image on your blog.  To me it sums up what you are all about.  I want to tell the cute story that goes with it.  Heather woke up early on the morning of the season’s first snow. Even though she is not a winter loving person she embraced it and woke her pajama clad hubby up to come outside and take a picture of her riding her turquoise beach cruiser in the snow.

If your fairy godmother granted you one wish, what would you wish for?
To live all the days of my life healthy and happy…..most importantly healthy.

What is your most fabulous recent discovery?
A cute little bar/restaurant in Michigan City! I am always on the lookout for cute little places to eat and drink and in our area….

What is your most treasured material possession?
My photographs. I always joke that when I’m an old lady in a nursing home…I don’t care what I have as long as I have my photographs! I love how photographs tell the story of your life! Even in 100 years…if someone found my photographs…they’d know a lot about me!

Where do you feel most inspired?
Definitely in nature! Just being outside in the quiet….it always my thoughts to start swirling in my head.

What one product (anything) can’t you live without?
A pencil and a journal.  And maybe my wine.

What is on your nightstand?
Shells….a picture of my mom and myself when I was a baby….a lamp and a couple of magazines.

What do you consider a luxury?
I am a very simple girl and it doesn’t take much to make me happy. But my one and only real indulgence is regular massages during the school year. I get so stressed out and just know the effects that stress can have on your body…so that’s my little treat! I feel very blessed that for the most part I am able to afford the things that make me happy…..a little wine, happy things to spruce up my home, my dogs, healthy food to eat, a little vacation here and there…..past that I am not into luxury kinds of things! You wouldn’t see me buy designer jeans or an expensive purse. I’m just too practical and satisfied by the simpler things in life! In fact…most everything I love is free! Walks on the beach, working in my yard, spending time in my studio, being married to someone I love….all free.

What is a “little known” fact about you that not many know?
I am pretty much an open book! I don’t think there’s anything that people don’t know about me! There might be a few personal things that I wouldn’t share on my blog….but if you came to my house and we got to chatting…I wouldn’t be shy about sharing them! I think the more we share who we are the more we can grow and the more that others can grow by learning what makes each other tick!

What was the best advice you ever received?
Oh my gosh…there is so many pieces of advice! When someone takes a minute to offer me a piece of advice…I pay close attention!
My grandpa always told me ….people don’t like to be around negative people…so  try to be happy even when you’re not.
My mom told me….if you lie once ..no one will ever be able to know if you’re telling the truth or not…so don’t lie. …  and she taught me…hard work pays off.
I also watch people very closely and learn a great deal just by being observant.

When you get invited to dinner at a friend’s house, what do you usually bring as a hostess gift?  Would you wrap it in a creative way?
Wine for sure!! Sometimes jewelry…and I always wrap it up in a cute and happy way!

Does your husband like Turquoise?
Ha-ha! I had to laugh out loud at this one! Let’s just say….he likes me and so whatever makes me happy makes him happy! I think he could do without so much turquoise in his life….but then he does always say that he loves how our home is decorated.  I really do try to get away from it… but it just makes me so darn happy! I would love to do our spare bedroom without a stitch of turquoise….but something tells me ….it won’t happen!

What activities make you lose track of time?
Being in my studio making jewelry or just tinkering. Blogging. Tinkering outside in my garden/yard.

What is the most used appliance in your house?
Right now….my kiln
Since it’s just the 2 of us….we don’t use many of the appliances all that often! In the winter it would be the furnace but in the summertime…no matter how hot it gets….I am just not a fan of air conditioning. I don’t like that fake cold feeling! I would much rather sit in the house and sweat than be shut in freezing in the summer!

What and where was the best meal you have ever eaten?
I am a big fan of food!  I love kind of eclectic meals….simple but with really quality ingredients! Truly there really isn’t a restaurant around that makes me happier than my own cooking. Lately I just haven’t been that focused on it though….I love amazing salads and bruschetta’s…with a lovely glass of wine. Or PIZZA! Gourmet thin crust pizza! My absolute favorite meal of all time!

What song puts you in a fabulous happy mood no matter what?
Jimmy Buffet! How can you listen to Jimmy Buffet and not be in a good mood! Now that’s a guy that followed his dreams and passion in life and now has a whole entire following…very inspiring!

What word or phrase do you most overuse?
“ I am so excited I can hardly stand myself.” I use that one A LOT!

Quote you live by.
“Your days are your life in miniature. As you live your days, so you craft your life. What you do today is actually creating your future. The words you speak, the thoughts you think, the food you eat and the actions you take are defining your destiny – shaping who you are becoming and what your life will stand for. There’s no such thing as an unimportant day.” – Robin Sharma

Describe your style in 5 words or less.
Simple, Uncomplicated, Neutral with pops of turquoise, Casual, Comfortable

What do you know now that you wished you knew when you were younger?
That college really wasn’t necessary. I am so sad at all the $$$$$ I spent on going to college. ( I have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and am 2 classes shy of a second master’s degree)  When I think back on all of the money I spent and am still spending (hello student loans) I could KICK myself. I should have went to a technical school for interior design and started right off following my passion. I was just pushed very hard to go to college. I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up… and was always searching… Now that I am older…I have a very clear vision of the life I’d like to be leading and now am working off paying off those loans so I can truly live the life I see myself living.

What is your favorite post on your blog that you wish everyone would read?
I don’t really have a favorite. I feel that I am pretty open and honest on my blog…so even new visitors should get a pretty good feel for who I am and what I’m about.

Diane: One of the things you did that I love because it shows your style in such a unique way is how you added little white lights to your beach cruiser that you keep in your sunroom. Pure HeatherStyle.

Who is the person you think most embodies personal style in everything they do?
Hmmm….myself I think, personal style is so very personal. I like to think that

My idea of perfect happiness is…
a beach bar

No one is better than I when it comes to…
motivation

I still can’t get the hang of…
confrontation…I avoid it at all costs

Wishing I could…
work for myself

My greatest weakness is…
lack of self confidence

I change the channel when…
more like…I turn the TV off at all costs. Not a TV kind of girl

When it is time to curl up in the den and put on a DVD, I reach for…
a love story but funny too

I am most myself when…
I try to always be myself no matter where I’m at

I’m dying to travel to…
Amalfi coast in Italy

I love it when women…
have a quiet confidence about themselves

The best part of my day is…
Hmmm….coffee in the morning or wine in the evening

I am really good at…

being creative

What music soundtrack sums up your life?
everyday is a winding road by Sheryl Crow…

My favorite room in my house is the…
sunroom

The chore I love to do around the house is…
yard work!

I kick start my day with…
coffee

You will never see me…
never say never

The biggest enemy of creativity is…
stress

Ideas come to me at unexpected times, like when I am…
lying in bed at night.

It is my hope that getting to know a little bit more about Heather will help you think about what makes you unique.

How can you consistently communicate who you are in all that you do – from the way you dress to how you decorate your home. What inspires you? What attracts you?  What do you love?  Is it a certain color, a passion for anything shiny, books, a certain era, nature?

Living with personal style is about trusting your gut instinct. It is about confidence and being sure of who you are, how you want to live and going for it in the face of the influences of your peers and the media.   We don’t trust our instincts enough and never evolve into the style we are supposed to evolve to – we worry about what someone will think, or how someone else is going to perceive us. Go with your instincts, don’t question them – don’t look back.  You will learn they are ever present to lead you to live confidently with authenticity.

Living with personal style removes any possibility that you should do things in any other way.

I will be featuring another blogger who I think possesses personal style and is a true original in the way they live, think, and decorate I the Fall.  I hope you will come along so you can see what traits the women I feature have in common as well as what makes them different. We will find what propels them to live in the most authentic way possible and perhaps inspire you to search for what is unique about YOU and the way you do things.  With a bit of self-discovery and editing -  I think all women can possess that “special something” for themselves and can live the most authentic life ever.  I hope this series will give you the inspiration to live as authentically as possible.

If you would like to see some of  Heather’s sea inspired creations -you can click on her button below and will  land in her Etsy shop.  She is offering readers of InMyOwnStyle  20% off.  Just use the code: style20

Tagged as: Authentic Living, Heather of Simple Daisy, Personal Style, She's Got Style Blog Post Series, Stylish Blogger