What an absolute and utter treat it is to have Tracy Porter guesting on our blog today! For those of you who don’t know her, Tracy has written nine books on entertaining, home and inspiration for daily living; authors a blog (www.tracyporter.com/blog) with thousands of daily readers; has graced the pages of numerous publications including O, People, Family Circle, Elle, Better Homes & Gardens and Victoria; and has appeared on Oprah, E! and HGTV. Oh, and we mustn’t forget her fashion and home decor lines or her fanciful dinnerware collection, available at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s!
But to top all of it off, Tracy is a kind and wonderful person and our new friend. Read on as she shares with you, At Home’s readers, how to take time and be true to yourself–friendly lessons from Tracy to apply in every aspect of your life.
I am a firm believer that we create much of the world around us in the choices we make…we find ways to be true to our selves …..or not. It’s a matter of how we inspire ourselves, or choose to decorate our homes, how we dress,  what we eat…beauty is everywhere, and it’s is a glorious choice to look her in the eye everyday and embrace her, explore her….and along the path…find your way to “you†and how you want to be true to yourself! I have more than a few thoughts on this topic….but I’ll put a clamp on my verbose nature and just share a handful……
Explore Color
I find color to be one of the most inspiring temptations. I found it, and more of me ……once I truly explored the layer it would add to our home! Be brave and embrace it….soon it will be a mad love affair. Start small…a bathroom , a foyer …..or as you see in my own home…a hallway and doors. This little spot leading to our second floors thrills me to no end. It is dripping in gorgeousness….. I adore how the intense color of the high gloss red doors along with the peacockian blues make me feel. Once you find your way to color….each room in your home will hold a gasp-inducing feeling that you will swoon over…trust me!
p.s. a bonus thought on color….it’s a good “hiderâ€â€¦.we have four young boys and let me tell you, between PBJ fingers and skateboards scuff marks…I am a believer!
Explore Your Inner Bohemian
I adore dressing in a way that makes me smile. I need to feel comfortable, get dressed quickly and feel spot on in whatever I throw on!!!
I love the thought that layers in my wardrobe help me do all of this a carefree smashing way! I suppose it’s why I love designing fashion…..so that women of all ages could have the  freedom to walk into their closets and know that pretty much anything they put on would feel and look gorgeous and soulfully them! I know that my inner bohemian ( please tell me you have one?) loves this too….after all ,pattern on pattern, layering and some highs and lows are easy to do if you just let yourself be free to explore….!
Explore the World as a Picnic
I love food from everywhere in the world and consider myself a true food adventurer. I also happen to believe that the way in which we present our deliciousness matters as well! Truly, wouldn’t you rather have your French fries in funky rolled down paper bags, and dips in a pretty little mix of hand painted bowls? Why not plunk a gorgeous exotic pillow on each chair! Consider the way you eat as much as the food you eat…..your entire experience can and will change….So, light those candles, play a game while munching, laugh…live and declare your passion and pleasure!
Explore Doing Less and Getting More!
I am a passionate girl, top to bottom..I dive in fingers to toes! Sometimes I dive and realize that I have taken on more than I care for…..such is the humbling nature of life. My gardens became just that. I planted, and planted…then had children and realized I couldn’t do it all. So, I plunked in some raised beds…… created ( with the help of my dear husband and kids) a potager, a wee escape…a place to wander and grab a lovely fresh homegrown dinner and then some! Now in the evenings I can watch the boys ride bikes and skateboard….and I can take my gathering basket and glass of wine and with very low maintenance enjoy my gardens and my darlings! Consider all that you do in being true to yourself…sometimes you really can do less and get more…..of the good life that is!
Cheers and Delicious Explorations!
xxx
Tracy Porter
