Ask Hope Robertson: What's the Best Grey Paint Colour?

Written by H on 09 August 2012.

Hope: What's a good grey paint colour for a bedroom? (One with silver undertones vs green or brown).

So happy you asked. It's appropriate too, since earlier this year I had my house painted, and one of my colours of choice was a soft grey.

It just so happens that one of my favourite rooms is painted in a colour called "Mercury Glass" (Martha Stewart G31, which I had colour-matched to my paint brand of choice). While it's not a loud colour by any means, Mercury Glass is a versatile neutral, a colour that doesn't dictate or play a factor in choosing furniture colour, fabric accents, or flooring. This paint colour has cool undertones, and it's the best grey I've come across so far.

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders when it comes to freshening up a room or redecorating. If you're taking on the task as a DIY proejct, it's important to remember to prime your walls before painting to maximize the life of your paint. Also, keep in mind that lighter paint colours tend to give the illusion of more space, which can really work to your advantage depending on the size of the room you're painting.

Happy painting! Let me know how your room turns out.

X, H

Thought for the day

Written by H on 21 February 2011.

Be your own unique self.

The reality of it is that there's only one you. Nobody else can illustrate you better than you. Fact: You've got one life to live, so rather than spend your time comparing yourself to others, and rather than trying to be 'cool' or like your favourite 'idol', just be you. If you're not, you'll never be the best you can be, and you'll always come in second place.

You were created as an individual with a unique purpose.

I don't mean to go all Oprah on you, but lately I've realized the importance of embracing my unique self and not posing as something other than what I really am. I hope you're encouraged on this February morning. Happy Monday, my friends!

Ask Hope Robertson: What's The Best Moisturizer

Written by H on 06 January 2011.

Hope: Do you have a lotion you recommend for the winter? My skin is very dry, but I have a hard time finding the right moisturizer because I have sensitive skin.

I also have sensitive skin, and in the winter it becomes even more easily irritated (if that's possible). It's taken me a few years to really find the right moisturizer for my skin, but what I've been wearing for the last year is Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief ($57.50 for 2.5 oz., Clinique). Seriously, this stuff saves my skin the whole year through! I've had no problems so far this winter season with dryness. The best part about Clinique's Moisture Surge is that your skin soaks it up but doesn't become oily. Everybody's skin is different, but this moisturizer is unscented and made for sensitive skin. Try it and I hope it works for you!

Here's my skin regime, day to night:

Wash face with a mild cleanser, pat dry;
Follow with Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2;
With a light hand, evenly apply a light layer of Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief;
Finish with a spot treatment of Oxy on any small blemishes.
Cover blemishes with Clinique Airbrush Perfect Concealer ($25.50, Sears) in fair.

Introducing: Hope Says Style

Written by H on 05 January 2011.

Hello, dear readers:

Wanted to share a little news with you all.

Starting today at 8am EST, you can hear me on Blackburn Radio's am920 for a special set we like to call "Hope Says Style". I hope you'll visit am920 to listen Wednesday mornings and check it out!

More to come soon.

Hope

Ask Hope Robertson: What's a Memorable Hostess Gift?

Written by H on 05 November 2010.

Hi Hope: I love your site. I'm going to a holiday party, and plan to take a hostess gift. I want to take something other than a bottle of wine. Can you help me find a gift that's unique and affordable?

More than happy to oblige!

A hostess gift is an important thing, because it's something your friend — or co-worker, or future mother-in-law — will remember for years to come. A bottle of wine is too predictable; it's also too easy and doesn't require a lot of consideration or thought.

My recommendation for something that doesn't break the bank but that's guaranteed to last longer than a bottle of booze?

A personalized stamp or letter embosser. Both are items that your hostess will keep, and both are practical items that your hostess will use. Things to keep in mind? A letter embosser has more longevity than a stamp, and they cost around the same price.

Whilst my preference would be for a letter embosser (or even a library embosser), a personalized stamper is also a noteworthy gift.

Hope this helps! Thanks always for reading.

xo,

Hope

_{Return-Address Embosser, $29,}jhtml?itemId=cprod22250001&parentId=cat000057&index=36&eVar4=rvi&cmCat=rvi" target="_blank">_Horchow

_{Three Designing Women Personalized Stampers, $46,}_Horchow