Today I’m honored to share some great life advice from a dear friend of mine — Ronda Carman. Ronda is the author of  the fabulous and highly popular blog, “All the Best.” She continually inspires me with her beautiful posts on travel, design and food! I know you’ll be inspired by these words to live by that she is sharing today. Enjoy! xo, Tobi

Growing up I received a lot of good advice from my parents. It hard to narrow down one single thought or idea. Most of what I was told has manifested itself into one overarching idea. My dad would often say, “We tend to get what we expect.” While my mother would remind me, “You don’t know if you don’t ask. The worst thing someone can say is no!” Followed by, “…and ‘no’ is rarely the response you will receive.”

When I first started All the Best Blog those words rang in my ears, especially when I would ask a designer to be featured on my blog. At the time, design blogs were new and many designers were difficult to reach, but nevertheless I found a way. And, most importantly, I asked. Without exception, and much to my delight, everyone said, “yes.” Ultimately, my parents’ advice encouraged me to persevere, turning the relationships I developed with top designers into a book. Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living (Rizzoli) will be released on April 16, 2013!

The other great advice I received came from our neighbors after moving to Scotland. It was something along the lines of, “If you let the Scottish weather get in your way, you will never go anywhere or do anything.” I actually think that sentiment can apply to most things and situations in life…not just the weather!

- Ronda