A little bit of Gratitude

I struggle with stress. There, I've said it! Admitting the struggle was my first step, and was soon followed by me blaming all of the circumstances in my life that caused me to be stressed. Ironic how once you're stressed out, everything else finds a way to be stressful...even taking lunch breaks! Oh yes, the vicious cycle in which I have become a "frequent flier." Once I'd saved up enough frequent flier miles, I found I nearly had a free one-way ticket to not-so-Pleasant-ville. It was a scary realization, but I'm grateful to have made the discovery when I did. You see, my stress was not a result of my circumstances, but instead, my response to my circumstances, a mere symptom...not a sentence. I was choosing stress.

A week or so ago, my husband came home and told me that those who write down 3-5 things they're grateful for each night before going to bed, are less stressed. Woah! So, I've started a "Gratefulness Journal." So, for those of you who struggle with stress (or fear or worry...close cousins of stress), or even the absence of joy, I encourage you to take this simple step to write down the things you're grateful for every day (and don't do what I did and wait to start until you find a really cute journal...start now and write on a gum wrapper if you have to). Especially on the hardest days when we feel like there might be nothing to write down. Gratitude is not necessarily about those things that happen to us, but about our response to life.

I say this as if I've had some sort of victory. I haven't, and those who know me best are well aware of that. But I'm reaching, and stretching, and seeking...I'm determined to crush stress out of my life so that I may fully experience the joy that is under all these layers I've created. Yes, this is war!

If you'd like to join the fight, email me or leave a comment, and we can build each other up together.

You are what you think...

I've just listened to Earl Nightingale's, "The Strangest Secret," and was inspired to tears. Literally. I highly recommend everyone set aside the 31 minutes and 35 seconds of your life to soak up Mr. Nightingale's insights that will truly shape what you become...especially for those of you who have dreams bigger than your current circumstances.

If anyone is interested in joining me on the 30-Day Challenge he mentions, send me an email or leave a comment, and we can encourage each other in this journey together. Watch out future, here we come!

First Blueprint, then Cottage Living, and now...Domino. What is a girl to do? Well, honey, now you can't give me a hard time for archiving every single issue of Domino that has ever existed! Oh tear...

I like it a latte!

Did you know you can actually purchase a latte cup and saucer from The Beverly Hills Hotel without actually staying the night? Cute, huh? I think I'm going to fill the cupboards of my dream pink and black kitchen these little sweeties!

Rebecca Thuss

Most of you know about my obsession with Martha Stewart's work. Truth be told, I actually do know she doesn't come up with all of these wonderful ideas all by herself, but has an incredible team of people behind her who do. Can you imagine the brainstorming sessions that must go on in that place? I get all hot and bothered just thinking about it!

I just learned about Rebecca Thuss, previously a Style Director for both Martha Stewart Weddings and Blueprint (RIP). She has since joined her husband, Patrick Farrell, in their multidisciplinary photography and graphic design firm, ThussFarrell. I have inspiration journals full of her work, and so it was so exciting for me to put a name to the inspiration. So, I thought I'd leave some eye candy for you today of her work that has inspired me in the past.


















{all images are from www.rebeccathuss.com}

Lucky me! So, I was going about my business today, and opened up a daily email I get from Daily Candy. That is where I learned about Ecofont, a brand spankin' new typeface designed by Spranq that is actually kind to the environment! What? Yep, it's true! Each letter actually uses 20% less ink, which means fewer ink cartridges end up in the trash. Download Ecofont for yourself here...lucky you!

Fresh 2009 Calendar

No, you are not having a nightmare about your college Organic Chemistry class! To start off the New Year, I wanted to share a great printable calendar I discovered a few years ago in the now out of print Blueprint Magazine (tear!). All it takes is card stock, careful cutting, and some tacky glue (don't make the same mistake I did by using super-glue...you'll glue your fingers together, which is quite frightening). Download yours here. Happy New Year!

Plain 'ole Vanilla

Move over chocolate, when I saw this post at Design Mom, I knew I had to share it! If you're looking for creative gifts to give co-workers, neighbors, friends...anyone really, this is perfect! She has posted a tutorial on how to make vanilla, and has included sources, and links to labels (just print, cut, peel, and stick). There is also tutorials in her post on making vanilla sugar, and vanilla almonds...YUM!

Edible Winter Wreath

I'm not sure if you've strolled the holiday decor aisles, but they are unusually full this year. It's true, holiday decor is a pure luxury, and these days, one would think luxuries were going out of style. So if you have found yourself scaling back this season, I have good news for you! No need to spend a fortune on a holiday wreath (or go without) when you can make a lovely one! You can find instructions for the cookie wreath pictured above here (scroll down a bit) at Fancy Flours. Now you don't have to rush out and get fancy cookie cutters or decorations...I challenge you to use what you have. A cookie wreath would be equally adorable made from round cookie cutters, even a hodge-podge of different ones. Happy decorating!

Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven?

I absolutely love runway. It all started when I was a little girl, and my mom took me to a runway show. I have been captivated ever since. Victoria's Secret is known for having arguably the most incredible runway shows of all, so you can bet I tuned into CBS tonight to soak up the all creativity and be inspired. If you've missed it, there is a beautiful clip on their site here. The wings, the pink and black, the feathers, the sparkles, the fluff, the glamor... But I'm left with one question, how do they get nothing but their boobs to jiggle?

Eli, No!

Oh, I wish I could remember where I learned about this book! Anyway, it's worth sharing and posting, so lets not let my memory get in the way.

Katie Kirk has added the most precious book to her Flickr photostream, called Eli, No! It's an adorable story about a dog, Eli, who just can't seem to stay out of trouble. Many who have had puppies will quickly relate! More than the story, I love her illustrations. Click through and enjoy...hopefully one of these days we can buy a published copy! What a great gift for kiddos!

Let there be light!

While browsing the archives at Design Sponge, I found this sweet chandelier painted directly on the wall. Couldn't tell at first, could ya? No need for an electrician or a spendy light fixture...just a can of paint and a steady hand (or if you don't have one, bribe a friend who does)! This has got my wheels churning for sure! You could paint a fireplace, light fixtures flanking a couch or buffet, or even paint an ornate frame behind a simple picture or mirror. Or what about that narrow space that really needs a little something, but isn't big enough? Paint on a nice table with a lamp silhouette, and maybe with a nice chair to the side. I'm not sure if in my rant I've stopped making sense... Anyway, find the original post, full of more DIY goodies here.

Impressive!

Impressive, huh? Impress Rubber Stamps has a great archive of crafty holiday ideas, and mini tutorials. You actually might be surprised by what you can make out of things you already have at home...wrapping paper, ribbon, old cards, even buttons...no sense in spending a bazillion dollars buying everything when you can get crafty with what you already have! Aren't these Christmas Tree cupcakes below adorable in their drifts of snow?

Mac & Cheese, please!

Undoubtedly, Mac & Cheese has been one of my favorite foods as long as I can remember! You could call me a mac & cheese connoisseur...if only I'd be more discerning...it's all so good to me! Anyway, in an attempt to create my own signature recipe of mac & cheese...you know, the kind of recipe you pass down to one's grand kids...I have stumbled upon a great site. Tillamook Macaroni and Cheese has a whole range of recipes from picky eaters to the most sophisticated palette. I hope you enjoy!

Gobble, gobble!

I thought you'd love the latest cupcake pop from Bakerella. Yep, leave it to her to create this cute (and by cute, I mean tasty) turkey just in time for Turkey Day! I know making these intricate confections isn't realistic for those of you who are hosting a whole Thanksgiving spread, but for those of you who aren't, this might be a nice treat to take with you. To see the original posting with pictures and instructions, click here and enjoy!

If you haven't seen the YouTube video titled Advent Conspiracy, I highly recommend setting aside a moment to click, view, and be inspired. I won't go into details because I want to watch it yourself, and let it speak to you individually, but please do share how it has moved you. You can also get more info on how to get involved here.

We get so distracted this time of year, that we forget it all started with a baby in a manger who came to love and save the world. And while what we offer can never compare to the gift he has given us... I do believe pieces of him live and dwell within us, and pour out into the best we have to offer the world. Thank you, Jesus.

This will be a financially tight holiday season for many of us.  All this means is that we'll have to get more creative when it comes to decorating, event hosting, and gift giving.  I hope to dig up inspiration on all these things to share with you during this holiday season.  

The first discovery has been Amy Butler's downloadable patterns.  My favorite is her Snow Mum Pillow, pictured.  This has totally got my creative juices flowing!  She used a nice wool, but you can use just about anything you like.  I'd even challenge you to dig through fabric scraps, or even old clothes and sweaters to find a special material for this project.  Maybe there is an old tattered baby blankie that needs to go...why not convert it?  Old prom dresses, a favorite shirt with a stubborn stain, a child's outgrown dress,. old school uniforms...see where I'm goin'?  I have been considering using the wide ribbon saved from my wedding to create the flower.  Any other suggestions on things you'd like to convert?

Birthday Weekend: Some DIY Inspiration, Part 2

Wow! Isn't this "Drift Wood Sculpture" (as I call it) a great fence for the beach?  Now, maybe I'm a bit crazy for considering this a DIY project, but I'm optimistic...and like with the previous post, without actual instructions.  Hopefully I haven't lost you already...   It looks like all you'd need to create this would be 1) driftwood, 2) concrete for setting, 3) a base to set your sculpture and pour the concrete in 4) any shells or stones you'd like to include (see picture below), and 5) about 20 people who would graciously hold the driftwood in place for 2 days until the concrete dries (or you could probably make some sort of grid).  

Well, this pretty much concludes our beach weekend...now it's time to start posting about the upcoming holiday season!

Birthday Weekend: Some DIY Inspiration, Part 1

I'm kicking myself for not taking a better picture, but what the heck.  I love the river rock floor on the shower, and thought it'd be a fun project for home! I have even read about the reflexology benefits of this somewhere before. After combing through a couple forums for tips and advice, I have concluded that this isn't a simple project. Sigh.  If you're still up to the challenge (yes, I think I am), there is a forum with good content here.  If I find a nice tutorial I'll certainly update this post with a nice link.  

Birthday Weekend: The Finds

The cottage was stocked with all kinds of great finds! I made a point of using all the utensils in the kitchen, taking note of every detail, and looking closely at each feature so that I could relay all the goodness onto you. So, without further adu, here it is...

I loved the tea kettle from OXO! It was an unexpected splash of pastel in the kitchen, and the whistle was a nice hummm as opposed to the blood-curdling shriek mine currently makes (and how does one know before buying a tea kettle what sound it will make?). Honey, you can add this to my Christmas wish list (find it here)!

These are great looking plates! The rim was reminiscent enough of a shell that it worked so smartly for the beach, but I could see this in an urban kitchen also, can't you? Get your own here.

Now, I know stemless wine glasses are for, well, drinking wine, but I found myself pouring juice and water in these things all weekend! They were nice and over sized, and didn't feel like they were going to break in my hand. Get your own, here.

I am the pickiest person when it comes to my pillow! In fact, I have been known to bring my pillow with me to foreign countries to ward off any possibilities of a stiff neck. You'd think I would have brought my pillow with me this weekend, but I forgot it...and ended up not regretting that a bit! Yep, after an great night sleep, I was pulling off the pillowcase in hopes the pillow had a tag to offer me any leads on where to get my own. It came from Pacific Coast Feather Co (along with the great comforter), and you can also buy your own here. The pillow case, sheets, and duvet cover were also amazing. They had a crepe-y feel to them, and made from bamboo. You can also get your own from DreamSacks, Inc.

I hope you enjoyed some of these fun finds!  Come back soon...I have some DIY (do-it-yourself)  fun inspired by the weekend! 

Birthday Weekend: The Place

My parents generously host the weekend each year. This year we stayed at The Cottages at Cape Kiwanda, and sounds like we'll return next year. I have posted some pictures, and will let them do all the talking.

To book your own stay call 888-965-7001. Or, to purchase a fractional share, call 888-965-7779. Stay tuned...

Annual November Birthday Beach Weekend

Quite a mouthful! Every year, my family gathers at the Oregon Coast to celebrate our November birthdays...3 birthdays to be exact, 4 including the dog. Jon's birthday (my brother) is on the 1st, mine is on the 11th, Ruthie's is on the 18th (doggie), and my dad's is on the 28th...our ages to remain undisclosed for Ruthie's sake. With all of us living in different places, it's just easier and more festive to come and celebrate together!

Stay tuned this week for the different inspirations that came out of the weekend...

A Pumpkin Treat

Just a few weeks ago, I discovered an old magazine tear out for this recipe. Craving just about anything pumpkin, I decided to make them...and have ended up making them twice in a week! So yes, they're good...very good! From the picture, I thought they'd be more like a cookie, but really they're like little cookie shaped cakes. Anyway, you'll just have to try them and decide for yourself. Here is the recipe for Pumpkin Pies from Family Fun Magazine.

Instead of sandwiching the cookies between icing, I set each individual cookie on a bed of white chocolate. It gave a nice crunch against the cake. I tried also drizzling white chocolate over the tops, but ended up making a disaster out of the kitchen...sometimes we just have to be practical, people!

(Image from Family Fun)

Light the Path

Need I say more? Give trick-or-treaters a festive path to follow up to your front door. Besides, a flashlight doesn't go too well with most costumes...don't want to cramp their style.

Here is a close-up:




The tutorial can be found here.


(Images from MarthaStewart.com)