Monday, March 31, 2014

Happiness...

Hello Monday.

This weekend was rainy and not all that nice.

Today, it's lightly snowing and icy.

I am choosing to fill my heart with sunshine today. Not from the weather, but from what I have in my life. It's able to warm me, make me feel loved, full, nourished, glowing, content and happy. So even though it's snowing outside, my insides feel like this:




And then I will soak up that feeling like these two... obviously enjoying some sunshine on their sweet little faces. Taking in how good it feels. Enjoying the moment.



So even though it's cold outside, my insides are warm and happy.

xo

Choose happiness.

Pics via: pinterest

Friday, March 28, 2014

Letting Your Daughter March To Her Own Drum...

Happy Friday y'all...

One of the things I loved the most about my childhood was that I was given incredible freedom of expression. I think it was then that my love of decorating started.

My bedroom was like a constant evolving experiment. On any given whim, I would stare at my room and decide that everything needed to be rearranged. And I would do it in about 15 minutes, smile to myself, and think wow, you should have done that ages ago! {Oh the dramatics of an adolescent girl.}

I would often tackle other rooms of the house if I was bored. Once I even painted our dining room set without my mom's permission because I thought I could make it look better. She got home work and guess what? She agreed with me! I was always involved in the color choices and fabrics that we used to decorate our home with. I guess she trusted my opinion, even as a scrappy little adolescent girl.

So back to my childhood bedroom... I was allowed to pretty much do anything that I wanted to my room. I went through many colors on the walls, changes to the flooring, even the ceiling was fair game. But... I always knew to repair and spackle when I moved things around. My mom never told me "no." {Let it be known that I never went too crazy and painted my walls black or anything... usually what I did was pretty chic. With that one tiny exception when I randomly decided to throw different color paint splashes all over the back of my door. And no, I didn't get in trouble for that one either.}

Everything I did could easily be changed, fixed or repaired... so why not let your child's inner creativity flow? Why not give them that confidence and free spirit to try new things and take chances. That was instilled in me at a very young age and it follows me until this day. Take a risk, take a chance, try something new, be fearless...

So I can thank my mom for unwittingly giving me this supreme gift that I'm sure at the time she wasn't even aware of. She was probably just thinking she had much more important things to do rather than caring about what I hung on my walls. But I look at it now as a time that allowed me to dare to be bold, flourish and never look in my rear view mirror with regrets. Mistakes are good... they can be fixed, changed, repaired or learned from. I look at this now as a powerful life lesson and more importantly, a true gift that I was given as a child.


Here are some adorable adolescent girl bedrooms that I would have loved as a little girl. {Obviously these were done by professional decorators, but you get my point, right?}



Love the giant dog picture and the blues and greens.



Love the bold colors. Let your daughter be bold... fearless.



Love those hanging paper lanterns. And an extra bed for best friend sleepovers.

 
 
Love the surfer girl vibe and the shell lamp. 



Let your girl rock her inner creativity and don't hold her back!

Hope you enjoy your weekend loves!

xo



Pics via: Wayfair


Thursday, March 27, 2014

Isabel Style...

I could hardly walk up and down the stairs today {see yesterday's post.} But it's Thursday, my favorite day of the week!

Thursday = Isabel.

Thursday =  happiness.

Since my legs were so sore, I could hardly squeeze her... which she figured out in about 10 seconds. So she was taking full advantage of my sore legs and doing things "Isabel style." But I had so much fun with her today. I think she had fun with me too {trust me, I always ask her...}

Today was a good great day with my best girl.




xo

pic via: pinterest

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Sore To The Core...

So... today I started working out with a personal trainer.

She is fantastic.

I just decided that I needed and wanted to do this for myself. Yes, it's expensive, but it's all about health and wellness, so it's worth it...

I was a bit nervous at first. I was weighed and my body fat was measured. I was asked to write all that I eat in a "food journal" to see if I'm getting enough protein {which I'm probably not since I don't eat meat.} Workouts are twice a week.

I love the fact that it's not at a gym, but rather a studio. It was just the two of us. Her total focus and attention was on helping me to get the most out of my body and my workout. It was hard, but I feel really good now. I'm sure tomorrow I'll be sore to the core, but that's all part of this journey. Using muscles that have not been used. Challenging myself. Pushing myself. Sweating.

I am excited to see what comes next. I am no longer nervous. I feel invigorated. Energized. Strong. Happy. Yes, all of that from one workout.





xo

Pic via: pinterest



Tuesday, March 25, 2014

A Darling New Piece... French Linen Dresser...

Hello!

I guess I was on an unintentional hiatus... I think I had some sort of writer's block going on because I couldn't think of one thing to blog about. Until... I finished this beautiful dresser. I love how she turned out! So perfect in the flesh... And the color is to die for. I kind of want to paint every wall in my home in this color now...

This is the first furniture piece I have completed since my winter "break." It was only a break because it was way too cold for me to paint in my workshop... I'm now like a bear coming out of hibernation and I'm starving for some new pieces! I have another beautiful dresser, a dining table with 4 chairs and a farm table all in my workshop waiting to be refinished. I am so excited it's actually warm enough for me to want to be out there! I think over this break I forgot how much I adore refinishing furniture. It's like a part of me came alive again out there with my paint brush in hand and music playing. Happy Spring!



 
 
 







xo

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Hello Long Lost Friend... We Missed You So...

 
Good morning!
 
 
Seasons are a beautiful thing... until I can't stand one more day of winter. Then I long for Spring deep in my bones. And today, it is here... finally!
 
 
 
 
 
It felt like forever, but yesterday, winter was officially over, and today, Spring is here!
 
So welcome old friend; we have been waiting for you with bated breath and cold noses! There might be a lot of pressure on your shoulders to deliver...
 
Spring is such a time for renewal. The earth provides with so many lovely changes, most anticipated is the warmer weather. But there is more: 
 
 
New life and new beginnings...
 


Bountiful flowers in every color imaginable! Intoxicating smells that bring your insides alive.

 
 
 
And these little guys begin hopping around my yard too. Haven't seen one yet, but I know they're coming...



And views like this that need to be soaked in.

 
Spring... You were worth the wait!! I will enjoy every moment of you {especially when my lilac trees bloom under your care!}
 
 
xo
 
 
pics via: pinterest

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Om... And Gettin' Crafty...

If you follow along on my blog, you know by now that I love yoga. It is such a great way to let go of stress, but more importantly, to keep your body limber. I have a wonderful yoga studio near me... It has kind of spoiled me to where I can't just go to a yoga class held in a school gymnasium anymore. I need the authentic vibe that a real yoga studio offers. The candles lit, incense burning, calm souls together, and my favorite teacher chanting. I do have a favorite teacher. She oozes calm and tranquility. I always hope that through osmosis, it seeps onto me if I sit close enough to her...

Anyway, my yoga mat is looking a little long in the tooth lately. I was thinking about getting a new one, but then I saw this:

 
I have no idea what kind of paint was used (hopefully non-toxic) or if it would last, but I really want to try this. Paint something on my mat instead of throwing it away. If I ruin it, then I can throw it away. But why waste it when I can try this!
 
 
 
And then I saw this, which really got me in the crafty spirit!

 
It's a yoga bag from Free People, but... maybe I could try sewing this??? I can't really sew, but I adore this bag and I adore being crafty... so it makes sense to give it a whirl, right?
 
 
 
This last picture is all about the community vibe of yoga... I love it. Like minded souls gathering for some peace and calm in their lives. So lovely...

 
 
 
Enjoy your day... And maybe even hit up a yoga class...
 
Om.
 
xo
 
 
 
pics via: pinterest

Monday, March 17, 2014

Take Time To Notice...

Hello Monday!

If you don't live in a cold part of the country, you might not understand this... No really, you probably won't can't understand this. This winter has been FREEZING {like your face feels like it's going to crack and fall off when you walk outside kind of freezing...} So on Saturday when the temperature hit 50 degrees, my sweet little town came ALIVE. I went for a walk {and even a run!!} through the center of town and let me tell you, it was exploding with life. People were out in droves! Church bells were ringing, people were walking and pushing babies {even smiling and saying hello, which is a bit of a rarity in New England} riding bikes, walking dogs, shop owners were having sidewalk sales, people were driving with their windows down, music was playing, birds were singing, on and on it went! I kind of felt like I was in some sort of European village or something where everyone is out and about, but no, it really was happening in my town. It's amazing what you can notice going on around you when you're not lost in your own head! Working on being mindful has made such a difference in my life!

So either my entire town was sniffing glue... or... Spring was officially in the air! We have been cooped up since January with constant snowstorms and icy roads. It can make you go a little stir crazy. So when Spring fever hits, duck! Everyone needs to get out of their homes and onto the streets. Even the farm down the road from my house was bustling with people buying flowers and bulbs for gardening. It was so exciting... Now please Mother Nature, don't torture us and give us another massive snowstorm when we're  not looking.

It felt so good to be out walking, enjoying the sunshine, coming alive with my little community that was buzzing with happiness. It was beautiful to see people {strangers!} gathering and enjoying the day together. Talk about Carpe Diem!

Cheers to Spring! Now, will you just stay put please?

xo


 Pic via: pinterest

 

 

 

 

Friday, March 14, 2014

Make It Good...

Good morning my loves!

I've noticed something about my behavior lately that has been bugging me. All week long, I can't wait until the weekend. I know this is common with a lot of people, but I don't like that I'm doing this. I don't even know why I'm doing this because I love what I'm doing on Monday through Thursday, so it doesn't really make any sense!

Why can't every day feel like a Friday? Full of exhilaration and sweet anticipation... Why do I have to waste Monday through Thursday in a glossed over blur with the eager excitement of the weekend yet to come?

I'm kind of calling myself out here, because I tend to fix it when I am insightful enough to acknowledge it and want to change it. I don't want to live my life not FULLY engaged in Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They are nice days, right? What did they ever do so wrong?

Each day is worthy of something great, something special, even if it's a Monday. It can be a Monday where I can grow and learn something new and see something that I've never seen before. Yes... even on a plain old Monday. I just need to open myself up to it. I just need to start being more aware. Life is too darn short to waste even one day. Right?

Have you ever noticed that on Mondays, I try to greet each blog post with a big, fat "Hello Monday." I'm trying in my own small way to welcome her into my week with open arms. To tell her: "you're alright girl. I know you get a bad rap, but in my book, you're okay..."

When I go to bed at night, right before I rest my head down on my pillow, I want to be able to say that I got the most out of my day. That I chose to get the most out of my day.

Now, on a side note, truthfully, I am really excited about this weekend because:

A. I unexpectedly got the entire day off today. {Now don't waste it!!!}
B. I'm going out to dinner with my brothers {spouses included!} to a fancy pants restaurant on Saturday night. I love hanging out with my family {does that make me weird?} Sometimes when we go out all together, we laugh so hard we could probably clear the restaurant out...
C. I am riding Isabel on Sunday.

Now those are all reasons for me to be excited...

But I am going to change my attitude towards Monday through Thursday starting today, right here, right now...





Yes, it IS!!!



I will be back blogging away on Monday, welcoming her into my week with delight and open arms! Won't you join me?

xo


pics via: pinterest

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Astrophysics 101...

My blog isn't about astrophysics {really, it's not. I know, shocking, huh.} It's a bit of everything else though: furniture, decorating, creativity, inspiration, positivity and humor. So I figured I'd share this with you...

I know it was definitely one of those "you had to be there" moments to actually find this funny, but here it goes anyway...

This was an extremely intellectually stimulating conversation between my best friend and I yesterday that had us both cracking up so hard tears were rolling down our cheeks:




Me: I went shopping and couldn't find any pants. I really need some new work pants.

B.F.: What kind are you looking for?

Me: You know, my wide leg pants that I love.

B.F.: Did you find any?

Me: No, not one pair!

B.F.: No offense, but I think it might be because wide legs are kind of "out" now.

Me: {Horrified...} What???

B.F.: Yeah, hate to be the bearer of bad news.

Me: {with an ever so slight edge to my voice} I have to respectfully disagree. I think they are more of a classic look that never really goes out of style!!
B.F.: Then why can't you find any?

Me: Touché bitch.



Just two best friends, saving the world one riveting conversation at a time.

And trust me, it WAS funny if you were there...



A picture of my coveted "out" wide legs!!



Happy Thursday!

xo


Pics via: pinterest


 
 

 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

MV Or Bust...

Good morning!

We just booked our summer trip to Martha's Vineyard! I am so excited I'm bursting at the seams! We are staying for a week at the same house that we rented a few years back. It is a cedar shingled beauty that is just what you think of when you imagine the Vineyard... I love the Vineyard. There is such a relaxed, easygoing vibe there and the people are so friendly.

I have so much on my to do list that I thought I would share it with you. Ready for this? Get out your paper and pencils... Eat, sleep, read, beach, shop. Whoa, slow down! So basically the theme of my trip will be "The Art of Doing Nothing." And I simply can't wait.


Shopping... there are cute little shops on the island that I love visiting.





Eating... Well, when in Rome...





Drinking... You can't eat lobster without a bit of this, right?

 
 
 
And you certainly can't go to MV without hitting up The Black Dog. 

 




Rental... this looks just like the house we're staying at. So beautiful, with a pool too. Oh my, I can hardly wait! Gotta get myself to the gym on the double!

 
 
 
Most days, this is where you'll find me. Basking in the summer's sun. Relaxing and recharging. But with lots of SPF and a cute wide brim hat to avoid getting those nasty wrinkles! 



Or you just might find me lounging with a good book. Maybe even in a canoe!


And here is "The Art of Doing Nothing" at its finest... napping in the grass. How lovely!

 
 
You know about my slight photography obsession, so there will be lots of pictures of this little summer sneak-away. We haven't had a full week away in a bit, so this is a treat and something we are sooooo looking forward to! Do you have any summer vacations on the horizon?
 
Happy Wednesday my lovies!
 
xo

Monday, March 10, 2014

10 More Days...

Good morning and Happy Monday!

Spring is almost here!!! Um, then why is it snowing today?

Saturday was a bit of a teaser because it was so nice and Spring-like. But then in rolled Sunday, all Mr. Crisp and Cool.

And here we are on Monday... with snow flurries.

The positive side to all of this is that we got to spring the clocks forward. It is one of my favorite days of the year! I love when it stays light out longer, even though I'm dragging a bit this morning from the loss of an hour sleep. I'll get used to it pretty darn quickly though. And if you hear me complain, tell me to shut it.

My countdown continues... 10 more days until Spring! But, truth be told, I'm just as happy with this extra hour of daylight.

It's hard to envision Spring in my head when I see snow coming down, so here is a picture that makes me HAPPY...

As soon as I get my chicks, I will be gathering their eggs in a sweet little basket too. Now I'm in the Spring kind of mood... snow and all.





xo

Pic via: pinterest

Friday, March 7, 2014

A Bit Of Needed Inspiration...

I'm going in slow motion today. Well, not just today, but lately. I have beautiful furniture pieces in my workshop begging to be refinished... but they wait. Because it's just too darn cold and gloomy to paint in these frigid temperatures. I had to drag my pajama clad self out of bed begrudgingly this morning to start the day. I'm on cup number two of coffee, which usually isn't necessary. Does this ever happen to you?

So I decided that I need an EXTRA LARGE DOUBLE DOSE of inspiration to kick my butt into gear. It's Friday for Pete's sake! The beginning of the weekend. Get yourself together sister!!

Here is what I needed as my inspiration for today to get motivated.


Somehow, someway, just do it...




And this one just made me laugh and really kicked me where it counts. Get off your butt and be a badass!




My last bit of inspiration for the day... Ha. L.O.V.E. this!!!!!

 
 
See, I'm feeling better already. Just reading these, breathing them in. Today is a great day with amazing things that have yet to unfold. Allow them in...
 
 
xo
 
 
Happy Weekend Friends!

Thursday, March 6, 2014

No Cattiness Required...

Sometimes I wonder what my contribution is to this great world we live in. Do I even contribute? God, I hope so... But it got me to thinking about what it is that I do.

I think my contributions are small. Indeed, very small in the scheme of things. But that's okay. It's all a learning curve.

As I've gotten older, I have learned the value of words. How words can lift people up or break them down. Yes, just words can do that.

Since I started my little furniture business and my day job of working for myself, it brings me so much happiness and creative freedom. It got me to thinking how much I admire women who are in the business world {because let's face it, and I hope this isn't viewed as a sexist comment, but the business world is still a bit of a man's world.} So when a woman breaks through that glass ceiling, it makes me happy. Go get em' girl, you got this!

When I see other business women badmouthing "competitors," it makes me cringe a little inside.  I know it comes from a place of their own insecurity and jealousy, but it doesn't have to be that way. We can celebrate each other, help one another, give out their name when we are too busy to complete a project, all that stuff. I do things like that all the time. Yes it's small, but it does matter.

The other day I was reading a blog where a woman was badmouthing the blogger because she had sponsors on her blog that the reader didn't like. Really? There is no reason to leave a nasty comment over something like that. Just tune out. I mean, this is how this blogger is trying to make a living for herself. Maybe she is a stay at home mom with 2 or 3 kids and needs that extra income. Why judge? Cattiness is ugly in any form. Instead, lift her up and celebrate that she figured out a way to meet her needs and make herself happy.

When we as women help to lift each other up, help each other fly, help each other to reach our dreams, goals and potential, the world becomes a better place. Then it becomes sort of contagious where others start doing the same. Quite beautiful.

So my small contribution to the world is that I try to help empower women. Never break them down.

I so strongly believe in this quote by Gandhi:

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."






xo




Pic via: pinterest


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Geek Chic

Sticking with my theme of style for this week... today's post is for the boys.

I don't think guys realize how easy it is for them to be hip and cool. Chic.

I have yet to meet a woman who doesn't love a guy in a bow tie. It takes such swag and confidence to wear one. It reminds me of a Southern gentleman. But with a cool Boston vibe.

I bought my husband a few bow ties for Christmas. When he wears one it takes him longer than me to get ready {he has trouble getting it tied just right...} But when he walks out the door, he looks so geek chic and I adore it! A few examples below...

Love the glasses, bow tie and arm tattoos.




Add a vest... and hello to you.





Or some cool socks and shoes...

 
 
 
No words are really necessary here... But Jon Hamm... undone bow tie... Nice.



Even this little dude gets the geek chic look.

 
 
And just look at his swag... See what I mean? 

 
 
 
 
 
xo
 
 
 
Pics via: pinterest


Sunday, March 2, 2014

Little Paper Doll...

Hello Monday... {technically it's Sunday night, but I have to be at work early tomorrow morning, so I'm blogging tonight instead. Just roll with me here.}

Have you ever seen something going around social media that kind of captivates you?  Or takes your breath away just a tiny bit? This was something I saw the other day that I was absolutely enamored by and I had to share it with you. I love art, in all forms, including style and fashion. I appreciate all that goes into the making of any kind of art and appreciate the artisan behind it. It just makes the world a more beautiful place to be.

There was an article in the Huffington Post the other day about a 4 year old little girl and her mom who started making paper dresses. They started out making the dresses out of tape and construction paper... The mom's name is Angie and she calls her daughter "Mayhem." That alone made me want to read more.

This was the first dress they made. Cute, right? But as they evolve,  they become mesmerizing...



This is the first dress that Mayhem did all on her own. Again, cute, but keep reading...



Here is where my eyes became fixated on my computer screen. Look at the little paper ring too!



I think mother and daughter must be having a field day doing these magnificent paper dresses together. So much better than playing on an ipad, right? Finding that inner spark of creativity at such a young age... So amazing!



And then we come to the red carpet looks... OMG!


Seriously!



Are you kidding me? Stunning!



My favorite! Look at the headphones too... Insane. I can't believe this dress is made of paper!!!

 
 
Look at the hat and glasses. And the pose! 



Here is a quote from the mom:

"We use a lot of construction paper, but we also use tissue paper, wrapping paper, and gift bags. We have also used silk scarves, tulle, and aluminum foil. Basically, if we can find it laying around the house and it's pliable, it's fair game. Clear packing tape and glue are our adhesives of choice."
So great.
So inspiring.
So creative.
So cool.
xo
Hope you found a bit of inspiration here today!

Pictures via: @2sisters_angie.
Article via: Huffington Post.