Seasons and The New Year

I feel like this blog of mine has often become a place where I share the things I am learning. Those things that I'm stuck on, and can't get over until I write it out. So thank you for sticking with me as I share the massive compiling of my heart, even if it comes out a bit wonky or in the form of long never ending run-on sentences. You may have started reading my blog because of a DIY project or a stream of pretty design photographs, or maybe through the Love Yourself Link Up or just by random stumbling. And if you've been here from the start, you've probably seen a shift in what I write about. A shift to things that I used to be hesitant in writing, like anxiety or faith, but then, when I did put words to paper (or screen), I was provided with more meaning and purpose in my writing than ever before. And so I stuck with it. If you've stuck with it too, which many of you have--you are my encouragement to keep coming back. To keep writing about those things. Thank you for that. 

So as 2014 is just a day away, I want to keep up with that momentum in my life. I want to jump into a year of writing with intention, purpose, and meaning. Being real and honest about the things I'm learning, joyfully experiencing, or struggling to grasp. Creating a place where we can openly go through life's seasons together. What do you say? Are you with me?

In January, Nellie Magazine launches, which will be yet another great place to go through life's seasons, and be encouraged to shine brightly in the everyday together, full of intentional living. Mary Beth, Natalie, Anne, Stephanie, and Allie also have inspiring spaces where conversation and inspiration aligns with these very things: truly living and loving the simple things in life.

Here's to a Happy New Year, sweet friends, one full of celebrating the seasons, and living life sharing those things that are true to who we are and what life is teaching us :)

Ankle Boots : A Sale Round Up

Ankle booties are pretty much my jive these days. A lot of you were wow-ed by the $40 booties I got for a steal last week, and although no longer available online (although check Anthropologie in store, the one I work at has tons of sizes left!) there are a ton of other super cute booties in the same camel leather tone and suede still available at Anthropologie right now. The best thing is that all of these are on sale, and all of sale is an additional 25% off right now! So if you've been waiting for some ankle booties, and saving up, now is the time to snatch up a pair, while this sale is still happening. Let's be honest, its all about the bargain ;)

Moto Booties // 49.95 + 25% off

Lasercut Booties // 99.95 + 25% off

Tilden Booties with zipper // 99.95 + 25% off

James Embroidered Booties // 99.95 + 25% off

There are also a pair of ankle boots that are so similar to the ones I bought in Buenos Aires last year. The texture is almost exactly the same. If I didn't already have more than enough ankle boots to last me awhile, I'd totally get these in the black. 

Printstagram Happy

I'm kind of smitten with candid photos. I used to have a polaroid camera that I'd use all throughout high school years, until they discontinued making film for awhile, and it became ridiculously expensive per photo. I still have the polaroid cameras, and still love that instant candid snap of a moment. That's why I like Instagram so much. So this year when I went to make our Christmas cards, I thought I'd try out ordering my Instagrams, and go for a more "polaroid" vibe with the photographs. In the process, I got totally hooked on this company called Printstagram. Have you heard of them? I ordered their Mini Prints, which is a set of 48 individual small prints on thick quality paper. Its such a steal. I ordered just the amount I needed for the cards and had enough of a quantity left over to pick out my favorites from my Instagram feed that I now have started a little collection of in my desk area.

I'm so impressed with this company, especially with the quality of the prints and their customer service. I have been deciding what I am going to order next! There are three really great photographs taken out in Kansas, with the wide open prairie, that Matt truly loves. He keeps on mentioning how he wants them printed. I think I may get a few printed larger, in a set of three or four, that we can hang in the bedroom. ( Or maybe the set of Squares!)

The Mini Prints were just the perfect little touch for our Christmas cards this year. Don't you think?  Have you ordered your Instagrams before? What company did you use? Who would you recommend? I'm completely convinced that I should order my favorite Instagrams bi-yearly ;)

Pine Cone Decor!

It's Christmas Eve! And, boy am I ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Nothing better than a birthday bash, am I right? And what's not a party without some decorations. That's how I like to think of Christmas decor. All in preparation of the best birthday of the year. So, in case you are in need of some last minute decorations, this is a pretty simple project that I shared over at Thoughts by Natalie last week. Pretty metallic pine cone garland. You can see the tutorial in full--over here.

I sort of love the rustic touch these pine cones add to our room. They may be staying around for a bit, even after the birthday bash. Merry Christmas, friends!

Out of Desperation

Out of desperation to soothe my aching body after a nine hour day in retail, I found myself on a yoga mat, in my kitchen, with Jillian Michaels' Yoga Melt Down prompting me from my computer. My body aches from being on my feet now that I work a few days each week at Anthropologie, and its almost as if my extremities are relearning how to function in their new (and fun!) environment. 

Desperation brought out from a hurting back and throbbing feet is what drew me to yoga. I tried it one night after a Saturday working all day, and was amazed at how much better I felt. Jillian Michaels made me do sun salutations and warrior poses until I felt stronger, looser, and relaxed. My friends have raved about their yoga experiences for years, as I'm sure some of you have similar enthusiasm about it. Yet me? I've never jumped on that band wagon. I love swimming, and running, and turbo kick, and hot baths for relaxing. But yoga? I had never really known the real likes of it, until Jillian, in the kitchen, with the computer screen, whipped me into yoga lovin' shape. I always found myself looking at yoga clothing, yet did I even really know what my practice was? Not at all. I'm wobbly, inflexible and loose my barring when upside down (or so I thought). I mean, yoga, me? I can't even cartwheel! All things that have kept me away for so long. Only playing with the idea of yoga on a conceptual basis, and never truly going to a class, or trying it from home. But this week, because of desperation, I was brought to yoga and finally experienced what everyone is talking about.

The same can be so true when it comes to prayer. People talk about how God made the impossible, possible. How seeking out solitude and time praying is truly how you grow in your relationship with God. Yet, how easy it is to just talk about it, play with the idea of prayer conceptually, yet never truly experience it. Like me. With yoga. Shauna Niequist writes about yoga and prayer in one of her essays in Cold Tangerines. I read this little part in her book today, and not only was the timing of this piece so significant in my life right now, but she puts it in perspective perfectly:

"Prayer, in my life, is similar [to yoga]. If you ask me about prayer, I have the books, the journals, and a few transcendent experiences to report from the last decade, lots of good reasons why every person should do it, and not a tone of extremely current experiences rushing to mind. I believe in it, conceptually. I feel better when I do it….But something has to get you back to yoga, and something has to get you back to prayer, and in my experience the surest thing in either case is desperation. I wait until my life has become so completely unlivable and the person I am has become so deeply unmoored from reality and hope and goodness, that I break down and pray….Prayer heals all the muscles that I've been clenching for a long time, while I'm holding it together, gritting my teeth, waiting for impact. Prayer, like yoga, like singing, brings soft from hard, pliant from brittle, possible from impossible, warm from cold, breath from breathless. And no matter what gets you there, it is better to be there than not." -Shauna Niequist, Cold Tangerines: Prayer and Yoga

Desperation is what brought me to yoga. Now I know I waited too long to meet myself on the mat. I wish I had started sooner, as I feel amazing. I wish I hadn't underestimated my strength, assuming I'd fail because of my inflexible body, or my lack of practice. Like Shauna writes, prayer and yoga are so much the same in this way: for me, I avoid prayer at times because of my wobbly words and inability to see hope, believe in the impossible, or because of my lack of practice. For yoga, it took a desperation to bring me to it. An aching body, looking for respite. Do I want to wait for desperation to bring me to prayer, too? Absolutely not. Desperation is bound to bring me to prayer, but I don't want that to be my only way of getting there. Just like an aching body brought me to yoga, as it will continue to, I'm sure, I want to meet the mat regularly: because I know its good. I want to meet my God regularly: because I know its the best thing I can do for my body (for my life!). I want to reap the benefits of a prayerful life now, not wishing that I had started sooner--because a prayerful life, like yoga, leaves you raving about it, right?

photo via Pinterest

DIY Berry Red and Gold Anthropologie-Inspired Necklace

It's that time of year with lots of parties, gatherings, and reasons to sparkle. Last week, I shared this DIY over at Thoughts By Natalie--fitting as Natalie loves sequins and a pop of metallic, as do I! (Especially pairing gold with anything and everything this season). When I saw this necklace mixing berry red and gold at Anthropologie months ago, I couldn't shake the inspiration. And so, as many DIYs go, I set out to see if I could recreate the look for less, hoping to wear a handmade pop of shine this holiday season. (And if you don't fancy red, this necklace would be pretty in any color, really!) 

What You'll Need:

21-25 wooden beads (an even amount for the painted portion of the necklace + one unpainted bead as a fastener)

Waxed cotton thread, 20-30 inches in length

Red Acrylic Paint

Gold metallic acrylic paint, gold nail-polish, or a gold sharpie oil paint pen

Flat work surface and paper to protect it from paint mess

Paint brushes (a thin brush for the gold detailing)

Scissors

STEP EIGHT: To get the length of your necklace just so, before tying on your wooden bead closure, hold the necklace up to your neck and test it out for length. Pinch your pincers in the spot on the thread where you feel your wooden bead closure should be tied on. For reference, my necklace measures 22 inches long once complete with its closure. On one end, thread through the hole of your wooden bead closure and tie it off around and through with a square knot (or any knot that makes the bead feel secure and in place). On the other side of the thread, create a loop that is large enough for the bead to slip into. This is how your necklace fastens. Tie the loop in place. Try on the necklace to make sure it is the length you want before cutting off the excess cotton threading.

Pretty, right? Hey, maybe the perfect last minute gift idea for your mom, sister or friend ;)

In This Body

Do you ever take the time to think about how you are truly investing your life? I believe we have this default way of living, that is often void of the reality of how precious life is, and how quick it can be taken. How fast it goes by, and how easy it is to get caught up in investing our love, our mind, our energy in things that are fleeting. I get caught up in those things that don't matter. I am completely guilty of going into default mode. Yet lately, I've been thinking a lot about the fragile thing, the gift, that life is. While I was sitting holding my cousin's baby the other night, it overwhelmed me. And then again when opening Christmas decorations that belonged to my grandmother who passed away a few years ago Christmas Eve. Life is precious. From birth to death. 

One way I know I want to invest my love, my mind, and my energy even more into the time that I have in this body, is by going. I want to see the people in my life who are scattered all over. I want to invest my life in going, and seeing, and not getting stuck here in one place with days just passing and years adding. Since moving to Colorado, so many people we love are now miles away from us. And it's easy to let time go by without seeing these friends that used to be only a few minutes from our front door. I want to be that person who pours into community here in Denver, taking risks to make new friends and build true lasting relationships here, but still can take a weekend to go elsewhere, and see those I love who are far away. This is how I want to invest my love. Investing in people, even if that means saving up, getting on a plane, and giving up a weekend of home comforts. I want to be the person who invested her life in those she loves, even if that means going.

What about you? What are some thoughts you have on investing your life?

My Friends Are Talented (My Cousin Is Talented)

"He who works with his hands is a laborer.

He who works with his head is a craftsman.

He who works with his hands and his head is an artist." 

-St. Francis of Assisi

Meet Mike Ambrose. My cousin, who I have memories of running around with in the backyard of our grandparents San Gabriel home, memories of going on summer camping trips on the California Coast, and who is so so talented. He recently was interviewed for a film collection called "My Friends Are Talented". I just had to share it with you, because Mike truly embodies pursuing what he loves, and taking a risk. He is self taught. He is entrepreneurial. He is awesome. I'm totally encouraged by him to continue waking up each day and pursuing my dreams--and I hope you are too. 

You can check out Mike's handmade pieces at Ambrose Woodworks.

When My Food Relationship Met Me In The Kitchen

At coffee the other day, a friend said how she believes that everyone has a very unique and personal relationship with food. While she talked about this, I was completely on the same page in one respect and could see how this is true for most everyone I know, yet I couldn't see how it was true for me. A few days later Matt and I were in my favorite little stop for breakfast and coffee after church. I love this place because it feels so old fashioned. And when they are out of fresh brewed coffee they offer you things like French Press and bottomless cups to make up for you having to wait. Everything is baked fresh, and coffee is poured with such care. I love this little place and its parchment paper, mix matched mugs, vintage jars, french press, brown sugar cubes, hand sewn aprons, and my favorite eggs benedict florentine. And on that Sunday morning, I realized that I do in fact have a very personal relationship with food, and that what my friend said in that coffee shop days earlier, was very very true for me.

She was right about everyone's relationship being unique. For some it might be the process of baking, and the taste of time and labor and effort finally enjoyed when sitting down. And for others it might be the tradition, being taught recipes passed down from their mother, and her mother, and their grandmother's mother. Or the first bite, the gathering around a table, the community that food means. The gratitude and joy that one can have a meal before them, even if it's a box of mac n' cheese with hot dogs. The relationship of nourishment and thankfulness with each bite. Whatever it may be, there is a relationship that is personal and unique. And for me, that day in my favorite little place, I realized that food and I have a ways to go. That I have walls up, and boundaries that I don't like to cross. I love the visual and the nostalgic of baked goods, yet I do not like the mess and have never found satisfaction in baking. I love the first bite of a warm out of the oven cookie, but I don't fully enjoy the process of getting there. Food has mostly been a means of nourishment for me, and while I delight in sitting down at a table for community and gathering over a warm plate, that is the extent of my relationship. The process hasn't come to fruition, and my ability to relax and enjoy cooking and baking has yet to show up most days. And while I waited for my fresh cup of coffee at my favorite little place after church this week, deep down in my heart I made a deal. I want to remedy it. I want to build my relationship with baking and cooking, so that one day, my children and husband can see joy pouring out of me while I'm in the kitchen.

I feel silly writing this, but I find that when its uncomfortable to write or seems so left field, that that's really when I need to write it. So I'll share with you how I took a baby step in my relationship with food that day. I stepped into my kitchen later on that Sunday afternoon, vulnerable and open armed, ready to bake. And I did not bake a pie crust from scratch, but went in with a basic plan--to make something I've been eyeing but hadn't the courage to bake because of my lack of one on one time with recipes. Something simple and visually appealing. Muffin tins in hand, pre-made cookie dough, brownie mix, and oreos met me in my kitchen. I fastened my favorite apron around my neck and waist, set the oven to 350, and baked. I made a deal that day, and I've made a promise to myself that I'm going to work at it. Some days, I might not want to. But for my relationship with food--to get to that place of joy while in the kitchen and not just while at the table and at the end when everything is pretty--its going to take discipline and time. Although I might not aspire to be a food blogger or the person who hosts Thanksgiving, I do aspire to be a woman who exudes a deep down joy while in the kitchen. A women who has no walls and boundaries, but can come as she is and take delight while mixing batter round and round, standing barefoot, and licking the spoon clean while dirty dishes pile high.

WEAR | Neutrally Cheery

blouse // Anthropologie sale   necklace // handmade (DIY here) 

black jeans // citizens of humanity (denim here, similar & on sale here)    booties // clona

The sun warmed up Denver today, so I braved the still snow kissed ground without a jacket. I needed a break from being swallowed whole by my sleeping bag (what I've now named my down coat). Totally worth it for just a few goose bumps from my trek to and from the car. The word merriment was spoken a record amount of times today, as we popped open poppers at work and I told customers about the holiday survival guide that anthropologie has over at their blog right now. For working retail on a Saturday, everything and everyone were just so cheery. Also, I forever have the smell Aloha Orchid memorized from my first day. Have you smelled the Capri Blue candles? They're Aaaaaah-mazing. If you need a gift for the person that is hard to shop for, I'd go with one of these. 

Words from Norman Rockwell

 “The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they're always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back.” 

― Norman Rockwell

Yes, Norman, yes. I want to live this way in all realms, not just in a creative sense. I want each piece of writing, each project, each new collaboration to be a new adventure. My friend Anne referred to her blog as a place she needs to view as her playground. Something to look forward to, enjoy, and place where you she doesn't look back, doesn't get stuck in the muck, but explores joyfully. I think of adventure and the things I categorize as such. I list off travel, and things I've never experienced before; completely missing the subtle  things in life that can be seen as adventure, as new, as exciting, even if not appearing as such on the surface. I want to live a life where I'm looking ahead to something new and breath-taking, don't you? Too often I let the past pacify what's ahead, it traps me like a web that I can't break free of. And this isn't the way we are meant to live. I know we were meant to live with a pressing forward, a forgiving of the past, and a looking to what's to come. I want to live a life, where when I do look back, that I don't sit and dwell, being stunted--but where I can confidently say "I lived," and God can say "Well done." So yes, Norman, you speak to my heart!

DIY Ideas | For Gifting & For Yourself

I tend to make things when I can. Really, that is how this blog even began--with DIYs coming out of its ears. Then the do it yourself mode slowed a bit as I matured as a writer and cultivated my style on here. But still, I love a good hands on project. It is so very much a  part of me, as you should have figured out by now ;) 

Especially with gifting season here, and round ups of all these great DIY gifts filling other lovely blogs and Pinterest, I've been nudged to remind myself of all the fun things I've created and perhaps shared on here. Lately, along with the smell of cinnamon and crisp cold weather, our house has been sprinkled with DIY remnants and ideas overflowing as I think about things I've made, and things I still want to make--all in the midst of making what I'm currently making. Oh how I love making things while in the warmth of my home on the weekend, while sipping coffee with my toes in wool socks. "Busy hands make busy minds" was always my motto as a teacher, and I pretty much feel these words are true even for grown-ups. Can I give you a challenge this season? Turn on some holiday tunes, and get to making something by hand. Bake it, glue it, paint it, sew it. Pick your fancy. Whether its intended for a gift, or for yourself, go make something--and then tell me about it! 

Here are a few DIYs from the past year, pictured above: 

Bib Necklace

Envelopes from Scratch

Dalmatian Heart Lace Ups

Repurposed Dinnerware

Color Pop Pencil Jar

Painted Lettering

Retro Fan

Burlap Wreath

Striped Mirrors

Lace Tea Lights

Mason Jar Candles

Napkin Ring Necklace

Personalized Ampersand Art

Hand Painted Tea Towels

You can also hop on over to my Pinterest board where I'm often pinning do it yourself inspiration. PS: Today I'm over at Thoughts By Natalie sharing how to make a Burlap Wreath! Natalie also has a great post all about gifts that you could make this season--which you can check out over here.

A is for Ainsley | Calendars for a Cause

At the end of October, after finding a large growth on her cheek, three year old Ainsley was diagnosed with Embroynal Rhabdomyosarcoma. This dear little girl, too young to really understand what is happening, will be going through 22 weeks of chemo therapy at the Detroit Children’s Hospital. Detroit is located almost eight hours away from this little girl's hometown of Marquette, Michigan. Costs are accruing quickly for Ainsley's family, as you can imagine. Ainsley’s mom Patty, also fought breast cancer two years ago. 

The people in Ainsley's community, like my friend Samantha, are working together to raise money for Ainsley and her family. They are selling adorably designed calendars, sized 5 x 7, for $12.00. If you're in need of a gift for someone, this is one that keeps on giving! All the proceeds cover the cost of materials and the rest goes to Ainsley. These little calendars would be perfect for teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, co-workers, and even for yourself if you need a desk side calendar. Hop on over to Calendar for A Cause's Etsy shop for purchasing details. 

Update: So many of you have been sharing this post on Facebook. THANK YOU. You rock.

Photos taken by Samantha Elizabeth

Finally "Us"

I've never felt like the Christmas cards I send out are truly "us." And to be frank, I never truly felt delighted in ordering them, because my experience has been void or creativity. I find a template, plug in my posed photo for the year, click "order", and go on my way. Perhaps its because I come from a line of Christmas card makers (or at least, that's what I've coined my grandpa and uncle who carry on the tradition), with my grandpa hand making each and every card when Christmas arrived, and now his son, my uncle, doing just the same. I come from a family who literally makes everything they are capable of (we are one creative bunch!) Perhaps our card has never truly felt like "us" because Matt and I  are all about the process--the process that comes with doing, and making--and not just  the outcome of a product. Don't get me wrong, I completely love the cards I get from my friends and family. They are so "them", template or handmade, they fit the sender. However, when it came to "us", its never felt like a process. Its an upload and go, a disappointment in the price tag, or a last minute rush--and then that's it, its done. 

As I get older, and hopefully wiser, I'm learning that the process is what counts. And really all that our cards have been these last few years are a product, completely missing the enjoyment of slowing down, sitting around a table, and painting, cutting, glueing, and getting messy while creating our cards. What I love most about the ornaments on our Christmas tree is that each one has a story. Even more than that I love that my entire life, someone has taken the time to slow down and tell me the story behind them. They invested time in the process of Christmas traditions. For you, the process of making a card or hearing the story behind where a passed down ornament came from might not be as important, and that's okay! But for me, it is central to who I am--that's how I tick. The process that comes with making traditions and being creative is what fills the crevices of my being.

Although they might not look as put together as let's say Minted or Tiny Prints, they are "us." (Discalimer : I am by no means bashing these companies, I LOVE them!) When I sat down to make our cards this year, I really focused on the process. I focused on the process so that one day I could pull out cards past, some that we made this very Christmas, and tell our kids about them as we take them out of a dusty box, passing along story and tradition. 

This year, our cards find themselves hand painted on recycled paper and meshed with Prinstagram Mini Prints. I just ordered the Mini Prints and chose a random assortment of Instagram photos from the past year. I decided to be less stress and go with Intsta for our "family photo." Kinda fun, right? I cannot wait to assemble and mail to them off!

What about you, do you find delight in picking out or making your Christmas card? What are your traditions that you cannot wait to tell the stories of and pass along to family?

Study It, Love It, Stay Close To It

Kansas was good for me. It took an otherwise fast paced girl and put her in a slowed down state. The outdoors can do that to you, and I am forever grateful for its hold on me...

I can't stop thinking about this quote by Frank Lloyd Wright: "Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." I love that those words come from one of the most famous architects and interior designers of his time. Not a farmer. Not a cowboy. But an architect. I think he was onto something--that true ability to hone in on one's creativity has its roots in nature. At least, it does for me. Entirely. The more I am in the great outdoors, the more I am able to see creativity indoors. Creative or not, wide open space clears the mind, sorting out all that gunk and making room to focus on what is at the core. Have you ever had a sinus infection? They are the worst. Clarity fogs, sharpness slugs, and joy dissipates in light of annoying stuffed up gunk. We get like that in life. We get stuffed up, like a sinus infection, and our joyful, sharp, clarity of mind becomes hard to grasp. We get run down. We burn out. Yet the cure? Wide open space. Time outdoors. The sky above, grass below, the wildness of nature and all her living beings. I had that clarity these past few days. And I want to hold on to it, hold on as tight as I can.