gimmie a break

Last week I was putting together a list of resolutions (who says they need to be ready on the first?). I got a bit carried away and it starting looking more like a some crazy mathematical graph - no joke, here's a picture:

I decided there was no sense in getting organized this way and thought that instead I would take advantage of my birthday being so close to the new year. Since my not-so-nifty tree chart already has so many ideas on it I've decided to a do a birthday resolution list.

I've followed many other people doing this online and love the idea that it keeps you accountable and provides motivation to accomplish your goals. Check out these wonderful ladies:

I also freaking LOVE this book created by Elise Blaha Cripe. Maybe next year I can make something that beautiful, but for now I need to finish this list before my birthday (countdown 4 days).

In the meantime I got a jumpstart on one of my resolutions already! (Is it cheating to start early? Don't know. Who cares.)

Work goal: Take more breaks (Don't worry, I work super hard, so this is deserved!)

The other day Lulu took her first dance class (squee!) so I had my camera in my car. Not wanting to leave my most expensive possession in the car I brought it inside to my cubicle.

Later in the afternoon I took a break and starting taking some pics of my work space:

I even stepped outside to take pictures of my nails. Pretty nice, ?:

I think some co-workers saw me and probably think I'm a little weird. If going outside of an office to stand in some January sun snapping photos of my awesome new nail polish is weird then, yes. I am weird.

Taking 10 minutes out of my workday to do something creative really made me feel good... I think the sunshine helped, too. Let's keep this on the permanent to-do list, ok?

So I'm off to complete my birthday list and provide a blow-by-blow of my progress. Some of the items on there will be fun, educational, WEIRD but most definitely creative. I can't wait!

change of plans

The words "change of plans" can serriously suck - especially when your original plans included snow, warm fires and way too much food. In the spirit of New Year's and the business of resolutions, however, this has been perfect. The thing that I always forget is that the result of the phrase "change in plans" often means doing something much better.

In lieu of our annual trip trip to the snow with friends (due to the complete lack of snow), we just decided to spend the time at their house.

This allowed us to take spontaneous trips to the zoo with our daughters:

Have a mama's only date night:

And enjoy simple pleasures like grocery shopping together:

So the lessons learned? Time with friends is amazing wherever you spend it and detours on life's road can end up being more fun and beautiful than anything you could have ever planned for - enjoy it.

So, I have something to tell you 2012, we're making a change of plans. I'm going crazy resolution-style and and I'm going to rock the hell out of you. This year is going to be filled with so much light and happiness you're gonna need shades... So brace yourself.

thankfulness

I am thankful for so many things, most notably those I love and who love me back:  My new niece, born less than 2 weeks ago (squee!), my amazing husband and beautiful daughter, my parents brothers and sister, my friends and my cats.

As I gear up for this holiday season I want to stay thankful... and sane.

I have slacked off the last few weeks writing as I try to find focus and remind myself of my purpose. Having a creative outlet is so very important and it's something I haven't allowed myself enough of. I guess that's maybe why I've been obsessively painting my nails!

Seriously, try it. I feel so happy after doing something like this:

My trick this year is to to share pictures and ideas of things that I do around the house for christmas. This is also the inevitable time of resolutions and cleaning frenzies, so let's get ready for some organization, too y'all.

Crafts, cleaning, decorating, celebrating, eating... all to come. Let me know what catches your interest as I carry on trying to figure out this whole blogging business. Your feedback and comments so far have been really helpful - thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

halloween, for real

It came! And it was so much fun.

Lucy had an amazing time trick-or-treating. We walked to a local shopping center and went to our favorite restaurants and coffee shop. There were TONS of kids out and it was really cute to see them all running around so excited.

Like every good diva, Lucy does a costume change at any big event. At Christmas, Easter and her birthday there is always a wardrobe switch, just like Beyoncé. Don't worry, I'm not going to get all Toddlers and Tiaras. We're just the happy recipients of generous family and friends who like to shower Lucy with clothes and we need to show them off, duh!

This adorable outfit was whipped up by my Mom. What, sew something amazing in the blink of an eye? No biggie. Amazing.

I was also excited that, for the first time in a few years, I got to stay home and carve pumpkins. I have wanted to make polka dot pumpkins ever since seeing a design by Martha years ago. She used a fancy dremel tool. I just used an apple corer and it was super easy. Although, as I stabbed away, my husband, Dave, asked every 10 minutes, "Are you being careful? Are you being careful? Really, are you being careful?"

The rest of the evening was spent relaxing with the fam, eating pizza and waiting for the trick-or-treaters that never really came.

Oh well! At least we got to eat plenty of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and enjoy the ambiance.

the kitchen floor

I just spilled pasta on the kitchen floor, stepped in it with my socks and still managed to save a curious one-year-old from falling of the back doorstep. Soggy socks aside I can say I did a good job.

Taking the credit is the hard part.

Welcome to my world of accepting what is imperfect and loving what is.