Monday, February 21, 2011

seize the day


i want to invite each one of you to participate in a fun little project with me on february 28th i'm titling "seize the day."  

here's the plan.  on february 28th, take one picture every hour, from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep.  it might be a huge moment of your life or something beautiful you do or see everyday and you pass it by without noticing.  now is our chance to love the complex and the simple.

after the day, put your pictures in hourly order on your blog, facebook, or flickr page.  then, post a link in the comments section of my "seize the day" post so you can share with other readers in the blogging world.  

i hope you'll join me in making february 28th a special day!

ps: don't have a camera, don't worry.  use your cellphone :)

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

february calendars

day two of a new month.  i have this weird obsession over calendars and thought i would share some of my favorite sites to obtain them from.  check them out and pick one for your own computer :)




this one is from christiane engel.  while you're visiting her site, check out some of her artwork.  her aesthetic is so fun!




the calendar of the month club always has a cheery spin on the month.  these 3-D calendars are meant to be printed off and built; keeping you happy throughout the entire month.




a wonderful desktop calendar from shanna murray.  just a warning, you are going to be craving blueberry donuts ALL month long if you throw this one up on your desktop.






the desktop calendar from free people is the one that adorns my desktop almost every single month.  i love how they combine creative elements to make a cohesive artwork.






and finally, this is the calendar i printed off to hang on my studio's wall.  thanks to the always inspirational creature comforts blog!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

ten ways to make it special- february edition

i'm going to start a new feature on my blog, called "10 ways to make it special."  so many of us have traditions at christmas time, or certain ways we celebrate a holiday, but i think it is important to celebrate the everyday parts of life as well.  i will make it a personal goal to accomplish all ten each month.  you can join me on this adventure, or make your own list and see what you come up with.


1. leave a love note in an unexpected place for someone near and dear to your heart.
get your own sparkle banner here.

2. it's bound to snow in february where i live and where most of my readers live.  when the snow is falling, go to sleep that night with your blinds open and allow the snowflakes and soft glow of the sky float into your dreams.  creeped out by this idea, just sit in a dark room with the windows open and watch the snow fall :)


3. make a list of all that you are thankful for.  i realize we just celebrated thanksgiving a couple months ago, but during the coldness of winter (which has many of us holed up inside) it is easy to get down.  making a thankful list not only helps you realize how blessed you are, but will also pick up your spirits.


4. make your own valentines.  use items found in your house to save money and keep them uniquely yours.  who really enjoys the store bought, cliche, valentines day cards anyways? (i know many of you hate valentines day, but there is always someone in your life you who love or who needs to know they are loved, so suck it up, and make their day!)

this one is made out of brown paper sacks.  you could cut images out of magazines to create your own designs. (source)


these are super adorable and made out of matchboxes.  (source)


i had to include this one because i remember making these with my mom one year for all of our family members on valentine's day.  such a sweet memory. (source)


and finally valentine cupcakes?  well you know me and my love for cupcakes!  (source)

5. instead of take out, make a homemade pizza.  it is healthier, cheaper, and you can be really unique with your toppings.  try spreading cream cheese on your crust before adding your sauce (the most delicious secret that my dear friend brady taught me).  try different cheeses or adding spinach.  plus you can get cute with it, laying your toppings out in the shape of a face or spelling out someone's name.  here's a crust recipe if your need one. 


6. cover your bedroom ceiling with glow in the dark stars.  it makes going to bed at night magical.


7. Memorize a Bible verse, poem, quote or saying that enriches your life.  I've been working hard learning two Bible verses each month thanks to a challenge from Beth Moore and her blog.  The verses I have learned so far this year are 1 Corinthians 2:9 and Psalm 31:14-15.  This month I am learning:

Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:1-3

8. Make your own hot cocoa.  Skip that whole instant packet stuff and try this recipe on for size. "Creamy Hot Chocolate"


9. go bowling.  i know my friends can only think of jim gaffigan jokes right now.  (get in on the inside joke here).  but seriously, i haven't been bowling in years, and i think it would be a fun alternative to movie night :)  plus the shoes are really cool :)


10. seize the day.  i'm going to be doing a blog post about this in the near future, inviting you all to join me for this little adventure.  stay tuned....

happy february everyone!