In the zone...

I've been crafting up a storm for a craft trunk show tommorow. I said I would't stress and I haven't. That being said, I've dedicated more time to it than originally thought. In a good way. I always learn from these experiences.

• Ideal background 'noise' is 'This American Life.' It's the right balance of keeping my mind on task - cutting, sewing, stitching. Sometimes movies on netflix require too much attention and some songs gets me agitated for not feeling right.
• I work better in blocks of time. As sweet of a thought to craft the day away, it is not my reality. I've found if I dedicate select time, keeping watch with an egg timer. This keeps me focused and balanced with the rest of my life - house, kids, work, etc.

Amidst the chaos, I try to remember and smell the jasmine. It has a way of lifting spirits in winter.

With spring cleaning....

...comes planning for projects. I love my lists and projects and, after a winter, I have new energy to tackle new or stale projects from the past. I've always drooled over the Oliver & S patterns for kids, especially the cut-out packaging. I've learned a hard lesson with my little girl. These days, she is in control of what she wears and the skirts that mom (ME) made for her, with love, can't compete with the store-bought ballerina skirt she lives in. Oh well.

I was thrilled to see that Liesl Gibson, creator of Oliver & s has a new line - for ladies like me. It's called Lisette: Sew your style. They're part of Simplicity which are sold in lots of places.

Market Tunic

I can see myself wearing so many of these pieces - and she has fabrics too. So no excuses but rather excitement. And, knowing me, I need to not only get excited but start planning for these fashions. It takes me a bit especially as I often get sidetracked.

Color combo

I wake up out of winter and see color everywhere. I grab it and see how it filters into my days.

 This one was in Whole Living. Can't wait to try and make these gloves, upcycled from a worn sweater (a next year project). There is is such a cozy, subtle feel. The cup of coffee doesn't hurt either.

I missed you

I've been wanting to write. Really. With the holidays and the getaway to the in-laws in rural western NY, we are just getting back to some sort of normalcy. Our chaotic normal where creativity lives. With sleepy heads who can't fall asleep or get our of bed in the cold morn. twirly skirts with one leg warmer. a number of knitting projects because i like variety. And learning crochet. why not?

A few findings throughout the holiday break.



Yummy pomegranates

Well-deserved naps

A juicing for Christmas Day: apples, spinach, kale, ginger, lemons, beets. Festive and yummy.

Oh. You must meet Sally, the latest addition to our family. 'Sally Stitches' is wearing the pjs the kids refer to as 'elf pants'. She fits right in.

Off West

I was in San Diego last week for work. And, although I wasn't able to enjoy the city because of long work days, the city was a beautiful backdrop. I can't wait to come back and play. I am still amazed that this piece of paradise exists.

A Summer memory

I realize, and can't believe!, Thanksgiving is in a couple weeks. I was going through some pics and was reminded of the great time our family had on the Cape. Here are some of my visual, inspirational reminders of our summer holiday.

There are so many sweet spots to stop and see including Karen's Garden Cottage Antiques. I dream about being the owner of such a show. I am in love with the idea in my head. Shabby chic goodness! Loved this 'garage' linked to home by wisteria pergola. Just dreamy.

Loved walking the streets of Wellfleet. Time stood still around every corner.

Loved the colors (and smoothies) from The Juice.

Oh and this sign and yellow door. Memories are flooding back and, all of a sudden I am surrounded by the warmth of family escape this summer. Delights all around.

Chugg a chug

Caught up on my blog reading today and stumbled upon this quote by writer Elisabeth Elliot, while reading latest and greatest from The Happiness Project:

"When you don't know what to do, do the thing in front of you."

I've been busily preparing, in random steps, for selling handmade items in Dec. and forward. It's a lot to juggle and know what to do first - do I focus on my labels when i haven't actually finished a piece yet? I have  tendency to get overwhelmed with the details as well as finding the energy to keep doing and making (when I've spent hours keeping up with life (kiddies, house, etc.) It's all part of a dance, isn't it? Instead of getting overwhelmed, I need to just do what is in front of me, re-evaluate, and see what's next (or how much energy remains).

Looking at this face, how can I not be inspired and loving this life o' mine?!

Everyone could use a little in their life

I'm talking about POSH, of course. In preparation for my travel, I enjoy reading books that have that particular city/region as the backdrop or as a character. As well, I scour the web for dining reviews and stores. For food, I rely on: Jane and Michael Stern. I first discovered them while listening to my other 'friend' Lynne Rossetto Kasper on Splendid Table - a must for my food podcasts. (*SIDE NOTE: Through my google search, I just found out that Jane and Michael have divorced. So sad.)

I love Design Sponge's City Guides. It's one of my first stops (after booking hotel and flight).

For my trip to Chicago, I stumbled upon POSH. The store, so sweet. A visual joyland. All the items are beautifully displayed and you feel like you peeked into this whimsical land.

I loved being surrounded by the vintage and new. Quite inspiring.

Oops..there she goes

Yes,
Time has slipped too quickly. Not in a groove yet. Fall is here. We need to turn the heat on and change to down comforters. Love the season of apples, crisp air, school and learning, new routinues, soups and seasonal cooking.

Just what I needed this morn. The Storque had lots of tips from the When I Grow Up Coach. Good reminders. I need to start chanting some of these daily.

• Be you
• Trust your compass
• Embrace the optimist
• Surround yourself with love
• Know what you need and get it
• Enjoy where you are.

I'm breathing better and even cheery.

Habana Outpost in Brooklyn, NY

A new dance

I am new to the magazine - Whole Living. I don't really need a new magazine; I'm actually trying so hard to cut back. When magazines feel like homework, there's something wrong. That being said, I am finding lots of good nuggets in this one.

In the July/August 2010 issue, there is an article/list by Terri Trespicio - "10 Thoughts on Whole Living". I've posted so I can see it when I am working in the craft room. All good reminders but the one that resonates the most, especially during these crazy first weeks of school/fall, is this:

Daily chaos will never cease. Rather than struggling against it, find your own rhythm.

Working on it...daily, hourly. all good.

Friday, I am in love.

It is Friday. The sun is shining after the welcome rain last night. I feel (and smell) fall in the air. We have a busy weekend ahead - celebrating with friends and being. With our recent travels, we're excited to sleep in our own beds.

I am thankful for...

• days when things seem in balance - work, play, craft, well-being
• my mad dash to work and smelling the air
• lobster for lunch
• pedicures with mom
• healthy and happy kids
• a husband who listens without fixing and keeps me safe and cozy
• new routinues
• eating in season

Oh Dolly!

While at my parent's home today, I caught a look at these beauties. All in a row.



A collection from when I was a little girl. They've aged so nicely.

Mirror, mirror

My newest addition to the craft room.

O and I found this frame at a garage sale earlier this summer - a $2 find! Ayd Hardware, our local hardware store, inserted a mirror and this frame has new life. I primed, applied a mixture of red and silver paint and sanded for a bit of a rough, worn look.

Through the mirror you can see the new dress I picked up at Filene's Basement while in Chicago. Love it!

All in a row

We escaped to Lancaster, PA.



It really feels like a world away.




Enjoyed Central Market.

just 'cause

I love you red.



It is Friday and I am happy. happier.

Iced coffee, please

Spotted in a Dunkin Donuts in Lancaster, PA. I loved the gingham-look by the sun hitting the awning.

I'm loving this color combo.

Remembering me

I'm reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and I LOVE it. Really love it. After a long day, sometimes it feels like a project to open this book, read and reflect. But it is helping, really helping.

As a working mom (inside and outside our lovely home) of two young, wild and innocent children, I sometimes lose sight of me. And it is scary. I crave the creative and am always dabbling in many half begun projects. I love sewing and knitting but sometimes find that I am in love with crafting than the 'doing'.

Blog-land has been great for inspiration and reference especially since I have a small number of friends who craft in town. As much as I love blogs, I find myself immersing myself in other blogs and getting completely lost and overwhelmed. The sum total of blogs I peek into intimidate me. It's almost like I've shown up to a contest and I am not qualified, just interested. Not always a positive experience. I since wonderful things people are creating and I get frustrated with myself for not figuring our how to balance, work, home, and craft. I have aspirations for creating pieces to sell on etsy. How do I act in confidence that I have good eye and I am full of passion? it's proving hard to verbalize. Maybe I should just start doing.

There are so many chapters to reference in the Happiness Project. I am starting with 'Being Elizabeth'. I need to be acceptable of who I am and my abilities. It is one thing to be inspired by others work, it is another thing to weigh me down and erase my confidence. I am finding that I am different and can't compare to anyone. I am trying, ever so hard, in every component of my life to be better and to be me.

*Be Elizabeth*

my colors

I love my color and depending on the day, it varies. I took the personality color test via How about Orange.

Based on my selections, I am: '49% extrovert and 51% introvert.' I cradle that line all the time. The top components of my personality: 'Well thought, Attuned to others, Decision-maker'.

I'll just hit pause for a bit.

Listening to food makes me happy

I love my podcasts. I listen in the car and at home, especially while I make and do in the kitchen.

Currently on my ipod:
KCRW's - Good Food
You Bet your Garden
Splendid Table

Moments

I have so much to be thankful for. I get overwhelmed with details and not doing enough, or doing too much and not smelling the posies. And so I freeze, unable to move. I heard some sad news about a friend today. It is not fair. It makes me pause and reflect. I want to be better and enjoy every moment. I still get tears in my eyes, thanking my kids for making me a mom.