31 Days: Day 30 of Everyday Beauty

Day 30: Silence

Yesterday due to hurricane Sandy the power went out for about 2 hours un the afternoon. There was true silence in our house. No hum of any electronic device. I lit candles in the fireplace. We snuggled under blankets. I read my children books slowly hearing my voice cut through the air like butter. There was no need for shouting to be heard.

I don't want to minimize the hardship faced by others during this time, but for a few hours yesterday I was grateful for this time with my family. It was beautiful.

Day 26 Everyday Beauty

I have taken a few days away because important family business required my full attention. Important family business including carving pumpkins, making costumes, and lugging a locomotive and a princess around several city blogs requesting candy. It was lots of fun. In fact it was beautiful. This is what everyday beauty is all about.

Everyday Beauty: When it is Hard

Day 22

Sometimes the house is a mess. And the kids are whining. Sometimes you have deadlines and you are weary. And dinner still needs to be made. You might feel over extended and frustrated. Can you still see Everyday Beauty?

When things get like this (and they do for everyone) I like to takes at a little itty bitty level. I see beauty in:
that I have a home or shelter of any kind; that I have a family however grumpy they may be at the moment; that I have work to help me provide; that I have food to eat.

I know it is simple but for me it helps put things in perspective and put me back in a place of gratitude. It is beautiful.

Day 19: Night Rituals

Day 18 & 19 of Everyday Beauty.

There is dirt under fingernails mine included. There are bits of rice dried and stuck to little chins. Patience is thin and bones are weary.

There are baths and giggles that wash away some of the ache. There is snuggles and books and I love you. Than there is arguing over blankets and other silly things.

Finally there is sleep. It is beautiful.

Everyday Beauty

Day 15

Marriage is a beautiful thing. There are days that it doesn't feel that way. There are also days that it is such a comfort to know that another human took vows to honor, protect and love you forever before God. Can you ask for anything more?

Here is to seven happy years of marriage to this guy:

Everyday Beauty: Homemade Soup

Day 10

This soul needs some soup. We are in the process of selling our house. This means a lot of running out the door at the last minute after cleaning all afternoon. It means eating somewhere simple and cheap and to pass the next hour. It means coming home and finding mud tracked everywhere. It wears you down after a while.

I took advantage of today to make some hot healthy soup and and make this place feel like home a little longer.

And it was beautiful. What replenishes your soul?

Everyday Beauty: Day 8

Day 8: Love

I can not write this series without a day for Love. We say the words so easy or maybe we don't say them at all. Next time you say it, say it slow. Cherish it and soak the moment in. Find your most sincere voice. Realize how amazing your life and this world are because of it.

31 Days of Everyday Beauty Day 6

Everyday Beauty Day 6: Good Friends

I am an introvert. Seriously. I am so content to keep to myself almost always. As a child I hid away in my room with a good book for hours. It was my happy place. That has never really changed.

My husband is a people lover. He is one of those people that knows everyone. I have learned over the years to go along and enjoy the ride. Tho difficult at first I am almost always happier having shared experiences with others and am so thankful for the relationships that have grown from them.

It makes everyday beauty even more so.

31 Days of Everyday Beauty

And so it begins the 31 Days Series!   I struggled this year in finding my voice in this blog.  My busy fingers were doing most of the talking for me with Blue Leaf Boutique doing so well and a full family life at home keeping me busy, the blog took a back seat (or maybe it was really in the trunk, under the hatch.  You know were you keep the spare tire?  Yes, that is where it was.) 

And as the Nester and other superb bloggers were gearing up for 31 Days, I was unsure if I really had a seat at this years 31 Days Table.  But a little voice said I did, and I just love listening to that little voice.  It is my friend.

So for the next thirty one days I will be posting everyday about a simple but oh so important topic:  Finding beauty (and inspiration) in the everyday.  As an artist I get asked all the time where my inspiration comes from, or how did I come up with that idea, or some variation.  I fumble for an answer every time.  I think the reason is because the answer is too simple.  It comes my life everyday.  It comes from the seen and unseen.  The morning light catching my little girl's hair, the tweet of a bird in the background so common you almost don't hear it, the smell of dinner cooking as my son completes his homework.  It is all so beautiful but it is all so common it is easy to miss.  But for the next thirty one days I am going to relish as much as I can.  Capture the moments on this blog and share them with you.  I hope that in joining me on this journey, that you are able to share in them with me and in turn capture and relish your own moments. 

Thank you!

31 Days of Beauty: Falling Chestnuts

31 Days of Beauty Day 3

Autumn afternoons are to be savored, for they are the last of summers warmth before the brisk air of winter. Changing leaves are comparable to an artists canvas. Chestnuts fall from out of our neighbors tree. The kiddos love to be the first to find them and present them to Dad as a gift. We hear the snicker of squirrels in frusteration as we round them up.

Hope you are enjoying this journey of finding beauty in the everyday.

31 Days of Everyday Beauty: Morning Rituals

Day 2 of Everyday Beauty

We stretch. We turn off the alarm. Open our eyes to the sunshine or at least the soft blue glow bringing the promise of sun eventually. For me I find a little one, or two, in my bed. I breath in their sweet heavy breath still in their slumber. Kisses are essential. I move slowly as to not disturb. I smell coffee and hear the soft banter of ESPN on a low volume. My husband, the early bird, is already prepared for the day. I feel full of gratitude to have a house so full.

May your morning be full of everyday beauty.

Day 16: Be Creative with Costumes

My children are still at an age where they are unaffected by trends, fashion statements and name brands. Their beautiful, unique, individual tastes are all that matter to them. How I wish it could stay this way forever. It is a lovely reminder of how to truly live.

My son loves trains. Correction: he is obsessed with trains. Last year we managed a Steam Locomotive out of card board boxes. This year he wanted to be a Bullet Train. I wasn't sure where to start. Thankfully my husband was and stepped in to manage this project.

Two card board boxes. One can of white spray paint. Three pieces of black and yellow construction paper. One small bottle of green acrylic craft paint. Duct Tape.

He was so happy and proud parading through the neighborhood on Trick or Treat night. They best thing was that many neighbors remembered his costume last year and loved this year's as well. My husband was beaming. There is nothing better than a handmade Halloween costume.

Day 15: Be Creative...Snowman Style

Its not often that you carve pumpkins and build a snowman in the same weekend. But then again this year has been full of things that don't happen often, at least not often the Northeast United States. Maybe Mother Nature is having a mood swing? Maybe creative nature needs to change it up.

So get out there and get creative in the snow. Take some pictures, paint a scene, make some snow angels..whatever you fancy!

Day 14: Be Creative...Pumpkin Edition

When was the last time you carved a pumpkin? Years ago? Never?

I have to admit this was only the second time in my life. It was so much fun. Even my hubby had a blast. The kids had a great time. The mess was not unmanageable. No knives for the kiddos but they had fun drawing faces and watching us do the carving.

Sometimes it is just so fun to get messy! And then you get to eat roasted pumpkin seeds as a healthy treat!

31 Days: Creative in the Kitchen (Day 12)

Yeah! Almost halfway through the 31 day series. This is a 31 day series devoted to the many ways that we can be creative in simple everyday life. Today is all about being creative in the kitchen with leftovers. This simple Spanish rice dish is super tasty and super easy!

Ingredients:

1 cup of rice (uncooked or 2 cups of cooked leftover rice)

1 lb of ground turkey or beef

1 half onion minced.

2 cloves of garlic minced.

1 8 oz can of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes (whatever you have in the pantry.)

2 TBS olive oil

salt

pepper

1 cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, cheddar/jack (again whatever you have on hand.)

First saute the rice uncooked in some olive oil for a few minutes until it starts to turn opaque. Add two cups of water or chicken broth and cover. Stir occasionally on medium heat until tender.

While the rice is cooking add the second tablespoon of oil to a large skillet. Add the beef or turkey and begin to brown on medium to high heat. Add onions, garlic, salt and pepper too cook with meat. Use a spatula to break up the meat mixture and cook evenly.

When the meat is thoroughly cooked add tomato sauce and stir. Turn to low heat. When rice is cooked add to the meat mixture and stir. Transfer the dish to a large casserole dish. Top with your favorite cheese and bake in a 375 oven until cheese is bubbly.

This will be a quick easy weeknight favorite!

31 Days: Catch Up

Oh wow! I am so far behind dear readers! Okay so technically today is day 23 but I have been working my tushy off in my Etsy shop as well as juggling (and enjoying) family time so some things had to wait.

But I'm back and for today's "Be Creative" series I am going to share with you what I've been so busy making. These personalized Christmas ornaments! I make these with fabric, embroidery floss, satin ribbon and poly-fil stuffing. They are simple but elegant and a beautiful reminder of the ones we love.

Hand made ornaments are a great way to celebrate the holiday season. What do you make for the season that is handmade?

p.s. I finished my half marathon last weekend! I did it! I certainly wasn't the fastest or the strongest but I crossed that finish line. Now I'm hooked and looking for my next race to sign up.

31 Days: Day 10 (Creative in the Kitchen)

So your not a painter? Don't like to sew? But I bet you have to eat right? I find some of my most inspirational moments in the kitchen. Most of the time I'm making some grand concoction out of leftovers and kitchen door condiments. Making the most out of what we have, there is that resourcefulness in me again.
For this meal I actually did some planning ahead and purchased some pantry staples like barley and lentils for hearty winter soups.
Aside from the chicken stock the soup was vegetarian. If you substituted vegetable stock it would be totally vegan.

Hearty Lentil Soup with a Touch of Barley
2 Carton of Chicken or Vegetable Stock
1 Medium Onion (Diced)
2 Cups Diced Carrot
2 Cloves of Garlic (Minced)
2 Stalks of Celery (About One Cup) Diced
1 Cup of Dried Lentils
2 Tbs of Olive Oil

We served our soup with some gooey grilled ham and cheese. Substitute the favorite soup sandwich of your choice.

Saute the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots in the olive oil until the onions become translucent. Add the lentils, salt, pepper, 2 small bay leaves. Continue saute for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat. Add two cartons of chicken or vegetable stock. Simmer on medium heat for about thirty minutes or until the lentils float and are tender. Enjoy.

What is a creative creation you've made in the kitchen. This is part of a 31 Day series on Being Creative.

31 Days: Day 5 (Beaded Hair Pins)

God blessed me with a little girl. He blessed me with a little boy too, but said boy doesn't let me put cute things in his hair. His loss!

Today's "Be Creative" is a quick lesson on making cute little accessories for yourself , daughter or friend. You will need need:

• wire cutters



• 28 gauge craft or jewelry wire



• small and medium seed beads



• 2 Bobbi pins

First cut about a 12 inch length of jewelry wire. Count out 15 seed beads. Insert wire into the center whole of the beads. (Tip: pour the beads onto a piece of fabric so they don't roll away!) Bring the pieces of wire together and twist to make a loop or "petal." Repeat this process 5 times until you have 5 petals.

Next one end of the remaining wires and insert the medium to large size seed bead. Twist the wire around the other petals to center the bead in the middle of the petals to form a "stamen." Pull with wires taunt and twist several times to secure. Lastly take the remaining wires and insert in the "U" curve of the Bobbi pins. Wrap around the base several times to tightly secure the flower to the pin. Trim any excess wire. Voila! An adorable accessory! These make a great stocking stuffer!

31 Days: Day 4

Tonight is going to be a short one. I'm bleary eyed. Just finished a five mile run. There is a little one in pink feety pajamas still running circles around me way past her bed time. I wish I had her energy.

I want to share with you my Tufted Titmouse. Such a cute little bird. Such a cute little attitude. Kind of like the little one in pink feety pajamas. This was my sketch:

This was the finished watercolor:


A few years ago I was scared to death of watercolor. I swore by oil paint only. Two kids and much less time later. Watercolor is how I role. Much less set up time. Much less drying time. No chance of little fingers wanting to touch an unfinished painting. I hope you are inspired to try something new today!

If I knew how to do cartwheels...

If I knew how to do cartwheels, I would have been doing them this week. Because what else was there to do when two talented bloggers who I follow regularly and admire immensely contacted me directly to tell me that they are collaborating on a new site "Sashes to the Merchants" and wanted me and my shop, Blue Leaf Boutique to be a part of it, and the kicker is.... it is just because they love what I do. How often does that happen?


The creative talent, Ellen, behind Handmade Recess and the other creative talent, Jessi, behind Naptime Diaries have created a wonderfully rich and thought provoking site. The site has three principles:

• Provide Biblical Encouragement




• Offer practical help with creative business pursuits




• And build a great community

I am so excited to be a part of it. The fact that I am a busy mom of two small children, starting my own business, and training for a half marathon and still find time to read their posts regularly tells you how rich and worthwhile it is. I hope you all check it out too!