Live + Create + Inspire

Mardi Gras New Orleans

2013-01-31T17:42:00.000-06:00

In New Orleans, Mardi Gras has always been one of my favorite times. There is just something about people dancing through the streets, wearing beautiful masks and parades on every corner that seems to epitomize life.

Last year we took my daughter to a St. Patrick's day parade in New Orleans. I blogged a couple photos here. She had a blast! This year we decided to go back for the first weekend of Mardi Gras. We could not have asked for better weather. It was a beautiful weekend and such a fun and memorable trip.

Early Saturday morning walk through the French Quarter.

Delicious coffee and beignets at the famous Cafe Du Monde.

One of the Krewe of Choctaw parade floats.

So much fun! Maybe we should make this a tradition?

Simple Beauty

2013-01-15T20:48:00.001-06:00

This morning, while stuck in traffic, I took a minute to pay attention to the beauty that was surrounding me. Although it was dreary, it was picture perfect! (pun intended)

Finding Your Own Inspiration

2013-01-11T10:44:00.000-06:00

Inspiration can be found anywhere you look. Music seems to find its way into my inspiration on a daily basis.

“Ho Hey” by The Lumineers is a song in which I find much inspiration. When I first listened to the words, I thought, "Wow, this song was written for me". I found myself researching the lyrics online, in search of the "true" meaning. Then the more I thought about it, the more I did not want to know the “true” meaning. I was already able to relate to it so much and find my own inspiration. Is that not the “true” meaning anyway?

My favorite part of the song:

Took a bus to Chinatown
I’d be standing on Canal
And Bowery
She’d be standing next to me
I belong with you, you belong with me
You're my sweetheart

While my hubby and I were dating, we spent two years of that time in a long distance relationship. I was following dreams in NYC while he finished school. While he was in Baltimore one summer, we took the Chinatown bus between cities which would land us on the corner of Canal and Bowery to catch it. This song takes me back to that time each time I hear it.

There is so much to be said about what you see in something and what inspires you personally. It's not about what inspires everyone else or finding what the true meaning may be. This might in fact taint the way you view it. Continue to see things in your own way and find your own inspiration.

Happy New Year!

2013-01-02T06:46:00.000-06:00

Fall Foliage

2012-11-19T18:13:00.000-06:00

Three different states displaying the beauty of the season.

How stunning are these changing leaves? Instant inspiration.

Alabama Treasures

2012-11-18T14:50:00.001-06:00

After living in Alabama for a total of 10+ years, I am still constantly amazed at the little treasures that are hidden in the state that I call home. A month or so ago, we visited 2 spots that I had never seen. We took F camping with friends at Little River Canyon. She is officially a fan of camping. I am officially a fan of this little piece of Alabama.

This is Little River Falls which is located in Little River Canyon, in the Northeast part of Alabama.

The photo above is of Desoto Falls, which is located in Desoto State Park. It is a short distance from Little River Canyon. Both spots are free and require little to no hiking to view the falls.

My hubby and I also spent a weekend at Joe Wheeler State Park while attending a wedding on the other side of the state. We enjoyed the peaceful vibe of the park and watching all the boats come in late Saturday afternoon from our balcony. There was a steady stream of boats for more than an hour and it was mesmerizing to watch them float into the harbor.

If you are in the Southeast, both make for great affordable weekend getaways.

Kelsey Brookes

2012-11-14T12:58:00.002-06:00

Today while browsing through Instagram, I came across the work of Kelsey Brookes. How amazing? I'm falling hard for these works of art.

Instagram site can be viewed here.

I heart NY

2012-11-05T18:13:00.000-06:00

Two weeks ago, I spoke at the Future of Web Design conference in NYC. It was an incredible opportunity and experience. Aside from all the brilliant people met and the wealth of knowledge gained from the event, New York City is such an amazing city to visit and this trip did not disappoint. Check out few Instagram shots below.

From the 10th floor of Yotel NYC

a few blocks from the hotel - great weather for a walk

inside New World Stages

Central Park East

final night walking through Times Square

Travel

2012-09-14T13:52:00.001-05:00

I could not agree more. Happy Friday!

found here

Etsy Find

2012-08-16T18:32:00.001-05:00

While surfing through Etsy, I came across these prints by Child's Touch. How great are they? I think these two are my favorite! Check out more here.

Comfort Zone

2012-07-27T12:56:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I read a quote by Neale Donald Walsch that says, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” This is so true. It’s important to reach beyond what feels obtainable. In all reality, you are capable of much more than you think. You just have to do it.

I signed up for a half marathon back in March. This was totally out of my comfort zone. The furthest I had run, prior to this training, was about 4 miles. Running a half marathon has been on my bucket list for quite some time and I figured I am not getting any younger, so I decided to do it. It was hard. There were plenty of, “What have I gotten myself into?” moments. It took a lot of commitment and perseverance. But I did it. It felt amazing and now I feel as if I can conquer the world.

Here’s to living outside your comfort zone! Hope your weekend is fantastic.

2012-07-05T07:21:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th!

Sunshine

2012-06-28T16:33:00.000-05:00

Music is such a key part of my life. So many moments are remembered by the music that was playing during the that time. I've had this song on repeat today. It's called Sunshine by Matisyahu. Isn't it great?

It makes me happy. I hope it will make you happy too!

Holiday Photo Card Challenge

2012-06-21T16:23:00.000-05:00

Minted.com is a great source for personalized greeting cards. If you have never checked out their website, you should definitely do so here.

The majority of the designs sold on the website are created by designers, who have entered one of the periodic design challenges hosted by Minted. This year, I decided I would enter the "Joy to the World Holiday Card Challenge" and have made it into round 2 of voting! Check out the design below and if you would like to vote for the design, you can do so here. Thanks in advance for casting your vote!

holiday photo cards - Peace + Love + Joy

Flower Bouquet

2012-06-10T14:09:00.000-05:00

Gardening is something I truly enjoy. It is a great way to spend time outside, it makes your environment much more beautiful and it's fun to watch your efforts literally grow in front of you.

Some of our flowers have been growing out of control! It was time for a trim if we wanted to continue using our sidewalk. Luckily, Roses and Gladiolas make great cut flowers. Due to yesterday's efforts, we now have a beautiful arrangement in our kitchen!

Gladiolas and Roses just after being cut.

The beautiful bouquet we now have in our kitchen!

Happy Friday!

2012-06-08T10:31:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday! I'm so excited it's finally the weekend and looking forward to some much needed rest and relaxation. Hope you all have a weekend you thoroughly enjoy!

Daily Inspiration

2012-06-07T09:30:00.002-05:00

My inspiration comes from so many aspects of everyday life. Enjoy your day and see what you can find, which is already in your life, that inspires you!

Walt Disney World via Instagram

2012-06-05T16:00:00.003-05:00

It's true. Disney World is simply magical. Every last detail was taken into account while making this the happiest place on Earth.

Here are a few photos documenting our vacation through Instagram.

The castle at Magic Kingom

Watching the sunset from the ferry crossing over to Magic Kingdom.

The Electrical Parade has always been my favorite thing to do at Disney!

Listening to African beats in Animal Kingdom. I had so much fun dancing with these guys.

Epcot

If you are thinking about taking a trip to Disney, we were happy with the resort where we stayed. Check out my travel review here on TripAdvisor.

If you have questions about an upcoming trip, please ask! I would love to help out in any way possible. This is one trip we are sure not to forget.

Mickey Mouse

2012-05-23T09:58:00.000-05:00

Vacation is on the horizon and I could not be more excited! We are headed to Disney World and my 2.5 year old little girl has no idea what is in store. Seeing the constant excitement and joy in her eyes will make for one very magical week!

In preparing for our trip, I came across a few Mickey Mouse illustrations that I had to share. These are so inspiring and make me want to dive head first into character drawing.

photo source

Stay tuned for fun and inspiring photos from our trip!

Bachelorette Party Invitation

2012-05-17T14:26:00.000-05:00

Wedding season is quickly approaching. With wedding season brings the many fun parties preceding the big day! One of the most popular of those being the bachelorette party. Who doesn't enjoy a fun filled girls' weekend? This invitation was created for a beach weekend and I think it was perfect for the event! This design could also be altered for other types of events.

Running & Inspiration

2012-05-15T10:50:00.004-05:00

Running has always been my go to stress reliever. This year, I decided to conquer my bucket list item of running a half marathon! After searching races and dates, the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon became my goal. During countless runs, not only have I gained stamina, but also quite a bit of inspiration. Here are a few Instagram shots taken while running this past week.

Last night at a park near our house. How amazing is this light?

These two were taken this past weekend at Railroad Park. Inspiration was everywhere!

What inspires you?

Live in the Moment

2012-04-26T10:09:00.000-05:00

Living in the present is not my forte. I am trying to learn, more each day, the importance of living in the moment and not letting life pass by so quickly.

Earlier this week, while sitting at a red light on my way to work, I looked up and realized that the sky was absolutely breathtaking. This was a perfect example of a time when I just needed to stop, breathe and take in the moment.

This is the photo I took of the sky. Isn't it beautiful?

Pretty Roses

2012-04-16T13:52:00.000-05:00

Our rose bushes are covered in roses! They are so beautiful and bring a smile to my face each time I drive up to our house!

Pirate Birthday Party

2012-04-14T14:55:00.000-05:00

This post is long overdue however I could not pass up posting the details from my daughter's birthday last August. At the time, she was obsessed with Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

I created this invitation for the party.

My mom is responsible for each of the following details which made the party absolutely perfect.

How am I going to top this next year?!?!

Instagrams

2012-04-11T07:01:00.001-05:00

A couple of Instagram shots I took this past weekend in Perdido Key.