LaTendedera

Self-Hypnosis

2012-05-01T14:46:00.001-05:00

I've been hypnotized. I've been living in a self-imposed trance.

I was an ugly duckling growing up. My ears were too big, my body was too small and even when puberty hit, I never shook off my insecurities as an ugly duckling. I've been living as an ugly duckling.

I had convinced myself that everything that needed to be said on my blog, was said. I felt as though my thoughts didn't matter. I had hypnotized myself into believing that all things must come to an end. But life is not like that. Our journey to wellness will forever be a lifelong assignment. Constantly evolving, bettering itself, conflicting itself. Even when our bodies die and wither, our offspring will continue to live on and evolve. Our lives matter. Whether you believe we are here to glorify God, or whether you believe we were placed here to express ourselves to the fullest, they are one in the same. What better way than to glorify God than by becoming the best God has equipped you to be?

Have you been living in a less than ideal trance?

I recently read Psycho Cybernetics and it was the perfect refresher I needed to start feeling good again. You can read it for free on Scribd by clicking here.

Hello friends. It's good to be back. :)

Transcendental Meditation (TM)

2012-01-03T12:12:00.000-06:00

I don't even remember how I first heard about Transcendental Meditation. All I know is that I had been wanting to learn to meditate for the longest time and the church's definition of 'meditating on the word of God' wasn't doing it for me. I wanted to clear the mind. I researched my neighborhood libraries catalogue for anything tagged as 'transcendental meditation' or 'TM'. I came across a book by David Lynch - writer/director and actor among other roles- Catching the Big Fish. In the book, Mr. Lynch shares how his practice of Transcendental Meditation has aided him in his creative process in writing, directing and painting. I really enjoy reading about artists and the process by which artists (anyone skilled in their trade) go about gaining and using their ideas. Although the book itself did not teach me how to practice Transcendental Meditation, it did urge me to continue my research on the subject.

I found a website which pointed me to TM teacher's within my area only to find out that it came with a price tag exceeding $1000. My DIY mentality leaks into all areas of my life and I quickly uncovered a wealth of information to learn to do-it-myself. Transcendental Meditation is said to help reduce stress, reduce depression, increase creativity, increase energy, increase inner calm, and increase happiness and self-esteem. You can read more on the subject here. Or on wikipedia here. It should be noted that negative perceptions on the movement have been aimed at the high cost of the practice. However, both you and I are exempt from this burden and free to reap its benefits if we pursue it with open hearts and open minds. Afterall, Jesus himself meditated.

1. Pick a mantra. Found here. {Mantra's are chosen by age. Existing arguments have been made over a mantra being "carefully chosen" by a trained teacher and not shared with anyone else, however, the mantras were allegedly all the same and based on the meditator's age. For example, given my age, my mantra is "shirim"}

2. Find a comfortable spot to sit down uninterrupted. Bodily position is not of importance.

3. Silently repeat your mantra over and over again for 15-20 minutes. Once in the morning and another in the evening. Pause for a moment before you begin and settle into it and pause at the end as well.

It is said you will receive heightened creative awareness and calmness once you have completed your meditation. If you gain nothing else, refer back to this calming episode whenever life gets a little too chaotic. Repeat your mantra to yourself when you are about to tackle a stressful project. Translations for your mantra can be found here and here.

Remember to approach each day with gratitude. It is a good time to be alive.

Breakfast: How Important is it?

2011-12-09T13:56:00.001-06:00

I realize I haven't done a health post (or any post for that matter) for some time now. When I was 18 I joined my first gym, fell in love, met a boy, fell in love and then we lived happily ever after working out together. The happily-ever-after part, obviously, is an exaggeration on my part to make a simple story sound cute. But it's all very true. So my first love was not crafting, or DIY'ing, or recycling old bikes, and my first love was not even my husband. My absolute first love was wellness.

Which is why, after one week of not writing, I have chosen a post on breakfast. And not the syrup-ey filled kind. People are always saying "breakfast is the most important meal of the day." I thought of the multitude of times I had left home this past year without breakfast. This is the second year I have been living in Texas and any weight gain I had experienced, I attributed it to that simple fact. Everything is bigger in Texas, obviously, so my food portions or my steak or my overall eating habits must be bigger (or so I thought). Or I attributed weight gain to the weather. Winters were now harsh. I was no longer living in sunny California with 2 days of rain a year. I was living in muggy, humid Texas, with rainfall 1-2 days a week! I found myself reaching out for all sorts of comfort foods. Since I was running on empty, having skipped breakfast, just about anything would suffice.for.the.rest.of.the.day.

The reason breakfast is so important is because it sets the tone for the rest of your day. Food is fuel. Often times we abuse this fact and assume we were placed here on earth to eat. We live to eat seems to be the overall mentality of mankind. Our true role in life is actually to reproduce. Food, then, is simply fuel for our bodies to go about searching for a mate to reproduce with. We eat to live. The key is in eating something healthy. For example, let's compare a bowl of oatmeal and an egg on the side versus a stack of pancakes, a side of sausage, a cup of o.j. and a cup of coffee. Oatmeal tends to fill you up, and while a stack of pancakes might do the same, the quality is not the same. A bowl of oatmeal has not been processed. A stack of pancakes has been heavily processed and much nutrients have been lost along the way. What you are essentially eating is a ton of empty calories.

Another reason breakfast is so important is because it wakes and revs your metabolism. According to Katherine Zeratsky over at Mayo Clinic, fasting increases your insulin levels, increasing fat storage. I like to compare this to the hibernating bear. A bear, although he eats only berries and such, eats and eats and then sleeps away all winter long. His body stores his food as fat to help him survive the long winter. When you deprive your body from eating, it assumes it is going into hibernation and reverts to packing on the fat. So, why don't people who fast gain weight then? Because when people fast they do not trick their body by feeding it only once or twice a day, they don't eat at all for a matter of a few days or weeks.

My recommendation:

1 cup of cooked oatmeal with a dash of salt (optional: Splenda)
2 egg whites
1 cup of water

You should strive to drink about 10 cups of water per day. Water helps to flush the body and it will more than fill you up. Eat abuot 2-3 hours later with plenty of water in between. We need to strive to achieve a diet as close to nature as possible in order to feel our absolute best.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Christmas Homemade

2011-12-02T13:37:00.000-06:00

Check out Martha Stewart for the latest on homemade goods for the little ones.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Global Vintage + Romans 14

2011-11-28T11:59:00.000-06:00

Excuse me for being a bit on the busy and distracted side. I took an early vacation beginning Thursday. Did a lot of praying, then we traveled to Florida for one day to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my distant loved ones. It was the most blessed vacation we have ever taken. I hope your holiday was equally enjoyable, if not, God can provide. I know because I asked.

We were hesitant to take this mini vacation. We haven't had many opportunities to gather with family, and the times we have, it has not been pleasant. This time we didn't ponder on it too much. We did pray about the situation everyday (five days leading to the big day) at mealtime, at bedtime, and right before we arrived. We attended church the last Sunday before our holiday and asked for some additional support. We were lead to Romans 14. To summarize, Romans 14 is about a call to do what leads to peace. "Who are you to judge...he who God died for?" It was a reminder that God died not just for us, but for the sister you quarrel with, for the neighbor who jolts your nerves, etc.

But since I have been lacking in design and DIY and anything pretty (or any posts for that matter), I decided I would also share this design personality quiz (found over at Young House Love) from the Nate Berkus site. I am Global Vintage. Pleasure to meet you. I always assumed I was Rustic Modern. It turns out the rustic is me, the modern is he - the hubby. With this in mind, I will attempt to splatter my home with a blend of global, old world charm my husband does not approve of because I am no longer Rustic Modern. I am Global Vintage ...and I go in peace. ;)

Image: Ikat curtains from World Market... because I just learned I'm a worldly decorating kind of girl. Hear my roar.

Holli Conger {illustrator}

2011-11-17T15:03:00.002-06:00

Once upon a time I was a stay-at-home-mom, looking back, it was the most blissful 18 months of my life. I don't know how working mom's manage to do it all. I do it (the working mom part) but I don't feel as though stuffing my face with multiple cups of stale coffee, sneaking in a candy bar here and another meeting leftover sandwich there, while eagerly awaiting Friday...on Monday, is the definition of handling it successfully. I to have dreams of one day returning to that status of stay-at-home mom while working on some type of artsy and far more fulfilling career in life...from home.

I was so inspired when I came across Holli Conger and her site http://www.becominganillustrator.com/ where she features her life story at becoming a stay-at-home illustrator. Or you can read about her blog A Girl Who Creates or her professional site here. Her work can be found at Target. How inspirational is that?

Leer en espanol ---->

Hace tiempo tuve el orgullo de poder quedarme en casa con mi pequeno por un par de meses. Reflecionando un par de anos despues, fueron loe mejores 18 meses de mi vida. Aun tengo deseos de regresar a casa con un trabajo artistico que permita trabajar de mi casa.

Fue inspirante poder encontrar el sitio de Holli Conger, una ilustradora con varios productos en venta en tiendas como Target. Puede visitar su sitio Como Ser Illustradora aqui o leer su blog aqui o su pagina profesional aqui.

it is so good to know you...

2011-11-15T15:06:00.000-06:00

This Sunday's service was about believers/givers and non-believers/non-givers. There were basically two kinds of people those who give and those who don't. I once read a book that prescribed this medication for depression : to get over your depression, serve others for one week. In an effort to be a little more selfless, I will make an attempt to post more freebies on a weekly basis. I hope all will be inspired to do the same. For the above print, print here .

Mi teoria es que un hogar debe ser un lugar sagrado y la decoracion facilmente logrado con toquitos personales y una gran variedad de ideas gratis de parte de la comunidad de la internet. Es mi honor poder subir ideas que facilmente pueden ser colocados en un cuaderno o con un brochecito colocarlo en su pared. Este fin de semana pasado, en misa, el recado era sobre las personas espirituales clasifacados en dos categorias: los que dan y los que no da. Con este tema en mente, es mi intencion tener un freebie (algo gratis) semanal. Al igual, espero que usted tambien sienta el orgullo de poder dar algo, no importa que pequeno, estas celebraciones navidenas. El diseno arriba puede ser imprimido aqui.

One Year Anniversary Notas {notes}

2011-11-14T12:46:00.001-06:00

As the holiday season approaches, I simply can't get away from the idea of posting about children's illustration. My intentions are pretty high on delivering some valuable gifts to the little ones in my life but in the end I can't muster the courage to send just any old store bought product and call it a holiday. Last year I was considering writing and illustrating a special little book for every little person in my life. Not enough time. And then I thought about recording myself or one of the children reading one of the books along with the book saved to an mp3. Not enough funds. The most doable solution is to dedicate one favorite storybook with individualized bookplate for each little one. So much more affordable to send off 5 little books versus 5 bulky toys!
On another note, it has been one full year that I have been blogging and no one is more amazed than I with my one year committment, thus far. Thank you for following along on the ride..distant friends. When I first started this blog I was hoping to try to reach both the English speaking community as well as the Spanish speaking community about my life post-depression. I think it's time I start. A spanish version will follow in italics to the best of my ability. :)
Image above by Isabelle Arsenault. You may visit her illustrations here.

Bienvenidos! Cuando recien empeze este blog, fue mi intencion communicarme con una audiencia de lengua ingles y espanol sobre mis experiencias despues de haber vivido con depresion una gran parte de mi vida. En fin, al celebrar mi un ano aniversario con este blog intento traducir con toda mi abilidad al espanol (aunque sin acento por el momento!)
Por los ultimos par de semanas he tenido una infatuacion con la ilustracion,especialmente con los ilustradores para libros de ninos. Desde el ano pasado fue mi intencion mandarle a los pequenos en mi vida un regalo sentimental pero no se me hizo igual comprar qualquier regalo, envolverlo y llamarlo festividades navidenas! Para mi, no hay mejor regalo que un libro. Igual, no hay otra forma mas barrata como mandar uno libro especialmente dedicado a esa pequena persona. Otras posibilidades, que aun no me funcionarion a mi pero tal vez ha usted le funcione: 1. grabarse leyendo un libro favorito grabado en un mp3 junto con el libro, o, 2. Escribir y ilustrar un libro para esa pequena persona especial. Funcionaria bien para alguien con limitados cachorros en su vida.
Foto arriba de la ilustradora Isabelle Arsenault. Puede visitar sus proyectos aqui.

Atsuyo & Akiko

2011-11-11T10:40:00.000-06:00

When people say, it was worse than Disneyland...I don't get it. I continue to be enamored with Disneyland, Mickey and Winnie the Pooh. I was fortunate to grow up in Southern California where almost every child got to experience the park minus the $80 ticket price back in the 80's (and minus the worry since I didn't have to pay-yay!). When we vacationed in California this past summer, my little ones (both boys) were reluctant to go. Once inside, they had to pratically kick us out. Disneyland and all its characters evoke happy memories of my youth. My own room was decked out in Winnie-the-Pooh...past the age of sixteen. :) Truthfully speaking, Pooh kept me from going goth during those troublesome years...because I knew I sure could use some honey <imitating my best Winnie-the-Pooh voice>

So I'm really loving the vintage feel to the design by Atsuyo & Akiko:

If course, if you don't share the same love for Pooh bear as I do, there are other delectable treats such as these:

Tres chic, no? Visit the Atsuyo & Akiko shop by clicking here .

French women don't get fat...

2011-11-09T14:21:00.001-06:00

Elegant Woman

Recently, I've been noticing a handful of my favorite bloggers packing up and moving overseas to France and it got me thinking: what's the big idea? It didn't take long before I *got* it too and became fascinated with all things French.

I really got to thinking how chic and slim the woman of France are and I was quick to google the diet of France and I came across the book French Women Don't Get Fat.

The sound of that came as a sigh of relief, to think I can indulge in cheese and butter and wine and baguettes and good food and not get fat??!? I really liked the sound of that. This book is based more on lifestyle versus an actual diet.

This is what I uncovered:

- French women eat for pleasure, therefore, they eat slowly and moderately.

- French women don't exercise at the gym, however, they walk just about everywhere.

- When eating out, the platter in France is 1/4 smaller than the American platter, therefore they're "required" to eat less...

On a personal note, although I've never lived in France and I was raised on tortillas and more tortillas, I always savor my food. I eat slowly, I eat moderately and I walk on my lunch break. I sneak in snacks throughout the day and I drink plenty of water (up to a gallon a day on a good day). I don't awalys make it into the gym, and at my worst I gain an average of 5 pounds in the winter months only to lose it again come summer. This might not be the ideal diet for a fitness model or bodybuilder but it is a far more ideal diet for the ordinary woman who covets a more feminine physique versus a more toned physique.

Some arguments against the diet are that French women smoke to stay slim. While this might aid them, I personally don't smoke and I've managed to stay slender even after baking two little ones.

Other arguments are that greens aren't readily accessible as they are in France. The truth is, they are, they just take a little more time then a typical drive-thru. On another note, my family and I had never been through a drive-thru until I married my husband at 18!

You can read more about the diet in summary over at WebMd here.

Moves Like Jagger

2011-11-08T09:37:00.000-06:00

Whenever I feel a little suffocated, I retrieve and indulge in some music. Whenever I'm in a really good mood I indulge in music. Truth is, music can really set the mood. And since the mood I want to create is an upbeat, funky chicken mood, I turned to music. I really dig both Maroon 5 and The Rolling Stones and, when in the mood, I do a little funky chicken dance on the dance floor. { Doing the funky chicken dance in my head presently}. What music amps you up?

Camilla Engman {illustrator}

2011-11-01T11:02:00.001-05:00

I think it was several months ago when I spotted a little paper cutout of Monsieur Moustache (pictured above) seated at a piano that I felt that aha! moment of knowing that if I couldn't make it as an illustrator for my own picture book one day, I was happy to know there were illustrators out there that fit my quirky aesthetic perfectly. I printed, cut and pasted the little guy to my inspirational notebook and forgot to jot down the source from where I found him. Just this morning I googled foxes (I have foxes on the brain), I liked a picture of a fox I spotted for Uppercase magazine and from there it lead me to an image I liked from Ms. Engman's and headed over to her site. Imagine my excitement when I found this:

) see the little fox dancing happily?!?! (

All items available here. Her blog here.

Yummy goodness right?

I just want to say hello, he -he-he-he-he....Hello Kitty (aka Kitty White)

2011-10-31T14:48:00.001-05:00

Since I've been into illustration and children's books lately, I'm not surprised that my love for cutesy animation has resurfaced again. Obviously, as an illustrator, artist or designer you want to think of ways to make a living doing what you love so I went the course of researching characters that I loved as a kid and made money out of my family's pocketbook. One character always on my birthday wishlist was Hello Kitty.

But, how did the inspiration for Hello Kitty come about?

Hello Kitty was created by Yoku Shimizu for Sanrio Co, Ltd. But was Hello Kitty inspired by any one artist or character?

Working my way backwards, Dick Bruna disputed that Hello Kitty was a copycat of his creation Miffy (bunny), a popular children's book author and illustrator in the Netherlands. Another character created in 1945, Musti (cat), has been cited as being an influence in creating both Hello Kitty and Miffy. I personally always link most illustration back to Walt Disney and his creation of Mickey Mouse. After researching Walt Disney, I uncovered Oswald the Bunny (bunny), created in 1927. Prior to the fame surrounding Mickey Mouse, Disney was known for his animated Alice Comedies based on the Alice and Wonderland book by Lewis Carroll in 1865, and on a cat named Julius who resembled Felix the Cat.

Felix the Cat was created in 1919. After reading up on Felix the Cat on wikipedia I uncovered a silent animation of Felix the Cat in which he tries to woe a little female cat who goes by Kitty White...

Ms. Hello Kitty is also known as Kitty White, you can read the wikipedia article for that by clicking here and on Walt Disney by clicking here and for Felix the Cat by clicking here.

So why all this research on animated and illustrated characters?

The illustrator Dick Bruna expressed disapproval over Yoku Shimizu's "copying" his design to create Hello Kitty. As human beings, I believe we are here to inspire one another, to live in community. When we view life as a competition, we see hate and disapproval in another's work. Even the Great Walt Disney gathered inspiration from another's artwork such as with Julius, his version of Felix the Cat. And Felix the Cat himself was said to have been inspired by an animation of Charlie Chaplin! Obviously, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...

Donut Seeds

2011-10-27T15:07:00.000-05:00

It must have been a few years ago when I first discovered the site Booooooom (7 o's) and I visit ever so often when I'm in need of some artistic inspiration, to be slightly grossed out or in need of a chuckle. In today's case: a chuckle. The above photograph (by Jason Fulford) did the trick, so much so that the image hasn't escaped my memory for about 60 days now. I've been having some 'technical difficulties' with my camera and I haven't been able to post a DIY for a miniature Halloween house I've had stored in my brain for over a week. My home has also undergone a massive overhaul and I'm ever so tempted to post on it instead of being all 'bark and no bite' but this camera dilemma has me in a bit of a rut. I'm in need of some self TLC and will return on Monday (unless my camera, and mood, miraculously heal themselves). Have a blessed weekend.

Tats...

2011-10-26T13:08:00.001-05:00

When I was 18, I got my first 'real' job. When I got my first 'real' paycheck, I got a tattoo. True story. It was, and is, a tattoo of a dolphin on my ankle. Why a dolphin? Tranquility and ocean living. It's what I loved then, and what I love now.

Being an artsfy fartsy type, I'm really tempted to get another, something on my inner arm but, working in the field of education, I don't think a visible tattoo would fit the bill quite right. There are days I think I should just go and get this massive tattoo to burn the bridge I have to my 'safe' lifestyle, but then that wouldn't be very safe. :)

In the meantime, these colorful tattoos are pretty darn cool, and non- permanent, and also just in time for some Halloween decorating ...
like a pimp...

or an artsy fartsy costume type...

or a vato loco, "who you trying to get crazy with, ese? don't you know I'm loco" type...

or just go as Zoolander...

All images and tats from Tattly.

7 Swans-a-Swimming, 6 Gees-a-laying...

2011-10-24T14:51:00.000-05:00

There are no swans involved in this post, nor gees, just the thought of becoming one .. for o n e s i n g l e d a y . When waiting isn't enough, you go in search of printables where you can a-mask yourself in different "costumes" for the much awaited Halloween festivities.

As a kid I spent my summers in Mexico vacationing with my cousins who lived out there. I was totally bewildered by the idea of them not having a 'Halloween'. And when I think about it, it wasn't about the candy, it wasn't about the parties, it was simply about escaping for one day to become the superhero you admired, or to get away with being a clown, be the town sheriff or a beautiful princess awaiting her prince.

And it continues to be about just that. So even if you don't 'celebrate' Halloween indulge in a little escape from everyday and let that inner werewolf out...

7 days left.

Ed Emberley { author + illustrator extraordinaire }

2011-10-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

Another post on illustration?!? Why, yes. Indulge.

After browsing Amazon yesterday and posting about Sachiko Umoto , I then came across Ed Emberley and made another purchase for his version of Drawing Book of Animals (picture above). Ed Emberley has not 1, not 2, but 13 drawing books!

Including Make a World (you too can learn to draw a little VW beetle), Great Thumbprint Drawing Book (ever wondered what to do with thumbs other than a thumbs up? Question answered!), and just in time for Halloween...

Drawing Book of Weirdos, and

Drawing Book of Halloween.

If you're not totally convinced of these books' awesomeness, check out Ed Emberley's site here. He's got a little sampling of learning to draw here. He is also the author of the book Go Away Big Green Monster!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sachiko Umoto { illustration book }

2011-10-20T11:28:00.000-05:00

I know illustration isn't that complicated, but after living in the 'real world' and working, cooking, loving, creating, existing and passing out exhausted after a long days work, we need to replenish at the end of the day and think: is what I'm doing making me happy? Is what I'm doing leaving this place a little better than how I found it?

And you might be thinking: how can illustration lead you to think such deep, deep thoughts Jennifer?
Well, at the end of the day , illustration and art and children is my happy place. But if I could somehow find a way to blend my love for art and my love for family into something that would yield my little family and I a living, that would be ideal.

So even though I have some informal training in drawing, I could really use some further training to *think* like a kid again. And if that means following instructions on creating itty bitty little creatures created by others, than I'm in.

I've been obsessing over cutesy doodle books since last Christmas. I was thinking it would make a wonderful gift for little ones, but you know what? It took me a whole year to figure out I was obsessed with the little booklets for me!

I just bought Let's Draw Cute Animals on Amazon and I can't wait to get my copy in the mail...I wonder if I'll share with my little ones. Wait, of course I'll share with my little ones....m a y b e.

Author + Illustrator: Lucy Cousins

2011-10-19T11:28:00.002-05:00

There's something about the chilly fall months that make me want to cozy on up and explore books, however, this season I'm tempted to get cozy and explore illustrating the children's books I've written for my own children.

It's encouraging to view an artist/illustrator at work creating rather simple versions of their characters as depicted in the video of Lucy Cousins (above) illustrating her famous Maisy character.

Some months ago, at the urgence of my little ones, I got around to writing a handful of books. The little ones were delighted to read my books made especially for them, especially one I'd made for my dyslexic boy to help him view the upside to being dyslexic. I'm a total visual and I can't conceptualize the idea of delegating the wonderful task of illustrating my books to someone else. I'm a huge fan of books and I've come across some amazing picture books and I can only dream of my children's books being nestled and admired by other little ones.

Have you ever had this one simple goal you really really wanted but couldn't muster the courage to get started?

I decided to break it down. I haven't drawn in years despite fully embracing it in my teens and I lack the space necessary to create. Virginia Woolf advised women to create " a room of one's own" as an entry to begin writing. I've never read her book but the idea has never escaped me. It truly is a challenge to write, or illustrate, or design, or tackle anything with distractions, especially from the little ones.

I've never been a fan of New Year's Resolutions. I believe a goal can and should be created and tackled whenever necessary, not just some insignificant date on a calendar.

My fall goal: Create a room of my own.

How about you, do you have any fall goals?

Author + Illustrator: Leo Lionni

2011-10-18T12:20:00.000-05:00

F or the past three months my home has been undergoing a bit of a renovation as we gutted out a massive entertainment center and built a high library, so lately I've been super interested in filling those shelves with much love and inspiration, especially for my little ones.

I've forever been enticed with learning about the people I admire. I make it a habit of reading up on their biographies, even if only through wikipedia and various other online resources. It was equally nice to find out that one of my favorite illustrators, Eric Carle, was also a fan of Lionni. Another interesting fact I uncovered while reading up on Lionni was that he did not pursue "his own creative spirit" until he was 50! It's good to know it's not too late to pursue our own "creative spirits".

Who do you admire? Have you read up on them lately?

Stenciling 101

2011-10-17T14:08:00.000-05:00

Despite feeling in a bit of a rut, I can't help but feel slightly rejuvenated whenever I view a video on things I wish I could be doing versus things I have to be doing.

If you feel equally inspired, check out Ed Roth's book Stencil 101, available here.

Freedom Friday...er, Freebie Friday

2011-10-14T13:21:00.000-05:00

What does freedom mean to you?

Whether it means living a minimalist lifestyle, decluttering, purging yourself from non-necessities or excess weight (physical or menta), or political ambitions, we are all one in the same striving for independence of some sort.

As a tribute to our desire for freedom, enjoy a free print here.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Artists + Scholastic = Affordable Posters

2011-10-13T14:42:00.001-05:00

I think being a mom is the most amazing job and I don't think that I've ever felt 'lost' in this world since being able to come to this one understanding. I often wonder if I'd ever continue to explore my love for books or illustration or art as much as I presently do if I hadn't any children.

Even as an adult, watching reruns of The Magic School Bus , and old episodes of Popeye "(I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.") allows me to return to a distant memory when creativity and happiness reigned and there were no worries over the future or 'the truth' or politics or anything that leads to disputes in our day and age.

So it shouldn't come as a suprise that I still occasionally visit the site of Shel Silverstein and Scholastic, sometimes for my own enjoyment and also for the treasures that I might unfold for my children.

Presently, the Scholastic site is offering 12 beautiful 17" x 22" posters for $3.95 each or all 12 for $29.95. You can check them all out here.

Resources: Life Reimagined Project + IKEA's Life Improvement Project

2011-10-12T10:34:00.001-05:00

While perusing the world wide web, I came across two nifty little resources. While over at the Crafty Gemini site looking for a DIY throw pillow envelope cover, an idea I'd seen recently on Sabrina Soto's new show The High Low Project, she gave a brief mention of a project called the Life Reimagined Project.

The Life Reimagined Project is a free site offering an opportunity to discover your calling utilizing a set of calling cards. With as little as fifteen minutes, you narrow down your search to things that are most important to you in terms of career. It's an excellent little starter to kick-start learning a little more about yourself, or at the very least, reinforcing a truth you've already acknowledged but haven't pursued or knowing that you're on the right track.

Additionally, if you've ever dreamed of opening a non-profit or had a wonderful non-profit idea but no funds to begin with, IKEA is hosting The Life Improvement Project. Have you ever wanted to save the dolphins? Teach orphan children about self-esteem or farming? Make backpacks for children in third world countries?

If you have an amazing idea, shoot on over to the site by clicking here or read their sweet little manuals for 'assembling a better life' by clicking here. If you came here looking for some design ideas, click on the manuals over at IKEA, frame them up, or clip 'em and hang 'em. Too dull? Add some color to them by splashing them with watercolors.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Book: Don't Feed the Monster on Tuesdays!

2011-10-11T10:13:00.001-05:00

When I first noticed one of my little boys exuding melancholic tendencies either due to moving a thousand miles away from 'home', losing a beloved pet and/or repeating a grade, I knew I had to find every means possible to nip it in the bud. When I was pregnant and undergoing some major life changes and depression, my mother-in-law gave me some sage advice, "depression is a choice." It really struck a chord because, despite not finding reasoning behind the comment then, it makes perfect sense now. Depression was a choice. I was choosing to feed my melancholic thoughts. True, motherhood poses some changes that would loosen up screws in just about everyone: sleep deprivation, time-managment overload, MAJOR responsibility but, ultimately, it was up to me to choose happiness or choose depression.

Don't Feed The Monster on Tuesdays! explains in a very simple format the way self-esteem can be eaten away at, and conversely, how you can feed your self-esteem...by NOT feeding the monster. It's a wonderful little read for both child and adult. So many times when we want to understand something we reach for the largest most in-depth book when all we really need is the very basics to form the foundation for our wellness pyramid.

I've created a simple little print as depicted in the book, available here, to remind yourself, child or loved one to NOT FEED THE MONSTER ON TUESDAYS...