My Creative Pathway

Where I've Been...

2011-08-08T08:41:00.000-05:00

It's interesting how big life changes can change your perspective isn't it? Ever since going from working full-time to staying home with my girls, my perspectives about a lot of things have changed. I've been spending a lot of at my new blog, My Creative Family, and having a blast. Yes, it's all about kids, activities and education ideas. I've always had an interest in that, but never had the time to fully explore the ideas I had. Luckily, now I do.

Don't worry, I'm not ready to abandon ship over here. I still love this space. But, I do know that I need to make some changes to go along with all those changes in perspective. Unfortunately, I do not know what those changes need to be.

If you're interested in all things kids and creativity, please come visit me over at My Creative Family. Otherwise, thank you so much for taking the time to visit me here!

1000 Things...

2011-07-15T08:25:00.000-05:00

I'm continuing with my list of 1000 things that make me happy, that I started here. Every Friday, I'll be adding to the list as will Shontae at I.Am.Shontae. If you would like to join in, please let me know and I'll link you up. I'd love for you to join in the fun!

99. Converse All-Stars

(Green Burgundy by horozmayk)

100. Reaching 100!!

(via ADoseOfShipBoy)

101. Hot air balloons

(via Dene' Miles)

102. S'mores

(via Yuri Long)

What are the little things that make you happy?

P.S. It would make me very happy if you would pay a visit to my new blog, My Creative Family, designed to help you lead your kids down their own creative path.

Summer Fun...

2011-07-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

Ellie's Camper by Lisa Jane Smith Illustration

Summer Fun Jersey T-shirt Necklace by Sandee Knits

Yarn Watermelon Wreath by The Baker's Daughter

Summer of Love by Cottage Light Studio

The Deck Trio by The Joy of Color

Square Earrings in Lime and Aqua by Sarah Hornik

It's July and we're now deep in the middle of summer. Despite being busy, I'm trying to enjoy all I can about this wonderful season. We're hard at work on our bucket list. We've recently completed #13, go on a picnic, and #20, swim in a lake. Today, we have plans to do #12, make ice cream... yum, yum!

How is your summer bucket list going?

1000 Things...

2011-07-08T21:33:00.000-05:00

I'm continuing with my list of 1000 things that make me happy, that I started here. Every Friday, I'll be adding to the list as will Shontae at I.Am.Shontae. If you would like to join in, please lComposeet me know and I'll link you up. I'd love for you to join in the fun!

95. Lemonade stands

(my oldest had her first one today during our garage sale!)

(via pink.polka)

96. Lavender

(via Joel Olives)

97. Painted toenails

(via Steven Depolo)

98. Sea glass

(Green Sea Glass and Beach Chine by Quercus Design)

What are the little things that make you happy?

P.S. It would make me very happy if you would pay a visit to my new blog, My Creative Family, designed to help you lead your kids down their own creative path.

Is Anything Insignificant...

2011-07-05T22:16:00.000-05:00

There is nothing insignificant.
- S.T. Coleridge

(via Jürgen Schiller García)

From the tiniest snail to the tallest mountain, it all matters. The newborn babe, the elderly gentleman down the street, the President of the United States, you, me... we all matter. We all matter to someone. Remind yourself of that whenever you're feeling insignificant. You do matter. You matter to me. You matter to someone.

1000 Things...

2011-07-01T09:14:00.000-05:00

91. Blueberries

(via Jeff Kubina)

92. Pretend tea parties

(Tea Party by Alayna Paquette)

93. Lemon Meringue Pie

(via Annie Mole)

94. Colored sugar

(Cocktail sugar rimmers by Dell Cove Spice Company)

What are the little things that make you happy?

P.S. It would make me very happy if you would pay a visit to my new blog, My Creative Family, designed to help you lead your kids down their own creative path.

Do Something Creative...

2011-06-30T08:40:00.000-05:00

Daydream

(via Jan Michellardi)

Daydreaming is the perfect activity to do on a hot summer day, don't you agree? So, take some time in the next few days to let your mind wander. Get comfortable. Lie down, sit by a window or outside, curl up with a pet, or just find a comfortable spot. Then, relax and let go. Daydream about a dream vacation, the house of your dreams, or a walk along the beach. Enjoy. Clear your mind.

What do you enjoy daydreaming about?

Summer Slow Down...

2011-06-29T14:55:00.000-05:00

(via Charlie Ambler)

I hope you don't mind if I have a bit of a summer slow down around here. I'm going to take the time to work on a couple of freelance opportunities that have come up (yippee!), try to get my second blog up and running (My Creative Family), and try to get into the swing of providing preschool at home for my girls. Oh yeah... and I plan on enjoy summer and all that it offers! I'm going to cut down on posting to 3 days a week and will continue on with 1000 Things and my creative challenges. I'll also make sure and keep you updated on how the summer bucket list is going!

If you're interested in reading about the activities the girls and I do, as well as children's book reviews, recipes & other ideas designed to nurture your children's creativity, please stop by My Creative Family. Thanks for reading!! I love you all!

Summer Bucket List (Progress)...

2011-06-28T18:06:00.000-05:00

(via My Creative Pathway)

I'm sure by now you're wondering how I'm progressing with my summer bucket list. We've had a slow start, but are beginning to cross some things off. See that picture above. That is a picture of a few of our baby sunflowers. We're growing them to make the wall of our sunflower play house (#4).

(via My Creative Pathway)

Here's an image of the entire space. I carved up a corner of our lawn and added a wide river rock border. You can tell from the picture that the girls already love playing with the rocks. We've planted a variety of sunflowers as well as beans along the fence. The hope is that once they grow, the girls will have a secret little spot to play and pretend.

This is a big part of the progress we've made on our bucket list. We've also gone rock collecting (#8). I hope to have a post up later this week at My Creative Family about how I incorporated rock collecting with art for the girls. I'm hoping this holiday weekend to cross off #17, see a fireworks show, and #20, swim in a lake. I'll report back later!

How is your bucket list going?

4th of July...

2011-06-27T07:51:00.000-05:00

Americana Red, White and Blue Pennants by Pamwares

Leather Bangles by Amy Fine Designs

Stars and Stripes Themed Cupcake Wrappers by Your Little Cupcake

Printable Sparkler Holders by Print Your Party

Stars and Stripes Dog Collar by Day Dog Designs

America Patriotic Banner by Studio 1621

The 4th of July weekend crept up on my this year. Can it really be almost July? Just in case you're like me and haven't quite got in the spirit, here are a few fun, patriotic Etsy picks. Deck yourself out or even your dog. Or, if you're having a party, you can decorate in style - don't forget the sparkler holders!

Do you have any fun plans for the holiday weekend?

1000 Things...

2011-06-24T08:31:00.000-05:00

87. Fresh notebooks

(via Britta and Co.)

88. Farmer's markets

(via Oakley Originals)

89. Homegrown tomatoes

(via Liz West)

90. Porch swings

(via Mricon)

What are the little things that make you happy?

P.S. It would make me very happy if you would pay a visit to my new blog, My Creative Family, designed to help you lead your kids down their own creative path.

Do Something Creative...

2011-06-23T08:10:00.000-05:00

Try a new recipe.

Why don't you try that new recipe you've had your eye on? Break away from your boring mealtime routine. Make it family-friendly or a candlelight dinner for two. It can be a fun appetizer or a decadent dessert. My goal is to try one new recipe every week. I don't always do it and there are some weeks when we try two or three new recipes. My family loves it. It's always fun to try something new.

(Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles via Love and Olive Oil)

Here are a few recipes I've been thinking about trying:

Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey and Tomato Kebabs

Chili-Spiced Steak and Grilled Onion Tacos

Greek Nachos

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles

So, go ahead and try something new. Your family will love it and so will you!

P.S. Sheedia at InspireU CooCoo recently interviewed me as part of her series on people who inspire in a creative way. Please go check it out and while you're there stay awhile and read. She's got a great blog! You can find the interview here.

A Lovely Space...

2011-06-21T10:04:00.000-05:00

(via Coastal Living)

We should have a breakfast party, don't you think? If we do, this would be the perfect spot to meet. The relaxed atmosphere and the stunning views make for a remarkable space. So, what do you think, pancake bar with a walk on the beach afterward? I'm in, are you?

For Him...

2011-06-20T06:38:00.000-05:00

Father and Son Playing Golf by Le Papier Studio

Vintage Milwaukee Metal Tool Box from Tag Sale Finds

Baseball Mitt from OpenDoor Studio

Dry Spice Rubs by Cook Outside the Box

Boat Yard by Honeytree Photography

Wet Shaving Lather Bowl by The Mud Place

Why yes, I do realize Father's Day was yesterday. We had a wonderful weekend enjoying grilled food and the laziness of summer. It was wonderful! As a salute to my husband, my father, my father-in-law and all the other wonderful fathers in the world, I pulled together a masculine-inspired group of Etsy finds. It's not hard to find that special thing for that special guy.

How did you celebrate the fathers in your life?

1000 Things...

2011-06-17T07:44:00.000-05:00

83. Pretty floral fabric

(via Cottonholic)

84. Rickrack

(via Beautiful Additions)

85. Gingham

(via From Soul)

86. Vintage quilts

(via Kinsale Girl)

What are the little things that make you happy?

Do Something Creative...

2011-06-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

Write a letter.

(Customized Typewriter Stationery by Colette Paperie)

Do you have an old friend that you haven't talked to in awhile? Or a favorite relative that lives far away? Instead of sending them an e-mail, why not step away from the keyboard and go find a pretty note card. I guarantee you'll put a smile on their face when they open up their mailbox.

But, what to say? Where to start? Here are some ideas to get you going.

I saw ________________ and it made me think of you...

Do you remember the time we...

Let me tell you a story...

I thought this quote __________________ would brighten your day...

I miss you because...

So, what are you waiting for? Pick up that pen and paper and write a letter. It'll get those creative juices flowing!

Give Sunshine...

2011-06-15T07:47:00.000-05:00

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others

cannot keep it from themselves.

-James Barrie

(via Sean McGrath)

Do you do it? Do you bring sunshine to others? The effort is small, but the impact is great. Smile. Hold open a door. Visit an elderly friend who is unable to get out much themselves. Treat someone to ice cream. Stop and chat with your neighbor while on your evening walk. Try it. Not only will you brighten someone's day, but you will reap some benefits yourself.

A Lovely Space...

2011-06-14T08:48:00.000-05:00

(via Apartment Therapy found via Papernstitch)

I'm dreaming of pretty workspaces today. Wouldn't this be the perfect space to catch up on a little bit of blog work? My favorite part of this space is the desk... it's gorgeous!

What does your dream workspace look like?

Soft Summer Days...

2011-06-13T08:43:00.000-05:00

Endless Summer by Bucks County Frames

A Whisper by Kitty Rogers

Floral Loop Infinity Scarf by Megan's Menagerie

Ethereal by Bomobob

Nostalgia by Honeytree Photography

Dainty Wool Flower Necklace by Fairyfolk

Every morning lately, while I've been sitting with my coffee, I've been reminded about the softness of summer. You know what I'm talking about... those mornings when a light breeze is blowing, the dew is still sprinkling on the grass and the light is still soft. I really enjoy that kind of morning and feel lucky that I get to experience them. Have you ever experienced the softness of summer? What do you love best about it?

1000 Things...

2011-06-10T07:33:00.000-05:00

79. Ampersands

(Large Dark Wood Ampersand from Hindsvik)

80. Pretty tape

(Japanese Washi Tape from Happy Tape)

81. Vintage dictionaries

(1940's New Century Dictionary from Little Byrd Vintage)

82. Personalized stationary

(Personalized Flat Note Cards by Naomi Lynn)

What are the little things that make you happy?

P.S. If you ever wanted to know a little more about me or were wondering why on earth I started a second blog, check out today's post on My Creative Family.

Do Something Creative...

2011-06-09T07:17:00.000-05:00

Be a Naturalist.

Get up close and personal with nature. Study it, photograph it, draw it. Take a hike, go to the lake or your own backyard. Talk a new look at things in the natural world that you take for granted every day.

I went to my backyard and found all sorts of beauty, like the river rocks lining a new garden bed.

Or the leaves on one of our raspberry plants... growing bigger every day!

My radish seedlings... the little speed demons are growing at a record pace!

Look at something with a different angle. This is the underside of my lilac bush.

Take your camera or a sketch book and head to the great outdoors. I'd love to see what you found! If you would like to share, I've created a Flickr group for these creative challenges - My Creative Pathway - Do Something Creative. Join the group and upload your pictures. I'll be sharing some of my favorites next week!

Upcoming Fun...

2011-06-08T09:22:00.000-05:00

I have a couple of new projects up my sleeve that I hope you will enjoy. The first is a new series I'm introducing to be run on Thursdays called "Do Something Creative..." I'll be issuing creative challenges to you (and me as well). It won't always be artsy or craftsy as there are millions of ways to be creative in everyday life. Hopefully, something will strike your fancy and you'll join me in this new creative endeavor. Stay tuned tomorrow for the first post!

(via Andres Nieto Porras)

This next announcement is big... at least in my little corner of the world. I've been wanting to expand My Creative Pathway for awhile. I've also been interested in providing more content for parents and children. So, I've created a new place to help you lead your children down their own creative pathway. Welcome to My Creative Family!

You can expect to find crafts, activities, recipes, creative challenges, book reviews and all kinds of fun. I'll be focusing on thrifty, handmade and kid-friendly. I'd love you to stop by, take a peek and follow! I can promise you lots of fun!

Wow! Those were big, weren't they! Get ready to have some fun...

Success...

2011-06-07T09:03:00.000-05:00

Success is not the key to happiness.

Happiness is the key to success. If you love

what you are doing, you will be successful.

- Albert Schweitzer

(Autoportrait)

This is a message I have to keep reminding myself. It's hard to be successful doing something you hate. Oprah and Martha would have never reached their high point of success if they didn't truly love what they were doing.

Take a look at the people around you, are they doing what they love? Are they successful? Are they happy? It's an interesting exercise and an important one if you find yourself at a turning point in your life.

My challenge for you is to do the above exercise. See for yourself whether or not the correlation between happiness and success is true.

Organized Bliss...

2011-06-06T11:19:00.000-05:00

(Chalkboard vinyl labels by Bradens Grace Wall Art)

Today, I'm channeling my inner Martha Stewart and doing a bit of organizing. I've got a linen closet that needs a lot of help and an up-coming garage sale to prep. I went searching on Etsy to things to help me with endeavor and created quite a wish list of things that would make organizing much more fun.

(Vintage large metal basket from Haven Vintage)

(Red stripe clothespins by The Papered Crown)

(Set of 3 Jewelery Hangers by The J.A.R. Collection)

What is your best organizing tip? I'd love to know!

1000 Things...

2011-06-03T09:21:00.001-05:00

I'm continuing with my list of 1000 things that make me happy, that I started here. Every Friday, I'll be adding to the list as will the lovely Sharon at Layers & Layers. If you would like to join in, please let me know and I'll link you up. I'd love for you to join in the fun!

*Edited to add: Shontae at I.Am.Shontae has been inspired to start her own list of 1000 things! Yay! I'll be linking her up every week as well, so go check out her first 10 things.

75. Daydreaming

(Daydreaming via Kr. B)

76. Beaches

(via Vince Alongi)

77. Seashell collections

(A Sea of Seashells by Laihiu)

78. Popsicles

(Popsicles Mixed Berries by Ali Herrmann)

What are the little things that make you happy?