just be ...

Inspiration.

Inspiration.

Just what I needed to read tonight, after two long days of dealing with typical toddler/two-year-old behavior. 

I realized tonight as I rocked Max to sleep, I hated the day.  I hated the way it wasted away because I was in a bad mood.  I hated who I was becoming. 

Ali Edwards posts quotes from time to time, and I always find them to be applicable to life.  When I read this one tonight, this is exactly what I want to say to the day tomorrow when I wake, what I want to say everyday. 

What quote do you find inspiring?

Christmas Dinner.

I know, I know, I said I would post more about Max.  However, today I spent my lunch hour looking for inspiration for table decorations for the Chrismtas Eve dinner I will be hosting. 

Lately I've been fascinated by the whole mid-century glittered christmas trinkets.  Martha has a couple of ideas.  Plus a few others that I think would be super easy to make.  (and if you have scrapbooking supplies on hand, super cheap!)

(all photos from Martha)

*heres the one that could be made with scrapbooking supplies

*i always see these cloches at the goodwill.

*this is one I think I might do for the table.  However, I might not glitter the branch.

*I love these dishes. 

Pinterest.

Source: thenester.com via Melissa on Pinterest

 

I've joined the ranks of having a 'favorites' site.  I tried a tumblr but couldnt figure it out.  More and more people are  using Pinterest.  So I took a gander a couple of days ago, and am hooked.  Tonight I just finally figured out how to use it. 

What I love about this, is that instead of clogging up my Favorites folder with ideas and wants, I can use this website to organize things I want for the home, crafts or decorating I'd like to do or simply things that make me smile. 

The above picture is a tag because I like the paint color.  This summer I'll be saying good-bye to the orange wall in my living room.  I'll also be making an attempt to slipcover my couch and settee.  We'll see what really happens!  For right now though, I am organizing my inspiration. 

Love More Deeply.

I found this website, Be More With Less today, via Ali Edwards, as I was searching the internet for answers to life.  Of course, you know my relationship with the internet and looking for answers.  Never. A. Good. Thing. 

In my constant quest to better my life, to increase happiness, reading this website brought inspiration into my day today.  Be More With Less.  How simple is that?  Enjoy life with what you have, or what you need vs., what you want or what you think you want because the neighbors have it.  What I really like about this website, is their 'mini-missions'.  Things to do to improve your quality of life.  And literally at no cost to you (financially). 

The Love More Deeply mini-mission really inspired me today.  Reading the list of things to do, to accomplish or complete the mission is exactly what I need to do at this point in my life. 

Shift your energy

• from being right to being quiet.
• from being annoyed to being grateful.
• from being angry to being joyful.
• from being rushed to taking time.
• from eye roll to hug.
• from scowl to smile.

I wrote each of these items down earlier today.  Then I wrote an example of each scenario that has presented itself in my life.  Then I wrote what I will do to change, and love.  Here's an example:

Tonight when Max + I came home, I just sat back and watched Max.  He was sleeping, so I watched him sleep.  Then he was awake and we played with the stacking cups.  Then it was time to go to bed, so instead of just feeding and rocking him to sleep, I still fed and rocked, but I sang a few songs.  He smiled.  I smiled.  This is unlike the routine.  We usually rush home, eat, he plays I do housework and then its bedtime.  ...being rushed to taking time.  A memory I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life. 

What is one item on the list that you would like to do more of?  How would you go about doing it? 

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Max + I are off to Florida for the New Year tomorrow.  We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  May 2011 bring you happiness, peace and growth.

The start of a beautiful history ...

(at the request of a fellow chicagoland blogger, justem)

These are the cups I spoke about in this post.  One of them actually used to belong to my grandmother.  Since writing that post, and having some positive feedback about it, I've pulled these puppies off the top shelf, and actually started using them.  They've been sitting up there for a special occasion, waiting.  Why not use them now?  For everyday coffee and tea consumption? 

And here's their home, wouldnt a certain aqua colored vintage stacking mug look right at home in here??
 

A girl can dream, and obsessively search Etsy + eBay for those puppies!

Versatile Blogger Award.

 

I've received my very first blogging award!

I am ever so excited! This  means a whole heck of a lot to me and to this community of single mom bloggers that I've found. 

Thank you My (hopeful) Journey to Motherhood! Thank you!

Part of the award is to list 7 things about myself, and then grant the same award to 7 other bloggers.

Here are the 7 things about me.
1.  I eat chocolate chips late at night before I go to bed.
2.  I absolutely love red purses and shoes.
3.  I love reading.
4.  I am learning that balancing parenthood and friendships is a lot harder than I have ever imagined. 
5.  I love October + November, and hope to spend as much time as possible outdoors enjoying the brisk air, wearing big comfy sweaters.
6.  I have the itch to go antiquing/garage sales/goodwill shopping for the perfect piece of furniture to bring home and paint to make my home look something you would find on HGTV.
7.  I think I finally found my groove in life.

Here are the 7 bloggers I pass this award on to.  They vary from single mother to home design to life inspiration. 
1.  Daily Cupcake
2.  Sarah Bohl Designs
3.  Lola B's | one girl talks
4.  justem
5.  My Life with Lucas
6.  Sevi Designs
7.  maine momma

Love you.

*taken tonight, 30 Sep 2010

I am feeling very inspired today.  Not sure if its the Fall season, the fact that my sister Sharon painted the trim in the Powder Room for me (a project that was just waiting for me to get started) or that the new found energy is really starting to resonate itself in the creative section of my brain. 

Whatever the reason, this inspiration and motivation can overstay its welcome.  

I realized the other day that I dont say 'I Love You' to Max that often.  Its not like I didnt hear it when I was growing up, or even now.  I dont want this little boy to ever think twice about my love for him.  So now I am in overload ... he's probably thinking, 'Enough already! I get it!'. 

Have you told your loved ones you love them today? 

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Love You digital graphic from Ali Edwards. 

Friday Favorites.

This has been my inspiration this week.

It is the start of the new school year.  And with that usually means big comfy sweaters.  I am in no hurry for the cold weather to come roaring in, but cooler days are definitely more than welcomed.

 

*sweater can be found here.

And speaking of cooler weather, this has been on my mind lately.  Two words.  Pumpkin. Spice.  Yum.

 
*coffee can be found here.

I just might buy these to hang purposely in my dining area.  Its kind of bland in the decorations and style and these are just about the coolest thing I've seen this week.

 
*garland can be found here.

Lastly, something for Max.  I actually purchased this for him. 

 
*teether can be found here.

What is your inspiration? 

Happy Friday everyone!